Everyone that knows me understands that pumpkin spice season is sacred. I have already had a latte, cookies, and a cheesecake slice of pumpkin spice. I just love spice anything, really. This past weekend, one of my dearest friends presented me with a pillow that says, “Pumpkin Spice Season!” She is the same one who gave me my pumpkin spice …
Bake a Cake and Celebrate Life!
As you know, our company publishes Bake from Scratch, a magazine and book series for people who are passionate about baking. I mean … passionate! I have rediscovered my desire to bake more and learn new techniques. It is a far cry from the way I baked growing up. But I have to tell you that cooks like me love …
Cookie Baking Is Essential to a Good Time!
Dear Friends, I would rather have a great cookie than just about anything! It was always a treat at our home growing up to make cookies. Mom would make the dough the night before and chill it. Then at the appointed time, she would divide up the dough ball evenly. We would each take our part and begin to roll …
Hear from Vietri Founder, Susan Gravely at Our Southern Lady Celebration
I cannot tell you how excited we are about the upcoming Southern Lady Celebration! I have fabulous memories about events held in years past. It seems like yesterday that we all gathered together to glean inspiration from wonderful women who were willing to share their stories. It encouraged me immensely, and I know it did you as well. And this …
Tomato Gardening on My Terrace
I decided this year that I would grow tomatoes in pots and place them on my terrace. I was inspired to do this when John Coykendall, Master Gardener from Blackberry Farms, visited our office and gave me the seeds to get started. Our next-door neighbor, Dr. Michael Blum, has an incredible green thumb. So, I took the seeds to Michael …
Happy 4th of July!
What a blessing it is to live in this country! While we enjoy food, family, and fireworks this weekend, let us remember to celebrate our freedom! We often forget, but it is surely not to be taken for granted. Each year I so enjoy July 4th—I think one reason being that it is right in the middle of the year! …
Highland Gourmet Scones!
It was several years ago Neal called me from one of the fire stations in the city where he worked. He said, very braggingly, “Guess what I am eating?” Of course, I figured a huge plate of food, as firemen are known for. He laughed and said, “We are having scones!” I thought, You have got to be kidding. He …
Do You Know the History of Flag Day?
Flag Day is tomorrow! But do you know the history behind it? I love reading stories where the actions of one person made a national difference over a span of years. I also want to note that this one person did not see his efforts come to full fruition, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth doing. Flag Day celebrations …
The Key Ingredient to a Soft Pound Cake
Friends, it is no secret that we love pound cake around here. We have celebrated National Pound Cake Day, made countless variations, and even released a wonderful compilation of all of our very best pound cake recipes in cookbook form. Pound cake is just one of those desserts that everyone gets excited about. And there are nearly no restrictions when …
This Tradition Makes June a Special Month for Our Family
June is a rather interesting and exciting month. When I was growing up, June meant no school, sleeping late, and…the birthday of a certain someone. A guest writer on this blog, the baby of the family, my sister—Janice! The day itself didn’t really matter. She insisted, and still does, that the entire month is hers. As other people entered the …