When my mom passed away more than a decade ago, I remember missing her most in the kitchen. Later, a friend suggested my keeping her framed photograph on the cookbook shelf to place on the counter as needed. Follow my example if you’re missing someone in the kitchen.

We grew up with a very close relative who always requested my mother's Creole Red Beans and Rice with Gulf Coast flavors stirred into the mix.

I'm serving it tonight for a family dinner honoring Fats Domino and Patrick.... using thinly-sliced smoked Spanish chorizo sausage for my last-minute substitution.