The unofficial start of Summer – it’s Memorial Day at last.
And, a happy 150th birthday to Bacardi Rum! I simply adore their vintage-inspired commercials that are running now in celebration. The glamorous look, the excitement in the music, the simplicity of it all. And the tag, “150 Years of Starting Parties” just couldn’t be more fun.
How are you starting a party this long weekend?
There are many things I love. Two of them, in no particular order, are summer and magazines.
So, how thrilled was I to be included in Country Living’s recent bloggers choice publish of “50 Things to do this Summer in 50 States” representing my fair state of Georgia. Now, there are some pretty fabulous bloggers here in Georgia so I am oh-so-flattered to be included.
My “off the beaten path” pick was one of my very favorite places to go for a Sunday brunch – Sun in my Belly! There is nothing like a restored hardware store, brunch food, a live folk trio and BYO champagne to enjoy out of a jam jar. Right up my alley? I think so.
I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my other favorite picks for Atlanta!
Favorite Shops: Star Provisions, Simply Put, Urban Cottage, South of Market, London Trading Company, The Mercantile, Huff Harrington Home, Egg’s Nest, Ann Mashburn, B. Braithwaite
Favorite Eats: Cacao, Bella Cucina Porta Via, Valenza, Empire State South, West Egg Cafe, Belly General Store, Cafe Jonah, Portofino
I’ll keep adding to my list – I know there are so many I’ve left off. But, I’d love to hear your “undiscovered” favorites!
Also – I’d love if you’d take a moment and nominate Heirloomed for Country Living’s Blue Ribbon Blogger Awards!
Yesterday, I celebrated 2 years of marriage to my amazing husband.
We had the most wonderful wedding weekend I could ever have imagined and I love reliving the day by looking at photos and watching our wedding video. I will have to share photos with you all soon … since it’s been two years and all …
I always wanted to follow the “traditional” anniversary gift list of gifting rules. Year 1 – paper. Does a card count? Year 2 – cotton. I’ll have to get creative. But, as you know I live for tradition so don’t let me fool you into thinking we don’t have a tradition each year.
I am lucky enough to have been passed down china from my grandmother and great grandmother, so needless to say this was not something we registered for. This did give us the opportunity to register for one of my most favorite things of all – Match Pewter. Oh, the patina is to die for and there is really nothing I love more than a good serving piece.
My husband-to-be gifted me a gorgeous platter as a wedding day gift and from that day forward we vowed to spend the rest of our lives together, and to continue our collection. We love to entertain with family & friends and these make a great, memorable addition to the party.
Year 1 – fork + spoon.
Year 2 – a gravy boat.
What piece will we celebrate with next year? I’m open to your thoughts – but might have my mind set already …
As promised, today is the “big day” for Alyssa and the release of her new book, Apron Anxiety: My Messy Affairs In and Out of the Kitchen {big congrats!}. Don’t forget to pop over and enter to win a copy for yourself in the giveaway this week!
I am thrilled to have her here with us today to share this very special recipe as part of my Heirloom Recipe Series. I must say, when I received her email photo of this recipe card, I nearly fell off my chair. How fabulously well-loved is this card? The scribbles, handwritten notes, splatters of ingredients and splashes of color are simply to die for.
Congrats Alyssa and thanks for being a guest. I know you’ll all enjoy this one as much as I have!
Crazy and Amazing Challah Bread
I recently interviewed a celebrity who went on a tangent about birth control and David Bowie and crème brûlée. I put her on speakerphone for my boyfriend to experience as she layered on more nonsensical storylines—rutabagas, Ryan Seacrest, and Buddhism (or was it Gluten-ism?). He rolled his eyes; I pressed the mute button and screamed, “She’s amazzzing!”
Wow, I could have listened to her tales of hot washcloths and homemade cornbread and Karl Lagerfeld forever. But then again, I love a crazy bird; a woman who is only herself. The art of being unapologetically yourself is a gift. This starlet really owned it, and I would like to think I do, too.
It’s a DNA thing, I tell myself. I was raised around really cool—though measurably more stable—unconventional women. “Quiet rebels,” as I say in my book Apron Anxiety. My aunts and cousins—not to mention my sister, mother, and grandmother—are not your average Janes. They’re strong, hilarious, hard-working females who have never been afraid to be flawed or offbeat. We’re a family of wonderful, why-be-normal creatures, who are loyal, close, and lucky enough to know that laughter heals pain.
My Auntie Ellie is probably the most unique of us all, with her hippy-heart, hyper-emotional life experiences and West Coast (via Western Mass) way of life. She’s a lifetime animal lover and has been a vegetarian for as long as I can remember. While we tend to steer clear of some of her faux-turkey triumphs, everyone begs for her earthy-crunchy baked goods. Here is her famed challah—fresh out of the oven, with a little butter, it’s better than anything in the world. By the way, it was actually this beautifully tattered and stained recipe card that inspired the design of my blog, and by extension my book. So, thanks, Auntie E. Here’s to girls like us!
Ellen Wright’s Challah
Makes 1 large loaf, 2 mediums, or 3 smalls
2 packages of yeast
2 cups warm water
4 tablespoons plus a pinch salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups melted shortening, such as Crisco (or a little less)
4 eggs
7 cups flour
Poppy seeds
Dissolve the yeast in 1 cup warm water. After it bubbles, add 1 more cup of warm water, plus the salt, sugar, and shortening. Blend in 3 eggs, then 3 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until a dough forms. Slowly add the remaining flour and mix until the batch feels formed.
Knead the dough well for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth. Place it in a lightly-greased bowl and cover with a tea towel. Leave at room temperature and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until it has doubled. Punch down and place on greased baking sheet. Braid as 1 large challah loaf, 2 mediums, or 3 smalls, and let rise again at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Brush with the remaining egg, sprinkle with poppy seeds, and a pinch more salt. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350F.
Place the loaf or loaves on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour until well-browned on top. Let rest and serve when cooled.
Be sure to connect with Alyssa on her blog Apron Anxiety, on Twitter at @apronanxiety, and snag her new book here!
Part of our Heirloom Recipe Series, featuring foodies, chefs, artisans, authors, Southerners & fabulous folks willing to share their stories, recipes and photos in an effort to help preserve and share these family recipes for generations to come.
As I always say, the best thing about Twitter is the people I have met online since I first started tweeting ages ago. And, Alyssa Shelasky of Apron Anxiety is no exception. I was beyond excited when she emailed me about her new book that comes out tomorrow and just knew it would be a great collaboration for us both!
If you haven’t popped over to her blog yet, do so without hesitation. Of course we have the obvious “apron” connection, but I instantly fell in love with her blog. She has a frankness that you don’t see much here in the South, and her personality shines through with every word. But, what I love most is the romantic feel it has. The imagery and her selections have a high fashion meets editorial feel with a throwback nod and I love the look.
I’m just thrilled for Alyssa and her new book of the same name – Apron Anxiety: My Messy Affairs In and Out of the Kitchen. Today, I have a very special giveaway of the book, and tomorrow stay tuned as she joins us for the Heirloom Recipe Series too. I can’t get enough of the splattered recipe card she shares, you won’t want to miss out.
As always, entering is so simple. You can earn one entry for each of the below that you might choose to do, for a chance at 4 total entries – just remember to leave a comment for EACH of the below that you complete so your efforts will be counted!
1. Leave a comment below telling us about your messiest moment in the kitchen!
2. Follow @apronanxiety on Twitter
3. Follow @heirloomed on Twitter
4. RT the following: I just entered to win @apronanxiety’s new book at @heirloomed! http://ht.ly/b5r5D
Be sure to enter by Friday, May 25th at 5PM EST.
You can visit Apron Anxiety for all the details of the book and to purchase, starting tomorrow!
Giveaway entries must be submitted between 5-21-12 and 5-25-12 at 5PM EST . Winner to be chosen at random and will be announced on 5-29-12. Open only to US residents. A maximum of four (4) entries per person are allowed. No purchase is necessary of course. Some restrictions may apply.
It is my pleasure today to have Jennifer Chandler author and blogger at Cook With Jennifer sharing a recipe for the Heirloom Recipe Series.
I love Jennifer’s way of cooking by making dishes simple and delicious, and her wonderful recipe below is no exception. Today she has a recipe that is close to her family’s heart and one that will be perfect for summertime! Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to put in an entry for the giveaway we are doing for Jennifer’s new cookbook Simply Grilling this week! {click here}
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To me, an heirloom recipe is one that conjures up memories of family and friends, delicious meals I can still taste, as well as laughter and happiness shared over the dinner table. Recipes that not only fill our bellies, but also warm our souls and put a smile on our faces. That’s what I want for supper. Don’t’ you?
Tequila Chicken Fajitas probably are not what comes to mind when one thinks of an “heirloom” recipe … but this recipe fits that bill for me and my family. Meals are a time to enjoy delicious dishes that are fun to eat and simple to prepare.
My Dad has been making this recipe for family gatherings for close to twenty years now. When we get together for Sunday lunch, to watch an LSU or Saints game on TV, or to celebrate a birthday, the odds are pretty good that fajitas will be on the menu.
With an extended family that now includes 5 siblings, their spouses, kids, and friends … as well as the occasional neighbor who just drops in during supper hour, my father is always feeding a crowd. Having a recipe like this that is easy to prepare in large quantities is the key to his (and now my) stress-free entertaining.
My family loves this recipe so much that it seemed fitting that it would be the cover of my new grilling cookbook.
Trust me when I tell you these are the best fajitas you will ever have! Enjoy!
Tequila Chicken Fajitas
Clean, rinse, and pat dry chicken breasts (Boneless, Skinless). Place in a bowl and rub each piece with olive oil. Add one head of garlic thinly sliced and a small onion sliced. Add a generous amount of Tabasco sauce and make certain each piece of chicken is seasoned. Add a couple of jiggers of Tequila to the dish and then add enough fresh lemon juice to cover the chicken. Place in the refrigerator for several hours. Best when left over night. Be sure to cover while marinating
Slice in thin strips one red, green, and yellow bell pepper. Cut one large onion in half and slice thinly. Saute the bell peppers and onion in a good olive oil till soft. Place the chicken breasts on a hot grill and cook turning once till done, thinly slice when done. Serve on warm tortillas with the onion and bell peppers along with guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese.
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Author Jennifer Chandler has two other Simple cookbooks including Simply Suppers and Simply Salads. She also was a former national spokesperson for French’s Mustard™. You can connect with Jennifer on Twitter, Facebook, and her blog Cook with Jennifer.
Part of our Heirloom Recipe Series, featuring foodies, chefs, artisans, Southerners & fabulous folks willing to share their stories, recipes and photos in an effort to help preserve and share these family recipes for generations to come.
Today I am very excited to introduce to you Jennifer Chandler, another wonderful person I’ve been lucky to have met through Twitter. I am even more excited about her new cookbook, Simply Grilling – perfect for summer! My family LOVES to grill, and I know yours is no exception. It’s a good time to cook outdoors and take a break from the heat of the kitchen.
I have enjoyed Jennifer’s take on cooking by making dishes simple and easy to cook. I am thrilled there will be a giveaway right here on heirloomed for one copy of her new book Simply Grilling. This is the perfect book to get your summer started. Here’s what you need to do to be that lucky person …
Entering is so simple. You can earn one entry for each of the below that you might choose to do, for a chance at 4 total entries – just remember to leave a comment for EACH of the below that you complete so your efforts will be counted!
1. Leave a comment below telling us what you enjoy grilling most!
2. Follow @cookwjennifer on Twitter
3. Follow @heirloomed on Twitter
4. RT the following: I just entered to win @cookwjennifer’s new book Simply Grilling at @heirloomed! http://ht.ly/atoLD
Be sure to enter by Friday, April 27th at 5PM EST.
You can visit www.cookingwithjennifer.com for all the details of the book and to purchase. Jennifer has also graciously joined me this week too for another installment of the Heirloom Recipe Series and y’all are going to LOVE what she put together! Please do support Jennifer by picking up a copy – perfect for being outside and starting the grill!
Giveaway entries must be submitted between 4-23-12 and 4-27-12 at 5PM EST . Winner to be chosen at random and will be announced on 4-30-12. Open only to US residents. A maximum of four (4) entries per person are allowed. No purchase is necessary of course. Some restrictions may apply.
I always notice {and pin} vintage-inspired items that I see come out. Of course if you know me by now, you know I love when people find throw-back elements they love and bring them back in a current way that works for today. It’s not dated, not stale or old – it’s something new and fresh but with a fabulously old-school feel.
So today I bring you some of my favorite recent throw-back finds. This just may become a more regular series on the heirloomed blog … what do you think? Would you like to see it?
Throw-Back’s : Karlsson’s limited-edition Batch 2008 potato vodka {click over, a good read!} /Restoration Hardware baby & child 19th C. Quatrefoil Iron Bed {because I must include my favorite RH} / Best Made Company Cloth Extension Cord {adore the design} / iRetrophone Steampunk phone {yes that’s an iPhone in there!}
I continue to be excited by the different nuances of the Heirloom Recipe Series with each new guest. And, this week I’m excited to have TWO special guests! The “dynamic duo” of Valley & Co. – a husband + wife wedding and events planning team. What could possibly be sweeter or more passionate? I am in love. And, their love for the beach seems to rival mine – which I both love and appreciate!
And, if they couldn’t be any more fabulous, they are hosting a fun IceMilk Aprons giveaway over on their blog and let me share some of my top picks for Spring, too! If there is anyone that can’t wait to thaw out {as much as those in the South do have to thaw …} it’s me, so I loved looking ahead to this much anticipated season with them. Click over to enter before it’s too late!
Plum Torte
Family recipes are treasures in our home. They’re a comfort, a memory and a delicious bit of happiness.
While we have so many cherished recipes from both sides of our families we look forward to during the holidays, birthdays and celebrations and those that celebrate our heritage, one favorite rises to the top of our list. This recipe for plum torte brings back memories of being at home with Aleah’s parents on the island. Just saying the island bubbles up memories of laughter and relaxation and waking up to a sunrise over the salty sea with the clouds billowing atop the water.
Bonfires and s’mores are a must and beach walks and long dinners and days spent just enjoying family are commonplace. Aleah’s mom always whips up just incredibly fresh Northwest-style dinners that last for hours and on many occasions those memorable dinners, whether celebratory or just because, are topped off with plum torte baked by Aleah’s dad.
What’s so special is that for visits home we know to expect this plucked-from-the-tree goodness made from scratch. While the recipe comes from a cookbook with dog-eared pages and a tattered cover it’s made from love, and Aleah’s dad has gotten it down to his own science and whips it up from memory. Here is the original recipe from the cook book – it’s the perfect recipe to cook up for springtime holidays and celebrations. We hope it becomes a tradition in your home. Enjoy!
Be sure to connect with Aleah & Nick at Valley & Co. and over on their fabulous blog too! And, don’t forget to Follow on Twitter and give a Like on Facebook!
Part of our Heirloom Recipe Series, featuring foodies, chefs, artisans, Southerners & fabulous folks willing to share their stories, recipes and photos in an effort to help preserve and share these family recipes for generations to come.
There are so many things I love about the Heirloom Recipe Series, unexpected things that I could never have imagined when I first dreamed up the concept. One of my favorites is how excited people get about their recipes and the stories behind them. Through this process, they learn things and ask family members things they otherwise would never have known.
I am so happy to have the lovely Sarah Copeland today as a guest in the Series – blogger at edible living and new author of The Newlywed Cookbook { we’re giving away one this week! }. In keeping with a marriage theme, Sarah has the most fabulous love story for us below that involves this wonderful recipe. This could very well be one of my favorites in the Series to date, I do hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
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Heirloom Recipe Series with Sarah Copeland
My Granddad Copeland brought this recipe for Brown Sugar Pudding home from a boarding house in Missouri where he stayed not long after he and my grandmother were secretly married. He gave the recipe to his young bride, my Grandma, Virginia, who I’m told would make it for him just as often as he wanted for the rest of their lives. Grandma and Granddad were married almost 70 years {I know, amazing!}, and were the definition of forever newlyweds. They were always lavishing each other with love and tenderness, which in Grandma’s case often came in the form of good southern cooking.
About marriage and love, Grandma always said to us “learn to make his favorite things.”
The original scanned recipe is in my aunt Gloria’s hand. She, the youngest of my grandparents three girls (they had three girls, then three boys), hand wrote all her mother’s recipes out for my aunt Dorothy, the eldest, when Dorothy got married in 1952. This is one of those pages, which Dorothy used for all the years of her own marriage.
When my parents were married, in 1969, my Aunt Dorothy wrote a hand-written copy of the recipe for my mother (attached). On hers, she wrote “Eat all you want ~ magic ~ it feeds all at your table.” I especially loved that line. It sounds just like my grandma, and it was the truth. Everything she made fed everyone at the table, whether there were 6 or 16, and I never remember there being leftovers of anything. That’s is the spirit of my book, and I hope the love and spirit everyone feels around my table. May it grow to hold 16 one day.
Brown Sugar Pudding
1 1/2 cups/300 g packed brown sugar
2 cups/480 ml hot water
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup/115 g all purpose flour
1/2 cup/100 g granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp iodized salt
1/2 cup/120 ml whole milk
1/2 cup/85 g raisins
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Freshly grated nutmeg
Preheat the oven to 450˚F/230˚C/gas 8.
In a big, wide, cast-iron pan {about 10 in/25 cm} mix together brown sugar and water until smooth. Add the butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the sugar dissolves into a deep brown sauce.
Meanwhile, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, raisins, and vanilla in a medium bowl to make a thick batter. Pour the batter into the boiling brown sugar sauce and stir just a little with a wooden spoon to encourage it to bubble to the top. Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg over the top.
Bake the pudding until it is browned and just set with brown sugar sauce welled up in puddles between the cake, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.
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New author Sarah Copeland is a recipe developer, having worked with Food Network and co-founder of their charitable initiative Good Food Garden with Share Our Strength. She writes a fabulous blog over at edible living, and be sure also to follower her on Twitter @edibleliving too!
