Pear trees are loaded to such a point that I almost panic annually at the sheer magnitude of pears. Typically I offer pears to every one that I see like a town crier.”Pears, pears, come get your pears.” Occasionally my friends will take me up on the pears and I sign a bit of relief.

The “waste not want not” rings in my head like a battle cry from my Mother. Clearly, I truly am able to process, give away and eat only so many pears. Naturally, the local wildlife shows up and partakes of their fair share of the August Pears. Natures bounty is always plentiful and I am happy to share.

What can you create with pears?

What do I create with all of those pears? Pears are a great snack and loaded in healthy vitamins and minerals. Studies have noted that eating pears and apples daily will help ward off strokes. Everyone needs to be heart healthy, so eat your pears. While researching the health benefits of pears, I discovered lots of useful data.

In addition to all of the health benefits of eating pears, apparently eating pears may also help with hangovers. UK’s Andrew Griffin from Independent suggested “Pears can keep cholesterol down” and “work as an anti-inflammatory — as well as stopping people getting so drunk.” What? Pears for everybody.

Between the pear snacks, preserves, tarts and tomato pear relish, I needed a salad. After much thought, I settled on Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno August Pears Broccoli Salad recipe. Fresh raw broccoli mixed in with pears and other bold flavors marries together well.

How I created Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno August Pears Broccoli Salad

In my past work life a co-worker had shared a Broccoli Salad that I enjoyed. Over the years, I have tried several variations on broccoli salad. Of course I am sure that I have made it a hundred times. Pam’s version of broccoli salad was a great recipe as is. Yet, over the years, I had tossed the bacon. As much as I love bacon, I think it got lost in the salad. Does a salad really need bacon? My friend Pierre would say, “Yes, salad needs bacon desperately.”

In addition to reducing bacon, I had also reduced the mayonnaise and sugar. For awhile, I wanted to adapt this recipe but nothing really settled in my mind as an improvement. With my August pears clamoring for recipe selection, it finally dawned on me to add pears to the Broccoli Salad.

Fresh raw broccoli is a great first start to a salad. Once I added in the pears and red onion the rest of the recipe flowed. With the addition of the pears and candied jalapenos a sweet heat ensued which allowed me to lower the white sugar. A sharp cheddar cheese tossed in with fish sauce and cayenne added the balance of the flavors for Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno August Pears Broccoli Salad.

This recipe is versatile and will pair well with most proteins. This recipe is on the list of “make ahead and set aside” which is perfect for entertaining. Eating raw fruit and vegetables provides the most nutrition. Trust me, you need pears in your life. If you have space in your yard, plant a couple of pear trees. This will allow you to grow organic pears.

Of course, it will take a while for the trees to bear fruit but it is so worth it. Fresh fruit is versatile for snacks, baking, salads and savory recipes. If Mother Earth has created it your body must need it. From sun kissed pears to Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno August Pears Broccoli Salad, eat a pear.

The post Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno August Pears Broccoli Salad appeared first on Dining With Mimi.

In the process of heating the magic sauce, my Dad walked into the kitchen and complained about the strong vinegar smell. He has a strong aversion to all things vinegar. At that point, I wondered if he would even eat the salad.

With his complaint officially registered, I had my doubts if he would make a happy plate. Would I attempt his method of parenting about food? I can almost hear me saying, “Here is a big spoonful. You can’t leave the table until your plate is clean. And Mother can’t save you.”

Can you hear the evil cackle?

I’m not sure if this glimmer into my childhood is making you cackle or not, but I’m laughing. Oddly enough even with his vinegar aversion, my Dad enjoyed the Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno Coleslaw. Pretty sure that it surprised even him.

What to do if little ones don’t want Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno Coleslaw?

My nephews also tried the coleslaw but I didn’t ask for a review. Little one manages to lick his lips on cue for photo opp. However they both enjoyed the corn pudding and caramel cake that I served along with the coleslaw. It takes time for little ones to really enjoy food unless its pizza, burgers, or sugar.

If you’re struggling to get little ones to eat a variety of foods it makes life difficult for everyone. A local writer wrote a post about this idea and I thinks its a good one. Read all about, The Two Bite Rule.

I decided to cut this salad fresh myself in lieu of processed coleslaw packages. All of the ingredients were stored in my refrigerator or pantry. If you don’t have candied jalapenos, check out this recipe from Foodie With Family.

If you enjoy spicy and fresh food, prepare Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno Coleslaw. It is a side dish that will stand along side any protein. Let me know what you think about this recipe, I would love to hear from you.

