Coastal Georgia is an area rich in African American history.  During the month of February I’ll be sharing stories and people with you, people who know the lore, who have seen the changes and lived to talk about them.    Along with the stories are the legends and fables, one of which describes Ibo’s Landing.  There are different versions of the story, but I think the most popular one tells of a large group of slaves walking off of a boat that sailed from Savannah to St. Simons Island where their white owners lived.  They walked into the night to their deaths creating a legend that served as a beacon of light to slaves over the next sixty plus years.

Painting by Dee Williams

Dunbar Creek is where it all happened.  The chief of the Ibo people on board began chanting over and over, “The water brought us, the water will take us away”, thus stirring the imagination of countless slaves who found hope in this story as it passed down through the years.  Many thought the Ibo people walked across the ocean, back to Africa, their motherland.  Another version says that they turned into a flock of black birds and flew away.

The tragedy of the story lies in the fact that these people were enslaved, shipped from their home to a foreign land where they lost their lifestyles, their status and their history.  They were not treated as fellow human beings by their owners.  Death was more desirable than life as a slave.  Their ankles shackled together, the Ibo people walked into the blackness of night, into the deep water of the creek, never to be seen again.  Listen to actress Alva Rogers as she describes the scene in this video on YouTube.

It has been said that on certain nights you can go to Dunbar Creek and, if you are quiet enough, you may hear the clanking of  metal shackles and the sound of water slapping against ankles and feet as they make their way into the dark water.  And if you’re very, very quiet, you may here the chant, “The water brought us, the water will take us away”.

Melissa | Out&About | 02 10th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

It’s a beautiful Sunday morning here on the island.  Chilly, it is still winter.  I’m sharing a lovely French piece this morning by Gabriel Faure’.  This is the perfect music to quietly begin the day.  Perhaps a moment of silent meditation or a moment to say thank you.  Sunday has always been family day for me.  It’s a special time when we can come together and share a delicious meal and reconnect with each other.  What are your plans today?  Listen to this beautiful music and something will come to you!  Enjoy!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 02 9th, 2014 | No Comments »

I had a fascinating talk with Lea King, new director of Keep Brunswick & Golden Isles Beautiful this week.  Here our talk when you click on the link to Soundcloud!  You’ll learn about all kinds of things you may never have heard of when it comes to conservation and keeping our area or any area beautiful!  Thank you Lea for taking the time to join me!

Melissa | On The Radio | 02 8th, 2014 | No Comments »

I love this menu!  I first posted it last March.  It’s still one of Mr. T’s favorites, so….I thought with Valentine’s Day upon us I’d feature it again.  I’m doing Cornish Hens on Valentine’s Day and I’m making them just as I would a whole large hen.  Our kids will be here from Atlanta and we have lots of reasons to celebrate the love we share as a family!  Preparing delicious food that is shared with loved ones is probably one of my most favorite things to do!  Here’s to love and here’s to you….have a wonderful weekend!  AND MORE!  Here’s a link to what’s going on in the world of music over the next few days!  Thanks Kathi Williams!:  http://www.elegantislandliving.net/blogs/im-with-the-band/live-music—feb-6-12/

As the week winds down and we begin to plan our weekends, I think it’s time for some French comfort food!  This menu is perfect for a casual Saturday night supper or a Sunday family dinner.  The delicious flavors of herbes de Provence make the main course so tasty.  I have to confess that this is Mr. T’s favorite meal.  I originally found the recipe for Honey Hen in a wonderful little cookbook by Laura Calder, “French Food at Home”.  This is a cookbook I can heartily recommend to anyone wanting to learn how to make simple French food that feeds the soul.  There really is nothing like it!

Lillet

Radish and Herb Butter Canapes

Honey Hen

Provence Roasted Tomatoes

Salad of Mixed Greens with Parmesan Crisps

Baked Apples

French Red Table Wine

Lillet is a fine French aperitif which originated in the small village, Podensac, in the late 1800’s.  Lillet is a blend of rigorously selected wines and fruit liqueurs, aged in oak vats for around 12 months, during which it is given the same care as the Grands Crus (great wines) of Bordeaux.  It is the perfect way to start this meal, served with the light canape I am featuring!  Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh basil.

