After 5 1/2 weeks of many hours and lots of labor, our sweet new home is coming together into our forever dream.
Of course, when you have twenty-seven years of magazine articles in a notebook and Pinterest boards detailing home and garden plans it does come together rather quickly, much to Audley’s chagrin.
Even though we have been crazy busy around here, we have still managed to welcome spring and celebrate all the little things from Easter to birthdays and tomorrow, we will be hosting Mother’s Day here at our new home.
When deciding what I should prepare, I went way back into my archive of hand-written recipes that I began back in college and pulled out one of my favorites; a cheesy poundcake from Southern Living around 1994.
It’s probably one of my favorite pound cake recipes as well as one that is so versitle. With ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, all the butter and real vanilla this pairs well with coffee, berries, a chocolate sauce, a lemon cream, or cranberries soaked in a sweet red wine.
My favorite way to enjoy this cake though, is still warm from the oven, with fresh plain strawberries and slightly sweetened homemade whipped cream. The flavors pair so well together and with all the sugar in the cake (it IS a pound cake after all), you don’t need to add any more.
So let’s gather some ingredients.
You’ll need 1 1/2 cups of butter, 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, 3 cups of sugar, 6 large eggs, 3 cups all-purpose flour, salt, 2 cups finely shredded cheese (this recipe is SO much better if you shred it yourself. Trust me), and 1 Tablespoon high quality vanilla.
{I never said this recipe was healthy.}
While baking this recipe in a Bundt pan is perfectly fine and definitely less work in the kitchen, I used a flower cakelet pan from Williams Sonoma for my pound cakes just for aesthetics and a cuteness factor.
After baking, I trimmed the bottoms so that the cakes would set flat. That is Audley’s favorite part of baking, because he is a crust kinda guy. As I said my favorite way to enjoy this cake is with strawberries, so that is definitely the way we’ll be serving it up!
I’ll add the entire recipe in just a sec., but I would love to hear your Mother’s Day plans!
Check out this rich and scrumptious recipe below and have a fabulous weekend!
We are just a day away from Thanksgiving 2021 and I am so looking forward to enjoying time with our families. We have two gatherings planned; one of which we are hosting, so it’s going to be a fun and very busy weekend!
Thanksgiving in the US revolves around everyone gathered at the table with a bountiful meal served up. We Americans love to eat and generally it’s done in excess.
While my own Pilgrim ancestors that survived that first year to celebrate in 1621 didn’t write about the details of the feast, others recorded that part of the meal consisted of wild fowl. Could this be the reason we have turkey today as the centerpiece of our Thanksgiving dinners?
This year I am brining our turkey before roasting. Brining helps the turkey absorb extra moisture which will help prevent the bird from drying out while roasting. The salt in your brine soaks deep into the meat adding layers of flavor. It also breaks down some of the tough membranes’ turkey is known for having, giving you a tender bird to serve up. The best part of using a brine is it is so easy! And who doesn’t like easy for the holidays?!
To brine the turkey I combine sea salt, brown sugar, juniper berries, star anise, lemon peel, orange peel, dried apple bits and other fresh herbs (I’ll post a link to print the full brine recipe below) with 2 1/2 gallons of water in a large non-reactive pan. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally, until the salt and sugar has dissolved. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate so that it is chilled. After the brining solution is chilled add your turkey, cover and refrigerate to soak for 24 hours.
After your bird has soaked in the brine, rinse and prepare to roast using any of your favorite roasting recipes.
I roasted our bird by stuffing it with chopped apples, oranges and fresh rosemary and thyme from the garden, and placing it on a bed of the same ingredients. Since I was really looking for an orange flavor, a few well-placed orange slices between the skin and breast worked magnificently. Tent your turkey with foil and pop into the oven at 350 until the temperature reaches 160 degrees.
I made a baste for our bird using 1 cup of turkey broth, 1 cup Riesling, and a stick of butter. By brining the turkey, I didn’t have to baste near as often.
After removing the turkey from the oven, I let it rest about 30 minutes. Using my baster, I removed the juices from the pan to make up a flavorful gravy. You really need about 5-6 cups, so if you don’t have that much from the turkey, add canned broth. It’s perfectly fine to do this as you’ll still have plenty of that fresh roasted flavor. To keep as much fat as possible from my gravy I love using my OXO fat separator. If you don’t have one, head off to Target right now (thank me for the excuse to shop later) and get you one! This is probably my most used kitchen accessory.
Everyone makes gravy differently, but I’ve found the easiest way is to divide your turkey broth/juices and while most of it simmers on the stove top, save a 1/2 cup of the juices to whisk with 1/4 cup of flour until smooth, then add to your simmering broth; whisk well. Stir in some salt and pepper to taste, maybe some fresh parsley. Cook until you it thickens, about a minute or so.
Plate your roasted turkey and enjoy all the oohs and ahhs you’ll get over your moist, tender and yummy turkey! If you would like a detailed recipe, check out my Autumn Spice Turkey Brine.
