I am getting into mahjong. About ten years ago, a friend approached me about taking a mahjong class and at the time, I thought it was the weirdest thing. I mean, who plays mahjong? But she and some other girls took the lessons and got up a little group that plays almost every Friday with a rotating roster of players. They have so much fun and make snacks and cocktails and have … [Read more...] about Cheddar Slab Pie
Sausage and Collard Queso
Cheese dip is never a bad idea. And what has come to be generally revered to as “queso” comes in all forms here in the south - all cheese, lots of peppers, ground beef, ground sausage, smoked sausage, spinach, spicy…you name it. It is always the hit at a party. So adapting it for the traditional New Year’s luck food seemed an obvious step. Eating greens on new year’s day brings … [Read more...] about Sausage and Collard Queso
Cranberry Toffee Cookie Sticks
I’ll admit, this particular flavor combination came about by accident. I was planning to make cranberry and white chocolate chip bars, but I didn’t have any white chocolate chips. So I stood there pondering what I did have on hand and realized toffee pieces would be a fantastic combination. I have a friend who makes these fantastic lacy, crispy cranberry toffee cookies so I … [Read more...] about Cranberry Toffee Cookie Sticks
Gingerbread Cheesecake
Gingerbread is one of my favorite classic holiday flavors, all full of spice and comfort and hominess. I find many ways to incorporate the flavor profile, from a gingerbread bundt cake to baked apples to brownies and overnight muffins. It just screams Christmas to me (but I am not patient enough to roll, cut and decorate gingerbread men or a … [Read more...] about Gingerbread Cheesecake
Cacio e Pepe Cheese Wafers
Having a roll of cheese wafer dough in the freezer or fridge during the crazy holiday season is such a boon, and I have made so many different versions, from plain cheddar to pimento cheese to parmesan and rosemary. This version is on trend with the increasingly popular flavor of cacio e pepe – the classic Roman pasta dish of pecorino cheese and black pepper. The result is the … [Read more...] about Cacio e Pepe Cheese Wafers
