Book Club-The Remains Of The Day

 Our book club, consisting of eight men and women gather monthly if possible.  I have to admit, the books that I enjoy I would not read if it weren't for the book club.  I'm typically not a deep reader, I like Southern novels or as some would say easy reads.   Hey, there is nothing wrong with that!   

One of my favorite books is Roses by Leila Meacham, and just last week I read her pre-sequal to Roses, Somerset. These books take place in Texas, my home state where I was born and bred.  Where ranching is a tradition, rodeo's a sport, and The State Fair is home to Big Tex, a 55' tall cowboy statue.   Why at this very moment the bluebonnets are washing over the rolling hills of Central Texas where I like many parents have placed their children for pictures. 

  

Back to the book club, what is interesting to me is the discussion about the writings we choose.  That's the best part.  Well that, the food and camaraderie.  Tonight we grazed on the many offerings each brought while watching the movie The Remains Of The Day, I loved it!  

This novel makes me think of the popular series Downton Abbey which I, my mama, my oldest daughter and many others watched religiously every Sunday evening.  Then first thing on Monday morning my mama and I would discuss the previous nights broadcast.  I like many will miss this show, maybe they will make a movie about it.

The novel, The Remains Of The Day is mostly about regret.  An English butler, Stevens who dedicated his life to the loyal service of Lord Darlington and later to an American named Mr. Farraday.  Missing out on love and what might have been.

Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon Pie Ingredients:

1 Baked Pie Crust, cooled

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup cornstarch

2/3 cup whole milk

1/2 cup water

2/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 Tablespoon lemon zest

5 whole egg yolks, whisk together (save the whites for the meringue)

2 Tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Lemon Pie Directions:

In a medium saucepan stir together 1 13 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup cornstarch.

Slowly stir in 2/3 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup water and 2/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Add 1 Tablespoon lemon zest and cook over medium-high heat until mixture comes to a boil and starts to thicken.

In a small bowl whisk together 5 whole egg yolks.

Slowly whisk in cooked lemon mixture 1/4 cup at a time until 1 cup of mixture has been added.

Add egg yolk mixture back into lemon mixture and return to simmer.  Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in 2 Tablespoons butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Pour lemon mixture into baked pie crust.

Billowy Meringue Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon cornstarch 

1 Tablespoon granulated sugar

1/3 cup water

5 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Billowy Meringue Directions:

Preheat oven to 325'.

In a small saucepan add 1 Tablespoon cornstarch and 1 Tablespoon sugar, mix until well combined.

Slowly stir in 1/3 cup water to from a thick mixture.

Cook over medium heat and bring to a boil.

Cook for 20 seconds once boiling.  Set aside and allow mixture to cool.

Beat together 5 egg whites, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon cream of tarter until soft peaks form.

While beating add 1/2 cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form and mixture is glossy.

Slowly mix in 1 heaping tablespoon at a time of the cooked cornstarch mixture on low speed util well incorporated.

Mixture should hold stiff peaks when finished.

Cover lemon filling with meringue and make sure to anchor meringue into edge of pie crust to prevent shrinking.

Use back of a spoon to form peaks all across meringue.

Bake in a 325' preheated oven for 18-25 minutes until lightly brown on top.

Once cooled slice and serve or chill for a more intensify flavor.

Sawdust Pie

Pie Ingredients:

1 (9") deep pie shell

7 egg whites, whipped, not beaten.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cup pecans, chopped, not in a food processor they will be to fine and change the texture.

1 1/2 cup sweetened coconut

1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1//2 cup mini chocolate chips

Whipped Cream, optional

sliced banana's, optional

Pie Instructions:

Preheat oven 350'.
Par bake the pie crust for about 15 minutes at 425".  

Mix all ingredients together and pour into cool par baked pie shell.  

Bake for 25-30 minutes in a 350' oven.

Optional, when cool top with whipped cream and freshly sliced banana's.  Hmmm, just sayin!!!

