January 8th is Elvis’s birthday. If you grew up in Memphis, you know that. For my 25th birthday (quite a few years ago, and not in January), I had a big party. At Graceland. The party was in the large lobby of the ticket pavilion, decorated (by Graceland) in pink, black and turquoise balloons. We ate barbecue and danced to an amazing retro band called The Bouffants. It … [Read more...] about Cookies for the King (Banana Cookies with a Peanut Butter Glaze)
Snacks And Starters
Omelets in the Bag
Bag omelets, as we call them, are a favorite project for my family. The family legend behind this is that my Dad was watching some sort of hunting and fishing outdoor program on a Sunday afternoon and they demonstrated these as a campfire cooking idea. Dad called my Mom into watch, and they were so intrigued, they made them that night. Well, they couldn’t stop talking about … [Read more...] about Omelets in the Bag
Milk Punch and Cookies
Milk Punch has roots in New Orleans, with a history as a hair-of-the-dog remedy. In fact, my best milk punch memory is enjoying a bit too much at a wonderful wedding brunch in New Orleans. And now, that bride makes milk punch for a Christmas party every year. I have to admit though, I make it differently from my friend. I’ve had milk punch that is just milk and bourbon … [Read more...] about Milk Punch and Cookies
Sugared Peanuts
These nuts are another cocktail party recipe. Yes, they are perfect for nibbling at a cocktail party, but I really say this because I picked up the idea at a cocktail party. Some ladies and I were standing around with our drinks, nibbling on a bowl of glazed pecans and chatting about various flavored nut recipes. One of the ladies remarked that her grandmother always made … [Read more...] about Sugared Peanuts
Peppermint Black Bottom Cupcakes
Last year, for the big family Christmas Eve celebration, I was tasked with providing a dessert. It’s a little tough to figure out the right dessert for a great big gathering, one that serves enough and pleases everyone. In the past I’ve made cakes and pies, but you always need to make two or three, plus someone has to evenly slice and serve them. And transport can be a … [Read more...] about Peppermint Black Bottom Cupcakes
