An Upcoming Event and the Start to 2015

We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday with their family and friends. We are looking forward to what 2015 will bring us at Circa Interiors & Antiques, starting with a visit from Gena Knox tomorrow!

Gena Knox at Circa Charlotte on Thursday, 2/5 at 11:30AM
It all started in August of 2013, when Cindy Smith and Jane Schwab had The Welcoming House book signing at Francie Hargrove Interior Design & Shop  in Cashiers, NC. Francie Hargrove was an incredibly gracious host and Jane returned again to support her last summer for a book signing with Gena Knox and the idea to bring this vibrant, talented author to the Queen City was born.

We are thrilled to join Jane in hosting her fellow author for a day of learning & enjoying Southern-style recipes with a healthy, seasonal and (perhaps most importantly) easy twist. We are serving a light lunch full of Gena's delicious creations and hope you are able to visit with us!

In light of tomorrow's exciting event, we wanted to share one of our favorite recipes from Gena's most recent book, Southern My Way: Food & Family: White Cheddar-Wrapped Pecans! We love to entertain and these small bites are perfect for all kinds of events. Our very own Leigh Falkner made them for her cousin Catherine's wedding brunch and they helped to make the day even more memorable and special.

PREP TIME: 20 Minutes

COOK TIME: 15 Minutes

YIELDS: About 45

INGREDIENTS:

1 (10-ounce) block sharp white Cheddar, room temperature

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste

About 45 pecan halves

INSTRUCTIONS:

FIRST: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grate cheese using a food processor or hand grater. Combine shredded cheese, butter, flour, salt, and pepper in a food processor fitted with blade attachment. Process until dough forms a ball and separates from side of processor.

NEXT: Using hands, roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Place 1 pecan half in center of each ball and press gently so that pecan is embedded in dough.

LAST: Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Allow to cool before serving.