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.
Tag: Recipes
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.
Fiore e Pepe (Copycat Cocktail from Appalachia Restaurant in Lake Lure, NC)
A bright and cheeky cocktail inspired by Appalachia in Lake Lure, NC. The Fiore e Pepe mixes vodka, elderflower, blueberries, and black pepper syrup for a floral, fruity, and lightly spicy sip that’s as elegant as it is fun.
Slow Cooker Adobo Pernil, Green Banana Mofongo with Chipotle Adobo and Coconut Broth
A Caribbean-inspired twist: slow-cooked lime-garlic pork pernil replaces shrimp in this mofongo bowl, layered with coconut broth and fresh herbs. Comforting, bold, and deeply satisfying.
The Rosemary’s Baby (a Smoked Rosemary Martini)
Rosemary’s Baby is my smoky twist on a Dirty Martini, named after the 1968 classic. Fresh rosemary, a kiss of smoke, and that savory martini vibe I can’t resist. Simple. Bold. Delicious.
Fig & Barrel (Fig Old Fashioned)
Meet the Fig & Barrel — my cheeky take on an Old Fashioned.
Barrel-proof bourbon meets caramelized fig syrup and walnut bitters, finished with fresh fig + orange zest. 🍊🍂
Bacon Bliss Pizza (copycat from Sidewall Pizza Co)
Greenville locals know the Bacon Bliss is a must-order at Sidewall Pizza Company. While nothing beats grabbing the real thing at the Travelers Rest OG, here’s my at-home version for when you can’t make it there.
Air Fried Artic Char with an Easy Citrus Hollandaise
Years ago on Isle of Palms, SC, we had an special at The Boathouse at Breach Inlet: Arctic Char with veggies + citrus hollandaise. That memory popped up recently, so I had to try a copycat.
My version: Air-Fried Arctic Char 🐟 with sautéed local Swiss chard, roasted carrots, smashed potatoes, and citrus hollandaise. Ingredients came from a couple of favs—Broadwater Shrimp Co. + Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery.
The Notorious F.I.G. Cocktail
Meet the Notorious F.I.G. 🍸 A bold mix of rye whiskey, Grand Marnier, caramelized fig syrup, and blueberry balsamic vinegar. Inspired by a bounty of figs, its name tips the hat to a legendary artist and Hitchcock’s Notorious. Rich. Nuanced. Unforgettable.
Sous Vide Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, Grits, Broccolini, Habanero Cream with Charred Scallion and Almond Pesto
This recipe features an easier, lighter version of Soby’s Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, using sous vide cooking for precise doneness. It incorporates charred scallion and almond pesto, substituting grits for mashed potatoes, and replacing butter and cream with olive oil and almond creamer.
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