Family Time In Texas

I don't know why Stone decided we were going to drive to Texas this time instead of fly.  I think he  is now questioning that same thing.  Since we both have small sport cars, Stone thought it would be a good idea to rent a car for the trip.  Being organized like he is, he drove over to Enterprise and reserved a car in person, a month prior to our trip.  Then two days before leaving for Texas,  Stone called just to make sure all was good.   Enterprise called the evening prior to our leaving saying they would see us bright and early the next morning to pick up our vehicle.  We arrived about ten minutes before Enterprise was to open.  As we pulled up, Stone's phone began ringing and it was Enterprise.  The conversation goes as follows.  Enterprise: hey Mr. Mitchell, just wanted to catch you before you drove over here.  Stone: I'm already here.  Enterprise:  we do not have any cars, I hope to have one by 11:30 or so this morning.  Stone: that doesn't work for us.  We have a fourteen hour drive ahead with timing commitments.  I made this reservation a month ago, and have talked to you twice in the past two days and was told all was good to go and now that we are packed and ready to go you tell me you have no cars!  Enterprise: sorry about that, I've called around and there just aren't any to be had.  I'll call you as soon as I get one.

I hope no one is waiting for a car from Enterprise because we still haven't heard from anyone at  Enterprise, and that has been seven days ago, therefore they must still be out of cars!!!

After delaying our trip an hour we decided to take Stone's car for our trip.  We squeezed all of the things that we were taking into the car, there wasn't any wiggle room.  

 As I was writing this blog I got mad all over again so I called Enterprise to file a complaint, which Enterprise here in Knoxville said, "filing a complaint would just get lost in all the paper work, I'll take care of it."  So here is the kicker.  I called Enterprise.  Get this, our reservation wasn't anywhere in the computer.  Hmmm, funny how we have a confirmation number with no reservation.  I asked if it was possible that someone, I'm not mentioning any names here, could take out that reservation after he had screwed up.  The answer was, I guess anything is possible. So they filled out a complaint and said that someone would get back to me in a day or two.   

To make matters worse, out of the fourteen hour drive, it POURED for nine of them.  Here is some surprising information.  We drove 864.99 miles, with all that heavy rain, at times you could barely see the car in front of you, and didn't see one accident, hallelujah.   I was so happy when we pulled up to mama's I could have kissed that Texas ground if I hadn't been to tired to bend over.   So the question is, will we drive again next time, I bet not, but then again, time does heal all things.  We will see.

After a good nights rest, our remaining time in Texas was wonderful.  We took mama shopping, out to eat numerous places, one of them being Padrino's http://www.fairfieldpadrinos.com which she had been wanting to try and lastly,  visiting family which is a must.  This was probably the first time that I was not ready to come back to Tennessee.  

My Beautiful Mama

She speaks ten words a second, with gust to fifty.

Jennifer-Ashtyn-Mama-Me

Being With Grandma

Konnor-Mama-Ashtyn

Me-Jennifer

My niece, Jennifer of:

http://www.jenniferwillardphotography.com

Jennifer and I

Painting by Ashtyn and I.

 My great nephew, Nolan and I

Jonathan-Nolan-Mama-Heather

My brother, Robert (Bob to me) and I at our favorite restaurant, Old Mexican Inn, in Corsicana, Texas .  There is nothing any better than their margarita's and orange dip.

An Evening Spent With Friends Under A Texas "Tuscan" sky…priceless!

On our last night in Texas we spent the evening with  Raydean and Terry,  friends that go way back, 32 years.  Having never heard of the town of Driftwood, Stone and I ventured through the Texas Hill country to meet up with our friends at Trattoria Lisina, an Italian Restaurant and Winery.  We began our evening by sharing a bottle of Chianti.  The waiter made numerous trips over to take our order.  Because the four of us  do not see each other for long periods of time, we had to get caught up.  Finally we made  our menu selections.  Raydean and Terry split the lasagna, while Stone and I split the special of the day, a broiled white fish with potatoes and corn on the cob.  The portions where perfect and the food was delicious.
With our meal complete, we moved outdoors adjacent to a spectacular water fountain under the clear, darkening Texas sky and reminisced about stories of our children during our years in Uvalde, Texas.  The evening complete, we said our goodbyes and were already looking forward to our next meet up,  as Raydean exclaimed so profoundly, "an evening spent with friends under a Texas Tuscan sky"….PRICELESS!

