By: Kara Kimbrough My carry-on suitcase was filled with delicacies from Barber Orchards and Bakery in Waynesville, NC. Back home, I created the perfect brunch that included, clockwise from bottom left: apple cider doughnuts, apple tarts, Barber’s strawberry preserves (and my homemade biscuits), apples I picked myself from a Waynesville apple orchard and hot apple cider.  (Photo courtesy of Kara Kimbrough) I can’t enter 2026 without sharing the best food and travel finds that

By Kara Kimbrough Smoked trout dip, an appetizer at The Switchback at Cataloochee Ranch, offers a new take on traditional dips due to Sous Chef Chris Bankes’ innovative use of fresh ingredients and locally-sourced smoked trout. Drop me an email and I’ll send you the recipe.   Photo  courtesy of Cataloochee Ranch.    A week in western North Carolina offered breathtaking views of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains as well as a chance to explore charming towns like Maggie

By Kara Kimbrough  Apple crumb cake is the perfect fall dessert, snack or, in a pinch, quick breakfast.     Finally, it’s fall…the...

By Kara Kimbrough  One Skillet Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish to throw together when time is short but an enjoyable dinner...

By Kara Kimbrough   Spicy-Butter Spaghetti is the perfect quick and easy pasta meal, especially when the butter is made ahead and...

By Kara Kimbrough   Old-Fashioned Seafood Gumbo is a classic dish that almost everyone loves. If you’d like the recipe, email me and I’ll...

By: Kara Kimbrough A football-shaped cheeseball filled with cream cheese and favorite additions is the perfect centerpiece for tailgating...

By: Kara Kimbrough A copycat version of the famous Blooming Onion Sauce also doubles as a delicious dip for onion rings, fries and chips....

By: Kara Kimbrough If you’re not a seafood-lover (or even if you are) a dressed ribeye po’boy encased in French bread at Taranto’s in...

By: Kara Kimbrough Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is the perfect antidote to a chilly winter night when time is short but dinner must still be...

By: Kara Kimbrough Hearty egg muffins filled with spinach and cheese (or favorite protein like bacon or ham) are easy to eat on the go...

By: Kara Kimbrough Brown sugar bacon jam took this smashburger at Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill in Bay St. Louis to a new level. Make...