Hillbilly Hash

Hillbilly dinner

2012-01-21T12:50:00.001-05:00

Hillbilly produce market now has some organic produce...yay!!!
Last night we had roasted Yukon gold potatoes and onions (organic) kale, green leaf salad, roasted acorn squash. Yummy.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Jason's dinner

2012-01-13T13:30:00.001-05:00

Jason made chicken with a homemade Arabic garlic sauce inspired by Kabob House. Yum. Maybe he'll share the recipe.

Get rid of ads and support the development of cool new features.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lunch

2012-01-06T12:00:00.001-05:00

I have been making LOTS of soup lately. ( I'm sure while my mom was here for the holidays she was probably sick of it!) I can eat it every day. I made a simple vegetable soup with sweet potatoes , potatoes, celery, onions,corn, carrots, fire roasted tomatoes, thyme, and a healthy dose of cayenne and turmeric...
The French like to start their dinner with a small bowl of soup... I think that's a great idea.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

black bean- hominy soup

2012-01-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

black bean-hominy soup

Juice

2011-12-23T08:50:00.001-05:00

Beet, celery, apples, kale, pear

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Farmer James

2011-11-21T18:12:00.001-05:00

Just bought this beautiful cauliflower from farmer James
On sardis road. Straight from the garden.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

More veggies

2011-11-16T19:23:00.001-05:00

I made a zucchini and red pepper salad. Sliced on mandolin, mint, Evoo,vinegar, raw goats milk cheese.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-11-02T18:36:00.001-04:00

My 1st juice with my new juicer. Kale, celery, cilantro, ginger, lemon, apple. Very yummy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Before the freeze

2011-10-29T12:01:00.001-04:00

I thought I should pick the end of my peppers and tomatoes before the FREEZE!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-10-17T19:54:00.003-04:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-10-17T19:54:00.001-04:00

How cool to have greens harvested today? Do you all know FarmerJames? He has a roadside cart on his farm on Sardis road... Near highway 51. Usually open mon, wed, fri.... Don't hold me to it. Awesome stuff. I got leaf lettuce, broccoli, leaf lettuce, green pepper. Check it out.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-10-16T11:08:00.001-04:00

hello my name is Grey and I am teaching my grandma how to copy and paste (crazy)

Fall

2011-10-07T19:17:00.001-04:00

Pumpkins and Fall... My favorite time of the year.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Hogan Ct,Charlotte,United States

Curried butternut squash soup

2011-10-07T18:44:00.001-04:00

I love butternut squash soup. I have tried various recipes and my fav is the simplest... Sauté onion, garlic... Add peeled , cubed squash, veggie broth (I put in 1/2 apple) cook until tender... Add curry powder to taste...purée. I may add a little honey/or not.... Always taste...love soup in the fall...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Quinoa loaf

2011-10-04T21:46:00.001-04:00

Wow. One of my favorites and a definite Go To....quinoa loaf. Some kale, roasted potatoes. Fab.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Hogan Ct,Charlotte,United States

Lime mousse

2011-09-22T21:00:00.001-04:00

Last night I made an incredible dessert....key lime mousse...

4 servings...1 1/2 cups mashed avocados(3). 1/2 raw honey or agave nectar. 2 T fresh lime juice. Process all in food processor. Garnish w/ kiwi and/or berries. Serve immediately.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2011-09-21T17:02:00.001-04:00

Oops , here is the dip!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dip

2011-09-21T17:01:00.001-04:00

Just made a vegan creamy white bean and artichoke dip. I'm serving it with whole wheat pita triangles.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

things i love!!!!!!

2011-09-09T15:33:00.000-04:00

a few random things i really love!!!!!!!

my husband of 43 years.....sooooooo THANKFUL

my little QUEEN napping.

a yummy meal of black bean burger, mango salsa,sauteed fennel, salad from my garden, lacinato kale.

a few dishes i've made

2011-09-09T15:25:00.001-04:00

i want to share a few things i cooked and enjoyed...
veggie enchiladas (sprouted tortillas...love these) with a lemony lentil salad.
spaghetti with 5 herb pesto. only used 4...basil, parsley, tarragon, and sage from my garden.

veggie enchilada

this stuff rocks and lots lower in sodium than most

baguette with roasted tomatoes...sauteed red cabbage, peppers, potatoes (any thing else in fridge i needed to use up) arugula salad! yum!

