Fall Color in Athens

Before we barrel head first into Christmas, I just had to share these two pictures from the beautiful foliage in Athens, Georgia over Thanksgiving.  Why are dying leaves just so darn pretty?

Holiday Hostess Gift

The holidays bring lots of parties and events.  Traditionally, a host or hostess gift is a nice thought, especially when you are the lucky recipient of a holiday dinner.  While wine is often the last minute gift of choice, what about ordering a thoughtful book instead? I love these vintage entertaining books. Simply, add a colorful bookmark, note the year, and sign. 

A couple of great websites are The CookBookery, and Old Cook Books.

You are now the perfect guest.  Happy Holidays.

Thanksgiving Relived

We’re back and happy to share in the upcoming holidays with you.  Christmas time is near and dear to both Ginger and I, and I would imagine you as well.

Here are a few pictures from my Thanksgiving in north Georgia.  It was cold, clear and wonderful.  Returning to warm Florida was not so exciting, but I can relive the holiday moments with memories of Granny’s fried apple pies, pound cake, a Florida State win over the Gators (woohoo!) and meals with my family. 

Tuesday Tip: Savings Account

We’ve all done it a time or two: “borrowing” back from our savings account. So to keep that temptation at bay, keep your savings and checking accounts at different banks. You can still transfer the funds should you decide to, but it will make it just a little more difficult. You’ll have to think twice before moving those hard-earned savings out.

And as we all begin our Christmas shopping, it’s good to remember those budgets! If you need a step further, make the savings account with an online bank so you’ll have to deposit by mail, or establish an account that requires two signatures to withdraw from.

Before you know it, those savings will grow grow grow!

Happy Accidents

Pumpkin Pie Image from Taste of Home

I’ve just gotta tell y’all about one of those mix-ups that ended up serendipitous, and delicious! Last year, I hosted Thanksgiving for my in-laws, and low and behold, got halfway through mixing up ingredients for the grand finale — the pumpkin pie — on Thanksgiving morning before I realized I was completely out of evaporated milk. I checked the pantry for any trace of something similar — sweetened condensed milk, scoured the fridge for remaining half and half, heavy cream, but alas, our week-long food reveling had left any extras a little dry. And you know all stores were closing in 5 minutes, so there was no time. Well, I threw a splash of skim milk in, crossed my fingers, and poured the mix in my mini pie tins. I figured we’d just do without pumpkin pie if it didn’t work out. A travesty — but I knew there had to be a frozen Sara Lee key lime pie buried somewhere in the freezer if worst came to worst.

But when I removed the pumpkin pies from the oven, I found a delightful treat. While it wasn’t the typical light, frothy concoction I’m used to when eating the traditional Thanksgiving pie, I loved the denser, almost cheesecake-like texture. Luckily for me too, the in-laws are open-minded and enjoyed them as well. (I doubt anyone would have even noticed had I not had a few helpers in the kitchen.) The Thanksgiving favorite was saved! It was delicious.

This year, I thought I’d retest my theory, to see if it was a holiday miracle, or if I really do prefer pumpkin pie sans evaporated milk. Turns out, it’s delicious! So if you prefer a heavy, rich dessert, as I often do, try making two pies  this year — one with and one without. Do a little taste test, and see which sliver (or wedge) everyone likes best. My guess is we might be on to something!

Let us know what you think? Was it just me?

Food Wednesday: Serving and Passing at the Table

Every year. Every single year. We sit down with turkeys in our eyes, hold hands around to say a grateful blessing, look up greedily, and start dishing food out onto our platters. Then, folks start passing dishes. Casseroles, green beans, stuffing, gravy. And then it hits. Someone has got rolls coming from the left and corn pudding from the right. Which to choose? Where to put the one you want next?

And then, “Ginger! Which way are we supposed to pass again?” You see, when I was little, Daddy dressed me up every Saturday and drove me to “Pretty Picture Poise” (yes, that was the real name) classes. So the entire extended family knows that Ms. Post-Police over here can tell ya. Ya get to eat a lot faster if all the food is going the same direction!

You better believe I’ve memorized this by now. And considered taking a Sharpie and drawing arrows to each of Mamaw’s beautiful holiday dishes. But instead, we all laugh as I call out, “Left to Right! Left to Right!” I have my suspicions they all know by now, but it’s become such a holiday tradition, we must feign ignorance. Now, for heaven’s sake, if someone beside you wants the dish, you don’t have to pass it all around the whole table, serve them first, but it’s a slippery slope.

