RECIPES
Backstory: A Gathering in the Greenhouse
Excerpt for my book Entertaining at Home. Outtake photos by Matthew Mead Perched atop a small hill in Birmingham, Alabama, sits Shoppe, a beloved plant and flower emporium housed in a Victorian-style greenhouse and a 1920s bungalow. The store is just across the street...
Entertaining at Home: The Backstory
For as long as I can remember it has been my dream to write a book—or two, or three, or more. I was so very fortunate to meet Sandy Gilbert, my editor, and now dear friend, in 2010. Not only did she get my vision, she made it better—the mark of a great editor. I had...
Helping Others
Thank you Eater for sharing this information. Let's all help where we can. We are all in this together. Sending love and prayers to everyone. A List of Relief Funds for Coronavirus-Affected Restaurants, Bars, and Food Service Workers Nonprofits and other grassroots...
What I Can Control Today: Gardening
A wise friend, who is living in Italy and quarantined, made this observation, “There are things that I have control over right now. I can make a beautiful dinner and set a pretty table.” I decided to take her advice. So, this weekend I planted my vegetable garden and...
Open-Faced Anchovy Sandwich with Balsamic & Arugula
Stay with me on this one... After 7 days of self-isolation, I have had the time for forced reflection. Before we made the decision (my husband has an underlying health issue), I headed off to the grocery store. I am not going to lie; it was stress inducing. I wasn't...
Soup on Sunday: Split Pea & Ham
PROVERB:If you use a commodity or resource carefully and without extravagance you will never be in need. Lately, the phrase, waste not, want not, has been playing in my head. Seven days of self self-isolation has required me to think about our consumption, daily life,...
Asparagus Soup with Lemon, Cognac & Tarragon
Fresh asparagus in the produce aisle is a sure sign that spring is coming. Fat, thin, white, or green...I love them all. I especially love this asparagus soup, beautifully photographed by Matthew Mead. It's light, yet comforting, when there is still a hint of chill in...
Soup on Sunday: Roasted Tomato Soup
A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. I am so excited for this next chapter...drum roll...coming soon...my new YouTube channel Always Entertaining. We spent the weekend shooting some really fun videos. I made this simple roasted tomato soup for the crew and to fill these gorgeous Blue...
Soup on Sunday: Lobster Bisque
Oh Lobster, how I love thee. It is often the food of choice for celebrations and holidays, and understandably so! But this time of year, a rich and creamy lobster bisque is my perennial Valentine’s favorite. Bisque may sound intimidating, but I promise you it is not....
A Case For Fino Sherry
I love Fino Sherry. My husband jokingly refers to it as my grandmother drink. Last night we hosted a dinner party complete with a cheese course and libations. Cognac, port, Armagna and, Sherry. Despite its greatness (in my humble opinion), Sherry still draws a...