I have an unruly privet hedge. I know it can look a little shaggy and overgrown. I know my neighbor doesn’t like it. Landscapers have tried to clean out my hedge, make it neat and groomed. But at the end of April every year, and again, briefly, in September, that privet is wildly overrun with honeysuckle. And I adore honeysuckle. I stand in the driveway in the … [Read more...] about Honeysuckle Cordial
Pickled Asparagus
The spring brunch season starts with Easter, then moves onto graduation parties, wedding parties and long vacation weekends. That’s where this recipe comes from. It was a request for Easter brunch – pickled asparagus to garnish Bloody Marys. I of course complied. Because quick pickles like these are so easy, but add a very special touch. I happened to find the baby … [Read more...] about Pickled Asparagus
Strawberry Buttermilk Cupcakes with Buttermilk Vanilla Frosting
I love strawberry season. Not only do I finally get my hands on delicious berries, but it really means the start of delicious farmers market produce. I only buy strawberries in season. I know you can get them all year round now, but I don’t like the watery, hothouse types, or ones flown in from far away under ripe, then left to over-ripen and become sodden in plastic … [Read more...] about Strawberry Buttermilk Cupcakes with Buttermilk Vanilla Frosting
Southern Pecan Salad Dressing
The main attraction in these early days of the farmers markets here is the wide variety of lettuces and salad greens. But I skip right past those stalls, because this year I have a big beautiful, bed of lettuces in my own backyard, with a little help from Bennett-Burk Farm. I have eaten lettuce every day, and passed on large amounts to family and friends. With all this … [Read more...] about Southern Pecan Salad Dressing
Charro Beans
I’ll be honest, I don’t actually know the history of Cinco de Mayo, I just know it’s a perfect excuse for a slap-up Mexican meal, and that is always a good thing. And there is something so friendly and communal about a Mexican feast. It’s a great way to gather friends and family, its interactive eating that everyone can enjoy. So for your own celebration, serve up some Smoky … [Read more...] about Charro Beans