Radish and Herb Butter Canapes

I like to make these using a loaf of rustic bread.  Cut squares out of the slices so that there is no crust.  Spread with the herb butter, top with thin slices of radish and sprinkle with French Grey Salt.  Cut a dozen squares for four guests, increase for each additional guest.

Herb Butter:

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons chopped, fresh chives

1 teaspoon chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill

Mix the butter and herbs in a small bowl.  Let set for half an hour before beginning to make the canapes.

This is so easy and so yummy!

Honey Hen

Serves 4 – 6

This is the ultimate comfort food in my book.  I always make a pot of homemade soup using what ever is left over.  Just take the hen, bones and all, place in a Dutch Oven, cover with water and simmer for eight hours.  Remove any bones and add leftover chicken meat with chopped fresh vegetables of your choice, some wild rice, simmer for two more hours and Voila!  Another delicious meal to enjoy.  Note:  the honey mixture will give the hen a “laquered” appearance which may look dark, do not be disturbed by this…the meat under the skin is succulent and moist!

1 chicken (this can be kept whole or have your butcher cut it into eight pieces)

French Grey Salt and freshly ground peppercorns to taste

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon herbes de Provence

4 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced

1 head garlic, cut in half

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Season the chicken with salt and pepper.  Melt the honey in a saucepan and whisk in the mustard and herbs.  Pour over the chicken in a baking dish and roll the bird to coat it well. Scatter the shallots and garlic around the hen.  Bake until the meat is cooked through, well browned and dripping in the sauce.  If you are leaving the chicken whole this is about an hour.  If you are cooking separate pieces it will usually take 40-45 minutes.

Sauce:  After the chicken is cooked remove it from the baking dish along with the garlic halves.  Place the dish on the stove top with the burner on medium heat.  Add 1 cup dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape any drippings and meat from the pan.  Reduce the heat and add two tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan.  Simmer for about five minutes.  If you would like a slightly thicker sauce you may add a “slurry” of 1 teaspoon cornstarch to 1/4 cup water, blended well and stirred into the pan.

Serve the sauce in a gravy boat to be spooned over each serving of chicken.

Provence Roasted Tomatoes

3 large beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs

2 tablespoons minced shallots

1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

3 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Grease a shallow baking dish with olive oil.  Core the tomatoes and cut them in half, crosswise.  Squeeze the juice and seeds out gently, over a small plate and reserve for the soup stock you will make with the leftover chicken.  Clean out the cavities of each tomato half with your fingers and place the halves in the baking dish.  Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.  Stir the bread crumbs with the remaining ingredients and stuff each tomato half generously.  Drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Bake for twenty-five minutes, until the tomatoes are browned lightly.

Salad of Mixed Greens with Parmesan Crisps

1 head red butter lettuce

1 bunch watercress

1 head raddichio

1 small head baby Kale

Wash the greens well and place in a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.  Tear the greens into pieces and wrap in paper towel or a soft kitchen towel and refrigerate until ready to toss.

For a light dressing, mix 1/4 cup good olive oil, 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar, a pinch of dry mustard, sea salt and pepper to taste.

Parmesan Crisps

I recommend making these earlier in the day for the best results!

These are a delightful substitute for the traditional croutons you normally see in salads….no carbs and gluten free too!

2 cups shredded parmesan cheese

coarsely ground black pepper

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Take a small handful of cheese and place on the parchment, repeating until all of the cheese has been used.  Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and back at 325 degrees until lightly browned.  Remove from the baking sheet and place on paper toweling to cool and crisp up.

On chilled salad plates, place a generous serving of greens that you have tossed in the dressing.  Garnish with the  Parmesan crisps and serve.  I like to serve this salad in the traditional French style, after the main course.

Baked Apples

If anyone has room for dessert, this is one of my family’s favorites!

