Signs of Spring

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I love Spring.  Maybe it’s because I’m a March baby or maybe it’s because I love the whole experience of Spring itself.

spring bunnies

The bunnies that represent the season….the coming of Easter celebrations….there is so much to think of when we “Spring” forward and begin to plan our yearly rituals that open the season to us all!

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St. Mary’s is getting ready for one of their annual celebrations with the Peter Cottontail Express!

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What fun to take the kids or grand kids down to ride on the train and experience this wonderful trip that will have everyone excited and ready for all Spring has to offer.  Welcome the spirit of the season together!

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Everyone will love the ride on the train and all of the presentation included that herald’s the season!  Don’t miss out!  Make your reservations now at:   www.stmarysrailroad.com

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Here comes Peter Cotton Tail…..hop along with him and bring the kids to join in on the celebration!

Simple Sundays

I love this piece, Cavatina, played by classical guitarist, Tavi Jinariu.  It became famous after the film “The Deer Hunter” premiered years ago with this as the theme song.  It is beautifully played and I hope you’ll enjoy it!  Sunday’s are about sharing, connecting and enjoying life.  Wherever you may be I wish you peace and joy on this beautiful day of rest!

On The Radio

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Today’s the day!  The annual Plein Air painting event at Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation, hosted by my friend, Albert Fendig, is going on!  Listen to my interview with George Netherton and Jeanne Earle McConnell as we discuss the day, the Plantation and the history!

Finally Friday!

I have to admit that I LOVE spicy food….well, within reason.  My sister-in-law shared this yummy recipe with me that was originally made by Bal Arneson.  Really good Indian food is one of my weaknesses.  When I lived in New York a visit to the famous restaurant, Nirvana, was always in order.  Chutney’s, curries…..all of the garnishes and sauces….absolute heaven!  I have since resorted to making my own dishes, slowly introducing Mr. T to this, one of my favorite cuisines.  This recipe I am sharing today did not disappoint.  One bite and my dear other half exclaimed….”This is fantastic!”!  YAY….points for me.  So, without further conversation, here is a fabulously simple recipe for “Butter Chicken” and a couple of things to accompany the dish.  I hope you enjoy!

Butter Chicken

Jasmine Rice with Toasted Almonds, Raisins and Chopped Scallion

Cucumber Raita

Whole Wheat Chapatis

Chilled White Wine

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Butter Chicken

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons finely minced, fresh ginger

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin*

1 tablespoon Garam Masala*

1 tablespoon organic raw sugar

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes*

1 teaspoon ground turmeric*

1 teaspoon pink salt*

1 pound organic chicken breast, wash, patted dry and cut into one inch cubes

2/3 cup non-fat, plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup water

Saute onions in butter and oil until golden over medium high heat.  Add garlic and ginger, reducing to medium heat for w minutes.  Add tomatoe paste and cumin, cooking for about a minute more.  Reduce heat to low, add the Garam Masala, sugar, pepper flakes, turmeric and salt, cooking for 2 more minutes.  Add chicken and cook until the chicken is almost done, about 7 minutes.  Add the yogurt and water, cooking until the chicken is fulled cooked, about 5 minutes more.  Serve or brown or jasmine rice with chapitis.  Serves four.
*I always use Sangre de Cristo Spice Company’s fair trade herbs and spices.  You can find them here:  www.sdcspice.com
2 cups jasmine rice
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup slice almonds, toasted
1/2 cup raisins
4 scallions, finely minced, green ends included.
1 lime cut into quarters, for garnish
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Place the uncooked rice in a saucepan and cover with water plus about two inches over the top.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce to low heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.   Add the butter, almonds, raisins and scallions, tossing to mix well.  Season with salt if desired.  I use a large ice cream scoop to serve the rice, it’s sticky enough to remain in shape and makes a lovely presentation when surrounded by the chicken.
cucumber raita
Cucumber Raita
2 large seedless cucumbers, peeled and cut into thin slice
1 teaspoon raw sugar
1 small sweet white onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
1 cup non-fat, plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup white vinegar.
Place the cucumber slices in a bowl, combining the remaining ingredients and mixing well.  Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.
Whole Wheat Chapatis
These are available in most grocery stores.  If you cannot find them and do not want to make them from scratch, a good whole wheat tortilla will suffice.  Cut them into wedges, heat in foil in a 325 degree oven for about twenty minutes and serve.  Easy and delicious.

Spice It Up!!!

 

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Spring is on the horizon and a flurry of activity and events fills my calendar!

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On Saturday, March 7th, the annual Rotary Chili Cookoff takes place in Pier Village here on St. Simons.  The festivities begin at 11:30 and go on until 2:30.

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Sample delicious concoctions from all sorts of groups….restaurants….medical teams…..and other local groups who will do their best to win FIRST PLACE!

