Missouri Life columnist, Doug Frost knows something about adding a sparkling Missouri wine to your holiday table. Read how “sparklers” came to be and why Missouri has some really good sparkling wine for you to serve at your next celebration.
Exchanging holiday treats is a time-honored tradition and what is better than a batch of fresh-baked goodies from a friend or family member. Missouri Life reached out and got cookies, their stories, and recipes from all across the state. Try one of these recipes for your own cookie exchange.
Black walnuts are common in Missouri and have many, many uses. From savory to sweet, these nuts are delicious and nutritious. Seared pork chops, tangy apples, and a hint of brown sugar makes this dish one for the holiday table.
Making tartlets for the holidays could become your newest tradition. The pecans in the crust in this recipe make for a nice crunch and a perfect balance for the tart cranberries and the tangy apples. Top them with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Eggs Benedict are a brunch favorite. This recipe changes the traditional dish by adding smoked salmon. Perfect for a holiday brunch or your next lazy Sunday morning breakfast. And to top things off it is also a feast for the eyes.
This Kansas City Italian restaurant elevates its dishes to a higher level. The James Beard award-winning chef and his team are inspired by regions in Italy and bring the freshest quality to each plate. Make a reservation today!
For many, eating what you hunt for has a lot of value. But if you do not want to hunt for your turkey, this recipe works perfectly for a purchased bird. The brandy soaked grapes add a tart and sweet undertone. Try this recipe!
Clafouti is a baked dessert traditionally made with layers of fruit. This take on clafouti is made with butternut squash and hazelnuts with a rich egg and vanilla batter. Treat your family and friends to a rich take on a traditional dessert.
These cookies have ground coffee and coffee liqueur to give them the perfect robust flavor. Walnuts add a nutty crunch and the white chocolate adds sweetness. Try these with a cold glass of milk or a fresh-brewed cup of coffee.
Make a batch of these moist, spiced pumpkin muffins for Halloween or for a lovely brunch. Crunchy pecans, raisins, and warm spices make them delightful. Packed full of pumpkin, each muffin is a tasty treat. And you can freeze some for later.
Gooey butter cake is the representative dessert of St. Louis and has thus become the representative dessert of the Show-Me State. Adding pumpkin elevates this ooey gooey dessert to a whole new level. Perfect for Halloween or anytime of the year.
Persimmons can tell if the winter is going to be harsh or mild. They also are great to eat in pies or sweet breads. This pie is made with persimmon puree which can be purchased at specialty stores or online. Give it a try!
The KC Strip steak is a favorful and tender cut of beef. Dressing it up with fingerling potatoes, bacon lardon, cipollini onions, and wild mushrooms really makes this a center stage dish. Great for special occasions. Your family and friends will be wowed.
You can cook just about anything over a live fire. This corn casserole is no exception. The green chilis give it a hint of heat and the smoke from the fire brings out the sweetness of the corn. Serve as a side dish or add a salad for a delicious main course.
Butternut squash is readily available this time of year and this soup is one of the best ways to prepare this hearty vegetable. Topped off with crunchy, sweet and spice pumpkin seeds and you have a savory meal to share with friends and family.
As fall approaches, you may have plenty of zucchini left or know someone who really wants to get rid of their excess. This recipe is a warm and satisfying way to use up this plentiful squash. Serve as a side dish or add a salad to make this a main course.
The dog days of the summer are coming to a close. August is the perfect time to get your homemade ice cream fix in. Strawberries and coconut milk add a delightful twist to a classic favorite. Make a batch to share while it is still hot out!
Leong’s Asian Diner is known for creating Springfield Cashew Chicken. Try making this elegant shrimp and scallop dish that they created. It is worth the time to find the Asian salted black beans and the black vinegar. This dish is a real treat!
Preparing scallops may seem like a challenge. This recipe makes a stunning dish you can easily create and serve. The smoky bacon and the full bodied seasonings bring out the sweetness of the scallops. Make this dish for your next special occasion.
The heat of August summers bring Missouri an abundance of fresh tomatoes. Create this relish and serve over chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, or toasted bread. This list goes on and on. Leave it to say, this dish is very versatile and easy to make.
When corn and cucumbers are plentiful, you will want to mix up these big batch recipes. You will have more than enough to share with friends and family and plenty to bring out during the cold winter months. A jar of summer goodness makes a great gift.
Summer is in full swing and tomatoes are coming on strong. This confit is a great way to grab all the flavor of the season and concentrate it for a variety of uses. Using fresh herbs really makes that summertime taste sing.
Elderberries are widely known for their health benefits, but who knew how tasty they are too. Find out how to make a special treat packed with goodness and good health. Everyone who tries this recipe will thank you from the bottom of their hearts
This is a meatloaf that mom’s (and all cooks) can be proud of. Sweet and tangy sauce with moist and flavorful meat baked to perfection makes for a comfort food you will savor. Make mom proud and make this dish today. Save some for a sandwich later.
Breaded and deep-fried to a golden perfection, this sandwich is a diner staple. Now you can make it at home. It cannot be contained by the bun, the crispy edges will hang off both sides. Perfect for nibbling before taking that first big bite.
Beautiful beets are available in most grocery stores, but if you can get to a farmers’ market that is the way to go. Beets are colorful and good for you. Then add goat cheese, and wow, you can’t go wrong. Make extra, the leftovers are great.
Summer just screams time to barbeque. Just about anything tastes great when you pop it on the grill. Stuffed peppers are no exception to this rule. Use three colors of peppers for a pretty presentation. Pick a peck of peppers and fire up the grill!