Bucatini with Vodka Cream Sauce Makes 4 servings 1 pound bucatini pasta 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ½ medium onion, chopped 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 cup vodka 1 (28-ounces) can crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon […]
Watermelon “Steak” Salad Makes 4 servings Dressing ½ cup light olive oil ¼ cup canola oil ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon sugar ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili lime seasoning Kosher salt Coarse-ground pepper Salad […]
Pickled JalapenosMakes about 1 cups ½ cup white wine vinegar½ cup water1 tablespoon sugar 1½ teaspoon kosher salt1 garlic clove, smashed5 teaspoons black peppercorns5 teaspoons coriander seeds8 ounces jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, peppercorns, […]
Pickled Onions Makes about 1½ cups 1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon kosher salt½ cup white wine vinegar¼ cup rice vinegar1 garlic clove, halved5 black peppercorns3 small thyme sprigs1 medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced Bring 3 cups of water to […]
Covid-19 is more than just the name of a virus. It’s a testament to how much weight I’ve gained (and then some) since the pandemic triggered lockdowns from here to high heaven. I don’t do well being locked in the […]
As a woman of a certain age, my hormones have become a little discombobulated, so last month I decided to do something about it before I went up in flames. After much internet research, I learned that a diet high […]
When my kids were little guys, we planted an herb container garden on the deck every spring. They were in charge of watering the seeds and picking out any debris. They’d watch the pot every day, anxious for a green […]
This past week, I’ve been listening to Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes, and my desire to visit Italy has been reignited. (SPOILER ALERT: The memoir is nothing like the movie, so there’s no sexy Italian guy whisking anyone off to […]
When I decided to sell baked goods at the Matthews Community Farmers Market, I had no idea the impact being a vendor at my town market would have on my life. Not only has Queen City Kitchen been well received […]
As someone who cooks for a living, I spend most of my time in the kitchen. Each day I do my best to turn out great food for my clients. I have made thousands upon thousands of dishes over the […]
I am really particular about potato salad. Growing up, there were only three people’s potato salad that I would eat, and they are all related to me. My mom, my Aunt Frankie and my Aunt Lorraine. Each potato salad was […]
I can’t believe it’s already May! I feel like I just took down my Christmas tree, and it’s already Cinco de Mayo. I’m not Mexican, but I appreciate the significance of this holiday. Cinco de Mayo honors the Mexican Army’s […]
When I think about a romantic dinner for two, my mind immediately drifts to that famous Bella Notte scene in Lady and the Tramp. I just love how those two infatuated pooches interact with each other. She flutters her eyes at […]
Yesterday was my last day on the Daniel Fast, and I feel so much better. After consuming an obscene amount of rich and indulgent food over the holidays, I was in desperate need of an eating overhaul. For twenty-one days, […]
When I think about oatmeal, I think about the bowl of sweet, creamy goodness my Nana used to serve me and my sister when we visited her for the summer each year. Nana could transform a bland, boring a pot […]
I’m one week into the Daniel Fast, and I have to say that it hasn’t been that bad. It’s actually been quite inspiring and definitely necessary. I ate so much food from my birthday on November 4 through the holidays. […]
Updated from andriagaskins.com. Original post November 27, 2013 I have to admit, I’m a cranberry sauce snob, and I scoff at the idea of eating cranberry sauce out of a can. My skin crawls just thinking about the sound of […]
Much of my life can be chronicled by food. I fell in love with Big Daddy over a pan of leftover rice and tomatoes at some diner in West Virginia. A lemon cake introduced me to the world of competitive […]
I love it when I learn how to make something new. I started baking my own apple chips about five years ago when I was looking for dried fruit to go on a baked brie platter I was making for […]
