One of my BFF's, Cindy contacted me last month to see if I was interested in joining her and two other friends for a Weekend Getaway. Since I've not had a vacation in a couple of years, I jumped at the chance!
So last weekend, Cindy, Sherry, Hallie and I loaded up the car (and I do mean loaded) and headed up to Pigeon Forge, TN. Her fiance Greg graciously donated his Time Share, so we had a fabulous 3 room condo overlooking the little town of Pigeon Forge with a magnificent mountianview backdrop.
We had to laugh before we left, because we were e-mailing our drink/snack contributions and it appeared we would need the turtle shell for the top of the Suburban since we were each bringing so much stuff for cocktails! Considering none of us are "lushes" this proved to be a standing joke throughout our trip. Once unloaded, it did look a little like we were going to film an episode for "Girls Gone Wild." We did have some good Ruby Relaxers and Mango Margarita's!
Saturday morning we enjoyed a leisurely start to our day, then headed to a place called Cade's Cove. We stopped at Subway for a picnic to take and headed up the mountians. Cade's Cove was a settlement dated back to the 1800's complete with houses dotted throughout the area with several Churches. So hard to fathom the way people lived so long ago. I can hardly imagine living without cable, much less electricity! It was so pleasant, eating our picnic subs and enjoying a spectaular view!
Saturday night we headed toward Gatlinburg! My, has it changed in the 20 years since I had been there! I recognized nothing! We walked around the town and found a great place for a late night dinner - Smokey Mountian Brewery. It proved to have good food and good entertainment, as well.
Sunday afternoon was spent laying around the picturesque pool deck. It was a cloudy afternoon and just perfect for a good book and a Mike's Lemonade! It felt good to be lazy! We decided to take in a dinner show Sunday night and of course, we had a number of choices. We settled on the Hatfield & McCoy show, which included a dinner of Possum soup, Fried Chicken, Pinto Beans, Mashed potatoes, Rolls, Cornbread and chocolate pudding parfaits. The show was just corny enough to be entertaining!
After our show, we were not ready to go home, so we stopped at one of the many Putt-Put courses on the strip. Dresses, high heels, and mini golf are a lethal combination! We had quite a lot of laughs and mishaps throughout our course!
Monday morning was spent at the Christmas Village, where we meandered through room after room of every Christmas decoration imaginable! My friend Cindy was in "Hog" or should. I say "Elf" Heaven! Her house would rival the Biltmore House at Christmas time! We ended our short trip at the Applebarn Restaurant, where we enjoyed yet another good meal of southern delights. They had a great gift shop, candy store and winery to wonder through before we loaded back into the car and headed home.
It was such a fun weekend! We did alot of giggling, alot of eating and even more talking! There's just nothing like a Girlfriend weekend to rejuvenate the soul! It just reminds me of how much I appreciate all my girfriends and the joy they bring to my life. The best part of the trip - spending time with my BFF Cindy & adding 2 new girlfriends! And, in case you were wondering, all the "libations" that were hauled in, were hauled out..in anticpation for another trip! Can't wait!
Ya'll come back!
Susan
May the lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them Celebrate! Psalm 64:10
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Celebrating: My friend Judy!
I came here on Thursday to write this blog. If you read my previous blog, you know that I had a MAJOR catastrophe. I have to be honest with you, I was so devastated , I just didn't have it in me to write. And that would be a tragedy in itself, because you would not hear about one of my favorite people. My friend, Judy. Many years ago, Judy came to us from Minnesota to become the new Youth Director at our Church. This particular time period in my life was when I had strayed away from being a regular "Church goer" and more of an Easter/Mother's Day/Christmas goer. Heck, I'll admit it, Saturday night usually turned into Sunday morning and brunch at Bennigans was far more appealing than Church.
My sister Charlene was a youth adviser at Church, so she and Judy became fast friends. Charlene kept telling me how much fun Judy was and that I really needed to meet her. My response..."I already had enough friends." We still laugh about that statement, BTW. Charlene finally wore me down with this concept..they were starting a singles group and would I be interested in coming to a meeting. So the story goes...I met Judy... she and Charlene lured me back to Church and to top it all off she eventually asked me to become a Senior High Youth leader. And the rest is history! In fact Charlene. Judy and I were housemates for a couple of years until they both got married!
