After living in Florida for 15 years, I have learned the ways of southern cooks by trial and error: use lots of butter and sugar; when in doubt – fry; slow simmer for hours. I droll over many of the specialty dishes (read about my Caramel Cake attempt) but I’m afraid southern vegetables remain aloof. Haven’t acquired a taste for the mushy concoctions.
Continue reading New Year’s Flavor: Spicy Hoppin John and Greens
Every year I experiment with at least one new holiday baking recipe and I didn’t get around to this one until December 24th. But for goodness sakes– I am so glad I did. These peanut butter bites are not your typical peanut butter cookies; they have half a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup hidden inside. The result is a creamy puffy ball of wonder. Forget visions of sugarplums!
Continue reading Peanut Butter Bites: Not Just a Christmas Cookie
Anyone who knows me understands that I am drawn to Early American decor; the richness of cherry wood, furniture with simple elegant lines, and the practical usefulness of tools. I don’t know why but perhaps I lived a prior life in that time period. Anyway, I feel comfortable sitting in a straight back chair at a wooden trestle table, adore the streets of Colonial Williamsburg and sleep in a canopy bed.
Continue reading Colonial American Ambiance at The Wayside Inn