I think the chilly winter is a great time to host a real, grown-up dinner party. The holidays are over, school is back in session, everyone has had a chance to take a breath, and frankly, the social scene is a little slow. During the holidays, I see virtually everyone I know, at parties and celebrations, but generally only briefly, for a quick catch-up and greeting. There … [Read more...] about Pear and Stilton Soup
Fruit and Vegetables
Persimmon Bread
Persimmons are the brightest spot in the barren winter fruit scape. Sure, citrus is there, but I miss the reds, pinks, peach, blues, plums, purples and greens of summer bounty. But then there are these bright beauties, orange and smooth and shiny, with their frilly green caps. I have a tendency to overbuy, because I am so excited about a fresh winter fruit. And I am not … [Read more...] about Persimmon Bread
Black-Eyed Pea and Cornbread Skillet
No self-respecting Southerner, I boldly say, would let New Year’s Day pass without at least one bite of black- eyed peas. They bring luck and good fortune for the New Year, and everyone can use a little bit of that. Hoppin’ John is traditional in many quarters, but peas slowly cooked with a piece of pork are the norm for many. I like to vary my black-eyed pea intake, from my … [Read more...] about Black-Eyed Pea and Cornbread Skillet
Homemade Fruitcake
I love fruit cake. I know, I know, I am in the minority. Fruit cake is one of the most maligned and made fun of foods out there. We’ve all heard the jokes about the one fruit cake that actually exists, but is re-gifted around the country year after year. I think the only thing some people like about the gift of fruit cake is the handy tin it comes in, great for storing … [Read more...] about Homemade Fruitcake
Butternut Squash Pie with Sorghum Whipped Cream
Butternut squash is one of my favorite fall foods. I buy whole squashes at the last farmers markets, and when I see pre-cut pieces in the store, I buy those up too. I make pasta sauces and quick soups, I roast and mash. Get creative and go simple. I generally find myself with a surfeit of squash as I tend to get a little over-excited when they are in … [Read more...] about Butternut Squash Pie with Sorghum Whipped Cream
