We’re going Italian today!  It’s hard to beat great Italian food.  I’m one of those make it from scratch, never use sauce out of a jar, well, almost never, kind of cooks.  This is one of my favorite “comfort” meals.  We all need one now and then!

Ice Cold Peroni Beer

Pan Fried Ravioli with Sicilian Dipping Sauce

Pork Chops Marsala

Broccoli Rapini

Angel Hair Pasta

Fresh Plum Tart

Chianti

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When I eat Japanese food I like to drink Kirin, Chinese calls for TsingTao, soooooo, Italian has to have Peroni!  I’m not a big beer drinker, but there are certain foods that just cry out for the crisp, cold flavor of beer.  Peroni is the perfect accompaniment to today’s appetizer!

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Pan Fried Ravioli with Sicilian Dipping Sauce

These are super easy to make and they always get applause.  Be sure to drain the ravioli well on paper toweling before serving.

1 package wonton wrappers

1 cup low fat ricotta cheese

1/4 chopped, fresh basil

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic, finely minced

Mix the cheeses and herbs together.  Take one wrapper, top with a spoonful of cheese mixture and then with another wrapper.  Moisten the edges and crimp with a pastry wheel if you desire.  Heat 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a small saute pan and add “ravioli”, one at a time, until golden brown on both sides.  Sprinkle the finished ravioli’s with parmesan cheese and garnish with a fresh basil sprig.

Sicilian Dipping Sauce

1 cup finely chopped, plum tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Sea salt to taste

1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Mix all ingredients and let stand at room temperature for up to one hour.  Serve in a bowl on a platter surrounded with the ravioli.

Photo by Chef Chuck

Pork Chops Marsala

4 bone in pork chops

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 shallot, finely chopped

1/4 cup marsala wine

1/4 cup chicken stock

2 tablespoons capers

1/4 cup fresh sage leaves

1 tablespoon raw sugar

sea salt and pepper to taste

Salt and pepper the chops.  Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan.  Add the chops and brown on both sides, about three minutes each.  Remove the chops and add the marsala to the pan, then the garlic and shallot.  Place the chops back in the pan and add the chicken broth.  Cover and simmer for 1/2 hour.  Remove the cover and sprinkle the chops with the raw sugar, spooning the sauce over them and allowing to simmer on very low heat for another five minutes.  Add the capers and sage leaves to the sauce.  Serve with the pasta, spooning plenty of sauce over both.

Broccoli Rapini

Some say this is an acquired, but I find myself craving it almost anytime.  Broccoli Rapini has a slightly bitter taste.  You’ll want to find it in peak season, usually the end of winter to beginning of spring.  Wash it well and chop the leaves and part of the stem.  Saute the greens in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil until tender, about 10 minutes on low heat.  Add two cloves of garlic, thinly sliced, and saute for two more minutes.  Season with sea salt and serve.  Note:  This is delicious as a light lunch served with Sicilian Salsa and good crusty bread…..and a Peroni, of course!

Fresh Plum Tart

I always give credit where credit is due.  Ina Garten always manages to provide some of my best recipes.  AND, you can order the book if you want!  Delicious!

Photo: James Merrell

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2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), diced
1 egg yolk
2 pounds firm, ripe Italian prune plums, pitted and quartered lengthwise

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Combine the flour, walnuts, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the butter and the egg yolk. Mix, either by hand or with an electric mixer, until crumbly.

Press 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture in an even layer into the bottom of a 9 1/2-inch springform or tart pan. Arrange the plums in the pan, skin-side down, to form a flower pattern; begin at the outside and work your way in.

Sprinkle the rest of the crumb mixture evenly over the plums. Bake the tart for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned and the plum juices are bubbling. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and transfer the tart to a flat plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 07 24th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

Just south of Saint Simons Island is another charming place, Jekyll Island.  Known for the summer cottages that still remain standing gracefully on the grounds, filled with their history as seasonal dwellings for some of the most well known and wealthiest family’s in the early 20th century.

What started out to be a hunting club after the end of the Civil War became the most exclusive social club in the United States.  Names such as Pulitzer, Vanderbilt, Morgan and Hyde are just a few of the  rich and famous who maintained membership in the club.

Many famous events took place at the Jekyll Island Club, including the first transcontinental telephone call placed by AT&T president Theodore Vail on January 25, 1915.  J.P. Morgan was host to some of the financial world’s most influential members along with Senator Nelson Aldrich and the Assistant Secretary of State in 1907 after a virulent time on Wall Street caused a run on the banks.  The team of financial wizards traveled to the island under assumed names to write The Aldrich Plan, which later became the basis for The Federal Reserve Act that established The Federal Reserve System.