Weekend away in the mountains with hubby

2011-08-22T11:47:00.001-04:00

Roasted fingerlings

Tomato cucumber salad with Bosky acres goat cheese and basil

Roasted okra

Grass fed strip steaks with mushroom sauce and roquefort cheese. So delicious!!!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

pad thai (vegan style)

2011-08-17T13:11:00.002-04:00

last night i made a vegan version of pad thai. the recipe comes from Libby Pratt, owner of a luxury vegan, bootcamp in southwestern France, Camp Biche. check out the website...gorgeous place.

the dinner was incredibly delicious...with a different twist.

i made a garlic-tomato sauce that i dressed the noodles with...then a "slaw" of shredded cabbage, cucumbers, onion, radishes and carrots. lots of veggies makes you feel like you are eating more pasta than you really are. then drizzle w/ a mustard/horseradish sauce. the sauce was to die for. i am sure i will find many ways to use it! top w/ chopped peanuts. (i left out the cilantro by accident)

it would be good but i really did not miss it because there were so many great flavors going on.

try it...you'll love it

if you need more detailed recipe leave a comment.

shelton vineyard

2011-08-17T12:49:00.002-04:00

last week on my way to wv to take my mom home, we stopped at Sheldon Vineyard for a fabulous lunch. wanted to share!

i had lobster sliders on mini pretzel rolls (interesting and yummy)

mom had cornmeal crusted NC trout over grits ...and southern succotash....excellent!

the vines were loaded with gorgeous grapes.

pickles

2011-08-16T17:29:00.002-04:00

i've been in a "pickling" kinda mood...

pickled grapes on toast smeared with ricotta cheese....great with a cocktail.

my refrigerator dill pickles.

2011-08-16T17:22:00.002-04:00

a couple of things i made @ the beach...

spinach and chickpea salad with a mango dressing.

tomato pie...a lady who lives here said you HAVE to make tomato pie when tomatoes are in season(in keeping with the low country tradition) i said "of course"

pasta and veggies

Grilled veggie and ww pasta salad for lunch

2011-08-14T15:58:00.001-04:00

- Posted using BlogPress
from my iPhone

Location:Hogan Ct,Charlotte,United States

Tomato peach salad at the beach house!

2011-08-01T12:33:00.001-04:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Kale, Green Leaf and Tomato Salad With Avocado, Dill Dressing

2011-07-12T16:08:00.000-04:00

Kale, Green Leaf and Tomato Salad With Avocado, Dill Dressing

snack

2011-07-12T11:05:00.002-04:00

i just had a little mid morning snack....

Quinoa salad...Quinoa, yellow pepper, craisins, cilantro, with a lime ,evoo dressing.

some fresh pineapple on the side.

Lunch at Plaza Fiesta

2011-07-09T21:26:00.002-04:00

Eating here is the only reason I will agree to take my kids to Carowinds! No nasty Carowinds food for me. Just go across the street and get the best Mexican food!! I had a sopa, a taco (traditional style with onions and cilantro) and a tostada. Delicious!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I finally tried grilling pizza!

2011-07-09T21:19:00.001-04:00

I couldn't believe how easy....it got so crispy and didn't stick!

Cheese pizza for kids

Sauteed onions, black olives and feta for adults. Also did tomato,fresh mozzarella and basil-forgot to take picture....I was so frazzled!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My favorite breakfast

2011-07-09T16:37:00.001-04:00

What could be better than a toasted slice of whole grain bread slathered with Bosky Acres goat cheese and a drizzle of olive oil and a sliced tomato from farmer James???

Add a runny Baucom's Best pastured fried egg on top!!!! Incredible!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

4th of July snacks in the mountains

2011-07-09T16:30:00.001-04:00

You cannot beat melon w/ prosciutto and champagne in the pasture

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Salmon burgers w/ quinoa salad

2011-07-09T16:26:00.001-04:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

rueben sandwich

2011-05-19T10:27:00.002-04:00

my favorite sandwich....

make your own 1000 island dressing....1 c mayo (i used vegan mayo) chopped up pickles (or relish) ketchup, onion and garlic powder How easy is that? and delish.

spread 1 slice rye bread w/ mustard, 1 w/ 1000 island dressing, spread sauerkraut on 1, sliced avocado on the other. in a non stick pan grill on both sides until brown...GREAT!

i served it with a salad of artichoke hearts and some chopped green onions from the garden...a little EVOO and lemon juice

more mother's day

2011-05-19T10:10:00.002-04:00

a few more pictures of mother's day.

the gift table...my gifts lunch the next day...soba noodle salad with olives, feta, peas,

i went to Minos Imported foods on monroe rd. and got the most incredible feta and olives ( thanks to the reader who commented to me about that)

mother's day

2011-05-19T10:00:00.002-04:00

we celebrated Mother's Day at the lake. actually we celebrated Mother's Day for me, my mom, Krista....and we celebrated birthdays for Krista and hubby! so we had a lot of celebrating going on.lots of fun, food and gifts. check em out!

