Cast Iron Chronicles: Black Beans and Rice

This Florida girl really feels sorry for non-Floridians who have never eaten Cuban food. Ropa vieja, lechón asado with lots of garlic, boliche, empanadas, maduros, dulce de leche, and, of course, pressed Cuban sandwiches with a side of black beans and rice. Although South Florida is best known for its vibrant Cuban community, we have pockets here and there in Central Florida and some excellent...
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Cast Iron Chronicles: Greek Pasta

One thing about keeping your cast iron handy is that it’s suddenly easier to make dinner. Here’s a dish that takes two pans and about a half an hour. Plus, it’s vegetarian! This a great one to fix if you’re incorporating Meatless Mondays into your routine and you’re too tired to think about cooking anything complicated. Greek Pasta 1 lb. penne pasta 1 can cannellini...
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mimi’s Black Magic Chili

Tonight is the church’s Halloween Hoedown and the return of the church-wide Chili Cookoff. If there’s one thing that’s pretty certain in church-related cooking contests, it’s that the Bero/Gaston women will do very well. Mama, aka Miss Carolyn, is famous for her homemade soups and ridiculously good pecan shortbread, while middle sis, Cigi, makes a chocolate thing so good...
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Kitchen Smackdown, Family Style

Today the church music ministry held its annual cookoff. This year’s twist? Take a firefighter favorite recipe, make it your own, and submit it for judging by actual firefighters. Mama, sis, and yours truly all entered–different categories, as it turns out–and brought home two wins! My mother is an excellent cook, so I was not surprised at all when her version of Low Tide Chicken won...
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