Judy has had to face many trials over the past years. To make a very sad and long story short and to also try not to diminish the facts, here is a very brief synopsis. Three months into marriage in 1993 her husband Troy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unfortunetly, Troy lost so much that take we take for granted. He lost his ability to speak, but he spoke in so many other ways. He was confined to a wheelchair, but he "walked" taller and stronger than most men. His comprehnsion was compromised, but he was sharp as a tack and kept the same ole Troy sense of humor. Many would say that Judy and Troy had been denied their future . But Judy didn't let the naysayers take control. She made a life for both of them. Troy went everywhere with Judy! They went to the movies, sports events, concerts and even skiiing in Colorado. Many surguries and close calls came and went throughout the years, but Judy remained the rock that Troy needed. Sadly , we lost Troy 5 years ago after his long and difficult illness.
And throughout the many years of Troy's illness, she maintained a full time job. After being our Youth director for many years, she started working with Canine Assistant. She became familar with them after Troy was matched with his own service dog, Kay. She worked with families similar to her own story, to help them find the exact partner (dog)!
Judy and Troy had once dreamed of working together in the Mission field. Now that dream has become a reality for Judy. She is headed to Guatemala in September. Even though she will be pursuing it without Troy by her side, I just know that he will be with her in spirit! She has touched the lives of so many people here and will now continue to do that with our neighbors further south! She will continue to enrich lives and spread her contagious enthusiam for life and all that it has to offer
Of course, we could not send Judy off without a proper goodbye! We had a farwell party for her just to let her know how much she has meant to us and to give her our best wishes.
And to end on a bright note...Judy has found a new companion, Bob. I had the pleasure of finally meeting Bob last week and I have to say, he is terrific! I'm so happy that she is getting this opportunity to start anew, once again!
I love ya, Judy!
Ya'll come back!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them celebrate. Psalm 64:10
My sister Charlene was a youth adviser at Church, so she and Judy became fast friends. Charlene kept telling me how much fun Judy was and that I really needed to meet her. My response..."I already had enough friends." We still laugh about that statement, BTW. Charlene finally wore me down with this concept..they were starting a singles group and would I be interested in coming to a meeting. So the story goes...I met Judy... she and Charlene lured me back to Church and to top it all off she eventually asked me to become a Senior High Youth leader. And the rest is history! In fact Charlene. Judy and I were housemates for a couple of years until they both got married!
Judy
Judy has had to face many trials over the past years. To make a very sad and long story short and to also try not to diminish the facts, here is a very brief synopsis. Three months into marriage in 1993 her husband Troy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unfortunetly, Troy lost so much that take we take for granted. He lost his ability to speak, but he spoke in so many other ways. He was confined to a wheelchair, but he "walked" taller and stronger than most men. His comprehnsion was compromised, but he was sharp as a tack and kept the same ole Troy sense of humor. Many would say that Judy and Troy had been denied their future . But Judy didn't let the naysayers take control. She made a life for both of them. Troy went everywhere with Judy! They went to the movies, sports events, concerts and even skiiing in Colorado. Many surguries and close calls came and went throughout the years, but Judy remained the rock that Troy needed. Sadly , we lost Troy 5 years ago after his long and difficult illness.
And throughout the many years of Troy's illness, she maintained a full time job. After being our Youth director for many years, she started working with Canine Assistant. She became familar with them after Troy was matched with his own service dog, Kay. She worked with families similar to her own story, to help them find the exact partner (dog)!
Judy and Troy had once dreamed of working together in the Mission field. Now that dream has become a reality for Judy. She is headed to Guatemala in September. Even though she will be pursuing it without Troy by her side, I just know that he will be with her in spirit! She has touched the lives of so many people here and will now continue to do that with our neighbors further south! She will continue to enrich lives and spread her contagious enthusiam for life and all that it has to offer
Of course, we could not send Judy off without a proper goodbye! We had a farwell party for her just to let her know how much she has meant to us and to give her our best wishes.
Judy's Favorite dessert
Peanut Butter pies
And to end on a bright note...Judy has found a new companion, Bob. I had the pleasure of finally meeting Bob last week and I have to say, he is terrific! I'm so happy that she is getting this opportunity to start anew, once again!
I love ya, Judy!
