Southern Lady Simply Southern 2011

With each change of the season comes a fresh crop of delicious ideas. Some of my favorite meals have come from Saturday morning strolls through the farmers’ market. Ripe blueberries, sweet peaches, shiny apples, plump pumpkins, juicy oranges, and so much more—how refreshing to find bushels and baskets of such lovely things right at your fingertips, just waiting to inspire something wonderful. The food we prepare and share at annual celebrations and mid-week meals contributes another level of tradition to the gatherings themselves. The menu and the meeting truly do go hand in hand: homemade strawberry ice cream at the cookout, baked beans at the barbecue, roasted corn and pepper queso at the tailgate party. And we Southerners like it that way. From lively family dinners on the farm to quiet…

A lazy summer afternoon is the ideal time to hit the links for a round of golf. While the boys are out perfecting their backswings, turn the table into a tribute to the game with accessories sure to score a hole in one with the family. From woven mats that mimic greens to golf-ball place cards bearing personalized flags, this setting is a guaranteed hit—as is the fabulous menu of delicious dishes. THE LEADER BOARD Play up the golf theme with these simple ideas: Stay on par with a color palette that takes its inspiration from a perfect day on the fairways. Rely on sky blue and grass green for the backdrop, and accentuate with sunny yellow and game-winning red. Underscore the golf motif with tumblers sporting “19th hole” designs and woven place mats…

KEEP IT COOL The buffet-style setting makes the party fun and relaxed. Make it easy for guests to quench their thirst by filling a galvanized bucket with cold drinks. Be sure to keep a few bottle openers within reach, and refill the ice as needed so that beverages stay refreshingly chilled. The signature Otis Redding singalong song sums up the easy-going attitude of this late-afternoon get-together with friends. An array of appetizers and sweet treats makes up a menu that truly celebrates the waterside setting. Capitalize on the plentiful fresh local seafood with trays of tasty hors d’oeuvres, and add a little island flavor with refreshing drinks and tropical desserts. Aimee’s Blue Wave Makes 1 drink 1 1/2 ounces lime-flavored vodka 1 ounce blue curaçao 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup Garnish: kiwi slices 1. Fill a…

Most everyone would agree that one day set aside each year to honor all of the wonderful mothers in the world is not nearly enough, so when that day rolls around, we want to make it memorable. Drawing inspiration from the glorious hydrangeas that fill Southern gardens this time of year, treat Mom to a flowerfilled fete that shows her just how extraordinary she is. Infuse this summer scene with flowers galore. A floral runner anchors the setting, and fresh-clipped hydrangeas arranged in vases, along with their artistic counterparts custom-printed on birch wood by Night Owl Paper Goods (nightowlpapergoods.com), complete this beautifully botanical scene. Summer Lettuce Wraps Makes 4 servings 2 firm ripe avocados, chopped 1 cup chopped seeded tomato 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion 1 teaspoon…

Chocolate-Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches Makes 8 sandwiches 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 large egg yolks 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (about 1 cup strawberries) 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries 16 round chocolate wafer cookies* 1. In a large saucepan, heat cream, sugar, and salt over medium heat until tiny bubbles form around edges of pan. Remove from heat. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth. Using a ladle, pour 1 cup hot cream mixture in a slow, steady stream into yolks, whisking constantly. Pour yolk mixture into remaining hot cream mixture, whisking constantly; cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. 3. Strain mixture through a fine sieve over a stainless steel bowl; place in a larger bowl filled with ice.…

A breathtaking setting, the crunch of leaves underfoot, exhilarating mountain air, and the aromas and flflavors of a special meal—what an occasion for the senses! Plan a menu that celebrates some of fall’s favorite fruits as you welcome guests to your gracious mountaintop dining room. Fall Salad with Molasses Vinaigrette Makes 4 servings 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 cups mesclun greens 2 cups baby arugula 1 cup shaved fennel 8 fresh figs, cut into quarters 1 recipe Molasses Vinaigrette (recipe follows) Garnish: shaved Gruyère cheese, toasted cashews 1. Preheat oven to 450°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. 2. In a small bowl, combine red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper; toss to coat. Place on prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly…