Thanksgiving Hosting Hacks: Making the Feast Fun & (Mostly) Stress-Free

We’ve missed connecting with all of you, and we’re thrilled to bring back Cooking with Carolima’s —our live cooking sessions designed to share the flavors, stories, and heart of Carolima's. Last week’s session on January 7th was fun and brought life to the kitchen! Sameka and 'Emma prepared a stunning Whole Red Snapper paired with Sautéed Kale , filling the kitchen with warmth and laughter. Seeing your comments, questions, and excitement made it even more special. We had such a great turn out with so many tuning in! Thank you to everyone who could join us live and interacted! If you made or are planning on making the Red Snapper don't forget to tag us #LuvCarolimas so we can see all of your creations! And to watch the duo in action making the Red Snapper Click Here ! This year, we’re committed to making these sessions a regular highlight, and we’d love your input! Whether you have recipe requests, topics you’d like us to cover, or just want to cheer us on, we’re here for it. Leave a comment, send us a message, or interact with our posts—we want to hear from you. Staying connected with you is what makes these sessions so special. Up next, mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 14th at 12 PM . We’ll be making mouthwatering Air Fried Rosemary and Garlic Chicken & Roasted Root Vegetables . Tune in live on Facebook and Instagram to cook along with us or save the replay to enjoy later. These sessions are about more than just food—they’re about connection, inspiration, and celebrating the culinary traditions we hold dear. Let’s cook, laugh, and create memories together. See you live on Facebook and Instagram !

New Year’s resolutions often feel overwhelming—lose weight, save big, or transform your life overnight. But life isn’t a perfectly plated gourmet meal; it’s more like a weekday dinner: a little chaotic, sometimes improvised, but still rewarding. This year, let’s focus on realistic, achievable goals that make big changes feel seamless over time. Start Small and Build Momentum Great cooking—and goal-setting—starts with what you have. If you’re good at budgeting meals, apply that to saving money or meal prepping. Want to get healthier? Start with one extra glass of water a day or a short evening walk. These small changes create habits that make larger resolutions feel natural and attainable. Balance Your Plate Avoid overloading yourself with too many goals at once. Focus on key areas and prioritize balance: Health: Replace one sugary drink a week with water. Finances: Set aside $5 a day into savings. Personal Growth: Dedicate 20 minutes to a new hobby or skill. Each small win lays the foundation for bigger achievements, turning daunting resolutions into seamless progress. Slow and Steady Wins the Race Some goals take time to simmer, like building an emergency fund, mastering a skill, or improving fitness. By focusing on steady, manageable steps, you’ll see progress without burning out. Big resolutions often succeed because of the consistent small actions that support them. Celebrate Every Step Each milestone, no matter how small, is a step toward your larger vision. Tried a new recipe, saved your first $100, or finished a chapter of a book? Take a moment to celebrate. Recognizing progress keeps you motivated and engaged.  By working on smaller, achievable goals, those big, life-changing resolutions will start to feel effortless. With health, financial ease, and personal growth in focus, 2025 can be a year of meaningful progress that’s as satisfying as your favorite home-cooked meal. Let’s toast to the journey ahead!

As the New Year approaches, the traditions of the Gullah Geechee community offer a flavorful way to welcome new beginnings. These customs, deeply rooted in heritage, celebrate the promise of prosperity and connection through food and family. At the center of the celebration is Hoppin’ John, a dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and smoked pork. The field peas symbolize coins, while the rice represents abundance—both offering a wish for prosperity in the year ahead. It’s a dish that’s as flavorful as it is meaningful, bringing good fortune to the table with each bite. Collard greens are another essential part of the New Year’s feast. Slow-cooked with smoked meat, their deep green color is said to bring wealth, echoing the hue of dollar bills. Together with Hoppin’ John, they create a powerful, tradition-filled pairing that’s not only tasty but full of significance. Pork Roast also makes an appearance, representing progress and good fortune in the Gullah Geechee tradition. The pig is seen as a symbol of rooting forward, and the slow-roasted pork is a delicious centerpiece for the meal. The tender meat, seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, adds a hearty touch to the table, rounding out the celebration with savory flavor. Finally, cornbread completes the spread, offering a golden, buttery bite that symbolizes wealth and serves as the ideal side to the bold flavors of the meal. Simple yet essential, it brings everything together, making the New Year’s feast both satisfying and memorable. From the savory dishes to the traditions they represent, the Gullah Geechee New Year’s celebration is a reflection of heritage and hope. From our family to yours, we wish you a prosperous New Year filled with good fortune and great meals.