Ya'll come back!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them celebrate. Psalm 64:10
Monday, August 13, 2012
Blogging Tragedy
Last week a tragedy occurred here at Sissy Celebrates! I accidentally deleted most of my posts. I was able to find them and re-post. Unfortunately, if you subscribe, you received them all again in your reader today. I just wanted to take a moment to apologize for filling up your reader today. I hope for both of our sake that this doesn't happen again.
Actually the above was written by my sister in law, Niki, on my behalf. She has spent her whole day restoring my blog for me. Last Thursday I accidently deleted 25 of my posts. I have to tell you, I was physically sick. I honestly felt like I had lost "part of my soul." I had no back-up and my words were gone. I never realized how passinate I was with writing (this blog) until this happened. Niki has given me a priceless gift. Thank you for getting my words back!
Thanks for following!!
Y'all come back!!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them celebrate! Psalm 64:10
Actually the above was written by my sister in law, Niki, on my behalf. She has spent her whole day restoring my blog for me. Last Thursday I accidently deleted 25 of my posts. I have to tell you, I was physically sick. I honestly felt like I had lost "part of my soul." I had no back-up and my words were gone. I never realized how passinate I was with writing (this blog) until this happened. Niki has given me a priceless gift. Thank you for getting my words back!
Thanks for following!!
Y'all come back!!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them celebrate! Psalm 64:10
Celebrating: Life in the Treehouse!
Celebrating: Life in the Treehouse!: Treehouse Apartments, that is! Many years ago, poised to take on the world, I moved into my first Apartment. One of my BFF's Cindy and I decided it was time to take the plunge and start our new life "on our own." So one Saturday we hit the pavement to find "the" perfect apartment. Didn't have to go far - it was only 5 minutes from my parent's and perfect it was. It was a 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bath townhouse that had just been renovated. But the perfect part had to be the pool deck! Large pool surrounded by a large sunning area and more importantly a large volume of boys!
We embraced the "single and without parents" life quickly. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of your very first "home away from home." We stayed out late, threw parties and played the stereo loud. Life was good! Then a month after we moved in, 2 girls moved in next door and we immediately welcomed them to our new found world. Margaret and Karen became a great addition to the party. Margaret especially, since Karen went home frequently. I still remember vividly on summer Saturday mornings getting up at 8:00 to take a towel to reserve a good spot (because the right spot was everything) at the pool, going back to bed and then sashaying back to the pool around 11:00. I realize now that we probably made quite a few people mad using this tactic! A couple of years later Margaret's friend Donna came down from Wisconsin to scope out Atlanta, and like Margaret (also from Wisconsin) they both planted their roots here.
Of course, all good things come to a close...Margaret and Cindy got married and Donna and I set out on new adventures as well. It was a fun three years, we had the best time and I think we were the first to pioneer the phrase...."If it happens at (Treehouse), it stays at (Treehouse)!"
And, you know how life sneaks up on you, you just don't stay in touch as often as you like. Cindy & I see each other often, but Donna & Margaret live about 25 miles away. It doesn't sound like very far, however if you are familar at all with Metro Atlanta you can relate. So I decided it was time for a "Treehouse Reunion." It had been a couple of years since we had all gotten together, and I REALLY wanted an excuse to use my 4th of July tableware! So brunch for 4 using the "4th" plates sounded like a plan!
I decided on a breakfast brunch.
Menu
Sunrise Mimosas (orange juice, cranberry juice and champagne)
Tropical Fruit with toasted coconut
Stuffed french Toast -stuffed w/ strawberry rhubarb jam/cream cheese or honey/cream cheese
Maple bacon
Pepper, onion and Tomato Tart
Coffee, Juice
The tart was the star in my book! There was no recipe - I simply looked through the fridge and started pulling out ingredients I thought sounded good. I had a bag of yellow, orange and red mini peppers, a red onion and some slow roasted home grown tomatos from a casserole made earlier. Pulled out eggs and cheese and a trip to the backyard for fresh basil. And of course, I had roll-out pie shell on hand, because you know my relationship with dough. It turned out really good, if I don't say so myself!
We talked and laughed and had a great time catching up and reminiscing. Remembering soaking up the rays for hours, our only care in the world was deciding what to wear out that night. There were so many stories to remember (hence the What happens at Treehouse phrase). I am so glad we have stayed in touch.
