Holiday Chex Mix

This is my all time favorite holiday food treat. I love sweets, but I LOVE savory foods.  This is the perfect solution to your snacking needs and creates tons of last minute gifts for all of those drop in guests. 

Grocery List:

1 box of Cheese Nips

1 box of small stick pretzels

1 box of wheat Chex

1 box of rice Chex

1 box of Cheerios

2 cans of mixed nuts with 50% less peanuts

1 ½ pounds of margarine

2/3 cup worchestershire sauce

2 tsp garlic salt

2 tsp onion salt

2 tsp chili powder

Turn on your oven to 300 degrees.

Melt your butter on the stove top, make sure not to burn and combine all spices. 

Mix all of your pretzels, cereals, crackers and nuts. 

In the same bowl, pour over the melted butter and spices and mix thoroughly to spread the goodness.

In shallow sheet pans, spread your mixture and put in the oven for 10 minutes or until crispy.

Enjoy!

Pictures from www.sweeticedtea.net

Historical Chocolate Company

Historical Chocolate Company

I am crazy for chocolate. Literally, not a day goes by when I don’t have some.  

So when we came across this Virginia-based chocolate company, with original designs of historical landmarks, we couldn’t help but share with y’all. Think of their goodies like an educational easter basket!  

Chocolate, beautiful chocolate!

 

I had the chance to interview the owner, Barbara Post, about the company, how she got started, and some of her favorite treats! Enjoy!  

Barbara, the owner of Historical Chocolate Company

 

SIT: How did you get into the chocolate business and what drew you to work with this medium?  

HC: My entry into the chocolate business was really a product of chance and timing.  I wish I could claim credit for starting the Historical Chocolate Company, but it was started about twelve years ago by a couple who were looking to sell after the arrival of a third grandchild so they could spend more time with their family.  They had introduced a complimentary line of “Historical Soaps” based on their chocolate molds years ago and I had been making soap for them as a cottage industry, which is how I came to know them and the business.  They wanted to sell the business to someone they knew and who would take continue to grow it with the same spirit they had.  

After taking over the company in January 2009, I’ve worked hard to build upon the foundation I inherited.  We started with giving our brand a new look, with a new logo with a vintage look reminiscent of chocolate companies from the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.  Our product line has expanded beyond Virginia and Washington DC with the introduction of our first South Carolina themed chocolate based on Charleston’s Middleton Place Plantation.  We hope to expand further into other Southern states in the upcoming year, in fact we’re currently talking with potential customers in the Savannah area regarding developing a mold which would bring us into Georgia.  

I jumped at the opportunity as I have always enjoyed creating and working with my hands, even though I had never made a career out of it.  I can spend eight hours at the shop and it doesn’t feel like “work” to me.  Ironically, at the time they asked, I had just started to take chocolatier classes after being inspired by a lecture I attended by John Scharffenberger of Scharffen Berger Chocolate.  

A little look inside Historical Chocolate.

 

Have you ever worked with other food mediums?  

While I love to bake, I can’t say that I’ve ever “worked with other food mediums” unless you count a high school job working as a waitress at Howard Johnson’s!  

Do you have formal culinary training? If so, from where?  

I have taken classes at L’Academie de Cuisine, a Washington DC area culinary school, where I learned the principles of tempering and molding the chocolate, and the unique differences in working with milk, dark and white chocolates.  

More peeks inside - where they make the magic!

 

Other than chocolate, what is your favorite food?  

Seafood is probably my favorite food other than chocolate, which is probably why I love Southern foods so much, given the wonderful oysters, shrimp and fish that come from the South.  When traveling in Charleston, Savannah, or New Orleans, seafood is usually my entrée of choice.  

We couldn’t help but notice most of your landmarks are Southern. Where are you from?  

Truth be told, while most of the chocolates the Historical Chocolate Company sells are based on Southern homes and landmarks, I’m a Pennsylvania carpetbagger.  I grew up in Middletown, which ironically is just a few miles away from Hershey, and moved to Virginia over thirteen years ago.  

Many people are baking at home this time of year. What are some good suggested pairings with chocolate — fruit, etc.  

In my opinion, chocolate tends to pair best with strawberries, raspberries, and cherries when it comes to fruits, but my favorite pairing for chocolate is with wine and spirits.  Many people don’t know that only California, New York, Oregon and Washington have more wineries than Virginia, and many wineries in Virginia, the Carolinas etc. are producing red wines was well as fruit wines and spirits that pair wonderfully with dark chocolate.  A quality dark chocolate with a Virginia-produced raspberry merlot is as good as it gets in my book.  

What is your favorite Christmas carol?  