ETHEL

2011-03-11T11:32:00.002-05:00

I WANT TO SHARE A FEW PICTURES OF MY CUTIE PIES!!!!!

ETHEL LOVES...........THE SUN!

TROUT DINNER

2011-03-11T11:14:00.003-05:00

ALSO ADD A TOUCH OF HONEY

LAST NIGHT I MADE A FAST AND HEALTHY DINNER! I MADE SWEET POTATO AND QUINOA SALAD (MARK BITTMAN) I ADDED RED PEPPER, SHALLOTS, EVOO, SHERRY VINEGAR, AND CHIVES (MINE HAVE FINALLY POPPED UP IN THE GARDEN) THIS IS SOOOOOO GOOD. I HAD SOME FOR BREAKFAST!

I BOUGHT 2 FILLETS OF RED STARBURST TROUT AT EARTHFARE. I MARINATED IT IN PONZU SAUCE (IT'S SOY SAUCE AND CITRUS) SCALLIONS, JALAPENOS, GINGER, S&P. I PAN SAUTED IT FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES PER SIDE, THEN PUT IN THE MARINADE. IT WAS OUTSTANDING. VERY FRESH AND LIGHT....MARINADE GOOD TOO.

I MADE A TANGY SLAW....THINLY SLICED CABBAGE, ADDED LIME JUICE, ASIAN GARLIC CHILI SAUCE ( NOT SO MUCH...VERY HOT) ONE T. EVOO AND CHOPPED CILANTRO.

ALL FLAVORS SO GOOD TOGETHER.

TRY IT

FISH AND MORE FISH

2011-02-25T15:23:00.002-05:00

JASON CAUGHT CATFISH AT LAKE NORMAN AND I DECIDED TO FRY THEM UP AND HAVE FISH TACOS (AGAIN) I DON'T NORMALLY FRY FISH, BUT IT SEEMED THE RIGHT THING TO DO! DRESSED W/ SOME LIME JUICE, CILANTRO AND HOT PEPPERS.....MOUTHWATERING.....THANKS...JASON!

I , ALSO GOT SOME AWESOME PICS OF ETHEL SUNBATHING....SHE'S PRECIOUS.

CHICKEN DINNER

2011-02-25T15:06:00.003-05:00

i made a simple but delicious dinner one night this week. i 've written about my lettuces growing in the greenhouse @ Hillbilly but i also planted radishes. we picked some last week...not to pretty but tasty. i don't think the dirt is quite deep enough. i am sad because very shortly the planters will be moved out to make room for spring flowers....happy and sad!

i have some pictures of the radishes, a salad i made w/ roasted roma tomatoes (i roasted them w/ garlic, balsamic vinegar, evoo, tad sugar, 275degrees, 2 hrs)mozzarella. a baked chicken from Baucom's Best, and roasted potatoes, onions and thyme.

FISH TACOS

2011-02-11T16:19:00.002-05:00

i was checking out this restaurant in sausalito, ca, that only serves sustainable fish....for REAL...he says it is really hard because people (suppliers, fisherman etc.) aren't always honest.

www.331fish.com Anyway, Fish Tacos are on the menu so i got really in the mood. i found wild caught (usa) cod....maybe true maybe not. I made chile-lime coleslaw. i used chili garlic sauce.lime juice a little evoo, cilantro. It was pretty spicy...yum. I marinated the fish in ancho-chili powder, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, sesame oil. I let it marinate 20 minutes and broiled until flaky.

Houseguests and Curry

2011-02-11T16:08:00.002-05:00

Last week-end my daughters college friend came to visit with her 2 adorable kids. She lives in Boston, so can you imagine how excited she was to leave several feet of snow......ugh!

Her kids are wonderful....they are sweet, mannerly, good eaters, and good sleepers. We had lots of fun. Jill, you are invited back anytime....next time bring your lovely hubby!

