After about day 8 of picking loquats, I needed a new recipe. Over the weekend I wanted to make loquat preserves. Yet canning anything is a labor of love and time commitment. Before I started this undertaking, I needed to find a recipe that did not require hours or make a big mess.

One of Grill Man’s prize possessions is a plastic bag that contains a Home Economics Cookbook that is literally hand-stuffed with handwritten recipes. The cookbook and handwritten notes of recipes belonged to his Grandmother. When I want to spoil him, I look in the bag and cook a Grandmother recipe.

In addition to making him cobbler, she spoiled him rotten.

Over the years I heard him describe how lovely her cobbler was to eat. Oddly enough, I had never tried to make it. All of the other recipes in “the bag” were good so no doubt this one would be as well.

Before I knew it, I picked more loquats and located the cookbook stuffed with handwritten recipes. After reading the recipe, I knew instantly what to add in order to tempt Grill Man with cobbler.

How to make Sun Kiss Loquat Cobbler and why?

Any time I am able to make a recipe in just one bowl without a mixer, I’m in. If you’re in a hurry, you really don’t have time to whip up multiple items for one dessert. No one ever wants to make a mess in the kitchen, but sometimes there is no way around it.

Sun Kiss Loquat Cobbler may be mixed with a whisk and only using one bowl. This leaves you more time to move on to other things. If you don’t have loquats, peaches or strawberries may substitute. Recipe is easy to bake. Cobbler is delicious on its own but a single scoop of ice cream might make your smile a little bigger.

Loquat fruit for sweet or savory recipes

Gulf Coast of Alabama is loaded with loquats bursting from the trees whispering, “Pick me. Pick me.” If you have beaucoup loquats, read LOQUATS Eat, Ferment, Freeze, Preserve, Steep and Share. If you have not tasted a loquat it has the texture of a cherry with a flavor that is bit of peach, plum and mango with a hint of citrus.

By this point, I had eaten my fair share for smoothies and loquats in other dishes. One night I created a salsa for a piece of salmon. Soon I hope to add this recipe at a later date. Be inventive and add loquats to sweet or savory recipes.

Fruit is lovely and nutritional. All very good reasons to pick, eat and share. Pick loquats and cook Sun Kiss Loquat Cobbler. Let me know what you think. Grill Man and I have taste tested more than our fair share.

Loquats are luscious and remind me of bites of sunshine. In Alabama we have lots of green spaces to escape to during this covid-colored-world. If you can’t escape, turn up the music and pray for better days. Stay safe and wash wash your hands.

Alexa Shout out to Natasha Bedingfield for Pocketful of Sunshine.

Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)Take me away (take me away)

To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)
A hiding place (a hiding place)I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.

I got a love, and I know that it’s all mine.

With love,
From Mimi’s Kitchen

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Reasons I love this dessert

Yet smiling does not stop with the melt in your mouth goodness of this dessert. Busier than ever, I love a dessert that may be quickly mixed in a bowl, baked and topped with magic will make me smile every time. Add in the fact that ingredients are common and always on hand makes for a great last minute dessert recipe.

Simply stated if you desire a dessert to wow your guests with presentation look no further. Serve this dessert in a martini glass with a scoop of Creole Cream Cheese ice cream. Creole cream cheese adds more tang and a bit of sweet that plain cream cheese does not.

Recipe for Creole Cream Cheese Ice Cream

Chef John Folse offers recipes to make creole cream cheese and his version of this lovely ice cream. If short on time, Blue Bell offers this flavor and it will pair beautifully with richness of Mimi’s Nutty Fudgy Indulgent Pecan Bar.

Top with a sprig of fresh chocolate mint and a tiny drizzle of dark coffee liqueur over white Creole Cream Cheese ice cream. With this served in a martini glass, how could your guests not be in love with this dessert? Easy to make and elegant to serve. You may not want to share our secret.

Hopefully dessert or chocolate is not on your list to abstain. With most of us trying to watch our food intake daily, it helps to serve a small dessert loaded with lots of rich flavor. Yet, Mimi’s Nutty Fudgy Indulgent Pecan Bar is a perfect size for serving to a dinner party, bridge, bunco or canasta group.

With this in mind, Alexa shout out to The Archie’s for song Sugar Sugar. Do you remember this song written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim? Song spent 4 weeks as number one in 1969 and 22 weeks on Billboards top 100. “Pour a little sugar on me, oh yeah.”

