Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2016 i Taste of the South

As soon as I walked in her door on Christmas Eve, May would dash away from the stove, leaving her soup-a-simmering, her cheese straws-a-baking, and her chocolate candy-a-cooling. Her eyes sparkling with cheer, she’d hug me tight, her soul lighting up brighter than a Christmas tree. But it wasn’t just me—aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends—every person who arrived brought her just a little more joy. Festivities continued the next day with presents, a bountiful breakfast, a little more snacking, and then the finale—a grand dinner that we all dressed up for, followed by more presents, more dessert, and a Christmas carol sing-a-long. By the third day we were ready for New Year’s resolutions, and always full of love. Truth be told, I don’t know if my grandmother even slept at…

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GLAZED SUGAR COOKIES Makes about 24 Sprinkles and colored sugar add a fun holiday twist to traditional sugar cookies. Dough: 11/2 cups unsalted butter, softened 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Glaze: 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 tablespoons half-and-half Gel food coloring (optional) Sprinkles and sanding sugar, for decorating 1. For dough: In a large bowl, beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and zest with a mixer at medium speed until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until combined. Divide dough in half. 2. Between 2 sheets…

HOST BEEF FILETS WITH HORSERADISH BREAD CRUMBS Before guests arrive, arrange filets on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt and pepper; allow to stand at room temperature until ready to cook. The bread crumb topping can be made a couple of hours in advance. GUEST 1 BLUE CHEESE CROSTINI AND PROSECCO Slice the baguette just before leaving for the party. Toast with blue cheese and top with fig and prosciutto once you arrive. GUEST 2 ROASTED GREEN BEANS WITH MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE Make the vinaigrette and prep the orange and hearts of palm ahead of time. Roast the green beans just before dinner. GUEST 3 OVEN-BAKED MUSHROOM RISOTTO This recipe is easy to start at home, all the way to the point of adding everything (except the chicken broth) into…

The stories of American cakes are as deep and fascinating as the story of America itself, partially due to the fact that the development of the two are intertwined. Anne Byrn, author of the Cake Mix Doctor books, has followed her heart to the beginnings of the scratch-made, towering wonders that have long anchored America’s sideboards, learning how available ingredients, neighborly ties, cultural heritage, and even hard times have encouraged the development of our creative and delicious cakes. In American Cake, Anne shares 125 authentic recipes for both beloved and lesser-known cakes, the history of how they came to be, and the differences between baking in the past and baking today. Why do you have such an interest in cake? I have loved to bake since I was young. I…

BARKLEY’S MILL STONE GROUND HEIRLOOM GRITS Barkley’s Mill grinds their grits using a time-honored process in their hand-built mill house in Weaverville, North Carolina. By using carefully selected corn and a slow-grinding method, Barkley’s Mill has returned this Southern classic to its delicious roots. $21 for 2 lb. bag; barkleysmill.com FIVE POINTS BAKING COMPANY ALMOND SHORTBREAD Handcrafted in small batches, this shortbread has the divinely buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flavor you expect from shortbread, but with a nutty twist. These cookies are delicious with morning coffee or tea, but are also the perfect treat to leave out for Santa. $9 for 3½-ounce box; fivepointsbakingco.com FORT REMINGTON SPOONS CLASSIC SPOON Owner DJ Remington is a fifth generation woodworker and the first woman from her family to continue the craft. DJ makes each spoon…

SNACKS CRANBERRY-CHEDDAR CHEESE BALL Makes about 8 servings Pecans add a nice crunch to this cranberry-Cheddar cheese ball. 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 2 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries 1 cup chopped pecans 1. In the work bowl of a food processor, combine cream cheese, Cheddar, and cranberries; pulse to combine. 2. Shape cheese mixture into a ball. Roll in pecans to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve. BACON-HERB CHEESE BALL Makes about 8 servings This festive appetizer comes together in less than 10 minutes. 11/2 cups shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, divided 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 cup…

It is a widely accepted truth that every Southern gathering benefits from, if not requires, a cake or two. From the larger, more obviously cake-necessitating affairs such as weddings, baby showers, and church luncheons to the less formal family reunions, PTA meetings, or even the surprise visit, cakes are a connecting force in the events of Southerners’ lives. But how do these cakes seemingly just appear? How does a folding table under a tent on the church lawn become transformed into a treasure trove of desserts? By the cake ladies, of course. Most folks have known one in their lifetime; many have been lucky enough to cross paths with a few. Your particular cake lady may specialize in layer cakes, Bundt cakes, or sheet cakes, and she may have a…

SHRIMP AND GRITS Makes 6 to 8 servings Using chicken broth to cook the grits adds savory flavor with less fat. Grits: 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 cups white or yellow stone-ground grits 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese Shrimp: 6 slices center-cut bacon, chopped 2 pounds large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 11/2 cups water, divided 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained 1 teaspoon hot sauce 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 lemon, juiced 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 1. For grits: In a medium Dutch oven, bring chicken broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in…

BREAKFAST ORANGE-PECAN MONKEY BREAD Makes 8 to 10 servings Orange adds a zesty twist to this classic breakfast bread. 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 11/2 teaspoons apple pie spice 11/2 teaspoons orange zest 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 2 (16.3-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits,* each cut into 6 pieces 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1/2 cup fresh orange juice 3 tablespoons dark corn syrup 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Garnish: chopped toasted pecans 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 12- to 15-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, stir together sugars, apple pie spice, zest, and salt. Add dough pieces, tossing to coat. Place dough pieces and any remaining sugar mixture in prepared pan. 3. In a small…

MENU BLUE CHEESE CROSTINI BEEF FILETS WITH HORSERADISH BREAD CRUMBS OVEN-BAKED MUSHROOM RISOTTO ROASTED GREEN BEANS WITH MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE CHOCOLATE-ORANGE POTS DE CRÈME Family get-togethers, cocktail parties, and delicious food make this time of year so memorable, but when New Year’s finally rolls around, I’m ready to slow down. An elegant, low-key dinner party to ring in the New Year is much more my speed. I love the idea of celebrating new beginnings, resolutions, and friends in a laid back setting. Cheers to 2017, and may life bring you health, peace, and happiness! BLUE CHEESE CROSTINI Makes 6 servings This easy appetizer is full of flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness from the figs and saltiness from the prosciutto and cheese. 12 ( 1/2-inch) slices baguette, lightly toasted 2…

Sweet indulgence in square form, fudge is beloved by folks of all ages. This sweet treat is hard to turn down, whether it’s drawing your eye from the other side of a candy maker’s case or delivered in a tin lined with wax paper from a merry neighbor. With the holidays around the corner, we’ve found the perfect spots to visit around the South to fill that sweet chocolate craving. Just be sure to pick up a little extra to share. THE FUDGEBOAT CAROLINA BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA Appropriately housed on the boardwalk of Carolina Beach, The Fudgeboat gets its name from the boat anchored inside the shop where its sweet, creamy fudge is made daily. Owners Duke and Tracee Hagestrom use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and they pulverize their cocoa…

Chef Scott Crawford, four-time semifinalist in the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef: Southeast” category, has earned high praise over the years, as well as the devotion of all who have tried his inspired Southern fare. His highly awaited first restaurant, Crawford & Son, located in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, combines Scott’s seasonal, modern style with Southern ingredients in its constantly changing menu. What is your favorite Christmas Eve tradition? My wife and I bake cookies every year with our kids so we can leave milk and cookies out for Santa. My daughter wants Santa to be healthy, so we leave almond milk and organic cookies. And after tucking the kids in, we spend the night filling their stockings and playing Santa. We pull out all the gifts we can’t wait…