This simple panna cotta is all about the tangy flavor of creamy buttermilk topped with a sweet-tart spoonful or two of bright red balsamic-glazed strawberries.

When it comes to good luck, Southerners don’t take any chances. Each year on New Year’s Day, we hedge our bets by eating hoppin’ John, a rustic mix of rice, black-eyed peas, bacon, and onion that is thought to bring good fortune in the year to come. (Literally—the peas in the dish represent coins, and [...]

Most every Southerner has a favorite recipe for cheese biscuits, cheese crackers, or cheese straws, those staples of holiday gifting and year-round entertaining. With the addition of rosemary and chile peppers, I give this version of these buttery crackers unexpected heat and flavor that makes them extra habit-forming. Serve topped with fresh goat cheese and [...]

Spoon bread is a cross between grits and corn bread, with a lovely dense pudding-like texture. I never need an excuse to bring sweet potatoes into the mix–I add them to just about everything. In this case, they reinforce the silky texture while adding color and sweetness. For perfect consistency, gently fold in egg whites, leaving visible swirls.

Oven-caramelized squash and tangy blue cheese make this creamy side hearty enough to double as a vegetarian entrée. It makes an excellent weeknight supper crumbled with crispy bacon or prosciutto and served with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp, sweet Sauternes or creamy Chardonnay. 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seed and chopped [...]

Whether spread on saltines, white bread, or “celery boats,” tangy, creamy, Pimiento Cheese is seriously habit-forming. A simple mix of mayonnaise or cream chees, shredded Cheddar, and jarred red pepper. Pimiento Cheese is one of those unassuming Southern classics that can sometimes be a hard sell for people who didn’t grow up on it. But [...]