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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Share Mimi’s Gluten Free Nutty Fudgy Indulgent Brownies with Coconut

This brownie recipe is just chocolate and nuts with right amount of coconut and cranberries. You may even forget that it’s gluten free. I should warn you though, this brownie recipe is not a light cakey brownie. Yet if gluten free nutty fudgy indulgent brownie with coconut sounds good, bake this soon.

Baking this brownie recipe is easy since it may be mixed together by hand in a single bowl. Then popped in the oven in order for the batter to marry together with heat. In a short time, you will remove a hot baking pan will surely tempt.

Once the brownie is cooled completely, it will be ready to cut into smaller pieces. And this is a brownie that you want to sink your teeth into. Just the right amount of nutty fudgy indulgent brownie with a slight crispness.

What would take this brownie recipe to another level?

As I am writing this, I have another idea for this recipe. Should I share it now or make you wait with chocolate anticipation? Although this brownie may stand alone on a dessert plate all by itself, what would take it to another level? My friend Monsieur Pierre would surely tell me to add ice cream.

Ice cream would be the perfect addition to Mimi’s gluten free brownies. Brownie structure would support ice cream well. Whether served in a martini glass or made into an ice cream sandwich, this brownie will make you smile.

For another smile, shout out to Alexa for Miles Davis song Chocolate Chip. It has a rich sexy beat that will accompany Mimi’s Gluten Free Nutty Fudgy Indulgent Brownies with Coconut just fine.

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Even if you’re tolerant of gluten it is good to have a gluten free recipe. Anytime you host a large group of people, odds are someone is gluten intolerant. It helps to have at least one dessert that everyone may eat regardless of their standing with gluten.

Of course it is awful to tell a guest intolerant of gluten, “No dessert for you”. Mimis Gluten Free Nutty Fudgy Indulgent Mint Chocolate Brownie recipe will please your guests whether they are a gluten fan or not.

How to serve Mimi’s Gluten Free Nutty Fudgy Indulgent Mint Chocolate Brownie?

This brownie is nutty, fudgy and delicious. Yet it is not a cake-like brownie. My brownie recipe is yummy without the addition of whipping cream or ice cream. However if you want to wow your sweetheart or dinner party serve in a martini glass and add both.

Boozy Version Nutty Fudgy Indulgent Mint Chocolate Brownie

1.Place one or two brownies into the glass
2. Add a dollop of Gluten free cream or scoop of gluten free ice cream.
3. Add a fresh spring of chocolate mint for a garnish.
4. Boozy Touch-Add a drizzle of Kahlua on top of the ice cream.

Does this sound tempting? Yes I want brownies. Where did brownies get started? Legend has it they started in Chicago at the Palmer House Hotel. A small confection was needed for ladies visiting the Worlds Fair in 1893. Isn’t a small confection always needed?

Machias Cookbook and Kitchen Wisdom

Brownies first appeared in print in Machias Cookbook titled Brownies Food. Machias Cookbook was compiled by Mrs Willis H Allen and presented to The Ladies Social Circle in 1899. Machias struck me as an odd name until I discovered the meaning.

Also, I totally understood the sentiment especially Hungry and thirsty folks to satisfy.

As an lover of all things chocolate, I love brownies. Please try Mimi’s Gluten Free Nutty Fudgy Indulgent Mint Chocolate Brownie and let me know what you think. Enjoy a brownie or a brownie with ice cream and Kahua.

Finally, shout out to Alexa for Dharia’s song called Sugar and Brownies. Dharia is a fourteen year old singer songwriter from Romania. It will be interesting to see where her career leads. With popularity of this song on the internet she has started off with a bang.

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With family visiting Fairhope, breakfast time on Sunday morning moves slow if you’re enjoying coffee at a leisurely pace. Unless you want to run out in search of fast food, breakfast is needed. One Fairhope Foodies Prosciutto Chipotle Cheddar Quiche recipe is an easy fix.

