Appetizer

You know those classic retro recipes that just never go out of style? The ones that always get gobbled up at family gatherings or potlucks, and make you feel a little bit fancy even if you’re wearing your most “well-loved” (read: stained) holiday sweater? This Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves is one of those treasures. It’s a little bit vintage, a whole lot addictive, and—confession time—I have a soft spot for anything that brings sweet and savory together so deliciously. When I set this out during the holidays, it’s the first thing people gather around. And if you …

If you ask me, there’s hardly anything cozier than a bowl of guacamole made from scratch in your own kitchen, especially when friends or family are gathered around. I know I can’t be the only one who grabs that bag of tortilla chips “for the kids” and then stands at the counter, scooping up fresh guac while laughing over the day’s chaos. I grew up thinking guacamole came from a store tub—oh, those bland, gray-green days! Once I learned how ridiculously easy (and wildly better) homemade guacamole is, I never looked back. Now it’s my little party trick—though it’s just …