The height of summer is a beautiful time where I live in Birmingham, Alabama. Gardens and farmers’ markets alike are alive with fresh produce and I’m always looking for new ways to use it all. The Summer issue of Bake From Scratch magazine is ripe with recipes celebrating the glorious bounty of the season, and I especially love all of …
Brian’s Coupe Collection
One of life’s simplest pleasures is cultivating our surroundings with the little things that inspire us. Many of us have our own collections of special items that we consider to be exquisite or rare, and certainly of great personal interest. I have a fondness for vintage sewing tools, which I’ve written about before. My son, Brian Hart Hoffman, has a broad and remarkable collection …
Entertaining Cookbooks Giveaway
This time of year, when gardens are in full bloom and the weather is mild, my thoughts always turn to entertaining. There’s just something special about inviting guests into your home to share hospitality and warm conversation. To welcome the season, I’m giving away Volumes 1 and 2 of The Entertaining Cookbook from Southern Lady magazine. I hope that you will find a …
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Cake
Mother’s Day is tomorrow and I wish all of the mothers a very happy day spent with those you love. I am so blessed to have my mother still with us. Last year on Mother’s Day, I wrote about the fun times that my children and I had growing up with her. For these memories I will be forever grateful. Mother’s …
A Cozy Tennessee Farmhouse
I wanted to share with you this beautiful farmhouse that is featured in our latest Southern Lady Classics issue, Southern Style. I hope it will inspire you to pursue a home full of life and style! And if you’re a fan of the Southern Lady Classics collection, you’re in luck. Southern Lady is now offering a subscription to the six special collector’s issues produced each year. …
Tea Fit For a Queen
With the entire world celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, I thought I would share with you this delightful tea, developed by TeaTime magazine. It is truly fit for royalty, whether the queen of England or a special lady in your life. Enjoy! From TeaTime March/April 2016 Although the birthday of the British monarch, whoever he or she may be, is …
A Culinary History Lesson
As a publisher of several food-focused titles, I’ve long been fascinated by the history of tableware, particularly when it serves a hyper-specific purpose. Proprietor of the New Orleans French Quarters’ Lucullus and Louisiana Cookin’ contributor, Patrick Dunne, delights us month after month with his musings on culinary antiques. His latest article on asparagus was no exception. I hope you’ll enjoy …
A Coconut Cake That’s Perfect For Entertaining
In the south, we love to entertain. Whether hosting intimate Sunday suppers or formal soirees, we pride ourselves on being gracious hosts and paying keen attention to detail. Of course, most gatherings would not be complete without our favorite recipes, and assembling a lineup of delicious dishes is frequently the focus of the Southern hostess preparing for company. This stunning …
Learn How to Make This Adorable Lemon Curd Cake
Easter in the South is a big holiday. After church, friends and family gather around the table to share a meal that’s full of classic dishes and sweet surprises. Easter lunch wouldn’t be complete without a showstopping dessert, and this Lemon Curd Cake is just that! PEEPS and Easter go hand in hand, and our friend Matthew Mead developed this …
Tea and Scones: Expanded Edition is here!
The mere mention of scones conjures up delightful memories of sharing tea with those we care about. Scones are almost as synonymous with afternoon tea as the beverage itself! These dainty bites have the ability to make any tea menu enjoyable, whether elegant or simple. From plain to sweet to savory, and even gluten-free, the editors of TeaTime magazine have …