My favorite Christmas carol is the Coventry Carol, which appropriately enough dates to the 16^th century.  Recently, I attended a concert at Colonial Williamsburg while in town to see their Grand Illumination and was delighted that it was included on the set list.  My less traditional pick would be Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s cover of Mr. Heatmiser. If you ever get the opportunity to hear it live, I highly recommend it!  

Ok, the ultimate question, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate?  

When it comes to snacking on chocolate just by itself, I am a milk chocolate fan.  

Some of the treats available. This is a Southern location - Middleton Place in Charleston, SC.

 

What are you hoping for Christmas?  

I have a lot of things to be happy with this year, so I’m not hoping for anything in particular personally.  For the company though I am hoping to build on my first year of experience and continue to add more Southern historic homes and landmarks to our offerings in the upcoming year, as it gives me an excuse to delve further into the South’s rich heritage.  

Do you have a special recipe you’d like to share?  

While I love to bake, I have to admit that the recipe I get the most requests for this time of the year are sugar cookies made from a recipe by Alton Brown of Food Network’s Good Eats fame.  A couple of years ago, I got to meet Alton and told him that he’s made me very popular with his recipe, and he told me I was probably popular enough already!  I highly recommend it and it’s fun to decorate with royal icing.  The recipe is available online at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/sugar-cookies-recipe/index.html  

Historical Chocolate Shop Front

 

Please do check out Historical Chocolate, and think of them as you plan treats and gifts for your friends and family. You can follow HC on Facebook and Twitter as well, so you can find out first what delicious new products they are “cooking” up (pun intended)!

Slow Cooker Turkey Stuffing

Image from Taste of Home

If you’re after the traditional stuffing experience, but still short on oven space (or digging it out of that bird is a little icky), you can cook traditional stuffing of your choice (or a mix from a box, whatever your fancy).

Just grease the inside of your slow cooker and then add a can of cream of celery soup along with your stuffing.

Cook on low heat 1 hour before your turkey is finished and there ya go. And there’s nothing better than the smell of something delicious on the holidays filling up your house.

Check out our recipe for corn bread stuffing as well.

South (of the Border)

I love Christmas. Don’t get me wrong. I love to hear Bing crooning in the background. I love the fact that it’s practically one long month of excuses to eat sweets. I love the shiny colors and bows and garland and especially twinkly lights.

And while I love getting dressed up and going to a fancy party, this year, we thought we’d try something different. Everyone is so busy dashing from here to there, that sometimes, parties seem like one more thing on the list to check off.

So we held a casual, come-and-go thing with a Mexican fiesta theme, complete with tacos, salsa, and Christmas mariachi music.

We wanted to show a few pictures of our day. Feel free to steal the idea (I did).

Oh, and a little secret you can use the next time you have tacos. We always get so chop happy with the tomatoes, olives, cheese, then move right on to the lettuce. Why? Keep that lettuce in full leaves to line the inside of the taco shell. Now, you can pile on the meat, salsa, sour cream, and toppings galore and feel safe with an extra layer of sturdiness between your taco shell, hard or soft.

Our own Becky, taking a crack at the pinata!

Feliz Navidad!

“F” Stands for Fried

Dear Kentucky Fried Chicken,

The “F” in your newly branded KFC stands for “fried,” not grilled.

That being said, I just had your grilled chicken for lunch, complete with Southern (cooked limp to within an inch of their life, so all the nutrients get sucked out and replaced by salt, but oh so good) green beans and mashed potatoes, and…

It was actually pretty good.

So while the Colonel might not be proud of y’all, we appreciate what you’re doing to keep us all healthier and offer another choice for those picnics we’re already looking forward to next summer.

Your Kentucky friend,

Ginger

1st Annual SIT Gift Guide

Christmas gifts. Source of much stress, and also much joy. It really is more blessed to give than to receive. Nothing makes my Christmas spirits soar quite like finding that just perfect thing for someone. But sometimes, let’s face it, someone in your life is so special that you want to have a small token to give them for Christmas that means what you want to say, but you’re just stumped.

Whether it’s the girl that has everything or the guy who has nothing, but likes it that way, we all need just a little inspiration sometimes. And I don’t have to tell you that time is ticking away, my friends! (I should stop writing right now and get to finishing my Christmas shopping/wrapping/mailing.)

So Sweet Iced Tea is here to help you out. We tried to hit every “category” (as if people can fit into categories – I know my friends and family don’t), and every price point. Even if these specific gifts don’t tickle your fancy, maybe they’ll be something here to inspire you, or you’ll stumble upon a store you’ve never known before. So, here’s our incomplete, slightly unorganized, way too long, but yet still not containing everything we’d like to share, first annual SIT Gift Guide. What’s on your wish list or gift list?

 

 

Men

• My parents bought my husband a cardigan this year, and while he’s usually a jeans and t-shirts kind of guy here in Florida, he’s thrown this on over everything. Instantly pulls they guy in your life together, and makes him snuggly.
• Every man needs a good hankie in his pocket.

