Without a doubt I suspected loquats would marry well with Grill Man’s Snapper on the Half Shell. Great time to experiment since it will only be the two of us. Each day after work, Mennu and I do a walk about the yard on our way to pick loquats.

The natural setting is healthy for both of us. Thankfully Mother Nature allows the loquats to ripen at different times which is very helpful. Produce waits for no one. It’s ready when it’s ready.

Sweet and savory cooking ideas for loquats

This stready stream of loquats all at once creates a dilemma of sorts. How many loquats may you pick and eat in a week? In the beginning you are joyful for the fruit and whip up a daily smoothie. Then you move to an easy dessert like my Sun Kiss Loquat Cobbler. Next, I adapted my version of ice cream which I based on my Eggnog and Persimmon Icy Cream. Creating a dessert is easy when working with fresh fruit.

Yet, loquats keep coming so my creative activities moved to the savory. I must say that this fruit is versatile and becomes a lovely addition to any recipe. The longer that I am quarantined Livin’ La Vida Loca the more my kitchen lab is in full swing. What would I create next?

Sun Kiss Loquat Sauce on Red Snapper

Happily, last Summer Grill Man secured red snapper for our freezer. On more than one occasion with friends he ventured out for a short trip. I joined the crew of the Strike Back with Captain Cali and spent a lovely day on the water.

Clearly besides fun in the sun the mission included locating 2 red snapper per person. With Grill Man’s fishing “honey hole” red snapper is available when “in season”. His snapper were beautiful and delivered lovely meals. To date our best meal occurred when he cooked the snapper throats.

Since our snapper throats had previously disappeared, it was time to cook a 4-5 pound slab of red snapper on the half shell. What is snapper on the half shell? When the fish is cleaned the scales and skin is left on one side. This scale side is then placed and cooked directly on the grill. This is a great way to preserve the fish while grilling and ensures moist fish.

Thankfully, he agreed to become a part of the Dining With Mimi kitchen lab. Plan consisted of the following:

Red Snapper on the Half Shell bathed in Mimi’s Sun Kiss Loquat Sauce

Green Egg Grill (regular grill could be used)

4-5# Slab Red Snapper in Half Shell
1/2 Cup Sun Kiss Loquat Sauce
Garlic Salt
Coarse Black Pepper
Olive oil
Aluminum Foil

Preheat Green Egg grill to about 300-350 degrees.

Place red snapper slab skin and scale side down on the tray. Drizzle 4 tablespoons olive oil on top of fish. Using a spoon spread olive oil around evenly on fish side only. Sprinkle well with garlic salt and cracked black pepper . Add 1/2 cup Sun Kiss Loquat Sauce to fish. Use spoon to lightly spread around evenly. Place fish directly on to the grill with skin and scale side down. Place a single sheet of foil on top of the fish without sealing in any manner. Foil is laying on top of fish as a sheet of paper would.

With the snapper slab this size it’s important not to over cook. Alternate cooking fish with lid closed for 5 minutes first. Then cook with lid up for 5 minutes. Repeat until the fish is ready. This will allow the grill to function so that its cooking but not overcooking. Also, you will be able to see what is happening. Fish will overcook quickly if you’re not watching closely enough. Our 4-5# slab of red snapper cooked in this manner for about 30 minutes.

Grill a slab of red snapper and baste it with my new Sun Kiss Loquat Sauce. I am pretty sure that this sauce would pair well with other types of fish or protein such as chicken or pork. At this point, I have not tried it but I am sure that the flavor profiles will blend well.

Let me know if you try this and the results, I would love to hear from you.

Shout out to Alexa for John Prine. April 7th he moved on to other pastures but he certainly left his mark on the world and music. Take a listen to his song titled, Fish and Whistle. It is available on you-tube if you don’t have that bossy Alexa.

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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

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Certainly all of us benefit from eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. As I age, I am painfully aware of the necessity to take care of my body. This possibly could be due to the length of time I have actually spent inhabiting the space and my overall attachment to it. Preventive maintenance is a smarter path to take than trying to heal or cure an ailment.

Eating a healthy food and regular exercise is the closest thing that we have to a fountain of youth or anti-aging magic. If you know another secret, please hook a sister up.

Winning Trio Health Benefits

I love the way I feel when I eat turnips and rutabagas. Is there a reason for this euphoria? What are the health benefits? Why should you eat greens and roots? Should anyone avoid eating greens?

Here is a short list of ways that the winning trio may improve your overall health but not comprehensive by any means.

