My most favorite holiday is coming up.  Some years we celebrate at home with family and others we visit our kids in New Orleans or Atlanta.  This year it’s New Orleans so I’m keeping my decorating down to a minimum since we won’t be opening our doors to guests.  It doesn’t stop me from dreaming, however.  It’s all due to this Facebook post by Edward on St. Simons that got me started.  The picture of the lovely arrangement above is from their wonderful shop in Redfern Village.  This got the wheels rolling in my head, sending me to Pinterest and all sorts of decorating ideas to welcome the season.  I especially love Thanksgiving because it is a celebration of thanks and abundance!  We always form a circle and share what we are grateful for before we dive into all of the delicious food.  So take a moment to dream with me and if you are at home for the holiday you just might get some ideas!

I love the country charm of this porch, overflowing with fall flowers, pumpkins and other goodies!  It just calls out, “Come Join Us….Celebrate Abundance!”

And this setting is perfection to me.  I love the arched doorway and the planters that were used for stacking pumpkins.  I’m wondering if those are lemon or magnolia leaves they layered between the pumpkins.  Isn’t it lovely?

This final beauty is another one I love.  Ornamental cabbage, seasonal gourds, pumpkins and corn plants abound.  This is probably my favorite vignette!  It’s about saying thank you for all that we have in our lives!  And, if you haven’t, make a list of everything that you have to be grateful for.  My list keeps growing and growing.

I suspect, judging from this other photo from Edward on Facebook that you will find just about anything you need or dream of to put your own show of abundance together for Thanksgiving day! It’s time to make your plan and get started if you haven’t already!  Let the decorating begin!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 19th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

As the holiday season draws near I’m beginning to think of recipes and that always leads to sweets.  Cookies, candy, desserts and, on cold mornings, cinnamon toast.  My mom always made this for my brother and me as children.  I still remember the sweet, crunchy goodness of sugar mixed with ground cinnamon, sprinkled over buttered bread and cooked under the broiler until it all melted together….so delicious.  I use cinnamon in a lot of my baking, but have lately begun to read of its healing properties.  So, I’m sharing a few things about cinnamon with you today.  In a way, it means you CAN have your cake and it too!  I hope you’ll enjoy reading this post and consider cinnamon as more than just something to mix with sugar!  Note:  I am not advocating using cinnamon in place of what your doctor may have prescribed….always check with your physician first!

First off, cinnamon stops the blood from forming unhealthy clots.  The oil in it, Cinnamaldehyde, has been proven to be an anti-inflammatory as well.  Sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on oatmeal or in a morning cup of coffee is a great thing!

And furthermore, cinnamon has anti-microbial properties.  Recent studies have found that cinnamon acts as a natural preservative in food and helps ward off fungal growth in the human body….who knew!

There are also studies that show cinnamon to have the ability to lower blood sugar, triglycerides, bad cholesterol and improve insulin activity.  People with these health issues who began to take just 1 gram of cinnamon a day saw definite improvement.  More proof that there is something natural that heals all sorts of human dis-ease.

I think one of my favorite facts about cinnamon is that mixed with honey it will shut down a cold in no time!  No more sniffles, hacking or coughing….cinnamon and honey….yum!  One teaspoon of honey mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon will do the trick.  Take this every couple of hours and you’ll feel better in no time!

So get yourself some good cinnamon and keep it around.  Heat up a mug of almond milk, add a tablespoon of local honey and swirl it with a cinnamon stick.  You’ll want to make sure you get the best organic cinnamon powder or cinnamon oil you can find, then enjoy!  And, before I close, you may find that you think more clearly when smelling cinnamon…it’s clinically proven to improve brain function!  So much from one little piece of bark!  Cinnamon…..try it….’tis the season!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 18th, 2014 | 5 Comments »

‘Tis the season to begin thinking about gift giving and nothing could be more fun than attending Glynn Visual Art’s annual Mistletoe Market!  It’s coming up this Friday – Sunday, November 21 – 23, with a new venue and lots of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy!

