February 2010

Southern Outdoor Plans

by Christi on February 28, 2010

March 1st – Spring is almost here! Soon, I’ll be able to spend time in the yard and on the porch. My favorite places! I can’t wait to transform my porch back in to an outdoor room. My porch is an extension of my house. I live there as much as possible when the weather is warm. Are you getting your outdoor spaces ready? What do you think is important in an outdoor room?

To me it is:

Comfortable seating

Comfortable seating

Shade

Shade

Some accessories

Some accessories

A place to dine,or just sit and enjoy

A place to dine,or just sit and enjoy

And, some flowers.

And, some flowers.

It is pretty easy to make me happy when I am outside enjoying the warm air and the breeze and hearing the birds sing. It won’t be long now. I’m planning in my head the metamorphosis to come!

What are you doing?

Metamorphosis Monday with Between Naps on the Porch

Metamorphosis Monday with Between Naps on the Porch

Today’s Lagniappe:  Easy Skillet Cordon Bleu
Saw this on Southern Living and thought it sounded easy an delish – my favorite combination:)

* 1/2  cup  Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
* 1  teaspoon  pepper
* 1/2  teaspoon  salt
* 8  chicken tenders (about 1 lb.)
* 1  tablespoon  butter
* 1  tablespoon  olive oil
* 8  Canadian bacon slices, cut into thin strips
* 4  Swiss cheese slices, halved

1. Combine breadcrumbs, pepper, and salt in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag. Rinse chicken tenders, and add to freezer bag. Seal bag, and shake to coat.

2. Melt butter with oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3 1/2 to 4 minutes on each side or until done. Arrange Canadian bacon strips over chicken in skillet, and top each with 1 cheese slice. Broil 5 1/2 inches from heat 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

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Southern Sunday Favorite

by Christi on February 28, 2010

bloggerspiritsidebar

Sunfav

Join Chari at Happy to Design for Sunday favorites and Charlotte and Ginger at Blogger Spirit for Spiritual Sunday and enjoy your Sunday!

It is Sunday so that means a past favorite and something for the soul. I’m very blessed to have a talented, creative, Christian mother. Last March, she wrote a guest post telling about how she got a great recipe for poppy seed rolls. If you would like the poppy seed roll recipe, it was from an earlier post, HERE.

From March 13, 2009:

Mama’s Southern Guest Post

A couple of days ago I posted a recipe that my mother gave me for poppy seed rolls. Mama called and was telling me about how she got the recipe and that she should leave that as a comment. I thought a better idea was for her to write a guest post. So . . . here it is – enjoy:

<i>My Mother, Carrol Ward</i>

My Mother, Carrol Ward

The bread recipe on Christi’s blog (3/11/09) has an interesting beginning for us:
My husband, Chester and I were in Monticello, Utah last September doing a revival for a church there. The Pastor’s wife invited us for dinner one night before church. The meal was delicious but when she set the bread on the table, I thought it looked soooo good, I was sure it was dessert. Well, of course, it wasn’t but it looked so pretty and tasted so good it could have been. She also served some of her home canned apricot jam with it. Well, I could have skipped church that night because I thought I had died and gone to heaven already.

I have since shared the recipe with several people. I fixed it one night, along with a roast dinner for my next door neighbors. The wife has MS and so her husband does most of the cooking, which he is learning to do, so they really did appreciate the meal. He especially liked it and asked for the recipe. He has sent it to several family members and friend all across the country.

The trip to Utah was also memorable for another incident which happened to us:
One afternoon The Pastor and his wife took us to the top of Abajo Peak which is 11,000 ft, located in the Blue Mountains. It was a beautiful site and you could see forever. They have two ATV’s and often ride on the mountains around Monticello. They suggested that my husband use them one day and even had one of the members of the church go along as a guide (thank goodness, we would probably still be there without him).

