Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Laissez les bon temps roulez...Let the good times roll...this phrase symbolizes the season of Mardi Gras.  Whether you are in New Orleans or Mobile (THE original birthplace) during the months of January, February and sometimes even March (depending on when Easter falls), this is a phrase you hear often.  

Historically Mardi Gras is tied to a religious celebration.  It is the last BIG party before Lent, or the 40 days leading up to Easter each year.  The idea being that you get all your partying out, and then for 40 days you repent prior to Easter.  For me Mardi Gras is a tradition that is deeply rooted in my southern upbringing. I have attended Mardi Gras parades for as long as I can remember.

Each year, everyone always is sad after the Christmas and New Year's holidays are over.  In our family, we are EXCITED because that means that Mardi Gras is only a few weeks away.  My husband and father are both members of a parading organization, and it is a  BIG deal to prep for this each year. So each year when my holiday decorations come down my Mardi Gras decorations go up! I guarantee you that I am the ONLY person in Eugene OR to have a purple, green and gold Mardi Gras wreath on my front door (see pics below)!

When we first moved to the PNW, we were telling some of our new friends about Mardi Gras, and they kinda looked at us like we had three eyes. They were like, uh you go to New Orleans each year and lift your shirt for beads.  We laughed, and then explained to them, that New Orleans Mardi Gras and the partying you see on Bourbon Street IS NOT what our Mobile, AL Mardi Gras is all about.  Mobile is the original birthplace of Mardi Gras, it is MUCH tamer and family friendly.  Ours is about getting together with all of our extended family for one weekend a year, where we go to parades, and get dressed up and go to a ball.  Our non-southern friends are so intrigued by the customs of Mardi Gras and we often have long conversations about all the traditions that go along with it.  I have to admit it was a bit strange at first being amongst a population of people who had no idea about this tradition. And Lord, it took me forever to find ANY decorations for my house...Thank GOD for Amazon Prime! :)  My husband and I have LOVED being able to share this tradition with our PNW friends. In fact, it has become our annual tradition to host a Mardi Gras party, complete with all the traditional foods, I even had crawfish flown in from the south last year!  Mardi Gras is southern tradition that I have really enjoyed bringing to the PNW, and maybe along the way I may even convince some of our PNW friends to come down and join us one year!

Laissez les bon temps roulez!  

Until next time y'all,

Emily

Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens Soup: A new way to use New Year's Day Leftovers

Like all good Southerns, each year on New Year's Day a feast is prepared with all the traditional  dishes. The typical New Year's Day meal is comprised of some sort of pork product (chops, loin, etc), black eyed peas, collard greens and cornbread. Here is a good link with all the explanation and history behind this traditional meal: Southern New Year's Day Feast.  As I have gotten older I have come to look forward to this meal and typically spend atleast a day prior prepping the peas and collard greens (WHICH are hard to find in Oregon!).  The one thing that is hard is cooking this meal for two people without having SO many leftovers that you do not know what to do with them.  

Instead of eating plan old leftovers for several days... this year I put together a new recipe to "reuse" the peas and collards.  I created a large pot of soup, which I was able to munch on for a few days AND put half of it away in the freezer for a chilly winter night! I created this soup from scratch, which may sound scary, but, it really was simple!  My husband loved it so much he had two BIG helpings!

Black Eyed Peas and Collard Soup (AKA Scarlett O's Stone Soup--as coined by my husband!)

• 3 cloves of garlic- peeled and diced
• 2 stalks of celery-diced
• 2 carrots-diced
• 1/2 medium white onion- diced
• 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt/ Pepper 
• 2 cups of chicken stock (could use vegetable)
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (could omit)
• 3-4 Cups of Pot Likker (reserved juice from cooked collard greens)
• 1-2 small potatoes-peeled and diced
• Can of Kidney beans- 14.5 oz- do not rinse- add juice
• Can of diced tomatoes-14.5 oz
• Can of fire roasted, diced tomatoes- 14.5 oz
• 3 Cups Black Eyed Peas
• 3  Cups of Collard Greens
• Medium package of Link Sausage/ Kabasa sliced into small bite sized pieces ( I used a spicy pork sausage--I like spicy food!

