We all have those events, particularly at this time of year, when we need to bring something. Bake sales, cookie swaps, parties. And you want to bring something other than the brownies or chocolate chip cookies everyone always brings (not that there is anything wrong with that). I find myself in that situation at lot. I created this alternative to be a holiday friendly, unique … [Read more...] about Festive Fruit Bars
almonds
Green Bean Salad with Fennel and Feta and Crispy Shallots
I have sort of a strange backstory for this salad. There was a small memorial gathering for a friend, just close family and dearest friends. As one does in these sad times, I wanted to provide some comforting food. Someone had arranged one of those online sign-up rosters and by the time I got the link, the only slot left was green beans. Now, I was pretty sure someone was … [Read more...] about Green Bean Salad with Fennel and Feta and Crispy Shallots
Sweet Potato Skordalia
I first had sweet potato skordalia in Birmingham, Alabama at a meal during a Southern Foodways Alliance event prepared by Tim Hontza’a of Johnny’s in Homewood. The whole “Greek and three” meal was fantastic, but I was enchanted by the little dab of sweet potato skordalia on the edge of the plate. It was the perfect combination of classic Greek cooking with Southern sensibility. … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Skordalia
Strawberry Almond Morning Cake
The strawberries are here! The strawberries are here! I anticipate strawberry season all year. I know you can buy strawberries every day now, but there is nothing like a fresh, seasonal, locally grown berry. So I wait. I may use some frozen berries during the out-of season-months, but I rarely buy the berries in the produce section. The farmers markets here start before … [Read more...] about Strawberry Almond Morning Cake
Strawberry Curd and Almond Cookies
Strawberry season was a bit slow to come this year, but I am now gorging myself on the in-season fruit and finding all sorts of ways to incorporate the ruby gems in my cooking. And this is a new favorite. It combines the flavor of beautiful local fruits and memories of England, and anything that can do that makes me happy. Lemon curd has always felt like a luxury … [Read more...] about Strawberry Curd and Almond Cookies
