Ground beef simmered in tasty, dark beer with onion, pepper and spices = tender goodness on a buttered bun. Mom would be proud.

Mom’s Mince & Ale Loose Meat Sandwich

This is not my mom’s loose meat sandwich – but there is a story behind it that involves my mom. When I was a kid in Jackson, Mississippi, my mom and dad used to take us to this restaurant, I have no idea what it was called, but they had these loose meat sandwiches.  We all loved them! So my mom being my mom, recreated it at home.  Well, her version.  We had it often when I was a kid and all I can really remember about it is that it was a loose meat sandwich and it was peppery…

Pork jambalaya with burnt sugar - browned sugar, tender pork pieces cooked with rice and veggies. Cajun goodness!

Pork Jambalaya with Burnt Sugar

There are so many types of jambalaya – chicken and sausage, chicken and shrimp, with tomatoes, without tomatoes, turkey neck jambalaya, black bird jambalaya…I could go on and on. And just like other “cultural foods” people have strong opinions about it. If it’s red, it’s not authentic, if it’s brown it’s not authentic. Shrimp must be in there, no shrimp shouldn’t be in there. The truth is, jambalaya was created as a result of the need for a filling but inexpensive meal with easily available ingredients. So yeah, black bird jambalaya and turkey neck jambalaya. If you had those, you…

Shakshuka - easy, whole food, perfect for breakfast or dinner! Eggs simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce with Spanish chorizo, jalapeños, and veggies. Serve with crusty bread and avocados!

Shakshuka

My go-to breakfast?  Eggs almost always.  Usually, it’s a very, very simple heuvos rancheros with the Mission super thin corn tortillas.  Eggs just last me all day…Well, until noon at least.   Even though the cholesterol police – wife – wants to stuff oatmeal in my face, she is satisfied as long as I eat eggs and beans. Huevos rancheros is quick and mindless.  Shakshuka is what we have when we have a little more time on our hands.  Not that it takes that long, but it does require a tiny bit of prep and simmering time.  Not much though, don’t be…