WHERE TO GO FOR ALL THE COOKING FACTS

I was fortunate to have received a very interesting gift over the holidays, a cook book entitled Secrets from the Southern Living Test Kitchens.  This is a fun book that compiles cooking knowledge amassed during the 40 year history of Southern Living.  The book becomes a "go to reference journal" whenever you find a recipe, read a magazine, or just plain want to get an explanation for an unfamiliar cooking term.

The book is itemized from A to Z, complete with a description and pronunciation for the term.  There are over 300 recipes from the Southern Living archives along with the chef's secrets for  making the very best version of their favorite dishes.  There's also help just in case you think you have absolutely ruined a recipe as they provide rescue tips to help bail you out. 

I found the book a wealth of information and an excellent refresher for the more experienced cook.  Here is an example of something I bet you weren't aware of. 
"Test Kitchen Secret:  Kiwifruit contains the same enzyme as fresh pineapple, so don't add it to gelatin salads or desserts; it will prevent the mixture from setting up.  However, the same enzyme makes kiwifruit good for tenderizing meats; just rub or marinate meats with kiwifruit before they're cooked."

See if you can find a copy of this book, you'll quickly find it will become your Webster's Dictionary for cooking and who knows you just might learn that cooking is easy and fun with the right tools of the trade....

Now, I also received a local treasure from my sister who has just moved to Morehead City, NC.  She sent me a copy of A Little Taste of Heaven, the Morehead City Heritage Cookbook.  This is an historical journey beginning with the founding of Morehead City in 1857 and was published in 2007, the sesquicentennial for the city.  It too is filled with recipes and stories from around their city and I have to say that I found a quick and easy dessert that is perfect for the winter season.  I have served it twice since discovering it and been very pleased with it both times.  I'd like to share it with you and encourage you to try it out as soon as you can.  I promise you will not be disappointed.

Cranberry Casserole by Jolene Walker

Ingredients:
3 cups raw apples, chopped (hard cooking apples are best)
2 cups raw cranberries
3/4 cup brown sugar
Zest of 1 orange

Mix together the apples, cranberries, sugar and zest.  Put in the bottom of a greased baking dish.

Topping:
1 stick butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup Quaker Oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are perfect)

For the topping, melt butter and add sugar, oats and nuts.  Mix together and place on top of the fruit mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Bon Appetit!!!