Chef Jill Aker-Ray

07/02/2024

Celebrate National Culinary Month with an All-American Summer feast! Need some recipe ideas? We've got you covered. 'Tutu's Table,' by Jill Aker-Ray has all your recipe needs. Inspired by her mom, nicknamed “Tutu,” Aker-Ray writes a cookbook that crosses generational boundaries as she writes for her daughter, herself, and in remembrance of her mother. Sharing her joy in what might often be seen as a mundane task–food preparation–Aker-Ray encourages those new to cooking to find inspiration and enjoy it. Check it out at the link below.
https://www.warrenpublishing.net/store/p351/Tutu%27s_Table_%28Hard_Cover%29_by_Jill_Aker-Ray.html
Chef Jill Aker-Ray

06/29/2024

From sweet to crispy, Chef Jill Aker-Ray shares some quick and easy recipes for the summer.

06/27/2024

Get the book and go directly to the summer celebration menu for classic cucumber salad and modern watermelon, feta and mint salad -perfect recipes for the upcoming July 4th celebration!

Give thanks for the sun-kissed days and endless adventures of Summersgiving! Embrace the spirit of gratitude and joy with heartwarming stories that capture the essence of the season. Need some recipe inspiration? We recommend, 'Tutu's Table,' by Jill Aker-Ray. Inspired by her mom, nicknamed “Tutu,” Aker-Ray writes a cookbook that crosses generational boundaries as she writes for her daughter, herself, and in remembrance of her mother. Sharing her joy in what might often be seen as a mundane task–food preparation–Aker-Ray encourages those new to cooking to find inspiration and enjoy it. Check it out at the link below.
https://www.warrenpublishing.net/store/p351/Tutu%27s_Table_%28Hard_Cover%29_by_Jill_Aker-Ray.html
Chef Jill Aker-Ray

05/25/2024

In celebration of Mother's Day this year we are highlighting books that pay tribute to our mothers! First up is personal chef and cooking personality Jill Aker-Ray and her tribute cookbook memoir 'Tutu's Table'. With each recipe, Aker-Ray includes a short story that “connects the recipe’s author–her mom–and the specific memory associated with the meal and celebration. Food can bring people together and create memories with the people enjoying it.” Check it out at the link below.
https://www.warrenpublishing.net/store/p351/Tutu%27s_Table_%28Hard_Cover%29_by_Jill_Aker-Ray.html
Chef Jill Aker-Ray

01/31/2024

A restaurant quality dish made with ease at home in your crockpot!

Chef Jill Aker-Ray came by the QC Kitchen and shared her crockpot recipe.

12/29/2023

I got to feed some of my favorite people the day over Christmas. Breakfast/Brunch with family ( and friends) always makes me heart all warm and fuzzy!

12/24/2023

A Greensboro chef looks back at the first Christmas feast she hosted as a college student in her tiny Banner Elk, NC, apartment.

12/19/2023

Need a last minute treat to share with family, neighbors and friends,l? Tune into with lovely hosts and for this easy favorite combo of salty and sweet with a twist!

12/12/2023

Don’t miss out on this really fun workshop and walk away with some holiday decorating tips and a special gift for someone you love (even if that someone is yourself 😉)

Make a custom project in a DIY class at AR Workshop Waxhaw on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 6:00 pm.

12/06/2023

https://qclife.wbtv.com/2023/12/05/making-an-easy-crescent-wreath-holidays/

Here’s what you need to make it at home!

11/24/2023

What’s better than a@ brunch together? When the invites you to her home!

11/15/2023

One of my favorite little neighborhood places to grab a quick and delicious lunch for less than $10 plus tip!
Thank you Ming Fu for being consistent and making my favorite with and

11/13/2023

As promised yesterday AR Workshop Waxhaw, see below for the 3 very simple recipes for your holiday entertaining:

Creamy Pumpkin Dip

Ingredients
1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
8 oz cream cheese
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or extra cinnamon)
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Let cream cheese come to room temperature.

Blend all ingredients until completely smooth by hand whisking, blender or hand mixer.

Serve with cut apples and pears, stroopwaffels, biscoff cookies or graham crackers
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Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

INGREDIENTS
2 cans crescent rolls
8 oz brie
1/2 can whole cranberry sauce cranberry
1 egg, whisked
Maldon salt
Rosemary, thyme and cranberries
for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°F
Chop up brie into 1" cubes and mash 1/2 a can of jellied cranberry.
Place a large piece of parchment paper down on the counter and put an 8" bowl in the center. Crack open the cans of crescent rolls, separate each triangle, and place the shortest edge of the triangle along the rim of the bowl. Continue placing the triangles down and overlap them slightly by about an inch. Continue until you've closed the circle.
Add the smashed cranberry to the base of the triangles all the way around the ring then top it with the brie cubes.
Fold the tip of the triangle over the ring and tuck the excess under.
Slide the wreath onto a baking sheet then brush the top of the pastry with the egg wash and sprinkle with Maldon salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and oozing. Remove from oven and garnish top with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries, if desired.
Cut with pizza cutter to serve slices.

