Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2018 i Southern Lady

“WHO CAN FIND A VIRTUOUS WOMAN? FOR HER PRICE IS FAR ABOVE RUBIES.” PROVERBS 31:10 Fall is upon us! I adore everything about this season, especially the last wave of flowers that grace Southern gardens before chilly weather arrives. Among the most spectacular are dahlias—these ruffled blooms are true showstoppers! Our outdoor table setting on page 47 celebrates dahlias at their blossoming best: peeking from a cluster of casual vases; perched on plates; spilling from a wheelbarrow. Doesn’t the whole scene just make you feel happy inside? Flowers aren’t the only things ready to harvest this time of year—it’s prime time for apples, too. Orchards abound throughout the South, from Tennessee to Virginia, and the branches are laden with ripe fruit in glorious reds, greens, and golds. (Count yourself lucky…

Less than a decade ago, Stephanie Duttenhaver and Cindy Edwards of Savannah-based Sapelo Skin Care found themselves face-to-face with a chemist assuring them that their budding business venture was futile. “He looked us in the eye for an entire year and said, ‘Ladies, you can’t afford to make this product,’” says Stephanie, who along with Cindy, was determined to develop a high-quality line of age-reversing skin care products unlike anything else available at the time. When Cindy and Stephanie first teamed up in 2012 as board members of the Savannah Book Festival, they were both soon-to-be empty nesters. Not only did they share a passion for volunteer work, but they also bonded quickly over their interest in finding an anti-aging regimen that differed from products and procedures saturating the marketplace,…

As intimations of autumn unfurl, greet the refreshing shift of seasons with a majestic floral display. Borrow a natural wooden serving bowl from your kitchen collection and cut a piece of floral foam that can easily be nestled inside. While soaking the foam in water, line the bowl’s interior with plastic wrap for added protection. Start with a base of ornamental kale plants, allowing the ruffled leaves to fan and fall where they may. Burgundy dahlias, as luxuriant as velvet, stand tall above mini ombré carnations and clusters of hot pink spray roses. Sprigs of long-leaf seeded eucalyptus lend textural contrast along with brunia berries. Since their beauty endures as they dry, reuse these silver-toned berry bunches to impart a soft patina to arrangements throughout the year.…

Fennel and Apple Salad MAKES ABOUT 6 SERVINGS 1 medium Gala apple, cored and thinly sliced 1 small bulb fennel, cored and thinly sliced 1 (5-ounce) package fresh baby kale ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts 2 tablespoons chopped fresh fennel fronds 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice ½ teaspoon honey ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper Garnish: chopped toasted walnuts, chopped fennel fronds 1. In a large bowl, toss together apple, fennel, kale, walnuts, and fennel fronds until combined. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper until combined. Add to apple mixture, tossing to coat. Garnish with walnuts and fennel fronds, if desired. Apple-Thyme Pork Chops MAKES 6 SERVINGS 3 tablespoons unsalted…

TANGY MARINATED LOUISIANA BLUE CRAB CLAWS MAKES 10 TO 12 SERVINGS 2 pounds cooked crab claws ½ cup chopped green onion 2 (0.7-ounce) envelopes Italian dressing mix ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon zest ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper Garnish: lemon zest 1. Place crab claws in a large resealable plastic bag. Add green onion, Italian dressing mix, oil, vinegar, lemon zest and juice, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper. Seal bag, and refrigerate for 4 hours, turning occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, transfer crab claws to a serving dish, discarding marinade. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired. Serve immediately. For other delicious Louisiana blue crab recipes, visit LouisianaSeafood.com.…

Baked Mozzarella and Basil Bites MAKES ABOUT 36 15 fresh basil leaves 1 large egg 1 tablespoon water 36 wonton wrappers 1 (8-ounce) package fresh mozzarella pearls, drained well and halved, if large 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil Warm tomato sauce, to serve 1. Wash and dry basil leaves. Stack 5 leaves, roll them together, and thinly slice. Repeat with remaining basil leaves. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush edges of wonton wrappers with egg wash. 3. Place 1 mozzarella pearl in center of each wonton wrapper. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon basil. Fold wrapper in half, forming a triangle. Fold 2 outside corners into center, creating a parcel. Repeat with all wonton wrappers. 4. In a large sauce pan, heat oil over medium…

