We’re springing into warmer weather, lighter food and wines to accompany! Join me as I talk with Chef Tom Delaney and wine expert, Mark Gagliano. Get inspired…..get ready for Spring…..get cooking!
Finally Friday!
We’re talking simple and delicious today! I’ve been craving Asian food this week so I’m giving in and preparing one of my family’s favorite menus! Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!
Shrimp Dumplings
Asian Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Pineapple
Easy Fried Rice
Mango Sorbet
Shrimp Dumplings
1 package wonton wrappers
1/2 cup ground pork
1/2 cup fresh, boiled shrimp, peeled and finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh ginger root finely minced
1 scallion, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
Combine the pork, shrimp and seasoning in a bowl. Take one wonton wrapper and place a teaspoon of filling on one side. I have an actual dumpling press/mold that I use to create the crescent shape and crimp the edges. If you do not have one simply moisten the edges of each wrapper with water, fold the top over and use a fork to press firmly around the edges. Heat about 1/4 cup of peanut oil in a shallow saute pan. Place dumplings in the pan and saute on both sides until golden brown. Serve with a small bowl of soy sauce for dipping.
Asian Chicken Kabobs
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch cubes
1 sweet red bell pepper, washed, cored and cut into 1 1/2 ” cubes
1 sweet onion, peeled and cut in half crosswise and then into quarters
1 green bell pepper, washed, cored and cut into 1 1/2″ cubes
Marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry
1 tablespoon honey
1 garlic clove minced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Place the cut up chicken and vegetables in a large baggie. Pour the marinade into the bag, seal tightly and shake to cover. To assemble the kabobs you will need four skewers. Place the chicken and vegetables on the skewers in whatever sequence you want. Heat your grill outdoors or inside, if you have a stove top grill, place the kabobs on the heated grill and cook for about 10 minutes on each side, turning as needed. I remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers prior to serving.
Grilled Pineapple
I purchased a peeled and cored pineapple that I cut into 1 inch slices and brushed with a mixture of vegetable oil and a bit of honey. I placed these on the higher shelf of the grill while the kabobs were grilling. Easy and a delicious side.
Easy Fried Rice
2 cups cooked brown rice
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
2 scallions, cleaned and finely minced
1 cup sugar snap peas
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Bring the oil to medium heat in a wok or large saute pan. Add the scallions, peas, peppers and garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes. Add the rice and toss to combine with the vegetables. Season with soy sauce.
Mango Sorbet
I have to admit that I did not prepare Mango Sorbet from scratch. I meant it when I said I scale back on labor intensive cooking when the weather begins to warm up! Your local supermarket will most likely have several different brands of Mango Sorbet to choose from. Find your favorite and scoop it into serving bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint! Easy, breezy and delicious!
The 62nd Tour
Co-Chairs, Lynn Wade and Beth Smith, have once again done a masterful job of planning the Christ Church Tour of Homes. This is the 62nd year the tour has been held featuring homes on both St. Simons and Sea Island. Christ Church has been offering a place of worship and community to our area since 1736. This tour uses proceeds from the event to fund mission work and community outreach. A huge team of volunteers help bring it all together for your enjoyment.
Rev Leigh Hall depicting Anna Matilda Page King
Once again the tour of the historic cemetery at the church will take place. Last year this part of the tour proved to be a favorite as local volunteers donned their costumes to play the part of various famous figures who are laid to rest in the cemetery.
Of special interest to me is the stop to tour the lighthouse, once operated by James Gould. The newly renovated keeper’s cottage will be open for ticket holders to tour as well as a climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of our coastal area.
You’ll see homes as well as beautiful gardens and backyard living areas on the tour that begins at Gascoigne Bluff. Wristbands will be issued for tours at 10:00, 12:00 and 1:30. The tour runs from 10:00 – 5:00 on March 21st. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and bring your smallest handbag. No cameras, please! To see the various stops on St. Simons Island you can drive your own vehicle. Be sure not to miss the wonderful cemetery tour and refreshments in the Parish house at Christ Church. For further information and to order tickets go here: http://www.christchurchtourofhomes.org/
With This Clay…
Kevin Pullen
When I received an invitation from my friend, Natasha Williams, to meet Kevin Pullen I did not know what to expect! I could say it was a “dark and stormy night” which it turned out to be, but the trip to the north end of the island to view the sculpture of this amazing artist turned out to be well worth the trip.
Kevin’s gift is beyond words. When I asked him about his training he jokingly said his kindergarten teacher put a ball of clay dough in his hands and the rest is history. I think he probably was born with this talent and now shares it with us all in his soon to be cast bust of local Maestro Luis Haza, music director of Coastal Symphony of Georgia. He captured the passion of Maestro to the point that I can envision the conductor’s arms moving with the music, bringing the musicians together to create the one magical voice their instruments create. What a special gift this piece is and one that will be treasured forever.
While spending time with Kevin I saw more of his work like this wonderful piece depicting the famous artist, Pablo Picasso.
And this, his first work that dates back to the 1960’s, of Martin Luther King captures the peaceful essence of one of the greatest men in history.
Kevin has a special interest in the Civil War. I did not know the history behind this sculpture of the youngest ranking NCO to serve in army history, John Lincoln Clem. This young man followed the 22nd Michigan regiment of the Union Army at the age of nine. He served as regiment mascot and drummer boy before receiving his rank and spent his life as a career office, retiring on the eve of the United State’s entry into World War I with the rank of Major General. You can read more about this brave young soldier here: http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/biographies/john-clem.html
You’ll find Kevin Pullen teaching at the Golden Isles Career Academy in their media department on weekdays. He inspires his students, his family and his friends with his positive attitude and loving nature. And speaking of nature, this piece of “Eve” is beautifully done and I believe that’s one of my favorites, Keith Richards of Rolling Stones fame, just behind her. I’m happy to add Kevin to my list of new friends and look forward to watching his work grow!
All photographs of Kevin Pullen’s work are copyrighted and remain his property.
The Southern Way
If you love movies and you were raised in the South, I’m betting you love “To Kill A Mockingbird”.
Atticus is the heartthrob character in many of our dreams….
For me, Scout is a kindred spirit! I love her spirit and “tom” boyish ways, it was all part of who I was as a child.
I’m so looking forward to the release of Harper Lee’s sequel, or perhaps prequel to this great classic.
Maybe we’ll all find out just what happened and how Scout grew up and evolved.
I’m thinking her character became an activist….a free spirit….a woman after my own dreams! What do you think?
Signs of Spring
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.
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!
St. Mary’s is getting ready for one of their annual celebrations with the Peter Cottontail Express!
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!
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
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
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
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
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!!!
Spring is on the horizon and a flurry of activity and events fills my calendar!
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.
Sample delicious concoctions from all sorts of groups….restaurants….medical teams…..and other local groups who will do their best to win FIRST PLACE!
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!
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!