Lagniappe: Grill Man and I both think Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno Coleslaw would be awesome on a pulled pork sandwich.

Alexa Shout out to Louis Jordan for Coleslaw

Stay well!
With love from Mimi’s Kitchen,

Mimi

The post Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno Coleslaw appeared first on Dining With Mimi.

Casserole recipe includes cayenne, jalapeño and chipotle chile powder to give it a kick that delivers. This trio of flavor allows for easy adjustment depending on your preference for spice.

In our house, the flavors must be kickin at all times. I do not want everything spicy but I do adore flavor. I am not a fan of bland foods. Is it wrong to want my taste buds to tingle or sing? I think not.

What inspired Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole?

Long ago my Grandmother and I discovered a corn and rice casserole from a Southern Living magazine. The recipe became one of her favorites to cook. I had forgotten about Theda Faye’s dish until recently while scanning one of my Aunts cookbooks from 2000 titled The Samson  Garden Club, I ran across “Billie’s Corn-Rice-Jalapeno Casserole”.

Billie’s recipe triggered a food memory that demanded I cook a version of it soon. My recipe is adapted from The Samson Garden Club cookbook.

Every time I serve this dish, someone will always ask for the recipe. Dish is delicious and economical to make. Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole is yummy even if you decide to leave off the bacon.  Thick crispy bacon does add a flavor all of its own but it may be avoided if you choose to do so.

In summary , add Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole recipe to your list for your next dinner party, July 4th celebration or any event that requires a covered dish.  One recipe provides a serving large enough for an average dinner party. Certainly, your guests will love it and come back for more.

Summer is a great time to enjoy being outside enjoying friends while serving BBQ and Mimis’ Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole. Alexa Shout out to Bob Marley and the Wailers for Sun Is Shining.

The post Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole appeared first on Dining With Mimi.

Picnic Worthy Roasted Poblano Corn Salad allows you to use fresh ingredients all uncooked except poblano pepper. Raw vegetables give the most nutrition possible when eating a veggie. Mostly, I enjoy a veggie that offers a bit of a crunch while eating.

Full flavors of the salad meld in after 24 hours in the refrigerator but could be enjoyed immediately. Remember, Cinco de Mayo is around the corner and adding this salad is a good idea. Mexican food is typically heavy and a light salad will help balance your meal.

Full Flavors in Picnic Worthy Roasted Poblano Corn Salad

In preparing this salad, I wanted to lower the calories without lessening the flavor. Namely the dressing added is enough to dress the salad without adding extra. If you want more dressing, double the amount. As a suggestion, follow the recipe first, taste after 24 hours and decide  if you really  need those extra calories.

What is more exciting is that in a short time, anyone may have tomatoes ready to eat. At my hacienda, herbs are already doing well growing in container pots on my back deck. Containers are a great way to grow vegetables and herbs. In addition, gardening in a container is an easy way to manage the weeds and cut work.

In other words, whether  you grow your basil, tomatoes and corn or shop at farmers market, be sure to try my recipe for Picnic Worthy Roasted Poblano Corn Salad. Fresh basil, corn and tomatoes are hard to beat when eaten in-season. Besides raw salad allows the flavor to sing in your mouth.

If you are packing for a picnic, you may pack each serving in 6oz cups and wrap with Saran. Easy to make ready to go with minimal fuss allowing for more time to have fun, outside in the sunshine. So, let’s go outside.

Alexa shout out to George Michael’s  Outside.

The post Picnic Worthy Roasted Poblano Corn Salad appeared first on Dining With Mimi.

Save it for making southern dressing. And by dressing I don’t mean salad dressing. If your unsure what I am talking about, please reach out to me.  You may use your cornbread crumbs and I am happy to share a fabulous recipe for Southern Dressing

Cornbread crumbs will freeze well, if you don’t want to make right away. By the time you  marry together cornbread crumbs with chicken, broth, onions, celery, poultry seasoning and other ingredients this southern sin will be a distant memory. If only they were all so easy.

How to remove one Southern Sin from your list

By now you have figured out life comes with its challenges. Making decent cornbread moist and filled with flavor should not be one of yours.  Jacked Up Cornbread has everything needed to offer a delicious cornbread.  In addition this recipe blends a bit of heat using mild jalapeno, jalapeño jack cheese and chipotle chile powder. Mixing the three items provides a blend that hits your taste buds in more than one happy way.

