I’m cooking up some “comfort” food for the weekend!  I came up with this recipe for Cajun Meatloaf years ago and it’s always a pleaser.  There’s is something soothing about meatloaf, hot out of the oven with mashed potatoes.  And then, there are those leftover meatloaf sandwiches….yum!  You can substitute ground turkey for the beef if you want.  It all works out and it’s always delicious!  So here’s a menu for the family!

Cajun Meatloaf

Skin On Smashed Potatoes

Fresh String Beans with Almonds

Coleslaw

Cajun Meatloaf

2 pounds of “meatloaf mix”

1 cup oatmeal

2 eggs

2 tablespoons Sangre de Cristo Spice Company cajun blend

1 teaspoon worcestershire

1 onion, finely minced

1 green pepper, finely chopped

1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

1 teaspoon raw sugar or honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Heat the olive oil in a skillet and saute the onion and green pepper until it is soft.  Place the meat in a large bowl and mix the cooked vegetables and the remaining ingredients.  Mix well and place in a greased loaf pan.  Place in a preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.  Reduce the heat to 350 degrees and continue baking for 40 minutes.

Skin On Smashed Potatoes

6 Yukon Gold potatoes

2 tablespoons butter

Half ‘n’Half

salt and pepper to taste

Cut the potatoes in large chunks and place in a large sauce pan covered with water.  Bring to a boil and simmer until fork tender.  Drain all but 1/4 cup of the water.  Place the potatoes and remaining water in the bowl of a standing mixer.  Mix the potatoes with the remaining ingredients until some “lumps” are still remaining.

Fresh String Beans with Almonds

1 pound string beans, washed and ends snapped off

1 shallot, peeled and finely diced

1/2 cup sliced almonds

salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon good olive oil

2 teaspoon butter

In a shallow saute pan melt the butter with the oil.  Add the cleaned string beans and shallot and saute over low heat for five minutes.  Cover and let steam for another 10 minutes.  Add the almonds, you can toast these if you want, and mix.

Coleslaw

1 head green cabbage

1 head red cabbage

1 bunch scallions, ends removed and finely chopped, including the green ends

2 carrots, peeled and shredded

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

1 teaspoon local honey

sea salt and pepper to taste

I use half a head of each of the cabbages when I make this.  Shred the cabbage with a mandolin slicer or food processor.  In a large bowl, mix the cabbage with the scallions and carrots.  In a small bowl, whisk the oil and vinegar, adding the mustard, honey, salt and pepper.  Pour this over the vegetables and mix well.  Refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 02 21st, 2014 | No Comments »

When I think of being in service to others I cannot help but think of Back Pack Buddies.  Hunger is something most of us will never know.  That is not the case with many children right here in Glynn County however.  The thought of a child leaving school on Friday afternoon and possibly not being fed until they return on Monday is unthinkable.  These children need an angel to care for them and this organization sees to that.

Christ Church, here on St. Simons Island, is a big contributor to the cause.  Volunteers come together to pack individual backpacks of food that go home with these children on Friday afternoon so they DO have plenty to eat over the weekend.

Tom Flickinger, Susan Shipman, Mark Gagliano

I’ve mentioned, on more than one occasion, the open hearts in this community and the outreach that occurs on a daily basis.  Christ Church contributes to so many different causes and this Friday evening, from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Parish House the annual wine tasting to benefit Back Pack Buddies will be held.  There will be delicious food generously donated by the island’s best restaurants, as well as  parishioner’s of the church, and a fabulous selection of wines for tasting, thanks to Tom Flickinger.  Avery Brooks is at the helm of planning this event so you know it will be done to perfection!

St. Simons Island knows how to come together and make an impact.  This annual event gives all of the proceeds to help feed children in need all over Glynn County via Back Pack Buddies.  It’s all about community and giving.  It promises to be a wonderful evening for all!  I hope you’ll consider attending and contributing to this wonderful cause.

Melissa | Out&About | 02 20th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

On the cover of a brochure that features the chronology of work by artist, Ralph N. Hurst, he is referred to as an “American Sculptor Luminary”.  If you look the term “Luminary” up on-line, here is the definition you will find:  A person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.  Synonyms used for luminary include guiding light, inspiration, hero, master and expert, among others.

When I visited with Ralph’s widow, Jean Hurst, yesterday and actually saw and touched the work of this great man the word luminary made perfect sense to me.  Ralph Hurst began his lifetime journey on September 4, 1918.  In a way you might say kismet touched him, leading him at every turn to meet his destiny.  A high school football injury turned Ralph’s focus away from sports and onto art.  He attended a commercial art school in his home state of Indiana and continued on to Indiana University where Robert Laurant, the great French born American sculptor became his mentor.  After earning both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in art at IU, Ralph found his path leading him to Florida where, in 1953, he began his teaching career at Florida State University.   He spent 27 years as a member of the faculty and received the honor of “Professor Emeritus”.

