Bourbon Ball Cake recipe was inspired by MK's bourbon balls, in the form of a bourbon ball cake topped with dark chocolate ganache.

I cannot remember the reason why but for she wanted to be in charge of my birthday cake. So there was no trip to Magee’s that year but I was definitely not disappointed. Lynn made me a picture-perfect and most delicious pineapple upside-down cake that year! It was so special for me, and a birthday memory that I will never forget. Just thinking about it, I can almost taste it! Absolutely delicious with the fresh pineapple rings and candied cherries on top.

So many of my Mother’s favorite recipes, the ones she compiled in a spiral-bound notebook just for me, are the collaborative work of a lifetime of potlucks and family gatherings. Kay’s Lemon Pie is a favorite and can be made with ready-made graham cracker crust or a homemade version. The is the one thing my Mom’s friend Kay would bring to their work pot luck lunches. Kay would tell you she was not a pie maker but after making this recipe and I am sure you would disagree. The perfect summer holiday pie. Memorial Day and July 4th will taste a whole lot sweeter.

Springtime in Kentucky is so special. After the Kentucky Derby I am focused on cooking and baking with the fresh ingredients that come from our rich soil. My favorite fruit of the season is strawberries and rhubarb. I love the contrast of the sweet and tart that the combination of these two bring. Tossed in sugar and baked in a rich and buttery crust, the Strawberry Rhubarb Crostata will be a family favorite.

Making sugar cookies with my girls is one of my favorite activities. As small children and even today the three of us has so much fun baking and decorating the cookies. I gave up perfection for quality time spent and memories made with Haly and Lily. That is what is important to me and I hope you too.

Fruit breads are perfect all year around and blueberry is my favorite. Bursting with flavor, this recipe makes a perfect addition to your brunch buffet. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or grab a slice for a perfect late night snack with a cold glass of milk.

Not only can Julie McAllister from For Heaven Bakes create beautiful cakes that depict everything from a Mint Julep cut to Reese Witherspoons purse. This time she has taken the flavors of a Bourbon Ball and turned it in to a cake perfect for your Kentucky Derby celebration. Below is her recipe that she has adapted from a box of Bourbon Balls I shared with her, the results are amazing. Julie has shared her recipe for us all to enjoy. I decided to make the recipe into cupcakes for my Derby Day table. For extra fun I added a bourbon ball to each cupcake.

Thankful for families that share their treasured recipes.

Last month when I attended a conference I was drawn to the energy and kindness of Jamie Darling. We had met originally on Zoom calls with The Souther C, she had a spark that I knew I needed to meet at our conference.

On the last evening of our event Jamie invited me to dinner. It is always nice to be included and I was thankful for the invitation. At dinner we laughed, shared about our business and agreed to stay in touch.

Soon after my return from Sea Island, I was scrolling through social media where Jamie had mentioned her Aunt Etta’s Cinnamon Roll recipe. I reached out and Jamie was kind enough to share this family favorite. After reviewing the recipe I wanted to know more about Etta, there was something special. Staying true to how she wrote the recipe I even used oleo (margarine) instead of butter.

I learned that Etta and my grandmother Mammy had very similar personalities. Both woman were strong, independent, full of energy and love. They graduated from college and went on to work outside of the home as professionals in the banking and medical fields. They both cared deeply for family and made their homes a place where all could gather and feel the warmth of their hospitality.

Etta’s Cinnamon Rolls this recipe is now a part of my families recipe binder. Enjoy.

Every morning after I grab my cup of coffee I head to my office to tackle the days emails and to update my to do list. this particular morning I was brought to tears when I opened an email from my cousin Beth. She sent me images of two recipes in my Southern Grandmothers handwriting that she found. My memory was flooded with my summers spent in her kitchen making everything from biscuits, chocolate chip cookies and pitchers of sweet tea.