Salted
Pecan Toffee
page 99THE HOLIDAYS are always a balancing act, aren’t they? I fi nd myself choosing
between tried-and-true recipes and something a little newer and more exciting. In
my family, there are certain dishes we expect to see on the Christmas table—green
bean casserole, fl uff y dinner rolls, and sweet potatoes among them—but each year,
I try to mix it up a little bit.
In this special collection of our favorite Taste of the South holiday recipes,
you’re sure to fi nd quite a few traditional and modern dishes to liven up your party
menus. Whether you start the event with a Thyme & Pecan Pimiento Cheese Ball
(page 13) or a plate of classic Smoked Paprika Cheese Straws (page 21) and end with
a Spiced Rum-Pecan Pound Cake (page 48) or a gooey slice of Salted Caramel and
Chocolate Pecan Pie (page 34), the world is your oyster.
We also included some fun food gifts to keep on hand throughout the season.
The Crispy Date-Nut Bites (page 92) and the Turtle Fudge (page 107) are perennial
favorites, but I can’t get enough of the Salted Pecan Toff ee (page 99).
Whatever the holidays have in store for you and your family, we wish you
nothing but the best season’s eatings.