by Christi on January 31, 2010
Well, we heard we were going to get snow. We heard it would be a lot of snow. It was! We had more snow than I have ever seen in a place where I have lived. We live in a retirement community and many of the people who retire here are from “up North.” This is the first place I have ever lived where people have snow shovels. Well, they needed them this weekend.
A little before, during and after . . .
Observe the noble frog.
Isn't he cute in the bird bath?
Hmmm, getting a little chilly!
This isn't looking to good.
Where'd everybody go?
We are so thankful that it was snow and not ice like last year. Unfortunately, not everybody was so lucky. I understand that a lot of places got ice. Never fear, the sun will shine again, and the snow will start to melt.
And things will be clear once again.
Hope your homes and hearts are warm. – Christi
Go check out all the before and afters at:
Metamorphosis Monday with Between Naps on the Porch
Today’s Lagniappe: Parmesan Pull-Aparts
When the cook gets snowed in, the cook starts baking!
* 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (from a 1/4-oz package)
* 1 teaspoon mild honey or sugar
* 2/3 cup warm milk (105–115°F), divided
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus 2 Tbsp for sprinkling
* 1 1/4 cups grated (with a rasp) Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 1/3 oz)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 3 large eggs
* 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into Tbsp pieces and softened
* 1 tablespoon water
Stir together yeast, honey, and 1/3 cup warm milk in mixer bowl and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. (If mixture doesn’t foam, start over with new yeast.) Whisk together flour (2 1/2 cups), cheese, and salt, then mix into yeast mixture along with remaining 1/3 cup warm milk at low speed. Increase speed to medium and beat in 2 eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat, scraping down side of bowl occasionally, until a very soft dough forms, about 3 minutes. Beat in butter, 1 Tbsp at a time, until dough is elastic, about 2 minutes. (Dough will be very sticky.)
*
Scrape dough into center of bowl and sprinkle with remaining 2 Tbsp flour. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let dough rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
*
Punch down dough (do not knead) and turn out onto a floured surface. Cut dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball by cupping your hand and pushing dough against work surface as you roll in a circular motion. Arrange rolls 1 inch apart in a buttered 9- by 2-inch round cake pan and cover with a kitchen towel (not terry cloth). Let dough rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled and dough fills pan, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
*
Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in middle.
*
Whisk together remaining egg with water and brush on tops of rolls. (You will have leftover egg wash.) Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Loosen edges of rolls from pan with a sharp knife and invert rolls onto a rack, then reinvert and cool at least 20 minutes.
by Christi on January 31, 2010
Join Chari at Happy to Design for Sunday favorites and Charlotte and Ginger at Blogger Spirit for Spiritual Sunday and enjoy your Sunday!
This past week, we have had a lot of snow. It started out as sleet and we were so fearful that we would have a repeat of last year’s ice storm that left us without power for 7 days. Thankfully, we did not experience that here this year. I understand that some did get ice. Will certainly keep them in my prayers.
This Sunday’s favorite is from last year after the ice storm. I was reflecting on the things that I took for granted and didn’t realize I would miss. What was good about the storm was it took away all distractions of TV, radio, computers, cell phones. Without the distractions, we were able to get to know our neighbors better and became a little community within our city.
I also learned more about constant prayer. Without the distractions, I found myself more in prayer than with all the noise of our convenient lives. So, even though the week was difficult, it was a good experience.
Here from February 2nd, 2009:
More pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/southern_gal/ - Click on picture to view.
After 7 days without power I am amazed with small things. This is the longest I have ever been without power so if you have had this kind of experience, bear with me. We are so enjoying a warm room. Now, we had a couple of warm days and the house even got up to 54 degrees at one point. The nights are the worst. It gets dark around 6:00 p.m. and then what? We were going to bed around 8:30 and it was a chore to stay up until then. Life got really simple. It was just basically about staying warm.
The storm came in Monday night, January 26th. We had power part of the day on Tuesday then we were out. We heard a lot of cracking and then crashing of limbs. It was the only noise for a couple of days. Then we heard the hum of generators and the buzz of chain saws.
The upside of this is that we have gotten to know our neighbors better. We all pulled together and watched after each other. We stood in the street together talking and laughing. We had neighbors knocking on our door just to keep in touch and we did the same.
