Pecans are one of those ingredients that sing of the South to me. Driving through the Mississippi or Arkansas Delta, or rural Tennessee, you see groves of stately pecan trees, sometimes with a home nestled in amongst them. It is an evocative image for this child of the South. Growing up, my aunt and uncle would bring paper grocery sacks full of unshelled pecans when they … [Read more...] about Pecan Cake with Bourbon Buttercream
Southern Specialties
Farmers Market Cornbread
Summer is slowly (slowly) moving toward autumn, and the peak bounty of high summer farmers market produce is starting to taper off in anticipation of the fall harvest. There are still tomatoes, corn, peaches, peppers, but not for long. And though I love eating seasonal, I am close to having had my fill, ready for the winter squashes, apples and pears. I’ve put up all my summer … [Read more...] about Farmers Market Cornbread
Peach Buttermilk Cake with Peach Whipped Cream
Peaches and buttermilk are a wonderful summer combination (seriously - sweet, sliced peaches in a bowl drizzled with thick buttermilk are a revelatory treat). And baked into a simple cake is a great delight. But to be honest, this is what I think of as a template cake. Because the possibilities are endless. Top with strawberries, plums, nectarines, blueberries or other fruit. … [Read more...] about Peach Buttermilk Cake with Peach Whipped Cream
Bacon Creamed Zipper Peas
Rotund little zipper peas are possibly my favorite field pea, sweetly round jewels of flavor. I just love the little creamy pop of summer in every bite. I buy them in bulk during the summer season, eat them right way and freeze a huge supply for the winter. Cooking with an onion, some garlic, a piece of bacon or country ham is my quick fix, but this rich creamy dish is an extra … [Read more...] about Bacon Creamed Zipper Peas
Caramel Blueberry Dumplings
I’ve created here a hybrid of two great Southern desserts – caramel dumplings and blueberry dumplings. I’ve made them both, one a caramel sauce alone with simple dumplings and one with a plain blueberry sauce. This is an over-the-top rich and sweet dessert that is comforting and old fashioned and altogether charming. Fresh in season blueberries burst in a classic caramel and … [Read more...] about Caramel Blueberry Dumplings
