The holiday entertaining season inevitably means cheese boards. I spread of nice cheese and crackers, maybe a few nuts or fruit, has always been a go to for parties, but in the last few years the elaborate cheese and charcuterie board trend has really exploded. And I am all for it. I love cheese, and really there is no easier way to impress guests than by serving a beautifully … [Read more...] about Cheese Board Chowder
Cranberry Chess Pie
I am a chess pie fanatic. It was a frequent dessert at my grandmother’s house and a fond childhood food memory for me. That sweet, soft filling with a slightly grainy texture from a tiny dose of cornmeal. I love it. And I have produced many iterations over the years, from Sweet Potato Buttermilk, to chocolate in a chocolate crust to salted honey. Some … [Read more...] about Cranberry Chess Pie
Pumpkin Gruyere Muffins
Pumpkin time has arrived, starting with the silly Halloween season and running through Thanksgiving. Cookies, pie, bread, soups – pumpkin is everywhere (but please, let’s get over the “pumpkin spice” insanity). I love pumpkin at this time of year and incorporate it whenever I can. With these muffins, I move from the traditional sweet cinnamon tradition to a lovely, cheesy, … [Read more...] about Pumpkin Gruyere Muffins
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
Pear, Leek and Walnut Tart
I want to extol the virtues of the savory tart. From classic quiche to stunning flamiche, Chicken, Cheddar and Pecan or a seasonal Italian Summer Cherry Tomato. The permutations are endless, which is certainly a large part of the appeal, but for me the savory tart represents exactly what I aspire to in the kitchen most of the time. Beautiful, … [Read more...] about Pear, Leek and Walnut Tart
