Masters Menu

Next week kicks off The Masters golf tournament, which takes place in my beloved home state of Georgia.  It also offers the perfect opportunity to invite folks over for some nibbles.  Here are some quick and easy tasties that I like to have on hand for the big event.

Now you can't have a golf party without serving Arnold Palmer's (a mixture of lemonaide and sweet tea - both of which are staples in our refrigerator).  If you want to take it up a notch, add some bourbon for a Drunken Palmer.  However, this pretty thing is my favorite cocktail to serve up during The Masters.

The Azalea

Two parts gin

One part pineapple juice

One part grenadine

Splash of lemon juice

*Mix in a shaker and pour over ice.  Serves one.

As for the food, southern staples and hospitality abounds with these delicious delicacies of the south.

Bogie Hoagies

I make mine with Pepperidge Farm hoagie rolls, Durkees Sandwich Sauce, turkey, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, salt and pepper.  But really, you could use any lunch meat you like....or make it super easy and order a footlong Subway sandwich.

Bunker Balls and Birdie Balls

On any other occasion, these are simply sausage balls and deviled eggs.  I have tested many a sausage ball recipe and find that this one from fellow Georgia native, Paula Deen, is my favorite.  As for deviled eggs, I really have gotten to the point where I eyeball them.  I hard boil 12 large eggs, cut in half, scoop out the yolk and mix with mayonnaise, parsley, dry mustard, pickle relish, salt and pepper.  Then top with a dusting of paprika.

Par-Tee Sandwiches

These yummies are another staple in our house.  In a pinch, you can use the Palmetto Cheese brand made in Pawley's Island, South Carolina.  My recipe comes from Fannie Flagg's Original Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe Cookbook.

Pimento Cheese

3 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons grated onion

2-3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/4-1/2 teaspoons red pepper depending on how spicy you like it

2  4 ounce jars diced pimiento, dranied

Combine first 4 ingredients in a food processor; pulse until blended and cheese is processed as fine as you want it.  Add pimiento; pulse just to blend.  Store in covered container in the refridgerator.

Green Jacket Cup Cakes

These are super easy - your favorite store bought chocolate cup cakes with green icing. 

Now, stop what you are doing and invite your friends over to enjoy The Masters.  See you at tee time!

xoxo,

TSS

Gone Fishing

My husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law just cashed in their Christmas present and took off to Bristol, TN for a weekend of fly fishing.  This was what I treated my husband to last year for his birthday and while it was a wonderful weekend, it took me two seconds after checking into our cabin to think, "why the heck did I come - he should be here with his Dad and brother."  SO........that is what I gave them all for Christmas.

The South Holston River Lodge is a lovely set of cabins nestled on the banks of the South Holston River, which is known as some of the best and most challenging water to fish in the Southeast.

Here are some pictures from last year's trip.

One of these bad boys may or may not have made its way into the hubby's Easter basket last year.

I  couldn't let them take off without a few yummies on hand.  Having scouted out the local scene last year, I knew they had plenty of restaurants and a good grocery store to stock up upon arrival.  But these did find their way into their stash.

We are suckers for cheese straws and The Barefoot Contessa's Jalapeno Cheddar Crackers are out of this world.

Barefoot Contessa also makes these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars, which are perfect for a filling snack while spending a whole day on the river.

Here's hoping for tight lines and hungry fish!

xoxo,

TSS 

You've Been Egged!

Last year I shared how I came home one day to find out that our house had been egged by our neighbors.  Now on any regular day you can rest assured that I would not be pleased to find my house egged.  But this was just too adorable and a lot sweeter than getting "boo'ed" at Halloween.  I was so excited to run across this printable from The Happy Home Fairy.  I got everything together and let each of the boys pick a friend's house to egg. I am happy to report our outing was successful!

Happy Spring!

xoxo,
TSS

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

I wanted to share with you an adorable dessert that I love to have on hand for Easter - my Peter Cottontail truffles.  Truffles are so luxurious but a bit on the expensive side.  However, they are super easy AND inexpensive to make.  Guests and friends love being suprised with these decadent treats.

Peter Cottontails

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon coconut extract

1 1/2 cups chopped white chocolate

3/4 sweetened flaked coconut

Scald cream with both the vanilla and coconut extract over medium heat.  Stir in chocolate until melted.  Cool for 1 hour.  Shape into 1 inch balls and roll in the flaked coconut.  Chill for one hour or until firm.  *Store tightly covered at room temperature.

While I am at it, here is a sneak peak of Easter at our house.

  

Before I go, don't forget my give away of this darling book.  Just in time for The Masters and perfect for the wee golfer in your life.  

To enter, like my Facebook page (The Southern Sideboard),  like The Masters A to Z by Julia Alfriend Ferris on Facebook (tell her The Southern Sideboard sent you) and leave a message on this post that you have done all of the above.

Hippity Hoppity!

xoxo,

TSS

Georgia On My Mind & {A Give Away}

A few weeks ago, a dear friend posted a picture of what I lovingly refer to as "Ol' Swanny."

If you are a native of Atlanta you will instantly recognize this dessert.  "The Swan" is the signature dessert of The Swan Coach House.  It is a meringue base with a scoop of chocolate mouse wrapped in whipped cream topped with a swan head cookie and slivered almonds.  In a word, divine.  Her picture made me so homesick I hopped in my car and drove home to visit my mother.  Guess where we had lunch upon my arrival?