We may not see each other often, but when its does happen it makes me appreciate the value of friendship.
Girlfriends...you just can't have enough!
Ya'll come back!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them celebrate! Psalm 64:10
*Originally posted July 27, 2012
We embraced the "single and without parents" life quickly. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of your very first "home away from home." We stayed out late, threw parties and played the stereo loud. Life was good! Then a month after we moved in, 2 girls moved in next door and we immediately welcomed them to our new found world. Margaret and Karen became a great addition to the party. Margaret especially, since Karen went home frequently. I still remember vividly on summer Saturday mornings getting up at 8:00 to take a towel to reserve a good spot (because the right spot was everything) at the pool, going back to bed and then sashaying back to the pool around 11:00. I realize now that we probably made quite a few people mad using this tactic! A couple of years later Margaret's friend Donna came down from Wisconsin to scope out Atlanta, and like Margaret (also from Wisconsin) they both planted their roots here.
Of course, all good things come to a close...Margaret and Cindy got married and Donna and I set out on new adventures as well. It was a fun three years, we had the best time and I think we were the first to pioneer the phrase...."If it happens at (Treehouse), it stays at (Treehouse)!"
And, you know how life sneaks up on you, you just don't stay in touch as often as you like. Cindy & I see each other often, but Donna & Margaret live about 25 miles away. It doesn't sound like very far, however if you are familar at all with Metro Atlanta you can relate. So I decided it was time for a "Treehouse Reunion." It had been a couple of years since we had all gotten together, and I REALLY wanted an excuse to use my 4th of July tableware! So brunch for 4 using the "4th" plates sounded like a plan!
4th of July plates with "take-home goodie"
Apple jelly in a champagne flute and homemade bread
I decided on a breakfast brunch.
Menu
Sunrise Mimosas (orange juice, cranberry juice and champagne)
Tropical Fruit with toasted coconut
Stuffed french Toast -stuffed w/ strawberry rhubarb jam/cream cheese or honey/cream cheese
Maple bacon
Pepper, onion and Tomato Tart
Coffee, Juice
The tart was the star in my book! There was no recipe - I simply looked through the fridge and started pulling out ingredients I thought sounded good. I had a bag of yellow, orange and red mini peppers, a red onion and some slow roasted home grown tomatos from a casserole made earlier. Pulled out eggs and cheese and a trip to the backyard for fresh basil. And of course, I had roll-out pie shell on hand, because you know my relationship with dough. It turned out really good, if I don't say so myself!
The Tart!
Stuffed French toast
We talked and laughed and had a great time catching up and reminiscing. Remembering soaking up the rays for hours, our only care in the world was deciding what to wear out that night. There were so many stories to remember (hence the What happens at Treehouse phrase). I am so glad we have stayed in touch.
We may not see each other often, but when its does happen it makes me appreciate the value of friendship.
Ready to eat!
Girlfriends...you just can't have enough!
Ya'll come back!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them celebrate! Psalm 64:10
*Originally posted July 27, 2012
Celebrating: Summer's of "Yesteryear"
Celebrating: Summer's of "Yesteryear": I love summer! As a child in elementary school, that last day seemed to take forever to arrive. As I recall, I wore my Easter Dress on the last day, because after all it was a "special occasion" in my book.
Summer days were spent outside all day and into the twilight. We only came in to have lunch or to put on our bathing suit to play in the sprinkler. Friends Terri, Teresa and I were inseparable! We played Kickball, 4 Square, Colors and Hop scotch all day long. Then one summer, the best thing happened...Terri's dad built a tree house in their backyard and we spent many hours up there playing games and talking about boys. We even spent the occasional night up there, when we were at at each others house for a sleepover!
We always took two trips in the summer. One week was spent in Calhoun City, MS to my mom's childhood farm. What a great place for a city girl to visit! We would venture under the house in search of fresh eggs, roam the dewy garden for vegetables first thing in the morning, and sit outside under the huge oak tree and churn fresh peach ice cream in the evening. Talk about eating at its finest! There were horses to ride, cows to pet and blackberries to pick. Visiting the farm and my grandparents, was and still remains one of my fondest childhood memories.
