Sunday Dinner: Dijon and Cognac Beef Stew

I've looked forward all week to an afternoon of cooking. It's cold and gray outside, and I wanted to make something warm and comforting. A from-scratch stew--rich and deeply savory--is about as comforting as it gets. This recipe from the New York Times Cooking website is an exercise in the meditative process of quality time spent … Continue reading Sunday Dinner: Dijon and Cognac Beef Stew

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, … Continue reading One Mississippi … Roast

Summer Edit Part 2: More Food and Drink and Life

St. George Island never disappoints. Even on a cloudy day, and those have been few, it's my favorite place to be. Life is here simple:  hours and hours of reading books on the beach under a huge umbrella. We listen to Oyster Radio (100.5 WOYS) and don't turn on the television. I've had oyster dates with … Continue reading Summer Edit Part 2: More Food and Drink and Life

Edible Art: Geode and Agate Cookies

Sugar cookies + artists = some delicious awesomeness. On a recent rainy afternoon, my daughters and I made geode and agate cookies, and we had an absolute blast. We used a simple sugar cookie recipe from PureWow (I'll include it below), Alton Brown's royal icing (recipe below), some clear rock candy (which I bought at … Continue reading Edible Art: Geode and Agate Cookies

Dinner at My House: Black Bean Chorizo Casserole with Pickled Onions

When my family requests something specific for dinner, I almost always comply. Cooking for my husband and kids is one of my favorite ways of showing how much I love them. Sometimes, though, the requests are bigger than other times. Melissa Clark's Black Bean Chorizo Casserole with Pickled Onions is a big ask. This recipe, … Continue reading Dinner at My House: Black Bean Chorizo Casserole with Pickled Onions

Everyday Cheese Straws (that are not straws)

My neighbor makes cheese straws for Christmas each year, and they always take me right back to my childhood. Cameron's classic Southern recipe--crisp-crunchy, mouthwateringly savory and just spicy enough--calls for a cookie press and a star tip and some real skill. The result is perfect, wavy strips pretty enough for gift-giving and so good I … Continue reading Everyday Cheese Straws (that are not straws)