I have a friend who loves Almond Joy candy bars. She is not much a sweet eater, but these are her secret indulgence. So I look for fun ways to recreate those flavors in a more celebratory, and maybe a little more sophisticated, treat. I hope you get the title of the recipe now, because I am pretty sure there is a trademark on the original and I don’t want to get in trouble! … [Read more...] about Joyful Almond Tart
Wintry Chopped Salad
Winter is here, the holidays have passed and life is returning to normal. Hopefully. And we are all maybe thinking a bit more about healthier eating (though I haven’t quite finished all the Christmas chocolate). In summer, the bounty for big, fresh salads is so immense, but in the colder months, it can be a little but hard to find inspiration. But this big bowl of delicious … [Read more...] about Wintry Chopped Salad
Collard Cornbread Muffins
New Year’s Day is all about the greens and black-eyed peas for prosperity and luck in the new year. I never miss this tradition, even if it’s just a tiny bite of each because I cannot tempt fate right off the bat! If I have friends and family stop by, I love to make big pots of each – maybe a Smoky Black-eyed Pea Stew, or some Slow Cooker Southern version. These … [Read more...] about Collard Cornbread Muffins
Mulled Clementines
I will admit, this idea comes from Instagram – but I don’t remember the source. I saw this in the frantic lead up to Christmas cooking and I was intrigued but didn’t really pay that much attention. Until I finalized my menu for Christmas day brunch and realized I needed something fruity on the table. Now, admittedly this is fruit soaked in wine, but it is the holidays after … [Read more...] about Mulled Clementines
Peppermint Bark Ice Box Cake
I am really into icebox cake now, after coming up with two summer versions (lemon speculoos and ginger peach). It is such an easy way to create an impressive dessert. So it seemed natural to come up with an idea for the busy holiday season. Because the best thing about an ice box cake is that it can be made – indeed must be – made ahead. And it is a blank canvas for … [Read more...] about Peppermint Bark Ice Box Cake