Visitors to Jekyll Island can now tour the Club property and the summer cottages which once housed the families of wealthy financier’s from the Northeast.  Trolley’s provide guided tours that enable guests to learn about the island’s rich history while walking in the steps of those who once inhabited these famous grounds.  Family’s such as the Rockefeller’s  passed the time during hot summer days taking part in the lavish splendor of this Southern playground.

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel now offers the finest in accomodations for the discerning traveler.  Dine on five star cuisine in the Grand Dining Room or enjoy a lovely meal at the Crane Cottage, a short walk from the Hotel itself.

Crane Cottage is where Mr. T and I exchanged vows one cold winter day in front of a roaring fire with a private luncheon for our family afterward several years ago.  Also on the hotel grounds is Cafe Solterra where you can enjoy a casual meal while sitting on the balcony that surrounds the inner courtyard.

This whole facility holds very special memories for me and my family.  The beaches are close by and horseback riding is available if you want to take a ride on the beach.  Bikes can be rented to see  Jekyll the best way with shaded bike paths running around the entire island.   There’s plenty of history, sightseeing and relaxing to be had.  And you can take day trips to visit the other barrier islands in the area!

A trip to The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is a great idea for any couple or family wanting to experience nature and history in an atmosphere of turn of the century grandeur.  A lovely pool awaits as well as golfing on three outstanding courses if that’s your sport of choice.

You’ll be in for a special treat when the sun begins to set on this historic jewel.  Plan to order a cocktail and watch nature’s display from the westward facing porch…you’ll feel every muscle in your body relaxing as you take in the splendor!

Melissa | food & entertaining, people | 07 23rd, 2015 | 6 Comments »

There is a lovely enclave at Gascoigne Point, Epworth by the Sea.  The minute you drive through the archway that marks the entrance to this peaceful place you feel a shift in energy.  You take a deep breath, gaze on the gigantic oak trees that grace the area, Spanish moss hanging from their massive branches, and feel that you could stay here forever.

This is the site of the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum that houses a vast collection of books and artifacts about the founders of the Methodist Church, John and Charles Wesley.  You can actually walk in the footsteps of John and Charles as they preached the word of God throughout the Coastal Georgia area.

Both brothers  worked as missionary’s on St. Simons Island.  Charles was appointed chaplain for the settlement at Fort Frederica and John had charge of the religious affairs of the colony.  On the north end of the island now stands the Wesley United Methodist Church, founded by the Wesley brothers, with Bishop Frank Robinson as the first pastor.  The brothers actually began the Methodist movement after returning to their home in England.

Epworth by the Sea is named in commemoration of the birthplace of the Wesley brothers.  In addition to the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum, visitors will find pathways winding through the property that lead to the Gascoigne River, considered gateway to St. Simons Island.  A conference center is available with facilities to accomodate up to 1,000 people.

Lovely Lane Chapel is the site for many weddings on St. Simons Island.  This is the oldest standing church on the island.

During Plantation Days, James Hamilton built a large Tabby home at Gascoigne Point where he became a millionaire in the cotton trade.  The home burned in 1890 leaving only the tabby cottage that housed the plantation’s slaves.  The cottage was completely restored in 1995 by Epworth.

As you walk through the Epworth retreat property you can feel the vast history surrounding you.  Visit Epworth and experience the peace and beauty to be found there.

Melissa | people | 07 22nd, 2015 | 1 Comment »

If you are an art lover like I am you are in for a huge treat this coming Thursday evening!  Join in the fun of the first ever Art Gallery Crawl.  Masterminded and executed by marketing and event specialist, Jennifer Broadus, this promises to be a wonderful evening!  Not only did Jennifer plan the “Crawl” she is one of the featured artist’s at her new gallery, Art Trends Gallery.

Artist’s From Art Trends Gallery, Jennifer Broadus far right.

You’ll board a Lighthouse trolley at any of the featured galleries, pay $10.00 for a ticket, and be taken to each location to feast your eyes on works of art by many local artists and others as well.  Each gallery will present you with yummy tidbits to enjoy as you wander through and take in the work on display.

Here’s a list of the galleries:  (Note:  The island located in the mid-island area are close enough to each other to walk…or “crawl”…you choose!)

