An impressive weeknight dinner doesn't need to be complicated. I completely agree that our freakishly hot weather hasn't been very inspirational as far as winter recipes are concerned. Typically this would be the season for soups, stews and chilis. January makes me think of gooey grilled cheese and crusty buttered breads. Not this year. Not in Beaufort, South Carolina anyway.

The first couple of weeks in January are my quiet time, a kind of calm after the holiday storm. Christmas decorations have been taken down and put away. The new year has just begun. Catering doesn't usually start back in full swing until around the 12^th. The days are typically cloudy and chilly and nighttime comes too early.

What a fun time of year to be in the kitchen! I love preparing all of the savory goodies and sweet treats that I grew up with at Christmastime. This is the time of year for sausage balls, cheese straws, baby fruitcakes and yule logs. I've been feeling inspired to try some new sweets recipes. With a holiday party at our house on Saturday night, last week was the perfect time to experiment.