Southern Lady Simply Southern 2012

I love to spend a sunny morning in my colorful kitchen, pondering and humming while rolling out dough or slicing up fresh fruit. But even better are the moments when my house is filled with friends, family, laughter, and the sights and scents of edible delights. Foods and flavors just have a way of not only stirring up memories but also bringing folks together. In fact, some of my fondest recollections are tied to events like birthday parties, summer cookouts, and Christmas celebrations. Though menus and meals aren’t the focus of a gathering, they are certainly key ingredients for making the gettogether memorable, and that’s what this special issue is all about. Whether you cook most often for two or twenty, we hope you’ll find inspiration for your culinary creations within these…

Rather than pack away an alfresco studio when you’re expecting guests, re-envision the inspired space as a casual dinner setting. Imagine a white wooden table as your canvas, and set it with brightly brushed china and handblown stemware that are themselves works of art. The easel transitions into this landscape nicely, whether displaying a summer scene in progress or perhaps a watercolor version of the evening’s menu. A delectable dessert is easily carried away from the table, allowing guests to seek the best spot in the garden for watching the watercolor streaks of a setting sun. Art Elements Incorporate art supplies into the décor with neat groupings of paints, brushes, and other materials. Look for clever ways to echo the theme on the table—tall slender flowers arranged in a clear vase resemble…

Everlasting love is wonderful indeed. When a couple reaches a milestone anniversary, it presents the opportunity for a truly special celebration. Drawing from the timeless beauty found in the great outdoors, host a dinner to honor the man and wife who have stayed true to the commitment they made so many years ago. With amorous strains of Nat King Cole filling the air, the hand-in-hand lovebirds gazing into each other’s eyes, and incredibly delicious crab cakes starting the dining experience, the night promises to be one that is unforgettable in every way. GROWING STRONG Leaf-motif accents, such as an embroidered tablecloth and artful salad plates, act as subtle reminders that the relationship is healthy and thriving. Commission a cake that reflects the theme, making the confection an extra party decoration as well…

America’s favorite pastime inspires fans of all ages, especially the young ones who look forward to putting on their caps and swinging their bats each week at the neighborhood ballpark. To turn their love of the game into a springtime celebration, step up to the plate and take a swing at a baseball-themed birthday bash guaranteed to make your little slugger’s big day a smash hit. THE OLD BALL GAME | Some long-standing traditions are definitely worth keeping. Boxes of the old-fashioned favorite snack—Cracker Jack—hit a stand-up double when used as both colorful table decorations and surprise-inside party favors. Outfield Veggie Dip Makes 4 cups 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream ½ cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar 6 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon 6 tablespoons chopped green onion 6 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ¼ cup chopped fresh…

Chocolate Cake Makes 1 (9-inch) cake 3 cups all-purpose flour 2²⁄³ cups sugar 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1¹⁄³ cups milk 1¹⁄³ cups butter, melted 4 large eggs 1½ cups sour cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Fluffy Chocolate Icing (recipe follows) Garnish: fresh strawberries 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 3 (9-inch) cake pans with nonstick baking spray with flour. 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, melted butter, and eggs; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes or until well combined. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Spoon batter into prepared cake pans. 3. Bake for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool…

Cinnamon Rolls Makes about 2 dozen 2 cups warm whole milk (105° to 110°) 2 (¼-ounce) packages active dry yeast ½ cup sugar, divided 7 to 8 cups bread flour, divided 1 tablespoon salt 1 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 1 cup finely chopped pecans 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ cup butter, melted Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing (recipe follows) 1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and ¼ cup sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. 2. In a medium bowl, combine 5 cups bread flour, remaining ¼ cup sugar, and salt. 3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine milk mixture, oil, and eggs. Gradually add flour mixture to milk mixture, beating until smooth after each addition. Beat in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. 4. Turn dough out…