Southern Lady Delicious Southern Dishes 2014

The simple act of tying apron strings connects us to generations of Southern ladies who have shown their families love in the form of home-cooked meals. Recipe cards, splattered and yellowed from constant use, are treasured keepsakes that bind us to our mothers and grandmothers, our favorite aunts and second cousins, once removed. It is these dishes that we turn to time and time again for special occasions. Now, we might tweak the recipe a bit to put our own signature on it—a little coconut here, a few chocolate chips there—but the love and tenderness that have gone into each one are ingredients in our family story, and we honor that. In this special issue, we celebrate the heritage that lives on in kitchens across the South. We hope these…

Lively and laid back, an afternoon spent poolside is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. Serious swimmers and wistful waders alike will love to gather around the water, where handforged metal fish flip their fins along the pool deck. With an array of quenching beverages and tasty appetizers close at hand, partygoers can sip and nibble to their hearts’ content, reveling in this refreshing respite from the heat. Whether they choose to show off their Olympic-worthy backward dives or opt to swap stories in the shade is entirely up to them—just keep the food and fellowship flowing, and the good times are sure to follow Aquatic Accents Play up the waterside theme with inspired accessories— buoy-shaped shakers, fishing lure napkin rings, and fresh flowers floating in the pool. Keep the good times flowing…

From birthday parties and family reunions to Father’s Day and the Fourth of July, the months of June, July, and August are filled with special occasions. So, fire up the grill, ice down the drinks, and roll out the red carpet of hospitality; it’s party time. A casual but colorful atmosphere encourages everyone to relax and enjoy the feasting and festivity. Rely on happy colors in subtle solids and stripes to keep the atmosphere lively, and remember that this cheerful-yet-versatile décor can be used time and again for a variety of party themes. During the gathering, be sure to savor each and every moment with those around you, storing up memories and laughter to last throughout the year. A Good EGG What would a Southern-style gathering be without our hands-down favorite deviled…

Poodle skirts and saddle shoes, Tootsie rolls and hula hoops—bring back the good ol’ days with a menu filled with updated classic fare. Transform your kitchen into Coolsville with old-fashioned accents that take you back to a simpler time and place. Straw dispensers and wavy glasses filled with refreshing Cherry Limeade help set the scene, while a tabletop jukebox and sprigs of carnations reminiscent of prom boutonnieres stir up memories of high school days long ago. Put on some tunes, and you’re ready for the hop! Cherry Limeade Makes about 1/2 gallon 3 cups water 1 cup fresh lime juice 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup maraschino cherry juice 4 cups lemon-lime-flavored carbonated beverage, chilled Garnish: lime slices, maraschino cherries, fresh mint sprigs 1. In a large pitcher, combine water, lime juice, sugar, and maraschino cherry juice. Stir until sugar…

Blueberry Bars Makes about 2 dozen 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup old-fashioned oats 1 cup sugar, divided 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 11/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter 1 tablespoon cornstarch 31/2 cups fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a 13x9- inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil; set aside. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press half of flour mixture into bottom of prepared pan. 3. In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch. Stir in blueberries and lemon juice. Spoon blueberry mixture evenly over prepared crust. Crumble remaining flour mixture over blueberry mixture. Bake for 45 minutes, or until…

There is an almost imperceptible hint of chill in the air. Guests don light sweaters and make their way down a trail through the rustle of leaves overhead and the late-afternoon chirps of sleek-winged starlings. In a small glade not far from the house—but seemingly worlds away—stands a rustic table filled with an autumnal feast. Set with dinnerware bearing a charming woodland design, the table holds dishes that off er the distinct flavors of fall: pumpkin, apples, and walnuts. Signature autumn accents—stacks of hay, ears of Indian corn, a wheelbarrow filled with etched pumpkins— compose the setting for this peaceful commune with nature. Designs by Nature Rely on a monochromatic palette in neutral tones and accents from nature to give a subtly sophisticated feel to this autumn tablescape, which also complements the…