It’s never too early to start thinking about holiday baking. Today, I wanted to share with you a recipe that is very near-and-dear to my heart. I first ate this simple tart several years ago at the Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, and it’s an old recipe the Pilgrims used! The best part: It’s easily customizable. And I promise the aroma …
How I Came to Love Tea
I have always admired—actually adored—all things British. When Lady Diana became a household name and her wardrobe shaped the apparel business worldwide, I just loved it. My friend Barbara Cockerham and I actually studied her wardrobe and would buy every book we could find that had Diana as the subject. One of the things we really loved and decided to …
It’s Football Time Again
I just got an e-mail that my football tickets have shipped for the forthcoming college football season. I can hardly believe it. It is time to pull out the old tailgating recipes and start planning. I look forward to this time of year with great anticipation, but football season is also a time of reflection on special times in the …
Create a Family Treasure for a Special Bride
When Vanessa James got married and I was searching for a special gift for her, I decided that I would sit down and write all my favorite recipes in a three-ring-binder cookbook for her. Since all new brides struggle with dishes to cook for two, this just might be something to consider. Vanessa said this was one of the greatest …
Meet the Hoffman Media Test Kitchen
One of the questions that I am asked most often is this: “Do you really cook all that food in your magazines?” Yes, but we have an incredible test kitchen that works magic so that all the recipes you get in our magazines are created, cooked, tested, and graded just for you. Watch below to meet the team who works …
Acre Restaurant: A Favorite Auburn Spot
Neal and I love to visit our Morgan in Auburn and take her out to eat as a treat for all of us. I kept searching for someplace wonderful and finally found out about Acre. Acre—what an unusual name for a restaurant. I just knew there was a great story behind this place. I called and made reservations and was …
Meet TeaTime Editor Lorna Reeves
When our company launched TeaTime magazine several years ago, we knew there was an audience of tea drinkers and people who loved the ceremony of tea. Lorna Reeves is the editor of TeaTime and has led this magazine to accept the 2014 World Tea Award for Best Tea Publication. She is a leading authority on tea and a much-sought-after speaker …
Fabulous Fan Giveaway!
I have featured some of the most talented people on this blog. Two of our gracious ladies have sent beautiful items to giveaway as gifts to the followers. Do you remember talking with Cindy Cloward of Riley Blake Designs? Well she has a sure-to-be-beautiful new line of quilting fabrics, Penny Rose, premiering in September, and I can hardly wait. But …
An Ode to Miss Jo and Her Whipping Cream Pound Cake
There are certain fragrances we encounter that can trigger an emotion or a memory. I remember how wonderful my grandmother smelled when she was slathered in Jenkins lotion. There is just nothing that matches that fragrance. Baby lotion does the same thing for me—oh that wonderful pink Johnson & Johnson baby lotion and powder. Evergreen fragrance reminds me of the …
Meet Southern Casseroles Editor Brooke Bell
One of the outstanding editors with whom I have the pleasure of working is Brooke Bell. She is the editor of Taste of the South magazine (and special collector’s issues like Southern Casseroles). She brings to our readers a new look at wonderful Southern classics. I love great Southern food, and when I see the offerings in Taste, I am ready …