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season fills the air with warmth and joy, we at Carolima’s Lowcountry Cuisine want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have been part of our journey this year. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, we’ve been honored to bring the flavors of the Lowcountry to your special moments. As we reflect on this past year, we’re reminded of the incredible community we’re so fortunate to serve. Your support and trust in us mean everything. You’ve inspired us to keep innovating, perfecting recipes, and delivering exceptional experiences. Together, we’ve made this year one to remember, and we’re ready to make the next one even better. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or creating new traditions, we hope this holiday season brings you peace, happiness, and plenty of good cheer. May your tables be full, your hearts fuller, and your days bright with the love and laughter of those you hold dear. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Here’s to cherishing the moments that matter most and looking ahead to a new year full of promise and possibility. If you’re already thinking about your next celebration, let us help make it unforgettable. Whether it’s with Carolima’s Lowcountry Cuisine or the charm of our brand new venue, Sweetgrass Hall, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today, and let’s make your next event one to remember!

If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that’s both delicious and full of tradition, let me introduce you to Spitzbuben [Shpits-boo-ben]. This treat has been a part of my family for generations—brought to this country in 1928 by my great-great-grandmother. Over the years, my grandfather converted the original recipe from weights in grams to cups, making it easier for us all to bake. These buttery cookies, filled with sweet currant jelly, have been a holiday must-have in our household for decades [seriously, I can't remember a Christmas without them]. They're simple to make, yet so elegant, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Here's how to make Spitzbuben cookies: Ingredients: 10 tablespoons butter, softened 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind 2 egg yolks 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour Currant jelly Instructions: Mix the dough : Start by mixing the softened butter, sugar, and lemon rind in a large bowl until smooth. Then add in the egg yolks and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the flour and knead the dough until it’s smooth and soft. Don’t worry if it feels a little firm; that’s the perfect consistency. Chill the dough : Once the dough is ready, wrap it in wax paper and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll out without getting too sticky. Roll out the dough : Preheat the oven to 325°F. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it's thin. If you have a pastry mat, you’ll know the dough is thin enough when you can see the rings through it. Cut the cookies : Use a diamond-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you like) to cut the dough into cookie shapes. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Bake : Bake your cookies for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly darker in color. Keep an eye on them as you bake—you're looking for a light golden color around the edges. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Assemble : Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a small amount of currant jelly on one cookie, and sandwich it with another. The jelly should be just enough to add sweetness without overpowering the delicate cookie. And that’s it—Spitzbuben cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. No fuss—just simple, delicious cookies that are ideal for the holidays or anytime you’re craving a treat. If you make them, be sure to share your creations with us using #LuvCarolimas! Enjoy!

This holiday season, I’ve traded shopping carts for crochet hooks and late-night online deals for tangles of yarn. Crafting everyone’s gifts has been...let’s call it an adventure. Picture this: me, surrounded by colorful yarn, swearing quietly (okay, loudly) as I discover yet another knot the size of a small planet. But as chaotic as it is, there’s something wildly satisfying about creating a gift from scratch. It's custom, personal, and feels more thoughtful than grabbing yet another bath set from the clearance rack. Plus, I’ve realized that while time is money, crocheting is actually more like investing in chaos. Will this project take 10 hours or 30? Who knows—it’s the thrilling unpredictability of holiday crafting. And yet, despite the occasional frustration, I keep coming back to my projects because handmade gifts just hit differently. They’re not perfect, but they’re perfectly imperfect—like me trying to crochet a straight line after 10:00pm. And let’s be real, there’s nothing like seeing someone unwrap your creation and saying, “Wow, you MADE this?” It’s a humble brag with a side of yarn burn. So, what are you gifting this year? Are you brave enough to join me in the DIY trenches, or are you going the classic “buy now, wrap later” route? Whether you’re baking cookies, painting ornaments, or panic-clicking through Amazon, I want to hear your stories. Bonus points if you’ve ever glued your fingers together in a crafting frenzy. This year, I’m realizing that it’s not about how much money you spend or how Pinterest-worthy your gifts are—it’s about the effort, the thought, and, in my case, the slightly lopsided but well-meaning project. Here’s to the holiday hustle, whether you’re making, baking, or faking it till Christmas.