It’s almost here y’all, and we know Southerners are nothing if not polite. Here are a few more tips for table manners should you or your family need a little refresher course.

• Be sure to RSVP to any invitations, and show up promptly on time. Coordinating a dinner is a precise art, so your punctuality will be appreciated.
• Dress appropriately. If you’re unsure of the attire, always dress a notch up. After all, your host or hostess is going to a good deal of effort to prepare a delicious meal.
• If you’re planning a more formal, seated affair, instruct your staff to serve food from the left, remove plates from the right.
• Since glasses are on the right side of youre table setting, pour beverages while standing to the right side of your guests.
• Serve yourself with your right hand, and always place the dish down on the table to your left while transferring food from the dish to your plate.
• Cut small, bite-sized pieces and, if necessary, use a small piece of bread to assist in pushing your food onto your fork.
• It’s obvious momma always told us not to talk with our mouths full, but also try to refrain from drinking with food in your mouth.
• When asked to pass the salt, or the pepper, they are always passed as a pair, even if the request was only for one or the other.
• When asked to pass an item, always pass the dish and place it down on the table, rather than handing it to the guest.
• When you’re finished, place your utensils at the “4 o’clock” position on your plate to indicate you’re through.
• It’s always polite to offer to clean up, even if you’re denied.

Tuesday Tip: Green Veggies

Image (and recipe for Beans with Warm Bacon Dressing) at Woman's Day

How do those green beans, spinach, asparagus, and peas look so green in magazine pictures? (Well, probably photoshop.) But you can get yours just as appetizingly vibrant by adding just a pinch of baking soda to the water as you cook them.

Looking tasty is half of tasting scrumptious!

Food “Friday”: Yams

We’re all thinking about food this whole week, now aren’t we, Southerners? So don’t worry… you haven’t missed the whole week. It’s really Monday. But let’s just admit it, and have a full week of “Food Fridays.” Food-related days are among my favorite anyway. Let’s talk about the Thanksgiving classic, yams, today… shall we?

First off, let’s get this business about yams versus sweet potatoes being the same thing — I’ve been mistaken for years, but it turns out, they’re not (thanks to Mr. SIT for pointing out the difference, who has apparently read the entire encylopedia). Now, there’s no harm in calling a sweet potato a yam, but just so we all know there is a difference. They’re from entirely different plant species. (But not to worry too much, even sweet potato manufacturers get confused, labeling sweet potatoes as “canned yams” frequently. But the USDA does now requires they correctly label “sweet potato” somewhere on there, so look closely and you can tell if it’s a real yam or actually sweet potatoes.)

In fact, you’ll probably have to go to a latin-american market even to purchase the real thing. They’re seldom grown in the U.S. Course, if you’re just dead set at only shopping at Publix (and who could blame you with that list!), sweet potatoes can be substituted for yams in most recipes.

• The yam is from the Dioscorea genus.
• The word “yam” comes from the Spanish which means “to taste” or “to eat.”
• Yams are extremely popular in Africa, where they are often eaten as the main course and barbequed, grilled, fried, boiled, smoked, or roasted. Take a cue from these folks and try any one of these variations, rather than the usual casserole. (And if anyone fries, ‘q’s, or grills your yam, we want to hear about it!) Grated yams make great moister in dessert recipes.
• Yams are similar in size to sweet potatoes, but actually are much moister and sweeter.
• Yams are full of vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B, potassium and magnesium.
• Look for shape that is tight and has smooth skin, free of spots.
• Store yams in a cool, dry place for up to a week. Don’t refrigerate.

Now, you’ll have a great piece of dinner conversation for those Thanksgiving guests.

Food Friday: Sandwiches

Bet you think you know about everything there is to know about sandwiches, don’t ya? Well, while I tend to think of these easy, delicious meals as summer food, truth is, I think I could eat a sandwich every day of my life. Anything goes between two pieces of delicious bread. And if you’re anything like my family, we’re all about to have a lot leftover of that one certain ingredient that makes for fantastic sandwiches.