With the cold weather kicked in to overdrive, using Jiffy corn muffin mix recipe for Jacked-Up Cornbread is an easy add to your meal. Tasty cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Prepare recipe ahead of time and pop in oven as needed or cornbread will reheat well. Making a 9 x 13 dish will yield  cornbread for several meals for a small family.

Cornbread or bread is satisfying and makes any meal better. Remember this is a quick side dish for when you need to bring something for a barbecue or party. I would serve this with a multitude of meals. Cut cornbread into smaller pieces to increase serving portions.

Not always good for the waistline but if your going to eat it, make sure its worth the calories. Soup is comfort food for me and cornbread works well with a bowl of soup. Jacked Up Cornbread recipe sits proudly on any plate although it is similar to a spoonbread or pudding. The added ingredients make sure that your bread is moist, oozing with cheese, onions and flavor.

Alexa Shout out to another Louisiana favorite,  Cupid featuring  Big Pokey “Cornbread and Greens“.  “If you can’t cook cornbread and  you can’t cook greens, I’m sorry you ain’t the one for me.” Please watch the you tube video for this song. I had to laugh at the band rocking it through the grocery store with greens in hand. Watch entire video. Bit of wisdom from Cupid:

It ain’t  always about your stuff.

The post Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix Recipe for Jacked-Up Cornbread appeared first on Dining With Mimi.

My friend Sunshine and I made a date for her to serve as guest chef. Since we both hail from Louisiana, we love cooking and entertaining. Sunshine is a great cook and I love cooking with her. Our cooking sessions include stories and laughter.  In our conversations about family memories and meals, Sunshine mentioned one of her Grandmother’s favorites, Cabbage Dressing.

Is it stuffing or dressing?

Dressing as in cornbread or stuffing not salad dressing, clearly dressing is a very southern term. Have you heard of cabbage dressing? In my review of food,  I located a million cabbage dressings for coleslaw. After my research, I was ready for Sunshine to introduce me to her Grandmother’s cabbage dressing.

Sunshine’s Grandmother Iris B. Lemoine served Cabbage Dressing on her large southern antique table. You could always count on Iris’s table to include delicious food including calas. The Lemoine family home started in Cottonport Louisiana on the bayou. A southern home filled with love, antiques and a porch to host story-telling.

Iris’s family were German and migrated from Nova Scotia and settled in Louisiana. Iris married a Frenchmen, Theofield Lemoine and raised  the family in Cottonport. Sunshine speaks lovingly of Iris and Theofield captured in  memories which center around an idyllic childhood. Memories which include listening to grandparents speak in French so little ears would be protected.

Life in a small town

In Cottonport, life centered around the Catholic Church, small town events and life of the bayou. Iris shared her love and happiness with all that came into contact with her. Passing lessons of love on to her family including  manners and etiquette.

During December, Lemoine’s would host a Christmas on the Bayou. An Open House for friends, family and neighbors. Of course, tables of food, huge pot of gumbo and treats to tempt the palate. Surely, if I close my eyes, I can see the huge mimosa trees covered in moss bordering the bayou, shading the Open House.

Lush green grass filled with chairs and blankets for guests to relax and share a meal. In the background, nature, laughter and Christmas music infiltrating the southern day on the bayou.  Uniquely, if only I had a ‘back in time” button, I would press it to meet Iris B Lemoine and her Frenchmen Theofield. For certain, I would love our time together.

Family and friends called Iris “The Pink Lady”. Sunshine describes her Grandmother as a Grand Lady. Iris loved entertaining, cooking,  her family and everything pink.” Clearly Iris could share secrets of being a great host and Southern belle. I am dying to know how she introduced boots to her classmates at LSU .

After all, Iris B Lemoine’s Cabbage Dressing is an old southern rice dressing recipe. Certainly, not a recipe that I have been familiar with but I love it. Sunshine and I spent an afternoon in the kitchen  cooking during which I learned how to make Cabbage Dressing. Sunshine shared memories with me while we cooked cabbage dressing and reminisced about families.

In conclusion, whether you call it Iris’s cabbage dressing, cabbage stuffing or old southern rice dressing  this recipe will yield rave reviews from your guests. Serve as a new side dish on your holiday table and start your own tradition with family.

Alexa Shout out to Billie Holiday’s “I’ll be Seeing You”.

The post Old Southern Rice Dressing Recipe appeared first on Dining With Mimi.

Sunday lunch was a great time to cook Flavorful Italian Green Beans and test it on my family. Whether your entertaining friends, organizing visits from family or dinner parties  you will need a stockpile of recipes for this time of year. I needed an easy meal to prepare, full of vegetables and low in calories. A meal that didn’t taste like diet food and or come in a box and would please the toughest critic.