Our other vacation spot was Florida, either Daytona beach or Panama City. I still remember getting up at about 2:00 in the morning, sleeping on a pallet in the back of the station wagon and waking up just in time to top the hill to see the Atlantic ocean. It was such a magical sight. We always had a tradition -, whoever saw the ocean first whistled. I loved the sound of 5 whistlers whistling in harmony! We spent the morning at the pool, came in for lunch and stayed 2 hours, because you did not dare get in the water right after you had eaten! Afternoons were spent at the beach where we would play in the sand and jump the waves. In Daytona there was a Boardwalk carnival that we would go to and ride rides and spent lots more money than it cost for a small stuffed animal. My favorite was always the spin art and I would proudly take home a picture every year as a souvenir.
Another summer highlight was setting up a Kool Ade stand. We didn't have the run of the mill stand, we had a stand with not only Kool Ade, but homemade treats made by Mom. We had popcorn balls, cookies and peanut butter candy! One day we ran out of peanut butter candy and my sister Charlene (who was no more than 4-5 at the time) went in for more and came back with something she made. Apparently, we were out of candy, so she made her own. Peanut butter, sugar, salt and pepper mixed together and painstakingly rolled in balls. I can't recall if we sold any, but my guess is that if we did we may have had an unsatisfied customer!
Summer was the best and mine was a continuous Norman Rockwell painting! We may have had just one TV in the house (without a remote!) , no computer, no Gameboy, no i-pod or pad, but I wouldn't change a thing. No sireee, nada, nothing. No hand-held devise in the world can replace the memories I have of farms, beaches, Kool Ade stands, a slice of ice cold watermelon with juice running down my arms, or the sight of my best friend at the door first thing in the morning waiting for you to come outside and play. It was a good childhood, spent with good friends and filled with good memories!
Ya'll come back!
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them celebrate! psalm 64:10
Susan
*Originally posted July 20, 2012
Summer days were spent outside all day and into the twilight. We only came in to have lunch or to put on our bathing suit to play in the sprinkler. Friends Terri, Teresa and I were inseparable! We played Kickball, 4 Square, Colors and Hop scotch all day long. Then one summer, the best thing happened...Terri's dad built a tree house in their backyard and we spent many hours up there playing games and talking about boys. We even spent the occasional night up there, when we were at at each others house for a sleepover!
We always took two trips in the summer. One week was spent in Calhoun City, MS to my mom's childhood farm. What a great place for a city girl to visit! We would venture under the house in search of fresh eggs, roam the dewy garden for vegetables first thing in the morning, and sit outside under the huge oak tree and churn fresh peach ice cream in the evening. Talk about eating at its finest! There were horses to ride, cows to pet and blackberries to pick. Visiting the farm and my grandparents, was and still remains one of my fondest childhood memories.
Our other vacation spot was Florida, either Daytona beach or Panama City. I still remember getting up at about 2:00 in the morning, sleeping on a pallet in the back of the station wagon and waking up just in time to top the hill to see the Atlantic ocean. It was such a magical sight. We always had a tradition -, whoever saw the ocean first whistled. I loved the sound of 5 whistlers whistling in harmony! We spent the morning at the pool, came in for lunch and stayed 2 hours, because you did not dare get in the water right after you had eaten! Afternoons were spent at the beach where we would play in the sand and jump the waves. In Daytona there was a Boardwalk carnival that we would go to and ride rides and spent lots more money than it cost for a small stuffed animal. My favorite was always the spin art and I would proudly take home a picture every year as a souvenir.
Another summer highlight was setting up a Kool Ade stand. We didn't have the run of the mill stand, we had a stand with not only Kool Ade, but homemade treats made by Mom. We had popcorn balls, cookies and peanut butter candy! One day we ran out of peanut butter candy and my sister Charlene (who was no more than 4-5 at the time) went in for more and came back with something she made. Apparently, we were out of candy, so she made her own. Peanut butter, sugar, salt and pepper mixed together and painstakingly rolled in balls. I can't recall if we sold any, but my guess is that if we did we may have had an unsatisfied customer!
