Just before Christmas, Mary Parker and I had the opportunity to interview floral & event designer Emily Sharp of Emily Ellison Studio. Emily was a friend at UGA (Go Dawgs!) and, like many of our college friends, never ceases to amaze us with her talent. There are few things that make me happier than watching friends blossom in their respective creative industries, and Emily is certainly no ...
Mint Thumbprint Cookies
Mint thumbprint cookies are buttery and crunchy with a spot of peppermint icing that melts in your mouth. A unique option for holiday cookie swaps or dessert platters! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission if you purchase a product through these links. We only promote products that we know and love! Please check out our disclosure policy for ...
The Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide for your Girlfriends
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission if you purchase a product through these links. We only promote products that we know and love! Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Waited until the last minute again to get gifts for your trés chic girlfriends? Never fear. We've got 10 gifts every lady will love. Best of all? They're ...
Get to Know: Ellen
My great-grandmother MeMaw passed away this year, one week shy of her 96th birthday. The loss of her presence here on this earth is felt deeply, but her funeral service was a testament to her life in general -- more celebration than sadness. Reflection on my time with her (spent largely in her kitchen or at her table) has awakened me to how much I take for granted. So many aspects of my family ...
Get to Know: Mary Parker
A plate of freshly sliced tomatoes from the garden with a little salt and pepper were a staple at lunchtime for me growing up. This may not be every child’s favorite dish, but it will always remind me of my childhood. Every summer, I helped my grandfather plant his garden and then helped pick the fresh vegetables off the vines once ripe. I would take the tomatoes, corn, squash, and cucumbers ...
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Bellini
Whether you've been out fighting the Black Friday crowds today, listening to your relatives drone on about politics, or both (Lord help you) one thing is for sure. You deserve a cocktail! If you've got some leftover cranberry sauce hanging out in your fridge, you're in luck! Throw a few scoops of cranberry sauce into your food processor or blender, add a splash of orange juice to thin, and ...
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A lighter Thanksgiving side with all the candy-sweet flavor of traditional sweet potato casserole! These whipped sweet potatoes are on the table in under 30 minutes, and have no refined sugar, dairy, or butter added! Dicing the sweet potatoes into 1 inch cubes allows for a quick cooking time, and boiling garlic in with the potatoes adds a lot of flavor. I used 2 tablespoons of coconut ...
Acorn Squash Stuffed with Leftover Thanksgiving Dressing
Of all the thanksgiving leftovers in our house, the dressing (or stuffing) is definitely gobbled up the fastest. However, it's always fun to try making new recipes out of leftovers, and if your grandmother is anything like mine, she's probably made a few extra Pyrex dishes of dressing "just in case". You can turn those leftovers into a stunning stuffed squash with minimal effort! I've ...
Dairy-Free “Creamed” Kale
It’s your lucky day. I have a delicious, healthy side for all your upcoming holiday meals! This dairy-free “creamed” kale hits all the right notes for holiday gatherings. It is creamy and comforting, with notes of nutmeg and a pinch of spice. Best of all, you don’t have to feel guilty about eating it! If you have a vegan in the family, or are generally trying not to pack on the ...
Easy Homemade Applesauce
I can’t seem to go to the supermarket and leave without apples. I love apples, and eat them almost daily. While I do crave applesauce every once in a while, I’ve never been a huge fan of it. Until now. This recipe for chunky homemade applesauce from Once Upon a Chef caught my eye, and boy, am I glad it did. Peeling and chopping the apples is the hardest part. Once you’ve got them all ...