Roll Tide

Tonight was a great night for fans of Alabama (winning a national championship , fans of the SEC (where national championships seemed to procreate) and Texas A&M (the team that beat the national champions).  This is the game we anticipate and work for all year long.  We know the date early in the year, the location, and usually by December 1st we know the teams.  We plan our evening to be free and the meal that is cooked in the crock pot so that we can be ready for the pregame and kick off.  We chill that really good bottle of wine so we have something special for the evening.

But alas, when the final seconds tick off the clock and the winner is declared, we sense a sort of depression coming on for we know that we must wait a long seven and a half months until we are ready to play college football again.  The sadness sets in as we finally clean up the kitchen, wind down for the evening and talk of the things we must endure until the next football season - opening day at the Ballpark, hot sizzling summer temps, getting back in shape in preparation for summer and basketball  *Ugh!  The bright glimmer of January is that we get fresh new episodes of our favorite TV shows, some award shows, a new season of the Bachelor  and the hunt for the Superbowl (which I hope includes the Packers).

As we gear up for 2013 just remember, its only about 250 days until the start of college football!  Roll Tide (and Sic 'em Bears!)

Pie

This weekend brought back some pretty amazing childhood memories.  I began digging through my recipe files and came upon one of my favorite's called Mother's Pie.  When I was growing up, I named the dish after the person introducing me to the food.  I cooked all weekend making chicken and dumplings, gumbo, soup, roasted chicken, grilled tenderloin fillets, twice baked potatoes, and pies.  Lots of pies were made this weekend.

But one pie in particular holds special meaning and tasting it brought back some warm fuzzy feelings.  Mother's pie, as it is affectionately called, is a pretty easy recipe.  You basically just dump stuff into a graham cracker crust.  I made it and promptly ate a piece as soon as it was chilled.  Delicious.  What a great way to bring back memories!  Send me a message if you are interested in the recipe.

Amy's Accomplishment

I want to take a moment to tell you of a story of a great woman who bloomed later in life.  She is my bestie from the crib, Miss Amy.  Amy married right out of high school and quickly (and surprisingly  found herself pregnant with John Fox.  She worked at the bank for many years and eventually remarried and moved to Shreveport where she finished her degree.  

Amy became a loan officer and quickly moved up in the banking world.  About 3 years ago, she decided to go back to school and complete her Master's Degree.  That is no easy task when you commute 45 minutes each way per day and have been promoted to an executive position in a regional company.  She also has a fiance, two dogs, a mother, and two grand kids to see after as well.  To obtain a degree with the all the time demands of her busy life is pretty amazing.

So, on December 15th with Gayla, Carla, Ray and I watched Amy walked across the stage, was hooded and given her degree.  I am so proud of her for all of her accomplishments.

Christmas Gatherings

One of my favorite times of the year is Crass Christmas Cheer.  We have our home open to friends and family for a few hours the Wednesday night before Christmas.  Ray cooks loads of ribs and the spirits flow.  The house is decorated for the holidays and everyone is always welcome.  Every year we invite about 275 of our closest friends and anywhere for 150-200 show up.  

Remarkably, the crowd is different from year to year.  We had such a great time this year seeing all our friends and family as they dropped in to gather and visit for the evening.  Each year, we cook 18 racks of ribs and before the evening is over there is rarely more than a half of rack left.  In fact, Ray put a rack back in the fridge to take to the son in law, but someone found it.  It soon disappeared as did all the other food in the house.

Now that the holidays are drawing to a close, it's time to clean up the Christmas stuff and just move forward with Crass Cheer!

Our Family Christmas

My son is pretty amazing. He likes to get things for you that you would just not expect. This year, he got me a deli meat slicer.  It's is truly something I have longed for many a day.  I love to create in the kitchen and this is just the perfect tool to go with my vac sealer.  Since Christmas I have sliced summer sausage, cheese, ham, etc.  We have bags and bags of sliced stuff in the fridge.

However, we know that the blade on that little appliance is pretty sharp.  I am prone to slicing my hands and fingers up with my sharp knives anyway, so we had a long talk about how to be very careful when using this appliance.  In fact we even made a deal.  I won't use the appliance when I by myself (so if I cut my hand off, someone else can dial 911) and if you have had even a drop of alcohol (a sip of wine counts) you may not use said appliance.