Cooking a quiche for breakfast is always easy to serve a crowd. Substitute ingredients as needed depending on what you may have on hand. In my house I typically have prosciutto, coppa or salami. Grill Man and I both love any of these to be served on a charcuterie plate served along side a glass of wine. Any type of ham will substitute well in this quiche.

Troyer Cheese and where to buy

My One Fairhope Foodies Prosciutto Chipotle Cheddar Quiche recipe is delicious with chipotle cheddar cheese. Troyer is the brand of cheese that I chose to use in this recipe. Troyer is a family owned company and sells its products to family owned grocery stores or direct from its site. I love the smoky flavor with a bit of heat. As much as I adore this cheese, it too may substituted with another option.

Try one of Mimi’s Secrets

Regardless of which cheese you use, be sure to use one of my baking secrets AKA Mimi Magic. When using cheese in baked goods we typically think of grating cheese. If you add grated cheese to a quiche the small amount of cheese blends in once the quiche is cooked. Instead of grating, use the cutting method in my recipe directions. This will provide a bite of quiche with hot melted cheese instead of a disappearing act.

A combination of pie crust, eggs, cheese, prosciutto and seasonings make this a delicious hot breakfast to serve your loved ones. If you only need one, make two at the same time. Once the second one cools package and wrap well for the freezer.

One Fairhope Foodies Prosciutto Chipotle Cheddar Quiche recipe will serve you well on another day and always good to serve for lunch or dinner. An easy recipe that provides a hot dish will always provide love and happiness for all involved. Alexa, Shout out to Marc Broussard for his song Love and Happiness.  

“Loving will make you do right”

Marc Broussard

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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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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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Save a Ham Bone, Feed a Cowboy Soup Recipe leaves no doubt that it delivers a hearty bowl that will satisfy your hunger. I love cooking soups from items on hand. It is a great way to feed your creativity, use leftovers, maximize time for your passions. Serving soup in the evening is an easy meal to reheat after a long day at work or play.

Spring and Summer call out for easy meals to serve late afternoon after work.  Meals that will allow you to put in 9 holes at the golf range or paddle board in the lake or bay while watching for the sun to set gently down. If your busy you should  want to squeeze every ounce out of those daylight saving hours that magically appear. Use it or lose it.

How to use your leftover Ham Bone and Ham scraps

To save time and money is important to everyone. Save a Ham Bone, Feed a Cowboy Soup Recipe makes great use of the left over ham bone. Remember, waste not want not.  Check out this category for other ways to re-purpose leftovers.

Always, make the ham stock and use right away or freeze for later use. Depending on how busy my schedule is will typically determine when I use. Using the freezer gives you options for how and when to process. Save any extra stock to use for other recipes.

Remember, a stock rendered from a ham bone and scraps could be used in variety of recipes for soups or cooking any variety of beans. Homemade stocks breathe soul into your cooking in a way that store-bought stocks do not. Of course it is more steps and time but it makes your food have more hidden layers of flavor. Ham and potato flavors marry together well in any dish.

Of course, adding two types of potatoes white and sweet give a creamy base for the soup. Homemade stock and  dried porcini mushrooms elevate this soup to another level.  Porcini mushrooms offer health benefits that are worth looking into further. Grill Man loved the flavors in this simple soup. I think it is worthy of your next dinner party. Please let me know what you think.

Finally, shout out to Alexa for Ronnie Wood and Bo Diddley, I’m A Man recorded Live At The Ritz  New York City in 1988. This recording will get your cowboy boots moving in one direction or another.

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Of course, living near the Gulf Coast  with easy access to fresh seafood will spoil you for more than one reason. Being able to buy fresh shrimp, crawfish and  fresh catch fish is a luxury I adore. If  your landlocked and not as fortunate, most seafood markets will ship fresh or frozen seafood overnight. Trust me it is totally worth it.

