New Year’s Flavor: Spicy Hoppin John and Greens

New Year's Day Spicy Hoppin John
New Year’s Day Spicy Hoppin John

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

Peanut Butter Bites: Not Just a Christmas Cookie

Peanut Butter Bites
Peanut Butter Bites

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