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
Snacks And Starters
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
Fresh Peach Bars
Fresh summer peaches are the best sweet I know. And I am always testing out new ways to make the most of them. And I think this is a pretty novel one. A bouncy layer of peach-rich curd baked on a sugar cookie crust. Not quite like a lemon bar, but in the general vicinity. But the real bonus right in the middle of a hot and busy summer is how easy these are to make. Spin up the … [Read more...] about Fresh Peach Bars
Whipped Burrata with Tomato Caprese
I am going to be totally honest with you that this recipe came by accidently. And is so peak food writer-y it’s almost cringe. I invited some folks over for a drink on the patio one day, absolutely sure I had a small wheel of brie in the fridge (as you do), which I could easily whip until smooth and serve with some toasted nuts and honey or homemade preserves. I mean, how … [Read more...] about Whipped Burrata with Tomato Caprese
Blueberry Vanilla Bars
I really love the incredibly vivid blue hue of these summery sweet treats. And even more so because it is totally natural, not food coloring needed. Reducing pureed blueberries concentrates both the sweet flavor and the color, creating these surprising and delicious bars. I love a healthy dose of speckled vanilla bean paste, though extract works as well, to complement the … [Read more...] about Blueberry Vanilla Bars
