I love featuring special people in posts.  I’m sitting here, as I write, enjoying a piece of whole grain toast slathered with homemade Ginger Pear Jam.  This isn’t just any jam, it’s made by a local guy named Tony Montenegro.

I learned about Tony and his jams through a post on Facebook and connected with him at the local farmer’s market held in Brunswick each Saturday morning at Mary Ross Park.

Tony weathered the bitter, cold wind to be there this past Saturday and I was determined to meet him.  You see, Tony is on a mission.  He is in need of a kidney transplant which will take place at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville when the time comes.  He may have up to a two year wait.   Since the hospital is more than 70 miles away, Tony will have to stay close by after the transplant to make sure all is well.  Since this issue presented a major financial challenge he put his mind to work and came up with a plan.

Tony loves to make jams and jellies.  Last summer he began making and marketing his delicious line of Tee Tyme Jellies & Jams as a fundraiser.  To his surprise, he could barely keep the jars of the delicious combinations in stock.  He has even shipped to customers out of the country!

Flavors include:  Strawberry Mango, Lemongrass, Ginger Pear, Blueberry, Fig and several others.  I can attest to the fact that the Ginger Pear is full of fresh ginger root with delicious bits of pear in every bite.  Instant love for the ginger lover in me!

He keeps his ingredients local and seasonal so you may not be able to get blackberry anytime you want, but when they are in season you’ll find this yummy concoction on his list.  Tony will mail order if you contact him at tcmonty562yahoo.com or call him at 912-269-8463.  Each hand filled, half pint jar is $5.00, well worth it too!  Don’t forget to try Tony’s local honey as well!  Here’s to good health for you Tony!

Melissa | people | 01 21st, 2014 | 4 Comments »

We celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King today.

I was a young girl when he was assassinated, but I still vividly remember the time.

http://www.babble.com/home/i-have-a-dream-speech-products-with-martin-luther-king-quotes/

As an adult I read through his quotes and marvel at his wisdom and insight.

Such a man of peace and vision.  He lives on through his words.  His dream of unity is still one we seek.

May we all grow to grasp what he said and put it to work in our own lives…thank you, Dr. King.

Melissa | people | 01 20th, 2014 | No Comments »

On this Simple Sunday I’m sharing work by one of my favorite composers, Claude Debussy.  The playlist includes all of my favorites and then some.  Perfect for relaxing on a quiet Sunday morning.  Pour your coffee and curl up by a warm fire….relax, breathe deeply and enjoy!  Family will be coming later for a delicious meal on a chilly winter’s day.  I love Sundays!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 01 19th, 2014 | No Comments »

The Permanent Tourist radio talk show welcomed well known chef, Dave Snyder, to the show this week.  I’m thankful to call Dave my friend, which you’ll know once you’ve heard the interview.  What fun!  Dave is such a pivotal part of the Golden Isles.  He is always giving and involved.  His restaurant’s Halyards and Tramici are two of the best in the area.  Join the conversation as we discuss food, fun and all things Coastal Georgia!  AND….Mr. T thinks I should call this Saturday segment “From The Cloud” instead of “On The Radio” since I put my show onto the Sound Cloud in order to embed it on these posts.  Weigh in and let me know what you think!

Here’s the show!

Melissa | On The Radio, Out&About | 01 18th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

This post is dedicated to my dear friend, Chris.  Chris’ passion for the almighty chicken wing is known by all of her friends.  It has even led to a page on Facebook devoted to the subject that features all sorts of recipes, comments and shared passion on the subject.  Living in New York City years ago, many of my friends we “starving” artist’s.  We would gather together and make this delicious recipe, pairing it with cheap jug wine, a tossed salad and plenty of French bread.  It’s finger food in its purest form!  There are many variations that have come about over the years, but here is the original recipe.  It’s simple and a great ice breaker at a casual dinner party.  I hope you’ll try these and let me know how you liked them!  I used rigatoni for the dish in the photograph, but shells are the normal accompaniment!  To Life!

2 packages drumettes
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped, fresh garlic
1 cup chopped, fresh flat leaf parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
sea salt and cracked black pepper
1/2 cup sesame seeds
juice of 2 fresh lemons and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest

Mix the all of the ingredients together and let the chicken marinate for a couple of hours. I wouldn’t keep them in the mixture overnight as they will absorb TOO MUCH of the flavors. I usually whip the marinade up, pour it into a large ziplock bag and refrigerate, tossing the wings around every half hour or so.

Cook one pot of large pasta shells, drain and set aside while you cook the wings. Open and drain one can of large, pitted black olives.
Chop another half cup of flat leaf parsley for garnish and cut a couple of lemons in quarters for garnish as well.
Plenty of freshly grated Parmesano/Regianno cheese to top it all off.

Heat your broiler to HIGH. Dump the chicken with the marinade into your broiler pan. You WANT to keep the marinade and let it get hot and sizzly as the chicken cooks. I just remove the tray with the slits in it and let the mixture spread out in the pan itself. THEN put it about 3-4 inches from the hot broiler coils. There will be some pops, crackles and snaps. After about five minutes check the wings and turn them, spooning a bit more of the marinade over them. Let them broil again for five minutes or so. You want them to be well browned and slightly crusty….just use your own judgment on this.

Place the warm, cooked pasta shells on a large platter. When the chicken is cooked to your liking toss the black olives with it when you have removed it from the oven. Pour all of this over the shells, garnish with the lemons, parsley and sprinkle with the cheese. Serve with a crisp salad and crusty bread to sop up the sauce.

Melissa | Finally Friday! | 01 17th, 2014 | No Comments »

I have always loved the color purple.  My family still kids me about my purple phase, when as a young teenager, growing up in Texas, everything had to be purple.  Shoes, wristwatches, my room….it’s pretty funny when I think back on it!  I especially love purple in the winter.  It has a warmth and vibrance to it that feeds my soul.

Whether it be  my beloved Oxalis plant that thrives in cooler weather….

My favorite “winter” flowers, the lovely pansy…..

Or ornamental cabbages I have planted in containers on our deck.

I love purple and that flows over into my kitchen at this time of year with delicious eggplant parmesan and other recipes I have for one of my favorite vegetables.

Purple plus winter equal happiness for me!  When spring arrives we’ll talk a bit about Periwinkle…..my happy color, always!

Melissa | Out&About | 01 16th, 2014 | No Comments »

One of the things I want to promote through my blog in 2014 are the arts and humanities in Glynn County.  I firmly believe that without art, their is no connection.

Whether through paintings…..

The written word of a great book…..

The inspiring voice of a singer……

Or the music of an orchestra or other instrumental group…..

Nothing feeds the soul like art.  Join me as I feature various events, artists and inspiration each week.

Melissa | Out&About | 01 15th, 2014 | No Comments »

Google Images

I traveled to Gainesville, Florida over the past weekend.  Home of the University of Florida and the Gator Nation.  People in Gainesville take their football, actually all Gator sports seriously, as seriously as we do the Georgia Bulldogs in our neck of the woods.  The rivalry between the two teams is something out of history and known to anyone who follows college football.  But I didn’t go for sports, I went to speak at a meeting of the Gainesville Writer’s Alliance.  What a delightful time I had.  I also got to visit with one of my best friends, Carolyn.  My soul sister, my confidante….there is no better friend to have!  She let me snap some photos of her fabulous home so that I could share them with my readers.

This is probably my dream home.  Carolyn has seen to every detail of the decorating.  Her passion for life, music and cooking is displayed throughout the home, reflecting her sense of style. I love the open concept of the heart of the home with the two wings that attach to it for complete privacy.

Eclectic….to say the least.  A bit of contemporary blended with antique and traditional.  Danish Modern next to Modigliani….it all works!

I love her music studio where she teaches gifted pianists from the area.  And the mural over the window there that features a quote by Thomas Carlyle, “Music is well said to be the speech of angels.”.  And I cannot forget to mention Reesie, one of Carolyn’s beloved Shih tzu’s….Daisy and Jascha rule the home as well.

What a fabulous weekend we had!  We laughed until we cried, shared a bottle of wine, or two, and entertained our wonderful server at Northwest Grille, Marcus.  It was all in good fun.

Back in my office working and putting new posts together for you to enjoy!  But still thinking of Carolyn and the great time we had and always have together.

Melissa | Out&About | 01 14th, 2014 | No Comments »

What fun!  Smallcakes has arrived on St. Simons Island!

This whimsical little shop is dedicated to pure, sweet enjoyment!

Cupcakes are the latest rage and you’ll find yummy ones at Smallcakes!  These lovely mounds of tastiness are sure to delight the most discerning palate.

Owner, Brittany Tyre, is passionate about food, especially cupcakes.  She made the decision to leave the world of banking and make her mark in the world of sweets by joining Jeff Martin in his national franchise, Sweetcakes.  The company originated out of Kansas City, although Jeff Martin is from Augusta, Georgia.  Winner of Food Networks “Cupcake Wars”, Jeff threw himself into the business of baking big time.

I especially loved the caramel cupcake with bits of pretzels topping the icing…..yummmmmm, sweet and salty together, my favorite!

Stop in and see Brittany and try one of these delicious confections!  I suspect they may be addictive!  Hours are Monday – Saturday from 10am – 8pm and Sundays from 12pm- 5pm.  Find Smallcakes on Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/smallcakesofsaintsimons

Smallcakes – 1600 Frederica Road – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 -912-434-9106 – smallcakesofssi@hotmail.com

Melissa | food & entertaining | 01 13th, 2014 | No Comments »

On this beautiful Sunday morning I’m so grateful for the journey I am on as a result of this blog.  Doors have opened for me, opportunities and experiences I never, ever dreamed of.  I’m in Gainesville, FL today, getting ready to give a presentation to a group of writers.  Yes, I’m a bit nervous, but I found this song on YouTube by Lea Salonga that really speaks to me.  I think it might just become my theme song!  I’m sharing it with you and hope you’ll enjoy it.  With hope and love to all…..wishing you a day full of journeys and joy!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 01 12th, 2014 | No Comments »