Pecans are one of those ingredients that sing of the South to me. Driving through the Mississippi or Arkansas Delta, or rural Tennessee, you see groves of stately pecan trees, sometimes with a home nestled in amongst them. It is an evocative image for this child of the South. Growing up, my aunt and uncle would bring paper grocery sacks full of unshelled pecans when they … [Read more...] about Pecan Cake with Bourbon Buttercream
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Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Upside Down Cake
I consume a lot of figs when they are in season. I get to the farmers market early to make sure I get them – and I have been known to buy them all! One of my favorite uses is Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Jam, which I give as gifts and get many, many requests for. It is fantastic on a cheese or charcuterie board! So when I set out to make a lovely fig cake, I knew adding … [Read more...] about Fig, Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Upside Down Cake
Chocolate Brown Butter Bourbon Flourless Cake
Decadent chocolate desserts sound just about perfect right now. Cabin fever is well and truly set in and I for one could use as much comfort and love as I can muster. Just when we’ve managed to settle into a healthier eating pattern, or endured a dry January, Valentine’s day rolls around to tempt us to chocolate. And I for one am okay with that. It’s nice to have an excuse to … [Read more...] about Chocolate Brown Butter Bourbon Flourless Cake
Bourbon Chocolate Decadence
It is the sweet chocolate time of year. We’ve been pretty good (mostly) so far with those New Year’s resolutions and are ready for a reward. Decadent chocolate desserts are just the thing. And nothing says I love you like home-cooked food, so February is the perfect time to whip up a special meal for your love, your family, or your closest friends. And I say go overboard on … [Read more...] about Bourbon Chocolate Decadence
Bacon Praline Shrimp
Many years ago, I hesitate to say how many, the hot appetizer around town, both in restaurants and from party caterers, was bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp, often with a sticky glaze. They were an absolute hit with everyone. I, of course, re-created the dish at home and for some years served it at my own little gatherings. But it was (and still is) a lot of work. Butterfly the … [Read more...] about Bacon Praline Shrimp