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
Pecans
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
Sweet Potato Fruitcake
I adore fruitcake. Some think that a controversial opinion. But I couldn’t have Christmas without it. Every year, on the weekend after Thanksgiving, I make my classic Fruitcake. To be honest, I start in the summer by making bourbon Cherry Bounce to soak the cake, and I pour a good dose over every couple of days until Christmas. My mother and I are sometimes the only ones who … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Fruitcake
Wild Rice Pilaf
Thanksgiving is all about tradition. I would be ejected from my family if I didn’t serve certain things on the holiday table (sweet potatoes, corn pudding, cranberries). I think most families have that feeling – a special dish you may eat only on Thanksgiving, but the holiday simply wouldn’t be the same without it. And I know it can sometimes be the source of some tension (the … [Read more...] about Wild Rice Pilaf
Morning Glory Coffee Cake
I’ve always appreciated Morning Glory Muffins. They are a great morning treat, packed full of delicious ingredients that at least make you feel like you are starting the day right. I’ve made many versions over the years – it used to be a standard treat I took to new moms. It’s such a cheerful and hopeful name. My recipe kind of fell by the wayside though; I guess I just … [Read more...] about Morning Glory Coffee Cake
