Zucchini is one of those vegetables that’s always around. You can find it at any farm stand, in every supermarket and probably in your neighbor’s backyard. It’s so versatile you can use it to make dinner or dessert. Zucchini bread is a popular way to enjoy this bountiful vegetable. This bread is moist with a [...]
Cherry Almond Meringue Cookies
December 24, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
It’s funny how you can go away on vacation to relax and unwind, only to return home more tired than you were when you left. My family and I just spent a week vacationing in Kissimmee, Florida. And I’m exhausted. I have two boys who think rest is for chumps. They dragged me and my husband to Disney World, Legoland, [...]
Not PawPaw’s Fruitcake
December 5, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Christmas my husband’s grandfather invited his family to partake of his treasured fruitcake. And every year they declined his generous offer. At first PawPaw was met with polite refusals, such as “No, thank you” or ”Maybe later.” But after 10 years of the same cake the cordial declinations turned ugly. “No, thank you” and “Maybe later” transformed [...]
Chocolate Guinness Brownies
March 17, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
My two favorite imports from Ireland are Colin Farrell and Guiness. Since I’m happily married to a great guy (who reads this blog) we’ll keep the conversation focused on Colin Farrell…oops!..I meant to say Guinness. Guiness is a stout beer produced in Ireland. It’s a dark beer with a robust flavor that’s a little too strong for my taste. I prefer [...]
Irish Soda Bread
March 15, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Irish soda bread is a quick and simple bread that can be made and on the table in about an hour. The baking soda and baking powder act as the leavening agents so you don’t have to mess around with yeast, which can be a little temperamental if not handled with care. There’s limited kneading and [...]
Caramel Banana Cupcakes
March 9, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
My friend Emma Merisier is the Southern Cake Queen. She has this awesome mobile cupcakery in Charlotte. (I just love that word—cupcakery.) It’s a big, pink cupcake bakery on wheels! Emma is just as vibrant and inviting as her fabulous pink truck! And she makes scrumptiously delicious cupcakes from scratch. On any given Saturday you can find [...]
Clementine Galette
January 8, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
One of my favorite stores in Charlotte is the Fresh Market. It’s a specialty food store that sells fresh produce and fresh cuts of meat. It’s also my go-to place for all sorts of exotic ingredients. I love hanging out in this little store, especially we I get to sample some food. I got this [...]
Single Crust Pie Pastry
January 8, 2012 by · 2 Comments
When I was a kid I loved watching my mom make pies. She made it look so easy, and her pies ALWAYS tasted awesome. Her pie crust was so light and flaky. All I remember her doing was throwing flour, shortening and water into a bowl and Viola!..pie dough. Little did I know that there was [...]
Chocolate Chunk Pumpkin Muffins
November 15, 2011 by · 5 Comments
When I was in graduate school I worked at a grocery store in Marietta, Georgia called Harry’s Farmers Market. It was a huge warehouse filled with all kinds of foods from around the world. Harry’s was where I learned to appreciate international cuisine outside of Mexican and Italian food. I discovered food from Africa, India and the Middle East. [...]