It had been at least 30 years since I had ridden an ATV and my husband had never ridden one. So, we purchased some sweat suits at Alco, layered our clothes, starting with our pajamas, and put on the warmest clothes we could put together and met our guide at 7:30 one morning. After a brief overview of how to operate the machines we took off. Everything went great until our guide took off on what he called a trail, with lots of deep ruts, sheer drop-offs, low hanging tree branches and I don’t know what all. But, we kept up with him and it was fun. We had reached about 10,000 ft.when the trail (if you can call it that) became more of challenge.

I was riding behind the guide and in front of Chester when I came to some ruts. The left wheels of the ATV kinda slipped into the ruts and began to “fall” over and . . . I began to pray! ” Lord don’t let this thing fall on me!” I was yelling “Help!” but no one could hear me for the noise the ATV’s make. Chester could see something was happening to me and the guide stopped and looked back and later said that I just didn’t look right. Well of course I didn’t look right, I was slipping off the ATV!
When I got off the ATV to the ground, unhurt, the machine righted itself. After we decided that I was alright we remounted the things and took off again.

We were riding along enjoying the scenery which was beautiful and I began to thank God for letting me see all this and taking care of a 70 year old woman who didn’t have sense enough to take care of herself. But I believe life is to be enjoyed and shared. Good recipes should be shared as well.

Today’s Lagniappe: Also from Mama – Pear Relish
This recipe for Pear Relish is one of Christi’s favorites)

Pear Relish
16 -19 pears (fairly firm, not soft) cored and ground.
6 medium onions, ground
8 green peppers, ground
4 sweet red peppers, ground
6 cups vinegar (5% acidity)
6 cups sugar
3 Tbs. mustard seeds
2 Tbs. pickling salt
1 Tbs. ground tumeric
1 Tsp. ground allspice
1 Tsp cinnamon
1 Tsp. ginger

Let pears, onions and peppers stand in separate containers for 1 hour. Pour boiling water over each; drain very well. Combine pears, onions, peppers, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings in a large kettle. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered, 30 minutes.
Pour hot mixture into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 in head space. Remove air bubbles; wipe jar rims. Cover at once with metal lids and screw on bands. Process in boiling-water bath 20 minutes. Remove jars from hot water carefully and place on cloth to cool. When the jars are cool enough to handle move to a cool place and let set for 1 month before opening. Yield about 10 pints.

This is especially good with chicken and dumplings or pinto beans and corn bread.

Christi’s note: I think I have mentioned this before – my father died in 1992 of cancer. My mother has since remarried a wonderful man, Chester Ward. Chester is a minister who serves as Director of Missions for Kay Baptist Association in Oklahoma.

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Southern PINK Lamp

by Christi on February 27, 2010

I have had this lamp forever.

Pink Lam

Pink Lamp

I love this lamp but I haven’t had it out in a while. I’m looking for a place to put it.

IMG_6088

Doesn’t seem to go here. I really think I may need to find a place in my office for it. I really don’t like overhead lights in there. Just too harsh. Hmmmm, going to have to think about this.

Pink Saturday with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound

Pink Saturday with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound

Today’s Lagniappe: Breakfast Casserole
Perfect for a weekend morning.

* 3 eggs
* 3 tablespoons milk
* 2 slices of bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 green onion, thinly sliced
* 1/3 cup cheese (your preference), shredded
* 1/3 cup chopped ham

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Spray your baking dish with cooking spray
3. Combine all ingredients
4. Pour into baking dish
5. Bake 20 – 25 minutes or until egg mixture is set

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Southern Fun

by Christi on February 25, 2010

Just finished recording the first session of co-hosting The Margaret Banks show with my friend, Margaret. It is billed as a show for women and those who love them. I really like this idea, because, even though her show is targeted to women, it would be enjoyed by men as well. If you are in North Central Arkansas,you can hear the show on Saturday morning at 8:30 on Mountain Talk 97. If you are not in the area and would like to hear the show, you can get it with audio on demand on the Mountain Talk 97 website.