Finally, if you want a sweet treat, try this recipe. Let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you.

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Casserole recipe includes cayenne, jalapeño and chipotle chile powder to give it a kick that delivers. This trio of flavor allows for easy adjustment depending on your preference for spice.

In our house, the flavors must be kickin at all times. I do not want everything spicy but I do adore flavor. I am not a fan of bland foods. Is it wrong to want my taste buds to tingle or sing? I think not.

What inspired Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole?

Long ago my Grandmother and I discovered a corn and rice casserole from a Southern Living magazine. The recipe became one of her favorites to cook. I had forgotten about Theda Faye’s dish until recently while scanning one of my Aunts cookbooks from 2000 titled The Samson  Garden Club, I ran across “Billie’s Corn-Rice-Jalapeno Casserole”.

Billie’s recipe triggered a food memory that demanded I cook a version of it soon. My recipe is adapted from The Samson Garden Club cookbook.

Every time I serve this dish, someone will always ask for the recipe. Dish is delicious and economical to make. Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole is yummy even if you decide to leave off the bacon.  Thick crispy bacon does add a flavor all of its own but it may be avoided if you choose to do so.

In summary , add Mimi’s Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole recipe to your list for your next dinner party, July 4th celebration or any event that requires a covered dish.  One recipe provides a serving large enough for an average dinner party. Certainly, your guests will love it and come back for more.

Summer is a great time to enjoy being outside enjoying friends while serving BBQ and Mimis’ Kickin Corn and Rice Casserole. Alexa Shout out to Bob Marley and the Wailers for Sun Is Shining.

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Of course, living near the Gulf Coast  with easy access to fresh seafood will spoil you for more than one reason. Being able to buy fresh shrimp, crawfish and  fresh catch fish is a luxury I adore. If  your landlocked and not as fortunate, most seafood markets will ship fresh or frozen seafood overnight. Trust me it is totally worth it.

Surprisingly, I have never cooked shrimp and grits. Yet I thought that it would be easy based on my love and familiarity  with the ingredients. What could go wrong with shrimp, butter, seasonings, shrimp stock, garlic and grits? Plus my grits were specially sourced from my Rural Alabama Trip To Inspire.

How to cook Spicy Gulf Shrimp Gravy, Andouille Sausage and Grits

As a rule, growing up Southern you  learn about grits early.  Since I am always trying to cut carbs I rarely cook grits. It is important for me to save carbohydrate allowance for my obsession, potato chips, Doritos, chili cheese fritos, ZAPS etc.   Thankfully, the grits package  will provide instructions. You will only need to read and follow directions.

All in all gravy requires more skill but you will manage it well. Spicy Gulf Shrimp Gravy, Andouille Sausage and Grits Recipe is easy to cook. At the same time, the hardest part of this recipe is peeling shrimp and making  stock. Great idea to recruit your man for peeling shrimp while you chop vegetables. Bribe him with a glass of wine or two if  you must. Trust me it is totally worth it.

Finally, shout out to Skate Mountain Records for Jimmy Lumpkin and The Revival  My Name is Love. I have only recently discovered this band but I love the soulful sound. Visit web site for tour dates and tunes. Trust me it is totally worth it.

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As a mother it is good to be prepared because you never really know what’s next. From birth on Mom’s job is to make it all better and hold your hand when a hug won’t do the trick. Go for a walk. Watch a movie. Play a game. Share a bowl of Cauliflower Comfort Soup- Heals What Ails Ya’ and learn to listen more.

Listening before rushing to judgment or giving advice is something that I am working on. Moms must learn versatility and adapt quickly otherwise you’re in for a long slow haul. Coupled with if you have more than one, the little buggers will take you down if you’re not paying attention. Pay attention!

Did you hear me? Where are you?

Remember your babes are little but they learn quickly. Oddly, at times I thought I was talking to myself and clearly parenting will head you in this direction. Thankfully, I have it on good authority that talking to yourself is ok. The problem begins when the voices start talking back to you. Wee angels will do that soon enough.

When your little ones don’t run at the first mention of their angelic name, you may wonder if they have a hearing issue. Why else would you need to call their name that many times? It’s not just me, right?

Then one day from out of nowhere your offspring will admonish you with your own advice.  What? You were listening? Surprisingly this is not one of my favorite things. Yet clearly your child will love it.

