Baked brie with fruity toppings used to be all the rage, and the real height of sophisticated appetizers. But they seem to have fallen out of fashion a little. I rarely see them at parties or in cookbooks anymore. Perhaps the trend for simple artsy charcuterie trays have taken their place, or appetizers served on individual spoons. But just because a dish isn’t trendy … [Read more...] about Baked Camembert with Pear, Cranberry and Walnut Relish
Snacks And Starters
Bubbling Beer and Bacon Cheese Dip
Cooking with beer is an October tradition. While it is just cool enough to have one last outdoor event, it is fun to put together an Oktoberfest celebration. The weather is beautiful and the food is comforting, perfect for a gathering of friends. Warm sweaters and warm colors, leaves turning, a nip in the air and of course, plenty of beer. This recipe was born because it … [Read more...] about Bubbling Beer and Bacon Cheese Dip
Rosemary Pear Butter
As autumn approaches, I start to feel a little panicky about the end of farmers market season. I spend a huge amount of time in the summer preserving the bounty, through canning and freezing my favorite produce. But when I start to realize that my source for all that fresh, local goodness is going into hibernation, I fret and worry. My Saturday ritual will come to an end, … [Read more...] about Rosemary Pear Butter
Smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese
I’ll make an admission here that may damage my Southern girl credentials. I am not a football fan. I went to lots of high school football games, but football was the least interesting part of the event. And I didn’t go to a college with a big football program. I am, however, a fan of parties, and if football happens to be going on in the background, … [Read more...] about Smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese
Sweet Tea Cookies
The flavor of sweet tea is the flavor of the South. With the wafting aroma of mint and the tang of lemon, with that tooth-achingly sweet depth. I love to transform those flavors into many forms, from bourbon punches to sorbet to these cookies. They are redolent with those iconic flavors. The texture of these cookies is really that of a classic Southern tea cake, but I just … [Read more...] about Sweet Tea Cookies
