Roasted fillet of beef was a standard at my mom’s house during the holidays, and I always crave it when the weather turns crisp. When I make it, I start the meat on the grill for extra flavor and finish it in the oven, where it cooks more evenly and comes out juicy and tender. [...]

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.

Every Thanksgiving at the market, we sell pounds of these as a side to our turkeys. It’s an easy weeknight side to any entree, and leftover dijon cream goes beautifully with most roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, carrots, or potatoes. Serves 4 1 pound brussels sprouts, tough outer leaves removed, stems trimmed, and halved lengthwise [...]

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 [...]

This salsa, a rough mix of vine-ripe tomatoes, white onion, and cilantro, is so simple and bright that it enhances the flavor of the most delicate of proteins, like fish, perfectly without overpowering it. Also, try it on top of my Anytime Hoppin’ John. 2  heirloom tomatoes (about 1 pound), cored and chopped 2  tablespoons [...]

My mom taught me to make this chili when I was in junior high school; it’s the first thing I remember knowing how to cook. Serves 6 to 8 (Makes about 2 ½ quarts) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 large yellow onions, diced 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced 4 small jalapeño peppers, [...]

This recipe is the perfect dish for a Southern potluck brunch, or can bring a little South to any brunch! It’s comforting, creamy, filling, and the pimiento cheese adds the perfect amount of sharpness to the grits. Serves 10-12 2 cups heavy cream 2 cups water 4 cups yellow grits 3 cups corn, cut off [...]

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 [...]

This mix of crisp vegetables is super fresh and colorful. For each color to stand out, layer ingredients in a serving bowl. Right before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss.

This comforting, old-fashioned soup freezes well, so double the recipe and freeze half for an easy dinner. Just thaw and reheat.