Summer is all about casual entertaining for me. It’s too hot and too busy to be hosting elaborate dinner parties. I love drop-in, come as you are drinks or cook-outs, or the cold supper. I got pretty good at these during the pandemic for patio “parties”. I tried to bring back the English phrase “cold collation” but alas. It’s a breezy way to entertain - a spread of cold … [Read more...] about Whipped Feta with Za’atar Roasted Tomatoes
Starters
Honey Roasted Apples with Camembert
Autumn is a wonderful time for snacking. Whether it’s watching games, gathering with friends to enjoy the weather, or hosting family holiday meals, people love together around small bites and chat.. And I love a baked wheel of soft cheese with a sweet, fruity topping. It’s easy and delicious and everyone will love it. I like to keep a wheel of brie or camembert around for … [Read more...] about Honey Roasted Apples with Camembert
Baked Feta with Stone Fruits
Baked feta is all over the internet. And with good reason, heat turns one simple piece of salty cheese into a deliciously creamy element in a host of applications. That baked feta pasta is about the only viral food trend that has appealed to me, and it is a good one. But as with many of these “new” internet hacks, or discoveries, or inventions, those of us of a … [Read more...] about Baked Feta with Stone Fruits
Spring Asparagus Torte
Spring is a marvelous time for entertaining, and I like to make the most of the seasonal produce like fresh asparagus. This elegant little torte is delicious and unusual, but highlights the lovely flavor of spring’s best asparagus. I add just a little lemon zest and shallot to bring out that freshness because I find the addition of herbs or spices unnecessarily overpowers the … [Read more...] about Spring Asparagus Torte
Savory Butternut and Sage Cheesecake
Savory cheesecake is a thing. A few years ago, in support of my cookbook Southern Snacks, I appeared on Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family show to make my country ham cheesecake, and everyone was rather surprised (and dubious) of the concept. I won them over however. I love a savory cheesecake – it’s a fabulous party piece. It serves a crowd, can be made ahead, and with … [Read more...] about Savory Butternut and Sage Cheesecake