Mini fairytale eggplants are such an adorable addition to any garden and are just too damn cute as a side dish when tossed with olive oil and herbs like thyme or mint. Roasting them in the oven preserves their shape. Serve alongside meats like braised duck, or roast chicken. Optionally grill them instead of roasting….Continue Reading “Roasted Eggplant”
Sometimes simple is the best. Especially when showcasing high-quality collections of china, ironstone, or unique specimens of gourds, pumpkins, and acorns. To create an easy centerpiece for any occasion from a weeknight dinner to a full-blown party, a bit of layering is all that you need to master. Begin by choosing a focal point of…Continue Reading “Simple Fall Centerpiece”
If you haven’t already you need to check the October issue of Alabama Gardener. In this issue, I co-host a fabulous Fall Garden Party with one of my best drinking friends, Peggy. Pick up your copy and see just how we did it. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite ways to entertain…Continue Reading “Entertain Outdoors Like A Boss”
As the cantaloupes ripen on the vine in the hot summer sun; my mind immediately wanders away from this beautiful moment and gravitates directly to booze. I mean, one has to stay hydrated after all. Fresh cantaloupe is just the right amount of sweet and refreshing. Its unique taste is only enhanced when pureed and…Continue Reading “Cantaloupe Martini”
Is it me or does it seem like tomatoes come in entirely at once? After being in NYC for a short week I came home to find my tomato plants literally bursting. My kitchen counters are just loaded down with fresh from the vine ‘maters. One way to utilize this overabundance of juiciness is to…Continue Reading “Tomato Basil Bisque”
Summer is in full swing, and the temperatures just keep on climbing. At least here in Alabama. But, in my opinion, it’s never too hot to throw together a summer soiree. All you need is a nice shade tree, the right refreshments, and of course a beautiful centerpiece. Summer flowers have such a delicate, airy…Continue Reading “Bright & Airy Summer Centerpiece”
I can’t think of anything better than an edible tablescape that’s brimming with all of the best farmstand veggies. Vibrant, bold tomatoes in all shades of red, yellow, and green are layered in a tiered stand to show off all of their glory. Snips of fresh basil are tucked ever so carefully just to add…Continue Reading “Farmstand Inspired Tablescape”
You know the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” But not any old lemonade. If you’re given lemons in the summer, chances are you’ve also got some basil and a little vodka on hand. By creating an easy, basil infused simple syrup and combining with a tart lemon flavor; you’ll be so happy…Continue Reading “Basil Lemonade”
Pickling vegetables is a delicious way to utilize all that extra produce from the garden or farmers market. With a long shelf life and the perfect crunch, pickles in any capacity are a great compliment to meals and of course a good Bloody Mary or Martini. Fresh heirloom cucumbers, get packed into sterilized jars with…Continue Reading “Sweet Heirloom Pickles”
I often substitute venison in place of beef, lamb, or pork. It’s an earthy alternative that’s incredibly lean yet flavorful. I especially love venison in pasta. When making pasta, I always opt for a jarred sauce that I then enhance with fresh herbs and garden vegetables for a rich, meaty sauce. If you’re not keen…Continue Reading “Venison Rigatoni”