BBQ

Don’t be confused. Cooking out in your backyard is NOT barbecue. Unless it’s pork (beef is not barbecue, silly Texans), and you cook those suckers for at least 8 hours (and more like 24), you’re just grilling out.

Everyone has their favorite style–vinegar-based, tomato-based, dry ribs, sweet sauce–but in my humble but accurate opinion, it don’t get better than Memphis-style barbecue. I spent 6 years living in Memphis, so I’m hooked. It’s hard to find good barbecue outside of the South, but if you do get some, you know it’s just about as close to heaven as you can get here on earth. The spicy, salty aroma makes my mouth just water.

And folks are serious about their barbecue. People travel from miles around just to get a good taste. I once met Jimmy Carter at the Rendezvous in Memphis. I’ve heard of others spotting the Rolling Stones, NSYNC, and who knows who else. The Memphis in May World Champion Barbecue Cooking Contest, which draws over 90,000 annually, is the largest pork barbecue cooking contest in the world. Other smaller, but just as tasty barbecue joints in Memphis include the Germantown Commissary, Gridley’s, Tops, and Pig-N-Whistle.

But for my money, I think you won’t find any better than Corky’s. If you get through Memphis sometime, you’ve got to go by the original location on Poplar Avenue. And if you can’t anytime soon, and just get a hankerin’ you can’t control (I know I certainly have), you can have most of the resturants in town ship you a package via Fed Ex (another Memphis staple) on dry ice straight to your home anywhere in the U.S.  Make sure to try the dry ribs and a spoonful of coleslaw on top of your pulled-pork sandwich. Yum!

What’s you’re favorite type of BBQ?

Home to Mitford

“He left the coffee-scented warmth of the Main Street Grill and stood for a moment under the green awning.”

Now if that charming image doesn’t make you want to curl up with a blanket on a rainy afternoon and read a book, I don’t know what will. So begins our introduction to a character I hope many of you have the pleasure of knowing, Father Tim of Mitford. I’m sure many of you are familiar with the Mitford Series by Jan Karon, but if any of you are not, please allow me to introduce you.

I first became familiar with the series in high school, while working at a local bookstore. At the time, Mrs. Karon had only published a few of the books, but I read all I could get my hands on one summer on a family vacation. Then, along with many men and women around the world, waited, as every year another installment of the beloved Mitford community was released.

This series of nine novels centers around the quiant village of Mitford, whose array of charming characters include generous and opinionated Miss Sadie Baxter, simple and loving Uncle Billy, meddling Emma, and of course his dog Barnabas, adopted son Dooley, and pretty (and single!) neighbor Cynthia.

As I mentioned Monday, I came on vacation armed with a “stackful” of books (all conveniently held in my new Kindle!), and just had to reread at least a few of the beloved Mitford series. It’s not often that I reread a book–there are so many great books in the world just dying to be read that it sometimes feels a waste to reread something, but not these. It’s a simple indulgence for me on vacation, but I always find it worthwhile to return to this small fictional Carolina mountain town.

I’ve happily recommended these to friends, colleagues, in-laws, grandparents. And now I heartily recommend these delightful books to you. Grab one on your way to Independence Day weekend vacation next week!

What Southern books do you go back to time and time again?

Bowties & Bowties

Good morning, all! Well, we made it to the teeny town of Dahlgren, Virginia where we will be spending a month here for my Matthew to attend a training session related to his new job. I’m used to the big Southern cities–growing up in Nashville, Birmingham, Memphis–so I’m getting a taste of this small town living thing. You know, I kinda like it. We drove into “the city” this weekend to shop and see a movie, and all the traffic stressed me out much quicker than usual. But no matter… I’m holed up during the week with a stack of books, movies, and my trusty laptop. I’m also surrounded by a beautiful setting to take long morning strolls in. Plus, I know there will be many weekend excursions to various attractions and historical locations nearby, so I know the time will pass by, and before I know it, I’ll be back!

However, the relaxation will have to wait, because today I have much planning to do for my anniversary! It’s hard to believe I’ve been married two years, but it’s true. And while I’m enjoying this small community immensely, the nicest restaurant in town is called “The Crabby Oyster,” and while they cook up a yummy seafood dinner, the atmosphere is just not quite the romantic dream one might hope for. So, I’m gonna fill all you in with my plans (I hope my honey doesn’t read this before he gets home tonight!) for the evening. Well, some of them. Wink.

