Recipes

Root beer! Everyone loves a nice cold mug of this creamy, foamy soft drink, but have you ever wondered where it comes from? Root beer’s roots are actually tied to beer, which is why the word appears right in its name. Early versions of beer were often brewed as a way to make water safer for consumption. Prior to the 19th century, drinking water could be dangerous, as public waterways were often contaminated with human and animal waste. Fermented beverages were known to be safer, leading many people to regularly consume low-alcohol beers, also known as small beers, instead of water. Early root beers were born out of the small beer tradition, when people began to add the roots of sassafras and sarsaparilla plants, which were thought to have medicinal properties. The resulting beverage, a literal root beer, would have been reminiscent of the soft drink we know and love today, though less sweet, and with a low alcohol content.

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The shopping is done, and the turkey tucked away in the fridge or in a brine bath. Sweet potatoes candied, russet potatoes cubed and rolls rising under the protection of a clean kitchen towel.

The pumpkin, pecan, and cherry pies have been baked and tucked away in the fridge under a layer of tin foil, perfectly browned awaiting a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweetened mounds of vanilla whipped cream.

The twenty-pound turkey, liberally rubbed with butter and herbs is covered in a tent of foil and placed in the oven ready for its six hours of roasting to a golden brown. The house begins to smell of Thanksgiving dinner as the guests begin to show up, following the heavenly scents wafting from the kitchen.

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Summer is fast approaching, and I for one couldn’t be happier! I’m a sun dweller who revels in summertime’s sultry days and warm nights. But like many, I do not enjoy turning on the oven when the temperatures began to soar. Salads are wonderful and I certainly enjoy my share of them, but sometimes you need something with a bit more substance.

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The foundation for a happy and fulfilling life is the ability to spend time with family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers around a table with beautifully prepared food. Food and drink comfort us, bringing us to a place of blessed moments with those we hold dear.

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I’ve always been fascinated by the art of entertaining. As a small child, I would watch my mother and grandmother effortlessly moved around the kitchen - expertly preparing beautiful dishes, setting a strategic pace, and tying last-minute details together. Our guests were graciously invited to join us at the table, a spot set with them in mind. After everyone was seated, the food was served.


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Soon and slowly, bright orange carrots, small heads of lettuce, onions, and the first round of plump tomatoes will be ready to pick and eat. I’m eager for glass cups filled with ice-cold homemade lemonade with beads of water collecting and dripping down the sides. Planting a garden has been an annual ritual in our family for many years. Some years, it’s large enough to feed a small army; others, just a few tomato plants satisfy our desire for fresh produce.

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As we spend more free time on our backyard patios, the desire to cook outside becomes greater! It’s time to grill, and it’s time to barbecue, baby! Those two words are often used in the same context - grill and barbecue - but did you know that they are two truly different methods of cooking?

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I think we’ve all had at least one jalapeño popper at one time or another in our lifetime. You know the appetizer that comes out coated in breadcrumbs, deep fried, and bubbling hot… The one that instantly burns your tongue with scalding hot cheese, and then burns it again with the heat from the pepper. Yes, I know you’re familiar with this deliciously sinful appetizer! As far back as I can remember, the jalapeño popper has been a staple at parties, graduations, and get-togethers. It’s an expected appetizer at many bars and family restaurants.

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Biscuits and gravy is the heartiest of hearty breakfast foods. Don’t you agree? Soft, flaky biscuits covered in creamy gravy… a decadent and filling way to start off the day.

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Let’s talk about the FLAVORS of this dish! Chicken is a meat well accepting to marinades and glazes. Its receptivity makes choosing the right seasoning a critical decision. This recipe begins with a sweet and salty overnight marinade, and then finishes with a complex glaze of sweet, acidic, and savory spices.

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