Two Holiday Favorites from Blue Cayenne’s Archives: Cranberry Relish and Squash, Apples and Cranberries
“We must find the time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” …
Food, Photography and Bon Mots
Side Dishes
Autumn Leaves, Eva Cassidy, and Beans and Lentils
The leaves are turning. The mornings are crisp and cold. It’s autumn—bean weather. Need some music to get you in that autumn state of mind? Put on a warm sweater, grab a steaming cup of Darjeeling tea (stirred with a cinnamon stick, of course)…
Swipe Right for White Beans Au Vin
There have been too many to count. One was sweet and sultry and oh-so-smooth. Another was decidedly rough at the edges–kinda took my breath away. Then there was–<yawn>– the steady and reliable one. And on and on…and on. (<Blush>) Now– it’s a…
Woo-hoo! Blue Cayenne is FIVE!
Break out the champagne and the party whistles. Cue the birthday music. Blue Cayenne is five! Who knew! I certainly didn’t. When I clicked “post” that first time five years ago, it was with no small amount of trepidation. Would anyone read my posts?…
I’ll have a cup of vodka with that! Pasta alla Vecchia Bettola
“I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero.” —Sophia Loren I’m with Sophia. Why not start your pasta…
Getting Smashed: Russet Potatoes With Horseradish Sauce
I’m a potato person. Surely it is my Irish heritage. I love mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato cakes and on and on. I think if I ever were to post on one of the ubiquitos dating sites, I would have to be honest. My…
A Cabbage Roll By Any Other Name: Golabki
Lahanodolmades. Kaalikaaryle. Bai Cai Juan. Golabki. It’s Lahanodolmades in Greece. It’s Kaalikaaryle in Finland. It’s Bai Cai Juan in China. It’s Golabki in Poland. Turns out, cabbage rolls are “a thing” just about everywhere. And, it’s with good reason. They are delicious! So here is…
Spicy Kuri Squash With Harissa and Lemon
Cooks have long understood the impact of color on eating habits. The ancient Egyptians and Romans used herbs to color their foods and wines in an effort to enhance their appeal. Instinctively, I think, most of us understand that color suggests flavor, ripeness, and sweetness.…
Not Your Momma’s (Or Dorcas’) Holiday Green Beans: Green Beans With Dried-Cherry Vinaigrette
According to Smithsonian Magazine somewhere in the neighborhood of 20,000,000 people will be eating green bean casserole this Thanksgiving, many of them following some version of the recipe Dorcas Reilly (pictured below) created in 1955. Dorcas was a food expert working for Campbell’s Soup Company…
Cheesy Potato Heaven! Gratin of Asparagus and Potatoes
When an Irish girl tells you that a potato dish soars, you should listen. This potato dish soars! Potatoes should definitely be on your Thanksgiving table anyway. The potato carbohydrates will give you the energy you need to keep things on a mellow Norman Rockwell-esque…
