Pickled Plums
Pickled peaches are a Southern classic, and plums take to preserving just as well. Acheson uses rice vinegar for a lighter, less acidic pickle. Be sure to choose firm plums so they don't turn to mush in the jar. Drizzle over vanilla cream or pair it with a pork tenderloin.
Mama Dip's Carrot Cake
This recipe from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, restaurateur Mildred "Mama Dip" Council is one of the best carrot cakes we've tested. The cake layers can be made ahead and frozen up to one month.
Four-Layer Coconut Cake
Coconut shavings can be purchased in the bulk section of your local health food store or dried fruit section in the supermarket.
Luscious Lemon Cake
Frost the entire cake for a more elegant presentation.