Instructions: 

1. In large pot, sauté' garlic, carrots, onion and celery in 3 Tbsp of olive oil, until tender>
2. Add Salt/Pepper (to taste--I did two pinches of salt, and a few grinds of pepper from the pepper mill).
3. Add 2 Cups of chicken stock, oregano, parsley and red pepper flakes, let simmer a minute or two.
4. Add Pot Likker (juice from cooked collard greens) and potatoes and let simmer for another few minutes or so.
5. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, black eyed peas, collard greens and sausage to the pot.
6. Let simmer on low for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve piping hot with a parmesan cheese and crusty bread

Simmering!

ENJOY!

Until next time y'all,

Emily

Happy New Year

Hello all,

Now that the holiday season is over, it is time to dive into the new year! And I don't know about you but I was READY for 2014 to be over! Nothing makes me happier at the beginning of a new year than to get a new planner. Call me old fashion, but despite all the technology in the world, I like the good old fashion paper planner.  It could be my type A personality, but there is nothing more satisfying than making a "to do" list and being able to check things off.

As I was preparing to purchase a new planner, I decided this year I would make the leap to get a nicer, more customized planner than the typical Target brand I have gotten in years past. I begin doing some research and there are quite a few "trendy" planners out there.  I really loved Erin Condrine's planners, but I couldn't bite the bullet on the price.  So I looked around a bit  more, and decided to look on Etsy, for a customized planner.  And let me tell you I was BLOWN away by some of the choices on Etsy, there are truly some very talented people in the world!  After comparing for hours, I finally decided on a customized, monogram (you know I HAD too..I'm southern) planner from Lotus Paper Co.   I selected a design, and contacted the owner...low and behold the owner is from Bend, OR...small world indeed!  She worked with me to design a planner that would fit my needs and meet my budget.  I am in LOVE with my new planner, if you are looking for one, I highly suggest contacting Christina at Lotus Paper Co..you will NOT be disappointed!

Until next time y'all,

Emily

Things no one tells you about leaving the South

Hello all,

I have been on a bit of a hiatus from blogging due to the holidays and traveling. I came upon this article on Buzzfeed, and it pretty much sums up all the things that one one told me when I moved away from the south...here is the article: Things no on tells you about leaving the south.....

Here are a few comments I have on the items listed.....

1) Referring to all carbonated beverages as "coke"- Having grown up in the South, I assumed that everyone drank coke products... WRONG WRONG WRONG...What i have found is that for the most part the west coast (or atleast Oregon ) is predominately a Pepsi culture...which I tell is NOT the same as Coke!  I learned rather quickly that when someone offers a soda, to make sure that it is a coke product before accepting.  Diet Pepsi=dirty dishwater in my books!

2) Manners....well, manners on the West coast are different. That is not to say that people are not nice, and hold the door open for you, etc.  BUT, having grown up in a culture of "yes ma'am and no sir", I have had to QUICKLY break that habit. I have found that individuals out here DO NOT like being called ma'am or sir, and they often even find it insulting, like I am trying to say they are old.  I slip up every now and again, but I have to reserve those manners for when I am at home in the south.

3) Sweet Tea---NOT the same outside of the south...NOT the same AT ALL! Except for the rare find of the Milo's sweet tea at the local Walmart...that was just a God send!

4) Yep, most everyone assumes that all southerns are a bunch of dumb, hick rednecks.  And are surprised that I can read and wear shoes!

5)Using the word y'all in Oregon, usually illicit a response such as, "are you southern", or "you are not from around here are you"!

6)BBQ outside of the south is NOT GOOD...I REPEAT...NOT GOOD! Unless you know someone with a smoker and makes it at home...it is not WORTH wasting your calories on the stuff they call "BBQ" in the PNW...Its

7) Mosquitos...the people out here complain about them..but they are NOTHING like they are in the deep south...NOTHING.  Growing up visiting my family in South Alabama, there were times I saw mosquitos so big I could have but a saddle on them and ridden them....

