The basic ingredients of a classic muffaletta sandwich – olive salad, cold cuts and cheese – lend themselves to many interpretations, like this platter salad. In fact, the idea for this started to percolate when I last made my muffaletta cheese ball. This layered dip presentation is twist to a classic spread that’s pretty impressive on the table. But it has that … [Read more...] about Muffuletta Layered Dip
Holiday Cooking
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
Savory Rosemary Roasted Pears
Have you ever been stuck trying to come up with something new for the Thanksgiving table, whether it’s your own or you’ve been tasked with bringing something? I find sometimes there is not room for the new – everyone wants the traditional sweet potatoes, or grandma’s dressing, or Aunt Sally’s cranberry sauce or the once-a-year green bean casserole. But sometimes it’s nice to … [Read more...] about Savory Rosemary Roasted Pears