Me and Raydean

Terry and Raydean

Trattoria Lisina

Raydean, Stone and Terry

Raydean and I

Trattoria Lisina

Whats your favorite place in the Texas Hill Country to dine with friends?

Thirteen Fateful Days In 1836

Along with the ducks, Stone, Abby Gail and I had our morning meal along the Riverwalk prior to our stroll to the Alamo.  With the sun shining and the temps warm we enjoyed a lazy breakfast on the patio.  Choosing to be healthy, Abby Gail ordered the yogurt/granola with fruit, and I a bowl of fruit.    Stone on the other hand had the french toast with bacon which looked amazing.  Polishing off our food we meander over to the Alamo.

The data surrounding the siege of the Alamo continues to be questioned, there is no confusion about what the battle has come to exemplify.   People worldwide continue to recall the Alamo as a courageous battle against overwhelming odds, a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.  For this reason the Alamo remains sacred ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty.

The Alamo

Completing our tour we had snow cones.

The armies of which 5 countries have occupied the Alamo?

Red's Porch

Back in Austin we hurriedly checked into our hotel.  We made our way over to pick up Abby Gail, who has lived in the area for 11 years, and knows where to go for our evening out.  This night she chose to take us to Reds Porch for dinner.  Parking was packed so we ended up in the overflow lot next door, which was no problem.  We placed the car, ambled over and immediately ordered a round of margarita's. Among the corn hole, washer and horseshoe games, we found a deserted picnic table to sit while we lingered.  Upon arrival, there was a wait for the roof top seating, which of course was where we wanted to be.  After a short period, our buzzer goes off.  We take giant stairs that lead to the top with a great view of the greenbelt and the setting sun.  Getting seated, you could tell this was the place to be.  Everyone was having a festive time with lots of loud laughter.  We began our meal with chips,  guacamole and Red's fire roasted salsa.  This being so good, we ordered round two.  Satisfied, we then placed our order for dinner.  Abby Gail ordered the Tortilla Crusted Shrimp Taco's, Stone the South Austin Shrimp Po-Boy, while I had the Cobb Salad with grilled Salmon.  The food was just as good as the atmosphere, which was fantastic.  Reds Porch had a funky atmosphere, great vibe and fantastic view from the roof.  To top all of that, the food was great.  Content with full stomachs we strolled back to the car and headed downtown.

Abby Gail and our Margarita's

Abby Gail and Stone

Stone's South Austin Shrimp Po-Boy

Abby Gail's Tortilla Crusted Shrimp Taco's

My Cobb Salad with Grilled Salmon.

Needing to walk after our dinner, we headed to Rainey Street.  Little bungalows converted into restaurants and bars along with food trailers lined this street.  It was lively, crowded and great for people watching.  We stopped off at Craft Pride, a Texas crafted beer bar. There was an entire wall of beer selections to meet your every taste.  Stone and Abby Gail ordered a round, took them to the outside seating, where the atmosphere was lively and the beer was rich and cold.   I know this sounds crazy but I had never tasted beer. I just could never get myself to try it.  So this was a first.

My first beer.

Time for dessert . We make out way to the food trailer, Little Lucy's mini donuts.  We had 10 minis dusted in cinnamon sugar and topped with caramel sauce.  These where so good, hot, and straight from the fryer.  I could have eaten more than my share, but managed to control myself.  The evening complete, we stroll back to the car and call it a night.

Little Lucy's mini donuts.

