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
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
Oconee Swamp Bud Puppies
By Tim H. Martin
Beer Batter Delights from a South Georgia Hog Hunt. Recipe Courtesy of the Curtis Purdee family, with special thanks to Nickie Purdee Oliver Yields about 20 Ingredients: 1 cup of self-rising yellow cornmeal mix1 cup self-rising flour1 tabl... READ MORE
Tim’s ‘Mater Gravy
By Tim H. Martin
Before you country cookin' traditionalists look at these ingredients and start throwing tomatoes at me, I confess my recipe is a bit different than what most mawmaws make. Leave out the hot sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pe... 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