Last year, for the big family Christmas Eve celebration, I was tasked with providing a dessert. It’s a little tough to figure out the right dessert for a great big gathering, one that serves enough and pleases everyone. In the past I’ve made cakes and pies, but you always need to make two or three, plus someone has to evenly slice and serve them. And transport can be a … [Read more...] about Peppermint Black Bottom Cupcakes
cupcakes
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
Cane Syrup Cupcakes
Any good Southern cook has a supply of sweetening syrups that would put Willy Wonka to shame. Corn syrup, light and dark, and generally known by its brand name Karo (pronounced KAY-Ro). Molasses, regular and blackstrap. Sorghum. Cane syrup. Maybe even maple syrup, though that smacks somewhat of the Yankee. I use them all. Corn syrup for chess pie and pecan pie, molasses … [Read more...] about Cane Syrup Cupcakes
Elvis Has Left the Building
I am a born and raised Memphis girl, so I could not let this day pass without a mention. January 8 is Elvis’s birthday, and this year he would have been 75. And when you grow up in Memphis, Elvis sort of permeates the atmosphere. Here in Memphis, Elvis is generally commemorated more on the anniversary of his death, on August 16, than on his birthday. I am not sure why this … [Read more...] about Elvis Has Left the Building
Peppermint Angels
Peppermint is the one flavor that transforms itself at the holidays. Some of the traditional tastes, eggnog, fruitcake, even gingerbread, hardly make an appearance at any other time of the year. But not peppermint. I eat peppermint candy all year. The little hidey-hole in the arm on the door of my car is always filled with peppermints pilfered from bowls at restaurants and … [Read more...] about Peppermint Angels
