Award-winning Charleston chef Mike Lata proves it’s never too chilly for a party, especially withoystersat their peak. We’ll tell you everything it’s crucial that you know-from roasting to recipes-to host your own. His notable restaurantFIGis one of our region’s top eateries. Credit: Caitlin Bensel For planning, figure a bushel (about 50 pounds) for every 5 people. when you land these items you’ll be all set! Oysters from a purveyor or seafood shack most likely have already been washed....

Find these lunch-friendly, modern twists on classic favorites in your local snack aisle. And what goes hand-in-hand with our belovedSouthern road trips? Plenty of snacks, of course. Credit:Getty Images / Tom Sibley even sweeter this spring. The first is a handheld twist on one of ourfavorite apple desserts:Donettes Apple Cinnamon Fritter Rings. These mini doughnuts are soft and fluffy, with a unique bubble design. Credit:Hostess The brand-new flavor joinsHoneyBun Donettes, which showed up on shelves in February 2024....

Explore Drinks

Learn how to make bacon and Swiss dip. Serve with salty chips or crackers, and you have theperfect party dip. Our Test Kitchen also found this tasted especially good with bell peppers. Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless This dip can be prepared ahead and baked right before serving so it’s hot when guests arrive. To make it ahead, assemble as directed, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to two days....

Don’t just save this recipe for The Derby. It needs to be at all your gatherings. Crafting an extravagantDerby Day menu? Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stying: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis A Kentucky hot brown is a classic choice for the Derby, and theseslider-style versionsare perfect for sharing. Turkey, Gruyere, tomato, bacon, and Parmesan get stacked up to make these towering sliders. Once you’ve assembled the sandwiches, the fun really begins....

Warm, spiced hot buttered bourbon is a Southern take on a classic winter drink. The secret to making hot buttered bourbon is in the creamy and rich spice batter. Packed in a jar it also makes a great hostess gift for holiday parties. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Ingredients for Hot Buttered Bourbon You’ll need two sets of ingredients for this drink. The first is for the spice batter....

A party isn’t a party without a cheesy dip. Cue the bells and whistles. When it comes to holidayappetizers, we’re going all-out. Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis The creme de la creme of our appetizer board? This Hot Cheesy Crab Dip. Forgetspinach-artichokeandonion dipsthis Hot Cheesy Crab Dip is our party piece de resistance. Either way, confirm the crab is fresh, not canned. it’s possible for you to also serve this dip with toasted baguette slices or crackers....

Southern-favorite chicken salad gets an oven-baked twist in this delicious recipe. Hot, hot, hot! Southern-favoritechicken saladgets a baked twist in this delicious hot chicken salad recipe. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox There it will begin to bubble as it combines into a savory dip-stylecasserole. Add this one to your recipe box, stat. Learn how to make hot chicken salad, and find a new weeknight favorite the whole family will love....

Learn how to make hot chocolate lasagna, and impress your family with their new favoritedessert. 3Tbsp.granulated sugar 1/2cup(4 oz. pkg.cream cheese, softened 1/2cup(4 oz. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox )unsalted butter, softened 4(1.25 oz.) packetsdark chocolate-flavor instant hot cocoa mix Chocolate Pudding Layer: 2(3.9 oz.) pkgs.chocolate fudge instant pudding mix 2 3/4cupscold milk 1(1.25 oz.) bardark chocolate, chopped 2cupsmini marshmallows Directions Grease a 13- x 9-in. baking pan or dish with cooking spray....

Rich and decadent hot cocoa cookies have a brownie-like texture with a gooey topping of marshmallow. It has a brownie-like texture, and a crackled top just like brownies too. A final dusting of cocoa powder and these cookies are ready for theChristmas tins. Credit:Brian Woodcock; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell Learn how to make hot cocoa cookies. They’re Santa’s favorite! The dough can also be made a day in advance, and stored in the refrigerator overnight....

This decadent dip is creamy and cheesyand likely to disappear quickly at your party. This Mexican-style dip is the perfect side for your next taco night, potluck, or even brunch. The simplicity of the recipe makes it great for beginner cooks, too. Credit:Jessica Furniss Hot corn dip can even be served straight from the casserole dish. Talk about easy clean-up! Ingredients 2(15.25 oz. Credit:Jessica Furniss )cans whole kernel corn 1(8 oz....

Creamy crab and artichoke dip always steals the show. Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox This creamy artichoke and crabdipis coming in hot. Just double-check to set the timer because this hot dip will be bubbling to perfection in a flash. Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox To change up this dip, consider these variations: Can I Make Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip Ahead? Bake until hot and bubbly when ready to serve....

An oh-so creamy appetizer that’s perfect for spring holidays. Crawfish, or mudbugs as theyre colloquially called, arein seasonfrom late February through May. Youll need toboil the crawfishand remove the meat from the shell. Credit:Will Dickey you’re free to also use leftover crawfish from another preparation to make this dip. What Is Crawfish Dip Made Of? How To Store Leftover Crawfish Dip Crawfish dip is best eaten the day its made....