Country@Heart Dinner Diaries
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
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
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
Crescent City Shrimp Creole
By Tim H. Martin
New Orleans’ prodigal son re-creates signature dish. — Recipe by Tim H. Martin Preliminary Directions and Ingredients: First, peel and devein 2 1/4 pounds raw shrimp. Also, finely chop 1⁄4 cup green onions (green stems fo... 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