Learning to Cook With Love

From time to time, I will introduce you to friends and family and today I want you to meet some who I love very much and who has always been part of my life.

One cool Thanksgiving weekend ever so many years ago, my parents brought home their first born child and only daughter who was named Libby after a dear friend. As they tell it, I was the perfect baby, sleeping cooing, and crawled contentedly until I was confident enough to walk across the room without falling. From there I twirled and haven’t stopped since.

The first person to hold me or talk to me besides my parents was Mary Alice. She was there when they brought me home from the hospital and she’s been part of my life ever since. She taught me to love the kitchen as I would cling to her apron and beat on the pots with wooden spoons as she cooked. Oh my, devil’s food cake and crispy fried chicken are real comfort food for me because of her. When I was old enough, she taught me some of her kitchen secrets, but hers was always better because she cooked everything with her own special love.

She took care of my brother and me and taught us so much about life and people and just how simple it really is – just live by the golden rule. I don’t ever remember her fussing at us much less spanking us and Lord knows I’m sure we needed it. Mary Alice ruled us with a kind gentle heart and I know now how lucky we were to grow up with her guidance. My mother laughs that we were such brats that she and my father had to have help to keep us in line. Mary Alice laughs louder and tells everyone to this day that I’m her baby and can do no wrong. How wonderful to have someone who has always loved you in spite of everything and everyone! My prayer for you is that you have a Mary Alice to love in your life – it just doesn’t get any better.

Cousin Minnie's Tetrazzini

Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon lived in a mansion next door to the Governor’s Residence, and as Mrs. Henry Cannon, she moved in Nashville’s elite circles. But as Minnie Pearl, she talked about her ‘ner’er-do-well’ Uncle Nabob and Brother from Grinder’s Switch and always dressed in a country frock and hat with a $1.98 price tag dangling from it. When you heard “How-w-w-w-DEE-E-E, I’m jes’ so proud to be here,” you knew Cousin Minnie had arrived. For over 50 years she appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and if laughter is the best medicine, she cured a lot of folks from the stage of the Ryman.

She told me once that more than anything she had wanted to star on Broadway. Sarah had her chance - a scout for a new production came unannounced to watch her perform, but she threw the show. She didn’t get the lead in Oklahoma; she had to settle for life as America’s most beloved country comedienne and the driving force of a cancer center named in her honor. Life wouldn’t have been the same without Miss Minnie who always said as she walked off the stage, “I love you so much it hurts!”

Minnie Pearl`s Chicken Tetrazzini

2 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup grated sharp cheese
2/3 pound spaghetti, cooked and drained
6 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1/2 cup sliced stuffed olives
1 cup chopped pecans
In saucepan, cook celery and onion in butter until tender. Add chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Simmer about 15 minutes. Slowly stir in mushroom soup, milk and cheese. Mix thoroughly. Remove from heat. Add cooked spaghetti. Let stand 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Add chicken and olives to spaghetti and place in prepared dish. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Bake in preheated oven 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Green Grass & Champagne Dinner

M E N U

Champagne Cocktail with Pear William
Shrimp Shooters

Onion Tart with Mixed Greens
Grilled Tenderloin of Beef
Honey Ice Cream with Strawberries and Balsamic Syrup
Assorted Domestic and Imported Cheeses
Licor 43 or Riesling Eiswein

PARTY FAVORS

Herbs planted in Gold Painted Flower Pots, tied with tulle

DECORATIONS

Grasses, herbs, burlap, moss, mushrooms, stoneware and natural toned candles with grass or herbal scents. Of course add leprechauns and shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day or bunnies, eggs and butterflies for Easter.

Most Dangerous Cake Recipe in the World

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now you’re only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time - day or night! My dear friend Jacque Hillman who is a newspaper editor by day and a jewelry designer at heart (Reconfigured.biz) shared this with me. Oh la la!

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips
Small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate and garnish with ice cream and caramel or hot fudge sauce if you dare. Oh and there’s plenty for two to share.

