
I grew up in Alabama, a state that boasts a whopping five wineries. As a trained geographer, I understand perfectly why the state held such a disappointing place in wine production — having a climate that is pesky even to us humans. But as a wine lover, I always felt cheated. I wanted to be surrounded by more wine culture.

When fall arrives, North Carolinians laud the cooler temperatures with last-minute trips to the beach, light jackets, and harvest festivals. By the time winter arrives, people are tired of the lip-chapping wind, have a favorite pair of boots, and have stocked up on rock salt, shovels, and sleds. Many don’t want to venture out and are content to stay inside and enjoy the warmth of the fire. Hot chocolate, peppermint sticks, and evergreen trees take the place of cider, pumpkin pie, and multicolored leaves.

In the Holiday 2010 edition of SavorNC writer Michelle Boudin profiled Charlotte hot spot Amélie’s French Bakery. Catch the article here — and then serve up your own French fare with this recipe for absolutely addictive brownies.

Okay, I admit it: I hoard wine corks. I just can’t throw these stoppers away! At least the holidays give us an assortment of easy DIY projects to put them to good use.

Raleigh-based designer Mary Phillips had us laughing all the way with her cheeky tips for handling the most wonderful time of the year. Find out more about Mary on page 7 of the Holiday edition, or go to Mary Phillips Designs.

Recipe by Susan Ramsay
Image by J. Sinclair
These cookies are addictive. Soft and chewy in the middle, they are wrapped in a coat of sugar that adds a slight crunch.