Shmadition your Tradition

Oh Hi, Jameson bead sitting in my purse that was from last Saturday night, I'll be saving you for this Thursday- for the real St. Patrick's Day.

Going down memory lane this morning I remembered my spring break freshman year in college. Awesome. About 4 of us went to a St. Patrick's Day parade in New Orleans (lower 9th, Chalmette- Chalmation Nation). Never experiencing a form of Mardi Gras at that age, this experience felt similar to what it was like. Oh, they threw beads and also: cabbage, carrots, potatoes. Have you ever had someone chunk a cabbage at you? What a thrill.

Our collection- soon to be made into stew

So many beads + whatever else they threw and we caught

Thinking of all the good times I've had (and will have) with St. Pats inspired me to write a story to help promote our cookbook, Square Table. Cheers!

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Tradition – Shmadition, as Long as it’s a Celebration

How to be Meatless on the Greenest Day of the Year

            I’ve recently challenged myself by becoming a vegetarian, but just for the span of the next 40 days. St. Patrick’s Day is my dilemma because it just doesn’t seem like March 17^th without corned beef and cabbage. Then I got to thinking about it, what made corned beef and cabbage popular anyway? How does one eat cabbage without corned beef? Why would someone want to eat cabbage?

            Well, for one, the corned beef and cabbage is an Americanized version of the St. Patrick’s Day meal. Brief history lesson: corned beef was made popular in New York bars by being offered as a “free lunch” to Irish construction workers who were building NYC in the early 20^th century. To get this “free lunch” you had to buy a couple of beers or shots of whiskey. That’s how corned beef became known as an ‘Irish’ food.

            Since corned beef and cabbage is now this staple to Americanized-St. Patty’s, it still feels necessary to at least eat some cabbage. The only trusted cabbage recipes, that I would use, come from community cookbooks. Sure, you can look online at cabbage recipes, but are they National Tabasco award winning approved? Negative. However, Square Table Cookbook is, and they’ve got a smashing Red Cabbage Casserole that’s beyond easy to make and could double as a wonderful accompaniment to corned beef.

            Still not convinced? Here’s why cabbage is a great idea: cabbage, like citrus fruit, is a very high source of vitamin C. It’s also high in fiber, other vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and good for weight loss. So if you do decide to be classy and body paint yourself green while consuming massive amounts of green whatnot, maybe you won’t necessarily feel like you were BFF’s with the green fairy the night before.

            Green fairy friend-ed or not, red cabbage casserole is always a great idea on St. Patrick’s Day.

Red Cabbage Casserole

(Makes 6 servings)

1 medium red cabbage, shredded

1 small onion, chopped

3 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped

¼ cup red wine vinegar

¼ cup water

2 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except butter. Place in a large buttered casserole. Dot with butter. Cover and bake 2 hours.

*Permission to use the Red Cabbage Casserole recipe granted by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. Square Table Cookbook is a community cookbook and a fundraiser for the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and can be ordered on their website www.oxfordarts.com/shop.

Happy St. Patrick's Day
March 2007

Chunky Monkey

Some of you who do know me know that I love my job. There is always something new going on; there is never a dull moment! I've gotta say that working with great people is a big part of it too.

I understand that some people are work at work and then be yourself at home, but honestly I feel sorry for those people. Maybe its because their job forces them to be, but one of the best friendships I've ever had has come from my boss. He is one of the most interesting people I've ever met, always entertaining, has such a loving and supportive family, and he really cares about his job.

Being newly single, I was kind of dreading Valentine's Day. Let's get real here, who doesn't hate Valentine's Day when their single? Bah, whatever. So I started out with a rough morning, was running late for work, and then when I finally got there I found yellow roses waiting for me on my desk. They were from my boss. (Don't worry I know he got his wife bigger and more beautiful flowers than me!) That amount of thoughtfulness just blew me away, and I am thankful every day to have my job, to work with the people I work with, and the constant little surprises life throws at me along the way.

As payback for his kindness I made him a Chunky Monkey Cake. It's yellow cake mix with bananas, chocolate chips, and pecans with a milk chocolate frosting. My boss loves monkeys; I knew it would be perfect. And the cake was an absolute success, if you ever wanna try something different and unique: Chunky Monkey.

Yarn Bombing: Destruction of Fibers or Explosion of Fuzzy Colors?

    I'm going to basically copy and paste the press release I wrote for my job for this blog post, BUT I'm putting my specific comments in color. Because, there are a couple different things I wanted to highlight, but my boss wouldn't let me suggested against it.

    Fiber artists and enthusiasts will be making their way to Oxford, January 21 – 23, for the first ever Fiber Arts Festival hosted by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and Knit1 Oxford. This three-day event is the first event, of its kind, in Mississippi. The Fiber Arts Festival will offer workshops, lectures on vintage knitting, demonstrations in: crochet, lace making, rug hooking, etc., and even “make and take” classes for all ages where you can learn a fiber art in one lesson.