I made chicken in a red curry sauce, rice, and i'm still getting beautiful lettuce from the greenhouse.

i love pizza

2011-02-03T12:29:00.002-05:00

i love to make homemade dough but i was in Trader Joes and picked one up.....they are good.

what kind to make?????????????

i love fennel...

i love onion...

i love pancetta...

i love mozzarella...

i love Thyme...

oh i love salad....

i thinks that sounds like a fabulous pizza!

shrimp and grits

2011-02-03T12:23:00.002-05:00

i made a light version of shrimp and grits....

very quick and easy...quick cook grits, saute garlic and shrimp...add butter and lemon juice....voila!

greek night

2011-02-03T12:16:00.003-05:00

greens from my greenhouse

greek chicken

pita chips

i made a roasted garlic, chickpea dip...pita chips to dip.

a greek style chicken w/ rosemary, bay leaf, white wine....baked and doused w/ lemon juice.

serve w/ rice and green beans....yumo

meatless dinner

2011-01-24T21:04:00.002-05:00

tonight,we had a meatless meal....yummy. i am cooking a greek dinner tomorrow night for friends. since i've been reading greek recipes, i got in the mood for greek salad...so i made one tonight along with brussel sprouts, quinoa/brown rice,and a very spicy slaw i made yesterday w/thai hot peppers i grew last summer. (from the freezer) it was quite tasty...

winter greens

2011-01-24T20:53:00.004-05:00

i planted some greens in nov. in the greenhouse @ hillbilly mkt. someone built some raised beds out of pallets. i wasn't sure how well they would grow. guess what????? awesome!!!!!

it is wonderful to be able to go cut fresh greens every day.

check them out!

a fishy dinner

2011-01-23T14:44:00.004-05:00

orzo w/ peas and mint

red snapper and swiss chard
rainbow chard

i made a very delicious dip....Muhammara, (roasted red pepper/walnut dip) i used veggies to dip.

for dinner i made sauteed swiss chard, red snapper, and orzo with peas, mint, and parmesan.yummy...

Gumbo

2011-01-22T12:35:00.002-05:00

Recipe was in the Observer on Wednesday - I just got back from New Orleans so I was excited to make it!

Make a quick chicken broth

Make a roux

shred the bone-in chicken breasts that were boiled to make the broth

Cook some veggies in the roux then add the broth

Add some browned sausage and shrimp and put in the shredded chicken

Yummy! Serve over white rice (or brown if that is all you have - like me!)

after new year food

2011-01-08T14:46:00.002-05:00

i have some wonderful greens growing in the greenhouse @ hillbilly produce mkt.

the arugula came up but did not grow! the mesclun greens have done great. we had them for dinner along with roasted whole chicken legs (baucom's best) brussel sprouts,

cabbage and carrots with tons of garlic...it was great.

snow fall in north carolina

2011-01-04T14:45:00.003-05:00

wow....what an incredible sight!!!!

a white day after Christmas in charlotte

new year 2011

2011-01-04T14:32:00.002-05:00

happy new year everyone!!!!!!!

i am going to be better about blogging...i am going to be better ab...................... that is my resolution!!!!!!!!

so here we go !!!!!!!!!!!!!

after much over indulging.....last night we had a light shrimp veggie stir-fry...very good.

i went to charleston,sc over the holidays and brought back some local shrimp from Whole Foods.

2010-12-12T20:28:00.002-05:00

more thanksgiving......cranberry, pomegranate, sauce...yummy.

the best 1/2 runner beans ever....do you know 1/2 runners??????? they are so a wv thing....we love, love, love.................them.

many more sides...ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, 2 kinds of dressings, 7 layer salad, (thanks patti),,,,desserts galore......thankful day..

belated thanksgiving

2010-12-12T20:21:00.003-05:00

wonderful holiday thanksgiving.....great food...thankful for all we have.

big...big gigantic local ...all natural turkey...carlea farms...27 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

food pics

2010-11-08T13:41:00.001-05:00

2010-11-08T13:09:00.004-05:00

my deviled eggs
mark bittman's preserved lemons
eggplant, pepper, onion, tomato stew
tomato-basil
fennel and onion w/ pickling brine
brine
Baucom's Best BEST sirloin
roasted heirloom pumpkin
bean, beef, corn.....chili
fab lunch....arugula salad and roasted veggies

welcome

2010-11-08T12:57:00.002-05:00

wow...i've been gone way long....don't know why...i will try to do better! thanks patti...for missing me....my wonderful sister-n-law (she's really like my sister i never had) and her hubby came to visit recently....we had a great time (way too short) we had a little girls night fun moroccan dinner party....good food

food and kids....GRANNY'S 84 BD

2010-10-14T18:30:00.002-04:00

hi everyone.....it's been awhile....now it's my favorite time of year....FALL....cool weather, pumpkins, and lot's of wonderful comfort food...stews, soups, roasts (i have chicken noodle soup on the stove now)

i had the grandsons w/ me this weekend....we made a rustic apple tart...turned out incredible....also the boys were very involved in 'tech deck' skateboard....check out their ramps....we had fun...

