For me, the highlight of Thanksgiving is sitting down to a perfectly roasted turkey and my grandmother Tom’s dressing. At other times of year, I like to make an all-in-one chicken version for a comforting supper. The cornbread recipe makes a little more than you’ll need for the dressing. For a cook’s snack, slather the…
One of the best hostesses I’ve ever known was our next-door neighbor while I was growing up. Becky Rawlins seemed to be able to host a handful of friends or a few dozen guests without batting an eye. She did flowers, cooked like a pro, and was even known to keep her house scented to…
Replacing some of the mayonnaise with sour cream in this potato salad lends a slightly tangy taste and feels lighter than the traditional versions. I like to use red potatoes because the color of the skin makes the prettiest salad. Make the entire salad ahead of time and chill until serving.
I learned the art of easy cobblers (among other things) from Nathalie Dupree. It’s my go to dessert for summer parties.
Putting together a successful charcuterie and cheese platter takes minimal effort with splendid results. The key is not stressing about exactly what you choose to showcase. No matter what I’ve ever served in a selection, I’ve never heard a complaint. serving per person: 3 slices of meat and 2 ounces of cheese For the charcuterie,…
Ask just about any Southerner and they have a cheese ball story. My grandmother made a cheese ball for every holiday. When assignments were made as to who would make what, she always got the job of the cheese ball. I like to divide the cheese to make two smaller versions so it’s easy to…
I learned as a child, right or wrong, that it was acceptable to eat asparagus by picking it up like a French fry. So I’ve always been a fan of dipping the spears into sauces for fun—good manners or not. Thicker asparagus is best for this recipe, so look for the fattest spears. The tips…
Buttermilk and lime zest add tang and zip to the cream in these scrumptious stacked pastries. It’s good to remember that phyllo dough dries out very quickly. While working, keep unused sheets covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel. Berry Napoleons with Buttermilk Whipped Cream 5 frozen phyllo sheets, thawed 5 TBSP unsalted butter,…
When corn is at its peak, there are few things better. With just a simple dressing, a colorful and bright side dish is created. This salad can be made ahead, so it’s ideal for warm-weather parties and picnics. The light hue of white balsamic vinegar keeps the colors vibrant. Balsamic Corn Salad 1 Tbsp extra…
A homemade crust is the beginning to this showstopping tomato pie. Choose a variety of colors and sizes of tomatoes to add some wow. Seed and drain the slices before adding them into the crust. Be prepared to be asked for this recipe again and again. Tomato, Cheddar, and Bacon Pie 2¼ cups self-rising soft-wheat…