Olivia's Dirt Pie: A Garden Treat Too Cute to Weed OutWe planted a garden…in a pie dish.Some recipes stick because they’re delicious. Others because they’re simple. But this one’s special because of the tiny hands that first made it.When my daughter Olivia was five, she started making this ice cream tart almost entirely on her own. It quickly earned the nickname “Olivia’s Dirt Pie” among our friends — thanks to the crushed Oreos that reminded her of soil. Over the years, it’s become a go-to ...
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Cherry Chocolate Cake with Brandy Whipped Cream
Cherry Chocolate Cake: Brandy, Berries & Boxed Cake BlissSome recipes are fussy. This one isn't. And maybe that’s part of the magic.This cherry chocolate cake has been in my husband’s family for years — originally baked in a large tray for potlucks, picnics, and celebrations. I’ve adapted it into a round springform cake and added one little luxury: a soft brandy whipped cream, inspired by my love for Black Forest cake.It’s unapologetically simple. You won’t find scratch-made batter or fresh ...
Cilantro Lime White Chicken Enchiladas
The Saucy Weeknight Enchiladas You'll Keep MakingMexican food wasn’t part of my childhood, but after moving to the States, I slowly started exploring all its bold, vibrant flavors. Some dishes took time to grow on me, but these enchiladas? They were love at first bite. Over the years, they’ve become one of my secret-weapon recipes: simple enough for a weeknight, but just special enough to bring to a friend or serve to a crowd. (And yes, I’ve dropped them off with a couple margaritas for new ...
Mini Chicken Salad Croissants
My Favorite Picnic Sandwiches (That Always Disappear First)We’re in the heart of spring here in Tennessee, and one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season is with a picnic. Whether it’s at a nearby vineyard, a quiet park, or even our own backyard, there’s something magical about gathering outdoors as the world comes alive around us. The blooming trees, the warm breeze, the clink of a glass—these little moments of togetherness and beauty help reset our pace and set the tone for the season ...
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd's Pie (a.k.a. The Meal That Heals) In our home, this cozy, hearty dish is more than just dinner—it’s a cure-all. It’s our favorite winter-night comfort food, and my go-to for meal-train blessings. In fact, it’s become such a staple in our lives that we now call it “the meal that heals.”This nickname came about after I brought it to a dear friend who was recovering from heart surgery. The next morning, I received this text:“Hi Nanette. Thanks so much for dinner yesterday. It was awesome. ...
Peppermint Crisp Tart
Fridge Tart & Friendship: A Peppermint Crisp ClassicPeppermint Crisp Tart is easily one of the most beloved and frequently made desserts in South Africa. And once you’ve tasted it, it’s easy to understand why. This no-bake treat features layers of coconut biscuits and a dulce de leche cream, all studded with shards of Peppermint Crisp — a minty chocolate bar with the most irresistible crunch. It’s decadent, nostalgic, and happens to sport a perfectly patriotic palette of green and gold, like ...
Blueberry Apple Crisp
Bubbling Blueberry Apple Crisp (and the Scent of Welcome)If you ask me, there are few aromas more comforting than a baked dessert fresh from the oven—and I think this one might take the cake (no pun intended). The scent of warm cinnamon and oats mingling with bubbling fruit is exactly the kind of welcome I want my family or guests to experience as they walk through the door. It’s cozy. It’s nostalgic. And it’s delicious.As I worked on developing this recipe, I experimented with different fruit ...
Homemade Romany Creams
My favorite South African cookie, recreated in my American kitchen.Romany Creams are my very favorite cookie in the entire universe (not an exaggeration). They were a treasured treat during my childhood, especially during afternoon tea with a cup of rooibos. When I moved to the States, they quickly became one of the most-missed foods from home. For years, whenever someone was visiting South Africa, I’d ask them to bring me a box — but once I had my own kids and started our own tea time ...
Stovetop Hot Chocolate
Stirring Up Tradition: Our Favorite Christmas Tree Hot ChocolateOne of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is putting on a big ol’ pot of hot chocolate and decorating the Christmas tree. We usually do this the weekend after Thanksgiving—and this year was no exception. Years ago, we used to grab a few hot chocolate packets, but it didn’t take long for me to decide those just wouldn’t do. I’m definitely a chocolate person—the darker the better—so those bland, watery mixes felt like a ...
Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving Turkey (Oven Bag Method)Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday in the States. It's a day dedicated to gratitude—and includes my two favorite ways to love on people: quality time and food. The star of the table is, of course, the turkey. As a South African, turkey wasn’t a regular part of our meals growing up, so this dish still feels like a bit of a treat—and a meaningful symbol of the home we’ve built here.But I also know how daunting it can feel for newcomers. If you're a ...
