Super Bowl Sunday is upon us so I’m featuring a special menu for the occasion!  I think you’ll enjoy the different flavors and combinations that make up this Southwestern inspired menu!  Most of these recipes are in the cookbook I wrote for the Sangre de Cristo Spice Company and can be downloaded here:  www.sdcspice.com.  So let’s get started!

Blood Orange Margaritas

Traditional Chili Con Queso Dip with Tortilla Chips

Guacamole with Endive Spears

Zucchini and Fennel Quesadillas

Grilled Wings with a Kick of Spice

Cerveza (Corona, Dos Equis….so many choices!)

www.honestlyyum.com

Blood Orange Margaritas

I found this delicious recipe on the blog of a fellow writer.  It’s easy and a real crowd pleaser.  To see the blog post go here:  www.honestlyyum.com

Ingredients:

• 750 ml bottle of reposado tequila
• 1 cup orange liqueur
• 1 1/2 cups lime juice
• 1 cup simple syrup (combine equal parts sugar and water)
• 3 cups blood orange juice
• 2 cups sparkling water
• limes wedges and blood orange salt for garnish

Blood Orange Salt:

• blood orange juice
• extra coarse salt

Mix all of the liquid ingredients in a large bowl, then pour into a glass pitcher for serving.  For the salt, place the salt on parchment paper and drizzle with the juice of a blood orange, blending with a pastry brush to create the “red” salt.  Easy!

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Traditional Chili Con Queso Dip with Tortilla Chips

1 pound queso fresco cheese

1 can traditional Rotel tomatoes

4 scallions, finely minced

Melt the cheese over low heat or in a small crock pot on low.  Add the tomatoes with juice.  Blend well and sprinkle with minced scallions.  Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or make your own by taking a stack of corn tortillas, cutting them into 1 1/2″ strips and frying till crisp.  Drain on paper toweling and serve in a basket.

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Guacamole with Endive Spears

I love this recipe!  The fresh cilantro provides a wonderful taste and using Endive spears for dipping removes so many calories.  The crunch of the Endive along with the guacamole is simply YUM!

4 ripe avocados (I use Haas)

2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped (be sure to wash your hands after chopping, or better yet, wear a pair of latex gloves)

1/4 cup finely minced red onion

1/2 cup chopped tomato

1/4 cup chopped, fresh cilantro

Splash of fresh lime juice , 1 lime

Green Tabasco sauce for a little kick

Sea Salt and Freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 heads endive

Peel and remove the seed from the avocados.  Mash them in a shallow bowl then add the remaining ingredients.  Wash the heads of endive and cut off the end so that the individual leaves are separated.  Place the guacamole in a serving bowl, place on a platter and surround with the endive spears.

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Zucchini and Fennel Quesadillas

1 package whole grain tortillas

2 zucchini, ends removed and cut into thin strips

2 fennel bulbs, sliced thin

1 sweet onion, peeled and sliced thin

2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced

4 teaspoon ground cumin

sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 jar red pepper jelly

2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded

Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the zucchini, fennel, onion and garlic.  Cook until the onion is transparent and the veggies are just beginning to “caramelize”.  Add the cumin, salt and pepper to season.  To assemble.  Place one tortilla on a flat surface.  Spread with the pepper jelly, top with enough cooked veggies to cover and top with cheese.  Place another tortilla on top and heat on a griddle or grill for 4-5 minutes on each side.  Cut into wedges and serve.  (Repeat the process until all of the toppings are used….4 quesadillas should make 16 pieces when cut.)

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Grilled Wings with a Kick of Spice

4 flats of chicken drumettes

Marinade:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup chopped, fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon good chili powder or Sangre de Cristo Mexican Blend

sea salt and pepper to taste

Rinse and pat the chicken drumettes dry.  Mix the marinade together in a plastic or glass bowl.  Place the chicken in a large zip lock bag, pour the marinade over it, seal the bag and refrigerate for four hours, turning every hour to coat well.

To grill:  Spray the grill with olive oil and heat to high.  Place the drumettes on the grill and sear on all sides.  Turn the heat to low and close the cover for about five minutes.  Serve on a platter with plenty of napkins!

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 01 31st, 2014 | No Comments »

There is nothing quite as peaceful as the quiet of a winter’s day.  The world seems to stand still, the only sound being the lone fog horn of a ship, drifting over the air, settling in the trees that surround our home.

I am reminded that I can not take this beautiful place I call home for granted.  And I know this bit of winter weather will be short lived.

