It’s no wonder that I love to experiment in the kitchen whenever I get the chance.  My Aunt Ruth happened to be a “Betty Crocker Test Kitchen Cook” back in the 50’s and 60’s.  Whenever we visited her home in New Mexico she always had something new and different to share with us.  I first had an “Italian PoBoy” sandwich thanks to her and many other delicious dishes.  Add to that the fact that my grandmother was one of the best Southern cooks ever…..well, I come by it naturally!  For years I have made Aunt Ruth’s cobbler recipe.  It’s simple and so delicious.  I decided to update the recipe the other day and make it gluten free.  The results were better than I expected.  There are so many gluten free products available for baking these days, it makes it much easier to experiment.  I hope you’ll try this with some fresh Georgia peaches and a few blueberries!  Let me know how it turns out!

Peach/Blueberry Cobbler (gluten free)

5 large peaches, peeled and sliced

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 stick unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar, preferably raw, organic

1 cup “Bisquick” gluten free mix

1 cup organic rolled oats, not steel cut

1 teaspoon real vanilla flavoring

3/4 cup of milk (I used Almond Milk and it worked!)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a square baking dish, 9″ x 9″, melt the stick of butter.  Mix the sugar, “Bisquick”, oats, vanilla and milk in a large bowl.  When the butter is melted spoon the batter over the melted butter, but do not stir.  Spoon the fruit with any juices over the batter.  Bake for 1 hour, uncovered.  Serve with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream for the perfect summer dessert!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 08 20th, 2014 | No Comments »

A lovely home sits on the west side of Highway 17 as you drive into Brunswick.  A home filled with history.  It is known as the Dart House.

Built in 1877 by Robert Dart, son of Urbanus Dart, a founding father of the City of Brunswick, the house is now for sale.  For years Dart House has been the home of the headquarters of our Chamber of Commerce.  This is a house with strong bones.  It survived two major hurricanes as well as being the birthplace of  generations of Darts, many of whom still reside in the area.  The home received a total renovation before becoming the Chamber’s headquarters.  Beautiful pine floors and other Victorian architecture grace this historic residence.

Located directly across the street from the famous Lanier Oak tree where Sidney Lanier is said to have taken shade while composing such famous poems as  “The Marshes of Glynn”.  Helen Keller visited the famous tree during a visit to Coastal Georgia.

The Dart House is a symbol of history.  It speaks of another time when lumber remained a major industry in the area and places like the Oglethorpe Hotel were filled with visitors as downtown Brunswick bustled with energy.  Having moved from the location a couple of years ago to a downtown location, the Chamber has now put the Dart house on the market.  No one knows what the outcome will be, but I’m hoping that this lovely home is allowed to remain on its historic grounds, overlooking the marshes, holding its many secrets and sharing a bit of history for years to come.

For more information on saving the Dart House:  https://www.facebook.com/SavetheDartHouse/timeline

Melissa | Out&About | 08 19th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

I have a section on my site for “Odysseys”.  I used this term because it can mean so many different things.  A journey of discovery is what I have always seen it to be.  As this new week begins, I’m writing about something a bit different.  I have long been a believer in living in the NOW.  Right here…..right now is all that we every really have.  The news holds frightening tales of death and destruction all over our world each day.  I’m not an ostrich by any means, but I choose to stay away from the news as much as I can since I feel it has a detrimental effect on my efforts to remain positive in the light of adversity.

The other word I want to write about today is “Forgiveness”.  Without forgiveness we are at a stand still.  Lord knows we have all had negative experiences in our past that add to who we are, what has happened to us and how we relate to each moment.   Some of these experiences have to do with finances, some with loss and some with feelings of betrayal.  We all have a story.  I think that being human has this aspect built in as a challenge for us all to rise above the mere state of being a human and find that quiet spirit that lies deep within us all.

There are no exceptions to this……none.  I made a vow never to bring politics or religion into this blog when I began writing it a year and a half ago.  My life has been filled with all sorts of challenges during that time that readers never even know about.  I have chosen this blog as my way to express my love for where I live as well as the joy I find in simple things each day.

I think I chose to write these words today because I want my readers to take a look at their lives and see what is holding them back from fully living each day.  If there is someone who hurt you that you’re continuing to hold bitterness for…..let it go.  You don’t have to verbally forgive them, just let the issue go….deep within your heart.  Holding on to the hurt is not hurting the other person…..it’s destroying you and your peace of mind.

This is a world of cause and effect.  And I truly believe that you get back what you give out.   That said….I’m beginning this new week on a positive note.  I’m finally feeling better and I am so grateful for that in a way I have never been before.  I embrace growth…..change……life and love in ways I have not before.  Join me in erasing the past and beginning with a clean slate today!  I’m starting each day with prayer and going over a mental list of things I am so very grateful for.  I’m ending each day adding to that list with wonderful things that happened during the day….even if that thing is as simple as climbing the stairs normally again.  The longer I live the more I see the importance of health…..the temporary state of finances and the opportunity to forgive and move on with life.  It’s a wonderful world, only misshaped by misunderstanding and a stubborn resolve on the parts of so many never to forgive and forget.  It’s essential to our well being.  It’s our responsibility to teach the art of forgiveness to our children, and in so doing those lessons will reach out to the world in a healing way.  I know this to be true and I hope you will join me.

Melissa | Out&About | 08 18th, 2014 | 5 Comments »

“Art of Noise” is one of my favorites musical groups.  Their recording of “Island” is so relaxing….and the video…absolutely beautiful!  I hope you’ll enjoy this offering for your Sunday morning listening.  It’s not a long piece, but viewed full screen I think you’ll love it!  Wishing you a wonderfully relaxing day…..wherever you may be!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 08 17th, 2014 | No Comments »

I had the best time talking with Christina Patelidas Godwin on the radio this week.  We talked about life, her dancing, love, personal training and so much more!  Join us as you come to know this vibrant, wonderful young woman!  This is what I love about doing the radio show.  Inspiring and energizing!

Melissa | On The Radio | 08 16th, 2014 | No Comments »

When the dog days of summer hit the island my greatest goal, when it come to cooking, is to keep it simple and keep the kitchen cool.  I’ve never been a big pork eater, but found myself ordering a copy of Libbie Summers wonderful cookbook, “The Whole Hog”, mostly because I cannot resist her style and daring!  The book has not disappointed me.  It has also led me to reopen my recipes and pull a few out that I’ve always loved.  Carnitas are one of those favorites!  They are perfect for light summer eating, easy to make and I have never found a soul who did not love them.  With the fabulous “Frontera” line of Southwestern sauces and seasonings from Rick Bayless, my job is much easier.  If the weather were cooler, I’d welcome the time to make a slow simmering salsa verde, but in the heat we’re having now, I’m so happy to have found his garlicky green Carnitas sauce.  I think you’re going to love this!

Carnitas with Salsa Verde

(Serves 3-6)

3-6 thin, bone-in pork chops, or 1 pound boneless pork shoulder meat, cubed (If you don’t eat pork you can substitute chicken)

Sea salt and ground black pepper

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 cup water

1 package “Frontera” Carnitas sauce

Heat the oil in a large skillet until hot.  Add the pork and sear until crusty on all sides.  Add the water and simmer on low for one hour.  The water should have boiled off by now, add the Frontera sauce, cover and cook for 45 minutes.  The meat will be falling apart or shredding when finished which is what you want.

12 corn tortillas, heated

1 cup shredded red leaf lettuce

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup minced, fresh cilantro

juice of one lime

1 tablespoon olive oil

crumbled goat cheese

Heat the tortillas for about 20 minutes, wrapped in foil.  Place the shredded lettuce, tomato, onion and cilantro in a shallow bowl.  Sprinkle with the lime juice and olive oil and toss.  Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

To Serve:  Place a large spoonful of the carnitas in a tortilla, top with the lettuce mixture and crumbled goat cheese.  Roll up and enjoy!  Delicious!

Pair this with a cold Tecate or Corona beer…..icy cold beer and carnitas….yum!

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 08 15th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

While visiting Decatur this week I finally found the time to visit “Greene’s”.  Known for their delicious Georgia Pecans, Greene’s offers a full assortment of nuts, candies and all sorts of gourmet items.

If you’re looking for specialty items to make a wonderful dinner you’ll find them here!

Bath and body items to soothe and delight the body, mind and spirit.

Homemade fudge….incredibly decadent!  I indulged Mr. T. in a half pound of milk chocolate/caramel/peanut fudge.

Toys for kids and plenty of candies they’ll love picking out themselves.

And my most favorite…..candy and nuts by the pound!  The most delicious dark chocolate covered almonds ever.

It’s a good thing I live almost five hours away from Greene’s!  And then….I found out they mail order.  Look them up on their site at:  www.greenesfinefoods.com.

I saw a selection of ice creams, but I didn’t go there….saving that for another time!

Melissa | Out&About | 08 14th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

It just may be heaven…..that is, if you’re a foodie like me!  A trip to Atlanta means an excursion to the Dekalb Farmer’s Market.  This is not just any farmer’s market.  It’s a “world” market that offers delicious foods from every nationality known.  Shoppers bear witness to this fact as they push their carts through the wide isles wearing sari’s, elaborate head wraps, and all sorts of ethnic apparel making one feel as though they have entered another country entirely.  I always think of the first Indiana Jones movie, “Raider’s of the Lost Ark” when I enter and look down the endless aisles, stocked to the ceiling with goodies!

I could spend hours going up and down the aisles of this market, the size of two football fields combined.  All sorts of condiments and ingredients for Asian cooking are available along with a huge selection of dried tea leaves, nuts, seeds and spices.

Huge bins are filled with local, seasonal produce at amazingly reasonable prices.

Fresh flowers, cut and ready for you to assemble your own bouquet ala green grocer’s markets in New York City.

The cheese section always calls my name with at least four or five gourmet cheeses making their way into my basket.

Fresh sausages, seafood and meats abound.

Breads, homemade and filling the air with the aroma of yeast, herbs and oils.

I always purchase olive oil at the market when I go!

And wine!  The wine and beer department is unequaled in selection and price.  If I get separated from Mr. T on one of our visits I always know I’ll find him standing in the wine department, mesmerized by the sheer number and selection of fine wines at very low prices.

It’s an experience not to be missed if you find yourself in Atlanta.  Take an ice chest, you’ll easily fill it with goodies!  Oh how wish we had something comparable to the Dekalb Farmer’s Market in Coastal Georgia.  For now, I’ll be content to make the drive, stay with our daughter and her family and make an outing of a visit to this fabulous place!

Melissa | Out&About | 08 13th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

One of the colors that always comes to mind when one thinks of an island is the color blue.  Whether it be the aqua blue of the Caribbean, the deep Atlantic blue of our local waters or the many shades in between,  blue has long been upheld as a color of tranquility, spirituality and even power.

Coastal Georgia, known for it’s Sea Island Cotton that brought fortune to plantations during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, also grew the Indigo plant from which the rich blue dye was made.  Ossabaw Island, the largest of Georgia’s barrier islands, was especially known for indigo production.

The process of making the dye was arduous as well as toxic to the slaves who continuously inhaled the vapors that rose from the vats as the plant leaves fermented and boiled to produce the intense blue colors so popular at that time in England and Europe.

During the 1700’s, settlers in the colony of Georgia were encouraged to grow three things.  Indigo for dye, mulberry trees for silk making and grapes for wine.  As the area grew the list of agricultural products did as well.  The mighty live oaks that grow throughout Coastal Georgia provided a thriving lumber business, exporting this tough wood for the building of ships until steel began to take over in the mid 1800’s.

Indigo is no longer produced in the area, in fact, most indigo produced today is synthetic.

But the deep lapis colors so vividly used in both Asia and Africa for coloring fabrics always calls my name.

Whether used in batik, to color china or for dye in fabric ,the many shades of blue remain a favorite.   The next time you slip into those denim jeans remember the process from long ago that first introduced the color blue to the world.

Melissa | Out&About | 08 11th, 2014 | No Comments »

I’m sharing an hour of classic French music meant for relaxation!  I’m in Atlanta today, seeing my orthopedic doctor on Tuesday for my six week check up.  I’d rather be back on the island, lazing around on our front porch, sarong and tank top with the necessary pair of chic flip-flops.  Croissants, fresh fruit and a bit of espresso…….maybe champagne!  That is my kind of slow Sunday morning.  This is the music to accompany such a morning.  I hope you’ll enjoy and relax where ever you may be!  It’s Sunday say THANK YOU and have a blessed day!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 08 10th, 2014 | 2 Comments »