Not Entirely Average

GET THE RECIPE Okay, time for a bit of Yankee fodder... New York Crumb Cake has been a beloved classic since 1898, earning its place as the ultimate companion to a hot cup of coffee. For many of us, it’s more than just cake—it’s a bite of nostalgia. I still remember the chaos of our neighborhood bakery: the warm scent of cinnamon sugar in the air, the clatter of pastry boxes, and the chatter of regulars vying for their favorite sweets, all tied up with that iconic red-and-white twine. This...

GET THE RECIPE Beet greens are having a moment—and for good reason. Sautéed in garlicky olive oil and tossed with golden raisins, crispy prosciutto, and crunchy croutons, this warm-weather favorite easily adapts for fall with collards, kale, or chard. A bold, crave-worthy side that’s just as at home on a holiday table as it is on a Tuesday night! Visit Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Tucked between centuries-old oaks...

GET THE RECIPE This ridiculously tasty French Onion Noodle Casserole is a weeknight winner—rich, creamy, and loaded with savory flavor in every bite. It’s made with just 6 simple ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, so you can get a crowd-pleasing dinner on the table without breaking a sweat. Between the tender noodles, golden crispy French onions, and that irresistible creamy sauce, don’t be surprised if everyone’s back for seconds (or thirds). Visit Charleston, South Carolina The Historic...

GET THE RECIPE If you’ve ever craved cozy comfort food with a touch of elegance, look no further—Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy is the answer. Juicy beef and pork meatballs, warmly spiced with nutmeg and allspice, are bathed in a silky brown-cream gravy that’s downright irresistible. Serve them over mashed potatoes or my Crazy Good French Onion Noodle Casserole for a hearty, feel-good meal that fits just as easily into a busy weeknight as it does a special Sunday dinner! Visit Hilton Head...

GET THE RECIPE This uniquely Southern Chicken Salad with Pineapple is perfect for party platters or weekday sandwiches—especially when piled onto buttery croissants or spooned over crisp lettuce. When time’s tight, I blitz canned white meat chicken in the food processor and mix it up in a flash. If peanuts and pineapple in your chicken salad sound surprising, just wait. The combo of salty crunch and juicy sweetness takes this classic to a whole new level. Built on a base of chicken, mayo, and...

GET THE RECIPE This recipe comes from my friend Raejean Beattie of Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown, South Carolina, where macaroni and cheese gets an unexpected upgrade. Raejean adds a pinch of fresh rosemary, turning a classic into something memorable and full of flavor that lingers in the best way! This fabulous creamy mac is prepared atop the stove, then baked to make a cheesy dish of comfort whenever you need a Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese fix! You’ll love each bite of this...

GET THE RECIPE Easy Squash Casserole is the side that goes with everything—and when your garden starts launching zucchini and yellow squash like it’s trying to win a prize, this recipe saves the day. It also freezes like a champ, so make a few and stash them for later. We start digging into it in July and keep the love going through December—mostly because it tastes like stuffing’s more tender, golden cousin. If you're the official “stuffing person” come holiday time, this cozy yellow squash...

GET THE RECIPE This easy peach and blueberry cobbler with ginger biscuit topping rarely makes it to the freezer—chances are, you'll be digging in fork-first while it’s still warm. But if you’ve got a fruit haul to work through, go ahead and bake up a few extra; this one freezes like a dream. Because wasting summer peaches? Absolutely not. And let’s not overlook the ginger-studded biscuits—hello, flavor upgrade! Visit Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort,...

GET THE RECIPE The first time I made this Mighty Irish Guinness Beer Cake, it was technically for a friend’s birthday—but let’s be honest, the cake was the main event, and my friend was just lucky to be the recipient... This thing is dangerously easy. No need to wrestle with a Bundt pan or search for your dignity after it sticks—just pour the rich, beer-kissed batter into a regular pan and wait for magic. It’s dark, dense, and so moist it should probably come with a warning label. And the...