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You’ll enjoy music by The Stringrays…that has to be fun!  See your friends, see your neighbors, come on out and join in the fun!

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I’m not sure if I’m supposed to disclose that I am, once again, serving as a judge for the event.  Hmmmmmm…I wonder what my t-shirt will look like this year!

A Very Special Day!

 

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We are celebrating our granddaughter, Emmeline’s, 10th birthday today!  I don’t know where the years go, but they have certainly flown by!

front and back of Emmeline book from Casey

And, I’m sharing a peek at the front and back cover of the soon to be released children’s book series that bears her name!  It’s been quite a journey and it’s not quite finished yet, but we’re close!  AND the cover may change a bit as we tweek things!

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I have to thank Ed Hose, local illustrator extraordinaire, for her amazing artwork that makes the story come alive!  If you haven’t seen her fantastic new coloring book go here:  www.edhose.com and click on “Store”.

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AND, my publisher, Oghma Creative Media.  The team there who is spearheading the marketing and distribution of the book has done a wonderful job.  They are expert at making sure every detail is seen too.  I’m ready to kick up my heels it’s so exciting!

E birthday cake

Pinterest

So Happy Birthday sweet Emmeline and happy publishing!  I’ll be posting more about the book as the release date approaches.  Not only is it a fun story, the cookbook at the back that brings families together to cook and explore French food is the beginning of a true adventure!

The Southern Way

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Pinterest

Today’s post was inspired by a friend who mentioned liking the foggy weather we’ve been experiencing here on St. Simons for the past few days.  Although we are a bit light deprived I am using this weather as a sort of “blanket” to snuggle down into and write.  It serves me well.

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I began to visualize a move back to the South almost twenty years ago.  I grew up on the Gulf Coast of Texas in the Houston area.  Large oak trees draped with Spanish moss were a part of my childhood that I fondly remembered.  We lived near the water and experienced long periods of foggy, damp days during the winter months.

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My first step in making the move was to subscribe to “Southern Living” magazine.  Actually, my aunt Ruth began the process for me by handing me a stack of old issues when I visited her in Austin, Texas shortly before her death.  She was always one of my favorite aunts.  A Betty Crocker test kitchen cook, back in the day, Ruth forged a path for me that sparked an interest in all things culinary.  So it seems fitting, looking back, that she would ignite my desire to move back to more familiar surroundings.

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So I began to turn the pages of “Southern Living” and dream of moving to whatever part of the South that might call my name.  First stop turned out to be in Florida where I spent ten years and then I discovered Coastal Georgia.  The ages old oak trees that line the streets, forming a graceful canopy always enchant me.   Their history and grandeur speak of a time when Plantations dotted the islands and life was more simple.

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When it is foggy, like it has been for almost a week now, there is a slightly haunted feeling that comes over me when I watch the moss as it sways gently in the breeze.  All of this natural beauty is an inspiration for me to dream, to write and to embrace life in the Southern way.

Embrace the NOW, whatever the weather may be and see where it takes you!

The Great Outdoors

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On Saturday, March 7th, you are in for a real treat.  Join local artist’s from all over the area at the historic Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation for the third annual “Plein Air” event!

Albert Fendig

Albert Fendig

Hosted by artist, Albert Fendig, you will be able to wander through the ground of this amazing piece of Coastal Georgia history.

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If you are an artist you can join in the event, bring your easel, canvas and paints to create a wonderful piece of artwork that will then be on display for months to come in various locations.

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Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation is a 150 year old plantation set on the bank of the marshes with glorious views and 800 year old oak trees, gracefully draped with Spanish moss.  To hear more information about this wonderful annual event listen to The Permanent Tourist radio talk show on WWEZ 94.7 FM this Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7:05 pm as I welcome artist, George Netherton, and Jeanne Earle McConnell from the “Friends of Hofwyl” group that so lovingly works to sustain and maintain this property for all to enjoy.

Ophelia's Porch by Albert Fendig

Ophelia’s Porch by Albert Fendig

For further information on joining the group of artist’s who will be painting at the event, please contact George Netherton at:  gnetherton@me.com.  The setting, the creativity and the opportunity to share with other artists is priceless!  Join in the fun from 9:00am – 5:00pm and record history in your own special way.

Simple Sundays

I grew up in a musical family.  My mother, an accomplished operatic soprano, performed all over this country, Europe and the Far East when I was growing up.  My world was filled with the music of various operas and classical music, which I also enjoyed playing on the piano.  My path took me on a culinary route and then a literary one but classical music has always been very important to me.  I have chosen this beautiful duet, The Fleur Duet, from Leo Delibes three act opera, first performed in Paris in 1883.  This particular performance will showcase the beautiful voices of Anna Netrebko and Elina Garanca.