I am not much of layer cake maker. I have failed to master that great Southern skill of crafting magnificent layers of frosted beauty. I am more of Bundt cake type. I lack the artistic talents, but mostly the patience, to create the magazine worthy, bakery perfect confections someone who spends as much time cooking as I do should have mastered. There is a reason the picture … [Read more...] about Jack and Coke Cake (Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake with Jack Daniels Buttercream)
Southern specialties
Smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese
I’ll make an admission here that may damage my Southern girl credentials. I am not a football fan. I went to lots of high school football games, but football was the least interesting part of the event. And I didn’t go to a college with a big football program. I am, however, a fan of parties, and if football happens to be going on in the background, … [Read more...] about Smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese
Sweet Tea Cookies
The flavor of sweet tea is the flavor of the South. With the wafting aroma of mint and the tang of lemon, with that tooth-achingly sweet depth. I love to transform those flavors into many forms, from bourbon punches to sorbet to these cookies. They are redolent with those iconic flavors. The texture of these cookies is really that of a classic Southern tea cake, but I just … [Read more...] about Sweet Tea Cookies
Fresh Corn Grits
I was standing in my kitchen, on a Saturday after my farmers market run, putting everything in its proper place while I made my plan of attack for the day. Stacked up on the counter were a dozen ears of corn, destined to be blanched, stripped and frozen in little baggies. Next to that was a lovely bag of freshly ground Delta Grind grits, also destined for the freezer. It was … [Read more...] about Fresh Corn Grits
Baked Zucchini and Tomatoes
It’s no secret that I love the farmers market. My Saturday morning trips followed by a day of canning or putting things by, are the highlight of my week. I am so inspired by all the produce and the people who love food. And I have found it is an amazing source of advice and ideas, from farmers and customers alike. I cannot count the number of times I … [Read more...] about Baked Zucchini and Tomatoes
