This month’s Southern Living magazine sports several easy “recipes” for Christmas wreath appetizers that got me in the mood to revisit this simple but attractive finger food for a holiday buffet.

A time-tested and family-approved Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe with a step-by-step how-to guide.

A Christmas cookie recipe roundup, praise for my daughter-in-law and a cute photo shoot with a toddler and proud grandfather.

These star-shaped cookies are deceptive; their look is humble but the taste is super-sophisticated, with a depth of flavor that comes from multiple spices that the 3 Wise Men might’ve brought on a starry, starry nigh

Creamy smoked gruyere and tangy paprika-spiked pesto are the perfect complements to grilled zucchini for a weeknight panini. But don’t let the vegetarian nature of the sandwich fool you – it is hearty!

The cocktail pick for Thanksgiving this year is our Cherry Amaretto Sparkler. It’s like a cherry mimosa with a splash of amaretto, which elevates it to elegant sophistication somewhat reminiscent of a chocolate-covered cherry cordial.

Sweet potatoes roasted with a spicy-sweet rub get all dressed up with goat cheese and balsamic vinegar, making this a great dish for the holiday table.

A holiday-worthy recipe for green beans and mushrooms that is bold and different with bright, fresh flavors and a diversity of textures.

A visiting Gen Z bestie created a marriage of fettuccine alfredo and shrimp scampi with a lemony garlicky mushroom-laden pasta dish that wowed us in the Glover Gardens 2.0 kitchen.

Glover Gardens Pulled Pork with Everything Rub and accompanying homemade Honey-Chipotle barbeque sauce is a delectable spicy-sweet, piquant dish.

Zippy Southwest pulled pork made in the slow cooker is savory with a rich, deep taste, but it’s not overly spicy. And what’s really cool is that it’s super easy!

Bringing back to life a long-dormant family recipe for marinated shrimp, which tastes as fresh and welcome today as it did 50 years ago.

Skordalia is a magical Greek sauce with a “nectar of the gods” feel to it when you first experience it.

A lifetime of taste aversion to watermelon was vanquished with a Watermelon Salad. Sweet Baby Juiciness, that fruit is delectable!

A simple but delightful recipe for a piquant and savory spread.

The Grill-Meister made a lovely sandwich to honor my cilantro pesto from the night before.

A quick and easy recipe for cilantro pesto, with 26 ways to use it.

Warming and hearty with deep, rich flavors, the Turkey Patty Melt Panini is perfect for a damp winter evening.

The Glover Gardens recipe for classic deviled eggs, created by Kim of Glover Gardens and niece Joie and tested and approved by The Grill-Meister.

Musings about why we appreciate sunsets, a recipe for a refreshing Chambord and rosé cocktail, and a haiku.