Roasted grapes were one of the first things that made me realize the oven could transform something sweet into something savory. I'd been roasting regular grapes for years before I finally tried it with muscadines, thinking the skins would be too tough and tannic. I was wrong. The skin holds its shape but loses its chew, and the flesh becomes pure jammy muscadine essence. Paired with caramelized Brussels sprouts, link sausage, and a bright Dijon-lemon dressing, this sheet pan dinner hits every taste we have—sweet, salty, bitter, sour, umami. It's perfect in early fall with roast meats, on its own, or next to a bowl of greens. Just don't skip scraping up all that caramelized goodness from the pan.
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It's Cliché for a Reason | Party Magnet Cheeseball
The cheese ball is such a cliché that it's actually become cool again—right up there with pigs in a blanket and baked potatoes. And whether it's socially acceptable or not, when you put one out at a party, people hover over it like it's a crystal ball. This version combines blue cheese, goat cheese, cream cheese, and butter with chopped dates, scallions, and hot sauce, then gets rolled in salt-and-butter-roasted pecans and fresh parsley. The key is bringing it out at least thirty minutes before serving so it's spreadable and all those flavors can really come through. Keep your crackers simple—sea salt or plain is the way to go. And consider doubling the recipe because a fully formed cheese ball freezes and travels beautifully.
Vivian's 5 go-to Thanksgiving Sides
If I were at home for Thanksgiving this year, I'd likely make one or all of these sides — because sides are really the main event.
Your Guide to ENC Barbecue
The best barbecue within an hour’s drive of Chef & the Farmer, according to Vivian.
Before you turn your back on Summer
Try this recipe for crab hoecakes with corn and blueberry salsa that Vivian made in the Panna Cooking test kitchen last year.
https://www.pannacooking.com/recipes/crab-hoecakes-blueberry-corn-salsa-vivian-howard/
Popsicles 3 Ways
Kids headed back to school? End their summer with these frozen treats, and reward yourself for your ingenuity.
Country Ham-Wrapped & Roasted Peaches
Try this new twist on a Chef & the Farmer and Deep Run Roots classic.
Avocado and Tomato with Broken-Egg Dressing
With a perfectly satisfying puddle of dressing to drag your precious tomatoes and avocados through, no wonder why this recipe was voted a Food52 Cookbook Club favorite.
Strawberry Pimm’s Punch
A crowd pleasing punch with the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. Welcome, summertime porch sipping.
ENC Style BBQ Chicken Salad
Smokey, crunchy, tangy - this salad is packed with flavor! Recipe included.