Red, White, and Blue Frozen Torte

Happy 4th of July!

Phyllis Lifestyle 6 Comments

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! …

The Key Ingredient to a Soft Pound Cake

Phyllis Lifestyle 5 Comments

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 …

cheese-pepper biscuits

Let’s Talk Biscuits!

Phyllis Inspiration 5 Comments

Whether or not you’re a Southerner, it’s no secret that biscuits in the South are a way of life. Born out of necessity and frugality, biscuits provided a high-calorie breakfast for those who worked a lot and did not have much to spend on meals. Now our nostalgic and familiar staples are found in nearly every Southern restaurant and home …

Galentine's Tea

Happy “Galantine’s” Day!

Phyllis Lifestyle 7 Comments

Valentine’s Day really does just make me smile! It’s the first bit of brightness and celebration after an often long and dreary January—what a breath of fresh air! This day is celebrated in many ways other than romance. Some families have delightful Valentine’s traditions, and now, “Galantine” celebrations seem to be the thing to do! Which honestly, makes so much …

birthday cake spread

Home Bakers…This Is For You!

Phyllis Inspiration, Lifestyle 6 Comments

Now, this is an announcement that I am beyond thrilled to share with all of you! Bake from Scratch magazine just unveiled their third annual cookbook! Covering both sweet and savory, Bake from Scratch: Volume Three is filled with artisan recipes for yeast bread, pies, birthday cakes, and so much more. I am particularly excited about the plethora of birthday …

New Year, Lots of New Magazines!

Phyllis Inspiration 20 Comments

Can you believe it is another New Year? It seems like we just started 2018. We have so many wonderful things going on here at Hoffman Media. Did you know we now own the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo? And the Martha Pullen Company? We are so excited about these wonderful additions to our company. More to come on that! …

fruitcake

The Most Controversial Christmas Dessert: Fruitcake

Phyllis Lifestyle 21 Comments

OK, let’s talk about the one thing that gets the most criticism during the holidays—fruitcake! Just the mention of it makes some people crazy, and others hear it and can’t wait! And I just wonder how many recipes are out there for this trivial treat.   My most favorite fruitcake of all is an Icebox Fruitcake my Grandmother Norton made …

2018 Chefs to Watch

Chefs to Watch Recap (Plus a Divine Dessert Recipe)

Phyllis People 1 Comment

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 …

teatime table setting

A Timeless Tradition

Phyllis Lifestyle 13 Comments

Taking afternoon tea simply never goes out of style. There is just something extra special about celebrating a moment with a tradition that has stood the true test of time. Yes, the custom originated in Europe, but this drink has ties around the world. And that is exactly what our new book Tea Parties Around the World by the editors …