Every community, particularly in the South, has those handful of classic community cookbooks that everyone seems to own, or haveaccess to, or just know about. They are the reference points for the community table. Compiled by church auxiliaries, symphony leagues, historic societies, these treasure troves bind a community through the most essential love we all share. Food. … [Read more...] about Chicken Pecan Bites with Blue Cheese Dip
Snacks And Starters
Garlic Goddess Potato Salad
A good potato salad is something of an essential for the backyard cookout or grilling session. It can be made ahead, and adds that substantial heft to a burger or hot dog plate. And a homemade potato salad is so much better than a bag of cheap chips. Served next to a steak, it’s downright elegant. A very good cook I know, with, let’s say a few more years of wisdom than … [Read more...] about Garlic Goddess Potato Salad
Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Jam
Canning is a new passion for me. I’ve had fits and starts about it over the years, lots of failures, lots of time spent making jams or relishes only to forget about them and never use them. But after all that trial and error, I have finally got the knack of it and have had mostly successes, and a great deal of enjoyment from what I have produced. I have even gained the … [Read more...] about Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Jam
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix (with canning instructions)
When tomatoes are is season, or growing on my vines if I’m lucky, I preserve them in any way I can think of. I make sauce, tomato soup base and just plain old puree and stack them up in ziptop bags in the freezer. Sometimes I can whole tomatoes, but now I’ve learned you can freeze them whole for later cooking. This year, I’ve been looking for a new and … [Read more...] about Homemade Bloody Mary Mix (with canning instructions)
Peach and Ginger Muffins
The combination of peaches and ginger is a favorite of mine, and in these muffins, it really shines. These muffins are not too sweet, but burst with flavor and texture. Fresh, in-season peaches are such a summer treat, make the most of the season. Use real ginger ale for this – the kind you find at natural food stores or specialty markets. Fortunately, it is frequently … [Read more...] about Peach and Ginger Muffins
