Watermelon stands lining the side of the rural parish roads are an especially Southern thing. Truckloads begin arriving as the temperature soars, and there is no better way to cool down than a slice of ice-cold watermelon on the back porch steps. Or maybe there is: Watermelon Bread – hot out of the oven. I’ve…
Strawberry Shortcake Jars
In the South, strawberry shortcake and the 4th of July just go hand-in-hand. There’s no better way to top off a backyard holiday barbecue than with fresh seasonal fruit topped with whipped cream. These Strawberry Shortcake Jars are the simplest recipe that delivers crowd-pleasing results every time. So, how can we improve upon perfection? I grew…
Apple Gateau with Calvados Crème Sauce
My Apple Gateau with Calvados Crème Sauce balances tart fruit with sweet creaminess against the delicate crumb of a perfectly baked cake. The French liqueur adds elegance that makes this a special occasion for any dinner. Plus, it’s simple to make. If you were to ask me why I love this Apple Gateau with Calvados…
Strawberry Cobbler with Chambord Whipped Cream
Nothing beats fresh strawberries in season, and here in South Louisiana, we are blessed with an abundance of the crop. I like them chilled over a bowl of corn flakes, crowning a big ol’ biscuit topped with ice cream, or whole berries dipped in chocolate—there’s no end to the ways I enjoy strawberries. But here…
Chocolate Nests
This is a silly little recipe for Chocolate Nests that my daughter has perfected. It’s genius in its simplicity. But, leave it to me to complicate it a tad. My daughter Lauren is a sophomore at Louisiana State University and after spending her freshman year in the dorm, she is now living in her first…




