Ciders are the new ‘in’ drink and perfect for the season….including Ace Perry Cider – my not so ‘Beer of the Month’! Recently I came across this great recipe from CHOW’s website to put to the test for the upcoming holidays…bacon wrapped turkey*
Thanksgiving
Baby Spinach Salad with Yogurt Dressing
This salad is from one of my favorite chefs, Scott Cohen at Watermark Grill. Perfect this time of year with fresh spinach, goat cheese and yummy yogurt dressing.
Ann Criswell’s Pecan Pie
This is Ann Criswell’s recipe out of her old TEXAS THE BEAUTIFUL COOKBOOK. Ann was the Food Editor for 36 years at the Houston Chronicle!
America’s Pumpkin Spiced Tres Leches Cake
This is a holiday spiced version of the Latin American classic. A special thanks to Michael Cordua and Chef David Cordua of Cordua Restaurants in the Greater Houston area for this recipe.
‘Not Your Grandma’s’ Green Bean Casserole!
Make Grandpa proud with his version of this classic holiday side dish. This comes together with the “it” condiment of the moment…Better Than Good Bacon Jam! A favorite new ingredient of mine. Watch how it’s made HERE.
Morton’s Garlic Green Beans
Fresh and tasty! This garlic green beans recipe from Morton’s is the perfect side!
Bud Royer’s Not My Mom’s Apple Pie
This is an AWESOME pie recipe for holiday time! From Bud “The Pieman” Royer. Made with delicious Granny Smith apples.
Underbelly’s Turkey Gumbo
Getting the roux just right is essential for the flavor of this filling Turkey Gumbo from Executive Chef/Owner Chris Shepherd of Underbelly in Houston. Patience, patience, patience. The result is SO worth it!
Tamales de Cochinita Pibil
Executive Chef Alberto Gutierrez’s take on the classic Mexican dish, which hales from the coast of the Yucatan region of Mexico, Cochinita Pibil. Cochinita Pibil gets its robust flavor from the Achiote paste.
Turkey Pastrami Sandwiches
The signature Smoked Duck Pastrami from Noble Sandwich Co. gets a tasty twist with turkey on grilled rye bread from H-E-B Cooking Connection. And yes, leftover Thanksgiving turkey does the trick!
Sweet Potato Bundt Cake
Warm Sweet Potato Whipped Bundt Cake with a maple glaze from CURRENT inside The Westin At The Woodlands! Plated with spicy Texas pecans and whipped cream in a local honey drizzle.
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes
These Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes (“Purè di Patate all’Olio”) from star chef Lidia Bastianich are SO easy! Idaho or Yukon gold potatoes work perfectly, along with kosher salt, black pepper and EVOO – that’s all folks!
Marinated Winter Squash
Beautiful butternut squash (“Zucca Gialla Marinata”), sliced and fried, then layered with basil leaves and a simple garlic marinade from Lidia Bastianich! Sure to make for a fabulous appetizer or side for your holiday table.
Prune-Stuffed Roast Loin of Pork
A luscious Pork Loin, or “Arrosto di Maiale alle Prugne,” from Lidia Bastianich. This juicy holiday centerpiece comes stuffed with bourbon-soaked prunes, which give it that extra something from this Italian-born celebrity chef!
The Thanksgiving Flip (Coffee)
You’ll really ‘flip’ for this spiked seasonal coffee from bartender Chris Deas of Nick’s Fish Dive! If you’re feeling extra festive, substitute his homemade pumpkin spice puree for the Baileys it calls for.