<a href="http://www.menupix.com/austin/restaurants/133130/Reds-Porch-Austin-TX"><img alt="Red's Porch | MenuPix" src="http://www.menupix.com/badges/133130/blogger_large.gif" style="padding:0px;width:200px;height:150px" /></a>

What is your favorite, the roof top seating or downstairs inside?

Evening at the Old Mexican Inn

What does Orange Dip and Margarita's have in common?  They are both served at another one of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants.  The Old Mexican Inn has been in business since 1941.  When I hear people talking about this place it's always the legendary, mayo based, orange dip, that is first mentioned.  This is among many items on their menu that draws me here.  With it's cozy atmosphere, there is a steady stream of regulars especially on Wednesdays.  With the enchilada's being on the special and $1.50 margarita's, you have to make reservations or you will have a wait.  Upon arrival, the line was out the door.  We had reservations for seven and where seated immediately.  Quickly, the amazing orange dip along with the chips and salsa arrived at our table followed by they're potent and tasty margarita's.   The service is quick and the staff friendly.  They do not rush you out the door like many places.  So if  you are ever in Corsicana, Texas you must try this place.  You will be glad you did.

Brandon and Baileigh

Brother Robert and I

The Legendary Orange Dip

<a href="http://www.menupix.com/texas/restaurants/4321786/Old-Mexican-Inn-Corsicana-TX"><img alt="Old Mexican Inn Restaurant & Cantina | MenuPix" src="http://www.menupix.com/badges/4321786/blogger_large.gif" style="padding:0px;width:200px;height:150px" /></a>

What is the longest you would wait before being seated for the legendary orange dip?

Memories of the Restaurante Mexicano, Little Mexico.

Growing up, there was one Mexican restaurant that we would frequent once a week. Lots of memories come flooding back when I walk through their doors, even though the original restaurant burned down in 2009.  I recall that I would always order a Fresca to drink with my meal.  My brother would get anything but Mexican food, but now thats all he wants.  On our way out, we would always purchase a praline patty.   There was always a long line out the door on Friday and Saturday evenings.  It was definitely worth waiting on.  Little Mexico, nothing fancy, has great TexMex, alway busy, but you get seated fast.  This restaurant has always been our go to place through the years and now when home I always make a stop.  I always judge a mexican restaurant by their chips and salsa.  Little Mexico meet my highest standards.  You won't leave here hungry and will always feel satisfied.  Tonight was no exception, the family returned to our favorite place.

Jackson, Jonathan, Heather, Mom, Jennifer, Ashton, and Me.

Stone, Jackson and Jonathan.

Heather, Me, Ashton and Jennifer.


<a href="http://www.menupix.com/texas/restaurants/4317638/Little-Mexico-Palestine-TX"><img alt="Little Mexico | MenuPix" src="http://www.menupix.com/badges/4317638/blogger_large.gif" style="padding:0px;width:200px;height:150px" /></a>

How many baskets of chips and salsa do you eat prior to ordering?  

