Tough Nut to Crack Pecans, it seems to me, are thought of as a particularly Southern nut. I cannot tell you anything about its growing condition or to what region or country the pecan is indigenous, but the trees proliferate around here. And the nuts feature prominently in Southern cooking from classic pie to divinity candy to pecan cheese straws. You rarely see pecan … [Read more...] about Southern Pecan Pie
baking
Hearty Pumpkin Cookies
My favorite time of year is finally here – pumpkin time! I love pumpkin - in cake, soup, risotto, muffins, bread and, of course, cookies. I am sure over the next few months my pumpkin obsession will manifest itself with a host of recipes, so be prepared! We’ve just had our first cool days here and I couldn’t resist whipping up an early batch of these soft, hearty and delicious … [Read more...] about Hearty Pumpkin Cookies
Apple Pie Bars
Once upon a time there was a beautiful apple tree. When I was maybe 10, my dad took me to the plant nursery and let me choose whatever kind of tree I wanted to plant in the backyard, to replace one that had died. My family had just enjoyed some magnificent apples, bright red with little red capillary-like veins running through the creamy white flesh. At the market, they were … [Read more...] about Apple Pie Bars
Super-Quick Smoky Cheddar Loaf
Enjoying a warm loaf of freshly baked bread right out of the oven is truly one of life’s sweet pleasures. But if time and patience are short, try this quickie. You will truly impress your family and friends, or just treat yourself, when you mix up this quick, cheesy loaf of fresh bread for dinner. If you’d like, substitute your favorite flavor for the paprika, including … [Read more...] about Super-Quick Smoky Cheddar Loaf
Tennessee Blackberry Jam Cake
My grandparents lived on a farm in Middle Tennessee. It was a wonderful place for grandkids, and my brother and I made great use of it. Lots of rolling, verdant land to run around on, cows mooing in the background. There was a creek running through the property, shallow enough that we could wade around in it, or play pooh sticks or search for arrowheads and … [Read more...] about Tennessee Blackberry Jam Cake