Ralph loved to play, he was blessed to have a wonderful sense of humor as well as a streak of adventure.  His sculpture glows with the energy he infused into his work making the observer have to reach out and touch each piece, running a hand over the smooth, cool lines of his work, The Mermaid, or a pair of swans, sensually entertwined.  You’ll find his sculptures in alabaster, marble, bronze, wood and synthetics, all masterfully used to create his lifelike sculptures.

Jean has turned her home on St. Simons Island into a sort of gallery to showcase her late husband’s work.  Each piece is presented with perfect lighting and placement.  Ralph’s bas relief pieces grace the walls of this lovely home, works of paper and other substances that he hand molded to create these fabulous works of art.

Shortly before his death in 2003, the Hurst’s donated a major part of Ralph’s work to the Tallahassee Community College in Florida.  This donation led to the Ralph Hurst Gallery which now stands next to the performing arts theatre, co-designed by Jean, who spent years at the college as founding theatre director and English professor.  The gallery enables others to view these extraordinary works of art and, hopefully, provide inspiration to those inclined to express themselves creatively.

Jean’s Swan

The website Jean Hurst recently launched has Ralph’s work lovingly featured here:  http://www.jhurstartgallery.com/home.html.  You can also schedule an appointment to view these works of art by contacting Jean at 912-268-4028.  The work of Ralph Hurst has to be seen and touched to be truly appreciated.  And in that touch, you’ll capture the essence of the man who created them with such love and attention to detail.  Ralph truly lives on through his work and the great love he shared with Jean can be sensed in the peaceful environment that houses his masterpieces.

Melissa | people | 02 19th, 2014 | 3 Comments »

I’m featuring more options for finding optimal health today!  It’s heart health month during February.  I’m sure most of you know that heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in America.  It is also a disease that can be avoided by proper nutrition, lifestyle and supplementation.  I’m always looking for alternatives, it’s part of my inquisitive/stubborn nature.  I met Anne Dyer and Jeffrey Jones last year and they introduced me to their Freedom Effect movement.  Both Anne and Jeffrey have a story to tell that has a very happy ending as a result of their work with a product line, Shaklee.  You may be familiar with the company since it has been in existence for over fifty years, but if you haven’t looked at the company lately, you will be in for a big surprise.  Over the past couple of decades many multi-level marketing companies have come and gone.  Many of the companies have given the concept of multi-level marketing a less than positive image.  But Shaklee has quietly continued, offering top quality products for personal health and hygiene as well as an outstanding line of natural products for the home that do not contain harmful chemicals and toxins.  I think Shaklee has probably been ahead of its time for many, many years, providing a thoroughly tested line of products that have science behind them that speaks to the quality, purity and effectiveness they guarantee.

Both Anne and Jeffrey suffer from chronic illnesses that prevent them for leading the life they once led.  They have both found such relief through the products they use that, for the most part, they CAN lead a normal life.  They also wanted freedom, thus “Freedom Effect”.  Because of the amazing results they both experienced with improved health, once on the program, they felt led to share it with others.  But I have to tell you that they are not about trying to sell, they are focused on educating and working with others to reach the same levels of health that they have.   They offer a free assessment of your health and one on one guidance to help you achieve your goals and live a life of vibrant health.  Freedom Effect also offers a tried and true weight loss program that Jeffrey can personally attest to the success of  having lost over sixty pounds on the regimen he now guides others through to achieve similar results.

I have long believed that digestion is a major contributor to good health.  Both Anne and Jeffrey agree that good digestion equals better health.  A diet that focuses on more fresh, organic fruits and vegetables with smaller amounts of fats and proteins continues to rise to the top of most effective health regimens.  Gone are the days of trying the latest fad diet….thank goodness people are finally realizing that you have to change to a healthier eating program and stick with it for possibly slower, but more effective weight loss.  With proper nutrition and supplementation you can and will see the results you’ve longed for.

You can find more out about Freedom Effect on Anne and Jeffrey’s website here: 

http//:www.freedomeffect.com

Anne and Jeffrey offer a pathway to financial freedom as well.  It’s a free education in overall health and wellness that can guide you toward a healthier, longer life.   There are three classrooms you will be introduced to that will guide you to your own personal plan for a better life.  They are both committed to sharing their experience, working with others to achieve their goals and dreams and enjoying the good life.  There is a great deal of flexibility in the way they work with individuals and if you are someone who is looking for a new opportunity for financial growth….this may be for you.