Happy Mother's Day Mom

My mother, a mom of three has celebrated this day for 54 years. Describe my mama.  She is beautiful, caring, strong minded, headstrong, stubborn, hard working, outspoken, practical, and a clean freak.  She is an incredible cook, these days she doesn't do as much as she did back then.  I remember the holiday's she would line the buffet with many different pie's and cake's.  My mother made the best biscuits I have every tasted.  I have had plenty, but none that can equal hers.
   She has a fondness for make-up and has alway said that putting on make-up is like working with a  painter's palette.  She was a makeup artist.   Numerous pots of eye shadows, different brushes, and the many tubes of lipstick line the drawers of her dresser.   Mom taught me how to apply makeup and still today she'll call me up to give me tips.  Most recently about using the appropriate moisturizer.
 And most importantly she had eyes all over town.  We could sneeze and she would find out about it.  Needless to say I was an ideal child so none of that mattered, the others I cannot speak for.  I grew up in a small Texas town that had little to offer the youth other than riding what we called the drag and hanging out in the parking lot of the local court house.   If it wasn't for my mama being so tough, who knows the trouble I would have gotten into. Back then I was a shy little girl, those who know me now find that hard to believe.  I can remember hiding behind my mothers skirt if someone would just look my way.  My first day of school she took me to my room and then left to take my sister to her class.  I chased after my mom not wanting to be left there.
  My mom educated me in the art of sewing, which I did often when I had daughters of my own, making many of their dresses.  She taught me the love of cooking, especially baking.  I can look back on growing up and mom would be in the kitchen preparing dinner and she would have one of us make dessert which we had after all our dinners.  She also taught me to drive by taking me down to the local fair grounds where there was ample space to learn.  I recall that first time, we had an standard transmission car, I got so excited when I initiated  the car I took my foot off the clutch and began screaming and the vehicle began to convulse all over the place.  She and I both survived those years that gave us plenty to laugh about.   My mother taught me to think ahead, make sure you have on clean panties just incase you're in an accident.  Thankfully this has never happened, the accident that is.  My mother also taught me about endurance, she would make me sit at the table until my plate was clean.    This was very difficult for me seeing that I was a picky eater back then and dogs where not allowed into our house to sneak the food to.  I would sit for hours before I would clean my plate.
Becoming a mom, raising my children, three daughters and one son, I now know the things she gave up all because she wanted the best for us and loved us dearly.  She raised her children the way she knew how,  hoping she was making the proper decisions, as did I with my own.  They are not always right, but at the time they seem as though they are.
So on this special day I would like to wish my mom, and all mothers,  Happy Mother's Day!

                                           Strawberry Coconut Cupcakes

Ingredients:
1 (18.4 ounce ) box white cake mix
4 Tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup pureed strawberries
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced
1 cup coconut, finely shredded in food processor

Preheat oven to 350'.
Place all dry ingredients into bowl and blend ingredients.  Blend in eggs, oil, strawberry puree, water, coconut and vanilla extracts.  Mix well.  Stir in coconut and diced strawberries.  Pour into line cupcake pan.  Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a tooth pick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
On wire racks cook cupcakes in pans for 10 minutes.  Remove from pans and cool on racks.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter (1 cup) softened
2 (16 ounces) boxes powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.  Add coconut and vanilla extract.  Beat in powdered sugar until desired consistency.  Add Tablespoon of milk if icing is too thick.  (You may have some frosting left over).
To ice cupcakes use a 1M decorating tip to make rosettes.

Me, brother Robert and mom.

Brandon, Stacy and Baileigh

The mama's.  Stacy, Me, and Mom.

Sunrise Mother's Day Picnic at Mt. Bonnell

Abby Gail had us up early this morning for my Mother's Day surprise . A walk and breakfast picnic up to the highest point in Austin, stopping along the way to pick up food from Torchy's Tacos-Damn Good Taco's http://torchystacos.com.  Arriving at our destination, we hiked up 100 steps where a hidden treasure, Mt. Bonnell was revealed.   From here you have glimpse of the Colorado River and the enormous buildings of downtown Austin.  While here Abby Gail and I did yoga, the Tree Pose.  After admiring the view, having breakfast and practicing our pose,  we left to venture over to Mayfield Park http://mayfieldpark.org, where peacocks received the visitors.   The preserve is a 21 acre natural area that circles the park with walking trails and wildlife.

Me and Abby Gail practicing the Tree Pose.

Colorado River

Abby Gail and I making our way up the 100 steps to Mt Bonnell.

Abby Gail and I

Breakfast Taco's from Torchy's Tacos-Damn Good Tacos.

Me and Abby Gail practicing our Tree Pose.

View of Downtown Austin

Abby Gail

Me at Mayfield Park practicing my Tree Pose.

Me and Stone

Abby Gail practicing the Crow Pose.

What did you do for your mom for mother's day?