Try It You'll Like It!

At this point in my life and culinary journey, I thought I had heard of or tasted just about every type of food or recipe born in the South...not so.

This week, my good friend, Janie Payne made Chocolate Gravy for breakfast...wow!

This stuff is going into the new cookbook and will be a staple at all family/holiday breakfasts moving forward. (My future grandkids will have glorious memories of breakfast with Grandaddy)?
As with most good, southern cooks, Janie does not measure or record exact amounts, but it starts off like this:


CHOCOLATE GRAVY
1 stick of butter, melted slowly in skillet
Add mixture of equal parts Flour and Cocoa (unsweetened)--use 1/2 Cup total per recipe.
1 to 1 1/2 Cups Sugar (Splenda),
Cook dry ingredients in the butter as you would a roux, stirring constantly, do not let sugar carmelize, but cook flour well.
1 T. Vanilla
Slowly add milk, (as a beginner, I would warm milk in micro for 20 seconds)
Stir briskly until you get a smooth, creamy texture. It will continue to thicken as it cooks and especially as it starts to cool.

Keep Covered until ready to serve and then spoon over hot biscuits, pancakes, waffles...

Note: This was a slow process and because the cocoa masks the color of the cooking flour, you may have to experiment with the cooking temps and times. It can lump and burn on you, so give it a few attempts and patient tries...well worth it!

ENJOY!

PS...the "new" cookbook should be available in the far future. I keep looking for the time to sit down and get all the ideas and recipes into one spot! I'll git er done one of these days...

Food Forever

Several months ago, I was asked this random question:

"If you had to eat the same thing everyday for the rest of your life, what would it be"?

I answered immediately: Grilled Cheese or Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich...

At the time, I thought to myself...really?...Would this answer change depending on my mood, who was asking the question? current environment?

Well, it has been over 10 months and for some reason, this question has come up in several conversations.. I am sticking with my original, gut feeling.

I could eat a grilled cheese or ham and cheese sandwich everyday.

Now, everytime I make one at home or order one while eating out, I am reminded about this question and my answer is validated, I love a good grilled cheese!

I must also say that not all grilled cheese sandwiches are created equal. One would think that this basic of all basic comfort foods would have little variation in taste, texture, style and structure. Not so. While there are hundreds of possible combinations and numerous attempts have been made to take a gourmet swing at this culinary staple, nothing beats the simple combo of bread and cheese, cooked in butter/margarine/PAM on a hot griddle or skillet.

Since this question was posed to me, I have been keeping track of some of my favorites...

The short list:

Waffle House--consistent and cheap
Atlanta Bread Company--Provolone on Sour Dough
Courtney's Restaurant-Birmingham, AL--just good
Hilton Hotel-Myrtle Beach, SC--Crispy Bread, lots of real Cheddar
OK Cafe-Atlanta, GA--just good
Demitri's BBQ-Birmingham, AL--WOW! Best Cheese--all time favorite
(Update New Contender as of 11-5-09: The CABIN Pancake House in Pigeon Forge, TN

WORST EVER-Piccadilly Grille-Bread toasted in toaster then 1 piece of American Cheese placed in the middle and served in styrofoam box. Another surprise disappointment was the Grilled Bacon and Cheese at the Cracker Barrel--really! Not so good...

When at home, I prefer honey wheat, a little mayo and 1 slice cheddar, 1 slice provolone grilled in a little butter on hot cast iron skillet...makes me smile...

Enjoy!

S T R E T C H

Stretching is an exercise that is more than just pushing or pulling muscles in order to relieve tension. I am learning that I need to stretch more. T0 stretch myself physically as well as spiritually and mentally. Stretching before and after exercise prevents injury and protects the back and joints. Stretching these other areas--pulls me out of my "box" and pushes me to my self induced limits.

Last month, I was allowed and required to stretch myself in so many ways. On several occasions, I was out of my comfort zone, in over my head and forced to ask for help and direction. I joined a group of 300 high school students on Spring Break mission trip and traveled to Mexico. This trip forced me to wear hats and take on responsibilities both new and foreign.

Those who know me well will verify that common house hold tools are not something I use frequently or have a general need for. However, on this trip, I "lead" a group of students to build a house for a Mexican family...and we did it in 4 days! I was completely lost, even with the manual, and quickly discovered that I had no natural talent or instinct for this project. I had to ask for help, learn on the fly and stretch (trust) that I could do my part and be a contributor.

This new home included 4 walls, 4 windows, 2 doors, and tin roof. I learned how to install windows properly (there is a technique!! who knew?!). I learned the difference between the beam, the truss and the perlins--that was a brand new addition to my vocabulary. The completed structure measured a full 10 feet x 14 feet. This is now a home for a family of 4! Most of us have bedrooms larger than this house. I had to stretch (my thinking) to appreciate how truly blessed I am.

We traveled from Atlanta to Matamoros, Mexico by bus. Our lodging was a bunkhouse of sorts. The water...well, you know. It was hot, dry, dusty and Spanish is not my second language! Dispite our living and travel conditions, I was constantly amazed at the maturity level and the display of servanthood I experienced with these kids. Seldom did I have to be a parent and lead...they lead me and showed me new ways to relax and have pure fun. I had to stretch (my control) and let go...enjoy each moment as it presented itself...allow God, these kids and the environment to determine what should happen next. I became an observer and a sponge...that is not common for me...I was stretched.

All this to say, don't sell yourself short...step out of your zone and do something that requires you to be humbled and learn a new skill. Expect more from yourself and expect God to show you that He can use you in new ways. Ask God to stretch you...it can change your life!

Enjoy!

More Food and Fun!

A simple email to some friends about a local Pizza Hut promotion quickly spun out of control and gave us all a chuckle...others have asked me to share so here ya go...ENJOY!

Hey,

Just a head’s up about Pizza Hut…there is one in the Publix center across from the church…in case you guys ever need food delivered for meetings, parties, gatherings or whatever…they are now doing pasta in addition to pizza and wings…mmmmm

Revelation: You know, I hate to admit it, but you can always count on me to know the latest and greatest about food in East Cobb and the greater Atlanta area!! Its an obsession and on the verge of some type of sickness, psychosis. I think I may need a
12 Step program (another one!).

My program will look a lot like this…

Step 1—I am powerless over fast food (any food) and my life has become unmanageable (along with my long hair)
Step 2—I have come to believe a power greater than myself can restore me to sanity (or maybe I should just up the dose of Xanex/Valium)
Step 3—Made a decision to turn my life over to the care of God (I did that 30 years ago—that was before internet food ads and food blogs, food network, Willy Wonka and Biggie Size IT!) Need Him more than ever now...
Step 4—Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself (I weigh each week at the Y, naked, in front of 3 witnesses…not a nice visual but brutal honesty)
Step 5—Admitted to God, to myself and another human being (that would be ya’ll) the exact nature of my wrongs (burp!)
Step 6—Became entirely ready for God to remove these defects of character (as well as my spare tire, man-boobs, and 3 out of 4 chins) Maybe God will send a Plastic Surgeon my way!
Step 7—Humbly asked God to remove my shortcomings (as well as the aforementioned gut, chest and chins)
Step 8—Made a list of all persons I had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all (OR I can just make everyone a cobbler, some enchiladas or Mac and Cheese and call it even!)
Step 9—Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others (Back into the kitchen--cake is quick cure all!) Step 10—Continue to take personal inventory and when I am wrong promptly admit it (uh, can someone define "promptly…")
Step 11—Sought through power and meditation to improve my conscious contact with God, praying only for the knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out (Hey, I got this one down. 11 out of 12, not so bad)
Step 12—Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, I try to carry this message to others (that would be ya’ll) and to practice these principles in all my affairs (Listen, can we talk about all of this over some lunch, dinner, breakfast, a little snack, leftovers…you choose!!)

Anyway, I really was sending this notice about the Pizza Hut stuff (see below) as a head’s up!!

I need professional help……going go get some now….right after lunch….

Some Words of Wisdom (from Today's Reading)

It's cool when we get those moments of clarity or an "ah-ha" from something we read or hear. Many times it is words, phrases or scripture that we have heard over and over but it makes perfect sense today or is completely relevant to the present situation...I believe God's timing is always perfect and His way of being present in our situation.

I have several books and devotionals that I like to read from each morning. This message from my Courage to Change book was helpful to me and I want to share it...ENJOY...

In the past, forgivness meant power to me. I could judge an offender--the person wasn't doing what I wanted them to do (or thought they should do)--and then exercise my power by showing that I could rise above the offense and magnanimously bestow my forgiveness. But I would never forget what had been done. Today I know that forgiveness has nothing to do with
power. It does not give me control. Forgiveness is simply a reminder that I am on equal footing with every other child of God. We all do good and noble things at times; on other occasions we may offend. I have no right to judge, punish, or absolve anyone. When I behave self-rightously, I'm the one who suffers--I separate myself from my fellow human beings, focus on others, and keep busy with hateful and negative thoughts. By taking this attitude I tell myself that I am a victim, so I remain a victim. The most forgiving thing I can do is to remember that my job is not to judge others, but to think and behave in a way that lets me feel good.

TODAY's REMINDER--I don't know the motives or circumstances that cause another's behavior. I do know that when I hold onto resentment and blame, I occupy my spirit with bitterness. Today I will find a more nurturing way to fill myself up.

"YOU CAN'T HOLD A MAN DOWN WITHOUT STAYING DOWN WITH HIM."

Booker T. Washington

We often spend time focusing on the actions and attitudes of others and then we seem to have a deep need to comment on their actions or attitudes either to them (nag) or to someone else (gossip). Alot of energy is spent on others in a futile attempt to change them or let them know we are not approving of them and/or their behavior.

I'm not sure as to why we do this, but I have decided that I don't want to do it anymore.

Be patient and give me some time. Old habits are hard to break!

ALL IS WELL

This past weekend, I witnessed some incredible leadership, planning, implementation, delegation and teamwork! All from high school kids...they were awesome! I was one of three adult "sponsors" on a weekend camping trip with the Pope High School FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) group. These kids, planned the trip, took care of all the details, bought the groceries, selected the camp site, set up the tents and made a wet, dreary weekend something to be cherished and remembered. I was literally along for the ride...what a joy!!

The weather was less than cooperative, but not one single person complained! When we got to the site, it was completely dark, but everyone worked together to unloaded the gear, hustled looking for firewood and did whatever need to get done to prepare for a wet weekend. The air was damp (so was all the wood) but they managed to create a great campfire to dry us out and then lead worship under the stars. We were awakened around 3:00am to an amazing thunder and lightning show that echoed through the mountains of the Alabama State Park...the bottom fell out and it poured for a while, then stopped. The moon shone bright enough that flashlights were not necessary "nature called" and you had to step out of your tent and wonder a few yards away from camp. The nearest facilities were miles away, oh well...

The next day, after a lesiurely breakfast of Bacon and Eggs cooked over the campfire, we hiked several trails, saw some beautiful water falls, a few jumped off of the rocky cliffs into the icy water, got out and did it again! Enjoying all that nature had to offer...free of charge! PB and J sandwiches for lunch by the creek and back to the hiking trails. We got soaked by an afternoon shower while jogging to see the last of the falls...all is well!

Back to camp to build a huge fire to dry off by. Chef Jared treated us all to Cheeseburgers and Dogs cooked over the open fire and we grabbed wet sticks to create the best S'Mores ever! Campfire talk and stories of embarassing moments, school pranks and "this one time..." Gene again lead us in worship with his guitar and group singing. I kept thinking that most adults do not work this well together (without a committee chair and strategic planning) much less allow themselves to enjoy the the moments that nature in it's purest form provides. There was no set agenda to follow, just be present, enjoy each other, respect each other and laugh alot.

The next morning, everyone up and at'em by 7:30, chipping in to pack, clean and haul all the gear back down to where the vehicles were parked and head home. I was dirty, smelly and completely exhausted. But my spirit was refreshed and encouraged by these kids. I am so glad my future is in their hands! Thanks PHS/FCA for a great weekend...because you gave so much of yourself, I slept like a baby on wet, hard ground in a cold tent--completely out of my element! Can't wait til next year...all is well.

Small Plates...GENIUS!

A RESTAURANT REVIEW

7:30pm, Reservation for 4, a great meal, a great Saturday night...

It was the weekend after Valentine's Day and after 15 phone calls and signifcant web hunting, this was one the only restaurant that could seat us before 9:3opm...it was a risk since none of us had ever heard of the place. We were looking for something different, something special...we found it.

Two steps into VIII fifty on Holcomb Bridge Rd and I knew. We are not in East Cobb anymore! Situated in yet another strip shopping center eatery that Atlanta suburbs are known for, we could have easily been dining in New York, Las Vegas or Miami. This former Rio Bravo has been transformed into a stylish, modern "hot spot." The space is wide open, and the best part, it's not too loud...loved that! Guess I am showing my age.

I fell in love with the concept of Small Plates or "Tapas" several years ago while working in Miami. First, at a downtown Spanish Cafe that has been around for ages, the at TuTu Tango in Coconut Grove as well as Buckhead. The Chinese have been dishing up their small tastes during "Dim Sum" for ages. This is a great way to eat because you get to try all kinds of food, share with others and eat to your heart's content. Everyone's happy!

While "Tapas" are usually Spanish or have a Latin flavor, many chefs have incorporated or fused international dishes into all sorts of unique tastes and plated them in small portions to be mixed and matched and ordered throughout the meal. At VIII fifty this is the way to go. They do have a section dedicated to some great looking entrees but we could not get past the top half of the menu.

My first plate, a salad, was Brussel Spouts. I NEVER eat Brussel Spouts...NEVER! I did during this outing and they were something else. Roasted with bacon and apples, dressed with onion vinaigrette...who knew!? I will try them again.

Another feature was they did not clutter our table with tons of little plates. In addition to the salads, we ordered another 5 dishes and they brought them on a long, skinny platter that went down the middle of our booth so that we all had access and did not have to shuffle and pass dishes all evening...cool!

Round 1: A table-top buffet of Scallops, Duck, Kobe Beef Sliders (aka mini burgers), and Lobster Corn Salad. All very tasty and easy to share. The Ceviche came in a Martini glass and was chock full of seafood, but not one of my favorites. (Sauce was a little too think and had a overly sweet, catsup-like taste). For something different we had the New Orleans Crawfish Cheescake and the Maytag Strudel...the later being the group favorite and the star of the evening!

Round 2: We ordered the Roasted Chicken Pot Pie and the Singapore Street Noodles...WOW...not Small Plates but Big Bowls! We could not finish them between the 4 of us. The Pot Pie was very Southern, very Homemade and a meal in itself. The Noodles were in a spicy, green curry. I loved the heat, but you should know, these Thai style noodles have quite a kick. Save them for last so you can enjoy the full range of sweet, savory, fresh and hearty dishes.
After all this, there are still at least 10 "Small Plates" that need to be tasted and the next time I am saving room for desserts (plural). Thanks VIII fifty for a nice dinner. We will be back...soon!