Bridge Club of Madison County

A bridge is a structure which is built to allow

people to cross over obstacles or to provide a means of coming together, so what is a bridge club? Well in Jackson Tennessee, it’s a group of women who have been meeting on the third Thursday of every month for over twenty years and who for the past several have actually been playing the complicated card game of skill and chance by the same name.

If you don’t play bridge or card games, you can get together with friends for a book or gourmet club, or an herb or wine tasting society, Bible study or garden club. Find a set of friends with a common interest and meet at scheduled intervals. Small groups are more intimate and you’ll have a chance to really visit with one another. You can assemble in homes, restaurants or various locations. Nothing has to be fancy, it’s the time spent with one another that is most important.

My dear friend Sherry Thomson is a member of this bridge club and although her job as a nurse at a local surgery center prevents her attendance every month, she’s a vital part of this sisterhood and once a bridge player, always a bridge player. As is the case with most groups, especially in the South, refreshments of some type are served. They can be made from scratch, assembled from the local deli or bakery, or bought, plated and served. Remember it’s about friends coming together. (And yes that’s Belle, the yellow lab puppy, who doesn’t play cards, but loves spending time with her Becky and their friends.)

The Big Easy Fritters

Whether or not you live in New Orleans, it’s Mardi Gras and a great time to sample one of the city's breakfast staples - Banana Fritters. As they say in the Big Easy, “Laissez les bons temps rouler.”
2 medium bananas, ripe but firm, coarsely chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp melted butter
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
3 cups vegetable oil
Powdered sugar, to sprinkle
1/2 tsp cinnamon
In a medium bowl, combine bananas, flour, sugar, egg, butter, salt and baking powder. Add enough of the milk to form a thick pancake batter. You may not need all of the milk.
In a deep saucepan or in a deep fryer, heat oil to 360 degrees and drop batter in by large spoonfuls, a few at a time, and fry until fritters float to surface and are golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to paper towels to drain, and then sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Serve immediately. (Makes 15 to 20 fritters)

Neiman's Mardi Gras Parade & Pralines

Here are two paintings by my friend, LeRoy Neiman (Mardi Gras Parade and Self Portrait.) He is one of the most beloved and popular artist in America today and his work is found in collections throughout the world. From humble beginnings when he helped support his mother by painting grocery store windows, he has followed his passion for painting. Capturing individuals at their leisure and lifestyle events, he has led a most interesting life. Today he continues to master the canvas from his studio in New York. His unique style and perspective is highly recognizable and he has been lauded by the Smithsonian, Columbia University, and numerous museums as one of the great artists of our time.

My most memorable birthday was celebrated at a performance by Michael Feinstein at the Kennedy Center with LeRoy Neiman as our guest. I watched him sketch The National Symphony Orchestra with Michael at a concert grand and later we went to Michel Richard's restaurant, Citronelle, where he sketched my portrait. Those gifts are treasures which remind me daily of my friend LeRoy Neiman and a very special birthday in the nation's capitol a few years ago. I am his friend but a major fan of his art. In addition to originals and serigraphs, he offers many posters, prints and books on his website.

The magnificent Mardi Gras Parade serigraph is a riot of color and action, showing the parade winding its way from New Orleans’ Garden District along the edge of the famous French Quarter. The air is filled with music, from Dixieland jazz and blues to gospel and rock, and also the marvelous aromas of creole and cajun cooking. In the center is the great Rex float amidst costumed knights on horseback. Behind Rex, a blown-up head of the classic Mardi Gras jester bobs above the frivolity. The “beef” acknowledges the faithful who will give up eating meat during the Lenten season. Behind the “beef” is the Streetcar Named Desire. The people on the floats throw colorful souvenir coins, beads and necklaces to the boisterous crowd. Jesters, harlequins and punchinellos dance and tumble. Napoleon rides somberly along the left flank. Up on one of the Quarter’s wonderful cast iron balconies, a spirited, shapely lovely expresses her uninhibited delight. The artist himself is in the crowd on the right, sketching participants and vignettes. With a print that absolutely pulsates with the energy and vitality of Carnival, LeRoy Neiman joyously celebrates the Mardi Gras Parade.

If you've ever been to New Orleans, you no doubt saw or tasted the famous pralines whose sugary aromas drift from the shops of the French Quarter. Oh they are as rich as the delta soil and can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or crumbled on top of ice cream or creme brulee.

Pralines
2 cups light brown sugar;1 cup white sugar;1 cup water;1 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp vanilla; ;1-1/2 cups chopped pecans;1/2 cup pecan halves

In a heavy bottomed pan, combine sugars, water an cream. Cook and stir until soft ball stage. (238 degrees) Remove from heat, whip with a heavy whip for ten to fifteen minutes, add nuts and vanilla, drop by spoonfuls onto buttered pan or parchment. Cool, wrap in wax paper.

Epitome of Comfort Food - Pimento Cheese

The simple blend known as pimento cheese is the epitome of comfort food. It is so ingrained in the lives of most Tennesseans that it’s hard to imagine that it exist only in the South. A pimento cheese sandwich on white bread (usually with the crust cut off) has long been a staple of any table south of the Mason Dixon line, at picnics, church pot luck suppers, or as funeral food. This authentic Southern delicacy has been around since the beginning of the 20th century and every good cook has their own recipe.

Southern Pimento Cheese

8 ounces extra sharp cheddar
8 ounces American cheese or white cheddar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 ounce jar of whole pimentos
1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Dash of onion powder
Dash red pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Blend pimentos and cheese in food processor until well blended. Add dry ingredients and mayonnaise and blend. Last add Worcestershire sauce. Add more mayonnaise as needed for preferred consistency. Scrape sides of bowl to ensure well-blended texture.

Cooked Pimento Cheese

2 tablespoons sugar;3 tablespoons mayonnaise;1 small jar pimentos, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter;1 tablespoon sweet pickle juice;1/4 cup milk;1 pound Velveeta cheese
Combine in medium saucepan, all ingredients except pimentos. Cut cheese into small blocks and let melt over medium heat with other ingredients in saucepan. When cheese is melted combine pimentos with mixture. Stir and store in the refrigerator.

Red Carpet Fizz and Marilyn Monroe Cocktail

And the Oscar goes to . . . Becky Fly

With all the paparazzi and Academy Awards hype, I’m reminded of my friend, Becky who is an actress and drama teacher. In her last feature film, she played a housewife who bought Fuller Brush products from a struggling Billy Graham in Billy: The Early Years. It was a hoot!

She’s a vital part of our community and an arts advocate. She loves teaching and has established her drama classes to be among the best in the South. Becky always has time for those who need encouragement, a mentor, or someone to believe in them.

Becky Fly has won the respect and admiration of everyone who has ever seen her take the stage. If not on stage, she is probably dedicating hours to a production as the director or costumer. When the late Gene Evans needed help to direct him and Stella Stevens in “Love Letters,” it was Becky Fly that he called on.

When Hollywood calls, Becky Fly makes arrangements for her kitty cats and off she goes for a film, commercial, music video or an audition. You’d never know that she has already made a big mark in the entertainment world and is merely one role away from stardom. She had much rather brag on one of ‘her kids’ who is on Broadway, walking the runways of Paris, or pursuing a graduate degree.

Becky Fly changes the lives of her students and prepares them for what lies beyond the classroom. More times than I can count, I’ve heard, “Oh I don’t know what I’d do without Ms Fly.” She has chauffeured kids to play practice, raised dollars for costumes or trip money for kids who would otherwise be left out, and she has done it all with style.

She is one role away from hearing “And the Oscar goes to Becky Fly,” and she truly deserves a big star on her dressing room door.
The Red Carpet Fizz
1/2 ounce pomegranate juice
1/3 ounce orange liquor
1 pint fresh raspberries
3/4 liter champagne
Add pomegranate juice and liquor into a champagne glass. Add a few

fresh raspberries. Top each glass of with champagne, serve chilled.
Marilyn Monroe Cocktail
4 ounces champagne
1 ounce apple brandy
1 teaspoon grenadine syrup
Pour into a champagne glass, and serve with two cherries on a stick.