A REMINDER:::::

SATURDAY, OCT. 16.....1-3PM......FALL FESTIVAL...HILLBILLY PRODUCE MARKET

704-535-1468

FOOD DEMOS....FOOD SAMPLES.....LOT'S MORE

WE WILL POST RECIPES ON THIS SITE LATER

Finished 10 days of Real Food!

2010-09-30T09:51:00.002-04:00

We actually finished last week but I'm a little behind writing! It was great. I absolutely loved it - I felt awesome! The 2 hardest parts were packing my kids lunches and going to someone else's house for dinner. I have girl's night every Tuesday night - sometimes we go out and sometimes we go to someone's house. During the 10 days, I had it twice, both at someone's house. To me that was very stressful to ask someone what they are having and try to figure out how I can eat it and not be a pain and not make a big deal about it. Luckily, the girls are my best friends and I've known them since 10th grade so they were very supportive although they do kinda laugh and I'm sure think "here she goes again on her soapbox" It worked out fine. We had mediterranean shrimp pasta one night. I just brought my own whole wheat pasta. She had cheese and triscuits for appetizer (without me asking for it) so that was perfect! The pasta was delicious and I ate what everyone else was eating! The second girl's night, we had butternut squash soup, salad and baguette slices with cheddar, walnuts and sliced apple. I just brought my own bread and again ate what everyone else was having and it was also delicious.

I only went out to eat once in the 10 days and that was for sushi - I had yellowtail rolls with brown rice and some edamame. It was good - would not want to eat out anywhere else - it would be too hard and I am not good about asking lots of questions. It embarrasses me!

On the 11th day I still ate all real food because I loved what I had been eating so much! On the 12th day, I was working and lunch was catered in. I had a turkey sandwich and had a bad stomach ache and indigestion all afternoon!

My 8 yr. old was a trooper. The only "cheats" he had was a pack of goldfish and popsicle after his football game. He looked so sad when they were handing them out, I told him it was ok. And, he had some organic ketchup on his roasted potatoes. He said he didn't want any potatoes without ketchup and I thought if he is eating roasted chicken, roasted potatoes and brocolli and likes it, I'm giving the kid some ketchup. Those are the only things he ate off the plan! Remember, they did not take the pledge so I allowed them a little more lenience. I was strict with myself. My 10 yr. old and husband did well but had many more cheats. Hubby cannot give up diet coke and both ate pizza on Panther's game day. Overall I am still very proud of everyone!!

Day 7

2010-09-18T13:22:00.001-04:00

Starting the soup

Last night we had tomato & chicken soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. I made a really delicious and easy soup (idea courtesy of my friend Gretchen) Just saute some onion, garlic and other veggies if you want - I put carrots and peppers. Add a couple of large cans of tomatoes - any kind - and a few cups of broth or water and simmer for awhile. Then puree the whole thing. I used an immersion blender. Then I added leftover shredded chicken and blended a tiny bit more so the chicken was small but still a little chunky. Add a little cream if you want at the end. That is it - of course you can leave out the chicken if you want - I needed to use some that I had in the fridge. Would be even better in the winter!

For breakfast this morning, I made eggs with soldiers - soft boiled eggs with toast strips. (I only served runny yolks because they were fresh, local eggs. I personally would be afraid to do it with regular grocery store eggs) My kids loved it. My 8 yr. old said it was the best breakfast he has ever had in his life!

Egg Salad Sandwiches

Quesadillas

I made egg salad (made homemade mayo - 1st time - I thought it was pretty quick and easy) and kids had egg salad sandwiches, watermelon and grapes. David had cheese quesadilla (with pimento cheese) and I had egg salad in a tortilla. I also found some Baked Kettle Chips that are potatoes, oil and salt only. Kids and hubby were thrilled to have chips!

Only a few more days!

We are half way through our 10 days!

2010-09-17T09:07:00.000-04:00

Thursday breakfast - kids had pancakes again. They LOVE the banana pancakes! I had granola with fruit - yummy.

