I was in a very fancy grocery store and saw a lovely, beautifully wrapped box of hot chocolate-on-a-stick. My first thought was “I can do that.” And those babies with their cellophane and ribbon and fancy label were selling for $10 apiece. Yea, I can do much better than that. These pops are basically block of chocolate ganache on a stick. You can flavor … [Read more...] about Hot Chocolate Pops
Sweets
Red Velvet Polka Dot Cookies
Red Velvet Cake is a real childhood memory for me. I have an aunt who makes a great one. But it was definitely not trendy or cool or in. Red Velvet was seriously down-home, real country food. It wasn’t even a standard on diner menus. But that all seems to have changed. I am dubious about this hipsterfied version. I have had some really, really bad red velvet made by … [Read more...] about Red Velvet Polka Dot Cookies
Caramel Apple Cookies
The flavor of caramel covered apples is amazing. Eating a caramel apple, not so much. The caramel-to-apple ration in my opinion, tends to be too low. I can’t abide those pre-made wrap around sheets, and making a good caramel is a bit of work. And in the end, the caramel tends to slide off the apple. Here’s the solution. I’ve made these cookies for years, but not as … [Read more...] about Caramel Apple Cookies
Peach Butterbourbon Sauce
I don’t really know what else I can say about this recipe. It’s a rich, Southern version of butterscotch sauce with fresh peaches cooked right in, and a nice little kick of bourbon. Of course, this is great over a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that my favorite way to eat this is with a spoon. A few slices of fresh peaches on the ice … [Read more...] about Peach Butterbourbon Sauce
Watermelon Pie
Summer in the South, the heat, the humidity, is best dealt with by a cool slice of fresh watermelon. The thwack of a big knife slicing into the thick rind and the slurp as it cuts through the flesh is up there on the list of summer sounds with crickets humming and the sprinkler whirring. When I think of watermelon, I think of fireflies, because I remember summer evenings … [Read more...] about Watermelon Pie