• Got several different kinds of bread? Make it a “two-facer.” Use one slice white or sourdough bread and one slice wheat, rye, or pumpernickel.
• For a variation on the sandwich, wrap it up! Throw those ingredients into a flour tortilla or egg-roll wrapper, or if you’re watching those calories, a large lettuce leaf. (Don’t always assume the “wrap” option is the “lighter” option. Sometimes there’s every bit of the calories in the wrap as in the bread.) Bagels, pitas, and croissants also make delicious sandwich bread.
• If you are watching calories, but love bread, try an open-faced sandwich. Or, simply freeze a loaf of bread then cut one slice in half (this is easier when the bread is frozen) so you’re only eating one serving, but getting that sandwich feel.
• If you’re not a mayo fan (sorry to say this is me), but love the moisture it provides, use cream cheese or cottage cheese.
• Sometimes the sandwich really is all about the spread. While there’s nothing like a mustard standby, I love a little mix of chutney spread with the cream cheese to give it flavor and moisture.
• I’m also fond of dipping my sandwich is salad dressings for extra pep. My favorite is honey mustard, but any of your favorite will do.
• Becky taught me this trick, and I’ve yet to eat a grilled cheese sandwich since without it — sprinkle a little garlic salt in with your butter as you spread. I also like my grilled cheeses with a little ham, turkey, tomato, bacon, or mustard snuck in from time to time.
• We’ve all eaten tuna fish sandwiches, but if you’ve got any leftover seafood from last night’s dinner, combine with a little mayo, throw on a couple pickles, and you’ve got a scrumptious meal.
• Whenever I’m serving up my favorite pulled-pork bbq sandwiches, I like to try this little trick to keep them a little less messy. Buy the unsliced buns. Cut them yourself more towards the quarter than the middle. Then hollow out the bready portion to fill with delicious saucy meat!
• My mother-in-law, who is Spanish, insists that we’re far too narrow in what we consider a sandwich. I’ve had some delicious meals at her home consisting of all sorts of healthy ingredients served in a pita or naan bread that I would never have thought of — beans, pasta, rice, vegetable salad — these all make healthy and delicious options.
• Whenever I make Mr. SIT a sandwich to take to work for lunch, I always make sure the cheese sits directly on the bread. This way, when I spread any relish, mustard, tomatoes, or pickles on the sandwich, the bread doesn’t get soggy. Wrap airtight and they’ll last just fine.

Christmas Card Guide

I love the age-old tradition of sending out Christmas cards. There’s nothing like an envelope in the mail from an old friend that says something a little more than keeping up with them on Facebook. So, I feel even thought it’s not quite Thanksgiving yet, I’ve waited long enough, and it’s time for our first Christmas related post! We know you’ll be anxious to get those cards out to family and friends right after the last of the turkey is gone, so we’re hosting our first annual Christmas card guide this year!

Here are a host of our favorite picks.

Religious

I’m sort of a traditionalist. For heaven’s sake, it’s called CHRISTmas, folks, so I try and send out a card each year that represents why I’m celebrating. And that is that a little baby came down to this earth, was born in a lowly manger, and came to be our Savior. I have dear friends that do and do not believe that, but that’s what Christmas is all about to me.

O Holy Night from CBD

I like the look of this swirly nativity scene. I love cards that you could practically place in a frame and call them art, but there’s something so different about the vibrant colors. While it’s still reverent, it excites as well. Definitely not the same ho-hum card.

Nativity Card from CBD

I love this artistic nativity scene. You can almost feel the glow of that Holy Night. CBD is a great resource. I’ve purchased my cards here before, and they are of good quality, and they always have so many designs to choose from.

Christmas Blessings from Office Max

I’ve often found a great selection of cards at larger stores, such as Office Max. This is a beautiful stained glass design. There’s just something so majestic about stained glass, don’t you think?

Stained Glass image of Mary and the Baby Jesus

For Unto Us a Child is Born. The central message of Christmas.

Holiday

But for those of you that aren’t part of the Christian faith, there are so many gorgeous generic cards out there that wish friends and family Happy Holiday’s or Season’s Greetings. And anyone who knows me knows too I have a very soft spot in my heart for Hanukkah.

Card from The Image Shop

I like the simplicity of this dove, and the message of Peace, at Christmas time, from the Image Shop.

Hanukkah Card from MOMA

A great Hanukkah card, from the MOMA Store.

Pretty

Holiday Greetings

I literally created a category, just for this one card, from Masterpiece. It’s certainly a contender for my Christmas card this year.

Humor

I’ve been known to cater to my audience when it comes to Christmas cards. A couple years ago, I just couldn’t resist a hilarious card, but knew a few of the names in my address book wouldn’t appreciate making light of this sacred holiday. Anyway, that was just an excuse, because I couldn’t decide between the two. So I sent out one funny card, and one more traditional form to the likes of former teachers and such.

Christmas Bumper Stickers from MOMA

This card is so cute, I might just have to do that again. Ahem, and it’s on m-a-j-o-r sale.

Trad

I’m a traditional girl myself. There’s nothing Christmasy-er than red and green, a little preppy plaid, or a Santa. Throw in a wintery scene, and it’s one that will proudly take center stage on my mantle.