Over the weekend I hit the road with my friend, Tami, for a girl’s weekend in Pensacola Beach, Florida. We had a fabulous time getting away from Atlanta, soaking up some vitamin D, and catching up on the latest happenings in our lives.
Between Hurricane Sally in late 2019 and Rona shutdowns in 2020 Pensacola Beach has weathered its storms and is ready for summer 2021! Pensacola Beach is not a PCB, Destin or Daytona (thank goodness), but it’s the perfect location for a family or girl’s getaway. The atmosphere in Pensacola Beach is so much warmer, welcoming and friendlier than larger beaches. It retains a bit of a vintage vibe which I appreciate more than ever right now!
So, what can you do in Pensacola Beach? Here are “10 Things” to fill your week while vacationing here.
1) Eat at one of the many local restaurants along the strip. Pensacola Beach is making a splash in the foodie scene and there are so many great options!
Tami and I first ate at Laguna’s Grill and Bar as we rolled into town. This adventure park/restaurant was so bright and colorful, a fun place to dine and play! The coastal views made for the perfect welcome to the beach. I ordered delicious shrimp tacos made using gulf-caught shrimp and the crispiest fries ever! Tami dined on a grilled cheese sandwich made with gruyere and Havarti cheeses. It was all so delicious.
Another great place to eat was Water Pig BBQ. Sitting right on the water the chopped brisket with caramelized onion tasted even better. You have to try the pimento cheese as well! After supper, walk next door to Water Pig’s sister restaurant, Red Fish, Blue Fish for a drink and watch the sun go down. The setting is beautiful.
Sunday Brunch at the Hilton is absolutely wonderful. With live music, fresh seafood and so many other dishes from prime rib to fresh pasta, if you leave hungry, it’s your own fault.
Also located at the Hilton is an unassuming restaurant on the second floor called Bonsai. I plan to review this separately, but y’all, trust me, you will want to check Bonsai out!
2) Head over to Ft Pickens National Seashore for trails, fishing, and history. This beautiful area is rich in history and absolutely stunning. Learn about the fort itself as well as the fortifications that were made up through World War II and take in all the natural shorelines this preserved area has to offer. There are park rangers around to answer your questions, but tours are mostly self-guided. If you’re not a fan of history, you can hike along the parks many trails, or take a guided nature tour. While in the park we saw a majestic eagle, turtles and so much more. If i hadn’t been driving, I would have love a pic of the eagle. Y’all, he was stunning! Fort Pickens is a great place to watch the sunset, ad I’ve heard rumors that it makes a fantastic viewing area for watching the Blue Angels practice. The area is a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and if you are an America the Beautiful passholder you are covered here. Otherwise, it’s $25 a car and the admission is good for seven days.
3) Find adventure out on the water. Pensacola beach has so many options available for water activities aside from playing in the surf. Rent a boat for fishing, or dolphin watching, take a sunset cruise, kayak the calmer bay water, paddle board, parasail, or rent a jet ski to jump wakes and fly across the water.
Tami and I rented our jet skis from Key Sailing and had an absolute blast out on the water. The staff at Key Sailing were friendly and helpful. The jet skis were new and well maintained. I highly recommend that you check them out.
Key Sailing
400 QuietWater Beach Rd.
Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
(850) 932-5520
4) Shop the Boardwalk shops. These shops are a mix of small boutiques as well as the more well-known Ron Jon Surf Shop and southern beach staple Alvin’s Island. In the Boardwalk area you will also find a few restaurants and ice cream! There is also a beach entrance in the area, so if you forget your sunscreen or need an extra towel, everything is extremely convenient.
5) Miniature Golf at UFO’s. When our kids were at home no beach vacation was complete without at least one mini golf excursion. UFO’s is cute and different with it’s out of this world theme. It’s also walking distance from many of the local hotels or restaurants making it super easy to get around.
UFO’s Pensacola Beach
2 Via de Luna Dr
Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
(850) 677-8830
6) Stay at the Hilton Pensacola Beach. This beachfront property has everything you need for a fabulous vacation stay: great food, beautiful views, fantastic pool area, a top-notch staff who went above and beyond, and of course access to the beach right out the back door. Tami and I had a 2 1/2 room suite that could easy sleep 6. There were 2 queen beds as well as a set of bunks perfect for kiddos. The sitting area had a sleeper sofa if needed as well as a kitchenette for making sandwiches and keeping drinks cool in your room.
The breakfast buffet each morning is convenient and delicious. Have Miss Shirley make you an omelet from scratch or choose a more carb heavy breakfast by munching on a large assortment of muffins, bagels, and waffles. There is something for everyone!
If you stay at the Hilton, have Donna or Jacalyn from the Butler’s Pantry. make you a Teavana Peach Tranquility tea in the evening to drink as you unwind on your patio.
Hilton Pensacola Beach
12 Via de Luna Dr
Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561
(850) 916-2999
7) Visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Fort Pickens is not the only preserved area on Pensacola Beach. On the opposite side of town you will find the Santa Rosa area of the National Seashore. This, to me, is the beach. Sand dunes, and plenty of natural, and mostly unspoiled beauty. This is a beautiful area for a walk, catching the sunrise, or sitting and savoring the quiet, natural sounds of the coast. I wish that more beaches would would retain these large areas of preservation and less development.
