The Rattlesnake Cocktail

The Rattlesnake Cocktail is my modern twist on a 1930s classic—silky, bright, and just a little dangerous. Barrel-proof rye brings bold depth, ginger simple syrup adds warmth and spice, and a touch of absinthe gives the drink its unmistakable bite. Shaken to a frothy finish and served in a chilled coupe, it’s a perfect balance of vintage elegance and contemporary craft.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Creole Blue Cheese Ranch Coleslaw (reboot)

This rebooted Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Chicken Sandwich delivers bigger flavor and better texture than the original. The chicken gets a full packet of ranch seasoning plus an extra hour of slow-cooking with butter for maximum tenderness. The homemade Creole Blue Cheese Ranch Coleslaw adds creamy tang, a touch of heat, and savory blue cheese to balance the buffalo kick. Serve it with duck-fat air-fried skinny fries for the ultimate comfort-food upgrade.

The Left Hand Cocktail

🥃 Meet the Left Hand — a modern classic that drinks like the lovechild of a Manhattan and a Negroni. Bold bourbon, bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, and a hint of chocolate bitters = rich, complex, unforgettable.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon with Smashed Garlic Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus and an Arugula Chimichurri

This Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the perfect cozy winter meal, rich, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Served with creamy smashed garlic potatoes, roasted asparagus, and a bright arugula chimichurri, it brings together comfort food warmth with fresh, vibrant accents. Ideal for chilly nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and impressive without the extra work.

The French Martini (with a twist)

A modern take on the classic French Martini, vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice shaken to frothy perfection. A dash of orange bitters adds balance and complexity to this fruity, elegant cocktail.

Pad See Ew – Thai Stir Fried Noodles

Craving Thai takeout at home? Pad See Ew is a classic street food favorite from Thailand, made with wide rice noodles, savory soy sauce, and just the right balance of protein and veggies. This recipe was inspired by my go-to lunch spot, Thai Garden and it hits all the same comforting notes ,chewy noodles, smoky caramelized sauce, and quick weeknight ease.

Blue Ridge Manhattan Cocktail (Blueberry & Black Pepper)

This cocktail balances the richness of barrel-proof bourbon with the tart brightness of fresh blueberries and a subtle kick of black peppercorn syrup. Bitters tie it all together, creating a drink that is both familiar and refreshingly original, a true taste of the Blue Ridge.

A Summer Twist on Cassoulet

This Weeknight Summer Cassoulet takes inspiration from a date night at Passerelle Bistro in Greenville, SC. By swapping duck confit for pulled pork or rotisserie chicken and adding peak-season vegetables, it’s a lighter, fresher spin on the French classic, easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough to impress.