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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
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
Texas Chuck Wagon Pinto Beans

Texas Chuck Wagon Pinto Beans by Amos Miller

This dish is all about FLAVOR. San Antonio and Ft. Worth are my two favorite places to be when in Texas. This recipe was inspired by some dining experiences there and, to my palate, is as Texas as bluebonnets in Spring. Sweet and spicy, richly textured, these beans cry out for anything BBQ'd, grilled or broiled. Corn on the cob,…

6 votes
27745 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I originally made this with chuck roasts that I would trim out and dice into 1/4 inch cubes.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
Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder by Salad Foodie

We never wait for fall for this favorite of all chowders, but enjoy it year round. A good way to use up leftover roast chicken, and the ingredients go together quickly for a fast weeknight dinner. Can be lightened by subbing fat-free half and half, or a 12 ounce can evaporated milk for the cream.

2 votes
5839 views
Herbed Duck Broth with Wild Rice

Herbed Duck Broth with Wild Rice by Amos Miller

Take most of one duck, some fresh herbs, the flavors from a few vegetables and simmer. Voila! It's that simple. Almost. This recipe employs one duck, but you will be able to serve each of 6 to 8 diners a lovely bowl of this 'soup course' delight. What we have here is not a consomme, not a soup, and not really, by classical…

1 vote
9602 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
Sugar Pumpkin Curry Cream Soup

Sugar Pumpkin Curry Cream Soup by Amos Miller

We grow sugar pumpkins and after the harvest, I always break them down and puree them and pop them into the freezer for a long Winter's use. In addition to pies (of course), tarts, cookies, breads, custard and sauce - I love sugar pumpkin soup. As you can imagine, this member of the squash family is somewhat sweeter, has fewer seeds…

2 votes
4384 views