• Improved healthy skin and hair
• Reducing anemia
• Osteoporosis prevention
• Aids with digestion
• Strengthens immunity
• Aids in weight loss
• Aids in cancer prevention
• Aids in improved sleep and mood
• Aids patients with Diabetes
• Aids in reducing cholesterol

It is always important to be balanced in any changes that we make in our life or diet. If you have any concerns, please research and consult with your physician.

Risk associated with increased Vitamin K or high Nitrate diet.

Warning: If you are currently taking a blood thinner you should discuss with your Doctor or Pharmacist for acceptable amounts if any are allowed in your diet.

Personally I love the pure earthy taste of greens. The slightly bitter flavor is a perfect companion to a piece of cornbread or skillet bread. Greens pair well as a side dish served along fried fish, grilled fish, meat loaf or barbecue of any type. Remember, raw greens are a great addition to any salad or smoothie.

If you need a menu suggestion to go with the Salubrious Turnip Greens and Roots, check out these posts from the archives.

Menu suggestions to serve with Green

Drowning Pork Roast in Yesterdays Wine
Mashed Potatoes Or Rice dish
Sweet Baby Limas

Dessert Pie Choices
Pecan Pie
Chess Pie
Chocolate Pie

Salubrious Turnip Greens and Roots is a good recipe to make ahead for your dinner party. It reheats or freezes well without any loss of obvious quality in the recipe. Recipe will make a great addition to any BBQ, Labor Day or holiday event. Please cook recipe and let me know what you think.

Lagniappe: Farmers markets will often sell pre-washed local greens in the refrigerator section. Using pre-washed greens will reduce your time in the kitchen. For anyone that has purchased turnip or collard greens from a farmer or off the back truck by the side of the road will completely understand what I mean. My earlier recipe for Southern Turnip Greens will provide extra details if you need instructions for taking greens from farm to table.

Alexa shout out to Billy Currington for Good Directions and Turnip Greens.

Love from Mimi’s Kitchen

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Reasons to cook  Seasoned Ahi Tuna Steaks Sear Then Flip Recipe

Tuna steaks cooked offer many choices for your meal planning whether you’re serving alongside vegetables or adding to a salad.  Any leftover tuna will deliver the best damn tuna salad sandwich you have ever had in your mouth. It is worth it to drive to your local bakery and select bread that is worthy of Ahi tuna.  Sadly this will spoil you with flavor and may give you a dose of hesitation when buying canned tuna.

Like the champagne of beers, Ahi tuna tastes great and is less filling. Seasoned Ahi Tuna Steaks Sear Then Flip recipe is a low-calorie meal that does not taste like dieting. Ahi tuna is rich in protein, minerals and omega 3. Due to tuna’s mercury count it may pose a health risk to young children or pregnant women. Thankfully, this does not apply to me.

I love cooking this recipe in my favorite iron skillet. Simple seasoning, olive oil and Ahi Tuna steaks is all that you need for a wonderful entrée. In the Summer, we long for easy meals that won’t keep you in the kitchen or using the oven. Seasoned Ahi Tuna Steaks Sear Then Flip Recipe will meet your requirements for an easy meal without using the oven.

Side Dish Suggestions

Beach Ready? New Fresh Potato Salad Recipe

Southern Zipper Peas Recipe

A Vegetable Medley of Fresh Flavor

Less time in the kitchen means more time outside or just paddling. Shout out to Alexa for Fishin’ In The Dark by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band or try Kid Rock’s All Summer Long.

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This hot and hearty meal  is easy to cook one day and serve another. Recipe may be cut into serving slices  and popped in microwave for 40-60 seconds as needed. Bacon lovers will enjoy Busy Mom’s Beckon The Bacon Frittata recipe. Grill Man feels cheated if meat is missing from the meal.

If you have a couple of picky eaters, cut the onions and peppers very small. Or be really sneaky and purée them  in your blender. The nutrition and flavor will be there but not as visible .

In this dish cutting the cheese  in lieu of grating will allow the cheese to stand out and be noticed. Grated cheese has a tendency to hide in a baked dish. Who doesn’t love a cheesy bite? I didn’t specify the cheese in this dish. Use your favorite cheese whether its cheddar cheese, havarti, monterrey jack or cheddar with scallions.

How to create a frittata?

Use this basic recipe and design your own frittata dish.  Throw in your leftovers and make a few changes. Swap out peppers and onions for another veggie. Replace the bacon with leftover sausage or boudin. Be adventurous! Busy Mom’s Beckon The Bacon Frittata recipe is waiting to join your busy week.