Melissa | Out&About | 02 18th, 2014 | 3 Comments »

I love the music of Yiruma.  It is poignant, romantic and it always calms my soul.  I’m sharing this tune with you today in light of the Valentine’s Day holiday.  If we can only remember to continue these thoughts and feelings of love into our everyday life and stop saving them for one special day…..what a world this would be.  When it comes right down to it, love really is ALL there is.  It is the only thing we can take with us wherever we go, free of charge.  Fill your heart with love this simple Sunday and feel the warmth that will then shine on everyone you see today!  Enjoy!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 02 16th, 2014 | No Comments »

My guest on the radio show this week is Heather Heath.  Heather is the glorious director of Arts & Humanities for Glynn County.  We shared a lively conversation….nothing unusual for us!  I hope you enjoy the show and can make it to the events Heather has shared with us all!  There is so much culture to be found here, culture that enriches our lives beyond measure.  Thank you Heather for joining me!

Melissa | On The Radio | 02 15th, 2014 | No Comments »

Happy Valentine’s Day!  I thought I’d veer off the beaten path a bit and have some fun today.  This is a purely romantic menu….meant for two…..easy to prepare and so delicious.  Break open the bubbly and celebrate this day of love, love, love!

Raw Oysters with Mignonette Sauce

Arugula, Radicchio and Endive Salad

Broiled Lobster Tails with Fresh Garlic Butter

Pommes Frites

Chocolate Fondue with Strawberries and Cake Bites

Champagne

Raw Oysters with Mignonette Sauce

1 -2 dozen fresh oysters, shucked

Mignonette Sauce:

1/2 cup minced shallots (about 2 1/2 ounces)

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup clear, unseasoned rice vinegar*

1/8 teaspoon of sugar

1/8 teaspoon of salt

1 1/4 teaspoon of finely crushed white peppercorns (do not use pre-ground or powdered white pepper)

Peel and finely chop the shallots

Place the minced shallots and any juice from them in a glass bowl. Add the white vinegar, rice vinegar, and sugar and salt. Stir with a fork. Add the freshly crushed white pepper. Stir with a fork.

Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours. For best results, store for at least 2 days before using.

Arugula, Radicchio and Endive Salad

1 bunch organic, baby arugula

1 small head radicchio, wash, dried and hand shredded

1 Belgian endive, separated into spears

1/4 cup extra virgin oil

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Arrange the salad greens on a platter and drizzle with oil.

Broiled Lobster Tails with Fresh Garlic Butter

4 lobster tails

melted butter

1 garlic clove, finely minced

1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

sea salt and pepper to taste

lemon wedges for garnish

Wash and dry the lobster tails.  Carefully cut each tail  down the middle of the top with a pair of poultry scissors or a very sharp knife.  Arrange the lobster tails on the broiler pan and place it under the broiler.  Broil on medium for 5 to 10 minutes.  Be sure to place the broiler pan at least 4-5 inches from the coils.  I have also successfully grilled lobster tails, placing them on a hot grill for the same amount of time.

Pommes Frites

1 large russet potato

2 cups vegetable oil

sea salt and pepper to taste

Cut the potato in half lengthwise, then into 1/4 inch sections and then into thin strips.  Heat the oil in a heavy skillet, I use a cast iron skillet for these.  When the oil is hot add the potato strips and cook until golden brown.  With a slotted spoon, remove the cooked potatoes from the oil and drain them on paper toweling.  Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper before serving.

Chocolate Fondue with Strawberries and Cake Bites

12 ounces of dark chocolate (chips or roughly chopped if from a block)

8 ounces of heavy cream

A pinch of salt

1 pint of fresh strawberries, washed and stemmed

2 cups of angel food cake, cut into large cubes

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 02 14th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

Here’s something special that you can make to share with your loved ones on Valentine’s Day or over the weekend, when there is more time to prepare and share.  I love these heart shaped fruit pies featured on Stone Gable blog…originally from Martha Stewart.

I’m making these and filling mine with a mix of raspberries, blackberries and strawberries.  Here’s the recipe from Martha:

• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons ice water, plus more if necessary
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• Coarse salt
• 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, divided
• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup fresh blackberries
• 3/4 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Fine sanding sugar, for sprinkling

• 1. STEP 1

     Whisk together sour cream, lemon juice, and ice water in a bowl. Mix together flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar in a large bowl. Add butter and beat with a mixer on medium-low until mixture resembles coarse meal with some blueberry-size clumps remaining. Gradually beat in sour-cream mixture until just combined but still crumbly. (Squeeze a small amount of dough to see if it holds together. Beat in more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if necessary.) Divide dough in half, gather into 2 flat rectangles, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until just firm, 45 minutes.

