When I first started this blog, I was a little afraid of yeast. I hadn’t had much success with bread baking and I was a little too lazy to deal with kneading and shaping. But over the years, as I have learned more and spent more time in the kitchen, I have largely conquered my fear of fresh baked bread. I even branch out to make specialty loaves, like Butternut … [Read more...] about Fresh Tomato Basil Bread
Southern Specialties
Peach Brown Butter Cake
I’ve never been very good at making beautifully frosted layer cakes. In fact, I generally avoid them, turning to Bundt and tube pans for simple and attractive cakes. I don’t have the patience required to beautifully frost towering layers, and it never comes out looking quite like I’d imagined. I take a cue from British bakers with a simple, single layer with a lovely gilding of … [Read more...] about Peach Brown Butter Cake
Strawberry Lemonade Bars
I’ve made these delightful bars for years but am only getting around to posting them now. As I sat down to write this post, it occurs to me that this is the perfect time for this recipe. These bright, springy bars are perfect for picnics our outdoor gatherings with their sunny flavor and pretty appearance. They just feel like spring to me. When strawberries come into … [Read more...] about Strawberry Lemonade Bars
Good Luck Gumbo (Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Gumbo)
I am reposting this New Year's Day favorite recipe again, because I think we could all use as much luck as we can get this year! I am not an overly suspicious person. Sure, I have my little quirks, but I don’t worry about black cats, walking under ladders, throwing spilled salt over my left shoulder. But there are a few traditions that I adhere to because, well, it can’t hurt. … [Read more...] about Good Luck Gumbo (Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Green Gumbo)
Summer Squash Muffins
Sunny yellow summer squash is so abundant here in the summer. If you know anyone who grows it, you’ve probably found a bag of excess stealthily left on your doorstep in the deep of night – when it grows, it really grows. The farmers market is also awash in all varieties of summer squash, and sometimes I find it so cheerful I just can’t say no. But I frequently have one or two … [Read more...] about Summer Squash Muffins
