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
Creole Chicken & Okra
By Tim H. Martin
Sometimes I buy a cookbook just for one or two recipes. When I heard about "Cooking Up a Storm," I knew there would be dozens of recipes I'd like, which proved to be true. After Hurricane Katrina, there was risk of losing much of the old Lo... 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
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
Midnight Mac & Cheese
By Tim H. Martin
I've just learned that my great aunt Lendol Bryan passed away at the age of 96. She was one of the sweetest, most gracious ladies I've ever known. Aunt Lendol was well-known around my little hometown in north Alabama for her good humor, her... READ MORE