Well as fate would have it, I have already broken my promise.  Ray was out of town and I wanted to slice up these little rolls and make wafer thin garlic bites.  So...........even though I was all alone (Pattycake was across the street) but it was early and there was no wine involved, I used the appliance.  Lo and behold, my sweet friend, Kim, who dropped by that evening bold face asked me if I used it by myself.  I contemplated covering but I knew she would catch me.......so I fessed up.  

The only saving grace was the wafer thin garlic crisps were truly the hit of the evening!  So what interesting gift did you get for Christmas?

Pumpkin Pie

My friend, Kim, is probably the most amazing baker I know.  Now, I can cook - but I can't bake.  You see to bake, you are required to follow the directions to a tee!  Kim even weighs her flour.  However, she was kind enough to share this recipe with me last year and it really is pretty easy and delicious.  She says it is the absolute best pumpkin pie you ever had!


For the pie:


10 inch baked pie shell
3 egg yolks
3 egg whites
1 c. sugar divided
1 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin
1/2 c. milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 TBSP unflavored gelatin
1/4 c. water


Beat 1/2 c sugar and 3 egg whites until stiff and set aside.


Beat 1/2 sugar and egg yolks until thick.  Add pumpkin, milk, salt and spices.  Cook in a double boiler until thick.  Add gelatin to water and stir and then add to mixture after removing from the heat.  Let cook and fold in egg white mixture. Pour in a baked shell and chill thoroughly.


Praline Topping
3 TBSP whipped cream
6 TBSP brown sugar
6 TBSP butter
3/4 c chopped pecans



Measure cream in a sauce pan, add sugar and butter. Heat to a boil and cook one minute.  Remove and stir in pecans.  Cool and then spread onto cool pie.


I hope you enjoy.  Kim is always a fantastic dessert queen!

Brunch

There is just something that has a festive ring to the word "brunch".  It is a social gathering of fine food in a beautiful setting among friends and family.  Brunch has to be on of my favorite occasions.  It is not a meal we eat daily like breakfast, dinner, or supper.  It is a special meal designed for a gathering on a special occasion. We celebrate many festive meals such as Easter Lunch, Thanksgiving Dinner or Christmas Eve Supper.  These are celebrated at specific times on certain days annually.  But Brunch.........you can do that anytime you want to celebrate.

The meal itself is perfect.  Whether you like breakfast food or lunch food, there is something for everyone.  It's not early but not late, and can be long or short depending on the company.  It can be for any reason or no reason at all.  Today is one of my favorites with clients and friends.  Happy Sunday...........I'm off to Brunch!

Friendship from Afar

I have many many friends from all walks of life and scattered the world over.  I am thankful for Facebook, email and other social media that allows me to keep in contact with them and keep up with the important things in their life.  I have friends that mean so much to me but because of the distances in our homes, obligations in our lives with family and demands in the work place that we rarely get to spend any quality time together.

Last night I got to spend some time with one of my dearest friends that I only get to see about once or twice a year.  I am so thankful for the time we had to catch up and share what is going on in our lives with our kids, spouses and families.  We think so much alike because we love deeply, appreciate our southern roots and traditions, and both have such positive attitudes.  We laughed and giggled, talked seriously and plotted and schemed.  

Friendship comes in many different sizes and shapes.  Don't let distance keep you from connecting. Money is necessary, stuff is great, and time is fleeting. Relationships are the true blessings in life.  Make each and everyone of them count.

Thinking of Daddy

Today I have been thinking about my Daddy.  It has been a little more than 18 months since he went home to be with Jesus.  Certainly not a day goes by that I do not miss him terribly, but I have seen God's hand in his death with the timing, the blessings, and faith that I have had to have to deal with this loss.

I drove by the farm not too long ago and looked to see if his pickup was there.  Of course it was not but I still looked out of habit.  I begin to think about that last time he drove out to the farm.  Did he realize when he left the house that he would never see my mother or any of us again?  Did he take in the sights on the drive out there? Did he realize as he pulled into the farm and unlocked the gate that he would never drive out?  Those thoughts made me realize that we don't know when we will draw our last breath.  

