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File Gumbo / Chez Helene

File Gumbo / Chez Helene by Amos Miller

The late Chef Austin Leslie left a brilliant legacy of Creole dishes and he helped form my approach to the cuisine of NOLA. I follow no other recipe than the one he left me. When a dish is perfect, why stray? Fresh ingredients will tell the tale. Now, as my mentor Paula Wolfert admonishes: "Relax and follow the recipe"!

2 votes
7873 views
Asian-inspired Mini-Meatballs

Asian-inspired Mini-Meatballs by Amos Miller

A perfect appetizer, great hot or cold, and can be easily made the day before the party in a large crock pot. All you’ll need is toothpicks and tiny plates! I’ve built upon an interesting recipe I found for meatballs with a teriyaki sauce and the inclusion of, yes, dried cranberries. This was so tasty when I first made my…

3 votes
9622 views
Cajun Crowder Beans

Cajun Crowder Beans by Amos Miller

Also known as Crowder peas, these delicious little fellas can often be found in frozen form at the store. These are fresh picked right here in Michigan and, like fava beans and so many other seasonal treats, we rush them to the table. Crowders are really a 'Southern' treat and I first enjoyed them when visiting relatives in West…

2 votes
17917 views
Cranberries with Jezebel Sauce

Cranberries with Jezebel Sauce by Amos Miller

If you don't care for the tart tang of cranberries - try this. My dear friend, Gail, serves this dish her way frequently and everyone likes it because it is sweet & spicy and just tangy enough. A great condiment. I've modified Gail's recipe a tad and share it with you. Cranberries will no longer be a Thanksgiving side dish. This…

4 votes
11386 views
Beef Fajita Best Marinade

Beef Fajita Best Marinade by Amos Miller

This is fast, simple and super delicious! You should have a very hot (very) cast iron griddle or pan to do this right. I preheat the griddle and simultaneously heat a cast iron serving dish so it goes to table with that distinctive 'sizzle'. Be sure to cut the meat, after it has rested, across the grain and as thin as you can. This…

3 votes
11496 views
Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage & Red Potatoes, Duck Fat Fried with Cumin Sea Salt & Cilantro Garnish

Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage & Red Potatoes, Duck Fat Fried with Cumin Sea Salt & Cilantro Garnish by Amos Miller

Have a taste for a HOT hot dog with an upscale South of the Border touch? This is a hit. Its a somewhat unusual sausage, but obtainable - or you can make your own (email me for the recipe). I use duck fat here. I save the fat whenever I serve…

5 votes
6982 views
Cornbread, Jalapeno Maple Bacon

Cornbread, Jalapeno Maple Bacon by Amos Miller

When the daytime temperature hits around 50 degrees and the evening plunges to 30 or lower, it is time to begin the annual maple syrup processing in our neck of the woods. We use it for many things and one of them is this cornbread. I first had a jalapeno cornbread in Texas, made by my sister's cowboy husband's aunt Netha, and…

12 votes
22553 views
Texas Chuck Wagon Chili (with Venison or Beef)

Texas Chuck Wagon Chili (with Venison or Beef) by Amos Miller

I originally made this with chuck roasts that I would trim out and dice into 1/4 inch cubes. Yes, you will form a blister or two - but it is well worth it. In 1987, this chili, I'm pleased to say, was judged best by members of the Chicago Fire Department in a Chicago Chili Cookoff. This is truly a Texas Chuck Wagon Chili: no…

2 votes
17101 views
San Antone Black Bean Salad

San Antone Black Bean Salad by Amos Miller

With friends and family living in the great state of Texas, my frequent visits have always meant new flavor profiles to experience, new ways to express myself in the kitchen and when I am invited out and asked to 'bring something to pass'. I developed the following recipe to assure that I would seldom have to carry home any…

9 votes
20726 views