As a lifelong lover of books, I’ve always cherished the South’s rich literary tradition. I can’t tell you how many autumn afternoons I have spent stretched out in a hammock or curled up in a corner of the sofa, immersed in the pages of classics like The Moviegoer, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. For our September issue, we decided to give Southern scribes their due with a literature-themed luncheon (page 67), shining the spotlight on great female authors around the region and the flavors that evoke their home states—from Eudora Welty (Mississippi) to Barbara Kingsolver (Kentucky). Every dish on the menu is delicious, but I’m especially fond of the mini Lane Cakes that honor Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird, my favorite Southern…

Jean Jones’s journey into the world of fashion was—like her clothing designs—unhurried, intentional, and unique. From sewing doll outfits as a young girl to discovering handweaving in West Africa during college, years of diverse life experiences contributed to the vision for Jean’s couture. This broad background eventually led her to develop a line of apparel defined by meticulous construction and fine fabrics, resulting in a classic look and flawless fit for women of all shapes and sizes. “I have always worked with my hands,” Jean says. “My mom taught me to sew at an early age, and both of my very handy parents were always helping me figure out how to make things.” As time passed, Jean moved on from doll designs to creating more substantial clothing following a pattern.…

A graceful nod to the dainty flowers so beloved in the South, the Peony Mist salad plate by Caskata reflects the gentle fog of fall mornings—a canvas for tablescapes that captivate the transition into cooler months. Here, nestled between a dove gray embossed dinner plate and matching bowl, the plate pairs with a floral tablecloth, bestowing an air of French country elegance. A succulent napkin ring adorning a fringed magenta linen tops the look with playful style, while a natural woven placemat adds a dash of insouciance. Opposite, gold scrolling enriches a dinner dish with a raspberry scalloped rim, elevating the inspiration plate’s wispy motif. Stoneware chargers and a slate-gray glass balance the bright autumnal reds. Reminiscent of fall’s bounty of red grapes, plaid napkins and ruby placemats pick up…

Oysters aren’t pretty. It’s no wonder at some point an enterprising porcelain designer dressed up the gelatinous bivalves like belles at a ball in fancy plates that now lure collectors in droves. “It’s fascinating. People from all over the country come in to collect oyster plates,” says Keil Moss, proprietor of Moss Antiques in New Orleans, a city with a well-known affinity for the tasty mollusk. You probably know oysters Rockefeller, oysters Bienville, and the simple chargrilled dish, but for thousands of years the preferred service has been unadorned, straight out of the shell. Oddly, the delectable platters didn’t come into vogue until the 19th century. Considered a luxury, the decorated dishes appealed to Victorians’ refined sensibilities and to America’s Gilded Age elite who were always looking for yet another…

NOVEL AFFAIR A spacious table surrounded by brimming bookshelves beckons friends to partake in an afternoon of swapping reviews and relishing an inspired menu. Embellished with exotic garden vistas, two classic china patterns mirror that magical ability of captivating fiction to take us on far-away adventures. A gilded cream charger anchors the striking layers of black and blue, while fuchsia calla lilies, crimson gerbera daisies, and blue delphinium lend a captivating color spectrum to the august atmosphere. Hand-screened with letters of advice by distinguished writers, cotton napkins double as fascinating conversation starters. Complement the scene by serving appetizers and individual desserts influenced by our region’s rich literary legacy. Benedictine Tea Sandwiches MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS Created in the early 1900s by Louisville, Kentucky, restaurateur Jennie Benedict, Benedictine is a cool…

What makes Louisiana blue crabs special? Louisiana crabs are special to me because of the memories I have growing up near Lake Pontchartrain. I remember catching crabs with my friends with just a piece of chicken and a string. Looking back now, I realize how fortunate I was to have the lake basically in my backyard and to be introduced to such an abundance of seafood at such a young age. I look forward to creating these same memories with my children, who now live in the very same home on the lake. What is your favorite way to prepare Louisiana blue crabs? That’s a hard one to pinpoint. Local crabs have such versatility that so many dishes come to mind. But currently, my favorite dish with Louisiana blue crabs…

As the long days of summer dwindle, the freshness of fall whisks in a brisk chill to summon us outdoors for meandering walks on soft paths laden with leaves and acorns. Bring the bounty of the changing season to your tabletop for a jaunty display in woodsy tones paired with metallic hues that are echoed in the plate’s foliage. Clear glass vases of varying heights—teeming with acorns, walnuts, and miniature pinecones—are each crowned with a stemless white chrysanthemum. (Blooms will last several hours without water.) Place the arrangements on a copper tray accompanied by vintage brass candlesticks adorned with pinecones for added height, creating a sophisticated air for all to enjoy.…