This year’s Market is held in both the GVA building as well as Postell Park, directly across the street.  You’ll hear a strolling young ventriloquist, Cole Tucker, just thirteen years old with a voice you won’t believe!  Phil King, our own local story telling songster will perform on Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 for your listening enjoyment.

There will be demonstrations on wreath making, decoupage, basket weaving, jewelry making and painting on glass.  Sure to inspire you to make a few of your gifts this year!

This year’s event also includes a new event, a Wreath Affair, in which various artists and groups are hand making wreaths for silent auction to benefit Glynn Visual Arts.   Judith Paixao, of Bermuda Sea Glass Jewelry fame, has designed a one of a kind wreath out of milky white sea glass.  I have to say it is one of the most beautiful wreaths I have ever seen.  Elegant yet simplistic, this amazing piece can hang year round as a beacon to fine island living.

Make merry and join in this fabulous weekend that will surely ring in the holiday season in a big way!  Santa Claus will make his first appearance at 6:00 pm on Friday evening.  What fun to see the light in children’s eyes as they are greeted by Santa!

 Glynn Visual Arts – 529 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 17th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

I’m hungry for the savory goodness of exotic flavors I only find in Middle Eastern cooking.  I’m sharing a wonderful recipe from my cookbook, “Spice Up Your Life” with you today.  The aromas that will waft through your kitchen will send you into foodie heaven!  I make a pot of aromatic Jasmine rice to accompany the chicken and a piece of flat bread or two.  I like a nice Sauvignon Blanc with this, but you can choose your favorite.  This is also good served with a cucumber raita…cool and crisp to compliment the layering of flavors in the chicken.  I hope you’ll try this and enjoy

Chicken with Golden Raisins, Apricots and Almonds

I use Marcona almonds in this recipe because they come from Spain and fit into a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern recipe to perfection.  If you can’t find them locally they can be ordered on-line from www.nutsonline.com at a very reasonable price.  Be careful, these almonds are habit forming!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. SdCSC Mediterranean Seasoning

½ tsp. SdCSC turmeric

¼ tsp. SdCSC allspice

1 tsp. SdCSC parsley, or 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup chicken broth

½ cup golden raisins

½ cup dried apricots, chopped

½ cup chopped Marcona Almonds ( you can use sliced almonds if you can’t find Marcona’s)

2 tsp. honey

SdCSC Pink Himalayan salt and white pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a skillet or dutch oven, add the chicken breasts and brown well on both sides.  Add the seasonings and chicken broth, bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for 30 minutes.  Add the fruit, nuts and honey, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 11 14th, 2014 | No Comments »

Something very special happens the second Saturday of every month.  I wrote about The Market at Sea Island last week and now I’m sharing the wonderful monthly Farmer’s Market that is held in the parking lot in front of the Market.

Yes, you’ll find plenty of wonderful fresh, locally grown, organic vegetables from Uncle Don’s, Broadfield and Going Green.

Along with delectable baked goods straight from the bakers on Sea Island.

You can even grab a delicious Southern Soul bbq sandwich for lunch or order a fresh deli sandwich in The Market.  Find a table outdoors and enjoy people watching and the music!

Artisans are there to show you all of the beautiful things they create!

Live music makes for a festive atmosphere.

And you’ll find Amelia Bath and Body products, one of my favorite local product lines! And there is so much more!

This is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning.  Open from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm it’s a great way to start your holiday shopping and run into friends, old and new!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 10th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

I’m sharing a menu of pure comfort food today!  I think you’ll enjoy this as much as my family did.  The salad dressing is made with delicious flavored balsamic vinegar and olive oil from Golden Isles Olive Oil in Redfern Village.  If you’re not in the area you can mail order here:  www.GoldenIslesOliveOil.com.  This is the perfect fall meal for a family, especially on a Sunday evening.  It’s easy to put together and so delicious.  The recipe for Potato Boats comes from the old “Fit For Life” book by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond.  I cannot tell you how many times I have prepared these.  My daughter could eat two or three and still want more.  They’re healthy too, which is always a dividend!