There will be no trips to the beach today, we’re settled in, cozily sharing a day together.

Nature has enforced a day of quiet.  There are other parts of our country that are experiencing a much harsher winter than we have here on St. Simons Island.  They may find it comical, even strange that a bit of sleet and ice can bring things to a halt.  No school buses running, the quiet of the heavy clouds moving in overhead buffering all sounds.

We don’t do this often, usually during a rare hurricane season that threatens our shores.  I see this as a special time for rest and reflection…seize the day, so to speak and embrace the silence.  And know that by the weekend we’ll be enjoying the weather that living in an island paradise always brings!

Melissa | Out&About | 01 30th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

Our little island is about to be bombarded by winter storm Leon.  When and why, oh why, did anyone get the idea of naming winter storms?  Are they bored, perhaps?  Has the national weather become the latest reality show, packed with drama and hype?  It would seem so.  You see the red area in this map posted by Accuweather….yep, we’re right in the path of the latest weather event here in Coastal Georgia.

While the performer’s weather the storm…..oops!….excuse me, I mean reporters, we’ll be enjoying a nice quiet day with a fire in the fireplace and plenty of homemade soup and hot tea simmering on the stove.  Maybe a hot chocolate or two, love the flavored varieties that are out there!

I’m going to stop myself from beginning chocolate chip cookie production.  Not being able to get out and walk my usual two to three miles means I won’t be burning treats as efficiently!

My advice to everyone is to use this time to rest, regroup and spend some time with family.  Play cards or a board game….let the kids make forts in the family room with sheets and blankets. always love this tent from the movie, “The Holiday”.  Read a book out loud, that’s always a great idea!  Time spent together is priceless.  And should you have to be out and about be careful if the roads are slick.  We’re not so well versed in winter driving here.  Relax, take it slow and always steer in the direction of the spin should you hit an icy patch.  Gently pump your brake and don’t, whatever you do, panic.

Be safe, stay warm and enjoy this little bit of winter!

Melissa | Out&About | 01 29th, 2014 | No Comments »

Elizabeth Halderson is a woman of such talent.  She designs her pottery pieces to reflect the nature that surrounds us in Coastal Georgia.  Her whimsical serving pieces that replicate diamond back terrapin, fish of all sorts, pink spoonbills and all types of local flora and fauna can be found intricately embedded or painted onto her designs.

I love the color she gets, bright and lively…..clear and precise.

Elizabeth grew up on St. Catherine’s Island so her life has been one of immersion in the magic of the area.  Her process is one of “soft slab” pottery that she works until it meets just the right thickness to be shaped into one of her signature forms.  Her pieces that feature local vegetation are actually traced from a leaf or part of the plant she is replicating.

She fires the pieces in a kiln she keeps in her studio, carefully timing the process to insure that the colors come out just as she wants them to be.

This is truly an art form that is usable.  Her dishware can go through the dishwasher and come out ready for another use.  She does warn that some of the larger bowls and platters would be better off hand washed.

Her work can be found on St. Simons Island at Accents Marketplace and Nature Gifts in the village.  You can also find her on-line at www.elizabethpottery.com or in her Etsy shop at www.elizabethpottery.etsy.com.  I love her whimsical jewelry designs.  Both pendants and earrings are available in various colors and designs.

These are pieces to collect and treasure whether you live in the area or want something to always remind you of a special trip to the islands.  I’m looking at the large terrapin platter and imagining it in the center of our outdoor dining table, piled with freshly steamed crab and shrimp…..perfect!

Melissa | people | 01 28th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

“”Sunrise” by Harold Michael Harvey

Connecting with people is a major part of why I love writing this blog.   Last year I received a phone call from a lovely woman I know only on-line, BriAnne Dixon.  She was visiting friends on St. Simons Island and wanted to learn more about my blog.  She also began to tell me about interesting people she thought I might enjoy writing about and getting to know.  One of these people turned out to be Harold Michael Harvey.  Since that phone conversation, Harold and I have connected via phone and e-mail conversations and formed a friendship that will one day lead to our actually meeting in person!

I am so impressed with Harold Michael Harvey.  He is a generous, giving soul.  A man well educated in the ways of law and government.  Harold graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and continued on to get his law degree from Atlanta Law School.  But Harold has taken his career beyond the legal arena and is a well known journalist as well, winning the “Outstanding work in Newspaper Journalism”.  He continues as a contributing writer of articles to various on-line publications such as Allvoices Inc.

