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Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Easy Pastry

By hand, or using a paddle attachment on an electric mixer, combine all ingredients to form a soft dough. Do not overmix. Wrap the dough well and refrigerate 10-12 hours before using. When ready to use, remove dough from refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes before using. Yield: 35-40 smallContinue reading “Easy Pastry”

Dirty Rice

Brown the ground pork in the bacon fat. Add veggies and seasoning and cook 10 minutes. Stir in rice and hot stock, lower heat , cover and simmer 18 minutes. Yield: 3 cups

Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Place strainer over large bowl. Line strainer with 3 layers of cheesecloth. Spoon yogurt into cheesecloth-lined strainer; let stand at room temperature to drain 3 hours (liquid will drain out and yogurt will thicken). Transfer yogurt to medium bowl; discard liquid. Meanwhile, coarsely grate cucumber. Place in another strainer; let stand at room temperature untilContinue reading “Cucumber Yogurt Sauce”

Chive and Tarragon Sauce

Mix together all ingredients. For the best flavor, prepare and refrigerate a day in advance. Yield: 1 1 /4 cup

Chantilly Cream

Combine the cream, vanilla, Grand Marnier and brandy in a mixing bowl and using an electric mixer, whip for three minutes. Add in the sugar and sour cream, and Continue beating on medium until it looks like whipped cream.  Do not over whip. Yield: 1 cup

Blackberry-Tasso Chutney

In a 1 1 /2-quart heavy saucepan, cook shallot, onion, and tasso in butter over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and chutney is thickened, approximately 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Note: Chutney can be made 1 weekContinue reading “Blackberry-Tasso Chutney”

Garlic Cheese Grits

Melt bacon grease over low heat in a 1 1/2-quart sauce pot. Add garlic and salt and cook for one to two minutes being careful not to brown the garlic. Add milk and broth and increase heat. Bring to a simmer and slowly pour in grits. Lower heat and cook grits for 15 minutes, stirringContinue reading “Garlic Cheese Grits”

Christmas Morning Casserole

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Brown bacon in a large skillet and drain most of the fat. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, green onion, garlic, Creole seasoning, and cayenne and cook five minutes. Set aside. Combine the eggs, half and half, and dry mustard in a mixing bowl. Fold the crumbled biscuits, cheeses and bacon mixtureContinue reading “Christmas Morning Casserole”