Cajun Barbecue Meatloaf

Potato Boats

Arugula Salad with Honey Crisp Apples, Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Apple/Walnut Vinaigrette

Cajun Barbecue Meatloaf

1 package meatloaf mix (you can substitute a pound and a half of ground turkey if you wish)

2 tablespoons dried onion

1 tablespoon good quality Cajun seasoning

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 cup ketchup

1 egg

3/4 cup organic rolled oats

1/4 cup Jack Daniels Original No. 7 Barbecue Sauce

Preheat the oven to 425.  Mix the meat with all ingredients up to the barbecue sauce.  Place in a greased loaf pan.  Spread the barbecue sauce over the top.  Bake at 425 for 20 minutes.  Reduce the heat to 350 and continue baking for 30 minutes.  Slice and serve.  This makes a delicious sandwich.  I always slice the meatloaf in 1/2 inch thick slices.  I brown them in a saute pan that I first spray with olive oil spray.  Serve on a roll or whole grain bread…delicious!

Potato Boats

4 servings

2 large Idaho potatoes

3/4 cup cubed butternut squash (I buy this already cubed at our local Harris Teeter and save the leftovers for soup)

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon cumin

sea salt and pepper to taste

Ground Sweet Paprika

2 teaspoons butter, melted

Bake the potatoes in a 425 degree oven for about an hour.  Remove and allow to cool slightly.  Steam the butternut squash for about 15 minutes.  Scoop the meat out of the potatoes and add the drained, steamed squash.  Mash with 1/4 cup of butter, cumin and salt and pepper.  Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells.  Spoon the remaining 2 teaspoons of butter over the top of each potato boat and sprinkle with paprika.  Place under a preheated broiler for about 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Arugula Salad with Honey Crisp Apples, Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Apple/Walnut Vinaigrette

1 pound organic arugula

1 honey crisp apple, cored and thinly sliced

1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces

1/2 cup crumbled buttermilk bleu cheese

Dressing:

1/4 cup walnut olive oil

2 tablespoons red apple balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon local honey

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon pink salt

cracked black pepper

Toss the salad ingredients in a wooden bowl.  In a small glass bowl whisk the dressing ingredients together.  Drizzle over the salad and serve.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 11 7th, 2014 | No Comments »

Okay….you all know I’m a foodie.  Most of my life has been spent in the culinary world, one way or another.  I am going to go on and on about The Market at Sea Island today!  Get your coffee, sit back and get comfortable!

Just walking up the sidewalk past the beautifully planted flowers and outdoor tables, I knew this would be a special place!  And then I walked through the front doors and was immediately transported to  New York City and the aromas of coffee, condiments and fresh baked goods one experiences when entering places like Zabars and Dean & DeLuca.   If the weather should be less than perfect there is a cheery indoor area with bright green seating and plenty of room for reading the morning paper while enjoying homemade pastry and fabulous coffee or tea!

Did I mention pastry?  Oh my Lord…all homemade and delivered fresh daily from the bakeries on Sea Island.  The croissant and Nutella brioche are nothing short of heaven.  Custom cake orders are always possible for birthdays, weddings and any event that calls for something one of a kind and special.   I am swooning over that gigantic wooden board.  Can’t you just see that as the focal point of an appetizer table, laden with cheeses, fruits and breads?

Manager, Dan Meyers, took me on the grand tour pointing out all of the amazing items to be found in this culinary treasure trove!  The wine selection is fabulous with prices from $7.00 to $250.00.  This is a place for anyone to find something they will be able to take home and enjoy!  I love the new Sea Island wines labeling using the area code 31561 in single digits to delineate which wine to drink first…of course #1 is a bottle of Sea Island Bubbles…we have to put celebrating first on the list!  You’ll find wines here that you won’t find anywhere else in the area and if you don’t find it…they’ll order it for you.

The meats are from Australia, Wagyu, a type of Kobe beef, which provides exquisite flavor with perfect marbling.  Fresh fish and seafood, daily caught and never, ever frozen.  The Market at Sea Island is offering Coastal Georgia living at its best!   The cheese selection is well priced and comprised of choices from around the world as well as Georgia’s own Sweet Grass Creamery.  Cheese and charcuterie platters are available by special order.

