Stuffed Peppadew DC-1

Haven’t jumped on the Peppadew bandwagon yet? Well it’s time to hop on board! The fabulous Amelia Saltsman introduced me to the zippy peppers a few years back, and this preparation continues to be one of my favorite summer snacks. With only two ingredients, how could it not be?!

Check ‘em out at The Kitchn: Grilled Peppadews with Smoked Mozzarella

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Recipe: Smoky Gouda Pasta Salad

by Nealey on May 13, 2013

Smoked Gouda Pasta SaladMemorial Day is just around the corner, so it’s prime time to get your summer recipes in order. Pasta salad is one of my go-to warm weather dishes, and this version with smoked gouda, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and a creamy chipotle dressing might just be my (new) all-time favorite. I’m serious, y’all. It’s amazing!

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Recipe: Pineapple & Ginger Mint Juleps

by Nealey on May 1, 2013

Pineapple Mint Julep-2These stunning juleps are just in time for Derby this weekend, but they’re too delicious to only be enjoyed once a year. With my addition of fresh muddled pineapple and peppercorn-infused ginger syrup, this is the quintessential drink to carry you all the way through summer (and then some).

A word to the wise: if you drink these before 11 AM, like I did, make sure you’ve also eaten enough breakfast or I can’t guarantee you’ll make it past noon. They pack quite the whammy! Let the races begin…

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Recipe: Sun-dried Tomato & Goat Cheese Scones

by Nealey on April 17, 2013

Goat Cheese and Sun-dried Tomato Scones-1

It’s cocktail party week at The Kitchn, and these sun-dried tomato & goat cheese scones would make the perfect savory snack. (Don’t worry, they’re equally good served on a brunch buffet, for all you non-sweet breakfast eaters like me!)

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{ I love to host parties. Nothing gets me more excited than choosing a theme, planning a menu, picking out flowers, arranging (and rearranging) decor. While most people loathe the logistics of party prep, I feed—even thrive—off of it. I draft list after list, lose said lists, and then write more lists. I’ve even been known to stay up until the wee hours before a gathering, ripping tearsheets, Pinning, and Googling the night away. It’s a sickness I tell you.

I can tell you that my time as a professional wedding planner sure has come in handy, and in more ways than one. Over the years I’ve managed to acquire an arsenal of research, ideas, and even “secret” sources. But with all of this inspiration floating around in my brain, I realized I shouldn’t be holding it in but instead sharing it with you. With that, be on the lookout for more entertaining tips and tricks here on Dixie Caviar… Now let’s party!}

Dip with Crudite-4

Let’s talk about how to style a crudité platter. I serve some form of veggie appetizer at almost every party I host (like this Caesar Dip I made last week) and I’m always looking for new and interesting ways to arrange them. It doesn’t take much to go above and beyond the typical store bought spread, I swear—just a cupboard raid and a quick stroll through the produce department. Here’s some visual inspiration to get you started: [click to read more...]

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