The idea was inspired by the traditional anniversary gift. We try and stick with the traditional theme, which can inspire creativity, especially when that suggested gift is Cotton. But, I might have it easier than most. My cute, preppy husband is a rather snazzy dresser, and like all good Southern boys, has an especial penchant for bowties. Therefore, the theme is Bowties this evening. I bought him a sharp outfit, complete with a trio of new bowties, and found an Italian restuarant that will prepare delicious pastas to go (I’m limited with only a microwave for warming in our little suite). I plan to get bowtie pasta, served in a large, steaming bowl. It’s neater than long noodles to eat on a date anyway. And I can’t think of a more romantic and beautiful meal than Italian foods.

The “table” (computer desk in our room) will be pulled out to the middle of our living space and covered with a lovely black and white checkered tablecloth along with red (cloth, of course) napkins. I’ll complete the romance with long tapered candles (I’ve been eyeing new crystal candlestick holders anyway, so this is the perfect excuse to buy them), and I plan to stop by the florist this afternoon for a huge bouquet of fresh flowers to make the table beautiful.

So, there is your complete Second Anniversary plan, celebrated in home away from home style. I know June is a popular month for weddings, so if you have an anniversary coming up, or just want to treat your Special Other to a sweet night in, come up with a theme that is special to you. Perhaps your man is a hunter. How about a new accessory for his weekend morning hobby? Presented alongside a yummy meal of duck or venison. I know you have some stashed away in your freezer. Or a string of pearls, served after a buttery dish of oysters? Use your imagination and most of all, give your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife a long hug or kis and make sure you look into their eyes and tell them you love them today.

Now if I can only figure out what to wear and pull a rumpled dress out of the suitcase!

Bluegrass Days

Hello, all! Well, it’s been over a week since I’ve posted! We’re on the road in the great state of Kentucky now, after a few days in Memphis visiting one side of the family where we ate too many big breakfasts and too much bar-b-que, walked along down by the great Mississippi River, and visited with old friends.

Now we are here visiting with my parents at their house in downtown Lexington. It’s beautiful here with all the rolling fields partitioned off by fences where the horses run wild all over the “blue” grass.

Some might debate whether Kentucky really is part of the South, as they were a border state during the secession of the Civil War, but as my daddy would say, “Southern is a state of mind.” And to me, Kentucky is as southern as they come. Family cookouts, walks to small little family-owned restaurants, tours of the horse farms. Can’t get much more Southern than that unless you add a glass of sweet tea in your hand (which I usually do)!

So far we’ve attended a swing dance lesson downtown in the park where we got to dance in the street, went to church then to a big lunch with Mamaw (followed by a long afternoon nap, of course), had a yummy Monte Cristo sandwich with friends, had the whole family over to meet the newest baby cousin, and played countless board games on the porch.

Tonight we are heading down to a jazz festival equipped with a big bucket of fried chicken in hand, and expectations of the best ice cream in the world from Grader’s afterwards. It should be a fun evening, and I promise to keep you all posted as the Southern summer vacation continues.

Y’all take care!

Road Trip Goodies

So tomorrow my husband and I leave for a 2 month vacation incorporating some time in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virgina. You can expect some posts from all over the south as we travel about this summer, and we can expect hours upon hours in the car, hundreds of dollars in tanks full of $4-per gasoline, several books on tape, and of course, road trip snacks!

I always feel a little sluggish after traveling, and one of the reasons is that we all sit for longer than we’re used to, and then aren’t properly fueled and hydrated. Man cannot live on Gummie Bears alone.

Hopefully you’ll be getting out somewhere in these coming beautiful summer months, so below are some suggestions to pack in a little cooler, and head across the South, or at least down the road to your nearest park for a day.

·     fruit (or fruit leather)–especially apples, grapes, blueberries, bananas and strawberries travel well. Avoid juicier fruits as oranges and peaches.

·     crackers with peanut butter or cheese

·     flavored soy nuts

·     rice cakes

·     bagels with spread

·     trail mix or chex mix (If you make this on your own, you can customize this based on your particular families’ needs… don’t like peanuts, just leave them out!)

·     pbj sandwiches

·     cookies or some appropriate Rocky ROAD brownies

·     chocolate-covered pretzels

·     granola bars

·     candy

If you’re lucky enough to have a place too keep your blue ice cool, pack:

·     string cheese

·     biscuits with ham, sausage, or bacon

·     juice boxes and diet soft drinks

·     And of course, plenty of water (don’t worry about stopping often… the journey is the destination. Plus it’ll feel good to stretch your legs!)

Don’t forget to include pre-moistened wipes or some casual cloth napkins for the journey, and you’re all set for some summer fun!

Where do you plan to visit this summer?