Do you know what this is?

No, it’s not grub worms. This is fresh raw turmeric—nature’s own ibuprofen.

Ever slathered yellow mustard on a sandwich? Then you’ve had turmeric. Like curries? Yep, turmeric gives it the bright yellow color. Even the iconic Kraft Mac and Cheese now uses turmeric to enhance the intense cheesy color.

Turmeric is bright orange on the inside, with a knobby light brown skin. The flavor of the tuber is a little bitter, but with a subtle bite, like ginger, with hints of black pepper. Some people think it tastes a little like an orange.

Turmeric contains curcumin, which helps decrease the amount of harmful inflammatory chemicals in the body. If you’re dealing with any inflammatory conditions, like arthritis, fibromyalgia or other auto-immune issues, you need to add turmeric to your diet.

Turmeric also reduces bloating, helps reduce the pain of a sunburn and, some believe, it helps slow the aging process (WHAT??? Research needs to be done into that RIGHT NOW).

But here’s the thing: In order for your body to absorb the curcumin, the turmeric has to be combined with black pepper. Which is why black pepper is one of the ingredients in this easy Turmeric Vinaigrette.

I don’t peel my turmeric when I make the vinaigrette. I wash the turmeric, throw everything into the blender, pulse for 5 seconds and then let it rip until the mixture is smooth. Turmeric Vinaigrette is great on heavy greens like kale, and is wonderful when tossed on roasted Brussel Sprouts or other vegetables. I’ve even stirred it into tuna and chicken salads for a taste sensation!

 

One great thing about the changing weather is that comfort food, like my delicious Baked Pork Chops and Apples, is back on the table.  

I really like this recipe for Baked Pork Chops and Apples because it’s quick and easy (of course). But if you hit the farmers markets, you’ll find an amazing assortment of apples that can really make this an interesting dish.

I don’t know why pork and apples play so well together. Maybe it’s because pork needs the sweetness of the apples to bring out its flavor. Or maybe, if the pork is cooked properly, the apples add just the right amount of moisture to the meat to make the flavors pop.

And speaking of overcooking your pork— don’t!

If you like it dry and white and hard, that’s fine (yes, I’m judging). But, really, there’s like zero chance of you getting trichinosis or some other wild disease if your pork chops are slightly pink in the center. They’ll be moist and delicious and taste like they should, not like a cooked shoe.

I’ve added a little apple cider vinegar to my Baked Pork Chops and Apples because it brings a little brightness to the dish.

What is brightness? It’s that little mouth spark that you get when you first bite into something delicious that makes you want to keep eating it.

Meat needs a bit of brightness because it has very little natural acid. And acid (think lemon juice) helps enhance flavors.

Fall has fallen. Cooler weather is on the way. But there’s comfort in what I’ll be putting on the table over the next few months.

If you love spicy food, I mean, really, really LOVE all things fiery and flavorful, then you’re ready for Nashville Style Hot Chicken.

I’m telling you, this atomic fried chicken is guaranteed to burn your face off. Ah, the eye-watering pain. The mouth-burning agony. It hurts (and tastes) so good.

Yes, there are a lot of spicy fried chicken recipes out there. But what makes Nashville Style Hot Chicken so unique is the “sauce” that is brushed, dipped or poured over the chicken just before serving. That sauce is so delicious; you have to serve it with a slice or two of good old-fashioned white bread to soak up all the drippy goodness.

Oh, and you definitely need some good pickles to gussy-up the plate. That’s part of the presentation. You don’t want to go to all the trouble of making Nashville Style Hot Chicken and leave off a traditional garnish!

Several (now famous) places in Nashville have been serving Hot Chicken for decades. But as we all know, it only takes one hip website or famous food show star to get the rest of the country clamoring for the next BIG THING RIGHT NOW.

But what in the world is Nashville Style Hot Chicken anyway? How it came into being is absolutely fascinating, but, then again, I love food history and how it defines our culture, and in this case, a city.

Give a read to Dr. Rachel Martin’s post on the website The Bitter Southerner to understand how Nashville’s so-called signature dish stayed hidden in plain sight for so long before exploding into the mainstream.

Hattie B’s in Nashville, which offers five heat levels, including “Shut the Cluck Up”, inspired my Nashville Style Hot Chicken recipe. I’ve changed it a bit by adding some spices to the flour. Like Hattie B’s recipe, I dredge the chicken pieces (breasts, thighs and legs only) twice in the flour before frying.

But I don’t add quite as much cayenne pepper as Hattie B’s because, well, I may be a little high strung, but I’m not crazy.

Read this recipe all the way through before you begin. I just heard you gasp. That’s right, one of the ingredients in the secret sauce is one cup of the hot oil from the skillet where the chicken is fried.

But, like I always say, you don’t eat like this every day, and I know how much you love fried chicken!

Ahh, Greece… sunbaked sandy beaches, lapis blue ocean waters and the air subtly scented with wild oregano. Yes, I’m dreaming right now…

I’ve always wanted to visit Greece, but until I can make that magical trip, I’m happily making do with this delicious and easy to make Sheet Pan Greek Chicken.

I shared my recipe for Sheet Pan Moroccan Chicken earlier this year, so you know that dinner can be ready in a little more than 30 minutes. Sheet Pan Dinners are especially wonderful because everything is blended together in one pan, so cleanup is a quick and easy.

This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken is loaded with the flavors of the Mediterranean, like oregano, lemons, artichokes and pine nuts. The red bell pepper adds color and crunch and the feta adds a subtle tangy saltiness. You can print the gluten-free recipe… and scroll down for the tutorial.

I threw in some pitted Kalamata olives because they’ve got an interesting (but mild!) umami taste… but you can always leave them out.

If you can’t actually get to Greece…this dish will carry you there. It’s the next best thing to being in Santorini… (well, kinda!).

 

 

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Tutorial

1. you’ll need… 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts (can be halved or quartered), drained; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 cup diced red pepper; 2 lemons cut in quarters or slices; ¼ cup pine nuts (optional); 4 cloves garlic minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ cup Kalamata olives (optional); 8 ounces feta cheese; ½ cup fresh oregano or mint leaves (optional); salt to taste.

2. Move oven rack to center. Heat oven to 425°F. Place chicken, drained artichoke hearts, onion, red pepper, lemons, pine nuts (if using) and garlic on a large, rimmed sheet pan or baking sheet.

 

3. Drizzle olive oil over meat and vegetables.

4. Sprinkle with oregano and black pepper. Toss gently with a spatula to combine. Add Kalamata olives (if using).

5. Roast for 20 minutes, stir and add the feta cheese. Roast for another 5 to 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh oregano or mint leaves if desired.