Clothing, gift items and plenty of cookbooks can be found….all of the highest quality and guaranteed to last for years to come.  You’ll find the fine designs of Peter Millar  jackets, golf shirts and more.

Le Creusette and All Clad in all shapes, colors and sizes…..what a treat!  All sorts of items for the home and kitchen to make any gathering extra special.

This is becoming a great meeting place for coffee, lunch and don’t forget the fabulous “Take & Heat” dinners you can pick up on the way home when you want to eat in, but don’t want to cook.  Each night has a different meal, freshly prepared using delicious local produce and main courses to please even the most discerning palate.  For lunch you have to try the homemade shrimp salad on a croissant!  That is, without doubt, one of the best things I have ever tasted….ever!  Pick up a sandwich that is already deliciously prepared or order whatever you want.  This place is all about pleasing you, the customer, so don’t be afraid to ask.  And don’t forget to try the Rose Lemonade…..so refreshing!

The Market at Sea Island is growing day by day and becoming such a wonderful place to shop, meet and eat!  If you haven’t been, make plans too! I’ve just begun to touch on all of the amazing products you’ll find there.  More on the Market and their upcoming Farmer’s Market featuring all sorts of local product, produce and artisans.  I’ll be there this coming Saturday!

351 Sea Island Road,. St. Simons Island, GA 31522. United States. Tel: 912-634-3994.

Melissa | food & entertaining | 11 3rd, 2014 | No Comments »

Sunday Brunch or a late morning breakfast has always been one of my favorite times to gather with friends and enjoy a relaxing meal.  My dear father has always referred to this social event as “a civilized thing to do”!  I received a special invite to meet my dear friend, Leigh Cort, at the fabulous newly renovated King & Prince Resort for breakfast this past Sunday.  I am so delightfully impressed with the work that has been done to transform this historic resort into, what I would term, a casually elegant seaside getaway!

The new entrance, with views straight through to the oceanfront, are spectacular as you enter the lobby.

Cozy seating areas greet you where a swimming pool was once located.  I cannot wait to go on a cold winter day and sit by the fire with a couple of my girlfriend’s, sharing a bottle of good red wine.

The new Sea Shack bar area is perfect for any evening or weekend, with outdoor seating as well.  Is there anything better than sitting outside with a tall, cool drink, watching the waves come in and roll back out to sea.  Total relaxation!

Our delicious breakfast, created by Executive Chef John Palacio, arrived at our table, beautifully presented.  Eggs Coastal?  So yummy, served atop a crisp grit cake, fresh salmon and dill sauce…..Eggs Benedict, the classic favorite that always pleases…..or select eggs anyway with grits, sausage, bacon, potatoes….you decide!  The breakfast menu is well rounded and very appealing, you’ll find your favorites from pancakes to french toast and then some!

And those views from the new ECHO dining room are spectacular.  Nowhere on St. Simons Island can you have the pleasure of this view while dining unless you are lucky enough to live right on the beach or have a friend who does.  The perfect combination of good food, wonderful service and a relaxing atmosphere is hard to beat.

Chef Palacio’s menus are all well thought out with selections to please any food lover.  His background in French cuisine brings a special touch to the fare he prepares and offers to guests of the resort as well as local clientele.  Prior to joining The King & Prince the chef worked in the Westin hotel group from Los Angeles to Tucson where he catered to the stars.  He was honored with the coveted”Apprentice of the Year” award from the American Culinary Federation while working at the famous Westin Bonaventure in LA.

This is a winner!  Try ECHO or stop by for a drink and a delicious snack at the Sea Shack bar.  Handcrafted cocktails….a fabulous view…..perfection!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 10 28th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

Paige Funkhouser and Donna MacPherson

It’s time for all goblins, ghosts and ghouls to gather together!  Friday night is Halloween!  We got a head start on Saturday at the Witches Hour luncheon hosted by my friends, Donna MacPherson, of photography fame, and Paige Funkhouser, owner of the wonderful Golden Isles Olive Oil shop in Redfern Village.