11) I would like to add to this list CHICKFIL A and Cracker Barrel, I have been so surprised how many people in the PNW do not know anything about either of these FANTASTIC dining establishments!

12) Air Conditioning...as I discussed in a previous post, it still blows my Southern mind that we live in a place where AC is not common place...its weird...so VERY weird! Here is my previous post on the topic: What do mean we don't have AC in our house??? 

15) Football, yet again something I have discussed in great detail in other posts..IS NOT THE SAME in the PNW.  See previous post: Football Attire PNW Style .

17) Southern Sayings- I have found myself having to explain the true meaning of "bless her heart" far too often. As all southerns know, the saying has a double meaning it a)is a phrase of pure passive aggressiveness about said person in question...example..."Awww look what she is wearing ...bless her heart", and b) it serves as a term of empathy for someone..example.." The poor guy lost his job and his dog died, bless his heart".  People out in the PNW are actually floored when I explain the double meaning to the phrase!

20) Summer- Summer in the south means one thing: HOT HUMID and MISERABLE.  I find it comical when there is a "heat advisory" in Oregon...and the temperature is pushing 90 degrees with 70% humidity.  These PNW natives would NEVER make it in the South during the summer if they think its a hot day at 90 degrees.



Here are is one additional one I would add to the list:


*Happy Holidays NOT Merry Christmas, is the preferred holiday greeting outside of the south- One thing I have learned is that in the PNW, religion is NOT the center of everyone's universe, as it often is in the south. This does not mean that I am not still religious, it is just that everyone is EXTREMELY sensitive to ALL religions/creeds/beliefs when it comes to the holiday seasons.


I hope you all are having a Happy Holiday!

Until next time y'all,

Emily

Pimento Cheese...I FOUND Pimento Cheese in OREGON

So anyone who is from the south knows about pimento cheese.  This delicious cheese spread is the cornerstone of every baby shower and warm summer's day menu.  Moving to Oregon, I assumed I could find it out here...UH WRONG...in fact most people out here have not even heard of it! I have introduced most of our friends out here to this delicious cheese spread, and they LOVE IT!  I have resorted to making the deliciousness from scratch since I can't find it at any store, UNTIL this last week. I ventured into the local Safeway and found the Price's Pimento Cheese that I grew up on in the deli case. Y'all I was SO excited I let out  a little squeak, the other shoppers around me turning to stare. I quickly scooped up a container and headed home to dig in.  I know that Price's is not THE best pimento cheese, but it was nice to find a little piece of the south in the supermarket.  I thought I would share with y'all my favorite go to pimento cheese recipe for when I have a hankering for some homemade pimento cheese sandwiches...here ya go...enjoy!

Emily's Pimento Cheese recipe (adapted from southern living)

2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (get a block of cheese and shred yourself) 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup Blue Plate mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper  1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained salt and black pepper to taste Place the Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and pimento into the large bowl, stir together. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Allow to sit in the fridge for a few hours for all the flavors to meld.  Enjoy!

Until next time y'all,

Emily

Scarlett O's Fall Potpourri Recipe

Hello all,

I have been out of town this last week tapping into my southern roots! I ate plenty of delicious southern foods and saw family and friends, it was an amazing trip home!  Upon my arrival back to the PNW, I was greeted by rainy, windy and COLD weather! I was not quite ready for that shock after spending 7 days in cool, crisp, southern sunshine!

A great way to welcome in the fall/rainy season is to engulf your home in the smell of the season.  I thought I would share with you all my fail proof way to make your house smell amazing and get you in the fall spirit!  I developed this recipe after some trial and error, but I have since perfected this lovely stove top potpourri, guaranteed to make your house smell AMAZING...here is my recipe..enjoy!