Summer was the best and mine was a continuous Norman Rockwell painting! We may have had just one TV in the house (without a remote!) , no computer, no Gameboy, no i-pod or pad, but I wouldn't change a thing. No sireee, nada, nothing. No hand-held devise in the world can replace the memories I have of farms, beaches, Kool Ade stands, a slice of ice cold watermelon with juice running down my arms, or the sight of my best friend at the door first thing in the morning waiting for you to come outside and play. It was a good childhood, spent with good friends and filled with good memories!
Mom's Peanut Butter Candy
3 cups sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 stick butter
cook in pot to a soft boil (approx 3 minutes)
add a jar of marshmellow cream
3/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1 tsp vanila
stir till all incorporated
pour onto sheet pan, cool and cut
Ya'll come back!
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them celebrate! psalm 64:10
Susan
*Originally posted July 20, 2012
Celebrating: Home Growns!
Celebrating: Home Growns!: Tomatoes, that is! Is there anything more delicious than that 1st home grown tomato sandwich of the season? Its amazing how something SO simple can be SO good! For me, the perfect sandwich is sliced tomatoes slightly salted and peppered on white bread thickly spread with mayo. And, if you don't have a little tomato juice dripping off in your hand, you just haven't made it right! On into the season I will change it up a bit, but that 1st one has to be just like that! For me, that sandwich signals summer is coming!
So next time I went to feed Chloe, I had no choice but to raid the garden again! This time I knew exactly what I was going to do with my tomatoes. Fresh uncooked tomato sauce is one of my all time favorite summer meals. My friend Becky on the Contessa board talked of her uncooked sauce several years ago and I have been making it ever since. Its another one that requires no recipe - just let your tastebuds lead your mind! Chopped tomato, red onion, bell pepper, capers, artichokes, cilantro or basil, top with EVOO and a little red wine vinegar and serve over a bowl of pasta. You can also top it off with a little crumbled goat cheese or shaved parm. Just whatever suits your mood at that moment! No rules here! I'm sure you've heard the expression "summer on a plate", well I think that expression was made just for this dish!
I still have a few tomatoes left from my stash (thanks Eric for your green thumb), which just may turn into a fresh salsa this weekend! I have a large bag of small tortillas that will make a great batch of chips. Luckily my tomato cravings will get satisfied for a couple more months here in the south, as the local farmers markets have been well stocked. Tomato Basil soup is going to be my next great Tomato Caper!
Ya'll come back!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them Celebrate! Psalm 64:10.
*Originally posted July 12, 2012
From Eric's Garden!
I plant tomatoes every year in pots on my deck. This year it is... Susan: 3 tomatos VERSES various critters and bugs -the rest that were on the vines! I haven't had much luck this year, but the good news is that my BIL, Eric has! While they were on vacation this past week I fed their little cat, Chloe, and was given "carte blanche" of the garden. The first day I picked a sackful, brought them home and tried to narrow down what I wanted to do with them. I decided that since it was so hot, a bowl of gazpacho would be delightful. So I got down the blender and prepared to get started. Gazpacho is another one of those things that doesn't really require a recipe, so I opened up the crisper and started taking out veggies. Onions, bell pepper, cucumber and of course tomatos. Cut and into the blender it all goes. I just used 1/4 of a cucumber since I'm just not a cucumber fan, however when I tasted it, all I could taste was cucumber, so I just started adding tomatos. Finall got it to the consistency I wanted, added a bit of tabasco, a squeeze of fresh lime a pour of EVOO, S & P, gave it another whirl and it was just like I wanted it to be! Cool and refreshing. But, since I had to add more tomatoes than I had planned, I had depleted my stash and ended up with about half a gallon of gazpacho! Good thing I like it!
So next time I went to feed Chloe, I had no choice but to raid the garden again! This time I knew exactly what I was going to do with my tomatoes. Fresh uncooked tomato sauce is one of my all time favorite summer meals. My friend Becky on the Contessa board talked of her uncooked sauce several years ago and I have been making it ever since. Its another one that requires no recipe - just let your tastebuds lead your mind! Chopped tomato, red onion, bell pepper, capers, artichokes, cilantro or basil, top with EVOO and a little red wine vinegar and serve over a bowl of pasta. You can also top it off with a little crumbled goat cheese or shaved parm. Just whatever suits your mood at that moment! No rules here! I'm sure you've heard the expression "summer on a plate", well I think that expression was made just for this dish!