  2. STEP 2

     Roll out each rectangle of dough into a 7-by-14-inch rectangle on a piece of floured parchment with a floured rolling pin. (Dough will be very thin.) Transfer rectangles on parchment to 2 baking sheets and refrigerate until firm, 15 minutes.

  3. STEP 3

     Meanwhile, stir together berries, remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Slide 1 dough rectangle, still on parchment, onto a work surface. With a long side facing you, cut dough crosswise into four 3 1/2-by-7-inch strips.

  4. STEP 4

     Mound 2 tablespoons berry mixture in center of bottom half of each strip. Brush edges with egg wash and fold top half over fruit to enclose. Press firmly to seal and trim bottom edge, leaving folded top edge uncut. Cut vents in each pie and place about 2 inches apart on baking sheet lined with fresh parchment. Transfer to freezer. Repeat with remaining dough and berry mixture. Freeze hand pies until very firm, at least 45 minutes.

  5. STEP 5

     Preheat oven to 375 degrees with racks in upper and lower thirds. Lightly brush pies with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake, rotating sheets and switching racks halfway through, until pies are golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature

What fun to wake up to these on Saturday morning…..I know, I know….Valentine’s Day is Friday, but why not spread the love throughout the weekend!

Champagne Mimosas?  You Bet!

Some really good bacon, thick cut and baked to crisp perfection….I say Yes!

Any excuse to say I love you is good for me!  We’ve got family coming for the weekend and I can’t wait.  Love is the center of life and sharing makes it all worth while!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 02 13th, 2014 | No Comments »

I first became acquainted with the work of jewelry designer, Judith Paixao, when a mutual friend posted a photograph of her work on Facebook.  I am a great lover of sea glass, now more than ever!  Judith Paixao creates one of a kind works of art out of sea glass and all sorts of found and recycled objects that work their way into her process.  No two pieces are ever alike and Judith encourages clients to guide her in the colors and elements they would like to see included in their wearable art.

Each piece is surely a work of art, something to be cherished for years to come.  This necklace, which first drew my attention, is “Bermuda Blue”.  Blue sea glass, seed pearls and silver bits make up this fabulous piece.

Her sense of color and balance shine through in every piece she designs.  The word meticulous comes to mind when I look a the intricacy of her work.  The various shades of sea glass, some I have never seen, are collected as Judith and her husband, Kev, travel the world.  Bermuda has been home to them for quite some time, but in April….they will begin calling St. Simons Island home!

Judith studied jewelry design in Brazil and has worked there as well as Bermuda, Charleston and other locations in the States.  She and her husband live on a sail boat as I write this, working out of their studio on board.  Kev photographs Judith’s work as well as helping with the collecting of sea glass.

If you’re interested in sea glass, here’s a short film Judith sent that I think you’ll enjoy.  Also take note of the special classes she conducts where participants are actually making pieces, with Judith’s guidance, of course.  This is right up my alley!

Her Facebook page will introduce you to more of her work:  https://www.facebook.com/BermudaSeaGlassJewelry.  Judith also has a shop on Etsy:  https://www.etsy.com/search?q=judith%20paixao&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US

April is right around the corner!  I cannot wait to meet Judith and Kev in person and to see the charming studio sign attached to their new home here on St. Simons!  I think a big island “WELCOME” is in order!

Melissa | people | 02 12th, 2014 | 7 Comments »

How could it possibly be time for Valentine’s Day already?  Wasn’t it just Christmas…seriously, I don’t think there is one single month without some holiday or event.  As soon as Halloween is finished Christmas begins to show its face in retail shops everywhere.  And after the 14th, on Friday, shelves will be stocked with all things green as St. Patrick’s Day draws near.  It’s always something!  My curiosity got the best of me this morning and I decided to do some investigation as to who began the tradition of sharing hearts….where did it begin and when.

There is a history behind Valentine’s Day.  It is not only celebrated in the United States, but in Great Britain, France, Australia, Mexico and Canada.  And all of these countries celebrate on the 14th day, in the month of February.  The tradition goes back as far as the Middle Ages.  There have been several St. Valentines who were martyred in one way or another.  It is suggested that the true St. Valentine may have been instrumental in helping Christians escape death at the hands of Romans back in the day.  He is said to have been a romantic figure, thus the symbol of the heart became a part of it all.

Whether actual written Valentines were exchanged or tokens of love were given, this has been going on for centuries.  And at some point, the figure of Cupid entered the scene with his heart tipped arrows, ready to send love sailing to a beloved on wings of angels.

I can’t think of a better holiday than one where we tell each other of our love.  Sharing love, sending love…..writing….

Baking…….

Shopping……..flowers, and candy and bright shiny things!

It’s all about loving and giving….which makes it my favorite holiday, except for Thanksgiving.

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day….do tell!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 11th, 2014 | No Comments »