By Tammie Hughes “Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme” — the tunes of Simon and Garfunkel sing in my head as I gleefully plant tender herbs in rich soil, daydreams dancing in my head of using fresh herbs at every meal.…

By Tammie Hughes Like tulips emerging from the soil and Bradford pear trees bursting into full bloom seemingly overnight, asparagus makes its debut at the first hint of warm, sunny days; it’s a hopeful sign that spring is just around…

By Tammie Hughes As soon as your herb garden is planted, colorful bulbs are popping up, your annual flowers are in full bloom, and your fern baskets are lazily swaying in the light breeze — set your sights on planning…

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS: Courtesy of www.delish.comPHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

By Tammie Hughes I didn’t let them know I was dropping by, and I arrived just as the doors opened. It was just before Christmas, and the holiday cocktails were flowing to tables from the bar. A steady stream of…

By Tammie Hughes Numerous seafood markets along the Grand Strand provide residents and visitors with fresh-caught fish and harvests of local shellfish.While some varieties are available year-round, others have peak seasons. You can find seasonal guides published by local fishing…

INGREDIENTS: For Garnish: INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice 2. Add all the ingredients and shake for 30 seconds 3. Serve in a martini glass and garnish with mint and sliced green apple Courtesy of www.culinaryginger.com

By Tammie Hughes Ingredients Shortcut Crust  Filling  Topping  Instructions For the shortcut crust, use a pre-made graham cracker crust. Combine a pat of butter with the brown sugar and warm in the microwave for 20 seconds; stir until smooth. Add…

By Tammie Hughes Myths, folklore, wives’ tales, and even personal testaments abound over the properties of certain foods labeled as aphrodisiacs. It’s no coincidence that the standard fare for special sweetheart dinners often includes foods that may enhance your evening.…

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Add hibiscus, rum, honey, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice. 2. Shake for 8 seconds. 3. Strain over fresh ice. If desired, garnish with candy hearts and a mini honey dipper with a little drizzle of…

By Tammie Hughes I recently watched a segment of The History Channel’s Food That Built America series, “Flight of the Buffalo Wing,” in anticipation of Super Bowl LX (60th). During the piece I found myself questioning facts and timelines, which…

By Tammie Hughes Perhaps you’ve agreed to a last-minute, impromptu party, or you’re running behind on preparing your list of apps to serve; you’re sure to find an idea that suits you. Let’s dig into our playbook for hosting this…

By Tammie Hughes Intense umami flavor shines through in these multi-purposeful broths. I start with a combination of quality bone stocks for the base. These “elevated stocks” can be used in soups, stews, marinades, and more. Note — the stocks…

By Tammie Hughes “The Year of Elevated Flavors”—that’s my terminology, predicting this year’s culinary theme. Carefully researching, drilling down news, and conversing with industry experts while developing this article brought me to this musing, but what the heck do I…

The Cranberry Bramble Mocktail is the perfect non-alcoholic alternative with a blend of cranberry sauce, coconut water, rosemary, sparkling water, and a touch of lemon! Courtesy of @thesocialsipper on Instagram. INGREDIENTS: For Garnish INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Add all ingredients to a…

By Tammie Hughes ’Tis the season to enjoy more bubbles! FYI—You do not have to break the bank for a nice bubbly; you just need to know what you like. There are several differences between the main four offerings of…

By Tammie Hughes Tangible history of the iconic Ocean Forest Hotel can be found throughout Carolina Seafood and Steak, with salvaged and preserved pieces of Myrtle Beach’s forgotten opulent past. The grandiose vision of John T. Woodside of Greenville, SC,…

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS: Courtesy of Froth and Bubble Mobile Bar Co.www.frothandbubblebarco.com Photo:

By Tammie Hughes A fine dining experience should exude elegance, sophistication, and attention to detail. Think warm candlelight, fireplaces, white tablecloths, gourmet cuisine, and impeccable service. They should hit the mark on all fronts. Thoroughbreds delivered, and the triple crown…

By Tammie Hughes Southerners, please do not be offended because I am not using cornbread! I am using a trio of breads: pumpernickel, sourdough, and caraway rye. I also do not use eggs or too much chicken stock; this dressing…