Twirling - Memphis Antiques, Garden & Gourmet

Opening night gala: "A Taste of Tuscany," Thursday, 7-10 p.m., $75 per person, which includes unlimited return to the show.
Show hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 27-28; 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., March 1. Daily admission is $10; three-day pass is available for $15. Tickets are available at the door.
Gallery & Garden Tour: By Frank Langford, with Continental breakfast, 9 a.m., Feb. 27. $15, show admission included.
Antiques appraisals: By J. Michael Flanigan, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-noon. $15 per item, 2 for $25. (Show admission not included.)
Lectures
Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m., Kevin Coble, "Imaginative, Bold & Eclectic Floral Art."
Feb. 27, 1 p.m., Mary Hill Schroyer, "Incorporating Antiques & Heirlooms into Your Home Accessories."
Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m., Joe Tice, "Current Design Directions in Color, Fabric & Furniture."
Feb. 28, 1 p.m., Libby Murphy, Stan Gibson and Sally Shy, "Tennessee Dining" from Tennessee Tables and Tastes
Individual lecture tickets are $20 or all four lectures for $30; includes show admission.
For more information: Call Madonna Circle at 568-8133 or visit madonnacircle.org.
Join us in Memphis the last weekend of February. We'll share recipes, stories, entertaining tips, and let you sample some of our favorite recipes prepared on the spot. Commercial Appeal - http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/feb/20/lessons-in-southern-hospitality

Southern Cheese Straws

Southern tradition dictates that cheese straws are served at most celebrations. The perfect accompaniment to a cocktail, cold beer, or your favorite wine - these hors d'oeuvres also go well with salads, soups, or as a simple snack.
3/4 pound extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded at room temperature
1/4 pound Asiago cheese, shredded at room temperature
1/4 pound Havarti cheese, shredded at room temperature
1 1/2 sticks butter, at room temperature
2 cups sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream cheese and butter. Add dry ingredients and mix well with electric mixer. Use a cookie press and push dough onto ungreased cookie sheet. Put dough the entire length of sheet and cut into desired lengths after baking. Bake for about 20 minutes, do not brown.

Synonymous with Style

William R. Eubanks’ name is synonymous with refined, classic interior design. At the mention of his name, one envisions a comfortable, but timeless, decoration of sumptuous silk and damask fabrics, period antiques of Great Britain and the European continent, rich jewel-tone colors, Flemish tapestries, Old Master paintings, fine porcelains, and Aubusson and Oushak carpets. He is equally comfortable working in styles ranging from period to modern. Eubanks, international interior designer and antiques purveyor, has offices in New York, Palm Beach, and Memphis, along with an exquisite showroom at 400 Hibiscus Avenue in Palm Beach.

Bill Eubanks is a friend and fellow Tennessean who happened to celebrate another glorious year this past Monday. He and associate Mitch Brown’s entrance hall and sitting room of the Veranda Designer Show House in Beverly Hills: Greystone Mansion is featured in the current issue of Veranda.

The tablescape above is an example of his stunning designs and I encourage you to visit his website for more show stopping photographs of his table arrangements that are designed to enhance the beauty of a room. Bill Eubanks and his design associate, Mitch Brown, created an orchid themed tablescape called "A Moment Crystalized," which will be featured in my next book and it is absolutely breath taking. Sorry, but I will have to save that one until later, it's the most magnificient tablescape I have ever laid eyes one - just imagine!

Hollywood Caramel Corn

3 3/4 quarts popped corn
1 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Mix sugar, butter, syrup and salt. Boil for five minutes and then add soda. Pour over the corn. Place in over at 200 degrees for one hour.

Leave This World A Better Place

Dr. John T. Murphy, Jr. was a beloved orthopaedic surgeon, University of Tennessee football letterman, fishing enthusiast, loving husband, caring father, animal lover, and he was my younger brother. The good Lord must have needed another healing hand in heaven and he called him home in the prime of life, but I know he was ready.

