Not Entirely Average

GET THE RECIPE These Christmas Funfetti Butter Cookie Bites are tiny, twinkly, merry little mouthfuls...the sort of festive little darlings that practically beg you to eat “just one more.” They’re cute, buttery, and dangerously easy to pop one after another like you’re doing serious scientific research. Make the dough ahead, slice it into bite-sized happiness, and bake whenever you need a quick win. They tuck into jars, mugs, and tins so perfectly you’ll look wildly prepared, even if you...

GET THE RECIPE Before the silver screen ever turned them into icons, fried green tomatoes were a practical, heartland solution for using up end-of-season produce — a thrifty kitchen trick that migrated south and became a classic. Though Alabama’s Whistle Stop Café helped make them famous, the earliest known recipes trace back to Jewish immigrants in the Midwest. Unlike ripe garden tomatoes that come and go with the season, green tomatoes are available year-round in most major grocery stores...

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...