Grill Man is the perfect critic. Thankfully, he loves me madly but absolutely does not mind critiquing. At times, I must make a facial expression that surely shows my displeasure with his comments. Grill Man’s typical reply is “You want me to be honest, don’t you?”  even before I have time to say anything. Hhhmmmmmmmm?

My judging panel consisted of Grill Man, his Mom  (my bonus Mom ) and son (my IT genius).   This trio of taste testers represent a good cross-section of palates. Sunday lunch offered an opportunity for me to share quality time with family and test a few recipes. A busy girl must learn to multitask if she is going to survive.

What’s on the menu?

Sunday Menu consisted of Easy Low Calorie Baked Salmon, Italian Green Beans, fresh okra from the garden and Lima Beans. Grill Man had been on the road a lot and needed a home cooked meal. This menu offers a low-calorie meal that is full of flavor and nutrients.

Over the course of our lunch our conversations centered around the meal and family updates. My baby sister and her family had recently visited our home. Her Super-baby is always a topic of our conversations, discussing his latest achievements and viewing recent photos. As his Auntie Mimi, I confess he is adorable and totally grabs your heart upon introduction.

I whipped out my phone to show the latest images of Super-baby. On viewing the latest photo, bonus Mom said “He’s a ditty-wa-sport!” What? I had to ask her to repeat because I wasn’t familiar with this vernacular. Through our lunch conversations, I learned Ditty-wa-sport is like calling someone a “Sport-T-Model”.

Reflecting on ditty-wa-sport made me think of my Granny Theda. My granny had the most unusual sayings of anyone that I have ever met, ever. For the longest time, I thought she created Waste Not Want Not. Mainly, because she said it all the time, gave it to my Mom who then forced  the concept on yours truly. It’s a blessing and a damn curse.

Does your family have unusual expressions?

The unusual sayings were all that I could think about. I sent my list of  “Granny-sayings” in a text to a few of my cousins and sisters for any to be added that were missing. After the continuous texts stopped rolling in, and the laughter had settled,  I realized my Granny enjoyed dark humor. I guess that is where I get it from.  Granny certainly gave me her love of cooking and entertaining , too.

My fondest memories are being at her house underfoot and sharing meals with her very large and loud family. Cooking and sharing meals allows for bonding and conversations that you may only experience while eating together. Don’t pass up an opportunity to learn about your family, some items only slip out at the dinner table. As a suggestion, wine may encourage the ‘slippin’-out, although not necessary.

Share Flavorful Italian Green Beans with your family. Please let me know how you like it. Also, if you have a family saying that makes you ponder and giggle, please leave a comment and share.   I will share mine soon. Happy Cooking Y’all

The post Flavorful Italian Green Beans appeared first on Dining With Mimi.

While visiting friends in Laguana Beach, we were served Ham and Polenta Spoonbread and Mimosas one morning. The host was gracious and shared the recipe from www.finecooking.com by Bruce Weinstein and Marc Scarbrough.  I enjoyed Fine Cooking’s version. Ham and Polenta Spoonbread inspired the recipe that I  adapted. Polenta is a new ingredient for my kitchen.

I think that “grits” may be the country version of the city relative of “polenta”. Whether you choose grits or polenta, as with any food ingredient, it is important  that you choose quality and cook properly. Always add flavor whether it’s vegetables or spices to blend with other ingredients.

Many of the ingredients in this dish are typically on hand in a well stocked pantry. Polenta may be adapted easily deleting or swapping items. I prepared this dish for breakfast but it would easily serve as a side dish for company.

Breakfast Ideas for entertaining

While entertaining guests, I love having a variety of breakfasts casseroles and egg pies recipes to serve in the morning. Prepare Breakfast Spicy Sausage Polenta Recipe ahead  and bake as needed.

Pop the Breakfast Spicy Sausage Polenta Recipe in the oven after you stumble to your coffee pot. I love to enjoy my coffee time with house guests before we start the busy day. Coffee time on the porch is a perfect way to celebrate your morning.

Last week, I was happy to celebrate my mornings with my parents, baby sister and her family. My nephew Super-Baby is absolutely adorable. Happy babies are the best and are a joy to be around. Breakfast Spicy Sausage Polenta Recipe will serve your morning breakfast well. Pop in the oven, reheat another day and it is just as good.

Alexa, shout out to Caitlyn Smith’s soulful rendition of “This town is killing me”. Caitlyn Smith is part of the Listen Up Campaign Artist’s to Watch for 2017. If you’re not familiar with Caitlyn Smith, check out this talented emerging artist.

