As the languid days of summer slip up on us, I like to imagine that everyone is spending their free time participating in classic summertime activities. I just love that Rockwellian image of families gathered around the grill or enjoying a picnic on the beach. (more…)

As I head south for a couple of days to enjoy a bit of time on Florida’s coast, I think it only appropriate that I repost the recipe for Ruth’s Key Lime Pie along with Ruth’s story. I can hardly wait to see her and her key lime pie! (more…)

For those of you outside the South, pimento cheese might be a foreign concept. I’ve heard tales of sightings above the Mason-Dixon Line, but I think these must be random at best. I believe only Southerners consider this mayonnaise-bound cheese and pepper spread to be a staple (more…)

As I noted last week, the weather really does dictate so much about what you feel like cooking, and this week the rising temperatures down South make me realize that we best take advantage of this time when outside cooking can still be a pleasure rather than a sweaty chore! (more…)

My grandmother introduced me to a new/old expression yesterday that I adore — “Blackberry Winter”. This refers to the last bit of cold we might have down South in the springtime that happens to coincide with the first blackberries! (more…)

Fried chicken has been on my mind of late. On a recent trip to New York City I experienced a midnight fried chicken dinner at Momofuku that I had to reserve a month in advance. A few days later at a Southern food summit hosted by Garden & Gun magazine right here in Charleston, (more…)

Over the past 3 years of making desserts at the Glass Onion, I have learned that folks love cobbler! I think it is just the ultimate homey, soul-satisfying sweet. Recently, I have been making Strawberry Cobbler with gorgeous South Carolina berries, and it seems the perfect spring dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! (more…)

Deviled eggs are on my mind. Maybe it’s due to our abundance of eggs now that spring has sprung. This ideal weather and relatively long days makes for happy chickens out at the local farms. (more…)

Living in New Orleans during Mardi Gras gives you a true understanding of the certain magic that city possesses. For weeks leading up to the actual day, the tension builds one parade at a time. Folks prepare their costumes as painstakingly as a bride planning a wedding. (more…)

Here, in Charleston we are lucky to have some warmer weather thawing us out, but I know that winter still has its hold on the folks up North! And regardless of your geographic location I am sure that everyone could a little gustatory hug as February drags on… (more…)