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
Pinwheel Steaks & Gravy
By Tim H. Martin
Based on recipe courtesy of Deb Boyer of Dakota Outfitters. Ingredients: • 6-10 tenderized beef or venison steaks — *In some places, they’re called cube steaks, but this doesn’t mean to cut into cubes! The pounded or ... READ MORE
Winter-Buster Beef Soup
By Tim H. Martin
Bayou and bay flavors amp up this beefy-vegetable classic. Ingredients: • 2 to 2 1/2 lbs. ground beef or venison • 3 cups beef broth • 2 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes • 10 oz. can Ro*Tel tomatoes and diced green chili... READ MORE
Alabama Red Beans & Rice
By Tim H. Martin
I've had a couple of friends from New Orleans ask me what made these "Alabama" red beans and rice. I reminded them that Louisiana isn't the only state with Cajun and Creole culture. Alabama has plenty of Cajuns, too, down in our own bayou ... READ MORE
Off-the-Grid S’mores
By Tim H. Martin
Making s'mores around a campfire should be a fun and simple activity, but the kids all too often end up with charred marshmallows, grit in their teeth and singed eyebrows. Raise your hand if you've ever gotten impatient and stuck your marsh... READ MORE