The post Breakfast Spicy Sausage Polenta Recipe appeared first on Dining With Mimi.

Because recipes of this type will transport well, it is good to include in your summer entertaining whether it includes beach, picnic, vacation, hiking, camping, SUP, fishing, tubing, or July 4th plans. Since many of us try to jam all the things we love into every day while the summer sun is high in the sky.

Take along New Fresh Potato Salad Recipe

The fun days of summer include all of the things that we love. While your making plans for the day, include something new for you and  yours to do. It will add to the bonding of your group and keep everyone interested.

Step outside of your comfort zone and plan to learn a new activity.  Because it is good for us on so many levels to learn and attempt something different. Maybe even if we are not good at the new activity, it’s better that we attempt to learn and demonstrate a “can do attitude”. While repetition is comforting or easy it may also turn into boring. Monotony is not fun and  it’s unhealthy to our overall growth. Teenagers and young adults detest boring. Engage your inner child and just do it.

List of Activities to keep Family Engaged at Beach

Here are a couple of suggestions for your family:

1. Kayak or Paddle board rentals or lessons
2. Contest for Beach shells prettiest, largest, ugliest and unusual
3. Go Deep Sea Fishing– Charter a boat or join one of the party boats.
4. Rent Jet Skis or go Parasailing
5. Plan an evening of cards, board games or charades. Balderdash’s word game is my personal favorite. I promise you will laugh like never before.
6. Plan a beach scavenger hunt and split up into teams.  This site has a multitude of options for you depending on the age of your family or create your own list.  This type of activity is good for all age groups.

   

7. Divide your group in half and have a cooking competition. Plus this will split up the work duties in the kitchen.
8. Plan wine walk on the beach and watch the sun set on the water
9. At dinner, have everyone tell a favorite childhood memory or favorite story about their parents. Best story wins.

On any family vacation I would add in a good supply of your favorite libations. At some point, libations will be needed and wine is always good for what ails you. Yet, if you are more inclined to a cocktail, try one of my favorites.

Favorite Cocktails and Sorbet

Summer Rebellion Watermelon Martini

Good Intentions and Vodka Infused Kumquats

Country eggs raised in a Condo (sorbet drenched in vodka)

Most of all, time spent with family should be wrapped in love, surrounded with good food, drenched in fun and memories to last a lifetime. Unless your from that “one perfect family” members may challenge us like no other. Develop a couple of new choices to keep your crew busy and entertained. Especially important, bring along a dose of patience, kindness and remember to pack the libations. In conclusion, don’t forget the New Fresh Potato Salad Recipe for your time at the beach.

Alexa Shout Out to DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince for “Summertime”.
Take me to the beach, please.

The post Beach Ready? New Fresh Potato Salad Recipe appeared first on Dining With Mimi.

Soon the summer sun will beat down on my plants and they will whither away. Until then, I am cooking the little yellow gems.  Yellow squash are delicious just about any way that you may cook them, grilled, smothered, fried, baked, sautéed, pickled or raw in a salad.

Grill Man prepares the garden and plants. I watch over the produce and process the offerings. He would love me to help with his part but I am a delicate flower. Not a real big fan of playing in dirt. Although I recall making mud-pies in my back yard a lifetime ago. Although, I wasn’t playing in dirt, “I was cooking”. Imagination  and playing is a wonderful thing.

Why is play important?

Imagination and creativity are vital to all of us. We need to remember that  the “child” in us still wants to play. Even though you are wise in years it is important to play and have fun. Be spontaneous. Be creative. Break out of your mold, it will do you good. Plus, if you have children, it will keep them guessing.

And if for some reason you want to play in the dirt, let me know, please.  I have some plants that need moving from my garden. Some people call them weeds, I call them uninvited guests to my garden party. I’m begging you to move out the uninvited guests (weeds), I will prepare you a lovely lunch and a refreshing glass of sweet Peach tea.

As a bonus, I will send you home with some yellow squash so that you may try my Spicy Squash Pudding Recipe. What a deal, right? Call me, the garden is waiting. Until then, I am going to have to figure out someone to “Tom Sawyer” the weeds out of my lovely garden. Come over, we will have a garden party!

Shout out to Alexa for Ricky Nelson’s Garden Party. This song has a great piece of advice in it. Look it up on you-tube if you’re not familiar with the tune. It’s an oldie.

The post Spicy Squash Pudding Recipe appeared first on Dining With Mimi.