Summer Vegetable Tian

This is an elegant way to use up those bountiful summer vegetables.  Using a mandoline to slice the vegetables is your best bet.  The thinner the slices are the more evenly they will cook.  Some of you might have a food processer with a thin blade, that would work too.  You certainly can do it…

Grilled Avocados

On my trip to the West side this Fourth of July I had the pleasure of dinner out with some of the kids.  We went to a small Italian restaurant whose featured appetizer was grilled avocados.  Whoever heard of that?  Well now you have!  They are fun, delicious , colorful, and a conversation starter.  What…

Jeff’s Barbecue Baby Back Ribs

This is by far the best method of cooking barbecue ribs.  They will consistently come out juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone delicious.  Give yourself plenty of time.  They cook three hours in the oven ( with no attention) and then about 15 minutes on the grill. Print Recipe Jeff’s Barbecue Baby Back Ribs Prep Time 30 minutes…

Jeff’s Pork Fried Rice

This is an easy pork fried rice recipe  for weeknight meals. Feel free to use chicken, beef, or seafood in place of pork, or don’t add any meat and it is an  easy vegetarian meal. I use this when we have leftover pork, rice, or raw veggies. Cauliflower, snap peas, edamame, or any other raw…

Homemade Salsa

Nothing like putting those fresh- from- your- garden tomatoes to work in something other than salads and BLT’s .  Top your Mexican fare  with   homemade salsa and hold on to your sombrero! Print Recipe Homemade Salsa Prep Time 15 minutes Servings Ingredients 3 large, ripe, tomatoes1 small onion finely chopped1 small green pepper seeds removed, and minced1…

Pico de Gallo

For those of us that are lucky enough to grow fresh tomatoes, there comes a time when you have to start thinking of ways to use them other than salads and BLT’s,  so  we start making things we normally  just pick up at the deli. Here’s a good recipe for that great accompaniment for your…

Jock’s Chili’s Rellenos

Jock was looking for a relleno dish that he could make in individual servings.  After much research and extensive experimentation he has perfected this method that he is now sharing with you.  These not only look fantastic they taste as good as they look.  His method doesn’t in anyway compromise the taste you are looking…

Jeff’s Great 4th of July Pig Roast

Just another McGowan celebration for the record books!!!  You have to know by now that we love a party,  exceptional food,  great settings, tremendous friends and family,  mix well and you have a party,  add a roast pig and now you have a PARTEEEE!!!!  I was privileged to ride along and document the event.  What fun!  Following…

Cheese Cake

I have had this recipe forever.   It will never let you down.  I used it to make the wedding cakes for Jock and Angie’s wedding.  There is nothing more to say, except it is a winner! Print Recipe Cheese Cake Prep Time 30 minutes Cook Time 50 minutes Passive Time 24 hours Servings Ingredients 3…

Spring Rolls

These Spring rolls use a wrap that  is made with tapioca flour.   Besides the fact that it is the authentic way to serve them it qualifies them as gluten free.  I’ve kept this recipe very simple.  Once you get the technique down you can put just about anything in these rolls.  Add a couple of…

Crawfish Etoufee

Once again having J.D. around to get the crawfish is one of the first steps.  If you find another source, lucky you!!!  Anyway we had great fun making and eating this crawfish stew.  The boys would catch crawfish in the Cedar River and bring them up to the house to shell them and  eat them. …

Filo Triangles

This is a very old recipe.  It appears to be a lot of work, and it is time consuming.  Its’ redeeming factors are that it  is delicious, and they can be done ahead and frozen,  to be baked on the day of your party.  If you are looking for a drop dead appetizer that won’t be…