Benedictine Spread

So many Kentuckians are grateful to Miss Jennie Benedict, a Louisville caterer, for creating Benedictine spread before the turn of the century. I grew up enjoying this famous green spread when my family would entertain. My mother would order green and pink loaves of bread from the bakery. She would cut off the crusts, slice…

Bacon and Cheese Spoonbread

This is a wonderful version of a southern favorite. ¾ cup cornmeal1½ cups cold water½ pound mild cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups)4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, softened2 cloves garlic, minced½ teaspoon saltDash of white pepper1 cup whole milk6 egg yolks, well beaten½ pound sliced bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled5 egg whites, stiffly beatenPreheat oven to…

Beer Cheese

10oz. grated Cracker Barrel sharp cheddar cheese10oz. grated Cracker Barrel mild cheddar cheese2 cloves garlic, minced3 green onions with tops, finely chopped¼ teaspoon cayenne½ teaspoon Tabasco¾ cup stale beer Soften cheese in microwave. Combine all the ingredients and mix until blended. Cover and store in a bowl in the refrigerator. The mixture will harden after…

Burgundy Beef Pie

This is another great comfort meal for a cold winter's night. 3 pounds lean beef steak, cut into 1-inch cubes4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter¼ cup olive oil3 tablespoons flour1 can beef consommè1 cup dry burgundy1 large onion, thinly sliced1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced¾ cup chopped celery and leaves1½ teaspoons snipped fresh dill1 bay leaf1 tablespoon…

Banana Breakfast Muffins

1¾ cups all purpose flour¾ cup sugar1¼ teaspoon cream of tartar¾ teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt2 ripe bananas, mashed2 eggs, beaten½ cup vegetable oil¾ cup chopped pecans Preheat your oven to 350°. Combine the first five ingredients in a bowl and make a well in center of the mixture. Combine the remaining ingredients and add…

Asparagus Parmesan

Courtesy Fred & Jenny Wiche 1 bunch fresh asparagus½ cup heavy whipping cream2 to 3 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (½ to ¾ cup) Steam asparagus just until tender. Heat the heavy cream with the cheese just until the cheese melts. Pour over hot buttered asparagus and serve.

Asparagus and Eggs Au Gratin

1 cup cracker crumbs½ cup mild cheddar cheese, grated½ cup American cheese, gratedBechemel sauce (recipe follows)4 hard cooked eggs2 cup steamed asparagusSalt and pepper to tasteSprinkle ½ of the crumbs in the bottom of a buttered casserole dish. Mix the cheeses with the well seasoned bechemel sauce. Place alternating layers of hard cooked eggs, asparagus…

Apple Butter

Apple butter is a favorite at my house on cold Winter mornings. It's delicious with hot Kentucky biscuits. ½ bushel apples4 pounds sugar2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon ground allspice½ teaspoon salt¼ cup red hots candies Preheat oven to 325°. Peel, core and quarter apples and cook in Dutch oven over low heat until tender. Juice…

Shrimp Remoulade with Fried Green Tomatoes

1 cup minced onion½ cup Chopped green onion3 cloves garlic, pressed¾ cup vegetable oil¼ cup tarragon vinegar½ cup brown Creole mustard2 teaspoons salt¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper2 teaspoons paprika2 pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined and boiledGreen tomatoes, sliced ¼" thick;     enough tomatoes to allow for 3-4 slices per portion¼ cup all-purpose flour¼ cup cornmealSalt and black pepper to…

Old Fashioned Meatloaf

Complement this dish with garlic mashed potatoes and French style green beans. 1 medium onion, chopped1 stalk celery, chopped1 tablespoon unsalted butter1½ cups crumbs from day-old French bread½ cup milk2 pounds ground sirloin2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce2 eggs, lightly beaten1½ teaspoons saltFreshly ground black pepper1 teaspoon garlic powder¼ teaspoon dried thyme2 bayleaves…