The Christmas Song “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose….” ~ Torme and Wells My knowledge of chestnuts is forever colored by the work of two men: my grandfather and Johnny Mathis. Johnny Mathis provides the atmosphere. When I was small my mother had a […]
Rosemary in the Garden… As autumn approaches, rosemary has become the star of my garden. In my new yard in Tennessee the serpentine retaining wall near our small vegetable garden is topped with a row of five rosemary bushes. As the other herbs and vegetables begin to play out these […]
The look and feel of the shop was everything I aspire to in my own kitchen; organized while being generous, interesting yet at the same time useful, efficient but full of texture and fragrance.
Sometimes I just can’t follow a recipe to save my life. Last weekend I set out to make Alanna’s Strawberry Salsa. Then, with additions and substitutions of cinnamon basil, fresh ginger, pineapple and a splash of balsamic vinegar, I had a fresh fruit salsa that was fragrant, tart-sweet, and just a little bit spicy. By adapting a good recipe to the realities of my kitchen at the moment I created my own Sweet Strawberry Salsa.
A Forgotten Voice I have been a writer all my life. Even before I could actually form the letters myself I would tell stories to my Dad and ask him to write them down for me. They weren’t exactly literary treasures but, in those days, I never doubted the authenticity of my creative spirit. As […]
I have never been a huge fan of bananas. It’s not that I dislike them. Occasionally I will even pick one up to eat for lunch or a snack. Bananas are good but in my view so many things are better. Give me the choice of a banana or a […]
Banana Bread, made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with honey, is a wholesome treat. Toast a slice and spread it with a little peanut butter for a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.
This recipe is just the thing for introducing a touch of Kentucky hospitality to any occasion. Clipped from a newspaper some years ago, this easy recipe can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. Served as a snack these tasty nibbles offer an interesting mixture of sugar and spice that reflects the flavors of the region.
A sweet indulgence, Chess Squares layer a base of golden butter cake with a delicately crusted cream cheese topping. Simple to make, these bar cookies have an uncomplicated taste profile. They are easy on the palate while delivering a sweet finish that elevates any occasion.
Moist and delicious, this cake relies on oatmeal for texture and brown sugar and cinnamon for its appealing flavor. Topped with toasted nuts and an improvised Maple Glaze, Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake makes a satisfying snack cake or dessert, perfect for sharing with friends and family.