The well-known Southern author Pat Conroy always said he hoped the day he died, all the shrimp in his coastal South Carolina home of Beaufort would be pickled. Pickled shrimp was Pat’s go-to dish for comforting mourners over the loss of a loved one. In a spirit of fellowship, bringing a dish to a friend in need or to mark one of life’s mileposts is woven into the fabric of Southern culture. Whether welcoming a new neighbor or attending a potluck supper, it’s what we do to offer friendship, support, or sympathy. Most importantly, the love and well wishes that accompany the soul-satisfying fare make this tradition meaningful. Often, we convey a special cake or an easy casserole (usually made with cream-of-something soup) for sharing with acquaintances, friends, and family.…

As a young school girl growing up in the 1970s, Diane Killeen and her older sister often visited New Orleans’ Milton H. Latter Memorial Library with the intention of doing homework. Despite her sister’s encouragement to study, Diane preferred to stare at the magnificent early 20th-century paintings on the library’s ceilings. Little did she know that one day she would be called upon to use her skills as an artist and gilder to revive the very works that captured her childhood imagination. The library, which occupies an entire city block, stands as one of the beautiful turn-of-the-century buildings that line renowned St. Charles Avenue. In a city like New Orleans, which is celebrating 300 years, there are many timeworn structures in need of repair and preservation. Born and raised in…

FARMSTEAD CHARM As the heat of summer fades, ushering in the pleasant air of enchanted days that transition us gracefully into fall, plan a gathering in a verdant field of flowers awash in evolving color. A rustic tableau fits the scene with a simple striped tablecloth that hints at the vibrance around it. A teak charger grounds each setting in the pastoral motif, while dinnerware finished with a reactive glaze in variegated shades of blue and green mirrors the pond just beyond. A side table dressed in an artful fabric holds extra supplies for a get-together that graciously welcomes all. A grand water oak presides over the animated affair; its gently swaying leaves bear a yellow tint that serves as a subtle signal of autumn’s approach. BUCOLIC BLOOMS Fringed linens,…

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE BATON ROUGE Game day at Southern is filled with sounds of the prestigious and highly acclaimed band, the Human Jukebox, and sights of the colorful uniforms and talented dancers. The Human Jukebox has been ranked as one of the top bands in the nation by ESPN, Time, and USA Today. Southern is also known for its friendly fans, the Jaguar Nation, who gather together before games to grill and catch up with friends. The beautiful campus sits right on Scott’s Bluff overlooking the banks of the Mississippi River, near the replica of “the red stick” that gives Baton Rouge its name. Each Thanksgiving, the Jaguars play rival Grambling State University in the Bayou Classic at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT…

FRESH: Blue crabs bought fresh should still be alive. Keep the crabs well-iced in an ice chest until you’re ready to cook them. FROZEN: Crabmeat can be frozen for up to two months. Chill the crabmeat; package it in small, moisture-proof, vapor-proof containers and expel any air before sealing. Spread out in the freezer for rapid freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator for a day before using. COOKED: The shelf life of fresh-picked, cooked crabmeat is 10 to 12 days from the packaging date. Once at home, it’s best to use it in one or two days.…

Carrot-Bell Pepper Soup MAKES 8 CUPS 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced 2 cloves garlic, sliced 1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled and sliced 1 (32-ounce) carton vegetable broth 1 large red bell pepper, chopped ¼ cup heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 teaspoon kosher salt Garnish: plain yogurt, shelled roasted salted pistachios, ground black pepper 1. In a large saucepan, combine carrots, garlic, ginger, and broth. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, covered, until carrots are just tender, about 30 minutes. Add bell pepper; cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 20 minutes. 2. Transfer mixture to the container of a blender, and process until smooth. (If you want a thinner soup, add more broth.) Return mixture to saucepan; add cream, butter, and…

To purchase items featured in our articles, please refer to the information below. If an item is not listed, it is privately owned and not available for purchase. To contact the manufacturers and retail stores referenced below, see DIRECTORY OF COMPANIES. COVER See SET TO SERVE: ORCHARD BOUNTY FROM THE EDITOR PAGE 11: Hair and makeup styling; Kerri Bunn. MIX & MATCH: MISTED MUSE Page 33: Peony Mist Coupe salad plate; Caskata. Crochet Abaca placemat in grey, Washed Fringe napkin in wine, and Primrose Cactus napkin ring in plum; Deborah Rhodes. Louisa Brushed Silver flatware by Blue Pheasant; Babcock Gifts. Berry & Thread French Panel dinner plate and cereal/ice cream bowl in stone grey; Juliska. Optical Clear High Ball glass and Double Old Fashioned glass by Vietri; Bromberg’s. Vivian tablecloth;…