Wallin Gallery – 3600 Frederica Road

Palmer Gallery – 3415 Frederica Road

Anderson Fine Art Galley – 3309 Frederica Road

ArtTrends Gallery – 3305 Frederica Road

Artist’s Annex Gallery – 100 Sylvan Drive, Suite 170

Glynn Visual Arts Center – Skylane Drive (off Demere Rd.)

GVA Gallery at the Welcome Center – 529 Beachview Drive, Pier Village

This is the first event of its kind that promises to be repeated several times a year.  What a great excuse to get a group together and enjoy an evening of culture and art!  Supporting our local galleries and artists….it’s so very important!

Melissa | Out&About | 07 21st, 2015 | 1 Comment »

I have to preface this post with a bit of history and writing about this wonderful event means so much to me.  In March of 2012 my mom had a mild stroke that left her no longer able to live on her own and the home she and my father owned in Florida.  My mom is a “retired” operatic soprano who enjoyed a wonderful career with the Houston Grand Opera, various opera theaters in New York City, Europe and the Far East.  When she suffered the stroke she was acting president of the Gainesville, FL Music Teacher’s Association.  Music has been my mom’s life since, as a teenager, she began to tour with church music groups and perform sacred music part of a choir and quartet.  Our family always enjoyed beautiful music in the home, theater and anywhere we could find it.  One of the things mom enjoyed the most in the past years in Florida was the “Live From The Met” performances offered at a local movie theater there.  It became a ritual, driving across town to make sure tickets were bought in advance, planning the day with friends, enjoying a wonderful lunch prior to the showing and then saving seats for whoever might arrive late.  This event was a monthly treat during opera season each year, growing to the point that two theaters in the cinema complex were used to house all of the eager fans.

I received notice from Susan Garrett that the Georgia Theater Company is debuting two encore presentations of Live From The Met on July 22nd and 27th at The Island Cinema here on St. Simons.  My heart absolutely sang as I quickly dialed mom’s number to share the news.  She is delighted as is my daughter who is also an opera fan.  They are already putting their heads together planning their day, where they will have lunch and what snacks they will splurge on.  The showings are at 2:00pm and will certainly whet the appetite of all classical music lovers!

If you have never experienced Live From The Met you are in for a huge treat!  The event is lively with backstage glimpses of the artists, their dressing rooms, wardrobe and scene changes.  The whole time you really feel like you are at the Met, meeting the people, hearing the music and loving every minute of it!  Interviews with the stars in between acts, words from the Maestro and more will truly delight and lift your spirits like nothing else can.  Music is medicine…it feeds the soul and heals in miraculous ways!  Do not miss this event!  And then you can look forward to the coming opera season when it begins in the Fall and the series really begins!

Melissa | Out&About | 07 20th, 2015 | No Comments »

It’s obvious by now that I love nothing better than to search through hundreds of videos on YouTube to find just the right piece for my Simple Sundays posts.  Here is one I’m especially liking in light of the fact that we saw photographs of Jupiter this week.  There is so much to space, to the Universe, that we are not aware of.  We may not even be able to fathom it all with our human minds.  But it surrounds us and fills our world with energy.  The photos on this spectacular piece were photographed by Hubble and accompanied by words to a beautiful Robert Frost poem, “Choose Something Like A Star”.  The music has a haunting quality that I find peaceful and calming.  I hope you will as well!  Scroll down to read the words to this work by one of our country’s most eloquent poets.  Blessings to you on this new day and peace be with you and yours.

O Star (the fairest one in sight),
We grant your loftiness the right
To some obscurity of cloud �
It will not do to say of night,
Since dark is what brings out your light.
Some mystery becomes the proud.
But to be wholly taciturn
In your reserve is not allowed.
Say something to us we can learn
By heart and when alone repeat.
Say something! And it says “I burn.”
But say with what degree of heat.
Talk Fahrenheit, talk Centigrade.
Use language we can comprehend.
Tell us what elements you blend.
It gives us strangely little aid,
But does tell something in the end.
And steadfast as Keats’ Eremite,
Not even stooping from its sphere,
It asks a little of us here.
It asks of us a certain height,
So when at times the mob is swayed
To carry praise or blame too far,
We may choose something like a star
To stay our minds on and be staid.

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 07 19th, 2015 | No Comments »

I welcomed one of my all time favorite guests to the show this week!  Heather Heath, Director of Arts and Humanities for Glynn County.  We discussed all of the summer events and activities for all ages.  You won’t want to miss The Sound Of Music singalong movie event later this month!  It’s always fun when Heather arrives!

