Well, finally September is here, and I can officially put out all my harvest and pumpkin items. The thrill of autumn never gets old. I can just look at a pumpkin and smell the cinnamon and nutmeg that permeates when I bake a pumpkin pie! The leaves are beginning to turn here in Alabama, and for that, I am grateful. …
This past week I had the pleasure of watching the Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family, where my son Brian Hart Hoffman did a guest appearance on the show. He demonstrated a recipe from The Bread Collection cookbook that has just been released. As you know, Brian is the editor-in-chief of Bake from Scratch and continues to be featured on shows …
I believe there is immense value in supporting homegrown talent. People with extraordinary gifts are the driving force behind an area’s culture, heritage, and future direction. That is why Louisiana Cookin’s annual Chefs to Watch is such special event! Chefs to Watch is a way to acknowledge the up-and-coming chefs in the Bayou State. And since 2002, we have seen …
Dealing with challenges in life is never what we dream of spending our energy on. I find myself thinking, “Really—another obstacle?” I would rather be doing something fun! Challenges often mean something consistent in our lives is in one way or another changing. And with every shift in our normal comes a new decision to make. Now, I much prefer …
It’s official—we need a good laugh today. I have to share with you the concert experience I had last year. Dear friends of ours had invited us to go to hear a wonderful artist in concert. The night came, and we were dressed up and in our places all ready for the concert to begin. Right in front of me …
I have blogged about monograms for a long time. I think with our Classic Sewing magazine and the machine embroidery monograms that we offer, beautiful monogram designs naturally catch my eye. Sunday before church started, this couple came in and introduced themselves, revealing that both of their first names started with Rs as well as their last name. Without thinking …
I have been to France twice in my life, and each time, I fell in love with so many things in this dreamlike country. When Cindy Cooper told me she was editing her book on French Country style, my heart rejoiced! For those of you who know me, you know I adore all things colonial and British (insert my affection …
I have pondered this so many times this past week. Am I an encourager? We meet people all the time that cross our paths, and some are a permanent part of our daily life. Just as our lives change, so do the lives of others. I have noted that there are people that make us feel so loved and valued …
As August winds down, our wonderful fresh veggies and stone fruits are gradually going away here in the South. Oh, how we will miss them! As harvest season approaches for apples, pears, and pecans, I am already planning my fall recipes. My grandparents were farmers, and every fall we prepared ourselves for the “picking up” pecan season. I always thought …
The other evening, Neal and I were sharing the story of his banana sandwich with our friends. Now on the surface, a banana sandwich is a simple thing. Bread, mayo or peanut butter, banana—done! NOT at our house. First, let’s talk about the sandwich itself. I am assuming a banana sandwich is a national favorite. At least it is here …