So after that day I decided to enjoy life a little more.  I decided to talk to Jesus a little more every day and thank him for all the blessings I have in my life.  I decided to use my crystal and my china because every day is special.  I decided to go ahead and order enough Christmas china so everyone can have a plate at Christmas.  These may seem like simple decisions but there were more.  My message is just to enjoy life for every day is a new day and a blessing. Because we don't know when it will be our last, enjoy your life.

Flashbacks

This has been a fun and amazing weekend for me.  There have been moments of joy, sadness, euphoria, and stress.  I spent the weekend with two of my dearest childhood girlfriends.  We laughed, remembered, and made new memories.   We loved, giggled, and made plans for the future.  We celebrated, shared, and made sure that we are always there for each other.  We told funny stories about ourselves, our children, our grandchildren, and our mates.  We took a chance on a slot machine or two, enjoyed an adult beverage, and did a lot of people watching. 

We had lunch on Saturday at Posada's in South Shreveport where we planned to do a little shopping. I remembered the last time I ate at that restaurant.  It was for my nephew's graduation party.  It was the last time I ever ate at a restaurant with my father.  It was a great flashback and reminded me of all that I have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season.  It reminded me that no matter what - your family (that you are born with and that you choose as family) are really all you can count in on in life.   Money can't buy happiness.  But family that you love and friends you can count on are worth more than any bank balance you will ever amass.

In remembering this weekend - I will always remember how blessed I am!

Weddings

There is something special about weddings.  Every time I attend one I am reminded about the special day that I married Ray Crass.   Weddings are the beginnings of new family.  It is the start of a new home.  It is the blending of two people who bring out the best in each other.

When you look at how two people found each other and how they fell in love, every story should be a fairy tale.  True love does exist.  But the wedding should be a day to remember.  It should not be all about the pomp and circumstance of the ceremony.  It should be about watching two people share the joining of their lives with friends and family.  

I was lucky to attend my cousin Brian's wedding this weekend.  He is such a great man.  I met his wife for the first time this weekend and I think she is a pretty lucky lady.  Brian will love and adore her for the rest of his days.  I am so glad he has found someone to be his best friend and love him.  His brother said it best in his toast,  "Take care of my best friend."

Congratulations, Brian and Ashley!

Turning 50

Since my last post, I have turned the big 50!  I have hit the big milestone. But I have tried to do it with grace and dignity. I have decided to celebrate 50 days of 50 beginning on September 20th (according to my Mother).  

I actually had a formal dinner on my my actual 50th birthday. My friends gathered and celebrated with me on the patio. The weather was perfect and the evening was as picaresque as it could be.   The dearest friends, the most amazing dinner and the picture perfect setting was the key to an unforgettable dinner and party that a girl could ask for ever!

It's Been A While

It has been a while since I posted my last blog.  I've been sick.  I've been out of town at a convention and I've turned 50.  Did I mention that I have hit the big one?  Did I mention that I have celebrated my 50th birthday?

I actually started celebrating the 50 days of 50 on September 21st when me, my baby sister, her hubby, my mother and my sweet son started the party at Lake Greeson in Cabin #6 at the lake of our childhood that weekend. 

I  grilled steak that night which is a favorite of our family at our cabin. It was awesome. Low key celebration, hot tubing, and family in a cool mountain settling. I  can't tell you how much fun 

the weekend was at our cabin.

We took care of our family business, enjoyed some low key family time and planned for the future. How lucky I am to have these fine people in my life.

Life is Good

My life is far from perfect.  I have problems just like everyone else.  But I have realized as I have turned 50 years old that life is a gift.  How you live each day determines how you appreciate the blessings God bestows on you.  It's not the big things in life that matter, but the little small kind gestures of friendship, kindness and love that really are important.  What counts in life is the love you have for Lord and the relationships you nurture with friends and family that make your life rich.  Friends and family are the treasures that money can't buy.  Memories last a lifetime and no one can take those from you!

Turning 50

This week was the big one.  I turned 50 years old.  That's right - the half century mark.  It was a monumental occasion.  First, I never thought I would live to see 50.  Second, I always thought 36 was old.  Trust me -36 is nothing!  Turning 50 was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

I have celebrated in style all week.  I have several new thoughts as I enter the next half century of my life.  I plan to live to be 100.  I plan to celebrate each day as a gift from God.  I plan to be positive and uplifting to those in my life.  I plan to be best I can be.  I plan to stop and smell the roses.