Vaguely I remember pulling this one on my Mom. Sorry Mom! Truly it’s the voodoo your parents warn you about. “One day your going to have a child just like you.” I think my Dad said this, a-lot.

Serve Cauliflower Comfort Soup- Heals What Ails Ya’

Being a parent is certainly one of the hardest jobs ever and very rewarding too. Children will teach you many life lessons. Occasionally they will point out lessons as if your blind. Learning from each other is a gift that keeps giving. My heart is filled with love. Some days call for Cauliflower Comfort Soup- Heals What Ails Ya’!

Shout out to Alexa for  Teach Your Children by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released in 1970 on Dejavu. Sadly, Alexa does not have Chris Stills yet. Or Alexa is having difficulty with my southern as she is prone to do.   Chris Stills is an amazing talent. Love his cd Calling The Underground released in 2015. Looking forward to  his new release Don’t Be Afraid.

Happy Cooking Y’all!  Check out the soup category to see my other soups. Here is one that you may have missed Weary Souls Chicken Soup Recipe .

Disclaimer: This soup like most soups will offer comfort on a cold rainy or particularly trying day. The comfort it offers heals the spirit.

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Of course, my Momma’n’em used a pressure cooker and I have a very healthy respect for this device. To the point of being in awe of anyone brave enough to use one. On more than one occasion during my childhood, I saw the effects of a pressure cooker that had “gone rogue”.

Rogue Pressure Cooker

Momma like to cook Creole Red Beans in her pressure cooker which had a giggly top otherwise known as pressure regulator. On more than one occasion Momma’s pressure cooker spewed Creole Red Beans on our ceiling. Clearly Momma had a hot-pot which failed to work correctly whether it was the pot or operator error.

Thankfully no one was ever injured from the rogue pressure cooker but it was probably only a matter of time. As a teenager viewing the red beans being cleaned off the ceiling and everywhere else was a sight. Momma’s rogue pressure cooker managed to leave a lasting impression on me. To the point that I have always been hesitant about using one.

Just the thought that I might wind up having to clean the ceiling pretty much does it for me. In  my house, it’s hard enough to keep the walls and floors clean, let alone washing the ceiling down. I have to admit the speed of a new electric pressure cooker minus the giggly top sounded positive. Yet, still not brave enough to buy.

Southern Girls Instant Pot Intro- Venison Cutlets

Until one day our friend Focus delivered a big, shiny new Instant Pot to us.  Great gift for a busy foodie even if she is a big ‘ole scaredy-cat.  Instant Pot whips up all sorts of yummy goodness. From venison cutlets to roasts, main dishes, stew, soup, rice, yogurt, dessert all cooked very fast. Quickly a roast is delivered to the point of submission and mouth-watering tender.

Speed alone is a reason to use. Warning: Read the manual before you start using your pressure cooker. Then read it again. Do not skip reading the manual because improper use may lead to worse things than red beans on the ceiling. Scaredy-cat reads the manual every time I use my magic machine.

Even then, I am a bit nervous as I follow all the steps.  Each new cooking phase adds a little more adventure to your evening meal. Instant Pot does not have a giggly top but it does click away while cooking. FYI probably not a good idea to have a glass of wine while using this device.

In my research I discovered class action lawsuits on certain brands of  pressure cookers and a new field called Pressure Cooker Injury Lawyers.  I imagine someone saying “Y’all watch this!” just before they did something really stupid.

Read the manual. Pay attention and save wine to drink with dinner for Southern Girls Instant Pot Intro- Venison Cutlets. A friend gave us venison and it turned out delicious in my brand new shiny but intimidating Instant Pot. If there is a deficit of venison in your freezer beef cutlets could be swapped out.  Alexa Shout out to Hank Williams Jr, A Country Boy Can Survive.

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Believe me when I say that I tried many times before  I called for backup and ordered a pizza. Creole Red Beans and Rice, Beef Stew with lots of vegetables, Persimmon Walnut Sticky Bread, Salmon Quiche, Pumpkin Bread and then some. Nothing brought a smile to his face.

Somewhere around week two, I started getting a complex . Grill Man requested Popeye’s red beans and rice. By this point  I really just wanted him to eat. Happy to buy the desired Popeye’s. His taste buds turned his nose up to this as well. Ha, I have to say I was relieved.

Use Turkey Carcass to support Waste Not Want Not

Despite the challenge, I kept cooking for my patient. Using turkey carcass creating white turkey chili was an answer to a prayer.  Finally, I managed to break thru the huge barrier  of the flipping flu wall and found something he would enjoy eating.

