I read something recently that scoffed that burrata was “so over” because it has become ubiquitous. I can’t say I agree. Things generally become ubiquitous because they are good and people like them, and it can be a shame to see something lovely shunted to the sidelines to avoid being uncool. Another thing I have heard called overdone is whipped cheese displays. I don’t agree … [Read more...] about Whipped Burrata with Balsamic Strawberries
Snacks And Starters
Crazy Rich Double Chocolate Toffee Brownies
I love cooking and I love writing recipes. I do. But even I lose my mojo. Sometimes when asked to bring something along to a party or an event, I just can’t muster a full day in the kitchen. I just want something easy and delicious that will make everyone happy. Like brownies. The problem is, when a recipe writer shows up and everyone wants to know what you brought and the … [Read more...] about Crazy Rich Double Chocolate Toffee Brownies
Muffuletta Layered Dip
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
Pimento Cheese Pinwheels
You would think that after writing an entire book on pimento cheese, and a book on southern snacks, and a book about funeral food, I would have exhausted any ideas for the creative use of pimento cheese. But apparently not. These were admittedly a bit of a throw together emergency appetizer, but that first time I served them they were raved over and absolutely … [Read more...] about Pimento Cheese Pinwheels
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






