I love to cook and I love to learn about how to cook. I have always had a problem figuring out how to use dried herbs versus fresh herbs. In my chaotic world, I sometimes do not have fresh herbs on hand. I have found a great tip to help out when this eventuality arises.

When this catastrophe happens to you, follow the easy rule of three. When substituting fresh herbs for dried, multiply by three when using fresh herbs. A tablespoon of fresh for every teaspoon of dried. Simple, right? By using this simple rule of thumb, you will never be caught in a panic situation!

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Tarragon encourages the digestive process and alleviates a number of problems associated with the digestive system. This roast salmon recipe is a wonderful combination of tarragon and tomatoes. It is simple yet wonderfully complex all at the same time. Only 325 calories to boot. A tremendous salmon recipe to create all year round. Enjoy! 

Mardi Gras is a fascinating and historical time of year. This exquisite pasta salad uses one of the official Mardi Gras colors. The colors of the New Orleans Carnival were chosen in 1872 by that year's Rex. By some accounts, the colors were chosen because Rex thought they looked good together. Twenty years later, for the 1892 parade, Rex declared that the colors had meaning: purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power. Celebrate the day with this special pasta recipe and Happy Mardi Gras!

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On September 22, 2011 The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA Columbia) released their annual report on the importance of family dinners. CASA Columbia’s 2011 family dinners survey and report finds that compared to teens who have frequent family dinners (five to seven per week), those who have infrequent family dinners (fewer than three per week) are almost four times likelier to use tobacco; more than twice as likely to use alcohol; two-and-a-half times likelier to use marijuana; and almost four times likelier to say they expect to try drugs in the future. 

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Fall is here! The record heat in Georgia has finally broken and my thoughts are rushing headlong into fall and all the great recipes you can create and prepare. Colored leaves, Halloween, apple cider, chilly nights and a lovely sour cream pumpkin bar recipe. This pumpkin bar recipe is outstandingly simple and inexpensive. Get the family ready for a wonderful time of year by making a batch right out of the blue. I share my favorite time of the year with you and yours. Enjoy with a cup of tea or latte!

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I love New Orleans and Southern Louisiana. I can make that disclosure with pride and joy. Back in the early to mid 1990’s I was fortunate to have a business that allowed me to travel to that unique area probably 4-5 times a month. My family and I fell in love with the character, beauty and extravaganza of the people and of the area. We travelled all over Cajun country. Lafayette. Houma. Baton Rouge, Morgan City, Gonzalez and the main artery of New Orleans. We witnessed fields of sugarcane. I sampled foods that I had never been exposed to before. We visited the home of the Tabasco plant on Avery Island and participated in Mardi Gras. We buried ourselves in powdered sugar at Cafe Du Monde while polishing off plates of beignets. What a magical place!
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I came across this wonderful bacon recipe while perusing the Boston Globe website. This candied bacon recipe is quite outstanding. Our test kitchen made a batch over the weekend and it was a phenomenal hit at a function we had later that evening. The bacon sticks were chewy and packed with that lovely bacon flavor. I loved the combination of the sweet brown sugar and the smoky bacon flavor. It is a winning combination.

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April 14th is National Pecan Day! Did you know that pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals – including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc? Pecans are healthy and good. A great combination. This pecan pie recipe from the Georgia Pecan Commission will highlight just how tasty and outstanding pecans really are. Enjoy! 

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The potato is king in this classic Irish soup recipe. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a simple yet filling potato recipe that you will want to use throughout the year. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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What a picture of spring! Irish food is not all corned beef and mashed potatoes. This wonderful cheesecake practically jumps out at you with color and bountiful flavor. The cream cheese and sour cream add layers of taste and lightness. A dash of Baileys adds a little kick that make this Irish cheesecake something to behold and remember.

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