Innholdsfortegnelse for Simply Southern 2011 i Southern Lady

With each change of the season comes a fresh crop of delicious ideas. Some of my favorite meals have come from Saturday morning strolls through the farmers’ market. Ripe blueberries, sweet peaches, shiny apples, plump pumpkins, juicy oranges, and so much more—how refreshing to find bushels and baskets of such lovely things right at your fingertips, just waiting to inspire something wonderful. The food we prepare and share at annual celebrations and mid-week meals contributes another level of tradition to the gatherings themselves. The menu and the meeting truly do go hand in hand: homemade strawberry ice cream at the cookout, baked beans at the barbecue, roasted corn and pepper queso at the tailgate party. And we Southerners like it that way. From lively family dinners on the farm to…

Most everyone would agree that one day set aside each year to honor all of the wonderful mothers in the world is not nearly enough, so when that day rolls around, we want to make it memorable. Drawing inspiration from the glorious hydrangeas that fill Southern gardens this time of year, treat Mom to a flowerfilled fete that shows her just how extraordinary she is. Infuse this summer scene with flowers galore. A floral runner anchors the setting, and fresh-clipped hydrangeas arranged in vases, along with their artistic counterparts custom-printed on birch wood by Night Owl Paper Goods (nightowlpapergoods.com), complete this beautifully botanical scene. Summer Lettuce Wraps Makes 4 servings 2 firm ripe avocados, chopped 1 cup chopped seeded tomato 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice…

Enjoy all that autumn offers by organizing a trail ride with lifelong friends among evergreens and fallen leaves. Afterward, continue the seasonal celebration at the barn with a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that promises a heel-toe-do-si-do good time. Apple Slaw with Chive Dressing and Manchego Cheese Makes 10 to 12 servings 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced 2 (10-ounce) bags angel hair shredded cabbage 2 Granny Smith apples, cored, seeded, and julienned 2 Braeburn apples, cored, seeded, and julienned 4 ounces Manchego cheese, finely grated* 1. In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic…

The joyous holiday season is meant to be shared with the ones you love the most. Gather the family around the Christmas table for a dinner that is worthy of both the occasion and the company. A beautifully staged dining room, along with a hearty meal of succulent prime rib and delicious sides, creates wonderful memories that will last long after dessert is served. Sherried Butternut Squash Soup Makes about 2 1/2 quarts 2 large butternut squash, halved and seeded (about 4 cups cooked) 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped carrot 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 bay leaves 2 quarts chicken broth 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon sugar 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2…

Tiramisu Brownies Makes 1 dozen 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped 1/2 cup butter 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 4 large eggs, divided 1/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened Whipped cream (optional) Unsweetened cocoa powder (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan. 2. In the top of a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter over simmering water. Remove from heat. Whisk in 1 cup sugar. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, whisking until combined. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together liqueur, coffee granules, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add to chocolate mixture. Fold in 3/4 cup…

Soon she’ll be dressed all in white, standing next to her groom and starting a new life. But prior to the big day, honor the girls who stood by her side with a traditional Southern celebration. Cover the table in wedding-gown white, then set it with beautiful heirloom china that inspires the pretty accent colors for the tablescape. To this lovely scene, serve a menu of traditional tea foods with a few festive twists to make the celebration complete. Fuzzy Navel Mimosa Makes 1 drink 1 ounce fresh orange juice 1 ounce peach nectar 1/2 ounce peach schnapps 1/4 ounce orange-flavored liqueur 4 ounces chilled Champagne Garnish: orange spiral 1. In a chilled Champagne flute, combine orange juice, peach nectar, peach schnapps, and orange liqueur. Add Champagne. Garnish with orange…

A lazy summer afternoon is the ideal time to hit the links for a round of golf. While the boys are out perfecting their backswings, turn the table into a tribute to the game with accessories sure to score a hole in one with the family. From woven mats that mimic greens to golf-ball place cards bearing personalized flags, this setting is a guaranteed hit—as is the fabulous menu of delicious dishes. THE LEADER BOARD Play up the golf theme with these simple ideas: Stay on par with a color palette that takes its inspiration from a perfect day on the fairways. Rely on sky blue and grass green for the backdrop, and accentuate with sunny yellow and game-winning red. Underscore the golf motif with tumblers sporting “19th hole” designs…

Chocolate-Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches Makes 8 sandwiches 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 large egg yolks 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (about 1 cup strawberries) 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries 16 round chocolate wafer cookies* 1. In a large saucepan, heat cream, sugar, and salt over medium heat until tiny bubbles form around edges of pan. Remove from heat. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth. Using a ladle, pour 1 cup hot cream mixture in a slow, steady stream into yolks, whisking constantly. Pour yolk mixture into remaining hot cream mixture, whisking constantly; cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. 3. Strain mixture through a fine sieve over a…

