When you travel, A new silence goes with you, And if you listen, You will hear What your heart would Love to say. John O'Donohue The taste of shepherd's pie takes me back to an adventure I will never forget, my time in Ireland with friend and author Susy Flory. I went as the photographer and was charged with the task of helping to gather stories and recipes. ... View the Post
Lakeside Retreat and Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe
Big News! I have a new book coming out in June but it is already up on Amazon for pre-orders, just click the picture in the sidebar or visit Amazon here. Last weekend I went to a local coffee/gift shop here in Gallatin, TN, and handed out a Lakeside Retreat-inspired recipe for Gingerbread Cake. Seriously, the recipe is so good, I already made another cast iron skillet of the yummy cake. Actually, we also ate it for breakfast it was irresistible. But the key to this cake's ... View the Post
Sweet Potato-Black Bean Tacos..and why writing down recipes we know, like the back of our hand, matters.
One of the things I loved about going to Grandma Upton's house was knowing that whatever she cooked up, was sure to be amazing. She had a simple way about her and the way she cooked. She kept a "drippings" can next to the stove that held bacon grease and was often scooped out of for frying up eggs or pancakes. Her desserts and candies were always cooked to perfection. The only regret is that she didn't write all her recipes down. No one thought to capture Angel Food Pie, until there was ... View the Post
The Sweet Taste of Summer!
I love the tastes of summer! Whether it is hamburgers being grilled, fresh corn salad, or a perfectly ripened watermelon. But one of my favorite all time recipes is the classic Strawberry Shortcake! I am not sure if I love it because the sweet berries burst with flavor, the buttery shortcakes are topped with whipped cream, or because I can't savor a serving without thinking of my grandmothers kitchen. Because so many of my memories are tied around food and the hands that helped to create ... View the Post
Almond Strawberry Tea Cake ~ simple yet elegant!
Ohh my word! In a time when life is moving a crazy speed, what would you do if you had a few unexpected hours in your day? That happened to me. Today! I thought I was going to work but there was a last minute schedule change and I had the whole afternoon off. I could have done so many things that I feel I am behind on; writing projects, cleaning out my closet, organizing a mountain of papers. My list is endless. I am sure yours is as well. But instead, I thought about the ... View the Post
Marshmallows from Scratch? Your Hot Cocoa will thank you!
I remember the first time I read that Martha Stewart had made her marshmallows from scratch. I thought..GEEZ woman..get a life! I mean you can buy a bag of marshmallows for a $1.50! But then I saw a recipe for the marshmallows and figured I would give it a shot. At least I could cross that off my bucket list. WOWZA. They were so amazingly easy and yummy! when I swapped out the peppermint extract for the vanilla it took our hot cocoa drinking to a whole new level. All I have to say is I ... View the Post