Lunchboxes - one had whole wheat spaghetti with butter and parmesan in a thermos, one had peanut butter, banana, honey, granola rolled up in tortillas. They both said great lunch! My 3rd grader had someone bring in cupcakes yesterday for a b-day and he declined it! Way to go. He also started his Wednesday night kid's church program this week which includes dinner. I think dinner is their favorite part and they were having nachos. I told him he could eat it if he wanted - he said no, he wanted me to pick him up before dinner. He is taking it very seriously. My older son and husband not so much. They are doing great but my husband has had a few diet cokes and my older son did not decline birthday treat at school. (side note: I am not making my kids do this - they wanted to do it and I am not being as strict with them) I knew they may have a few "cheats" I am being very strict for me because I took the pledge!

Thursday night dinner - sausage pizza on whole wheat crust (recipe also from Food Illusion blog) It was great!! I used the leftover sauce I made from lasagna earlier in the week. The crust was the easiest pizza crust I've ever made and rolled out perfectly and was delicious. Family loved it of course! Packed leftover pizza in lunch boxes today. What a treat!

Made mini quiches yesterday for breakfast / snack / or lunch - whatever I need it for. Hubby likes, older son likes, younger son does not like. Some things are hit or miss...

Day 4

2010-09-15T08:54:00.001-04:00

I don't have any new photos because stuff I made yesterday wasn't so pretty but yummy!
I made whole wheat banana pancakes (www.foodillusion.wordpress.com ) They were awesome. I made them last night so they would be ready for this morning. My kids were thrilled!

As I thought, packing their lunches has been the hardest part. "Mom it is so hard watching everyone eat hot, cheesy pizza!" They are doing great though. They are really hanging in there. Today for lunch I gave them slices of local Italian Sausage, a hard-boiled egg, cheese stick, cantaloupe and a couple of whole grain pretzels dipped in peanut butter. I hope they like it!

I've been having delicious sandwiches for lunch with lots of veggies and goat cheese and hummus. I think I could have that everyday!

For me, what to eat is easy... feeding the kids is hard. More cooking and planning than I thought!

TUNA

2010-09-14T11:01:00.002-04:00

TUNA.......we had a great pasta and fresh tuna dinner....we were in chapel hill last weekend celebrating John's MBA graduation.....YAY>>>>john.....we are proud of you!!!!!!!

we went to whole foods and bought some fish to bring home...it all looked so good....we got..fresh tuna steaks, red snapper, and wild alaskan salmon....last night i made angel hair pasta in a lemon, white wine sauce (with red pepper and garlic)....thinly sliced very rare tuna and basil.....delish..

LABOR DAY BRUNCH

2010-09-14T10:48:00.003-04:00

over labor day we celebrated my birthday (a big one) and our anniversary! what a fun time we had....all the peeps were there...i have a lovely family.

the food was fantastic as well....didn't take as many photos as i should but here are a few.....

10 Days of Real Food

2010-09-13T08:53:00.002-04:00

kid's lunch

Whole Wheat Tortillas - Easy and fun to make!

David's lunch

My family is taking the challenge! We are eating no processed foods for 10 days. You may have read about the Leake family in the Charlotte Observer or seen them on Charlotte Today. It is a great story. They did it for 100 days! Check out Lisa Leake's blog www.100daysofrealfood.com to learn more about it. I officially started yesterday and the rest of my family today. I'm going to let you know how it is going. I prepared some stuff over the weekend to get ready - most were recipes from 100 days blog. I made whole wheat tortillas, eggplant hummus, granola, and a roasted chicken to use through the week. I think the hardest part will be packing lunches for everyone.

Eggplant hummus

I'm so proud of my family for being open to this challenge - the kids are excited.(sorta) David is fine with it - he is happy he can still drink beer - he is a little bummed about his diet coke - I've been trying to get him off of those anyway. This morning the kids and David had oatmeal with bananas, blueberries and honey. Grey also had a leftover whole wheat biscuit that I made yesterday. David had an egg and cheese on whole wheat tortilla. For lunch, I packed the kids natural peanut butter, honey and banana sandwiches with a cheese stick and fruit. It looked delicious but they love processed school lunches. I made David a sandwich with goat cheese, hummus, lettuce, cucumber, avocado and roasted chicken. That looked great - I'll probably have the same thing.

Real Food is scrumptious

For dinner, we had lasagna - whole wheat noodles, homemade sauce with lots of veggies pureed in .... see what yummy stuff you can have...My kids won't eat much salad but there were plenty of veggies in lasagna so I didn't worry about it.

escapade: Artful arrangements (in the bathroom)

2010-09-02T18:43:00.000-04:00

escapade: Artful arrangements (in the bathroom)

BEAUTIFUL

2010-09-02T10:57:00.003-04:00

THERE ARE LITERALLY DOZENS OF BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES IN MY BUTTERFLY BUSH.......WONDERFUL TO WATCH.....

