Springing forward!

Easter Egg -1I am literally cringing as I look at the St. Paddy's Day post below. Not because of the content itself, but because it is almost Easter. Seriously, where does the time go? And the shaming texts from friends doesn't help matters much either. (Yes guys, I am aware of my lack of updates. Thanks for your concern; your prodding has been heard.) There is light at the end of the tunnel, I swear. (Wait, have I said that before?) That light is April 1st, and that tunnel was 75 recipes in two months time. You see, I have been testing a cookbook—and no, it's not my cookbook—that''s coming out later this year. It has been a fun, delicious, and educational experience, but I'm not going to lie when I tell you that it has been freaking exhausting! My kitchen hasn't been clean in weeks!

As if that weren't enough, I went and got myself a "real" job. Because, you know, cooking in my pajamas all day can get a little weird lonely boring. With that, I am pleased to introduce you to the newest Chef Instructor at the Atlanta/Phipps Plaza Sur La Table. Yep, you heard me right: not only do I get to eat and write about food all day long, but now I get to do it at night, too.  It really is a dream come true!

I look forward to not only growing as a cook but as a person. And with that, I hope to pass along all of my new-found knowledge to you. Keep a look out for new posts, series, and tutorials in the coming months, and by all means, let me know if you have any culinary questions you are dying to have answered. Dixie Caviar, i.e. "Chef" is on the job!

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Click the image for the Phipps Plaza class schedule. Check back often for new class additions and updates, and by all means, pop by the store for a visit!

Entertaining Ideas: St. Patrick's Day Party

DIY-Shamrock-Cake-Toppers-2 I am marrying into an Irish family, and they take celebrating St. Paddy's Day to a whole new level. Every year I spend weeks hunting down new recipes in hopes to impress their seen-it-all crowd. On Sunday I'm excited to debut a new party pairing that may just blow all the others away. What is this pièce de résistance, you ask? Cereal milk Bourbon Punch (dyed green, of course) and ooey gooey Lucky Charms Bars. Oh yes, yes I did.

In case that doesn't inspire you to "go green," perhaps these lovely photos will...

St Patricks Day Decor

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Row one: clover cake toppers, Row two: centerpiece, clovers, Row three: bottles, bunting, Row four: grasshopper bars, Row five: corned beef sandwiches/cupcakes, Row six: Irish cream

 

 

Recipe: Chicken Meatball Sliders (via The Kitchn)

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There's been some crazy recipe testing going on in my kitchen these days—so many projects, not enough time! Unfortunately poor Walter hasn't had a "proper" meal in weeks and I've had to start wearing elastic. Needing some solace in the form of dinner, I whipped up these chicken "meatball Parmesan" sliders in the name comfort, and oh boy what a comfort they were. Good thing the recipe makes a lot... Walt's gonna need 'em!

 

 

Guest Lecture with Casey Barber of Good. Food. Stories.

classic-snacks-header-2 Atlanta folks, please join me at the Contemporary Art Center this Saturday, March 16 at 11:00 AM for a guest lecture with Yours Truly. I'll be talking with Casey Barber — editor of Good.Food.Stories. and author of the fabulous new cookbook Classic Snacks Made from Scratch. We will be chatting about recipe development, blogging, and the state of food culture in general.  Come add to the conversation and enjoy a deliciously good time!

(For additional details, click here.)

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Photo credits: Judi Swinks Photography

 

 

 

Recipe: Citrus Poppy Seed Muffins (For The Kitchn)

Orange Poppy Seed Muffins DC-2 Every good Southerner should have a go-to muffin recipe in their arsenal, and I think this one certainly fits the bill. These melt-in-your-mouth muffins—filled with the bright flecks of orange zest and subtle crunch of poppy seeds—have a perfectly light, perfectly tender crumb thanks to cake flour and plenty of butter. (No hockey pucks here!)

Serve a plateful of these citrus poppy seed muffins to overnight guests, fill a basket as a hostess gift, or hoard them all for yourself. Either way, I promise I won't judge.