Bruschetta, Two Ways + A Signature Sip

With Stef Gorman - Owner of Fork of the South, The Southern Tea Room & Gathering

Hi friends, I’m Stef Gorman - owner of Fork of the South, The Southern Tea Room and Gathering, located inside Building 8 at The Factory at Franklin. Before stepping into this world, I was a teacher, and in many ways, that never left me. I still love creating experiences that feel intentional, welcoming, and just a little bit special.

At Fork of the South, everything centers around gathering… and gifting is a natural extension of that. We believe some of life’s best moments happen around a table or through a thoughtful gesture. Whether it’s a full tea service, a coffee with a friend, a simple bite shared on the patio, or finding the perfect gift for someone you love, it doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.

That’s what inspired this monthly series with YOUR Williamson. Each month, I’ll be sharing recipes that are approachable yet elevated - things you can recreate at home but still feel proud to serve. My hope is to bring a little bit of that “gathering” spirit into your everyday life.

To begin, I wanted to highlight something simple, seasonal, and incredibly versatile: bruschetta. It’s one of my go-to staples because it can flex with the seasons and whatever you have on hand, while still feeling thoughtful and beautiful.

For the Spring edition, we’re featuring bruschetta two ways - a classic tomato version that’s fresh and timeless, and a mixed berry option that brings a bright, slightly sweet Southern twist. And because every gathering deserves something to sip, I’ve included one of our favorite refreshing drinks to round it all out. 

I hope you enjoy these recipes and stay tuned for more. Also, visit forkofthesouth.com to learn more and follow us @forkofthesouth to see our latest happenings.

Let’s gather.

Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade

Ingredients

• 2 cups lemonade

• ½ cup mango nectar

• ½ cup dragon fruit pieces

Method

Step 1:

In a pitcher, combine lemonade, mango nectar, and dragon fruit pieces.

Step 2:

Stir well to fully incorporate and chill before serving.

To Serve as a Cocktail

• 4 oz Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade

• 2 oz your favorite vodka

• Splash of tropical carbonated water

• Stir gently and serve over ice

Mocktail Option

Enjoy as-is over ice or top with a splash of tropical carbonated water for a refreshing, alcohol-free option.

Classic Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients

• Rustic farm bread, sliced

• Olive oil (for drizzling)

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced

• 1 clove garlic

• 1 teaspoon Unicorn Salt (from the General Store)

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

• Balsamic glaze, for finishing

Method

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange sliced bread on a baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and toast for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2:

While the bread is still warm, gently rub the garlic clove over each toasted slice to infuse flavor. Then mince the remaining garlic.

Step 3:

In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, Unicorn Salt, chopped basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 4:

Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.

Step 5:

After resting, gently drain off any excess juices.

Step 6:

Spoon the tomato mixture onto each toasted slice.

Step 7:

Finish with crumbled goat cheese, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Stef's Tip:

I like using a good tomato medley with different colors and shapes - it adds both depth of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Mixed Berry Bruschetta

Ingredients

• Rustic farm bread, sliced

• 1 cup strawberries, roughly chopped

• ½ cup blackberries, halved

• ½ cup raspberries (left whole)

• 4 oz goat cheese

• 4 tablespoons Captain Rodney’s Boucan Glaze

• Honey, for drizzling

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Method

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange sliced bread on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2:

In a bowl, gently combine strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Let sit briefly to allow the natural juices to release.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, mash the goat cheese with the Captain Rodney’s Boucan Glaze until smooth and spreadable.

Step 4:

Spread the goat cheese mixture onto each toasted slice of bread.

Step 5:

Spoon the mixed berries over the top.

Step 6:

Finish with a light drizzle of honey and fresh basil.

Stef's Tip:

Use a mix of ripe, in-season berries for the best flavor - each one brings something a little different, and together they create the perfect balance of sweet and bright.