From Delight

• You do not have to be a man to want this iPhone cover. (I sure do, just got to get them to make these for Blackberry.)
• Every guy needs one of these classic Leatherman tools. That’s all there is to it.
• Ok, I want all the stuff for the guys! This so-much-more-than patio heater would be a-maz-ing at tailgating. Your guy would be the man.

 

 

Ladies

• This deer print tank would be so cute for lounging around.
• A unique and cool bracelet.

From DayDefyProject on Etsy

• The most beautiful tree necklace.
• A sweet locket with bow charm.

 

 

Kids

• THE coolest playhouses. Guaranteed to make their imaginations soar.
• Sweet, original music boxes. You pick the song title.

From Tin Toy Arcade

• Old-fashioned tin toys. My someday children will only play with toys this cool, I promise.
• I secretly wish I was Jewish. Then I could have one of these personalized menorahs.

 

 

Food

Peterbrook Chocolate-Covered Popcorn

• You cannot go wrong with Peterbrook Chocolates. If you’re lucky enough to live in Florida, Georgia, or Alabama, you might already know the deliciousness that is chocolate-covered popcorn. If not, well, be thankful for the internet. I promise, no matter how strange the concept sounds, it will change your life.
• Another genius Etsy seller, peddling her fresh baked goods for us all to enjoy!
• Bacon jam. Need I say more?

 

 

Home

 

Milk Bottle Carafes from Three Potato Four

 

• Loving these milk bottle carafes. I need these for my guest room.
• Who doesn’t love a pretty pillow?
• This is, by far, the coolest kitchen piece of cookware I own. Ebelskivers are like tiny, filled pancakes. I do not claim to be an advanced cook, by any means, and it is so easy to use, and always impresses. I’m buying this this year for my “Secret Santa.” (Hope you’re not reading this, person whose name I drew. You’ll know who you are.)
• You cannot have too many cloth napkins (in my opinion). And so much the better if they are monogrammed.
• Personalized Trays. Catching the pattern here? Get any thing monogrammed, and it goes from useful object to thoughtful treasure.

 

 

Body

From Etsy seller Flourish

• I want the pomegranate rose bath salts, or anything from Etsy seller, Flourish Bath and Body.
• Would there be anything better than smelling like clean, fresh cotton. Such a simple scent for a body splash.

 

 

Books & Magazines

• I can’t live without my glossies. You know our favorite Garden & Gun. But a subscription to Cooking with Paula Deen or Southern Living would be welcome classics to enjoy all year around.
• On the top 100 books of 2009 list from the New York Times, a biography, Flannery: A Life of Flannery O’Connor.

Pictorial Webster's Visual Dictionary

• I just bought this Pictorial Webster’s as a present (to myself, but don’t tell anyone), and it is beautiful. I could look at it for hours.
• Husband bought me a Kindle for our anniversary last year. It’s the original e-book reader. Amazon has endless books, fantastic service, and cheapy cheap cheap prices. I love my Kindle. I cannot say enough about it. Seriously, if you have any concerns about giving up the paper books, ask me, I’ll regale the qualities of it all day long.

 

 

Handmade

• If you haven’t noticed, I have a thing for Etsy. Everything is handmade, so the sellers really care about their product. And the chances you’ll have something original, and not like every other Target factory product are greater. (I love you Target! Don’t get me wrong!)
• So, spend some time browsing Etsy and it’s sister handmade sites such as Big Cartel for those folks that just nothing seems just right for. If nothing else, you’ll be proud to say, “It’s handmade.”
• Here are just a few more of my favorites:
• De Poppenkraal – This is half steampunk, half prim Victorian. Perfect to give your stylishly cool grandma. (I have this other side to my Southern-ness. I have a secret love for all things “steampunk.” It’s strange. I have my theories, but I really can’t explain it.)

Portrait Earrings from De Poppenkraal

• TheBeSide – I immediately thought of several friends (way cooler than me), that I could give these to. These Box Link Earrings are the coolest and you could do any outfit with Misshapes on Chain.

