When it comes to Southern hospitality, the Carolinas have it in spades. Master the fine art of entertaining with a few recipes taken straight from our Charleston and Asheville menus, plus insider tips on how to host the perfect gathering this summer.
Honey Cake | The Watch at The Restoration Charleston
Ingredients
2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup honey
3 large eggs
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1/2 cup sour cream
pastry cream
brulé peaches
whipped vanilla bean mascarpone
benne wafers
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° Line a 9” round cake pan with parchment and grease with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and, baking soda.
In another large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat butter and honey together until butter is smooth and mixture is light and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add almond extract. Add dry ingredients and beat until just barely combined, then add sour cream and beat until just combined.
Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, 35 minutes. Let cool.
Serve topped with whipped vanilla bean mascarpone, benne wafers, and brulé peaches.
Saving Princess Peach | The Exchange at The Restoration Asheville
Ingredients
1.5 oz. Dewar’s caribbean scotch
.5 oz. Giffard peach liqueur
1 oz. thyme infused aperol
.5 oz. lemon juice
2 dashes of peach bitters
brulé peaches
fresh thyme
Preparation
Fill rocks glass with ice and pour in Dewar’s caribbean scotch, Giffard peach liqueur, thyme infused aperol.
Top with fresh lemon juice, dashes of peach bitters. Garnish with fresh thyme and brulé peaches.
Secrets of a Southern Host
In a world full of food hacks and unceremonious gatherings, the Southern host rises to the challenge of placing company over convenience. From setting the table to serving dessert, here are just a few old-school ideas required at a proper Southern celebration.
Roll out the welcome.
When it comes to hosting an event, first impressions are everything. Break out your best china, order fresh flowers, and make sure there’s ample seating for everyone. Pull out all the stops to make your guests feel welcome.
Play bartender.
There are five cocktails that every host should be able to whip up on a hot summer day: a martini, bellini, mint julep, old-fashioned, and your own signature spritz. Pull out your recipe book or try our smoky peach spritz.
Always serve cake.
A good host always has a sweet surprise as the last course of the evening. From cupcakes to petit fours, the dessert options are endless. For a true crowd-pleaser, serve a light cake with fresh cream and fruit, like our signature honey cake.
Don’t leave them empty-handed.
Close out the evening with a small token of appreciation. A jar of local honey, exotic peppers, coffee beans from your favorite roaster, and a handwritten note all make for the perfect goody bag to send home with your guests.
