by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
CREAM CHEESE POUND CAKE This is my sister-in-law Rita’s and my daughter Beth’s favorite pound cake. There are several versions of this cake, but this is the recipe that my mother always prepared. It has a sweet, creamy, and smooth texture with a perfect light crust....
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
This is my favorite green salad and dressing. It was Recipe Contest winner in 2008. Spring Mix Salad with Sweet Paprika Dressing Salad: ½ stick salted butter 1 package ramen noodles, crushed (seasoning packet discarded) 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1...
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
In my very first entertaining book, Easy Hospitality, published in the ’90s, I described how to create gold- and silver-leaf eggs for elegant Easter tablescapes. I still enjoy displaying those eggs because they are beautiful and timeless. To create the gold- and...
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
This cheesecake tastes amazing and is so beautiful! It is absolutely the perfect sweet ending for your love or a Valentine celebration! Although it has many ingredients, it is easy to prepare, but does need to be made ahead of time to chill properly. But make-ahead...
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
This recipe is a fresh take on the sweet potato casserole that we all love during the holidays. This casserole is so easy and adds the perfect combination of flavors with the addition of delicious sweet peaches, orange zest, and maple syrup. It may just become a new...
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
Marbleized pumpkins become the center of attention in beautiful fall tablescapes. First gather materials from your own backyard. Colorful leaves and berries are everywhere, and cones and nuts come in many different shapes, sizes, and textures. Arrange your bounty on...
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
This is one of my favorite fall desserts. It was my Grandmother Avery’s recipe, who always had plenty of fresh apples from her trees in Macon. It is so easy and delicious and can be served at Sunday lunch or in a pretty compote with vanilla ice cream at a dinner...
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
The soft glow and mirror-shine patina of mercury glass adds a vintage appeal to any décor, and it is especially nice for table settings in the form or candleholders, floral containers, and chargers. Any clear glass object works well for this project, and it’s fun to...
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
For a quick and easy dessert with delicious fresh berries and a creamy lemon filling, this is the perfect summer delight. With a variety of textures, a great combination of flavors, and an easy-to-assemble beautiful presentation, this dessert is a winner for a special...
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
This is one of my favorite recipes for an easy and delicious “melt-in-your-mouth” pie. The recipe is from my dear aunt Janey Slay of Clinton, one of the sweetest people I know and love. She would bring this pie to family reunions, picnics, and holiday parties....
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
Almost everyone loves brownies, and these Southern brownie bars that became very popular in the 1970s are especially delicious. Appropriately named for our mighty and muddy Mississippi River, they feature cracking brownies topped with marshmallows and chocolate icing....
by Patty Roper | Photography by Bonnie Dickerson
Lena Causey, business manager for the magazine, often has a picnic for our staff at her cabin, which was designed by the famous late architect Robert Overstreet, at Lake Castle in Madison. We all enjoy a fun day visiting the interesting cabin, the great outdoors on...