The place for all of the festivities was on of my favorite local restaurants, Coastal Kitchen.  Owner, Jeff Montaigne,  greeted us all with a bar full of bubbling, smoking libations to kick off the event.  You might have thought you were walking into a local “coven” instead of a party, everyone came dressed as their favorite witch!

The meal began with “Chicken Wands”, spicy chicken, corn and potatoes wrapped in a flour tortilla, flash fried and served with a delicious cilantro honey emulsion…..can I just say YUM!

In keeping with the occasion the next course was “Eye of Newt Milk of Goat over Arugula” a tasty salad with a herb crusted goat cheese fritter served over a bed of Baker’s Farm arugula, topped with basil vinaigrette and “newt eyes”.

Next, we feasted on “Cake of Gecarcinus Quadratus”, a delicious crab cake served atop Boursin cheese grits with haricort verts and a zesty remoulade sauce on the side.

We took a break from food while awards were presented for various categories.  Everyone was in full party mode by now and the prizes were fabulous.  Jan Carpenter took the microphone to emcee with Paige and Donna as local photographer, Nancy Kirkpatrick, snapped pictures of the going’s on.

Dessert followed with a delicious pumpkin cheesecake……the perfect end to a wonderful meal.

With full bellies all we made our way outdoors for Nancy to snap a group picture of us all in full dress with Jeff and our servers in two.  These guys were having a great time with us all!

That isn’t all…..oh no…not nearly.  In our car’s we went to pay a visit on our favorite produce guy “Uncle Don”, whose lovely wife, Hollie, won scariest with for her spider witch costume.  We swept him away with our costumes and high flying party moods!  Yes, that was a rainbow witch you saw waving at traffic if you drove by late Saturday afternoon.  I learned that Paige Funkhouser knows how to have a good time.  I already had a clue from other lunches we’ve attended together.  This lady knows how to party!

And finally here’s my award for most authentic witch.  I’m not showing pictures until Wednesday.  I put my costume together with a bit of help from my daughter and friend, Judith Paixao, who was unable to attend the event since she was busy with a room of ladies attending her wonderful “Salon” at Glynn Visual Arts.  Bermuda Sea Glass Jewelry has had a great week and the fun continues through Friday…if you haven’t been in to see Judith, it’s not too late!  Tonight is ladies night….the champagne will be flowing!

A good time was had by all!  You do NOT want to miss this event next year!

Many thanks to Donna, Paige, Jeff and his wonderful staff!

T

Melissa | food & entertaining | 10 27th, 2014 | 9 Comments »

It’s chili weather and I’ve got my first pot brewing….literally!  I begin with a basic recipe that my family has used for years, but I cannot leave it alone.  The original had pinto beans on the side or in the mix.  Since I’m always interested in healthy eating and lots of fiber I’ve played with the recipe over the years until it became what it is today.  And….knowing me….it will change again as the years go by.  This is a delicious recipe that I hope you’ll try and enjoy!  Ice some good beer, make a pan of cornbread and enjoy!

My Best Chili!

1 1/3  pound meatloaf mix  (I buy this at our local Harris Teeter, but I think most markets carry a meatloaf mix or will make one.)

1 pound ground beef

2 bay leaves

6 tablespoons good quality chili powder

Sea salt, to taste

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dry marjoram or oregano leaves

1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon raw, organic sugar

3 tablespoons ground paprika

3 tablespoons flour

3 – 5 tablespoons cold water

6 tablespoons stone ground corn meal

1 can diced tomatoes with peppers (I use the original “Rotel” brand)

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can white hominy, drained and rinsed

shredded cheese, your choice

1 sweet onion, finely chopped for garnish

Brown the meats until lightly browned.  Pour four cups water over the meat, cover and simmer for two hours.  Add the next eight ingredients….bay leaves – paprika.  Stir well, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Mix the flour with the cold water and stir in the corn meal.  Use enough liquid to prevent lumps.  Add to the chili and mix well.  Simmer for 10 more minutes.  Serve in large bowls with shredded cheese of choice and chopped fresh onion.

Note:  I usually serve this with homemade buttermilk cornbread.  Let me know, in the comments, if you would like the recipe and I’ll see that you get it!

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 10 24th, 2014 | 3 Comments »