The holiday season is here, and we’ve got something extra special for the little ones: the Kid's Grinch Pajama Brunch! Hosted by Isabella Joi, this fun-filled event will have the kids enjoying a cozy brunch, getting into the holiday spirit, and celebrating all things Grinch—pajamas are a must! Recently, Isabella and 'Emma from Carolima’s Lowcountry Cuisine were featured on Palmetto Life (click here to watch)on Live 5 News to share the exciting details of this event. They talked about the magic of the holiday season and how this brunch is the perfect way to make lasting memories with your little ones before the big holiday rush. What to Expect at the Kids Grinch Pajama Brunch: Grinch-Themed Fun: From festive décor to holiday crafts, we’re transforming everything into a Grinch wonderland! The little ones will have the chance to take pictures with The Grinch himself! It’s the perfect way to capture unforgettable moments! Delicious Holiday Treats: Our brunch menu will be packed with kid-friendly favorites that are both delicious and festive, such as Grinch Green Waffles , green eggs and Ham, and choice of sausage or bacon . Karaoke & Holiday Cheer: In addition to the brunch, we’ll have a karaoke session , sponsored by E. Legal , where the kids can sing their hearts out to their favorite holiday tunes. It’s the perfect way to let loose, spread cheer, and have a little Grinchy fun! Seating & Pricing: The Kids Grinch Pajama Brunch will take place at Sweetgrass Hall on December 15th with seatings at 11 AM and 1:30 PM . Tickets are just $20 per person or 3 for $50 ! You can purchase ticket here . This is the perfect event to get into the holiday spirit, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all. So, grab those festive pajamas, get ready for some Grinchy fun, and join us for a morning of laughter, delicious food, and unforgettable memories! See you there!

Thanksgiving isn’t just about what’s on the table—it’s about who’s gathered around it. It’s a time when we press pause on the chaos of daily life, pull out the good plates, and make space for laughter, gratitude, and maybe a little friendly debate over the best pie (sweet potato or pecan?). This week, as kitchens heat up and hearts fill with anticipation, let’s take a moment to embrace everything this season stands for. There’s something magical about the lead-up to Thanksgiving dinner. The smell of turkey roasting, the clatter of pots and pans, and the joyful chaos of loved ones coming in and out of the kitchen. Whether your holiday involves a table full of family, a Friendsgiving feast, or a quiet celebration with just a few close people, this week is a reminder of what really matters: connection. So, while the turkey gets its golden glow and the sides start to pile up, don’t forget to savor the little things. The unexpected hug from someone you haven’t seen in ages. The story your aunt tells for the hundredth time that somehow still makes you laugh. The way the house feels warmer—not just from the oven, but from the people who fill it. And when the dishes are done and the leftovers are packed, take a deep breath and soak it all in. Thanksgiving isn’t just one day—it’s a feeling that reminds us to celebrate what we have, hold close who we love, and look forward to what’s to come. From all of us at Carolima’s Lowcountry Cuisine, we wish you a Thanksgiving that’s as warm and wonderful as your favorite side dish. 🦃✨ And when you’re ready to plan your next unforgettable event, let Carolima’s bring the flavors and hospitality to your table. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, we’re here to make every moment deliciously memorable.

There’s nothing like the smell of homemade apple cider filling the house—it’s like instant fall vibes in a pot. Every time I make it, the whole place transforms into this cozy, welcoming space, and Sameka's already on me about when the next batch is coming. This cider is that perfect drink for when you want something warm and comforting. It’s easy to whip up, and trust me, your house will smell like autumn magic in no time. Ingredients: 10-12 Fuji Apples 1 medium Orange 1-2 tsp Cinnamon or 5 cinnamon sticks 1 tsp All Spice 1 cup Brown Sugar 2 tbsp Honey A pinch of Salt Instructions: Slice & Dice: Start by chopping your apples. Don’t worry about perfection here—rustic is the way to go. Toss them into your pot, ready to become cider magic. Citrus Twist: Cut the orange in half, squeeze the juice into your pot, then drop the halves right in too. It’s like adding a little sunshine to your fall day. Spice It Up: Add the cinnamon, all spice, brown sugar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, letting those spices blend in—your kitchen is about to smell amazing. Simmer Time: Pour in enough water to cover the apples (around 6-8 cups). Bring it to a boil, then turn down the heat to simmer for at least 2 hours. Let the flavors really come together as it gently bubbles away. Mash It Up: Once it’s simmered, (this part is optional)grab a potato masher and mash the apples. It’s surprisingly satisfying, and it’ll help release all those rich flavors. Strain & Sip: Strain the solids out, and pour yourself a warm cup of cider. You’ve earned it! And the cider’s got everyone thinking of ways to make it their own. Rethmiriam’s already using hers to make a Hot Toddy with a splash of Crown Royal, and it’s ridiculously good. 'Emma keeps eyeing the cider, debating whether to turn it into a mimosa with champagne—she’s been talking about it all week, so I’m thinking it’s only a matter of time! Whether you’re sipping it straight or adding your own twist, this cider’s pure fall-in-a-cup and brings a little joy to every sip. If you make my homemade apple cider, don’t forget to tag us using #LuvCarolimas! We can’t wait to see how you’re enjoying this fall favorite!