Fall potpourri

1.  6-8 cloves
2.  3-4 cinnamon sticks
3.  2 star anise
4.  1/2 orange peel
5.  2-3 cups of water
6.  1 spice bag

1.  Place all ingredients 1-3 (cloves, cinnamon, and star anise) in spice bag, close tightly.
2.  Slice 1/2 an orange, discarding the meat of the fruit, you only need the peel!
3. Place spice bag, 1/2 orange peel and 2-3 cups of water in a large pot on your stove.
4. Turn eye of stove on low, and simmer away to fall perfection.

I picked up my spices in the bulk section of my supermarket, as you don't need an entire jar to create this several times.  I also picked up the spice bags at my supermarket, but I am sure you could pick them up at any local craft stores!

The wonderful smell will engulf your house in minutes! Sit back, brew you a cup of apple cider and ENJOY! I know I did!

sliced oranges for potpourri

Star anise, cloves, cinnamon and spice bag

ENJOY!

Until next time y'all,

Emily

Top 5 Things I Love About Oregon in the Fall

It seems everyone these days is doing a list of their favorite things...so in the spirit of the beginning of the fall season, I put together the top 5 things I have discovered I LOVE about Fall in Oregon. So in no particular order, here you go....


1. Coffee, Coffee, Coffee- As I have discussed before, Oregon has some amazing coffee shops. Pretty sure Starbucks got this area of the country on the map!  There is nothing more wonderful about fall in Oregon than all the delicious coffee shops that you can indulge in on rainy cold days!  A few of my favs in the Eugene area are:  Starbucks (DUH), Dutch Bros (see previous posts on this one!), Vero and Allan Bros.

2.  Pumpkin Patches and Orchards- In the south there are some pumpkin patches, but what I have heard from some of southern friends is that they are not TRUE pumpkin patches at all!  They are  merely old watermelon vines that someone goes and puts bought pumpkins in the field to give the illusion of pumpkin patch picking. I have no idea if this is 100% true or not, I always bought my pumpkin at Home Depot when we lived in Alabama...BUT, Oregon has legit pumpkin patches.  There are so many around our area we haven't been able to scout them all out yet. But it is SO FUN. Some of our favorites are (in no particular order): Detering Orchards (they have APPLE picking too!); Lone Pine Farms (they have GOATS and Sheep, which I LOVE!), and Thistledown.  

3.  Beginning of rainy season- I know I have posted on this NUMEROUS times, but there is something so nice about the beginning of rainy season. Colder weather, snuggly socks, and leggings...it also means I get to break out my new rain pants that I just purchased (i am PRETTY stoked!) from Sierra Trading Post (AWESOME website if you have not ever shopped there!)

4.  SNOW begins to fall in the Cascades- Growing up in the south, the only time you saw snow was by some weather fluke.  The great thing about living an hour or so from the Cascade Mtns, is that in the falls when there begins to have some fall and accumulation on the ski/snow parks.  Since moving out here, I have not tried skiing (YET), BUT, my husband and I absolutely LOVE snowshoeing. For a southern girl, this was an easy winter sport to try, that is SO FUN.  I think we may be buying our first pair of snow shoes this snow season!

Our first time snowshoeing: Christmas Eve 2012

5.  Oregon Football and Indoor Tailgating- I have posted before on my experiences thus far with football culture in the PNW.  But one of the coolest things they have during football season is an indoor place to tailgate during football games.  With your ticket to the football game, you can not only watch the Ducks from the stadium, BUT from inside the indoor tailgating area called, the Moshofsky Center (nicknamed the "Mo").  This is the single BEST thing about Duck football games. On any other given day, the "Mo", is the indoor practice facility for the Oregon Ducks Football. BUT on game day its transformed into a giant indoor tailgate; equipped with a beer garden, inflatables for the kiddos and a food court.  Its AWESOME. My general rule has become when its a rainy and cold game that I will stay till halftime in my seat, then my husband and I head over to the "Mo" to meet friends to warm up and grab a beer. If SEC schools did this, this would be a HUGE success....only in Oregon!

Panorama pic of Mo

Until next time y'all,

Emily