     If that’s not enough to keep the kids interested, the live alpacas definitely will! YES, alpacas are the ones that spit! But not all of them do. They make humming noises when their being friendly or just trying to communicate. And the males sqwack like crazy birds when they fight. The alpacas’ consistency in quality and quantity of its fiber and fineness of its coat has made them a valuable fiber-bearing animal. A look-a-like to a tiny llama the animals will be part of the demonstrations showcasing the vibrancy of fiber arts from the origins of the fibers to the finished product.  Visitors can even take part in the latest fiber art trend - yarn bombing.

    Yarn Bombing is a colorful twist on graffiti.  Artists twist, tie, wrap and roll fibers around anything.  The columns in front of stores on the square and bikes have been yarn bombed transforming them into brilliant, fuzzy works of art. During the fiber art festival visitors can take part in yarn bombing the historic pumps in front of The Powerhouse.  Yes, sign me up for wrapping random buildings and objects in yarn! Ok, I personally have not seen what this looks like yet, but I heard it looks pretty stinkin' cool. YAC & Knit1 hope to make this festival a tradition with the combination of the talent in the area, interest, and support we’ve generated from the community; we’re anticipating a fun, fiber weekend for all! YEAH, and Alpacas!

Learning how to make a felt clutch is just ONE of the workshops available Fiber Arts Weekend

     The festival hours start Friday, January 21 from 5-9pm with the lecture on vintage knitting and crochet with a reception at 7pm. Saturday, January 22 from 10am-4pm, will be Make and Take crafts available all day, a felt clutch workshop, and yarn bombing. Sunday, January 23 from 1-4pm will be the Nuno Felted Scarf workshop and the Hand Painting Sock Yarn workshop.  On exhibit during the festival in the Powerhouse Gallery will be quilts by the PieceMakers Quilt Guild.

Unfortunately, (not really unfortunate because I'm excited to go) I'll be at a wedding that weekend. (See blog post before this one) With one of my all time favorite people, whom I only get to see, basically, once a year.

I'm encouraging you to be at the Fiber Arts Fest, because Alpacs really are adorable and learning how to make a felt clutch is probably one of the neatest skills ever.

Smooch

Here Come the Brides, Dum-da-da-da

In my eyes, it's completely wedding season. As of January 2, 2011. Wedding season (for me) will officially start. Not only in attendance of me going/ being in friend's weddings, but also at work (Yoknapatawpha Arts Council of the Powerhouse Community Arts Center, Oxford, MS).

Upcoming Weddings to attend listed by month:

       January - 2

       March - 1

       May - 1 + 1 wedding reception

       June - 1

Which I guess isn't a TON, but to me- its the most I've ever been to in a span of 6 months.

Also, for the record, Weddings are a BLAST. Are you kidding? Free food, friends, dancing, and booze. Why would you not want to go? It's the best excuse for traveling and getting out of town for a weekend.

I'm around weddings constantly in the Spring. Working for the Arts Council allows me the opportunity to show off our building to potential brides-to-be and help them plan their special day. I'm not joking when I say that between today (Dec. 30) and July 23rd, that's exactly 30 weekends in total, we only have 6 weekends that are actually available for using the building.

Since I've seen many styles of weddings, I'm going to share with you who is the best of the best when it comes to catering/ bartending/ venue space in Oxford.


Venue:

Yoknapatawpha Arts Council of the Powerhouse Community Arts Center

The Powerhouse, (duh). Our rental/usage of building has one of the lowest prices in town. Any tables, chairs, lighting we have available is no additional cost. Our house manager is available and present to help with any and all pre-reception/ during reception/ and after reception setup or take down.

Gallery room

The Powerhouse was built in 1928 as the ‘Powerhouse’ for the city of Oxford. Its vintage style brick and spacious rooms with tall ceilings provide any couple with the ingredients to create a delightful celebration. Located on

University Avenue

, it’s the venue that adapts to the vision for your special day. The Powerhouse features two spacious rooms. For smaller events, one room may be reserved for a more intimate gathering or for larger events both rooms could be connected so your guests can mingle freely from room to room.

Theatre room

Florist: 
My absolute favorite work has always been done by The Twisted Twig. Ashley Daniels is personable, easy to work with, and her work is always exceptional and elegant. She does all of the florist work herself, and she is absolutely my favorite in town.

The Twisted Twig

Catering/Bar service: I have 3 favorites.

For just bar service: The Lyric does a great job and their prices are reasonable.

For Catering + Bar: Party Waitin' to Happen can do both. Everytime I see them cater its always something new and intriguing. Ibby & Wiley are a mother/son catering duo. Always delicious. And they always do a fantastic decoration setup with the food.

Party Waitin' to Happen

For just Catering: Taylor Grocery Catering. Butch- the owner can seriously, probably, make anything. Most people know them for their catfish place in Taylor, MS. Taylor Catering has a cute little catering van that they cook the food in and bring with them on site. I've seen them do buffet style & serving style and their homestyle southern meals have always been a personal favorite of mine.

So to recap, favorite time for brides to get married = Spring and that is Wedding Season, which = fun x10 for all. Polish your dance shoes and save your money for wedding gifts + hotel rooms.

