Year: 2009

Lucky Black Eyed Peas

It’s almost New Year’s Day and I have everything ready to put my black eyed peas on the stove. I make them every year as a New Year’s Day tradition. People out in this part of the country ask me “Why?” as if I should know, as if no one […]

Frozen Holiday Terrine

Simplicity. That word has a special meaning at this time of year. As Christmas Day approaches simplicity is something I seem to physically crave. It’s not that I don’t enjoy complexity. December often begins that way with boxes of decorations to be rediscovered and arranged, a calender bursting with obligations […]

Gingerbread Pancakes topped with pomegranate arils on a red and white plate

Gingerbread Pancakes

In the midst of accomplishing those items on your to-do list, I encourage you to look around and capture the wonder of the season and, if at all possible, make time for pancakes.

Petite Oreo Cheesecakes arranged on a glass plate

Petite Cheesecakes with Cookie Crusts

I recently came across a small discovery in the kitchen that made my day. First, I found an old recipe for Petite Cheesecakes. It is taped to a page of notebook paper in a homemade cookbook I put together when I was first married. The recipe is neatly written out […]

Cranberry Pecan Cookies with White Chocolate Drizzle and Cranberry Bits beside Cranberry Pecan Bars with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting served on white plates and displayed on a woven mat.

Favorite Cranberry Pecan Cookies – Three Ways

No matter which version you bake, the best part of making Cranberry Pecan Cookies is how surprisingly wonderful they taste! Fresh cranberries give these cookies a bright tartness that is a welcome contrast to the spicy richness of other treats on my holiday cookie plate.

A small glass bowl filled with Peppernuts (Pfeffernuesse), a spicy bite-sized cookie.

Pfefferneusse (Peppernuts)

Easy to make, wonderfully fragrant and delicious, these are now a holiday favorite at our house. To make these little Peppernuts I doubled the quantity of ground spices in the original recipe and added some clear sugar crystals for sparkle and crunch. Try these little bite-sized cookies to enjoy the flavor and fragrance of the season.

Pomegranate Goat Cheese Tarts on a square plate surrounded by autumn leaves.

Pomegranate Goat Cheese Gems

Wouldn’t you like to try a mini cheese tart topped with a dusting of nutmeg and crowned with a spoonful of pomegranate arils? Delicate, sweet and savory, with a complex bouquet of spices, Pomegranate Goat Cheese Gems make a festive appetizer that delivers a luscious abundance of flavor in one pretty little bite-sized gem.

Walk & Knock

Seasons of Abundance Ahhh! Cooks around the country breathe a satisfied sigh of relief. Another Thanksgiving is under our belts…. in more ways than one. Thankful for our blessings we have feasted and now take a moment to smile before sliding into the next season of giving. This Thanksgiving my […]

Cranberry Cheesecake Spread with Cranberry Sauce on top and a garnish of pecans, viewed from above.

Cranberry Cheesecake Spread

This small, slightly sweet, crustless cheesecake is topped with cranberry relish and studded with pecans. Serve it with sweet wheat crackers, gingersnaps or sugar cookies for a pretty holiday appetizer or light dessert.

A Serving of Southern Style Green Beans with bits of ham.

Southern Style Green Beans

While they take their own sweet thyme getting ready, the wonderful old-fashioned flavor of Southern Style Green Beans is worth the wait. Just put them on early and let them simmer slowly on the back of the stove. They are quite simple to put together and they go with almost everything.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Spread

Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Spread

Is it possible for chocolate to be out of season? Chocolate has become such a common favorite it is hard to think so. Yet late in the summer, when the temperature soars, I find myself using it sparingly. Maybe I add some chocolate chips here and there but densely rich […]

A golden skinned Thanksgiving turkey entree roasted to perfection.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

My advice this Thanksgiving is to keep it simple… and relax. All will be well. Serve the dishes your family cherishes. Eat them with joy. And, above all, remember to offer thanks for the special blessings you have gathered around your table!