Melissa | On The Radio | 07 18th, 2015 | No Comments »

If you are a music lover you’re in for a real treat at The Blue Martini Bar this coming Friday night!  My dear friend, Phil Morrison, will be performing with his trio.  Jazz….Friday night…..GO!

Phil Morrison

The Phil Morrison Trio features the incomparable vocal and pianistic talents of the internationally
acclaimed Joe Watts.

Listen to Joe performing one of my favorite songs!

Enjoy an excellent menu of Latin dishes and some wonderful jazz from a master and his group!  The show begins at 6:00 and goes until 9:00.  The restaurant is in the Glynn Place Mall between Belk and Sears.  Join in for an evening of music and food…..we might just stir up some interest in having more events like this locally.  Phil Morrison is one of the most talented musicians in this country!  Don’t miss this event!

Melissa | Out&About | 07 16th, 2015 | No Comments »

Walkabout Wednesday – The King and Prince Resort

Story and Photos by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Here on St Simons Island we love The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. And that love is well earned. The accommodations are stellar, the service impeccable and the staff friendly. It’s tough to beat, especially with the Atlantic Ocean only a few steps away.

First opened in 1935 as a seaside dance club, the main hotel building with its gracious Mediterranean architecture opened in July, 1941. It quickly became a popular island resort. Renovations, enhancements, expansions and restorations took place over the years. Then in 1996, the hotel was named to the prestigious Historic Hotels of America. In 2005, the Resort was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

So today I treat you to my “walkabout” images featuring the recently completed renovations. This extensive project brought new culinary offerings, as well as the addition of St Simons Island’s only oceanfront restaurant, ECHO. Here you can enjoy indoor/outdoor dining and broad views of the Atlantic. The updated common areas are naturally crafted to invite visitors to relax and stay awhile. Just as I did while enjoying my job!

Having seen this wonderful transformation, I plan to spend more time here. There is interesting architecture to explore. There is food and wine to sample. Oceanfront views to enjoy. It also is a place I know I can sit in comfort and do some writing from time to time while the rest of the world wanders by. You must go see and spend some time there as well. Plan a party. Spend a weekend. It is truly wonderful.

By Nancy Kirkpatrick

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 15th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Travel Tuesday – London Icons

Story and Photos by Nancy Kirkpatrick

London calls to me on so many levels. My romantic nature wants to fly Mary-Poppins-umbrella high over the rooftops to collect sweet images of blackened chimney sweeps against an orange-red backdrop of Hollywood drama. I want to get lost in the tangle of make believe clockworks high above the busy-bee railway station marble floors. That place where time forgets itself in hidden passageways populated by gargoyles and carved stone gardens.

Then I’d disappear in pieces through the brick wall of Platform 9 3/4, off to an adventure somewhere in the London only the few are privileged to wander.

Then there is the call of the historical novels I’ve devoured since eighth grade, when I hid cumbersome tomes beneath textbooks that didn’t lend enough color to the world I knew was there…somewhere. London brings those novels to life. The tales of bridges dreamed and marvels built from ideas laid down from the long before. History becomes life for me in London.

There is the Tower that London built of stone, iron, wood and rack. The place where names leap from pages into a warren of rooms and dim hallways. Rooms that held the promise of pain and death. The infamous gate, wet with the green, murky Thames, that surely emblazoned a big black “T” on the forehead of the unfortunate as they passed beneath its unyielding bars. Its storied keepers, now merely ghosts, brought alive by the threads of generations present tense, telling those gruesome stories with their iconic British wit. The Tower fascinates now, as before.

My London loves its Eye. Grandly seen from odd angles and vantage points around the teeming city; framed by traditions built long ago, it claims a giant corner of the London sky. This fascinating, mesmerizing circle of life beckons the curious with every sure footed turn. Calling, tantalizing, hypnotizing, it’s everywhere but only in one place.

The bridges, the boats, the Thames, Big Ben and Parliament. All of it is a city at its best. Discovered by foot, by boat, by taxi or red bus, London unfolds its treasures before your eyes like a dancer’s fan. Undulating to reveal a quiet garden this way; then twisting gracefully that way to showcase a beloved Queen’s palace, protective bobbies standing at the gate. Dipping swiftly now we glimpse old-timey performers in green, yellow, white, with simple instruments nearly vanished from the now.

This is my London. The one I looked for; the one I saw. Write and tell me about your London!

By Nancy Kirkpatrick

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 14th, 2015 | No Comments »