Country@Heart Dinner Diaries
Tasso: America’s Great Unknown Secret Ingredient
By Tim H. Martin
So, what is tasso? I believe it’s the best-kept secret ingredient in all of American food culture. Unless you’re from the Cajun Country of southern Louisiana, you’ve probably never heard of it — even my spell-checker... READ MORE
Winter’s Day Etouffee
By Tim H. Martin
Winter's Day Etouffée Recipe: Author's Note:• If you’re not a big fan of mudbugs, don’t fret — substituting shrimp is an excellent alternative. To Begin:• First, peel and de-vein 1 to 1 1/2 pounds raw shri... READ MORE
Chicken & Sausage Filé Gumbo
By Tim H. Martin
With Quick Brown Roux Instructions! Ingredients (all except roux): • One whole chicken or 4 chicken breasts, skin-on • 16 oz. smoked sausage, thinly sliced, preferably Andouille • 2 cups okra, sliced (optional) • 4 quar... READ MORE
Olde Tyme Butter Batter Cornbread
By Tim H. Martin
Preserving a Vintage Cast Iron Technique. Based on recipe by Byron’s Smoke House • Auburn, Alabama Ingredients:6 tablespoons clarified butter (from 1/2 cup butter)2 additional tablespoons melted butter for brushing muffin tops3/4... READ MORE
Alabama Red Beans & Rice
By Tim H. Martin
I've had a couple of friends from New Orleans ask me what made these "Alabama" red beans and rice. I reminded them that Louisiana isn't the only state with Cajun and Creole culture. Alabama has plenty of Cajuns, too, down in our own bayou ... READ MORE