I also have several things that I will no longer tolerate in my life.  I will no longer have any negativity in my life.  I am not going to be around depressed, sad, mean or negative people.  I am not going to entertain sad or depressing thoughts.  I am not going to live with negative forces in my circle.

I hope that you will adopt my motto no matter your age and live life to the fullest.  Don't wait until you are my age to make that decision.  Start today with all things positive!  Go for it-----and watch your face light up with a big fat grin!

Getting Exercise

Well I did it again today - I got up and walked.  We are trying so hard to be healthy.  I realize that as I approach 50 - being healthy takes a lot more energy than it did when I was younger.  I do take more medicine, I try to eat right and limit my wine intake to somewhere around two glasses a day.  (I use large wine glasses).  

What do you do to stay fit?  How do you motivate your body to exercise?  Help !!!!

College Football

Today is a day that I have been looking forward to for a long time.  The beginning of the 2012 College Football Season.  I have been planning for this evening for quite some time.  Ray and I are having Frito Chili Pie and watching the game.  South Carolina and Tennessee start the season tonight.  I have planned the entire Labor Day weekend around the College Football Schedule. 

There is nothing quite like College Football.  There is pageantry, spirit, team loyalty, tailgating, and excitement.  No matter the ranking of a team, you can never always predict the outcome in college football.  Years of rivalry can change the BCS rankings on any given Monday.  An upset on Saturday afternoon can spur a team to bowl game before the season is over.   I am a proud supporter of my Baylor Bears but I love watching Big 12 and SEC football teams as they dual to the final play of the game.  The fans and supporters are always ready for the next game regardless of the outcome.

So here's to college football.  Let the season begin!

New Hair

I  love going to the salon and having my hair cut and colored.  I can't think of anything else that can make you feel like a new person in such a short amount of time.  I love laying back with my head in the bowl while Jeannie scrubs and massages my scalp.  That warm water cascading over my head puts me into a whole new relaxing world.  The smell of great shampoo is just so relaxing to the senses.

Tonight was my turn with Jeannie.  She is so delightful.  She knows when I want to visit and when I just need to be still.  She knows what I like and I trust her instincts when I want to change something.  The salon is professional - not a gossip mill but staffed with real professionals who abide by a dress code and work together as a team.

I think the other reason that the salon is so relaxing is that I can't use my cell phone at all while I am at the salon.  I can't text, check emails or talk on my phone.  The whole time I am there is all about making me feel prettier.  What a treat today was at the salon!

Placemats

I was raised by a woman who believed in setting the table.  I think that is why I am so fascinated with placemats and napkins.  I love to see a table set and how pretty the plates are on a beautiful placemat.  

I think the food tastes better and is not gobbled down when it is presented in a lovely setting.  I know I enjoy eating more when I am seated at a table and have the opportunity to enjoy the company that I am with and the food that is before me.  

Garden Ridge has a great selection of placemats that are not expensive if you are looking to start a collection.  I have fall, spring, Christmas, Valentine, and pretty much a set for any occasion.  I love to find a  set on a sale with matching napkins that goes with any of my dishes.  Next time you want to really enjoy a meal, start by setting your table with a set of placemats and matching napkins!

Exercise

I would love to say that I exercise regularly. I am even a member at a gym - where I never go!!!  But today I am changing.  Today I started to exercise.  Today I walked in my neighborhood with my friend - Jburd.  This is my plan for the next six weeks.  I will get up and walk four mornings a week.

They say it takes 21 days to make a habit.  So for the next six weeks - I plan to exercise for four days per week.  So by my 50th birthday I can say that I regularly exercise. Check by in with me then and I'll let you know if I stuck to my goal.

It was nice to be able to tell the doctor this today that I exercise.  I mean that I have exercised today.  That is a shade of truth and not really a bold face exaggeration of the truth.  I have made day one of exercise.........hoping I get up and make it again on Tuesday.

Rib Rub

Sunday afternoon was a rib cooking afternoon.  My sweet, Rhett, loves ribs, and since he was visiting this past weekend, I wanted to cook his favorite foods.  Ribs sound difficult but really are very easy to cook.  The key is to get the seasoning (rub) just right and to smoke them consistently over a 250 degree fire.  You can't just put them on and leave them.  It requires you to constantly check the fire to keep it at the right temperature.

