Indholdsfortegnelse for Celebrate Fabulous & Tasteful Menus 2013 i Southern Lady

The approach of autumn is so invigorating. Every year I take delight in the first yellow leaf I see hanging on a tree. It is a gentle reminder that my favorite season is about to arrive, and that is cause to celebrate! I can’t decide which I like most—the cool weather or the special events. Perhaps it is both. The crisp, clean air and the warm colors are magic to me. Eating outside is always a fall favorite at my house. Food just tastes better when you’re surrounded by beautiful scenery. There are many aromas that fill my kitchen at this time of year. Pumpkins, apples, and pecans all spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg beckon family and friends to gather around my table. We have…

Green Thumb Once the house is in order inside, it’s time to tackle the outside. Pick out some gardening essentials, arrange them in a terra-cotta pot, and place the pot in a sun hat. This gift will surely spark the energy to get digging either with house plants or in the garden. T he movers have left, and all the boxes are waiting to be unpacked. Now you are faced with the task of making your new house your new home. Whether in the same city or a brand-new location, settling into a new house is very exciting, but it can also be overwhelming at times. When I moved not long ago, there were little things I needed to make my home feel relaxed and comfortable. Some items from the…

B efore cool temperatures and early sunsets drive the entertaining inside, invite friends over for a dinner party enjoyed outdoors. As guests relax in the warm summer air, friendly conversation and laughter are sure to mix perfectly with the quiet chirping of crickets in the distance. A whisper of a chillier breeze reminds everyone of the approaching season, but tonight is about the carefree attitude that comes only at this time of year. In true timely fashion, crank up the grill, and gather fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, allowing the summer harvest to dictate the menu—and the palette—for this gathering. Mix the colors of fresh produce with rustic shades, and serve food on white plates to highlight the bright grilled vegetables. Assorted potted plants in a variety of textures, along with…

W hen crisp, fall breezes begin to soothe hot summer nights, put on your jeans and boots, and celebrate outside with this Western-inspired party. Whether it’s someone’s birthday or just a reason to enjoy the fresh air, a Western twist creates a fun and unique atmosphere. Your guests will feel as though they have been transported to the “Wild Montana Skies” John Denver and others sang about. Keep the color palette for this party neutral with pops of yellow. Place sunflowers, baby’s breath, and dried grasses in burlap-wrapped vases or glass cylinders in a cowboy boot. Candles tucked into hurricanes, antlers, and several neutral striped runners complete the look. At each setting, place a bandana, steak knife, and fork in a mason jar, and mark each seat with a chalkboard…

BAKED APPLES Makes 6 servings 6 Pink Lady apples 2 tablespoons butter, diced 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 cup apple juice ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 6 cinnamon sticks Vanilla ice cream (optional) Garnish: caramel sauce, sliced almonds, ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 350°. Peel the top third of each apple. Using a melon baller, carefully scoop out apple core and pulp, leaving a ½ -inch-thick shell. (Do not cut through bottom of apple.) Place apples upright in a 13x9-inch baking dish. Drop butter evenly into apples. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, juice, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Boil, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Reduce…

Something about the slight change in the temperature lets me know that fall is just around the corner. I know it officially begins in late September, but I can already sense the new season upon us, with families scurrying to prepare for the start of a new school year. Our magazine staff , however, celebrated fall back in the spring. Because of our production schedules, we actually live out the seasons a bit earlier than most of you. We produced and photographed the majority of these fall-themed stories in late March and April. It can be challenging at times, but we work with a variety of vendors and folks who have helped us master the art of making it happen. We try to capture stories “in season” like “Simple Fall…

J ames Farmer knew what he wanted to do with his life from the get-go. While growing up in the small town of Kathleen, Georgia, he was surrounded by produce fresh from the garden and classic Southern cooking. From the smell of newly picked tomatoes to a pound cake baking in his grandmother’s oven, memories from his childhood truly inspired him to become who he is today. “I think I’m just one of those lucky souls that was born knowing exactly who they are,” says James. “I always knew I wanted to do something with design and nature. The inspiration is just in me; it’s who I am.” After graduating from Auburn University with degrees in horticulture and art history, James, with the support of his family, friends, and hometown,…

APPLE-GINGER WHISKEY SOUR Makes 6 to 8 servings 4 cups apple cider 1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger* 1 cup whiskey Ice Garnish: fresh orange rind In a medium saucepan, combine cider, brown sugar, lemon juice, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and cook, stirring until sugar dissolves, for 10 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine-wiremesh strainer into an airtight container; discard solids. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days. Stir whiskey into apple mixture. Divide among ice-filled glasses. Garnish with orange rind, if desired. *¾ teaspoon ground dry ginger may be substituted for fresh. If using dry ginger, do not strain mixture. Note: You can substitute brandy for whiskey.…

PUMPKIN DOUGHNUT HOLES WITH MAPLE GLAZE Makes about 1½ dozen Vegetable oil 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Maple Glaze (recipe follows) In a Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 3 inches. Heat oil over medium-high heat to 375°. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. Whisk together flour mixture and pumpkin mixture until smooth. Using a 1¼ -inch spring-loaded icecream scoop, drop pumpkin batter by scoopfuls into hot…

A reunion offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen familial ties. Those who live near and far come together for a beautiful celebration of their heritage. It’s a chance to reminisce about earlier days, introduce new family members, and enjoy delicious food. Whether you choose one day or host a weekend affair, all will cherish spending time with each other and making new memories. Bold shades of red and blue with touches of yellow and white set the color palette for this gathering. White and blue vessels of bright flowers set atop a striped runner create a fun centerpiece, while Chinese lanterns allow the occasion to transition into the evening. If you plan ahead, you can delight everyone with personalized party décor. Ask each family member to send photos of the…

GIFTS FOR NEW BEGINNINGS Page 18–spoons, favor bags, cupcake liners, twine, straws, tissue fringe, crinkle paper shreds, Shop Sweet LuLu A FAMILY REUNION Pages 27-31–chargers, Williams-Sonoma END OF SUMMER DINNER Page 37–San Juan Lantern in Cabo Rust, Areo Home Page 38–votive candleholders by Jan Barboglio, Bromberg’s Page 41–salt and pepper holders by Jan Barboglio, Bromberg’s; linen napkin, Juliska Page 44-cocktail napkins, My drap Page 46-bowls by Earthborn Pottery, Bromberg’s HOME SWEET HOME Pages 51-52–mirrored round gold tray, Trouve; glass and brass candleholders, CB2 Pages 53-54–cocktail napkins, decanters, bar tools, and brass tray, Trouve Page 55–paper package, Empress Stationery Pages 56–brass vases, Tricia’s Treasures Page 64–wood house, Hobby Lobby; favor tag, Empress Stationery ROUND 'EM UP Page 76–cast-iron candleholder and hurricane, zinc place cards, Areo Home Page 78–barrel, One Man’s Trash…