Growing up in Jackson Tennessee, working at Murphy Tractor Company, water skiing on the nearby lakes and rivers, and playing practical jokes, Johnny as we called him was called early in life to be a physician. From UT Knoxville to Memphis for medical school, no one ever doubted this would happen.

He settled in Florence Alabama and there he found the love of his life, Teresa, who he told everyone, was his soul mate. They gardened, fished, planted flowers, traveled, cooked and worked together. Never had he been happier. But something none of us ever dreamed would happen stilled us in shock.

Unexpectedly, he hemorrhaged internally and nothing could change the fate. From never being sick a day in his life to this just didn’t seem fair, but it was just a reminder to our family that life is precious and there truly are no guarantees.

As I stood at the visitation, hundreds came by to say thank you and good by to my brother and told us how because of him they could walk; or how he had always remembered the little girl at the barbecue hut who needed some school money; or how he had gone to the ER in the middle of the night because a family didn’t want any one but Dr. Murphy to operate; or how he treated the rich and poor, the black and white, the saints and the sinners all the same, never judging, just taking care of his patients.

I know that he’s in a better place and he wouldn’t come back here even if he could. It is the ones who are left behind who miss his gentle ways, infectious smile and who can’t help but question the timing. We are only human. Today is his birthday and I have added one of his favorite poems to this site – Success. He lived by these words. Please let it be a reminder to each of us that we should do our part to leave this world a better place, just as Dr. Murphy did.

Presidential Blue Plate & Punch

Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States, was the first of three elected from Tennessee. Orphan, battle hardened warrior, founder of the Democratic Party, and architect of the modern presidency, Jackson rose from nothing to the pinnacle of power.
Elected in 1828, Jackson went to Washington, the grieving widower, having buried his beloved Rachel on Christmas Eve at The Hermitage near Nashville. Though a simple man, during his term he had a French chef at The White House. He kept a horseshoe-shaped table in the state dining room and the East Room was resplendent with the finest china, silver and crystal. As was the custom at the time, he commissioned the china service from France.

Jackson had a penchant for magnificent buffets – lamb with rosemary, crème anglaise floating islands and French wines when he entertained, but loved simple food such as corn pone, hickory nut cake, squirrel stew, and fried ham. Jackson liked to serve his White House guests Daniel Webster Punch which was a potent potion.

Daniel Webster Punch

2 dozen lemons, strained

2 pounds sugar

1/2 pint green tea

1 quart brandy

3 quarts claret

Bottle tightly and allow to stand overnight. Add two or three bottles of champagne. Add slices of fruit such as bananas, pineapples, oranges, or strawberries. Serve over ice.

Today previous patterns are stored in the "Presidential Collection Room" which was designated by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson in 1917 to display the growing collection of White House china. Up to that time, presidential china was regularly sold at auction to help fund the purchase of new china. Even so, almost every past president is represented in the China Room either by state or family china or glassware.

Hail to the Chief Rum Buns

Many of the seafood restaurants in the DC area traditionally served ‘rum buns’ and don’t turn your nose up until you’ve tasted one. Imagine a chilly afternoon as the sun skips across the Potomac and you’re seated at a table with a view. A waiter brings you a basket of warm cinnamon rolls with a butter rum twist to them. Oh yeah, I’ve had them and they will make your mouth water. With President’s Day tomorrow, it reminded me of trips to our Nation’s capitol and some of the fun I’ve had and ‘rum buns’ came to mind.

I also remember a visit with Al Gore at the White House and actually sitting in his chair beneath a huge wall photograph of the earth in balance, long before any books. Oh and the time we had coffee in gold and porcelain cups with the Ambassador from Brunei that was like drinking bitter mocha syrup but I got it down, never mind I didn’t sleep for two days. And an inaugural dinner at the National Building Museum, the great hall is one of my favorite all time sites for a major twirl – it’s nothing short of majestic.

