Country@Heart Dinner Diaries
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
Cajun-Style Venison Backstraps
By Tim H. Martin
Cajun-Style Venison Backstraps Recipe Ingredients:• 1 whole venison backstrap, Liquid Cajun injector seasoning, 1/2 bell pepper (finely chopped), 1/2 Vidalia or sweet onion (finely chopped), 1 cup mushrooms (sliced), Cajun rub or seaso... 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
Sara’s Beef Stew
By Tim H. Martin
Recipe courtesy of J. Wayne Fears and his book “The Lodge Book of Dutch Oven Cooking.” Makes 6-8 portions Ingredients: 1 package Adolph’s Beef Stew Mix2 tablespoons vegetable oil3 pounds beef round, cut into 1-inch cubes1... READ MORE
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