Fab Foodie Mama

I made a ham this Sunday for dinner, and with our family unit getting smaller and smaller, I had a lot left over, even after giving Will enough for many sandwiches. When I was young, my Mom often cooked jambalaya with leftover ham so I thought I'd wing it and try to make it as close to how I remember she did it.  I could have called her for the recipe, but it was 10 PM by the time I got around to prepping dinner. I had blogged another jambalaya recipe a few years ago which had potatoes in it.  This version, in my opinion is a lot better.  There is plenty of heat and the flavors of the creole spice are a treat for the palate.  And did I say so so so easy?  This was 25 mins of prep and cooking time.  This was close to my Mom's but I think mine has bit more heat.  I think I'll bring her some over tomorrow.  Serve with corn bread (gluten free preferred) for optimal enjoyment! Spicy Jambalaya (Serves 4) Ingredients: 2 C chopped, cooked ham 1 15 oz can fired roasted d

As with any protein, marinating prior to cooking allows the flavors to really come to life.  This version of Saag Paneer started with a recipe I found in a cookbook by a Food Network personality, Aarti Sequira, titled Aarti Paarti.  This differs from another Saag Paneer   recipe I posted a few months ago in that this variation (#2) does not have any tomatoes and as I mentioned above, the paneer cheese is marinated in spices for at least 30 minutes prior to frying. Serve with basamati rice, naan, as a side dish or alone.   Me?  I had mine today as a side dish with a juicy hamburger on a gluten free bun.  Who said you can't mix up your food regions? - Eat what you love! Foodie Mama Saag Paneer #2  (serves 4 as a side dish or 2 for a main, with rice) Ingredients: 1 t ground turmeric 1/2 t cayenne pepper salt olive oil 12 oz paneer cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes 1 lb greens (kale, spinach, chard) with stems removed and chopped into ribbons 1 medium yellow onion, m

Guess what, foodie followers?!  Foodie Mama is going to southern India; Chennai, to be exact.  My brother John is getting married to Meena and her family lives in Chennai and that is the wedding venue.  The ceremony is on July 4th but I will arrive a few days earlier.  Rachel will be traveling with me.  We had to get our measurements because we will be wearing sarees for the occasion.  I asked for a navy/royal blue and grey/silver and Rachel opted for hot pink and silver.  I'm looking forward to it a lot.  I have some work colleagues and employees I may try to see as well. As my followers already know, I LOVE Indian food.  I try to make it and am slowly getting better.  Mastering the spices and the level of heat is the tricky part.  I made this Chicken Saag recipe last week and it was amazing.  I have blogged a Saag Paneer recipe previously, with delicious paneer cheese; this one is a bit different in that the greens are not pureed and fresh ginger is used, not dried, and of cour

In observance of Mardi Gras, I had to post something slightly sinful.  While these cream puffs taste sinful, they are made without any sugar (unless you add some to the cream) so they are not even too naughty. Mardi Gras makes me recall visiting New Orleans with my friend Julie about ten years ago.  We had so much fun in the French Quarter; listened to a lot of Jazz, drank a lot of hurricanes and ate great food.  There was a Mardi Gras Party this past weekend at the Miscowaubik club.  The food was fantastic.  Mussels, Shrimp Creole, Jambalaya, Chicken Gumbo, some lovely veggie side dishes, and of course,  pecan pralines for dessert.  Foodie Mama tried to make those a few years ago and it was an epic fail.  I'll try again sometime. Foodie Mama Cream Puffs Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow starts Lent.  I'll share some good soup and simple meal recipes during the next 40 days. Back to the cream puffs.  My sister Sara bought me a great whipped cream dispens