Chicken or turkey soup is good for what ails you or your patient. Although it’s not a miracle pill it will help your patient feel better. There is nothing better than a hot bowl of homemade soup on a cold wintry day. White Turkey Chili could also be made from a  rotisserie chicken. Follow the same method but swap chicken for turkey.

Using turkey carcass creating White Turkey Chili is part  of my Waste Not Want Not category. Using a turkey carcass offers great economy and a base for a healthy soup.  Homemade stocks are delicious, offer so much more flavor and health than store-bought stocks.  Yes they are more work but so worth the extra dose of love, flavor and benefits.

Shout out to Alexa for Harry Connick Jr, Recipe for Love. Great song Harry!

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With a busy schedule this weekend, I needed a dessert that would allow me to cook one recipe with a dessert yield for two different functions.  Multitasking is a great skill but I am only one woman. A girl needs to take a shortcut when its available. Chocolate Heavenly Bite Mini Tarts were the answer to a prayer. At this stage, I need every answered prayer I can get, even the chocolate covered ones.

I love any excuse to pack a picnic of any type. Include libations of choice, appetizers, dessert,  mix in a few friends and we are ready to picnic. No basket should be without the proper napkins, antibacterial wipes, wine opener and utensils. Recipe for a great afternoon with crisp air for the  outdoor concert. With chairs or blanket it is a perfect way to relax.

Halstead Amphitheather’s New Live at Five Series

September has started to introduce the cooling off period of our long hot Summer. Roman Street was playing their Spanish guitars to a packed crowd at Halstead Amphitheater.  The Live at Five Concert is a great outing for all ages. People mulling about while chatting with friends, little ones romping, and smiles all around as the sound of music filled the air.

I could not help but smile at the ease of it all. All of us no matter what our differences are enjoy good friends, food and music. As I scanned the crowd everyone looked happy they were outside, sharing time and food with each other.

Ideas for Picnic including Chocolate Heavenly Bite Mini Tarts

In my basket, I packed portable snacks that make sharing easy in an outdoor setting. Black seedless grapes that are the sweetest and pair perfectly with cheese from Sweet Home Farms. Remember, carrots or celery make a perfect vehicle for transporting hummus with chopped jalapeño into your mouth. Every little calorie savings helps offset the increased calories that comes with wine or cocktails.

Libations are necessary at a picnic, right? In addition, to adult beverages, every outdoor picnic needs a dose of chocolate.  Because of their size  serving utensils are not required which is perfect for a picnic. Chocolate Heavenly Bite Mini Tarts are easy to pop in your mouth.  I hope that you enjoy the dessert. Serve it as needed for your entertaining no matter the occasion.

Alexa Shout out to Roman Street. These guys are easy on the eyes and oh so talented.  Perfect music to cook by when you need upbeat with out the heavy metal banging. Later, y’all.

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Of course, I love peaches in almost any way that you may serve.  Somehow, the full flavor of Summer soaks into the peach and drizzles out when bitten into or sliced. Peaches also make the best tasting jelly or jam. Fresh peaches have an amazing flavor that does not come through when eating canned peaches.

Rustic peach tart recipe is a delicious dish to make ahead and serve later. A dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream served on succulent juicy peaches sitting on a bed of crunch and crust.  Serve this recipe to grab a bite of summer while you may.

Use homemade crust or store bought  for the Rustic Peach Tart?

I elected to use a homemade crust with this dish. The rustic tart screamed out for the addition of homemade crust. There certainly is an old-fashioned element to making your own. The stand-mixer  makes easy work of preparing the dough. I love my granite on the counter and it makes an easy work surface to roll out dough.

Grill Man’s Aunt Theria provided the Standard Pie Crust from her little Recipe Box Treasures notebook. I  adapted the recipe to include the stand mixer and my method for preparing the dough. The stand mixer makes for easy work of a pie crust.

Although, I may use the store-bought version when shortage of time calls for it. Please use which ever version allows you to make this Rustic Peach Tart recipe either homemade or store-bought. I recommend making the tart, allowing to cool, refrigerate least 4-6 hours and serving as desired. This dish tastes good hot out of the oven but it is sumptuous served cold.

Alexa, shout out to all the  songs for Georgia Peaches,  Lauren Alaina’s  and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s.