You guessed it! This sweet spot holds so many memories for me:  countless luncheons and teas as a young girl, my sweet sixteen lunch with mother and her friends, the site of my first mimosa upon tuning 21 and, of course, the host site of my bridesmaids luncheon. It is rare that a trip home doesn't include a stop off here - if even to just pop in the gift shop.  This particular outing was followed up with shopping at Phipps Plaza and then on to see Cinderella.  I love my boys but this girlie day was just what the doctor ordered.

During my drive back to North Carolina, I got to thinking of all my favorite "spots" in Atlanta so I could start sharing them with my boys.  And it dawned on me that my rising golfer would soon be excited to watch the Masters golf tournament.  So, while not an Atlanta tradition, it certainly is a Georgia tradition.

Harrison watched The Masters on TV last year and has been obsessed with golf ever since.  Not shortly after the tournament, my husband's cousin posted on Facebook that her friend had authored an alphabet book based on the tournament.  Immediately, I ordered it and we totally love it.

As the jacket of the book describes, "Badges, Egg Salad, and Green Jackets:  The Masters A to Z captures the rich history and traditions of the Masters Tournament.  Find out what kind of food is served, some of the tournament rules, and the landmarks of this famous sporting event.  Written and illustrated by Georgia natives Julie Alfriend Ferris and Joshua Henry Thomas, this book introduces children to one of the four major championships in professional golf, but is perfect for fans of all ages."

 I am pleased as punch to announce that I have teamed up with Julia to offer a free autographed copy of the book.  In order to enter the give away, please:

•  like my Facebook page (The Southern Sideboard)
• like Julia's Facebook Page (The Masters A to Z by Julia Alfriend Ferris) and tell her that The Southern Sideboard sent you
• Leave a message on this blog post that you have done the above

Good luck!  Harrison will announce the winner in a week.  In the meantime, check back here for some yummy ideas for your own Masters party.

Lastly, please learn more about Julia and Josh at the following sites:

Julia Alfriend Ferris

Joshua Henry Thomas

xoxo,

TSS

St. Paddy's

Having married into an Irish family, I now find myself celebrating St. Patrick's Day.  It is also my nephew's birthday so all the more reason to celebrate!!!

As I mentioned last year, I learned about The Naughty Leprechaun story too late to implement in 2014.  As such, I was thrilled to introduce my boys to Liam and Leyland this year.

Liam and Leyland are twins.  Liam is good and rewards hard work with treasure.  Leyland, on the other hand, is mischievous and leaves tricks and treats.  Each night you decide which twin you want to visit.  The fun is supposed to start on March 14th but I was in Georgia visiting my mother.  So we started Sunday night and to my delight, the boys choose Liam to visit.  They were excited that he left pots of gold rewarding all their hard work and good behavior.

On St. Patrick's Day, they awoke to fnd that both twins visited.

Liam brought a yummy breakfast while Leyland did a little redecorating.......

Our annual St. Patrick's Day meal consisted of Irish Stout Beef Stew with some store bought Irish Soda Bread mix.

We all had a ball.  I just love this season of life!

May the luck of the Irish be with you always.

xoxo,
TSS

Prepping For Guests.

Few things make me happier than a house full of people I love gathered around a table of food that I have prepared.  A big family meal and time to slow down and just enjoy each other's company is the best way I know how to say, "I love you - I am so glad you are part of my life."

As such, the picture above perfectly captures how I start prepping for guests - a table piled with my family recipe box and personal cookbooks. I consider who is coming and pour over cookbooks until I find the perfect "welcome home" meal - because that is how I want people to feel at my table.  Like they have just been welcomed home after a long visit away.

This weekend was super special.  We not only had my boys precious Granddaddy (my father-in-law) in town but we met my brother-in-law's new girlfriend.  I've heard he was a smitten kitten and I wanted her to feel relaxed and at home.  After much hemming and hawing, these were the recipes I chose.

Friday, we dined on Barefoot Contessa's Panko Crusted Salmon.  Holy Moly!  It was amazing!  We enjoyed too much time being in each other's company that I didn't snap a photo but the picture above is the meal.  I paired it with parmesan grits and asparagus.

On Saturday, when we welcomed my BIL's sweetie, I served Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops from Giada de Laurentiis.  I can't tell you how upset I am that I didn't take a picture but rest assured, it will be made again. So yummy.  This was paired with roasted new potatoes and sauteed squash and zucchini.

Today has left me happy as a lark.  Spring is on the way, love is in the air and, as always, I have a long line up of yummy food to accompany my sideboard.  I hope you'll join me and tell me how you prep and entertain your guests.

Gather around the table, y'all!  (catch phrase lifted from Rebecca Lang)

xoxo,
TSS

A Suessical Dinner

Look At Me

Look At Me

Look At Me, Now!

It is fun to have fun

But you have to know how!

We enjoyed a silly dinner in honor of Dr. Suess' birthday.  The kiddos are dressing up each day at school this week for "Read Across America Week", which is based on Dr. Suess stories, so I figured we would join in on the fun.  Last year's Green Eggs and Ham was a bit of a flop so I opted to make a cheese pizza in the shape of the hat from The Cat in The Hat, which we followed up with some Thing 1 and Thing 2 jello.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Suess!

xoxo,

TSS