Company’s coming? Quiches and frittatas freeze well. Make ahead and use as needed when you have a house full of company. Your guests will be none the wiser unless you let them in on your secret.

Here are a couple of oldies but goodies.

Salmon Sockeye It To Me Quiche

Spicy Sausage Cheese Egg Pies

Manchego Frittata Mimi Style

Quiche- Albacore Tuna Spiced Up? Wow!

Alexa shout out to Superwoman by  Alicia Keys. Even when I’m a mess….

Even when I’m a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes
I’m a Superwoman!

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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.

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Cinco de Mayo is around the corner and requires a Smoky Roasted Poblano, Tomatillo and Tomato Salsa that is delicious. Since I love Mexican food whipping up a salsa would be easy. Using fresh ingredients and the flavors that I love in Mexican food are easy to combine until you reach just the right amount of spicy heat and flavor magic.

Princess is planning a Cinco de Mayo party so this Smoky Roasted Poblano, Tomatillo and Tomato Salsa will come in handy. Maybe preparing a dish ahead of time will allow me to focus on an adorable outfit instead of grabbing the closest item that fits.  Every Cinco de Mayo party needs a spicy senorita and salsa.

What goes into a Smoky Roasted Poblano, Tomatillo and Tomato Salsa?

Poblano and jalapeno peppers marry well together with tomatillo and tomatoes. Throw in seasonings, onion, garlic, chipotle with adodo sauce and it is a party in your mouth. During Spring and Summer I love the wide variety of fresh ingredients that are available at local farmers market. Ingredients that make you want to reach out and touch them. Or is it just me?

My market had vine ripened tomatoes that smelled delicious as I walked down the aisle. Tomatoes that screamed to be joined in a salad, sauce or salsa. Poblano and jalapeno peppers were so beautiful that I grabbed a bunch without having any idea how I would use.

Roasting the poblano peppers, tomatillo and whole garlic in the oven will intensify the natural flavors. Prepare the other ingredients while roasting and it will shorten your time in the kitchen. Warning the smells from your oven will make you hungry. Recipe is so easy to make and once your finished reward yourself with a icy cold margarita, chips and Smoky Roasted Poblano, Tomatillo and Tomato Salsa.

Alexa Shout out to Roman Street for Cinco off of the latest album Bohemia. Cinco goes well with Smoky Roasted Poblano, Tomatillo and Tomato Salsa.

Lagniappe: If you need an easy meal to make ahead for a large crowd check out recipe for Working Mom’s Chicken Enchiladas. Pair with a fresh salsa, guacamole and pitcher of margarita’s. For a different salsa choice, try this version Tres amigas Salsa. 

Happy Cooking Y’all.

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Read manual and learn to use Old or New pressure cooker

Our good friend Focus gave us “the magic pot” AKA electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer and rice cooker. I am still harboring a bit of hesitation when using the magic pot. I remember all too well my Mom displaying red beans on our ceiling from using her magic pot. The old-fashioned pressure valve was scary enough to watch, let alone listening to the wobbly noise spit and sputter.

This new cooking technology is great.  If you have one of these cookers, I would check the internet for a brand search to make sure you have a good brand.  While researching best pressure cooking tips, I discovered pressure cooker class action lawsuits and accidents. Elmer Fudd said “Be vewy vewy careful!”

Read the manual before you use.  I have used my device several times and I still read before using this device. In general, I am a big fan of all my body parts and want to avoid any accidents. Follow directions, be smart and don’t drink and pressure cook.

Drowning Seasoned Pork Roast in Yesterday’s Wine will give a great quick meal to serve alongside any vegetables. If you have access to French Bread,  heat it, slather it with mayonnaise, shredded lettuce and top with roasted pork. You can thank me later. A table of southern vegetables will marry well together with this pork roast.

Veggie Options to serve with Drowning Seasoned Pork Roast in Yesterday’s Wine

Here are a few vegetable recipes from earlier posts.

A Vegetable Medley of Fresh Flavor 

Flavorful Italian Green Beans

Beach Ready? New Fresh Potato Salad Recipe

Truly, a slow cooker is another easy way to cook a Roast and walk away from the stove.  Let me know what you think about this recipe, Easiest Meal Ever with Roast, Potatoes and Carrots.  

Whichever cooking method  you choose will make a delicious and tender meal for your family. Happy Cooking Y’all.

Shout out to Alexa for Jason Isbell for “Alabama Pines”.

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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.

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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”.

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