Sassy Southern Cooking with a French Twist

About

For me, cooking is life

As a child, I loved cooking from our garden with my Nanna, but decided I wanted to be a journalist “when I grew up,” so I studied Journalism at Boston College and graduated, cum laude, in 1987. After an early career in sales with Ziff Davis Publishing and subsequent marriage, my interest in cooking and food writing really took off. With good fortune and a dash of tempered bravery, I went off to Paris to study Cuisine and Pastry at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, ultimately graduating with Le Grande Diplome in 1992.

Life and subsequent travels took me many places, from New York, to Chicago, to rural France and to Jackson Hole, WY.  In 2000, I moved to Charleston, SC and began writing regular food and travel features and restaurant reviews for The Post and Courier, Charleston’s daily newspaper. Since then, I’ve garnered lots of writing awards, eaten lots of really good (and some bad) food, and written for many regional and national publications including Southern Living and Food and Wine. In July of 2019, I moved to Williamsburg, VA, which I now happily call home.

Cookbook Author

I have written nine published cookbooks, most recently The New Charleston Chef’s Table Cookbook (Globe Pequot Press, May, 25, 2018). In this, as in all my books, the emphasis is on beautiful Charleston and her wonderful history, products, and talented chefs. They tell their stories in each of the 80 restaurants and chefs profiled in this beautiful new book. Most of my own recipes in my other cookbooks, utilize the classical technique explained in simple, easy to apply ways, boosted by the use of seasonal and fresh produce. Clean technique paired with simple, fresh flavor platforms is my constant mantra. Look for it in future cookbooks, as well as generous doses of humor, wit and a bit of frisky in my upcoming culinary romance novel series.

At Home in Williamsburg, VA

I appreciate all of my blessings and the places, people and things I love. I love the South, I love cooking, I love writing, I love walking and swimming. I love my friends and family, and I dearly love my pets, Rocky Rocken Roll (a chocolate cocker spaniel),  Mr. Purrfect (my city cat), and Sid (my country cat).

A perfect day begins with a long walk around beautiful Williamsburg’s rolling hills with the dog and a long purr with the cat. Next, I’d spend an afternoon working in the kitchen to create a beautiful meal to share with a few close friends. This would be followed by a few hours reading a really good book, a little nap and a brisk walk.. The topper would be dinner out at one of my favorite new restaurants or in my own kitchen with close friends.

This is actually the way I’m able to spend about half my days. Not a bad life! I look forward to sharing my life, writing and cooking adventures with you. Happy Cooking!

Holly

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