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
Venison Ragù alla Bolognese
By Tim H. Martin
Where deer season meets Italian seasoning Ingredients: • 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. ground venison or ground beef • 1 lb. ground pork or ground turkey • 4 oz. pancetta or slab bacon, finely chopped • 8 oz. button mushrooms or baby... READ MORE
Gator Tail Jambalaya
By Tim H. Martin
Traditionally, jambalaya is made with ham and other leftovers, but is wonderful with a variety of meats and your favorite ingredients. Try swapping out items in this recipe with things such as scallops, crawfish, duck, squirrel, pheasant, r... READ MORE
Sara’s Beef Stew
By Tim H. Martin
Recipe courtesy of J. Wayne Fears and his book “The Lodge Book of Dutch Oven Cooking.” Makes 6-8 portions Ingredients: 1 package Adolph’s Beef Stew Mix2 tablespoons vegetable oil3 pounds beef round, cut into 1-inch cubes1... 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