Profile

purplepotato

Born and raised in the south, I've explored much of the world while traveling and in my work with the Peace Corps in West Africa. Now, I'm happily married, a proud mama, and live in Asheville, NC.

  • Website
  • Location: Asheville, NC
  • Favorite foods: chocolate, a perfectly runny egg, asparagus, artichokes, duck and crab.

Seriously Delicious Holiday Giveaway: Counter Culture Coffee Subscription

fresh ground and freshly brewed with cream

The Food Lab Thanksgiving Special: Brussels Sprouts Worth Eating

We always have brussel sprouts at Thanksgiving. These look terrific. I bet they would taste wonderful with that D'Artagnan turkey. Gee, I hope I win it!

No-Waste Tacos de Carnitas with Salsa Verde

I made it last night in preparation for dinner tonight! My house smelled mouth-wateringly good all night... I shredded it this morning and it made for easy de-fatting of the meat. Can't wait to eat it tonight with rice and beans and a mango salsa.

Lactose-free Thanksgiving etiquette tips/dessert ideas please!

I second Knitter's suggestion. My husband is lactose-intolerant and this is the pumpkin pie recipe that I'm making: http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/jamaican-spiced-pumpkin-pie.aspx. You can also use lactaid milk to help make the holiday menu easier. It tastes just like regular milk so your other guests wouldn't even know...

Cook the Book: 'Canal House Cooking, Vol. 1'

Pizza bianco dipped in cold, light gazpacho

Cook the Book: 'Modern Spice'

I'm going to have to second BaguettenBrie, I've always wanted to learn how to cook vietnamese food!

Tips for Choosing Supermarket Coffee

This is so funny, I'm a big fan of 8 o'clock coffee, although I like the dark italian roast (purple bag). I'm glad that others who appreciate coffee like that brand too! Now, if only it was Fair Trade...

Cook the Book: 'Rustic Fruit Desserts'

I'm a huge fan of a blueberry bramble! A little vanilla ice cream melting on top, what could be better?

Cook the Book: 'Endangered Recipes' by Lari Robling

My mom would make us "Frito Pie", which was small bag of fritos opened up with chili, cheese and sour cream on top. Sooo good!

Cook the Book: Eugenia Bone's 'Well-Preserved'

Everything from my garden (tomatoes, corn, beans, onions, okra, peppers)!

How Do You Grill Your Cheese?

hearty whole wheat bread, with sharp cheddar and caramelized onions, cooked on a griddle w/ butter.

Cook the Book: 'Bottega Favorita' by Frank Stitt

I'll usually render some bacon, throw in some onion, garlic, red pepper flake, deglaze w/ red wine and throw in some good canned tomatoes. Finish w/ basil. It works with almost any tubular pasta. What could be better?

'Julie & Julia' Trailer Now Available Online

I loved this book, I hadn't heard they were making the movie. Can't wait!

What's on Your Easter Menu: Ham or Lamb?

Lamb for sure!