Giant Oatmeal Dried Cherry Cookies

Giant Oatmeal Dried Cherry Cookies Yield: 8 large cookies 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 1 egg 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar  1 tablespoon molasses or sorghum syrup 1-1/2 cups old fashioned (rolled) oats 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking soda…

Mulled Wine

You’ve likely had mulled cider during the holiday season. It’s a favorite at many holiday gatherings. But have you ever had mulled wine? I mean, what could be more perfect for the holidays, especially this year? This past weekend, we were shopping at Opry Mills mall in Nashville, and we visited the mall tasting room…

Olive Dip

Dip, Dip Hooray!   If there was ever a season for dips, it’s happening now. With holiday parties in full swing, you can count on a bowl with surrounding chips, crackers and raw vegetables. The beauty of these dunkable appetizers is that they come together quickly and have mass appeal. But instead of the same…

Sweet Potato Pie

Everyone’s Favorite Sweet Potato Pie Perhaps you routinely reach for pecan or chocolate pie for something to end a meal. Both are great, but I prefer a not-so-sugary but equally satisfying slice of sweet potato pie. Produce bins are loaded with supplies of this freshly harvested tuber and you more than likely have a stash…

White Fruitcake

White Fruitcake Before you turn away with the thought of “I don’t like fruitcake” try to keep an open mind. Push those store bought, hard as rocks versions away. Instead, imagine dried, candied fruit that has been soaked in orange liqueur, then regularly brushed with it after baking to keep the texture nice and moist….

Crackers

In all my years of cooking, I have never really made crackers before. I’ve enjoyed making cheese straws, parmesan crisps and similar snacks, but now I have a regular recipe that I will be making on a regular basis. It started with a bag of ground flaxseeds that I purchased for another recipe and wanted…

Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers The first cucumbers that I harvest are always reserved for salad and I picked my first ones this week. While I certainly chop them up for green salads, my favorite is a truly green salad that I serve over mixed baby lettuce. I have been making it for years and am not even sure…

Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese I believe I have been a fan of Pimento Cheese since birth. The heavenly mixture of shredded cheese, mayonnaise and bright pimento peppers is a Southern classic and one of my favorite comfort foods. For years, I only enjoyed it slathered on fresh white bread. Then I began grilling the sandwich and later…

Pear Butter

Pear Butter In 15 weeks, most will be in a Christmas tizzy getting last minute items purchased for friends and family. But this weekend made sure I am much less frazzled. Why? Because I have great neighbors. My husband harvested 75 beautiful Bartlett pears from their trees before the deer found them. It was heavenly…

Pinto Bean Pie

Pinto Bean Pie For years, I have seen a recipe floating around for a pie that resembles traditional pecan pie but is made with pinto beans.  It always intrigued me but never enough to make it.  In fact, let’s face it … it sounds horrible!  But for some reason, I finally decided to try it…