Country@Heart Dinner Diaries
Creole Chicken & Okra
By Tim H. Martin
Sometimes I buy a cookbook just for one or two recipes. When I heard about "Cooking Up a Storm," I knew there would be dozens of recipes I'd like, which proved to be true. After Hurricane Katrina, there was risk of losing much of the old Lo... READ MORE
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
Midnight Mac & Cheese
By Tim H. Martin
I've just learned that my great aunt Lendol Bryan passed away at the age of 96. She was one of the sweetest, most gracious ladies I've ever known. Aunt Lendol was well-known around my little hometown in north Alabama for her good humor, her... READ MORE
Chicken & Sausage Filé Gumbo
By Tim H. Martin
With Quick Brown Roux Instructions! Ingredients (all except roux): • One whole chicken or 4 chicken breasts, skin-on • 16 oz. smoked sausage, thinly sliced, preferably Andouille • 2 cups okra, sliced (optional) • 4 quar... READ MORE