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Ideally, timing for 20 house guests would ordinarily be spread out over a long time. The timing of life and other events created changes in plans which drove the dates. Having said that, Grill-Man and I had a lovely time hosting all of our friends and family. Celebratory from beginning to end and loved it all.

Week 1 We are all here. Really, all of us!

My first week consisted of  parents, siblings, spouses and children. This was the first time that all of us were together for over a decade. Wow! Home and hearth filled from top to bottom, every bed had a head or two. It was lovely to have everyone together to meet Super-baby. My siblings and I agree that Super-baby will have anyone wrapped around his little fingers.

In addition to admiring Super-baby, the Arts & Crafts Fair was in full force and made a great diversion for an afternoon.  Where else may you shop for art, exercise and pursue a street of food truck items all in one place? I believe that the man cave had more than one  battle of pool. Sharing meals, wine and cocktails over family stories and billiard games was a hit with our group.

Week 2 Started taking vitamins daily due to weary soul

This theme wove throughout the fabric of my second week of guests. Cousins and Uncle hailed  from three parts of Louisiana.  My Uncle and Grill-Man managed a game of golf, of course. We shopped while the boys chased the little white ball around. I am sure that we had more fun!

Later the men-folk hung out in the man cave, played albums, battled with billiards and solved the problems of the world. Well, maybe just their world’s. Occasionally, we would see them when it was time to refill their water bottles or needed a snack.  OK, it wasn’t water. My brother was able to join us for lunch and card games. In addition to games, we played music and tried to see who best “who could stump Alexa”.  Quality time with my brother and Louisiana crew,sadly short but sweet visit.

Week 3 It’s time for Weary Souls Chicken Soup

Our third week consisted of friends from Houston. UK and Little Italy’s son married a Southern Mobile-Belle. Their visit breezed in before and after the wedding. It was high-time’s for all filled with Bridal Luncheons, Wedding, Reception and After Wedding Party at the Battle House Penthouse. It was a grand event filled with love and cocktails. Including their visit after the wedding-ness was complete, it was a relaxed visit catching up with our close friends.

In addition, we also hosted another couple  from Houston, Ringer and Shore-Girl. We have grown fond of these two while visiting UK and Little Italy. Ringer and Shore-Girl only stayed overnight but we  managed to pack it all in. We shared a lovely meal complete with wine on the porch near the fire pit. Aaaahhhhhhh!

Ringer and Grill Man managed an early morning game of golf on Saturday before the wedding. After coffee and breakfast on the porch, I introduced Shore-Girl to shopping in our lovely city by the bay. Somehow after shopping, we managed to crunch in a visit with my favorite artist, Weezie Bancroft Brabner in her studio. A visit with Weezie in her studio is always entertaining. Book an appointment, you won’t regret it.

After lunch with the boys and our celebratory cocktail, we were in need of a nap before the wedding. No rest for the weary. Bath, cocktails and heels were the order of things. My Babe managed to join us for the wedding. She slid in just in time to attend all the festivities and share in the wedding of her childhood friend.

We all arrived in style for the joining of two families on a perfectly beautiful day. From coffee on the porch, to wedding, to reception, to dancing and celebrating with friends until the wee hours. Jammed packed with everything that we love.

On Sunday, Grill-Man hid away quietly, secretly napping. My girl and I laid around on our favorite couch and watched movies. At some point, she convinced me that a trip to Mr Gene’s Beans for ice cream was on our list. Really, it wasn’t on my list. My list consisted of me laying quietly on the couch. I was perfectly happy there.

Ironically, as I stood in line with my young adult child I smiled that we were here again as we had been many times before when she was little. We ordered ice cream and walked to the benches on the Bluff overlooking Mobile Bay and sat for a spell. On the way back from the bluff we reflected on the weekend and our highlights. We  squeezed in a stop and shop at our favorite book store, Page and Palette. It was a good day.

Grill-Man, Babe and I were weary but we would not have missed anything for the world. In addition, it had been a very busy three weeks but in the best way. My girl managed to visit twice from New Orleans during this time and share in the festivities along with us. I was a happy girl. I just needed Weary Souls Chicken Soup.

In summary, I was happy until I realized I had to return to work. The real world started again on Monday filled with work,  laundry and everything else that I had allowed to pile up. A hot bowl of chicken soup was what sounded good to me.

Y’all come back, now!

Alexa, Shout out to J Geils Band for Come Back.

Sadly Jay Geils died this week, he was a favorite of mine and will be missed by many.

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