We had such a good time visiting about social media and how the internet has changed our lives. Margaret has scheduled me for her 2nd show as well. We will be talking about turning your passion into profits. The perfect show for all my blogging friends and all of you who have a passion that you would like to turn into a business! If you have a chance to tune in, we would love to hear your feedback.

Okay, now,on to:

With Designs by Gollum

With Designs by Gollum

and:

Today’s Lagniappe:  Sesame Snow Peas for 2
I love this recipe. Snow peas are one of the first veggies to come up in the Spring and this is a great way to enjoy them!

  • 1 1/2 cups snow peas, about 6 ounces, strings removed
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon dark sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Toss the snow peas with soy sauce and sesame oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cover tightly. Microwave at full power until crisp-tender, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.

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Southern Craziness

by Christi on February 24, 2010

My life is getting completely crazy! It seems like I just go from one meeting to another and in between, it is work, work, work. Thank you Lord for work to do!

When people come to meet with us at our home office, we always offer coffee or a cold drink and we also try to include some little something to eat. Got to keep the Southern hospitality going, at all times!

So, this week is our “conference/dining” table. Set up for a meeting with coffee and cookies. This is the kind of meeting I had with Margaret Banks while we were discussing her upcoming radio show that I am co-hosting this coming Saturday on Mountain Talk 97. If you are out of the area, you can hear us discussing social media here.

Ready to "get down to business."

Ready to "get down to business."

We still need something "pretty."

We still need something "pretty."

A few cookies to keep us going.

A few cookies to keep us going.

Ready for "business."

Ready for "business."

Now, I need to get back to work!

with Between Naps on the Porch

with Between Naps on the Porch

Today’s Lagniappe:  Easy Coffee Cake
Something to have along with the coffee, if you have time to cook (obviously, I used store-bought cookies which is fine, but if I have time, I love to cook something to have for meetings!).

* 2 cups sifted flour, sifted before measuring
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 6 tablespoons butter
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter

Topping

* 1 tablespoon flour
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Into a mixing bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut butter into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry blender. In a separate bowl combine egg with milk; add to flour mixture. Stir until mixture is well blended and smooth. Spoon into a greased and floured 9-inch layer pan. Spread dough evenly. Brush top of dough with melted butter.

Combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon; sift over the top of the cake, spreading with a fork to cover dough evenly. Bake at 400° for 25 to 30 minutes. Cut coffee cake in wedges; serve warm from the pan.

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Southern Spring Fever

by Christi on February 23, 2010

As I write this, I see that Texas, even as far South as Houston is getting SNOW! That is just insane. I remember when Fall was a couple of weeks in December and Winter was about a month or so between the end of December and the end of January. Oh, how I loved the buds of Spring that were starting to come forth by Valentine’s Day.

Well, apparently, that is not the case this year. However, Spring is trying to make an appearance.

spring2010

Just those first sprigs of green springing forth through the cold ground can really lift y0ur spirits. You know that soon, the landscape will be covered with color and all of the drab colors of Winter will be GONE!

Another favorite? Spring Strawberries!

strawberries

Hooray for SPRING! Come soon – We miss y0u!

A little outdoor pic for Outdoor Wednesday with A Southern Daydreamer and Rednesday! with It’s a Very Cherry.

Today’s Lagniappe: Hurry Spring Salad

  • 1 romaine lettuce heart
  • 4 to 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp, cooled, and chopped
  • 1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • Salad Dressing (Your favorite – suggested: blue cheese or ranch)
  1. Chop the lettuce heart into 1- to 2-inch pieces. Combine it with the bacon, other vegetables, and nuts in a large bowl and toss the mixture well.
  2. Keep the salad chilled until serving time. Then toss it again with enough dressing to lightly coat the vegetables, and season it with salt and pepper. Serves 6.
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Southern Greens

by Christi on February 22, 2010

turnipgreens

Collard, turnip, mustard – the holy trinity of greens and all three are wonderful. Southerners love their greens! Not only are they delicious, they are nutritious too (okay, now, don’t go reminding me about the ham hock, streak 0 lean, bacon grease, etc. that are added for flavor – we all know – they don’t count). Greens are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.

turnipGreens-harvest

Greens grow well in the  South and are a popular food in the local cuisine of the region. The turnip green, became an important staple in the Southern African-American diet during the time of slavery. It is said that the slave owners would keep the turnip for themselves and give the greens to the slaves. Little did they know what they were missing!

