Author: digginupdinner

Entrées

Rosemary Brown Butter Skillet Filet Mignon

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Filets are one of my go to items to prepare for friends and family on special occasions, or even when we aren't celebrating anything other than good company! A few years ago, I lived in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to moving into my loft, my aunt took me around the city on an apartment hunt. After a long day of debating my future dwellings, she surprised me with a visit to this magical place I immediately fell in love with… the Westside Market.

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Appetizers · Sides

Southern Cornbread

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Cornbread is a southern staple. It is frequently served at lunch and supper with just about any southern dish. My grandmother even used to crumble up leftover cornbread and stuff it into a cup of buttermilk for a snack! My dad makes the best cornbread and there are very few suppers that I can remember that were not served along with a warm slice of southern goodness.

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Entrées

Cider Brined Roasted Chicken

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I became very intrigued with the process of brining meats after watching a demonstration video from Alton Brown's show, Good Eats. Alton is one of my all time favorite chefs because he is so straight forward. He always gives the 411 on food science and busts a lot of cooking myths along the way. My fiancé took me to see one of Alton's live shows a few years ago, and it was great… if you are a foodie, I recommend going to a show if he comes your way! He is quite the comedian too.

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Entrées

Creole Jambalaya

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There are two variations of jambalaya, Cajun and Creole. They are both insanely delicious, but the difference between the two comes down to tomatoes. Creole versions incorporate them while Cajun ones do not. The term Creole originally referred to people who were born to the settlers in French colonial Louisiana. French Creole refers to people with European ancestry who were born in the colony, while Louisiana Creole refers to mixed ancestry. Creole food has a mix of cultural influences of New Orleans. Cajun cuisine got its roots from the French Acadian settlers in the swamps and prairies of southwest Louisiana, and their cuisine was more rustic. 

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Uncategorized

Crock Pot Apple Butter

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I had good intentions of making this and posting earlier in the apple season, but time just got away from me! Most of the U-Pick orchards are picked out, but the farmers markets here in Ohio are still beautifully packed with apples galore of many late season varieties. I absolutely love Jonathan apples and decided to use them in my apple butter this year. Jonathan apples are a medium sized apple and are sweet, tart, and very juicy! However, you can use any type of apple that you fancy!

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Soups & Stews

Porter Turkey Chili

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It is officially chili season! I can eat chili any time of year, but fall definitely compliments this dish very well! I love experimenting with chili and finding new ways to enhance this classic. One of my favorites is a beer based chili. I used turkey this time because I have been eating a bit too much red meat lately. The turkey went very well and absorbed the rich flavors nicely, but beef or chicken would work well also. You can also skip the meat and double down on beans instead. If you canned tomatoes from your summer garden, this is a great time to use them! You can also use dried beans instead of canned. Just make sure to soak them overnight first so that they are soft enough. 

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Appetizers

Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

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I have noticed that bacon wrapped dates have become more and more popular over the last few years, popping up on more menus and showing up at catered events. I have heard that they are nicknamed "Devils on Horseback". I have had them stuffed with a variety of different soft cheeses, or just as a plain love affair between bacon and dates. They are great for gatherings and easy to assemble. I like to put them together and stow them in the fridge the night before I am hosting, so all I have to do is pop them in the oven right before guests arrive. They give your house a delicious aroma so even if you just called in a take out order for your party, your house will smell like you have been hard at work in the kitchen all day!

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