Restaurant-inspired recipes from a Charleston kitchen

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Restaurant-inspired recipes from a Charleston kitchen

At Pinch Me, I’m Eating, you’ll find simple, from-scratch recipes inspired by local restaurants in the South Carolina Lowcountry and beyond. With these recipes you can feel like you’re dining out in your own home — using the tools you own in the time you have!

If you love Southern classics and comfort foods, seasonal and local ingredients, globally-influenced cuisine, and feeling just a little fancy when you eat in your own home, you’ll feel right at home here!

Where would you like to dine in today?

Browse our themed recipe collections based on the type of restaurant you’d find them in!

Coffee house

Get recipes for coffee-house-style drinks and pastries, from scones and breakfast breads to lattes and frappes. Also, casual breakfast eats.

Bistro style

From fancy sandwiches to fresh main-course salads and sides, get recipes that will remind you of your favorite trendy lunch spot.

Afternoon tea recipes: tea sandwiches and finger sandwiches, scones, bite sized sweets, and spreads for your tea party or high tea!

Almond poppy seed scones are a perfect companion to afternoon tea! Moist, dense, crumbly, and not overly sweet, they're a unique variation on the more common lemon poppy seed combination.

Tea room

Dainty finger foods galore! Everything you’d want at an afternoon tea, from scones and tea sandwiches to miniature desserts.

Learn how to plan a low-stress wine and cheese date night at home with these guidelines for putting together charcuterie and cheese boards and tips for setting the mood!

If you're looking for a light, easy, and elegant make-ahead dessert for summer, this lemon mousse with fresh berries might just be what you're looking for!

Date night spot

Fancy appetizers? Wine and cheese? Yes please! Plus, upscale meals and restaurant-style desserts you can enjoy with your date.

Want to enjoy the things you love about dining out — while you’re eating in?

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Browse by course

Starters

Overhead view of creamy mushroom soup with Italian sausage in black bowl

Soups

Salads

Chicken and chorizo paella in a cast iron skillet

Mains

Sides

Desserts

Hi, I’m Caroline!

Have a seat wherever you’d like. I’ll be your blogger today!

I’m a self-taught home cook with an affinity for the gourmet, and I believe that food is one of life’s greatest little pleasures. It’s an opportunity for indulgence, a source of comfort, and a way to connect with the people in my life.

My recipes are inspired by memorable dishes I’ve had at restaurants (I love going out to eat!), places I’ve lived and visited, and the traditional cuisine of Charleston, South Carolina, my hometown.

On my menu

Here are the recipes that have been on my table recently!

Southern Style Recipes

From pulled pork BBQ and fried okra to Sunday brunch recipes like shrimp and grits, get your favorite recipes from Charleston, the South Carolina Lowcountry, and the South.

Easy meals

Simple dinner recipes that take less than 30 minutes of hands-on time with minimal dishes to wash!

Smoked Turkey, Apple, and Brie Sandwich with Bacon

Latest posts

What’s been cooking lately in the Pinch Me, I’m Eating kitchen.