And attending a reception at the British Embassy for the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent – I still have the hand couriered invitation. But my favorite DC memory is relaxing on a sofa beneath a portrait of Charlemagne at the Hay-Adams and having tea in the afternoon served by one of my favorite waiters ever, Cheru – civility personified.

I’m sure that everyone who has ever been to DC has many fond memories; I just wanted to share a few of mine – hail to the chief and everyone’s memoirs of our Nation’s capitol city on President’s Day.
Dough
2 pounds all-purpose flour PLUS (PLUS means this ingredient in addition to the one on the next line, often with divided uses)
1 ounce all-purpose flour
6 ounces granulated sugar
5 ounces raisins
4 ounces vegetable shortening
4 ounces butter (room temperature)
2 tablespoons fresh grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 ounce salt
1 cup water (100 degrees F)
4 ounces fresh yeast
1 cup eggs
2 ounces rum extract
1 cup milk
Cinnamon-Sugar Mix
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 cup sugar
Glaze
1 cup water
1/2 cup rum extract
6 ounces granulated sugar
Icing
2 ounces rum extract
2 ounces light corn syrup
1 ounce butter (melted)
12 ounces confectioners’ sugar

In a mixing bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine all dough ingredients. Mix for 20 minutes until dough is smooth, place on floured tray and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Then refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Flour work surface and roll dough out 4 inches by 20 inches. Brush with melted butter (not in above ingredients) and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mix as needed.

Roll dough strips tightly together. With knife, cut into sections three fingers wide and place in greased (not in above ingredients) muffin pans.

Place a towel over the buns and let them rise until double in size (30 minutes to an hour.) Then bake 25 minutes or until done. Turn pans occasionally for even baking. Remove from oven and brush with glaze immediately. Cool for at least 10 minutes, then coat with icing before serving. Makes about 2 dozen.

xoxo Ice Cream

Cover the bottom of a Pyrex dish with your favorite ice cream sandwiches. You may have to cut them, but just make them fit. Next take a wooden spoon or other utensil and poke holes all over the top of them. Pour about a half cup Kahlua over them. (If you use the thicker ice cream sandwiches, use more Kahlua or to taste.) Crush 2 Heath bars and mix with one large container of Creamy Cool Whip. Spread over the ice cream sandwiches. Garnish the top with curls of chocolate. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze.
Cut into squares or desired shaped and serve. For presentation, you can make a design on the plate such as a star, heart, or squiggle with warm caramel or your favorite sauce and place ice cream sandwich on top. It’s guaranteed to make your valentine jump up and kiss you any day of the year. Sinfully delicious darling! xoxoLibby

Pillow Talk Breakfast

Mimosa
Breakfast Tartlet
Fresh Strawberries
Brown Sugar Muffin

Brown Sugar Streusel Muffins
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2/3 cup cold butter
4 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup evaporated milk
Nonstick Cooking Spray
Granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large mixing bowl, mix thoroughly the first four ingredients. Cut butter into flour mixture. In small bowl, mix eggs, cinnamon, vanilla and milk; stir into flour-butter mixture. Spray muffin cups with coating and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Scoop 1/3 cup of batter into each muffin cup.
Streusel
6 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl; mix well. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Add pecans. Sprinkle mixture evenly over batter in cups. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Lucky for Life

If you’re lucky you’ll have a best friend for life. I count my blessings because the good Lord gave me Dottie. Though she lives in Nashville which is about two hours away, we are never far apart. We met through politics in the Capitol City and have remained friends for over thirty years.

We’ve shared the pain of death and the happiness of new puppy kisses. I’ve watched her son become a man and I am now listening to her tales of life on the road with a soon to be rock star. Dottie is the manager of Matt Morris, a Grammy nominated songwriter and new artist on Justin Timberlake’s Tennman Records. It’s just a little midlife career change now that her hubby’s retired to fishing and riding a motor cycle. Check out Matt’s website – he’s been singing since he and Justin were Mouseketeers together. And if you like music, check out the Oak Ridge Boy’s website for a song that Dottie wrote and they recorded called, “My Son.”