6 Granny Smith Apples, cored and peeled

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cardamom

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 sheets puff pastry dough, thawed.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Mix the brown sugar with the spices and pack into the center of each apple. Top with a small pat of butter.   Roll the pastry dough out a bit on a floured surface until it is 1/8″ in thickness.  Cut squares, large enough to encase each apple.  Place an apple in the middle of the dough and bring the corners together at the top, crimping the dough together to keep it in place during baking.  Brush each apple with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse, raw sugar.  Bake for 40 minutes, or until the dough is crisp and golden brown.

To add insult to injury you can spoon a mixture of warm spiced rum with melted butter over the top of each apple before serving and a bit of freshly whipped cream….Enjoy!

So ends my fifth week of blogging.  I am having so much fun sharing my thoughts, ideas, recipes and interviews with my readers.  This blog does accept sponsors!  It’s a great way to advertise your business or service and reach readers you might not otherwise find!  Please contact me if you are interested:  melissa@thepermanenttourist.com.  Have a WONDERFUL weekend.

Some photos provided through Pinterest, with gratitude!

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 02 7th, 2014 | 7 Comments »

I posted about Safe Harbor and their annual “Rites of Spring” event last year.  At the time the main house was the only facility I saw where children are sheltered and cared for having been in an abusive or threatening situation.

Now it is my pleasure to show you the Hamer House.   Named after the family that founded Safe Harbor in Brunswick, this sweet home has been fully renovated by a special group of volunteers.  The interior is so well designed, I felt like I was in a model home!

The kitchen….oh that kitchen!  I can just see the children gathered around the huge island, helping prepare their evening meal and discussing the day.

The library/study area is the perfect place to do homework and get special help from tutors who so selflessly volunteer their time.

Each of the three bedrooms is as cute as can be.

All of the attention to detail in creating the nautical theme shows.  And you may be interested to know that the furnishing, clothing and food for this home have all been donated.  The giving nature of people throughout Coastal Georgia never ceases to amaze me.  Whether I’m talking with the Humane Society about animal adoption or places that shelter and help children and the homeless, the hearts of our community open and give in very special ways.

Something that is needed at Safe Harbor right now is a large storage shed!  I’m saying a special prayer for this one!

Safe Harbor is a beacon of light in our community.  Innocent children are protected, nurtured and loved in a warm atmosphere that offers them a home.  Won’t you think of Safe Harbor when you begin spring cleaning this year and save clothes, toys, books and other household items that can be used there?  Visit the website to learn more here:  www.safeharborshelter.org

Melissa | people | 02 6th, 2014 | 3 Comments »

When you talk about Indigo Coastal Shanty you’re talking delicious!  The smells, the ethnic feeling, the staff….it all adds up to a very special culinary treat!  And it’s right here in Coastal Georgia in Brunswick!

Chef Kate Buchanan is the culinary conductor behind all of the creative dishes that appear on the menu and special board each day. Layering flavors and textures, her style of cooking is straight from the soul.  Visit the website here:  www.indigocoastalshanty.com

The atmosphere is island like, especially on the deck outdoors when weather permits.  The staff is friendly, they know how to romance the food while answering any questions you may have about the menu and they are attentive without hovering.

Our lunch selections did not disappoint us either!  The Baja Chicken Tostado, a tasty blend of chicken, shredded and paired with avocado, thinly sliced cabbage, salsa and queso fresco cheese….YUM!

And the Roasted Chili Rellenos…….no words can express the intense blending of flavors with shredded pork, dried apricots and other yummy ingredients that created this masterpiece.

I love this restaurant.  Chef Kate is inventive featuring the unexpected combinations that never fail to please.  Fresh local produce,  seafood and fish can always be found on the menu.  I get hungry just reading about the daily specials on Facebook!  This is foodie heaven, a place I’ll visit as often as I can!

Oh….I almost forgot dessert!  This warm spice cake, full of ginger and other aromatic flavors, topped with vanilla ice cream sliced almonds and a swirl of melted caramel…..three spoons please!  We all had a couple of bites and left feeling very, very happy with our lunch!

 Indigo Coastal Shanty – 1402 Reynolds Street – Brunswick, GA 31520 – 912-265-2007

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 02 5th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

Yesterday I mentioned that I would have a special announcement today.  Over the past year I have met some of the most outstanding and talented people.  Some of them I met during interviews for this blog, while others I met on media trips and at other writing events.  People who write are a special breed.  We are compelled to share our thoughts and experiences on paper…..we live for it.  Whether we write poetry, short stories, full length novels, screenplays or we simply journal as a way of self expression, we MUST write.