Merry Christmas, card by CBD

I love everything about this card — a little red and green plaid, and some Christmas candy, with a simple “Merry Christmas” message, from CBD.

Horses Running Through the Snow -- Card from CBD

Another beautiful card from Christian Book Distributors features horses running through the snow. I can’t wait to get a live view of this soon, at hopefully my White Kentucky Christmas. Fingers crossed!

Nutcracker card from CBD

A Christmas Classic — a Nutcracker, wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Masterpiece by Office Max

Simple and elegant, with the classic Christmas image of holly and berries.

Santa Claus from the Image Shop

You can hardly have a gift guide without at least one card featuring Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick!

Family

If you’re blessed enough at Christmas to have a beautiful family to show off, I’m sure many of you love to send pictures of those smiling faces. I love seeing some of my favorite families, spread all across the world, grow up in a yearly Christmas card right before my eyes.

Vintage Typography Card from Minted

Favorite Cards from Minted

Family Flip Books from Minted

 Minted is chock-full of cards, Christmas and otherwise. They have a million designs I fell in love with, but here are a few of my favorites.

Christmas Newsletter Paper

If you decide to go the newsletter route, there are tons of great printed papers at stores like Office Max that you can go with to make your letter a little more festive!

From Etsy seller gottalovethem

I adore this unique design — a round picture card, that I can just see grandparents hanging on their tree — from Etsy seller, Gottalovethem.

Family Christmas Card by Keep In Touch Stationary

The lady behind Keep in Touch Stationary is a friend from my Union days. She currently resides in Nashville, and keeps an active business going along with being a mother!  Her cards are seriously cute. And, she keeps an active Facebook profile, so you can always stay up-to-date on the latest designs and deals.

Family Top Ten photo card by Etsy seller, Digifoto

Perhaps the coolest blend of family newsletter and picture card is this one from Digifoto on Etsy. How clever is this! Your friends will love hearing the top ten family events, and I suspect your family will have a great time reminiscing about the past year, and selecting those top ten events!

Homemade

In a day of Etsy and other similar sites, I love seeing so many handmade cards coming into my mailbox. What better way to say you care to those in your address book?

Merry Christmas, Y'all by Squirrel in the Attic on Etsy

Y’all know I’ve talked about Etsy seller Squirrel in the Attic before here. I cannot get enough of her adorable cards. This is as Southern as they come! Anyone would want to be on your address list if you send out some of her cute cards with messages like “Merry Christmas, Y’all!” or “Feliz Navidad, Amigo!” (She is also featuring way cute “Recipe for a Merry Christmas” cards this season too. Perfect for any family member you’re trying to “butter up” for that secret recipe.”)

Fa la la la la! by Dude and Chick on Etsy

This card just makes me smile. From Etsy seller, Dude and Chick.

New Year’s

Hey, sometimes it just doesn’t happen before December 25th, but there’s nothing I love more than getting a straggling card to my mailbox come January 2nd… or 3rd… or 20th. Don’t worry if you don’t get to it amidst all your reveling, baking and merry making! Just sign your cards, “And let me be the last, to wish you and yours a Happy New Year!”

Happy New Year!

Every single thing the MOMA Store puts out, I love. This card is no exception. Would it be weird if I sent out Christmas cards and New Year’s cards?

Original

Goodness, there are so many many cool cards out there. I could barely pick just this few. In the midst of some very cool designs, a few stood out that would absolutely delight. I’ve truly never seen anything like these.

From Etsy seller, SunshineandRavioli

So, family and friends, look away, because there’s a good chance you might be getting this card. Christmas post cards! Such an original idea to save yourself from addressing cards and stuffing envelopes. And, you save on postage too!

Wouldn’t anyone, young or young at heart, love opening up the tiny doors on this Advent Calendar as a Christmas card? Better hurry and make sure this one gets out soon though! The countdown is on!

Festive Christmas Colors by MOMA

Joy to the World!

Just love these pop-out cards. Their bright colors will get a spot front and center in anyone’s Christmas card display. By, who else? MOMA.

Card from Etsy - Melangerienyc

I just about gasped when I saw this… scratch-n-sniff Christmas Card! From Etsy seller, Melangerienyc, this card is about the cleverest thing I’ve ever seen. They get my pick this year for absolute favorite!

So there you have it. Sweet Iced Tea’s favorite Christmas cards. We’ve got some great things in store for you here at Sweet Iced Tea this Christmas season, but as for Christmas cards, now, the hard part — picking just one… or two…