Life!
Related Photos
-
W. Dayton Whittle
Tools
Crisp and crunchy
Use flavors of autumn to bring zest to holiday meals
Autumn has a special meaning in my life. This is the time of the year when my family would go and spend time at the cabin in the woods of Buck Hill, R.I. My family grew many of their own vegetables and hunted for proteins. We spent many fall days foraging through the forest for wild onions, other root vegetables and herbs.
We would go to Round Top Lake to go fishing for trout and bass. I remember hiking and learning about the plant and animal life. My father and I spent many weekends cooking outside in the cast iron pans and in the ground using Dutch ovens; this helped me develop a respect and appreciation for bounty our forest held.
I grew up in a Scotch Irish household where roast meats and a root vegetable played a large part in our diet. Living so far from my family now, I miss the aromas and sensations that I once took for granted. The smell of allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg permeating the air would awake my interest of what was to come later for supper. My grandfather and I would sneak into the kitchen and explore the wonders that were awaiting us.
We would find parsnips caramelizing in the sauté pan and autumn bisque cooking on the stovetop and a wild bird that my papa Ray had caught roasting in the oven. I loved the aroma of the chestnuts roasting in the wood fireplace that were going to be used in our stuffing. My favorite autumn food however, was my grandmother’s homemade cranberry orange sauce.
Sometimes my cousins and I would sneak some of my Uncle Clarence’s rum cake. We knew that we were going to get caught, but it was worth it. The foods that I grew up eating in the fall were warm and comforting; they created the feeling of joy. Now when I think of home I think of the seasons and the foods that I miss.
While growing up, several members of my family still spoke with a Scottish brogue and many of the old world traditions played a huge part of our lives. I miss being near my family and find it hard to celebrate the holidays without them. My family and friends would spend much of our time having conversations in the kitchen while preparing something to eat. Food is part of the culture I grew up with and served as a way to solve issues and to celebrate. I find some comfort in that I can keep the traditions and culture alive and share it with my son.
— Chef Leonard Bailey is director of The National Institute of Culinary Arts at Mountain State University.
- Life!
-
-
Cooks find more uses for ‘the other white meat’
In recent years, pork has gained increasing popularity for family dinners, buffets and even for special occasions.
-
Flair and Flourish
Displaced worker reinvents herself with pen and ink
-
Scouting for food
Ever had a yen for some elk burgers or bear barbecue? How about some alligator gumbo?
Boy Scout Troop 103 will serve up these and other interesting menu items from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at its annual wild game dinner at the Dry Hill-Prosperity Community Center.
“I’m always amazed at how good the stuff is,” scoutmaster Arnold Bolen said. “We have about 34 different dishes this year.” -
Portraits gaining popularity among choices for tattoos
When it comes to using human skin as a canvas, there are many things a tattoo artist must consider.
-
NRCTC to host Women’s History Month convocation
A special Women’s History Month convocation will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. on , March 11, on the Greenbrier Valley Campus of New River Community and Technical College with the theme of “Wild Wonderful Women of WV.”
-
Fundraiser to feature plants and bulbs
The Greater Mount Hope Community Fund Inc. is planning what it describes as an exciting fundraiser called Come to the Garden Party.
-
So far, I’ve never been sorry for ...
Boy, we’ve certainly seen our share of public apologies here lately.
From politicians to sports figures and superstars, lots of folks are out there saying they’re sorry for one thing or another. -
Cooking with kids
Chef finds kids bring whole new perspective into fun of preparing food
-
Off and away!
Right about now, most people in southern West Virginia would love to be transported away where there are blue skies, warm breezes and lots of sunshine.
Actually, even if you haven’t been pummeled by unrelenting snowstorms, it’s a good time to consider off-season travel, a local agent said. -
Gluten-free, casein-free cookoff
Kids with autism are just like other kids when it comes to many of their favorite foods. Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets and pizza are all-time favorites.
- More Life! Headlines
-
