Category Archives: Recipes
The Mighty Muffuletta Recipe
February 28, 2017 · by Justin Hankins
New Orleans is one of the greatest food destinations in the world, and the muffuletta sandwich is one of the most quintessential foods in New Orleans. Although many imitations exist, there’s nothing better in my book than the original Central Grocery muffuletta recipe. Here’s my take on the muffuletta sandwich recipe, inspired by Nola Cuisine, […]
Muffuletta Olive Salad Recipe
February 27, 2017 · by Justin Hankins
In the movie, “Swingers,” Trent attempts to charm a woman by bragging that his buddy is “the guy… behind the guy… behind the guy.” Applied to the iconic New Orleans muffuletta sandwich, the olive salad is most certainly “the guy… behind the guy… behind the guy.” It’s the integral piece of puzzle. Or… as long […]
King Cake Macaron Recipe for Mardi Gras
February 24, 2017 · by Justin Hankins
It’s been two years since I posted a proper macaron recipe and even longer since I celebrated a proper Mardi Gras. Put ‘em together and whaddya got? Here’s my King Cake macaron recipe just in time for Fat Tuesday. The King Cake is an essential part of any Mardi Gras celebration. Honoring the Three Kings […]
Breakfast at the Farmhaus
February 10, 2017 · by Justin Hankins
It was the middle of February up in Leelanau County, and we were facing a week of hurricane-strength winds and several feet of snow. Knowing the roads would be terrible in the impending blizzard, we hit Hansen’s to stock up on food and snacks, before hunkering down in the Modern Farmhaus to get our hygge […]
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
May 3, 2015 · by Justin Hankins
I don’t think there’s anything in the world my girlfriend loves more than the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. She likes either one just fine by itself, but mix them together and get outta the way because she’ll knock your ass to the floor when she pounces. It’s therefore no surprise she suggested these […]
Asparagus with Sweet Onions, Garbanzo Beans, and Mint
April 15, 2015 · by Justin Hankins
It’s the heart of asparagus season, so here’s a quick and easy asparagus recipe you can serve at room temperature or chilled. The original recipe calls for P’tit Basque, a sheep’s milk cheese from the Basque region of France. And while I’m sure P’tit Basque tastes magical, like 10,000 unicorns dancing merrily across your tongue, […]
Honey and Balsamic Roasted Heirloom Carrots
April 5, 2015 · by Justin Hankins
I planned to make lamb for Easter, but didn’t have a solid idea for side dishes — so I went to the market to inspect their produce for inspiration. As soon as I noticed they’d received some beautiful heirloom carrots, I knew I had to use them. I opened up my phone, googled for a […]
Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheese
April 4, 2015 · by Justin Hankins
We were staying in the countryside of northern Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula when an impending snowstorm threatened travel for several days. Knowing we’d be stuck inside the farmhouse for a prolonged period of time, we decided to make a ton of snacks to keep ourselves busy, fat and happy. Our first project was my favorite soft […]
Irish Stout Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings
March 15, 2015 · by Justin Hankins
Smartmouth Brewing just released its very first Dry Irish Stout. The special St. Patrick’s Day brew was great to drink, and I knew it would be fun to incorporate into a cooking project, so I grabbed a two-pint and brought some home for the kitchen. My original plan was to make my favorite shepherd’s pie, […]
St. Patrick’s Day Macarons
March 8, 2015 · by Justin Hankins
St. Patrick’s Day is on the horizon, so I whipped up some macarons in Irish-themed flavors for the occasion. I decided to flavor them with coffee and Irish whiskey after stumbling upon Irish coffee mugs at a local consignment shop. But as is usual with most good alcohol adventures, one drink led to another, and […]