 

 

Anyone

 

Moleskin City Books

 

• I don’t go anywhere without at least one Moleskin in my purse. (Usually 3 — I know, it’s a problem.) These Moleskin city guides are perfect for anyone in your life you know is jet setting (lucky things) sometime this year. They’ve got 44 cities so far. Bonus points if you tuck a plane ticket and some spending cash in the right currency in there. (And, uh, if you do, can you be my friend?)
• It’s the 70th anniversary of Gone with the Wind. One of the greatest epic love stories of all time and Southern to boot. A classic favorite movie.
• It’s a rare sight to ever spot Ginger without heels on, but if you do, there’s a good chance I’m in Toms. Addictive, cute, and a good cause. For every pair you buy, they give a pair to a child in need. You’ve seen the commercial.
• If I’m ever having a bad day, I go check out Improv Everywhere. It is the funniest and happiest concept. I want to live in a world where things like this exist. In my own head, I’m constantly in a musical movie, and these folks make things like this happen. They’ve put their adventures in a book. They cause scenes.
• I’m like a walking advertisement for Netflix. As if I need anymore excuse to be a homebody, but there’s nothing better on cold January nights.
• This has changed my life. If you have a friend who really insists you don’t get him or her anything, but you want to show some token of love, please consider Compassion International. It’s such a small expense on my list of bills, but it makes such an impact on a child’s life and is a monthly reminder that there are bigger problems in the world than my own. Or perhaps you want to consider adding a child’s sponsorship to your own family.
• Homemade. Get creative and make something on your own. If you do it correctly, you can save a lot of time shopping by making everyone the same thing (especially if it’s food, everyone can enjoy). Photo frames, pillow cases, socks, scarves… for some homebodies (like me), it’s much nicer to sit at home watching Rudolph than frantically running about to every store in the mall.

And I didn’t even get into stockings or wrapping, but I’ll give you a hint as to what’s winding up in my family’s stockings. Sharpie pens (LOVE these), mini Moleskin notebooks, Avon chapstick and lotions, Altoids, staple free stapler, pralines, and, of course, oranges! Oh, and my wrapping paper is a preppy pink and green this year!

Now, hop to it, kids!

Cooking with Game

Photo from AllRecipes

Back in college, I used to have a friend who would call every now and again, offering some fresh duck or venison that he and buddies had the good fortune of hunting earlier that day. We would head over to the men’s residence hall, and eat sizzling hot game on a plate served out the window (they’d usually return after open visitation hours were over). There is nothing like the taste of meat so fresh and well-prepared.

I could never talk anyone into taking me along when they hunted (mostly because I can’t manage to not talk for more than 6 minutes straight, and hunting requires a lot of silence, mostly, so I’m told), but I’ve always found the idea fascinating.

I claim to know nothing of the sport, but if you’re one of the many Southerners who has the luck to be a regular hunter, here’s an article from New Orleans native, John Besh on cooking with game from the New York Times Diner’s Journal. He offers a delicious recipe for Peppered Venison Loin.

Happy hunting!

Daily Grocery Co-Op

Do you ever find a place that you think is so fascinating that you cannot help but tell everyone you know? It almost becomes infectious and just takes over.  I often feel that way about a new recipe, restaurant or a song that is simply amazing.  I pretty much feel this way about the Daily Grocery Co-Op in Athens, Georgia. 

Offering organic products (produce, deli, groceries, toiletries), the Daily seeks to respond to the needs of the community through ethical practices.  Membership is an option, but the store is also open to the public. 

You must see the vat of peanut butter in the back!

Sweet Potato Pie (And I Shut My Mouth)!

It takes a lot to get a Southern girl to shut her mouth. But sweet potato pie just might do the trick.

No, we haven’t forgotten that we are still officially in fall. There is still so much harvest bounty to celebrate.

There is no better transition recipe from fall to winter, in my humble, but accurate, opinion, than sweet potato pie.

If you’ve got some extra sweet potatoes from your Thanksgiving feast that need to be used up, try this delicious recipe.

Pie from my Thanksgiving Table

Boil 1 pound of sweet potatoes whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potatoes, and remove the skin.

Break apart sweet potatoes in a bowl. Add ½ cup butter (softened), and mix well with mixer. Stir in 1 cup sugar, ½ cup milk, 2 eggs, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into a 9-inch unbaked pie crust.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Pie will puff up, and then will sink down as it cools.

Road Trip Re-Cap

Ginger and I had a blast on our second annual road trip around the south, and we hope you enjoyed it as well. Hopefully, you discovered a new restaurant, store, learned a bit of history and just had plain fun! The 30 hours spent in the car was well worth each and every moment around our beloved south.  Truly, there is so much beauty and it isn’t hard to find.  All you really need to do is open your eyes.  Beauty is everywhere.  Here is a recap of all of our excitement.  Who knows where we will go next year, any suggestions?

Road Trip with Sweet Iced Tea

Road Trip Route

Chattanooga Pics

Chattanooga Pics, Part 2

Music Highway

Memories of the Chattanooga Choo-Choo

Pardon Me Boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo?

Pardon Me Boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo? Part 2

Oxford Square

University of Mississippi

Oxford, Mississippi Photos

Oxford, The Grove

Walkin’ in Memphis

Hotty Toddy

Amelia and Erin Austen Abbott

Amelia and Erin Austen Abbott, Part 2

Erin Austen Abbott

Athens, Georgia Home and Katie S.

Trappeze