"Summer on a Plate"
I still have a few tomatoes left from my stash (thanks Eric for your green thumb), which just may turn into a fresh salsa this weekend! I have a large bag of small tortillas that will make a great batch of chips. Luckily my tomato cravings will get satisfied for a couple more months here in the south, as the local farmers markets have been well stocked. Tomato Basil soup is going to be my next great Tomato Caper!
Ya'll come back!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let them Celebrate! Psalm 64:10.
*Originally posted July 12, 2012
Celebrating: Fireworks & the 4th!
Celebrating: Fireworks & the 4th!: One Nation under God! How lucky are we, as Americans, to wake up in this great nation every day. I am afraid that I take this privilege for granted. I complain about this heat yet half way across the world there are men and women defending our Nation, in far worse conditions, to ensure that I have freedom. So on the 4th I will celebrate their sacrifice for me, as well as the sacrifice of our forefathers who had the great vision of the United States of America. Yes, sir, I am proud to be an American!
And celebrate we do...road races (Good luck Peachtree runnners!) parades, cookouts and the grand finale...fireworks! We have always been fortunate enough to have fabulous fireworks displays on the 4th. Lenox Square has a great one along with a wonderful musical program and you just can't beat Stone Mountain's show! However, usually half of the metro Atlanta is at one and the other half is at the other - which generally involves a 2 hour traffic jam that kinda erases that "feel-good" feeling about your fellow American. So where do I go??? I go to Snellville! Snellville is a little town right next to me and they have been doing a show for years. In fact, I have quite a few shows to choose from...Norcross, Lawrenceville and now Lilburn is having their 2nd annual show.
We always get there early to ensure a good spot and also to tailgate - for what would the 4th be without food? We were keeping it easy this year as Charlene and her family were leaving for vacation early the next day. My contribution was cupcakes (so easy with a mix) and I also made a pasta salad. Pasta salad is one of those foods that require no recipe. Open up the pantry and just dump in what sounds good! Since it was going to be outdoors, I decided on a mayo free salad. I peered in the fridge and pantry to see what I had on hand and decided upon a mediterranean inspired salad. Boiled up some bowties and added capers, marinated artichokes, chopped onion, green olives, tomatoes and feta cheese poured Italian dressing over the it and there you have it! Turned out so good! In fact, its what's for dinner tonight! I'm adding shrimp and it will make a terrific cold summer salad to be enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine!
It was a fun night with great food, great company and a great show!
Ya'll come back!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let the Celebrate! Psalm 64:10
*Originally posted July 6, 2012
And celebrate we do...road races (Good luck Peachtree runnners!) parades, cookouts and the grand finale...fireworks! We have always been fortunate enough to have fabulous fireworks displays on the 4th. Lenox Square has a great one along with a wonderful musical program and you just can't beat Stone Mountain's show! However, usually half of the metro Atlanta is at one and the other half is at the other - which generally involves a 2 hour traffic jam that kinda erases that "feel-good" feeling about your fellow American. So where do I go??? I go to Snellville! Snellville is a little town right next to me and they have been doing a show for years. In fact, I have quite a few shows to choose from...Norcross, Lawrenceville and now Lilburn is having their 2nd annual show.
We always get there early to ensure a good spot and also to tailgate - for what would the 4th be without food? We were keeping it easy this year as Charlene and her family were leaving for vacation early the next day. My contribution was cupcakes (so easy with a mix) and I also made a pasta salad. Pasta salad is one of those foods that require no recipe. Open up the pantry and just dump in what sounds good! Since it was going to be outdoors, I decided on a mayo free salad. I peered in the fridge and pantry to see what I had on hand and decided upon a mediterranean inspired salad. Boiled up some bowties and added capers, marinated artichokes, chopped onion, green olives, tomatoes and feta cheese poured Italian dressing over the it and there you have it! Turned out so good! In fact, its what's for dinner tonight! I'm adding shrimp and it will make a terrific cold summer salad to be enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine!
Pasta Salad
leftovers great with addition of of shrimp for an easy light summer supper!
Cupcakes - made with a mix, but decorated by me!
It was a fun night with great food, great company and a great show!
Ya'll come back!
Susan
May the Lord bless his people with peace and happiness and let the Celebrate! Psalm 64:10
*Originally posted July 6, 2012
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