Monthly Archives: December 2011

Toasting the New Year

Posted on 12/31/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

We thought we’d toast 2012 with a bit of bubbly and a look back at some of our favorite drink posts from 2011. But first, here’s a festive prosecco pear cocktail, from one of the many bloggers who helped make … Continue reading →

Posted in Recipes, Spirits | Tagged , , , , , | 59 Comments

Lucky black-eyed pea cakes

Posted on 12/30/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

There’s an old Chinese proverb that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day will bring one luck in the new year. Oh wait, it’s a Southern thing. Black-eyed pea cakes 4 cups cooked black-eyed peas 2 minced serrano chiles 6 … Continue reading →

Posted in Dinner, Food, Recipes | Tagged , , , , | 66 Comments

Hot buttered nog

Posted on 12/29/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

Who doesn’t want an excuse to drink butter? Hot buttered nog 1 cup eggnog 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup sweet vermouth fresh grated cinnamon fresh grated nutmeg 1 tsp butter Heat milk and eggnog until warm, but don’t allow to … Continue reading →

Posted in Recipes, Spirits | Tagged , , , | 43 Comments

Ham bone Soup

Posted on 12/28/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

This soup is a great way to use up the ham bone from a holiday meal. Any combination of white beans will work as long as they have around the same cooking time. Extra chopped ham can be added if … Continue reading →

Posted in Dinner, Food, Recipes, Soups | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

Stuffed mushrooms with ham and cheddar

Posted on 12/27/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

These are really quick and a great way to use some of that leftover Christmas ham. The mushrooms need to be stuffed a few hours ahead of time so the filling can set in the refrigerator for three hours. Stuffed … Continue reading →

Posted in Appetizers, Food, Recipes | Tagged , , , , | 53 Comments

Turnip greens

Posted on 12/26/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

We have trouble finding a greens recipe that works for both of us, so when we saw one for collard greens over at AnnaShortcakes we just had to try it. Katherine often thinks greens are too bitter, unless they’re cooked … Continue reading →

Posted in Dinner, Food, Recipes, Sides | Tagged , , | 38 Comments

Seasons Eatings

Posted on 12/25/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

We here at the Rufus’ Food and Spirits Guide, and all of our dogs and roosters, hope everyone has a fun food-filled Christmas and that Santa brings them everything they want.

Posted in Food | Tagged , | 68 Comments

Coffee and cream brownies

Posted on 12/24/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

Because caffeine is good for you… Coffee and Cream Brownies For topping 8 ounces cream cheese (softened at room temperature for about 30 minutes) 1/4 cup sugar 1 ounce coffee liqueur 1 large egg 1 tbsp. flour 1/4 tsp ground … Continue reading →

Posted in Dessert, Food, Recipes | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Steel head trout with Grand Marnier

Posted on 12/23/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

Steel head trout looks and tastes almost exactly like salmon, but at half the cost for fresh. Naturally I decided to give it a try and came up with this quick sauce to go along with it. Create individual polenta … Continue reading →

Posted in Dinner, Food, Recipes, Seafood | Tagged , , , | 43 Comments

Peppercorn Martini

Posted on 12/22/2011 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

By Katherine I made this as an alternative to Greg’s standard dirty martini. Flavored vodkas can be pricey. Making a simple syrup is a cheaper alternative. Peppercorn Martini 3 ounces vodka 1 ounce dry vermouth 1 tsp sherry 1/2 ounce … Continue reading →

Posted in Recipes, Spirits | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments