Innholdsfortegnelse for Simply Southern 2009 i Southern Lady

I was born and raised in Alabama’s red clay, and over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the way it clings to my boots. No matter where I roam, my Southern sensibilities go with me, as do the tastes and traditions passed down through the generations of my family who have called this region home. From lemon meringue pie at the church picnic to roasted turkey at Christmas, cooking and entertaining have helped defifine the South. In every season, we celebrate special occasions and simple pleasures, and in this issue, you’ll fifind a collection of Southern Lady’s best recipes and ideas. We hope this volume will remind you of happy times and inspire you to gather often with those who are near and dear, opening your heart and home and…

In the middle of a tree-lined meadow, a private paradise emerges. Cover a table with a pretty cloth, and use fresh cuts from the garden as the centerpiece. A canvas canopy shields the dining area from the sun, and as the afternoon fades into evening, iron lanterns light the way with the romantic glow of candles. Take your time dining on foods from the picnic basket, and be sure to savor the magnificent surrounds. “Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” —Henry James Mediterranean Chicken Wraps with Feta Dressing Makes 4 servings 4 (8-inch) sun-dried tomato tortillas 1 head green leaf lettuce, shredded 2 cups precooked grilled chicken pieces or sliced cooked chicken 1/2 cup sliced black olives…

Soft breezes whisper through the pines while gentle waves lap the shores of a tucked-away mountain lake. The chickadees chime in with their cheerful tune, entreating you to join them on this autumn afternoon. With a symphony this sublime, who could resist? Gather the ingredients for a soul-nourishing meal, then set a table outdoors with dinnerware and linens in fall’s signature shades and accents collected from nature. Louisiana Crab Dip Makes about 6 cups 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup sour cream 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 11/2 tablespoons Creole seasoning 2 teaspoons dried minced onion 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional) 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 (8-ounce) containers fresh lump crabmeat, picked Garnish: Creole seasoning, parsley 1. In…

The joyful season that spans from early December to January is filled with gatherings both great and small. Whether you are celebrating the birth of a King or ringing in all the bright promises of a new year, the tablescape needs to be elegant and inviting, with lots of festive details. Iridescent trims and gleaming baubles serve as a pretty and polished backdrop to a delicious traditional meal shared with the ones you love. Pickled Shrimp Makes 8 to 10 servings 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar 2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce 1 teaspoon paprika 10 bay leaves 3 quarts water 21/2 teaspoons salt, divided 2 pounds large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 large white onion, thinly sliced 1. In a small…

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Makes 1 (8-inch) cake 4 (1-ounce) squares white baking chocolate 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup shortening 21/2 cups sugar 41/2 cups cake flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 11/2 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 8 egg whites 1 (18-ounce) jar seedless raspberry preserves White Chocolate Frosting (recipe follows) Garnish: fresh raspberries, white and milk chocolate curls 1. Preheat oven to 325°. Grease and flour 3 (8-inch) cake pans. 2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate in microwave on High in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth (approximately 11/2 minutes total). Set aside to cool. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and shortening at medium-high speed with an electric mixer for 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar; beat…

Whether it is Easter Sunday or any other calendar day, begin with an expression of jubilation by creating a table filled with flourishing charm, favorite figurines, and bountiful breakfast foods. This easy-to-make meal provides an opportunity for the family to pass biscuits and count blessings, and every time these recipes are made and served, they’re sure to be savored, as is the sublime time spent with those you love. Baked Fontina and Prosciutto Grits Makes 6 to 8 servings 31/2 cups water 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup old-fashioned grits (not quick or instant) 11/2 cups grated fontina cheese 1/2 cup chopped prosciutto 1/4 cup butter 11/2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 large eggs 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Fill a 13x9-inch…

A day at the beach is filled with promise. A morning stroll can turn into a treasure hunt, a chance meeting can spark an instant friendship, and a simple deck can become an outdoor dining room. Embrace the possibilities, and set a table that celebrates the best of the beach. With fresh-catch flavors and oceanic delights, a shore-inspired gathering is destined to be one of summer’s most shining moments. REFRESH & RELAX A sea breeze keeps the heat at bay—and so does an ice-cold pitcher of sangria. Garnish this thirst-quencher with slices of pineapple, pear, and kiwi, which add color and flflavor. Then, linger longer in the open air, swaying on a swing, to and fro, mimicking the motion of waves as they crash upon the shore. Fried Green Tomato…

This cake was developed especially for our editor, who happens to love peanut butter and chocolate. For a birthday or any day, serve it with a smile and a tall glass of milk. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Makes 1 (9-inch) layered cake 3/4 cup butter, softened 21/4 cups sugar 1 cup creamy peanut butter 6 large eggs 33/4 cups sifted allpurpose flour 21/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 11/4 cups milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Chocolate Fudge Frosting (recipe follows) Garnish: chopped honeyroasted peanuts 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) cake pans. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an eletric mixer until fluffy. Add peanut butter; beat until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after…

Little pumpkins with chubby cheeks and bare feet make fall so much fun! Set the stage for a make-believe masquerade that requires costumes and guarantees smiles. Flickering jack-o’-lanterns cast a cheerful glow across the scene, while bright colors and rustic burlap mix like magic to make the party appealing to both the young and young at heart. Serve snacks, play games, and end the day with take-home treats. Miss Muffet’s Cupcakes Makes 2 dozen 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 11/2 cups sugar, divided 1 tablespoon orange zest 4 large eggs, separated 21/2 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon orange extract Orange Frosting (recipe follows) Garnish: cake sparkles 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans…

Oh, the promises of a brand new year! How we love that fresh, clean page to begin anew. We make plans to redecorate our homes, rejuvenate our gardens, and refresh our souls. But first, we gather our closest companions for an elegant brunch to herald the beginning of what will surely be the happiest year ever. Liberal touches of gold, crystal, and porcelain lend an opulent air to this joyous and unforgettable occasion. BRIGHT & BUBBLY Delight merrymakers with personal touches, such as ceramic birds acting as place card holders. Extra bursts of brilliance are found in sparkling serving pieces and glassware. Fill flflutes with our Mock Champagne Cocktail, and toast old friendships and the New Year. Mimosas Makes 4 servings 11/3 cups orange juice, chilled 2 teaspoons orange liqueur…

A mother’s love is like no other. It lifts us up and keeps us grounded. It allows us to take pride in our accomplishments and teaches us to be humble. It encourages us to laugh with abandon, and it dries our tender tears, too. It’s no wonder then that we set aside the second Sunday of each May to honor the devoted women who have given us immeasurable and unconditional affection since our beginning breaths. Calla Lily Tea Sandwiches Makes about 4 dozen sandwiches 1 (5.2-ounce) package garlic and herb-flavored Boursin cheese, softened 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 48 slices white bread Garnish: paprika, peeled carrots, green onions 1. In a small bowl,…

Strawberry Charlotte Makes 1 (81/2-inch) charlotte 2 (3-ounce) packages ladyfingers, split 1/4 cup cold water 1 (0.25-ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup strawberry syrup 2 teaspoons strawberry extract 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon sugar 1 (1-pound) container fresh strawberries, divided 1/4 cup strawberry jelly, melted 1. Line bottom of a 81/2-inch springform pan with waxed paper. Lightly spray the bottom and sides with cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with ladyfingers, making sure they fit together snugly. 2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine cold water and gelatin; let stand 5 minutes. Microwave on High until dissolved (approximately 15 seconds total); cool slightly. 3. In a medium bowl, combine…

When flower-filled May slips into balmy June, we fluff up the pillows on the front porch swing and prepare to sit a spell. It’s true iced tea tastes sweeter outdoors, that conversations are more interesting and food is even more delicious. Since summertime offers such a wide array of fresh fruits just ripe for pickin’, you can whip up delectable delights in no time flat for those impromptu visits with neighbors and friends. Swing along with the leisurely pace of the season. Seven Layer Fruit Salad Makes 10 to 12 servings 3 cups cubed cantaloupe 3 cups cubed fresh pineapple 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries 4 bananas, sliced 3 cups fresh blueberries 3 cups cubed honeydew 1 (12-ounce) container frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed 1 (6-ounce) container strawberry yogurt 2…

In the midst of a beautiful pastoral scene lies a harvest table, overflowing with the bounty of the season. Mother Nature has been gracious, giving an abundant yield as reward for the farmer’s labor. Squash and sweet potatoes lend their hues to the setting’s brilliant color palette. Baskets of apples bestow their own shades and flavors that are so distinctively autumn and also provide the inspiration for an apple-infused menu. “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” —George Eliot Garlic and Parsley Focaccia Makes 6 to 8 servings 11/4 cups warm water (105° to 115°) 2 teaspoons sugar 1 (1/4-ounce) envelope active dry yeast 33/4 cups all-purpose flour 11/2 teaspoons salt 3…

Sweet Potato Gingerbread with Maple Pecan Butter Sauce Makes 12 servings 21/2 cups all-purpose flour 11/2 teaspoons baking soda 11/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 11/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1/4 cup dark molasses 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Maple Pecan Butter Sauce (recipe follows) 1. Preheat oven to 350º. Grease and flour a 13x9-inch pan. 2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon; set aside. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and butter; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add sweet potato, milk, molasses, eggs, and vanilla,…

Though a lasting love knows no boundaries of time, a heart can’t help the blissful beating that comes from celebrating St. Valentine’s Day. Though the menu alone will surely show your sweetheart how much you care, a thoughtfully set table will create an air of romance. A wrapped and beribboned token of affection kindles anticipation. Infused with the ambiance of amour, this dinner will set those butterflies a’fluttering. Vegetable Soup Makes 3 cups 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 3/4 cup finely chopped onion 1/2 cup finely chopped celery 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot 1/2 cup niblet corn 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream Garnish: chopped celery, chopped carrot, fresh…

A classic blue-and-white color scheme is timeless indeed, but adding a fresh touch of buttercup yellow truly makes a setting come alive. Whether it’s a bunch of tulips or a bowl of lemons, that punch of yellow adds instant cheer and sets the tone for a gathering of friends to celebrate the arrival of spring. Serve the meal inside, then move the party to the patio to enjoy drinks and dessert in the glorious sunshine. Cucumber Soup Makes 6 to 8 servings 6 green onions, chopped 4 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped 2 cups buttermilk 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill 11/2 teaspoons salt 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Garnish: sour cream,…

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” —G.K. Chesterton Credits COVER Photograph by Mac Jamieson Styling by Andrea Fanning and Jennifer Richburg Resources: Rosso Vecchio China and Poppy China by Vietri FROM OUR EDITOR Hair and Makeup Styling by Celine C. Russell Styling by Adrienne Alldredge Photography by Marcy Black Simpson Wardrobe Provided by Kay Unger and Neiman Marcus Resources: Bench and Pillows from Seibels; basket from Tricia’s Treasures Special Thanks to Amy Choran Simply Summer SEASIDE SHIMMER Styling by Adrienne Alldredge Photography by Marcy Black Simpson Special Thanks to Bella Flora, At Home Furnishings, Pottery Barn, Target, Linens ‘n Things, Annie Glass, World Market, Kmart, Lamb’s Ears, Grassroots, HomeGoods, Summerhill, Ltd, Rivard Realty of South Walton, and…