I love a weather forecast that starts with "Abundant Sunshine" and that's just what we have this week, and gloriously warm weather, unlike much of the rest of the country. The SoCal family is gathering in West Hollywood on Saturday for a joint birthday celebration for my great nephew and for me-- it's going to be mid-80s. I've always said I'm part lizard, as this is perfect temperatures for me,

For the recipes this week, first off is a feast-worthy pork rib roast. Try the brine-in-advance technique. I was skeptical when I first tried it years ago and seasoned one steak in advance and another own just before cooking; the preseasoned steak was markedly tastier than the other. I salt almost any meat I cook in advance now when time permits,

Next, a simple shrimp and asparagus stir-fry that, including prep time, is done in the time it takes to cook a pot of rice. And finally, a luxurious beef stew that cooks in a pressure cooker. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, grits or polenta, or simply over toasted French bread. Delicious!

Enjoy these recipes, stay safe and healthy, and, as always, let me know what's on your mind.

Best regards,

Susan Ford, Publisher and Editorial Director
Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

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P.P.S. The cookbook is getting rave reviews, check out the table of contents on the order form. Makes a perfect gift!

Previous recipes:

 • Bacon-Crusted Oysters • Glazed Ham Steaks • Fried Pork Chops and Tomato Gravy

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140+ recipes, all but a handful with lush photography, all tried and tested-- and tasted!

Roast Rack of Pork

This is a feast-worthy recipe, and does require some advance planning, as it needs to be seasoned and refrigerated for at least 24 hours and up to 5 days in advance of cooking. That long dry brine ensures the roast is seasoned to the bone.

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry

This is an easy recipe, and a nice one to try on a busy night. Start your rice, then start prepping. Start the stir fry when you move the rice off the heat to rest 5 minutes; that's about how much time you'll need to finish dinner.

Tuscan Beef and Black Pepper Stew

Hearty comfort food, this has limited prep time and cooks in a pressure cooker,  so almost entirely hands off once you seal the pot. This will be equally good over hot biscuits, rice, grits or polenta, mashed potatoes, or hot toasted French bread.