Not Entirely Average

GET THE RECIPE These French bread rolls, better known by their mischievous name “Devilish Butlers,” bake up with crisp, golden crusts and soft, fluffy centers that make them impossible to resist. Their little “horns” on top are more than just looks—they’re the telltale sign that these rolls are baked to perfection. The recipe uses a no-fail yeast method, so whether you’re new to bread making or you’ve been elbow-deep in flour for years, you’ll end up with rolls that look bakery-worthy. All...

GET THE RECIPE Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole is the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style—tender broccoli, melty cheddar, and a flavorful twist that makes it extra special. The secret? A bit of grated onion and a sprinkle of paprika. The onion brings just the right tang and texture, reminiscent of the beloved Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole, while the paprika adds subtle smokiness or gentle heat, depending on the variety you choose. Together, they take this classic...

GET THE RECIPE Insanely Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake with Apples and Pecans takes all the cozy flavors of fall — ripe apples, crunchy pecans, and warm cinnamon — and bakes them into one irresistible treat. The best part? It all starts with refrigerated cinnamon rolls, making this recipe as easy as it is indulgent. Think of it as a coffee cake for non-bakers: gooey, sweet, and packed with autumn goodness, yet simple enough to pull together without turning your kitchen upside down. If boxed...

GET THE RECIPE Say hello to Pimento Cheese, the Southern spread that knows how to bring a little sass to the table. Made with yellow cheddar AND pleasantly sharp 'piquant' white cheddar, it’s creamy, tangy, and just bold enough to keep you coming back with crackers, celery sticks, or maybe even a spoon if you’re caught alone in the kitchen. Around here, folks call it all sorts of names — the “pâté of the South,” “dip of Dixie,” even “Carolina caviar” — but no matter what you call it, it’s...

GET THE RECIPE It doesn’t need to be St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy a classic Irish soda bread. This quick bread, studded with raisins and flavored with caraway seeds, is simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying. I first learned to make it in a cast iron skillet, but it bakes up just as beautifully in a Dutch oven or even on a baking sheet. The dough is shaped into a round, and before baking, a deep cross is cut into the top with a sharp knife—a signature mark of tradition. With just a handful of...

GET THE RECIPE Down here in the South, pimento cheese isn’t just a spread—it’s a way of life! So, I went and piled it on nachos, tossed in crispy chorizo slices, roasted peppers, and jalapeños for a little sass. You’ll need 2 cups of the good stuff—store-bought or my neighbor’s Georgia-approved Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese. Don't worry, I'm sharing her recipe ;-) Either way, melt it down, pour it on, and watch those chips disappear faster than sweet tea on a hot day! Visit Isle of...

GET THE RECIPE Smoky Blue Cheese and Pear Tart with Puff Pastry is pure elegance made easy! The sweet pears paired with the tangy, briny kick of blue cheese create a flavor combination that feels like a little culinary magic. This quick bake is a true kitchen showstopper—unique, memorable, and surprisingly simple. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll have a tart that tastes like a gourmet masterpiece. For speed and ease, I recommend using a sheet of store-bought puff pastry, but...

GET THE RECIPE Even as summer slips into autumn, you can still savor the flavor of gorgeous, vine-ripened tomatoes—especially the late-season varieties like Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, or even a hearty Beefsteak. That’s what makes this Pimento Cheese Tomato Pie such a perfect transitional dish. Imagine a flaky, golden pastry crust layered with creamy pimento cheese, juicy slices of tomato, crispy bacon, and caramelized shallots, all finished with a scattering of fresh herbs. It’s comfort...

GET THE RECIPE This Roasted Garlic Dip vanished in about eleven minutes the first time I served it—and honestly, I wasn’t surprised. Garlic gets a quick 15-minute roast in the oven, turning sharp cloves into mellow, sweet little flavor bombs that only need a handful of simple ingredients to shine. It comes together faster than a run to the store for a packaged dip, and trust me, nothing from a tub tastes this good. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear before you even get a...