And if you're looking for the perfect gift for a new bride:

Square Table Cookbook is a perfect little taste of Oxford.
Order yours today: www.oxfordarts.com/shop

Breakfast = Most Important Meal

Michael Bluth: What's most important in life?
George Michael Bluth: Breakfast.
Michael Bluth: Family.
George Michael Bluth: Right. I thought you meant in the things you eat.

Breakfast is the "most important meal of the day," or at least that's what we've always been told, right? Besides, Momma makes fabulous breakfast.

Here's why breakfast is the best:

1) It gives your metabolism a boost. (Hi weight loss!) Think about it. Your body has been in starvation mode during 6-8 hours of sleeping. Not eating for an extended period of time causes your metabolism to plummet, (which is why people may feel sluggish).

2) Eating a good breakfast will keep you from over eating later- because your body has probably already started giving you signals of "Hey, I'm hungry" with headaches, nausea, or dizzy spells when you stand up too quickly.

3) Our body runs on glucose, and you get that from FOOD. So eat, be merry.

4) Also, breakfast is the BEST. Are you kidding me? Biscuits, Gravy, Sausage or my fav Turkey Sausage, Hashbrowns, Eggs, Bananas, English Muffins, Pancakes! The list goes on and on..


I made Tiny French Toast for Sunday Morning Breakfast!

I also made pancakes, but I accidentally goofed up the recipe... that's why they aren't pictured. *wah wah* It's also why you should never "wing" a recipe unless you really know what you're doing.

 And just because I love Arrested Development so much...

George Michael Bluth: Don't you always say "family first"?
Michael: Yes, I do. But that is not a family. Okay? They're a bunch of greedy, selfish people who have our nose. And Aunt Lindsay.
George Michael Bluth: She's not my real aunt?
Michael: Not her real nose. Got a picture of her when she was 14 in a swimming cap. She looks like a falcon.
-Quotes from Arrested Development, Season 1. Thanks IMDB.

Birthdays

It's always been my personal tradition- that when someone has a birthday you make sure they have a cake. I mean- come on, who doesn't want to have a cake on their birthday? Ok, so maybe you don't want to eat it, but doesn't it just feel good to know that someone went to the trouble of buying you/making you a cake?

My point exactly.              Exhibit A:

Triple Layered Chocolate Cake

 I made this cake for my boyfriend's really good friend Calvin. His birthday was last Thursday. This was the first time I've made a chocolate cake from scratch- and it turned out pretty dang good, if I may add. Also, this chocolate cake is three layers- THREE. It was so huge, and it was a lot harder than I thought it would be to layer them up just so. For only having an hour and a half to create this, I'd say the icing (presentation) was probably the only place I'd lose points.

I'm not joking when I tell you this. 20 minutes after I had finished icing the cake and we were in transit on the way to give it to Calvin, my boyfriend turns to me, laughs and says, "I don't think Calvin likes chocolate."

Happy Birthday, Calvin.

Square Table on QVC Nov. 14th

Even if you aren’t much of a cook, you still know about community cookbooks. In a sense, it is a compilation of a community’s history that helps to identify their traditions, but with food. 

It’s because of my grandmother’s potato salad that I feel like celebrating the 4^th of July. It’s my granny’s friend Nonie who makes this Strawberry Bread that makes me want to inhale an entire loaf just so I don’t have to share. It’s the food comma my dad puts himself in every Thanksgiving just for my mom’s dressing. These are the reasons that Favorite Recipes® Press has had the immense pleasure of reintroducing many home cooks to their dog-eared; finger smeared cookbooks of long ago, sharing the rich history of the community cookbook form with a broader audience.

Favorite Recipes® Press (FRP) has specialized in helping nonprofits and independent publishers from around the nation create, distribute, market and sell award-winning cookbooks since 1961. When FRP came up with a compilation of these community recipes called Recipes Worth Sharing, the response gave home cooks everywhere something to gaga over. With a feature on America’s shopping network, QVC, it quickly became one of the fastest selling cookbooks on national television.

Original Recipes Worth Sharing Released on QVC

            "Favorite Recipes® Press is proud to present yet another great compilation cookbook highlighting the best community cookbook recipes from its customers.  Included are a few favorites from Oxford's very own award-winning Square Table published by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council." –Mary Margaret Andrews, Director of Marketing and Distribution Sales for Favorite Recipes® Press.

Thanks to FRP, recipes from Square Table will be featured in their second compilation cookbook More Recipes Worth Sharing. 

This new cookbook will be launched on QVC’s popular Sunday morning show, In the Kitchen with David, on November 14th.

   More Recipes Worth Sharing includes over 500 of the best, most popular recipes contributed by more than 82 community cookbooks from 26 states. Also included are inspiring stories about community projects made possible from the sales of community cookbooks.

More Recipes Worth Sharing provides Square Table with national attention and advertising that they would not have been able to afford without the feature on QVC. The Arts Council is now able to reach larger audiences and expand their market. In addition, all Square Table cookbook sales go towards funding community arts programs in Oxford, Miss.

Communities all over the United States will be tuned to QVC on Sunday morning, November 14, for the unveiling of More Recipes Worth Sharing, will you?

For more information on More Recipes Worth Sharing visit http://www.frpbooks.com/ or to order your copy of Square Table today visit www.oxfordarts.com/shop.