THANKS

2010-09-02T10:33:00.005-04:00

Thank you to a customer of hillbilly produce market, for sending along a wonderful recipe. it is

eggplant, zucchini, and tomato tian......it is from cooking light.
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1988557
....i made it and it is really good....she was kind to say she loves our vegetables!!!!Thanks.....

Massage your Kale People!!!!

2010-09-02T08:23:00.004-04:00

If you haven't done your okra this way, you are missing out! Jason told us about it...just slice length wise then toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast on a baking sheet (I like to put them all cut side down- probably not necessary) bake 425 for 15 - 20 minutes - they get brown and crispy - yummy! Also made Massaged Kale Salad - it is from Aarti Party - the new Food Network show -Aarti won the Next Food Network Star!! Her recipes are mostly Indian inspired. This salad was so delicious and fun to make. Have you ever massaged Kale before????? I haven't but I liked it!! It makes raw kale more tender. I made it with her Mango Chutney, Prosciutto Paneer Pizza - you can find both recipes on Food Network websites. Both were awesome!!

farmer's market dinner in the mountains

2010-09-01T18:15:00.004-04:00

My husband and I went to Chilhowie VA last weekend and ate at a fabulous restaurant called TownHouse - www.townhouseva.com
We also visited the Abington VA farmer's market and had a great dinner with all fresh local stuff.
NY strips in a cast iron skillet with goat cheese and balsamic glaze..............
roasted purple fingerling potatoes............
roasted okra...........
tomato cucumber basil salad in our new hand carved gorgeous bowl that we bought for ourselves for our anniversary. www.nicolaaloisio.com Great weekend!!!!!

in my yard and beyond

2010-08-31T20:05:00.002-04:00

some cool things in my yard......

peppers....kung pao......LOTS

doe......or.....buck

basil......

pesto....actually in my kitchen

grilled Lebanese flat bread.......made in the kitchen....cooked outside

some randoms

2010-08-31T19:51:00.002-04:00

last week we had an awesome supper.....roasted chickpeas...i had read about preparing them but never tried....krista was doing an indian dinner....roasted chickpeas was a side....i thought i'd give it a twirl....i put....cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, chili pepper, cumin,salt, pepper.......actually alot from the spice cupboard.....a little evoo.....roasted about 30 minutes....bet you can't eat just 1!!!!!

then........i made skillet hamburgers....i have been so into my iron skillet......any way Baucoms Best grass fed beef is unbelievable!!!!!!! i will never go back......

another roman night

2010-08-26T18:00:00.003-04:00

to continue with my "roman" obsession, i made another italian dinner......we had friends visiting from ny....they love good food and good wine like us......so we started with the caponata like i made last week i think it was better too....served some charcuterie and italian cheeses......then the star was.....MAIALE IN AGRODOLCE.....in english (sweet and sour pork chops)....i also did the CACIO E PEPE (cheese and pepper pasta).....mixed green salad....dessert....lemon sorbet w/ limoncello.

nice italian sangiovese.......good drizzle chops w/ oil...S&P let sit 30 mi

nutes..heat vinegar,honey,butter and

recipe (april Saveur magazine) rosemary....baste and grill....5 min

4 bone in chops grateful growers......the best per side.....fantastic

3 T evoo

salt and pepper

1/3 c balsamic vinegar

2 T honey

4 T butter 1 sprig rosemary

lake night brats

2010-08-20T09:55:00.002-04:00

last weekend at the lake, jason decided to throw some brats (grateful growers) on the grill!!!!!!!

we slathered buns w/ mustard and mayo.....the brats lots of sauerkraut.....and sauteed onions and peppers....man they were delicious......i made a pasta salad w/ the BEST EVER heirloom cherry tomatoes.....