His critically acclaimed novel, “Paper Puzzle”,  is based on his life as a young black boy who questioned his grandmother as to why he could not play behind the sales counter with a white boy whose family owned the store in the mid 1950’s.  The story goes on to become a riveting mystery with two protagonist’s, one black and one white.  Find out more about “Paper Puzzle” here:  http://paperpuzzle.net/.

Harold Michael Harvey receiving key to the City of Brunswick, GA

His work as a humanitarian stands out. Harold is an accomplished public speaker as he strives to communicate with people of all races and backgrounds, bringing them together with his words of inspiration.   He works to develop and grow race relations through his work with youth and the game of baseball.  He  serves on the Black College Legends and Pioneers Committee for The College Baseball Foundation Board of Trustees and the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. This gives him a vote in deciding who gets into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.  He has been instrumental in the lives of many young people, always promoting understanding between people of different color and ethnic backgrounds.  To date, his accomplishments in working with young people have led to three becoming attorney’s, three journalist’s and most recently the election of Courtney English to serve as chair to the Atlanta Public Schools.  Harold is an accomplished public speaker as he strives to communicate with people of all races and backgrounds, bringing them together with his words of inspiration.

The side of Harold I find most interesting is his love of art, music, cooking, gardening and photography.   Living a well balanced life that embraces his work as well as his hobbies and the arts keeps him grounded.  He makes his home in Atlanta, but makes frequent trips to Coastal Georgia.   Most recently, Harold received the keys to the city of Brunswick, GA in recognition of his work with Africa American Youths throughout the state.  I am honored to call Harold my friend, and one of these days I’ll have the opportunity to make that dinner for him we keep talking about!  The door is always open, Harold…..come on down!

“Sunset” by Harold Michael Harvey

Melissa | people | 01 27th, 2014 | 8 Comments »

One of my favorite movies is “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.  Truman Capote’s story of Holly Golightly and her life in New York City has always resonated with me somehow.  I love her vulnerability and her courage to invent herself and express her creativity in ways that may not have been acceptable in the day.  On January 30th we will have the second “Supermoon” of the month.  It’s a new moon, a time for new beginnings, for making new plans, planting and dreaming.  I’m sharing the theme song from the movie, “Moon River” today because it always speaks to my soul.  I hope you enjoy it!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 01 26th, 2014 | No Comments »

I’ve got a treat for you today!  Mark Gagliano and Tom Delaney join me for another “Chef and The Wine Guy” series on the radio!  Listen in and learn how to cut some calories, plan a fabulous Super Bowl party and cook the most romantic Valentine’s Dinner for your beloved!  Here we go!  It was way too much fun!

Melissa | On The Radio | 01 25th, 2014 | No Comments »

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup when it’s cold outside.  We’ve had the latest “bugs” running through the household this past week so I decided it was time for a good dose of “Jewish Penicillin”, as it is called in New York City.  I learned to make a darned good matzo ball soup while living in the city.  I’m not even sure where I found the recipe the first time I made it.  I’m sharing it with you here today.  I did not make matzo balls to go in it, opting for hot, homemade whole wheat popovers instead.  I think we all felt better after having a large bowl!  This is a great dish for a weekend night when you want a bit of comfort food.  Note:  If I had finished the soup off in the traditional way, I would have strained the broth through a sieve and discarded all of the solids from the soup.  The matzo balls would then have been formed and steamed in the hot broth before serving.

Traditional Chicken Soup

1 chicken (2-3 pounds will do), cut into pieces, skin on

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 sweet onion, peeled and chopped

3 large carrots, peeled and sliced

2 russet potatoes, skin on, cubed

2 small, white turnips, peeled and cubed

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

gray salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon dry thyme

1 teaspoon dry sage leaves

1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1 large box chicken broth

2 cups water

Heat the oil in a dutch oven.  Lightly brown the chicken in the oil then remove onto a plate until ready to add to the pot.  Put the onion into the hot oil and chicken drippings.  Saute until transparent.  Add the carrots, potatoes, turnips and garlic and turn the heat down to medium low heat.  Add the seasonings.  Stir as the mixture cooks for about ten minutes.  Add the chicken back to the pot.  Pour the broth over the chicken and add one cup of water.  You may need the second cup of water to thin the soup a bit when it is almost finished cooking.  Cover the pot and simmer for at least four hours.  (Note:  I have been known to let this simmer overnight and in to the next day on very low heat or in a crock pot.  This allows the flavors to really develop, creating a delicious, rich broth.)  Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with your choice of bread, salad or go the next step and make the matzo balls.  They are light and fluffy little dumplings that rise to the surface of the broth as they steam.  When I make matzo balls, I simply purchase the crushed meal and follow the instructions on the package.  Do not over handle the matzo as this will make the finished product to dense.

