Southern Hospitality

I have written before about the joy associated with entertaining friends and relatives in your home. I am here to tell you now that it is a treat beyond explanation to be the guest on the receiving end of such gracious hospitality. During our short vacation, we had the pleasure of visiting my husband's Aunt and Uncle in Loris, SC, a lovely southern town where charm and tradition abound.

I wanted to capture for you the elegance of the evening by photographing the table scape that awaited our family for this wonderful meal. The silver was polished, the crystal was shining and every guest was overwhelmed by the efforts put forward by the host and hostess. We dined on a perfectly prepared spinach lasagna and meatballs and the most interesting rendition of garlic bread that I have ever tasted. I'm trying to get that recipe for you and will share in a later blog. All I remember is that it was slathered with a concoction of mayonnaise, garlic and herbs, broiled until bubbly and served warm, yum!!!

Of course the meal was served with a selection of appropriate wines and desert was the lightest lemon pie topped with freshly whipped cream. Even their 7 year old grandson got into the act and helped to whip the cream. This was truly an example of SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY at its best and enjoyed even more by me as I was able to be a guest from start to finish.

During our trip I also was thrilled to receive a gift from my sister of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" volumes one and two, by Julia Child and Simone Beck. These are the books that got my "blogging" started in the first place so I am very excited about the prospects that lie ahead. I have chosen my first meal to be Saute de Veau Marengo (Brown Veal Stew with Tomatoes and Mushrooms). My son and his girlfriend are coming for dinner tomorrow so they will be my first guinea pigs in cooking from the Julie Child book. If this turns out well, I'll be sure to share the recipe for all to enjoy. It is relatively simple with a limited number of ingredients.

I again encourage you to send me your comments on what you would like to see in upcoming blogs. If there is a particular cut of meat or fish that you would like to prepare but are looking for new preparation ideas, just let me know. Please keep your interest in cooking and entertaining and let me know how I can help sustain that interest.

Bon Appetit!!!