Variations on Pound Cake

Phyllis Lifestyle 25 Comments

Around my house, everyone’s favorite part of the meal is always dessert. I have always loved to bake with my family, and especially love teaching my grandchildren how to bake. A simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for baking with children is Miss Jo’s Whipping Cream Pound Cake. Miss Jo was a dear lady in my childhood church who …

Fall Baking

Phyllis Inspiration 13 Comments

There’s nothing quite like the flavors of fall. As August heat hits its peak, I begin to look forward to cooler afternoons and all of the wonderful tastes and scents that come with them. This anticipation is no doubt familiar to many across the south and it’s the inspiration behind Editorial Director Brooke Bell’s newest book, Fall Baking. I sat down with Brooke …

Brian’s First Cake

Phyllis People 25 Comments

I have always enjoyed baking, especially when I am able to bake with my family. I loved teaching my sons, Eric and Brian, how to bake when they were young. Brian especially took an interest and before long, he wanted to try his hand at baking solo. My friend Barbara was coming over for dinner one evening and he wanted …

Taking Tea

Phyllis Blog Spotlight 23 Comments

Drinking a cup of hot tea has always been relaxing for me. I especially love taking afternoon tea. TeaTime magazine’s new book, Taking Tea, is a celebration of this art. I have experienced afternoon tea at several of the establishments featured in the book, such as the Willard, Windsor Court Hotel, the Peabody Memphis, and the Grand America Hotel. Lorna …

Easy Pitcher Drinks for a Summer Weekend

Phyllis Inspiration 15 Comments

As we enter the warmest days of summer, I’m often in search of something cold and refreshing. A fun and flavorful pitcher drink is always in my refrigerator when the temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit and above. They’re also great to have on hand when entertaining. These delicious concoctions are best enjoyed from a rocking chair in the company of …

Correcting a Dessert Disaster

Phyllis Inspiration 19 Comments

(Note: The pictured dessert is not the disastrous treat in question. This is a delicious and fool-proof Peanut Butter and Salted Caramel Ice Cream Cake from Taste of the South magazine and you can find the recipe here.) My staff always likes for me to talk about a total bust, something that really messed up despite my best laid plans. Truth …

Encouraging Others

Phyllis Inspiration 38 Comments

As I have shared with you, my sweet granddaughter asked if I would teach her how to sew! It was music to my ears. We have begun our sewing journey. Her machine is small and she loves it—Sophia2 by Baby Lock. When she isn’t sewing, it is perfect for me to take when I am traveling. Everyone in my office …

Savings of Up to 60% on Back Issues

Phyllis Blog Spotlight 2 Comments

If you’re a long time reader of Hoffman Media publications, I have an exciting announcement for you! We are offering a major deal on digital back issues. Issues from 2014 have been marked down to $3.99, 2013 issues are $2.99, and anything from 2012 or before is now $1.99. That’s up to 60% in savings! This is an excellent opportunity to …

Tea Packaging I Know You’ll Love

Phyllis Inspiration 15 Comments

I just love hot tea! The flavors are incredible and it is always a welcomed time in the day to sit and enjoy a cup. Publishing TeaTime affords us the great opportunity to sample all kinds of teas from wonderful companies. Oliver Pluff & Company really got my attention because of the packaging. I am a history buff and I was …