Bacon and Blue Cheese Dates/figs

Ingredients
1 pound Proscuitto or bacon, cut in half
1 pound pitted dates or figs
6 oz blue cheese- cut into 24-30 pieces

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
Slice dates/figs almost in half, and open them up gently.
Cut blue cheese into equal sized pieces and place them into the center of the dates/figs. Close dates/figs, and wrap a half-slice of bacon or Proscuitto around the outside. Secure each one with a toothpick. Arrange in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with sides to catch any grease. �
Bake for 20-30 minutes in preheated oven, or until the bacon/Prosciutto. is crisp.
Top with a drizzle of balsamic/fig glaze to garnish�
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11/13/2023

Sunday Funday with the lovely and vivacious and owner of AR Waxhaw with new friends and some familiar faces! The wood projects were phenomenal! Thanks to Mattie for doing most of the work for me! The ideas for were a hit! Go to my page for recipes or to my website later this week.

11/06/2023

Heidi is always keeping us in the know about all things local in the culinary scene! Tickets limited, but still available for this spectacular dinner featuring some of the area’s best chefs and farmers! I can’t wait to attend!

Join local chefs & farmers in a celebration of the farm to table movement in Charlotte at a fabulous dinner on Nov 8, 2023. Tix available now.

11/06/2023

Thanks to you, Kris Reid and to Piedmont Culinary Guild for all you do for us!! So excited to attend The Founder’s Feast on Wednesday!

Tune in here to this episode of Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick! Sharon and Ed are joined by Kris Reid, the executive director of the Piedmont Culinary Guild. They talk about the farm to table food movement in Charlotte and the upcoming Founders Feast dinner that will honor + cel...

11/06/2023

Come out for a fun and delicious worksshop, plus make your favorite wood project as a gift or addition to your holiday decor and entertainment! We will have lots of creative ideas and tips for holiday charcuterie and cheese boards plus AR Workshop Waxhaw has wine, beer and sodas available to purchase for a Funday Sunday with a few pals or family members! I’d be thrilled to see you there. Register for your project now!

11/05/2023

Dads are easy. They just want their daughters to be happy. The only request this papa had on wedding weekend of his daughter was to have a big breakfast! So we made sure Papa Shawn had a big boy breakfast 🍳 on the top of the mountain after wedding day!

11/04/2023

Friday night dinner party with interesting wine pairings from Matt Le Blanc!

11/03/2023

What you see on your dinner plate is far from where that dinner came from. I’ve been relying on and trusting .clt and my buddy .murphy for a LONG time to source the best possible products for my clients. This wedding client got the best of the best salmon. Cut to order fresh just before delivery or pickup! The wedding couple loved it! Thanks to this employee owned company, I am well provided for in serving well sourced meats, fish and even specialty charcuterie products!

11/03/2023

Fondue is a warm and friendly way to enjoy a rehearsal dinner. It encourages people to slow down and enjoy the conversation plus delight in the nibbles and bites and dips! (Not pictures: white chocolate raspberry dessert fondue) Guests were too busy eating it to stop for pictures! 😂.

11/02/2023

Keep this recipe handy for quick entertaining or an easy Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving appetizer!

Making fondue to get in the Thanksgiving spirit

Chef Jill Aker-Ray dropped by the QC Kitchen to whip up some fondue perfect for any Turkey Day meal.

11/02/2023

Such a fun way to start November! In the QC Kitchen with sweet whipping up an easy cheesy fondue for Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving or Murimw@you want an appetizer that makes everyone happy!

11/01/2023

Excited to be invited to on this very chilly first day of November!!

11/01/2023

Yes, it’s November! 😳
Time to start thinking about easy recipes for Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving.
Tune into QC Life this morning at 9 for a simple and delicious fall crowd pleasing appetizer recipe.

(photo courtesy of Country Living magazine)

10/30/2023

The start of the wedding weekend included the most gorgeous couple and fall mountain setting plus a signature welcome bourbon maple honey crisp cocktail and light lunch!

10/16/2023

Reveling in the honor of being a part of as a professional member of the incredible and hard working who supports so much good in our community! Thanks very much to my farmer/partner for providing beautiful, fresh and nutritious 🌱 and to the amazing team of volunteers and kick ass helpers and Tim Shelton ( -share with daddio)
What a wonderful day to meet new friends and connect with old friends! I feel so grateful!

10/05/2023

I love my job. I love my people. I love my helpers.
I don’t really have just “clients.” I have families and individuals and couples that become friends.
Susan and Mac and their beautiful family are very special to me. What a pleasure and honor it
was to be a part of a fabulous milestone surprise party and to feed not just tummies,
but hearts and souls.
A special thanks to my very, very overqualified assistant, Christi, who went WAY above and beyond!! I’m deeply grateful.
Happy 60 Susan McQueen! Wishing you the best of everything!