ramblings from an arkansas farm girl
Last week I was in the mood for pasta. AND I was determined to make use of the bumper crop of fresh basil growing in my herb garden. It’s been a stellar summer for herb-growing, and I refuse to let a single leaf go to waste. So I whipped up a delicious platter of pappardelle with fresh pesto and chicken.
Pesto is easy to make. After tasting the homemade version, you’ll never buy pesto from a jar again. Continue Reading
Oh my goodness. This is the best beef stew! John made it last week. You’ll want to make it soon. He’s not one to strictly follow a recipe. Instead he studies lots of recipes then creates his own by adding a little more of something, changing something, omitting something. This beef stew is one of his best. It’s hearty, flavorful and comforting. A keeper recipe for sure!
What makes a comfort food? For me, a comfort food nourishes body and soul, touching some special space inside, reminding me of childhood, home, winter days long ago, snow days, Sunday after church days, days I wrap tight and hold dear. Something about the perfect combination of food, flavor, family, makes me feel better. Comfort foods are reliable.
They aren’t low calorie. Hahaha. Life doesn’t work that way.
“On this cold, winter day, I’m really craving some tuna packed in water to make me all cozy inside,” said no one ever.
(Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against tuna.)
Momma made beef stew in the fall and winter. It stuck to our ribs when the weather was frightful and noses were runny. It was an inexpensive meal, too, one that called for not much meat but lots of potatoes and carrots. And, it was a good way to sometimes sneak in peas, which I didn’t much like.Continue Reading
Let’s talk about fried chicken, shall we? This buttermilk honey chicken tenders recipe is sure to please the kids (of all ages) in your family. The chicken tender is the most versatile of cuts. Eat ’em straight up, wrap them in a tortilla, chop and add them to a salad, dip them in gravy, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. On a biscuit or waffle, presto, instant breakfast to be enjoyed any time of the day.
If you think about it, fried chicken is medicinal in that comfort food sort of way. And while I don’t fry very often, certain dishes call for whipping out the cast iron skillet. That’s the simple truth of it.
Momma made frying chicken look easy in that magical way Mommas do. Through the years, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes in the chicken frying department, and I’ll bet you have, too. Trust me, if I can make buttermilk honey chicken tenders while wearing a cast on my arm, it can’t be that difficult.Continue Reading