Served with cornbread (to soak up the “pot-likker”), greens are definitely worth adding to your repertoire!  Greens are available year round but are best between January and April (like, right now!).  When you cook enough greens to feed a family, it is called a “mess” of greens. The size of the “mess” depends on the family.

Today’s Lagniappe: Southern Greens
Use whatever green is available.

1 1/2 quarts water
1 1/2 pounds ham hocks
4 pounds greens, rinsed and trimmed
1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon grease
salt and pepper to taste
hot sauce to taste

Place the water and the ham hock in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to very low and simmer covered for 30 minutes.

Add the greens and the hot hot sauce the pot. Simmer covered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Add the vegetable oil or bacon grease and simmer covered for 30 minutes.

Serve with cornbread.

tastytuesday175pixtmtt3threeormoretuesdaylogo3

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam’s Tasty Tuesday

Blessed with Grace’s Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

The Gypsy’s Corner’s Three or More Tuesday

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Southern Spring Countdown

February 21, 2010

The daffodils are starting to pop out and soon the most wonderful metamorphosis of all will be taking place. Soon it will be SPRING! I have even added a Spring countdown clock to the sidebar on the left. This seems to have been an unusually cold winter and, although I have Spring Fever every year, [...]

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Southern Sunday

February 21, 2010

I’ve been looking back over past posts and came across one I wanted to share with you. It is from February 27, 2008. Just a little less than two months after I started A Southern Life. I had no idea the impact blogging would have on my life or how many wonderful people I would [...]

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Southern Whirlwind

February 20, 2010

Wow, it has been such a busy week. I feel like I have been in a whirlwind for a while (kind of look that way too!). Fortunately, I got to start the week by having my friend Paula over for lunch. She was such a sweetie. She brought me these flowers. As I have been [...]

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Southern Fun

February 19, 2010

My friend, Margaret Banks will be debuting her new radio show The Margaret Banks Show on Mountain Talk 97 radio on February 27th! Margaret is so much fun and so talented. I am very happy and honored that Margaret has asked me to co-host her premier show where we will discuss how technology and social [...]

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Southern White’s

February 17, 2010

In Emeril Lagasse’s cookbook, Every Day’s A Party, he tells of a book called Almost Innocent by Sheila Bosworth that is set in New Orleans. In the book, tow characters, Rand and Airey, meet every Ash Wednesday at St. Louis Cathedral to get ashes, then walk to Antoine’s where they have their ” . . [...]

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Southern Ash Wednesday

February 17, 2010

Well, Mardi Gras was fun, but it is over now. The parades are done and gone are the bright costumes of purple, green, gold, red. Gone are the beads and boas. It is now Ash Wednesday. Now is the beginning of the Lenten season. A time of sacrifice and repentance. And, 46 days (40 days [...]

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Southern Mardi Gras

February 15, 2010

Well, it is here! Mardi Gras 2010 on Tuesday, February 16th. Cities all over the world will be celebrating with beads . . . parades . . . masks . . . and merriment preceded by Lent which is a time of sacrifice, lasting 40 days . . . ending with Easter. Wishing all of [...]

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Southern Cabinets

February 14, 2010

My friend Darlene’s husband got these wonderful shutters for the Salvation Army Thrift Store. They had a couple extra that they gave to me. What they did with them was such a good idea. They have a dining area with a window in the middle and then a corner on either side. They used the [...]

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