Blogging has taken this into the realm of an art form.  Not only can we, as bloggers, write about our lives, the places we live and visit as well as any number of subjects we randomly choose,  we can also hone our photographic skills and include beautiful shots of the places we go and the people we meet.  We can be creative beyond our wildest dreams and support ourselves through this ever growing new form of journalism.

When I began this blog I knew there had to be other people out there who might want to be The Permanent Tourist in their part of the world.  Now that I have been at this for a year, never missing a beat, I am completely immersed in and in love with the process of creating something interesting and beautiful for my readers to wake up to each day.  And I’m meeting other like minded people who insist I need to spread my wings and offer the experience to others.

Whether you live on a beautiful island, as I do, a mountain resort or a large city with plenty of people and history to share, this opportunity might be for you.  It’s not for everyone, I know that for sure.  Blogging takes consistency and commitment in order to succeed.  If you have these traits, you are a self motivated type and desire to have a branded home based business to call your own, you may be one of the select few who will join me.  I say select because I have built The Permanent Tourist in a way that expresses a level of excellence that I must continue.

I have a brilliant team of experts to guide you through all of the beginning steps with training and mentoring throughout the first six months to a year, depending on your individual needs.  Joe Loehle, web designer extraordinaire will design and launch your site, paying careful attention to every detail and Leigh Anne Estrada, marketing and social networking wizard will connect you with the world and tutor you on how easily you can grow your business quickly.  I will be training and mentoring you as you begin, available to hold your hand or simply offer support and encouragement as needed.

You have the opportunity to be a part of The Permanent Tourist, forming your own site under its umbrella and taking it to the stars!  If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact me:  melissa@thepermanenttourist.com.  Let’s soar together and meet one year from now at the fabulous King & Prince Resort here on St. Simons Island, GA for our first annual conference!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 4th, 2014 | 3 Comments »

I have a category for blog posts entitled “Odysseys”.  My neighbor, Blaise, helped come up with the term when all of this began a year ago.  Tomorrow, February 4th, is the one year marker for The Permanent Tourist.  It’s hard to believe twelve whole months have passed.

I wake up everyday saying THANK YOU…I truly do.  One thing I have learned in this life is never to take anything for granted.  expect nothing and remain open to wherever life leads you.  I am acutely aware of the fact that I am not in control, but I can choose how I am going to experience all that life presents to me each day.

This has been a year of meeting new friends, connecting people with other people and sharing so many varied experiences and adventures with my readers.

I have met new furry friends….

I have traveled to places I never even knew existed….

I have taken in the arts and met the artists……

People often ask how I come up with a new subject each day.  My answer is that it presents itself to me and I follow.  One person leads to another, one odyssey to the next.

Tomorrow, I’ll have a very special announcement for all of my readers.  Stay tuned.  There’s never a dull moment in the life of The Permanent Tourist!  Thank you for traveling with me!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 3rd, 2014 | 6 Comments »

I stumbled over this artist and video this past week.  I love the setting with the dandelions, such a feeling of spring!  This is apropos given the unusually cold week we’ve had.  I’ve kept up with everything in spite of a nasty sinus infection.  Ah….the beauty of working on-line from home!  Have a wonderful, restful day and don’t forget to wish on the dandelions!

Melissa | Out&About, Simple Sundays | 02 2nd, 2014 | No Comments »

Join me and my guests, Chef MiMi McGee and Don Maxey as we discuss healthy eating in the new year!  Lots to learn and lots to share.  Find out more about MiMi and her movement to eat a healthier more plant based diet here:  www.leafycafe.com.  You can also order her “Meals To Go-Go” at the St. Simons Health and Fitness Center.  Don is none other than my dear friend and owner of Uncle Don’s Market here on St. Simone Island.  Together, we had a great time discussing all sorts of food and health oriented subjects!

Melissa | On The Radio | 02 1st, 2014 | 1 Comment »