Surprisingly, I have never cooked shrimp and grits. Yet I thought that it would be easy based on my love and familiarity  with the ingredients. What could go wrong with shrimp, butter, seasonings, shrimp stock, garlic and grits? Plus my grits were specially sourced from my Rural Alabama Trip To Inspire.

How to cook Spicy Gulf Shrimp Gravy, Andouille Sausage and Grits

As a rule, growing up Southern you  learn about grits early.  Since I am always trying to cut carbs I rarely cook grits. It is important for me to save carbohydrate allowance for my obsession, potato chips, Doritos, chili cheese fritos, ZAPS etc.   Thankfully, the grits package  will provide instructions. You will only need to read and follow directions.

All in all gravy requires more skill but you will manage it well. Spicy Gulf Shrimp Gravy, Andouille Sausage and Grits Recipe is easy to cook. At the same time, the hardest part of this recipe is peeling shrimp and making  stock. Great idea to recruit your man for peeling shrimp while you chop vegetables. Bribe him with a glass of wine or two if  you must. Trust me it is totally worth it.

Finally, shout out to Skate Mountain Records for Jimmy Lumpkin and The Revival  My Name is Love. I have only recently discovered this band but I love the soulful sound. Visit web site for tour dates and tunes. Trust me it is totally worth it.

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Of course, my Momma’n’em used a pressure cooker and I have a very healthy respect for this device. To the point of being in awe of anyone brave enough to use one. On more than one occasion during my childhood, I saw the effects of a pressure cooker that had “gone rogue”.

Rogue Pressure Cooker

Momma like to cook Creole Red Beans in her pressure cooker which had a giggly top otherwise known as pressure regulator. On more than one occasion Momma’s pressure cooker spewed Creole Red Beans on our ceiling. Clearly Momma had a hot-pot which failed to work correctly whether it was the pot or operator error.

Thankfully no one was ever injured from the rogue pressure cooker but it was probably only a matter of time. As a teenager viewing the red beans being cleaned off the ceiling and everywhere else was a sight. Momma’s rogue pressure cooker managed to leave a lasting impression on me. To the point that I have always been hesitant about using one.

Just the thought that I might wind up having to clean the ceiling pretty much does it for me. In  my house, it’s hard enough to keep the walls and floors clean, let alone washing the ceiling down. I have to admit the speed of a new electric pressure cooker minus the giggly top sounded positive. Yet, still not brave enough to buy.

Southern Girls Instant Pot Intro- Venison Cutlets

Until one day our friend Focus delivered a big, shiny new Instant Pot to us.  Great gift for a busy foodie even if she is a big ‘ole scaredy-cat.  Instant Pot whips up all sorts of yummy goodness. From venison cutlets to roasts, main dishes, stew, soup, rice, yogurt, dessert all cooked very fast. Quickly a roast is delivered to the point of submission and mouth-watering tender.

Speed alone is a reason to use. Warning: Read the manual before you start using your pressure cooker. Then read it again. Do not skip reading the manual because improper use may lead to worse things than red beans on the ceiling. Scaredy-cat reads the manual every time I use my magic machine.

Even then, I am a bit nervous as I follow all the steps.  Each new cooking phase adds a little more adventure to your evening meal. Instant Pot does not have a giggly top but it does click away while cooking. FYI probably not a good idea to have a glass of wine while using this device.

In my research I discovered class action lawsuits on certain brands of  pressure cookers and a new field called Pressure Cooker Injury Lawyers.  I imagine someone saying “Y’all watch this!” just before they did something really stupid.

Read the manual. Pay attention and save wine to drink with dinner for Southern Girls Instant Pot Intro- Venison Cutlets. A friend gave us venison and it turned out delicious in my brand new shiny but intimidating Instant Pot. If there is a deficit of venison in your freezer beef cutlets could be swapped out.  Alexa Shout out to Hank Williams Jr, A Country Boy Can Survive.

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