I often take my dog on walks and wave and talk to neighbors but not like I did this last week. When we ran into neighbors everybody wanted to know if you had power and how you were keeping warm and how you were able to eat. We shared stories and wishes for good luck. In that sense, I think it was worth it. I’ll say that now that it is over (except for the cleanup) but it was rough going. Around our house we are really hooked into technology. Getting our computers back on was kind of overwhelming after 7 days off.
Things I don’t really think about and didn’t know I’d miss:
- Forecasts and temperature on command
- Reading by lamplight
- Warm rooms
- Soft bed (we slept on the floor in front of the fire)
- Food from the fridge
- Light after dark
- Email
- Cell Service (ours was on and off)
- Washer and Dryer (I don’t like to do laundry but I really like clean clothes)
- Coffeepot with a timer (ready when you get out of bed)
- TV
- Microwave
- Oven
- Light in the bathroom when you get up in the middle of the night
- The garage door opening
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
You get the idea. So . . . now, on with life. And that is what it is really all about, isn’t it? We deal with the difficulties and then we move on. There are still many without power that we should all keep in our prayers.
Our neighbor's dog, Harley, keeping warm in his snazzy coat.
Today’s Lagniappe: Barbeque Shrimp
(from gumbopages.com)
- 2 pounds butter (Yes, you read right. Two pounds. Eight sticks. Don’t whine. This feeds 8 – 10 people! DO NOT use margarine! Real butter only.)
- 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning, to taste; OR
- 2 – 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper and 3 – 4 teaspoons black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary leaves
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 6 ounces good beer
- 5 – 10 cloves garlic, finely minced (or as much as you like)
- 1 medium onion, very finely minced
- 3 ribs celery, very finely minced
- 3 – 4 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 5 pounds shrimp, heads and shells on
Melt a stick of the butter in a skillet. Saute the garlic, onions, celery, parsley, rosemary and seasoning blend for about 2 – 3 minutes
by Christi on January 30, 2010
Okay, we have had unbelievable snow here. For those of you East of Arkansas, it is coming your way! Okay, so it is time to bring out the Spring inside. I tend to go for live houseplants but I love these pink silks:
The vase was a gift from wonderful friend in Dallas, Julie Jones.
Looking around the house today (kind of snowed in here) to find other signs of Spring that I can bring out.
Be watching this week to see all about DONNADOTS. They are fabulous and you will love them. Stay tuned Wednesday night for more on that.
Need some pink inspiration today? Check out Beverly at
Pink Saturday with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound
Today’s Lagniappe: Snow Ice Cream
Because we have an abundance today, this is perfect.
Put a clean bowl outside to collect snow. When you have a large bowl of snow, bring it inside and add sugar, cream (or milk, or half and half) and vanilla to the snow to your desired taste and consistency. I’ve seen some great ideas to add – flavored kook-aid, chocolate syrup. Hmmmm, the possibilities are endless.
by Christi on January 30, 2010
Pink Saturday is coming up. One of the features will be what is coming up this week with Donnadots – Stay tuned!
You will love them. That and more . . . for
Pink Saturday with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound
With all of the snow we have had here in Arkansas, you would think that I would be way ahead, but, I’ll admit, I kind of took a day off for fun. Pink Saturday will be up Saturday morning. Hope you will check it out! – Christi
by Christi on January 28, 2010
Well, they say it is coming. An ice and snow storm. Last year we had the terrible ice storm that left us without power for seven agonizing days.
It was not fun, but somehow, we managed.
As I am writing this, I already have seen reports of 15,000 without power already in our neighboring state and home to many family and friends in Oklahoma.
We are really hoping and praying that we do not lose electricity with this storm, but if we do, we are prepared. Got firewood stacked on the porch, candles out and oil lamp ready, plenty of food that can be cooked on the gas stovetop or the grill, or doesn’t need to be cooked. We really, really hope that this is all unnecessary!
I have posts planned for Saturday and Sunday. If you don’t see them, you’ll know why. Maybe, it will jut be pretty snow!
Hope you all have a wonderful Friday!