Whole Wheat Popovers

We love these on a cold winter evening!  They are perfect with soup and salad…light and not so caloric.  Perfect for this time of year!  I mix the batter up in my blender….easy, breezy!

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups of milk, at room temperature (I have substituted almond milk successfully)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

3 tablespoons melted butter

A very hot oven is key to the success of good popovers.  Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Put eggs and milk into a blender and mix.  Add the salt and the flour, one half cup at a time until all of the flour is blended.  Add the butter.  Spray a popover pan or muffin pan with no-stick spray.  Pour the batter into each cup until it almost reaches the top.  If you are using a muffin tin, make sure to spray the whole top surface of the pan as well as the cups so the popovers will not stick when they puff up.  Bake the popovers in the hot oven for twenty minutes without opening the door.  Then lower the oven to 350 degrees and back for 10 – 15 more minutes.  The popovers should rise up and puff, golden brown.  Remove from the oven and serve immediately.  This is a bread that must be served at once, it is not a make ahead recipe.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 01 24th, 2014 | No Comments »

We don’t get a lot of cold weather here on St. Simons Island.  A day here or there in January and February is just about it.  Enough to pull out some warm sweaters, boots and light jackets.  One of my favorite things to do on a chilly day is walk on the beach.  There is something about the beach in winter that is very refreshing and invigorating to me.

I love to take a brisk walk and watch the sun sparkling like diamonds as it casts its rays on the ocean.

There are times when I take living on an island, so close to the ocean, for granted.  Yesterday I bundled up and made the short trip to East Beach with my friend, Roxanne.  We walked well over a mile before turning back.  The wind slicing into us as we walked.

Magnificent views surrounded us as we made our way back to Gould’s Inlet.

I spied a little tern and hurried to get my camera ready to snap a picture before it scampered off.

I wondered, as we walked, what it would be like to actually live on the ocean front, always seeing the beautiful vista.

I have always found St. Simons to be a magical island.  With its many marshes, nature trails and hidden pathways.

It’s even colder today, a very special day for me and Mr. T.  Four years ago we married and began our life here on the island together.  His never ending support and patience with my creative spirit never cease to amaze me.  Here’s to you, my love.  Thank you for your persistence when we first met and your insistence that I experience St. Simons Island.  Once here I knew I had found my home….it just keeps getting better.

Melissa | Out&About | 01 23rd, 2014 | 1 Comment »

If you’ve been following this blog or you know me personally, you know that I am a huge animal lover.  I especially love the canine variety.  Our Murphy is a rescue Wheaton Terrier from the shelter in Jefferson Parrish, Louisiana, aka New Orleans.  Murphy is such an integrated part of our family.  He is smart, quick to learn and so loving.  Rescue dogs will always hold a special place in my heart.  Whether they are puppies or several years old…they need to be adopted and loved.  Which brings me to the subject of Georgia!  You thought I was talking about the state, didn’t you?  Well, no….Georgia is a precious black Labrador mix puppy.  She showed up at the WWEZ Radio Station with the ladies from the Glynn County Humane Society for the taping of their delightful show that airs every Thursday morning.

“Georgia”

When Stu Graham, station owner, set eyes on Georgia, then named “Jada”, it was love at first site!  He made arrangements for her adoption and the rest is history!  Now Georgia rules the roost at the station and, I suspect, at home.  She is mellow, obedient and pure puppy.  This is one happy dog who landed in paradise!

Our Murphy

If you’re considering a new pet for your family please remember all of the many animals that are available for adoption.  Rescuing one of these furry friends is such a wonderful thing to do.  In Murphy’s case, he seems to realize that we did, in fact, save him…or at least Mr. T’s youngest daughter did for us.  He gets a bit nervous every time he drives back to New Orleans with us, I think he’s afraid we won’t bring him back home…no way, I say!  Wherever you live you can find a special new friend to love.  Most shelters now have listings on-line so you can preview the animals that are available.  In some cases, as in the Glynn County Humane Society, you can actually volunteer to care for pets, take dogs for a walk on the beach or provide a foster home if you can.

I’m loving Georgia each time I arrive at the radio station to tape the show.  AND she’s gotten bigger each time.  I have a feeling Georgia is going to be a very big girl!  What a lover!

Melissa | Out&About | 01 22nd, 2014 | 2 Comments »