Some of our adventures get funnier the older we get – a false alarm in a NYC hotel, our Inaugural Parade party being interrupted by Jack Nicholson, tootling onto the Martha’s Vineyard ferry, a ditsy astrologist who kept cooing “Wow,” cruising on Santa Monica Freeway, and the time I captured Dr. Ruth and Dottie laughing at a party – the way I saw it the therapist was taking notes and getting plenty of advice from Dottie. I’ve really had some fun with that photo!

Oh for the good times. Ray Price – sing your heart out. My prayer for each of you is that you have a Dottie in your life. Today many of your calendars are marked Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, so Happy Birthday Mr. President, but for me – more importantly Happy Birthday Dottie – my best twirling buddy in the whole wide world.

Honey Dinner's Ready, Are You?

An 1860's walnut banquet table is set with antique British silver, Haviland china, and crystal ready for a Valentines dinner. The grand white pillared home sits among 150 year old boxwoods, jasmine blanketed arbors, and the shade of the massive magnolia and pecan trees in the heart of western Tennessee. Some of my favorite wines have been selected to pair with the courses. Can't you just imagine Rhett strolling into this dining room? Honey dinner's ready, are you?

Yum Yum Cheesies & Clusters

Cheesies
1 1/2 sticks butter; 2 jars Old English Cheese spread; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper;1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce;½ tsp dry mustard; 1 egg
Mix all ingredients and beat for 5 minutes. Remove crust and cut sliced sandwich bread in half on the diagonal forming triangles. Spread one side of bread with cheese mixture and be sure to cover ends where crust was removed. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. May freeze bread after spreading with cheese mixture and go right from freezer to oven. Serve with soup, chili, salad or chicken tenders. NOTE: You don't have to cut the crust off, but I usually do and feed the birds.

Peanut Clusters
1 can condensed milk
2 cups Spanish peanuts
10 ounces miniature marshmallows
1 (12 ounce) package chocolate chips
Melt chocolate and milk. Pour over peanuts and marshmallows. Mix and drop by tablespoon on buttered cookie sheet or wax paper. Allow to set.

French 76 Birthday Toast

Happy Birthday to Lyda Kay Ferree`, The Southern Lifestyles Lady,’ as she is known to thousands of readers. She’s a dear friend and the epitome of a Southern lady. Of course she loves shades of purple, playing her Baby Grand,anything about Natchez, memories of her dear kitty cat Miss Peabody, and traveling to exotic places in Dixie and beyond like the Santa Monica Freeway. She’s taken the Peabody ducks to Good Morning America, sipped tea with royalty, befriended Governors, and just recently was a VIP guest of the Huntsville space institute. No doubt it was a secret mission for astronauts in training to make sure their hospitality skills were up to snuff should they encounter visitors from other galaxies on their travels. Here’s to you ‘Lyola’ you just twirl and have the best time today because February 10th belongs to you.Of course Lyola is a founding member of The Hatchie Bottom Diva Society which I might tell you more about later, but just know that it’s a powerful bunch of honeys who could give James Bond a run for his money. We toast you with the French 76 cocktail – anyone who hasn't tried it, beware – a few of them will put anyone in suspended animation.Good friends are to be treasured so let them know you’re thinking of them. If someone is celebrating a birthday or special occasion, send them a card or pick up the phone and call them. It’s just a small token of friendship, but we all like to be remembered. Cheers Lyola and remember - "Few women tell their age. Few men act theirs."

French 76
1 oz vodka
1 dash grenadine syrup
1 dash sugar syrup
1/4 oz lemon juice
4 oz Champagne
Shake all ingredients (except champagne) well over ice cubes in a shaker. Strain into a glass, fill with champagne, and serve.

Wedding Cake Blues

I am thrilled to share something with Sally and all of her friends for Blue Monday. You might want to look at a post last Monday that I have also just marked for this fun posting - it's a blue tablescape.