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
Cajun-fried Largemouth Bass
By Tim H. Martin
Catch and Release, Into Hot Grease! Ingredients and Directions: In a lidded container, combine 1/4 cup hot sauce with 1 cup buttermilk. Soak up to a dozen hand-sized bass fillets in the liquid for a minimum of two hours, preferably overnigh... READ MORE
The Gumbo Paddle
By Tim H. Martin
Heirloom Tool For Rowing Rivers of Roux. I'm one of those cooks who's difficult to buy gifts for because I already have pretty much every kitchen gadget there is. While surfing Facebook last December, I saw a rustic hand-carved gumbo paddle... READ MORE
Fire Grits!
By Tim H. Martin
Just the right amount of heat in this devilishly creamy dish Ingredients: • 1 cup quick grits • 2 cups half-and-half • 2 cups chicken stock • 2 (10 oz.) cans original RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained &bu... READ MORE