My rib rub is really good.  You would think it was this amazing concoction of many spices but I really only use three things in my rib rub.  A few people have been privy to my rib rub but for the time being I plan on keeping a secret.  I am considering marketing it someday under the name of Ray's Rib Rub.  Catchy huh?  

I tell you what......if you can help me come up with a great name for my Rib Rub, I'll share the secret with you!  

Family Meals

I have had the best time this weekend with my nephew, Rhett, and his sweetie, Rachel.  He is so grown up and really a lot of fun to be around.  Friday night we had the most wonderful dinner and sat around the table eating and visiting.  He is so appreciative of whatever you cook and always compliments the meal.  Plus he eats everything.  It is such a pleasure cooking for him.

He is such a kind young man. We spent Saturday in town doing a bit of shopping and touring the downtown area.  Saturday night was spent watching the movie Bernie. Great and funny show to watch.  I feel like I knew the folks in the movie. 

I have had such a great weekend enjoying family and cooking for Rhett, Rachel and Ray.  Life is fun when you have family and friends to enrich your life.

Mills County General Store

On Friday afternoon, I rode with Ray to Goldthwaite to  the General Store there to pick up a gun he wanted to purchase.  This is a gun that is hard to find but we found it at the General Store for sale.  Of course I always enjoy a General Store because of the neat cooking items they often stock. 

Ray had a great time "shopping" while purchasing his gun.  He found plenty of  great dove hunting stuff for he and Blair to play with on the dove lease.  His great purchase was a battery operated dove whose wings spin around.  According to Ray, these fake doves whose wings spin are perfect for attracting dove to the area.   I like looking at the dove in my backyard so I may just borrow it after dove season and see how many I can get to flock to my patio. 

The General Store had an amazing cooking section too.  I bought an old fashioned cornbread mini stick iron skillet.  My Grannie had one that was a little bigger but I love this mini one.  It makes the cornbread sticks with lots of crust - just the way Ray likes cornbread.  I also purchased a tortilla warmer but for the purpose of cooking corn on the cob in the microwave.  It is awesome!  

General stores have so many wonderful things to view and purchase.  I can't wait to go back and spend some time browsing again.

I love to host a great party.  I always enjoy having friends and family around my kitchen while I'm cooking and then delight in pleasing them with the prepared meal.  Saturday night was just such a night.  I had planned to grill some steaks but thankfully the Lord blessed us with a rain shower that was heaven sent.  

I had to cook the steaks in the house and have learned how to do so in the oven.  They are as good as you would put on a grill and even more tender.  You must start with a thick tenderloin or porterhouse steak.  You will also need an iron griddle.  You can use a an iron skillet if there are only two of you for dinner.  I have a big iron griddle that I use to cook 8-10 steaks.

You start with great meat.  Trim it up and let it get to room temperature.  Then heat your oven to 500 degrees and put the iron skillet/griddle in the oven to fire up.  I then remove the skillet/griddle and place it over the open flame on my stove and sear one side of the meat.  When you flip the meat, it's time to put it back in the oven and cook it for 4 to 9 minutes at 350 degrees.  You do about four minutes if you want it rare.  Five for medium rare and seven for medium.  Nine to ten minutes will get you a well done steak.   

It's so easy to cook and takes less than 15 minutes.  Why not buy some big juicy steaks and invite some friends over for dinner this week.

Birthday

Tomorrow is my Mother's birthday.  We will all gather at her house to celebrate.  I can't believe she is another year older.  She sure doesn't look it or act like it.  She still mows her yard, washes her windows twice a year, and wipes down her baseboards every month.  I've always said that if cleanliness is next to godliness, Mother will be sitting in Jesus' lap.  

It's funny too that when I was a kid - I hated to clean.  I still don't much care for it but her values of a neat home inspire me today.  I don't like to go to bed at night with my kitchen a mess.  I make my bed up every morning (unless Ray is still in it!).  I don't mind getting rid of clutter.......I'm great with a big garbage sack!  I am even trying to do better at keeping up with the laundry.

You know they say that you do become your mother.  Boy I hope so!  She is one amazing, beautiful woman.  I hope that I have her strength, beauty (inner and outer) and zeal for life.  She is fearless and protective yet gentle and compassionate.  She sets high expectations not only for herself but for all of around.  Happy Birthday, Mom!  Thanks for making sure I had the best Mother ever!