Today’s Lagniappe: Grilled Steak My Way
This is how we grill steak around our house. The grill can be used even if the power goes out! And, by the way, It’s
With Designs by Gollum
Season steaks with salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides. Fill a charcoal chimney with coals and light them. Let them get red hot and then place them in the bottom of the grill. While the coals are getting hot, soak some wood chips (we like Jack Daniels chips) in hot water (alternatively, you can soak them for several hours in advance). Place the soaked chips over the hot coals. Grill the steaks 5 minutes per side (for 1″ steaks) for medium.
Remove steaks from grill and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
by Christi on January 27, 2010
Last year, we had a fabulous Mardi Gras party. That was back before I started participating in the wonderful Tablescape Thursday, hosted by the always gracious Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.
with Between Naps on the Porch
I only posted one picture from the party last years, so today, I thought I would share some pics from the party with the fun tables that we created. You’ll kind of have to look around the people in the pics to see the tables, but they are decked out as well.
The main table was spread with a gold toned spread and the centerpiece is a glass hurricane that is filled with green and gold ornaments and then draped with Mardi Gras beads. As you can see, pretty much everything was draped with beads!
The main table
Please excuse the hand with the drink in the pic below 
Just wanted to show you the purple, green and gold napkins. The traditional Mardi Gras colors. There is also a tray of glasses just waiting to be filled with a delicious drink.
More of the main table.
Lots of great food on the table.
Good food and good fun.
There was another table in another area with a punch bowl full of mint julep punch. YUMMY!
The Mint Julep Punch
In the kitchen, we draped the kitchen bar with another gold cloth and created a little platform for the King Cake. You can see the pretty blue pitcher on the end is even draped with beads. Oh, and yes, that is a gaudy, lit up coconut tree in the background. There was another one on the front porch so everyone would know where the party was.
Kitchen Bar
Serving the King Cake.
King Cake
There was also another drink table set up on the kitchen island. Didn’t get a picture of that. On the stove we had a pot of gumbo and a pot of jambalaya.
There were beads for everyone!
Lots of beads.
Add some blues/jazz/zydeco music and some fun people and it made for a really good time for all.
Today’s Lagniappe: Crawfish Pie
Yes, you have to have a little Jambalaya, Crawfish Pie and File Gumbo!
3/4 medium chopped bell pepper
1 large onion chopped
2 ribs celery chopped
3/4 cup butter
6 tbsp crawfish fat (optional)
1 1/2 pound crawfish tails
1/2 cup each minced parsley and green onions
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
cornstarch to thicken
Dough for double crust (pie crust)
In a medium saucepan, saute bell pepper, onion and celery in butter until tender; add crawfish fat and simmer 10 minutes. Add crawfish tails, green onions, parsley and seasonings. Thicken if necessary, with a little cornstarch; let it cook long enough to thicken gravy.
Place half of the pie crust dough in a nine-inch pie pan. Fill with cooled filling. Place top crust on pie, moisten edges and seal edges. Cut two or three one-inch-long slits in the top crust.
Individual tart/pies can be made and baked using muffins in pan with large cups. Bake 10 minutes at 450 degrees; lower oven to 375 degrees and cook for 35 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown.
by Christi on January 26, 2010
Last year at this time, we were without power because of the awful ice storm.
Our weather forecast this week is calling for freezing rain and snow! This really is NOT working for me. I’m thinking of places I’d rather be.
How about Jamaica – watching a RED sunset.
What is the saying? Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. A sign of a fine day to come! Hmmm, let’s add a glass of champagne to that picture.
Now, we’re talking.
Or maybe, New Orleans.
Where they are celebrating Mardi Gras
And the Saint’s going to the Superbowl!
The forecast here Thursday and Friday of the week is rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow. New Orleans? In the 60’s. Which would you choose?
I may only be there where it is warm and sunny in my mind, but I’m definitely there.
Today’s Lagniappe: Stuffed Figs
Something you can make without turning on the stove (and without electricity if it comes to that).
Cut a slit in large side of 24 dried figs, cutting to, but not through, stem end. Stir together 1 (3-oz.) package softened cream cheese, 2 tsp. powdered sugar, and 2 tsp. orange liqueur; fill each fig evenly with cream cheese mixture and 1 roasted, salted almond. Press figs to secure filling.
A few outdoor pics for Outdoor Wednesday with A Southern Daydreamer and Rednesday! with It’s a Very Cherry.
