I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and true love. Don’t even try to tell me different.”- Dolly Parton
Do you remember going to bed the night before Easter hoping your little basket would have a chocolate bunny and perhaps a few of your favorite candies? Robin Eggs, Goldbricks and Heavenly Hash were some of the goodies my parents treated me with. The fun didn't stop with my holiday haul. I always had a beautiful new frock, little white gloves, lacy socks & perfectly polished Mary Janes. The entire ensemble was topped with an Easter hat. Now that I think about it, that is probably where my love of hats was born.
Our family would attend a church service together and afterwards sit down to one of my momma's gourmet feasts. The table was a work of artistry with the china, crystal and silverware welcoming us. As a young child, I felt so special eating off of the "good stuff". In fact, this was something we did every Sunday. My mother's philosophy was if you have it use it!
The meal was anchored by a baked ham complimented by an assortment of southern vegetables and of course her famous Annie Rolls! Those yeasty puffs of baked goodness were heavenly. There were cakes, pies and strong coffee served after the main meal.
Easter and subsequent Sunday meals were so much more than the food. They were an opportunity for us to gather in love. I'd soak up the attention that my grandparents showered on all of us. My mother showed her love by cooking unbelievably scrumptious meals. Everyone pitched in and worked together to have an experience. I used to beg, yes I said beg, to wash the china. I always ended up drying and my older siblings washed each plate carefully while I easedropped on their teenage conversations.
Some of those beloved china plates are going to be used this Sunday at my home, continuing a sweet tradition set forth long ago by my family. If you think about it, your family and their traditions keep your relatives close long after they have left the earth. So use the good stuff more often and create your own memories that will live on forever.
New on YouTube
Here is my latest "heavenly handheld" episode on my YouTube channel! This Tuna Salad Sandwich was inspired by Martha Stewart with a few slight adjustments. It can be served on sourdough bread or on its on! Believe me, this is a new one that is going on regular rotation at my house! You are not going to believe the secret ingredients! Thanks for watching!
Also, thank you so much for supporting the channel! I am amazed that 8000 people have tuned in to learn how to cook a Southern Pound Cake! I hope there will be some on holiday tables this weekend! Have you tried it yet? Click here to watch!
Future videos will include my mom's famous Annie Rolls, so stay tuned! I'm going to dedicate that one to my sister, Mary, who loves them!
“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors—it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” – Wolfgang Puck
In the Book Corner
I am recovering from my greatest battle with sinusitis that I can recall and reading has not been something that I have been comfortable doing. The next best thing was to binge watch some streamed series whilst awaiting health improvement. On a good note, the worst is behind me and I am beginning to rejoin the human race again.
I watched the Netflix series called The Lincoln Lawyer and that inspired me to check out author, Michael Connelly. The series had a "John Grisham" type vibe however there was definitely more relationship development between the characters. I am excited to actually read the book because you and I know it will be better than the series. It always is!
So if you like mysteries I believe this is an author you should check out.
I'll return to my non-fiction learning soon and will share some of my thoughts about the books I discover.
“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” — President Harry Truman
Things Happening on the Gulf Coast
Mobile's Parks & Recreation are preparing for a FREE family event on Saturday! This looks like so much fun! Click on the link above to see what else is happening in April!
Look what's new in West Mobile! The team at REDBAR Espresso & Market is hosting its inaugural WEMO market on April 15, 2023 beginning at 4PM. Want to be a vendor, click here. Go check it out next weekend!
FREE Thursdays at Mobile's Museum of Art for locals! Make plans to tour this week! You'll be amazed at the collections throughout the building!
“Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life.” — Janine di Giovanni
~ Charlsie