Blair Rumley

Recent Posts By Blair Rumley

Holiday Open House Made Easy

So you’ve decked the halls and trimmed the tree, now what? Plan a party, of course. A Holiday Open House is an easy way to foster friendships, share sweets, and put your holiday decor on display. See our tips on how to plan a party amidst seasonal stress: 1. Finger Foods: Rather than a meal, serve an array of finger […]

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Brunswick Stew: The Stew of the South

The humble genesis of Brunswick stew is a contested one. There are two camps that claim its namesake: Brunswick County, Va. and Brunswick, Ga. But no matter which side your allegiance stands, we can all agree, Brunswick Stew is the stew of the South. Brunswick Stew: Southern Living Every weekend before Thanksgiving, my family removes a thick layer of dust from our heirloom-worthy, […]

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The History of Hummingbird Cake

Every season is cake season. However, as the holidays approach, these traditional masterpieces become tablescape mainstays, especially in the South. And let’s be honest, layer cakes don’t come more Southern than Hummingbird Cake. As the most requested recipe in Southern Living history, the  Hummingbird Cake was originally submitted by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina in the  February 1978 issue. […]

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Ready for a Bacon Explosion?

The rumors are true, there is a predicted pork shortage in our future. Thus, the self-proclaimed BBQ Addicts are piling on the pork in the form of a Bacon Explosion. The Bacon Explosion begins with a bacon weave, seasoned to taste. Next is two pounds of Italian sausage (when we said piling on the pork, we weren’t kidding), followed by […]

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Apple, Goat Cheese, and Pecan Pizza

I enjoy the occasional slice of pizza, sans the grease. So when deciding to try a pizza  from MyRecipes cookbook, America’s Favorite Food, I made sure it was grease-free. The Apple, Goat Cheese and Pecan Pizza fit the bill. There is no sauce on this pizza, and the cheese is a light sprinkle of goat cheese rather than a layer of […]

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‘Que Overview

Two unyielding wars wage on Carolina soil: basketball and barbecue. Growing up in North Carolina, I watched these wars divide families and dictate conversation (which almost always turn into arguments). The barbecue dividing lines are the Eastern and Western (also known as Lexington-style) sauce styles. While my allegiance lies with the vinegar-based Eastern style (and the Tar Heels), during my […]

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The Best Biscuits

Though humble and honest, the biscuit is an elusive art. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Southern Studies (yes, it exists), I have yet to master the art. I watch women of my youth toss together flour, butter, and buttermilk in a way that words cannot capture. But, despite the limitations of language, I will attempt to explain the sacred […]

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Preserving Produce

For years I’ve dreamed of becoming a homesteading heroine. While growing produce proves difficult amidst my transient lifestyle, preserving produce proves completely feasible (Note: even if you don’t grow it, you can still preserve it). During the summer, it’s not uncommon to be gifted a bag of tomatoes or a bushel of peaches, if you have the right friends, that […]

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Bastille Day Menu Ideas

While the French celebrate The Storming of the Bastille, we Americans celebrate by storming the kitchen, in true French fashion, of course. I love any excuse for a French feast, and Bastille Day fits the bill. With these recipes, you can plan a Bastille Day soiree that will make Julia Child jealous. Baked Brie with Honey   No French soiree […]

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