Author: sswagler
Easy Apps
The holidays are hectic for everyone, but entertaining doesn't really have to be hard. Here are some quick and tasty appetizers that are truly super-easy—--especially when you start with already-prepared ingredients. I made all these recipes for a Portico Mountain Brook story. It's in the Winter issue, which is out now, and you can access [...]
Fox 6 Books: December
Here's what I brought to WBRC Fox 6 on December 4. These books are as much fun to give as to receive. You Asked for It!: My Clients’ Favorite Recipes Rosalyn Bloomston has been cooking and catering and delighting her clients for more than three decades. Now, this Birmingham author shares her most-requested recipes with all of [...]
Freddy’s (More Than) Wine Bar
A girls' night gathering led me to my new favorite wine bar. But, really, Freddy's is much more than a wine bar; it’s also a laid-back, counter-service restaurant with seriously delicious food. And right now it feels like the perfect place to spend some cozy, quality time with friends and family during the busy holiday [...]
Fox 6 Books: November
Here's what I brought to WBRC Fox 6 on November 6 when I introduced viewers to some of my favorite books. Three are new. One is an old favorite. And there's something for everyone. Really. The Wildlands, by Abby Geni, is a true page-turning literary thriller. When an F5 tornado ravaged their small Oklahoma town, the McCloud siblings [...]
Becoming Essential
Kristen Hall and Victor King know what’s essential when it comes to a successful restaurant—it’s more than gracious, friendly service; interesting, delicious foods; a thoughtful wine list; and creative craft cocktails. With their new eatery, The Essential, the two chefs have created a place that’s quickly becoming an everyday part of the lives around them. [...]
Fox 6 Books: October
Here's what I brought to WBRC Fox 6 on October 2 when I invited viewers to fall for a great book. Cozy up with these great reads—one book of historical fiction by a local writer, two books about civil rights at home and far away and something just for fun. Becoming Mrs. Lewis, local writer Patti Callahan Henry's [...]
One Mississippi … Roast
I read the New York Times Cooking story last week about America's love affair with ranch dressing and immediately started craving Mississippi Roast. This Pinterest favorite dish is traditionally made in a slow cooker with chuck roast, pepperoncini peppers and a package of ranch dressing. The Times recipe by Sam Sifton calls for making your own ranch dressing, [...]
Ricatoni’s Italian Grill is About More Than Just the Food
Every college town has a go-to pizza place. Some might have two or even three. But only one town has Ricatoni’s Italian Grill. This Italian restaurant in historic downtown Florence has been around for decades serving tasty, homemade food; supporting its community; and employing lots of local students, but the passion of owner Rick Elliott [...]
Fox 6 Books: September
Here's what I brought to WBRC Fox 6 on September 4. I think it's time to hit the books! Let’s go back to school with a book about sorority rush, another that is taught in colleges right now and two thrillers just for downtime fun. Rush proves once again that Lisa Patton is good at semi-autobiographical books (her debut [...]
Delicious Cross-Cultural Exploration at El ZunZún
The greatest inspiration for El ZunZún came from the tiniest of things: the hummingbird. The cultures and foods along the hummingbird’s migratory route are evident everywhere you look—and in everything you taste—at El ZunZún in Cahaba Heights (which will open Monday, August 27). Restaurant owner and pastry chef Becky Satterfield and executive chef Angela Schmidt, [...]