8) Get your fitness on. Pensacola Beach is bike and pedestrian friendly. Leave your car at the hotel and venture out to explore. Take a walk on the beach, hit the trails in the National Seashore areas (there is a great paved trail in the Santa Rosa area), or bike around Pcola.
You never know what you’ll see on a beach walk!
If you need a workout, hit the gym at the Hilton. They have everything you need for a great sweat session!
9) Be sure to watch the sunrise or sunset in Pensacola Beach. There is prime viewing for both just about any way you look! My favorite sunrise was out on the beach as i was walking back from the pier and the most beautiful sunset was one I watched from Red Fish Blue Fish. There are other beautiful places to watch from, but plan ahead, because it goes fast!
10) Finally, don’t forget to catch some rays on Pensacola Beach!
{Like you would, right?}
The beaches were well staffed with trained and attentive lifeguards (who stayed on top of red flag conditions). Watching them work over the weekend was exhausting, especially when dealing with people who overindulged in alcohol and others who just wanted to push their buttons.
If you need a chair and umbrella, the guys at Lazy Days are great to work with and will happily make a great deal for more than one days rental. The chairs were well kept and comfortable for tanning, enjoying the waves, or people watching.
It’s not too late to plan a getaway for this summer. Pensacola Beach is a 5 1/2 hour drive from north Atlanta which makes for an easy weekend road trip. Check out all Pcola has to offer and let me know what you think!
In a year where we’re continually hearing news of businesses closing, it’s quite exciting to celebrate an opening!
New York restaurateur, William Degel is opening the doors to his third metro-Atlanta eatery, tonight in the rapidly growing community of Peachtree Corners. It’s taken three years to make this day happen, but it’s definitely worth the wait for the newest addition to the Uncle Jack’s family!
Last week Audley and I were invited out for the soft opening where we were delighted with a fantastic taste of what’s in store for diners. Executive chef, Dylan Temple, has helped create a menu that will leave you salivating for more!
Uncle Jack’s uses a farm to table mentality and employs local ingredients whenever and where ever possible. I don’t know where to really begin, but definitely start your evening off with the tender and flavorful lamb lollipops coated in Dijon mustard and panko, or the crispy pork belly “chicharrons” that will give your taste buds a kick! If you prefer something a little “less”, try the Swedish meatballs that combines, ground quality pork, beef, and veal in a house created pan gravy for a savory bite to wet your appetite for more. If prefer seafood, the Maine lobster and avocado mini tacos are the northeast meets the south with this delectable meshing of flavor. Of course no meal is off to the right start without an order of Uncle Jack’s signature Applewood smoked bacon with a chipotle maple glaze served with housemade peanut butter. Trust me, you have to give these a try!
After waking your taste buds, head on over to the main menu to find a dish that will satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. Keep things simple by trying the Peachtree Burger, also known as the Duke (influenced by Paul Duke, who has had a huge impact on the growth of Peachtree Corners). This top quality beef burger is topped with fresh Georgia peach jam, housemade peanut butter, and maple bacon and served on a brioche bun. Oh y’all, this often carb skipping foodie absolutely loved it! Its perfect for a midday lunch and will keep you satisfied for hours.
If it’s steak you are wanting, Uncle Jack’s all natural aged cuts of beef will having you returning time and again for a tender and savory bite. The 35 Day dry-aged “Fred Flintstone” Longbone is Audley’s absolute favorite, but I really enjoyed the tender and juicy cut of the NY Strip. There are sauces you can top these with, but I savor the flavor of a good steak; no sauce needed.
If you have room (and I suggest you try), you must indulge in dessert. From the simple ‘Baking Bad’ cookie trio consisting of a Peanut Butter Maple Bacon Cookie, Lemon Marshmallow Cookie, AND Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Cookie to the Fudge Brownie Soufflé, you cannot go wrong.
The Uncle Jack’s experience is as much about the decor as it is the food, which create the perfect atmosphere for an upscale yet casual night out.
“Uncle Jack’s has the look and feel of a 1900s building in New York’s Meatpacking District, complete with aged cement, raw vintage steel, subway tile, meat hooks, custom wallpaper featuring archival butcher photos, and flying pigs and steer heads mounted on the walls. The tufted and red vinyl seating, marble bar tops with old school bar styling mixed in and outdoor fire pit lounge areas provide a pop of sophistication while also reinforcing the vintage theme.” The Peachtree location also has a 16-person suite you can reserve for private parties that was named after former wrestling icon, Ric Flair.
Uncle Jack’s Meat House Peachtree Corners is accepting limited reservations through their website or by calling 470-532-1010
Check it out and let me know what you think!
Uncle Jack’s Meat ‘House – Peachtree Corners
5222 Peachtree Pkwy. Ste 920 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Fiddle Dee Dee by Jennifer Jones 