GILDING THE PUMPKIN
It is always so much fun for fall to arrive, with all the beautifully shaped and richly hued pumpkins, gourds, and vegetables at roadside farmers markets and produce departments of local supermarkets. Just a walk in the woods reveals jewel-toned leaves, branches, and...
PRETTY PLACE SETTINGS
Try combining old and new china, silver, crystal, and linens for the holidays. There are so many artful china patterns in beautiful colors that will change the entire mood of the table even before adding the centerpieces and flowers. Enjoy Grandma’s china and silver...
GIFT BOX BRUNCH
When I discovered these beautifully handpainted china gift boxes with rose-colored bows and gold edges at a flea market, I knew they would be the perfect accessory to set the theme for an elegant Christmas table. I love combining old and new, heirloom and modern, and...
Tea Breads
These are some of my favorite tea bread recipes. They are easy to prepare with ingredients from the pantry and freeze well. Savory Olive and Nut Bread 5 cups flour 2½ tablespoons baking powder 2/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground savory 2 eggs, beaten 2...
PATTY’S PICK: HORSERADISH SAUCE
At my house, this Horseradish Sauce is everyone’s favorite sauce for fresh steamed vegetables. By adding spice variations to several recipes, I think this sauce has the perfect blend of flavors, and you can add as much zip as you like with red pepper. This...
PATTY’S PICK: MIMI’S POTATO SALAD
Summer is the perfect time for cooking out, picnics, watermelon, homemade ice cream, and potato salad. This is my mother’s recipe for potato salad, and it is my absolute favorite. It is very easy and absolutely delicious just after it is stirred together at room...
PATTY’S PICK: MIMI’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
MIMI’S HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM 6 large eggs at room temperature 2½ cups sugar 2 large cans evaporated milk 3 tablespoons pure vanilla extract Enough whole milk to make a gallon In a large glass bowl, beat eggs with a wire whisk until foamy. Add sugar,...
PATTY’S PICK: AMARETTO POUND CAKE
Since Peggy’s Pound Cake won our Grand Prize for the Recipe Contest, I have discovered that everyone really loves pound cakes. There are many delicious varieties, and no one can have enough or try enough recipes. Charla Walker of Clinton shared this special pound cake...
PATTY’S PICK: INDIVIDUAL PARFAITS
BANANAS FOSTER ½ stick butter, melted 1½ cups vanilla wafers, crushed ½ cup caramel topping 1 teaspoon rum extract or 2 teaspoons rum ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 medium bananas, cut into 1/8-inch slices 4 cups milk 3 boxes (4-serving size) instant banana pudding...
PATTY’S PICK: PARISIAN MACARONS
If you have ever been to Paris in the spring or anytime, chances are, you have enjoyed a Parisian macaron at one of the delightful patisseries throughout the city. They are beautiful, delicate, pastel sandwich cookies of different flavors with a light cream filling...