Southern Blues

Submitted by Christi
It's Met Monday with Between Naps on the Porch

It's Met Monday with Between Naps on the Porch

I’m blue today because there has been quite a change around here this weekend. The robins have left the nest. It seems so quiet. I have pictures of them leaving that I will post on Wednesday. They were so sweet. We have spotted them out with their parents since they left, but, the nest is quite empty.

First we had eggs.

First we had eggs.

Then babies came and we watched the parents nurture them and saw them grow.

Then babies came and we watched the parents nurture them and saw them grow.

Looks like a lot of work to me!
Now they have left the nest.
It's Blue Monday with Smiling Sally

It's Blue Monday with Smiling Sally

 I do have some great pics of their leaving I will post on Wednesday. Y’all have a great day and I’ll see you tomorrow!

Today’s Lagniappe: Baked Stuffed Tomatoes
A great way to use fresh summer tomatoes

6 med. tomatoes
4 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. chopped onion
1/2 c. fine, dry bread crumbs
1 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
1 1/4 c. grated process cheese

Wash tomatoes and cut a thin slice from each stem end; scoop out centers, chop and set aside; invert tomato shells and allow to drainMelt butter in small saucepan; add onion and cook until soft; remove from heat and stir in crumbs, salt, pepper, cheese and chopped tomato.

Sprinkle insides of tomatoes with salt, pile stuffing into shells and place in shallow baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Serves 6.

Southern Sunday Favorite

Submitted by Christi

sunfav2
Sunday Favorites is hosted by Chari at Happy to Design. The last of the robins left the nest this morning. I’ll be posting pics of that on Outdoor Wednesday this week. Today, a look back:

We went from this . . .

We went from this . . .

robin-081

to this . . .

to this . . .

Then, back to three!! What happened. We're not sure but one is missing :(

Then, back to three!! What happened. We're not sure but one is missing 🙁

Then, finally this! Three little babies Sunday morning!

Then, finally this! Three little babies Sunday morning!

I want food!

I want food!

Check back on Wednesday for more pics. They are so sweet. Both Mama and Daddy birds are feeding the babies and, yes, I’ve got pics.

Join Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more Metamorphosis Monday!

Today’s Lagniappe: Margarita
Now that warm weather is upon us, it is time for something frosty to sip on the porch after a long day.

* 1 1/4 cups fresh lime juice
* 1 cup Triple Sec or other orange liqueur
* 1 cup silver tequila
* 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 3 cups ice cubes

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the lime juice, triple sec, tequila, lemon juice, and 2 cups ice in a blender; blend until smooth.
2. Place 1 cup ice cubes in a cocktail shaker; add desired amount of margarita; cover and shake well; serve.

Southern Goodness

Submitted by Christi

It's Foodie Friday. See Designs by Gollum for a lot of great recipes!

It's Foodie Friday. See Designs by Gollum for a lot of great recipes!

I saw a recipe for a bacon, lettuce and fried green tomato recipe. It looked yummy. Of, course, I wanted to put my own spin on it.

green-tomato

Okay, so first you make the remoulade.

Remoulade:

Use in amounts that suit your tastes

  • Zatarains creole mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Red chili sauce (not much)
  • Horseradish
  • Worcestershire sauce (a dash)
  • Garlic

Mix together. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Then, you fry the bacon.

Then, you fry the green tomatoes.

fried-tomato

  • 4 to 6 green tomatoes
  • salt and pepper
  • Cajun seasoning
  • cornmeal
  • bacon grease or vegetable oil

Slice the tomatoes into 1/4 – 1/2-inch slices. Salt and pepper them to taste. Mix meal and Cajun seasoning. Dip the tomatoes in meal and fry in hot grease or oil about 3 minutes or until golden on bottom. Gently turn and fry the other side.

While the tomatoes are frying, toast some bread. This can be whatever you like. I lean towards an English muffin for this.

Then, you put it all together.

Now, that is some Southern Goodness!

Today’s Lagniappe: How to choose a green tomato

When choosing tomatoes for this recipe choose a nice,
really firm, tomato. Choose a tomato that is very light green
in color and sounds almost crispy when sliced.

Southern Memorial Tablescape

Submitted by Christi

It’s Tablescape Thursday with Susan from Between Naps on the Porch. Click on the pic to see more great tablescapes this week.

tabelscape3

Once again we are visiting my friend Linda at The Cottage. Linda brought her white fiestaware and pictures of people in her family who have served in the military. She has pictures of family serving in every war since WWI. That is amazing. We set this table as a tribute for Memorial Day. We used her pictures on the table in decorative frames.

We added the apples for a little more color.

We added the apples for a little more color.

The pictures of family who have served in the past are a wonderful tribute.

The pictures of family who have served in the past are a wonderful tribute.

Lots of red, white and blue and Old Glory on the table, too.

Lots of red, white and blue and Old Glory on the table, too.

God bless America!

God bless America!

The Cottage is ready for Memorial Day.

The Cottage is ready for Memorial Day.

Thanks Linda for sharing your wonderful pictures. Linda will tell us more about these sometime. For now, hope everyone had a great Memorial Day!

If you enjoyed this story, you might also enjoy this story:
jbw-jfk1

Southern Memorial Day

Today’s Lagniappe: Mile High Strawberry Pie
Summer in a pie shell!

1 baked pie shell

Bring to a boil stirring constantly:
1 c sugar
3 tb cornstarch
3 tb light corn syrup
1 c water
Cook for five minutes until thick and clear.

Add:
1 (3 oz) pkg strawberry jello
Stir until dissolved.

Pour over:
1-1/2 quart of fresh strawberries that have been cleaned and hulled.
Mix until strawberries are coated, pour into baked pie shell, and let cool.
Serve with sweetened whipped cream.

Southern Robin Update

Submitted by Christi

It’s Outdoor Wednesday again with A Southern Daydreamer and that means it is time for a robin update!

outdoor-wednesday-logo51

They are growing so fast!

Not much room for mom now.

Not much room for mom now.

Ready for their closeup.

Ready for their closeup.

Looking out.

Looking out.

They are a singing trio.

They are a singing trio.

3 peas in a pod.

3 peas in a pod.

Their eyes are open.

Their eyes are open.

They keep mom on her toes.

They keep mom on her toes.

Daddy too.

Daddy too.

Here is dad keeping watch from a nearby tree.

Here is dad keeping watch from a nearby tree.

They will be gone soon. I’m going to miss them.

Today’s Lagniappe: Banana Split Pie

Step 1:
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1 stick melted butter
Mix and pat into 9″ x 13″ pan

Step 2:
1 stick melted butter
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
Mix well and spread on crumb crust

Step 3:
1 small instant vanilla pudding (mixed by pkg. directions)
Spread on top of Step 2.

Top with sliced bananas, 1 can crushed pineapple, drained, then spread 1 8
oz. Cool Whip on top. You can drizzle with chocolate syrup, sprinkle with
coconut and chopped maraschino cherries, nuts.

Southern Repeat

Submitted by Christi

2nd-time-around3
I ran this recipe for Lemon Thyme cookies last Friday. I was a little late about getting it up so I am posting it again. I made these lovely little cookies with thyme from my garden and I absolutely loved them. I think they may be one of the best cookie recipes I have tried. This is my 2nd time around entry because I wanted to give these cookies a 2nd chance.

lt-cookies1

Lemon Thyme Cookies
I didn’t have any cardamom so I just left it out and they were delicious.

* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon snipped fresh thyme
* 2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
* 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* Coarse sugar or granulated sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Beat the butter in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar until combined. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in thyme, lemon peel, lemon juice, and cardamom. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Knead until smooth; form mixture into a ball.

2. Divide dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6×4 1/2-inch rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick) on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into 1 1/2-inch squares with a scalloped-edge pastry wheel. Sprinkle cutouts with coarse sugar. Place cutouts on ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are just lightly brown. Transfer to wire racks and let cool. Makes 36 cookies.

4. To store: Place cookies in layers separated by pieces of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies, if frozen, before serving.

Hope you enjoy these. We had them over the Memorial Day weekend. We had a wonderful time. My mother and her husband were here and we had a great visit. Hope all of you had a great weekend and that you week will be just wonderful.

Today’s Lagniappe: Margarita Cheesecake
This is great on a warm evening. I decorate with lime slices and a gummy worm.

For the crust:
4 ounces salted pretzels
1/3 cup sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for baking pan

For the filling:
3 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
¾ cup sugar
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or Triple Sec
1 tablespoon tequila
1 tablespoon grated lime zest
4 large eggs

1. Preheat oven to 375° with rack in center. Make the crust: Butter a 9 1/2 inch springform pan; set aside. In a food processor, pulse pretzels to fine crumbs. Add sugar and butter; process until combined.
2. Press evenly into bottom and slightly up sides (about 1 inch) of the springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake until light golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Reduce oven to 325°. Prepare filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, scraping down sides of bowl to eliminate any lumps, about 1 minute. Add sour cream, sugar, Grand Marnier, tequila, and lime zest; beat until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating to combine after each addition.
4. Pour into cooled crust (filling will come up higher than crust.) Line outside of pan with aluminum foil (to prevent water from seeping in). Place in a roasting pan. Pour hot water to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake until set and slightly firm to the touch, about 1 hour. Remove from water bath, and let cool on a wire rack; refrigerate until chilled, about 4 hours. Run a hot knife around edge of pan to release.

Southern Memorial Day

Submitted by Christi

bluemonday

This is my first time joining the Blue Monday posts at Smiling Sally’s. Can’t wait to see what everybody is doing this Monday.

In honor of Memorial Day, today, I am posting Navy Blue.

navy-emblem

Specifically U. S. Navy blue.

I want to tell you about my father-in-law, Dr. Joe B. Wharton Jr. Dr. Joe B., as he was known, was a Navy doctor during World War II. He served in the South Pacific. One of our treasures is the letters that he and my mother-in-law, Iola Holt Wharton, exchanged during his service in the South Pacific.

During Dr. Joe B.’s service, John F. Kennedy was injured on PT109. Dr. Joe B. was the doctor who attended him. John F. Kennedy and Dr. Joe B. had become friends before Mr. Kennedy’s injury and continued corresponding for many years after the war.

In 1961 The Saturday Evening Post wrote an article about John F. Kennedy’s adventures during the war. They ran the picture below.

jfk-sep

Below is the full picture.

jbw-jfk

That is Dr. Joe B. on the left with John F. Kennedy. The dog had been adopted by JFK and the cat had been adopted by Dr. Joe B. As you can see, they were holding the pet that belonged to the other in the picture. The Saturday Evening Post contacted Dr. Joe B. for permission to use the picture with him in it. At that time, Dr. Wharton had a busy medical practice in El Dorado, Arkansas and never got around to getting back to them with permission to run the picture with him. They cropped him out and ran the picture without him.

There are several letters of correspondence between Dr. Joe B. and JFK during JFK’s presidency. These are archieved at the JFK Presidential Library.

On Memorial Day, we remember. This is just a small story from World War II that I wanted to share with you.

Hope you are all having a wonderful Memorial Day. Don’t forget to take time to honor those who have and continue to keep us safe!

Today’s Lagniappe: Red, White and Blue Salad

* 1 package (3 ounces) berry blue gelatin
* 2 cups boiling water, divided
* 2-1/2 cups cold water, divided
* 1 cup fresh blueberries
* 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
* 1 cup heavy whipping cream
* 6 tablespoons sugar
* 2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 package (3 ounces) raspberry gelatin
* 1 cup fresh raspberries
* Whipped topping and additional berries, optional

Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve berry blue gelatin in 1 cup boiling water; stir in 1 cup cold water. Add blueberries. Pour into a 3-qt. serving bowl. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Add the cream and sugar; cook and stir over low heat until gelatin and sugar are completely dissolved. cool to room temperature. Whisk in sour cream and vanilla. Spoon over the blue layer. Refrigerate until firm.
In a large bowl, dissolve raspberry gelatin in remaining hot water; stir in remaining cold water. Add raspberries. Spoon over cream layer. Chill until set. Garnish with whipped topping and additional berries if desired. Yield: 14-16 servings.

Sunday Daddy-isms

Submitted by Christi

sunfav1

Thanks again to Chari at Happy to Design for hosting Sunday favorites. Here is one of mine:

One of my very favorites titled “Daddy-isms”

eddie-web1

Since I posted Mama-isms, one of my two beautiful sisters requested that I give equal time to Daddy-isms. My Daddy died in 1992 at the age of 54 of cancer. Daddy was a big, lovable man, full of integrity and loved by all who knew him. He laughed a lot and smiled a lot and I am very blessed to have had such a great Daddy. He was a very optimistic and positive man who had sayings that deserve equal time as well as a few funny memories.

When asked how are you his response was invariably, “If I was any better I couldn’t stand it!”

You can’t go through life looking in the rear-view mirror.

About anyone who was a good cook – You’re a good cooker.

About Marriage – Love is important but commitment is equally important.

The Bible is a book that is meant to be understood by reading.

When we were kids, my younger sister had a slumber party on March 31st one year. The following morning, my Daddy woke all of the sleeping girls and told them to be calm but to hurry outside because the house was on fire. When they were all safely outside he called to them from the door “April Fools.” He loved to pull April Fools jokes but that was one of the best.

Daddy loved to swim and he made sure we all had swimming lessons. He would take us to the pool and delight us by throwing us high in the air. We would wear him out by begging him to throw us again.

He would wake us up in the morning by turning on the light and singing (loudly)

Good morning to you,
Good morning to you,
We’re all in our places
With bright shiny faces.
For this is the way,
To start a new day.

If we didn’t wake up after the singing, he would stand at the end of the bed and say chop, chop, chop (as he was falling forward) to give us time to get up before he said TIMBER and fell on top of us. To my recollection, he never actually fell on top of any of us.

I could go on and on. As you can see, Daddy was a fun guy.

Today’s Lagniappe:  Recipe for Spinach Madeleine or Crawfish Spinach Dip

I spent the afternoon yesterday with my friend Darlene planning our upcoming Mardi Gras party and it put me in mind of something with a little New Orleans’ Flavor. This is copied from Chef John Folse & Company Website. If you don’t have the River Road Cookbooks, look for them, they are great.

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Yields: 5-6 Servings

Comment:
This traditional Louisiana recipe was first presented in River Road’s cookbook from the Junior League of Baton Rouge. It is safe to say that this single recipe made the book world famous. In the late 1990s, Kraft foods did away with their jalapeño cheese roll which was originally used in the recipe. Recently, an alert customer informed us that Kraft’s Velveeta line introduced a similar Mexican cheese.

Ingredients:

* 2 packages chopped spinach, frozen
* 4 tbsps butter
* 2 tbsps flour
* 2 tbsps chopped onions
* ½ cup evaporated milk
* ½ cup reserved spinach liquor
* ½ tsp black pepper
* ¾ tsp celery salt
* ¾ tsp garlic salt
* 6 ounces Velveeta Mexican cheese, sliced into ¼-inch cubes
* salt and red pepper to taste
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Method:
Cook spinach according to directions on package. Drain and reserve liquid. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add flour, stirring until blended and smooth, but not brown. Add onions and sauté 3-5 minutes or until wilted. Add evaporated milk, spinach liquor and Worcestershire sauce slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook mixture until smooth and thick, stirring constantly. Add seasonings and cubed cheese. Stir until melted and combine with cooked spinach. This may be served immediately or put into a casserole and topped with buttered bread crumbs. The flavor is improved if the latter is done and kept in refrigerator overnight.

This traditional dish can be spruced up for the holidays by adding ¼ cup diced red bell peppers when the onions are sautéed.

There are other great dishes that can be made with this versatile recipe, such as:

Crawfish Spinach Dip: Add 1 pound of Louisiana crawfish tails when you add the cheese and serve warm with tortilla chips or crackers

Southern Visit

Submitted by Christi

Sorry to be so late posting this morning. I had an early morning appointment with the eye doctor.

I’m getting ready for a visit from Mama and her husband Chester. We are really, really looking forward to seeing them and spending some time relaxing and having fun.

When they visit we always have a very competitive spades game. Girls against the boys. We may actually try to go fishing this time if the weather holds out. I’m don’t get that excited about actually catching a fish but I love being out on the river just casting a line. The water and sun and beauty are always so refreshing and restoring.

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to seeing you next week. Next week will be a special week of posts to honor Veterans in honor of Memorial Day. Hope y’all can join me for some great stories.

For now, I’ve get to get some baking done in preparation for the weekend!

Today’s Lagniappe: Lemon Thyme Cookies
This is one of the things I’m making for the weekend.

lt-cookies

* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon snipped fresh thyme
* 2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
* 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* Coarse sugar or granulated sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Beat the butter in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar until combined. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in thyme, lemon peel, lemon juice, and cardamom. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Knead until smooth; form mixture into a ball.

2. Divide dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6×4 1/2-inch rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick) on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into 1 1/2-inch squares with a scalloped-edge pastry wheel. Sprinkle cutouts with coarse sugar. Place cutouts on ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are just lightly brown. Transfer to wire racks and let cool. Makes 36 cookies.

4. To store: Place cookies in layers separated by pieces of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies, if frozen, before serving.

See other great recipes at Foodie Friday with Designs by Gollum.

foodie-friday-logo-22

Southern Table with a Friend

Submitted by Christi

You may remember getting to know Linda Howell previously. She is my good friend who is a great real estate agent and a fabulous actress. Linda invited me out to The Cottage last weekend where we sat at this beautiful table with her gorgeous china and visited.

The china is Montmery by Haviland. It was passed on to her by her mother. She says when her father was made enough money to buy something nice for her mother, he bought her this lovely china. It features pretty little forget-me-nots.

The crystal is over 100 years old. It belonged to Linda’s best friend’s grandmother and was given to her as a wedding present by her friend’s mother. Her friend has since died but Linda uses this beautiful crystal as a way to remember her.

See the pretty forget-me-nots?

See the pretty forget-me-nots?

Here is that special crystal I told you about - over 100 years old!

Here is that special crystal I told you about - over 100 years old!

 A lovely time on the porch with a wonderful view.

A lovely time on the porch with a wonderful view.

A nice, simple centerpiece.

A nice, simple centerpiece.

Beautiful cups

Beautiful cups

Isn't the little bird pretty?

Isn't the little bird pretty?

More of that lovely view from the table.

More of that lovely view from the table.

A special way to spend time with a friend.

A special way to spend time with a friend.

img_4291

Hope you enjoyed this tablescape and all the others at Between Naps on the Porch

tabelscape2

Today’s Lagniappe:  BLT Pasta Salad
Something nice for a warm Spring day.
2 cups uncooked pasta
5 green onions, finely chopped
1 large tomato, diced
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1-1/4 cups good mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
5 teaspoons white vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 or more tsp pepper
1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled (set aside)

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In large bowl, combine the pasta, onions, tomatoes, and celery. In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, & pepper. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours. Just before serving, add bacon.

Southern Parents

Submitted by Christi

As promised, here are more pictures. Today we are taking part in Outdoor Wednesday with A Southern Daydreamer.

Here are the little hatchlings

Here are the little hatchlings

And the proud parents.

And the proud parents.

Feeding time

Feeding time

Sharing the job

Sharing the job

Helping each other

Helping each other

Too precious

Too precious

outdoorwednesdaylogo51

See more outdoor Wednesday by clicking on the pic above.

Today’s Lagniappe:  Shrimp Dip
My Mama used to make a similar version of this that I just loved with tortilla chips, enjoy!

1 can shrimp (4-6 oz.), diced
1 3-4 oz package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup chili sauce
2 teaspoons grated horseradish
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh dill, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix all ingredients together well, adding the shrimp last.

Chill at least two hours or overnight.

A Southern Second Chance

Submitted by Christi

2nd-time-around2
It’s 2nd Time Around Tuesday!

My dog Bailey is my story today.

Isn't he the cutest?

Isn't he the cutest?

Bailey was 2 years old when we found him in a shelter in Paragould, Arkansas. It was his 2nd time in a shelter in his short 2 years. He was filthy dirty and a bit afraid. When we found him, we called immediately. He was available. We drove the three hours to meet him. We took a toy but he had no idea what to do with a toy. A treat was a better attention getter.

Poor Bailey had just come from the vet where he had been neutered and had his shots. He was not a happy camper. He slept in my lap for the entire drive back. When we got home, he was afraid he would get in trouble for going in the house. We put him on the bed with us and he looked at us like we were crazy.

That was four years ago. It took nearly a full year for little Bailey to get to really, really trust us. He had a lot of baggage. Now, as I write, he lays next to me on the floor. He sleeps at our feet on the bed at night. He loves to be next to us and is pretty demanding these days about treats. He chases squirrels from my bird feeder and is great about guarding the house.

Bailey just needed another chance. We are so glad he got it with us. He’s my little bundle of joy and a valued member of the family!

Today’s Lagniappe: Peanut Butter Bars
Sometimes you just gotta have ’em

1 cup butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
4 tablespoons peanut butter
Directions:
1.     In a medium bowl, mix together the butter or margarine, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch pan.
2.     In a metal bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave, melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Spread over the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.

Southern Arrival!

Submitted by Christi

met-monday2

Talk about a metamorphosis! How about this:

We went from this . . .

We went from this . . .

robin-081

to this . . .

to this . . .

Then, back to three!! What happened. We're not sure but one is missing :(

Then, back to three!! What happened. We're not sure but one is missing 🙁

Then, finally this! Three little babies Sunday morning!

Then, finally this! Three little babies Sunday morning!

I want food!

I want food!

Check back on Wednesday for more pics. They are so sweet. Both Mama and Daddy birds are feeding the babies and, yes, I’ve got pics.

Join Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for more Metamorphosis Monday!

Today’s Lagniappe: Margarita
Now that warm weather is upon us, it is time for something frosty to sip on the porch after a long day.

* 1 1/4 cups fresh lime juice
* 1 cup Triple Sec or other orange liqueur
* 1 cup silver tequila
* 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 3 cups ice cubes

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the lime juice, triple sec, tequila, lemon juice, and 2 cups ice in a blender; blend until smooth.
2. Place 1 cup ice cubes in a cocktail shaker; add desired amount of margarita; cover and shake well; serve.

Southern Sunday Favorite

Submitted by Christi

Today, I’m joining our friend Chari at Happy to Design for Sunday Favorites whre we get to share a favorite past post. I love this. Thank you Chari for the great idea!

sunfav

So here it is. I always have enjoyed sharing with y’all about people I love. Here is one of my favorites:

Southern Mama-isms

A Southern Mother is something very special. They have the job of raising a good Southern girl. My Mother had several pieces of advise, or sayings, if you will, that are good for anyone. I call them Mama-isms.

  • You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.
  • If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
  • Sit up straight.
  • Put on your red badge of courage (meaning lipstick).
  • Set the table (something done every night with placemat, knife, fork, spoon, plate and glass – each in it’s proper place.)
  • Walk like a lady.
  • Never wake a sleeping child.
  • How’s your attitude? (Getting a good parking place anywhere, depends on your attitude!).
  • Pretty is, is pretty does.
  • All you can do is all you can do.
  • Consider the source and go on. (or as her mother – my grandmother put it: Pass and re-pass).
  • Smile and make people wonder what you’ve been up to (when you were frowning).
  • If your lip gets any lower you’ll step on it (when you were pouting)
  • If you don’t  watch out your face will freeze that way (when your face was anything but pleasant).
  • If you don’t stop crying, I’ll give you something to cry about!

There were many more. What did your Mama tell you?

Today’s Lagniappe: Recipe for Spicy Shrimp and Rice

2 lbs. unpeeled medium sized fresh shrimp
3 cups cooked long grain and wild rice mix (1 box Uncle Ben’s original   recipe with 23 herbs & seasonings)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
few dashes of Tobasco (to taste)
Cajun seasoning – around 1 teaspoon or more if you want more spice)

Melt butter over medium-high heat and add green onions; cook, stirring constantly, until tender

Combine all ingredients and spoon into a lightly greased 2 quart baking dish.

Bake at 375 degrees F. for 55 minutes.

Serve with crusty french bread, green salad and crisp white wine.

P. S. : Mama emailed me one that I left out that is important – Remember who you are and Whose you are.

Southern Flashback Foodie Friday

Submitted by Christi

flashbackfriday2foodie-friday-logo-21

I’m joining Kitchen Bouquet today for Flashback Friday and Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday. I’m flashing back to remember one of my Daddy’s favorite dishes, chicken fried steak! His mother, my grandmother made this and my mother learned how to make her recipe from her and now my mother has taught me.

This is my Daddy.

This is my Daddy.

This chicken fried steak is tender and delicious. As with a lot of handed down recipes, this one doesn’t have measurements. It is a technique. Here it is:

Good quality tenderized cubed or round steak
Flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
Egg and Milk beaten together
Cooking oil or shortening

Heat about a 1/4 inch of oil or shortening in a large skillet.

Bread the steak in the flour first, then, the egg and milk, then, back in the flour. You can repeat this step if you like more breading – your call.

Fry the breaded steak until you can lift it easily. Turn it over and brown it on the other side.

Carefully, lift cooked steak out of the skillet and place in a foil liked pan. Don’t stack the steak. Put the pan in a 300 degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour. You can leave it in the oven longer at a lower temperature if you like. Leaving it in the oven is an important step because it makes it really tender.

For the gravy. Keep about 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the pans. Deglaze the pan with a little bit of water. Add a little flour to the drippings to form a smooth paste then add milk. Heat until the gravy is thick. How thick? Well . . . as thick as gravy!



Today’s Lagniappe: Lemon Drop Martini

After that meal (or before) you may need something refreshing to drink!

1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
1 teaspoon superfine sugar*
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Ice cubes
Superfine sugar for dipping
Twisted peel of lemon

* Superfine sugar is instantly dissolving sugar that is typically used in drinks.

Mix the vodka, Triple Sec, sugar, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice; shake well (supposedly the cocktail is to be shaken 40 times to make sure the sugar is well blended). Pour strained liquor into sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with a twisted peel of lemon.

NOTE: To create a sugar-rimmed glass, take a lemon wedge and rub the drinking surface of the glass so it is barely moist. Dip the edge of the glass into the superfine sugar.

Makes 1 serving.

Y’all have a great weekend!