When the air turns brisk and the days grow short, weeknight meals present a chance to nourish body and spirit. Arrange a thoughtful setting of inviting autumn hues, and set a pot of homemade chili simmering on the stovetop, calling one and all to the table for a time of togetherness. FALL FRILLS Inspiration abounds in natural fall accents and colors. Place gourds and pumpkins about the table, reserving the smallest versions for place-card holders, and adorn the chandelier with grapevine boughs and faux feathered friends. Spiked Apple Cider Tea Makes about 1 gallon 2 quarts cold water, divided 4 cinnamon sticks 3 family-size tea bags 3/4 cup sugar 1 (64-ounce) bottle apple cider 1 3/4 cups sweet tea-flavored vodka* 1/4 cup green apple-flavored vodka 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice…

Children need very little incentive to get in the holiday spirit. At the first hint of Christmas, they are caught up in the excitement, and that enthusiasm spills over like whipped cream in cocoa. Gather your favorite tots for a festive breakfast designed with wee ones in mind. Personalized plates and cups, a menu custommade for petite palates, and decorations made by artists from the guest list—what better way to celebrate this special season? Joy Juice Makes about 3 1/2 quarts 1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 4 cups pineapple juice 4 cups apple juice 2 (11.3-ounce) cans strawberrybanana nectar* 2 cups water Garnish: cubed apple, cubed orange 1. In a large pitcher, combine orange juice concentrate, pineapple juice, apple juice, strawberry-banana nectar, and water, stirring to combine…

With noses twitching playfully, our bunny buddies are pleased to present the best this delightful season has to offer. After waiting out a winter in their cozy quarters, these furry friends are once again bounding among the blossoms, hippity-hopping in jubilation, and commemorating the wonders of spring and the glory of Easter. The cheerful scene begins with a white tablecloth and cherished heirloom china. A pastel palette and garden-fresh menu happily combine, giving you an ideal setting to celebrate with the ones you love. FLUFF IT UP Set the table with a panorama of pretties for guests to discover during the meal, such as jellybean eggs in miniature cast-iron baskets and tiny bud-vase napkin rings holding bitsy bunches of buds. Starburst and pattypan are two interesting varieties of squash. You…

Peanut Butter-Banana Pudding Makes 8 servings 1 1/2 cups sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 cups half-and-half 6 egg yolks 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces 1/2 cup sour cream 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped, seeds reserved 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream Chopped honey-roasted peanuts Sliced bananas Sweetened whipped cream Garnish: chopped honey-roasted peanuts, peanut butter sandwich cookies 1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add halfand- half and egg yolks, whisking to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Remove from heat, and gradually whisk in butter until butter melts. Whisk in sour cream and vanilla bean seeds. Cool custard slightly; cover, and…

KEEP IT COOL The buffet-style setting makes the party fun and relaxed. Make it easy for guests to quench their thirst by filling a galvanized bucket with cold drinks. Be sure to keep a few bottle openers within reach, and refill the ice as needed so that beverages stay refreshingly chilled. The signature Otis Redding singalong song sums up the easy-going attitude of this late-afternoon get-together with friends. An array of appetizers and sweet treats makes up a menu that truly celebrates the waterside setting. Capitalize on the plentiful fresh local seafood with trays of tasty hors d’oeuvres, and add a little island flavor with refreshing drinks and tropical desserts. Aimee’s Blue Wave Makes 1 drink 1 1/2 ounces lime-flavored vodka 1 ounce blue curaçao 1 ounce fresh lime juice…

A breathtaking setting, the crunch of leaves underfoot, exhilarating mountain air, and the aromas and flflavors of a special meal—what an occasion for the senses! Plan a menu that celebrates some of fall’s favorite fruits as you welcome guests to your gracious mountaintop dining room. Fall Salad with Molasses Vinaigrette Makes 4 servings 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 cups mesclun greens 2 cups baby arugula 1 cup shaved fennel 8 fresh figs, cut into quarters 1 recipe Molasses Vinaigrette (recipe follows) Garnish: shaved Gruyère cheese, toasted cashews 1. Preheat oven to 450°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. 2. In a small bowl, combine red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper; toss to…

Turtle Pie Makes 1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels 2 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream, divided 1 baked (9-inch) deep-dish pie crust (recipe follows) 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate morsels 1/2 cup melted caramel* 1. In a small bowl, combine chocolate morsels and 1/4 cup cream. Microwave on High in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate is melted and smooth (about 1 minute total). Spread chocolate mixture evenly over bottom of baked pie crust; set aside to cool completely. 2. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, 1/2 cup cream, and butter over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Stir…

Whether you’ve been together 5 months or 50 years, it’s important to make time for just the two of you. A quiet evening at home is more memorable than the best restaurant in town when you create a setting as beautiful as the love you share. Curried Carrot Soup Makes 2 servings 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 cups grated carrot 1/2 cup chopped celery 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup Riesling wine 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper Garnish: carrot curls 1. In a medium saucepan, heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add onion and garlic; cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add carrot and celery; cook…