MY ROMAN DINNER

2010-08-20T09:33:00.002-04:00

i was so inspired after watching Anthony Bourdain in Rome, i decided to tackle a couple of Roman dishes. If you missed his show (travel channel) try to see it.....it is fantastic. it's all in black and white and his suits are great,,,,my oh my ....the FOOD!!!!! here goes....i made caponato....eggplant, green olives, onion, garlic, tomatoes capers, simmered til done.....added sherry vinegar, basil, toasted pine nuts......delish...served on baquette slices...

we also had CACIO E PEPE (cheese and pepper pasta) i used only pecorina romano (it calls for grated CACIO de ROMA also) put LOTS of freshly groung black pepper into evoo in skillet...heat until fragrant....have pasta cooking meantime then add 3/4 cup pasta water to skillet.....drain and add pasta to skillet.....add cheese....stir vigorously until sauce forms ...add more water if dry.......serve immediately......sprinkle with more cheese and black pepper......very yummy......wish i could have been in rome

greek chicken

2010-08-13T11:01:00.002-04:00

a quick recipe for a dish i really loved and will make over and over!

i used baucom's best chicken leg quarters.....dredge in flour...salt and pepper.....brown in large skillet w/ lid (it needs to go in oven later)........after chicken is good and brown......add 1 cup white wine, couple sprigs rosemary and 3 fresh bay leaves (2 if dry) reduce......5-8 minutes.....add

1 1/2 cups water....cover...put in oven...bake 45 minutes......400degrees....uncover 5 minutes to crisp up.........magic ingredient.....squeeze juice 1 lemon....or 2....if you are a lemon lover.....that heavenly lemon aroma......serve w/ rice to sop all the goodness.....we loved it

kool summer suppers

2010-08-13T10:45:00.003-04:00

i want to share some of my families wonderful summer suppers. one of my favorites was a lemony greek chicken dish (greek issue Saveur magazine) the lemon gave it a lightness, but it will also be a great fall dish.....make sure to serve w/ rice to sop up the fabulous sauce!

we have a new ethnic market.....super G mart......i went and got fresh whole red snapper....stuffed w/ rosemary, thyme and lemon......roasted 25 minutes.....yummy ........trying to lighten up a little.....i made a chopped salad,garlic croutons......proscuitto...lemon,evoo dressing

summer magic

2010-08-11T12:28:00.003-04:00

what a wonderful family vacation we had this year @ isle of palms, sc........from my 83 yr. old mother (who did sit in the beach everyday and get in the ocean) to husbands.wives, and a 2 ten year olds and an 8 year old. we had lot's of fun playing games and cards and lot's....lot's and lot's of fun eating great seafood.......we had a fabulous shrimp scampi......low country boil w/ blue crab......grilled sheephead.....pan fried flounder.....and sizzling summer drinks...peach daiquiries and lillet.....we already made our reservation for next summer!

Whole Roasted Chicken

2010-08-05T18:39:00.002-04:00

My husband suprised me Sunday with a true Hillbilly meal. We had a whole roasted chicken from Baucom's Best, roasted red potatoes and fresh green beans. He stuffed the chicken with plenty of fresh herbs and let it roast for awhile. Then we added the potatoes right into the pan(bathing in chicken fat) and cooked them on 425 for about 30 mins. That were SOOOO good. Lovely Sunday night dinner. Best of all, I have been eating leftover chicken on a salad all week long!

NC Mountain Trout

2010-08-05T18:34:00.002-04:00

I had an amazing dinner of NC Mountain Trout several weekends ago in Saluda, NC. I wanted to drive back up there just to eat it again! But instead I found it here in Charlotte. Unfortunately, not at Hillbilly. So last weekend we cooked it with a side of succotash. The succotash we did with butter beans, fresh corn, and cherry tomatoes sprinkled with fresh basil. Such a light, summer dish.

a few of my favorite things

2010-07-10T08:28:00.002-04:00

2 of my fav things.....cote sud magazine ( french mag with the most amazing photography).....

french rose wine......lovely afternoon.....

our 4th hot dog party

2010-07-10T07:59:00.002-04:00

boy was the 4th hot!!! hotweather....hot peeps....and lots of HOT dogs....we did our 2nd annual ode to the wonderful hot dog. hot dogs around the world(the idea taken from bon appetit mag last year)

they showed 80 different ones...we stuck w/ 5!

#1 chilean.....avocado,mayo,tomato

#2 cobb......chopped iceberg, tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese dressing

#3 carolina.....coleslaw, mustard, onion

#4 trailer park......melted velveeta cheese, crushed potato chips (my fav)

#5 chicago......mustard, onion, sweet relish, dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled hot pepper, celery salt.....no you did hard chicago people it wasn't totally authentic.....no lime green relish or poppy sees bun.....but we tried...and it was good!

and a wonderful and pretty blueberry, blackberry pie....by Jenn RN....CONGRATULATIONS GIRL!

NEXT DAY......regular and hot italian sausage kebabs......yummy!

2010-06-25T20:42:00.002-04:00

Hot Afternoon...Hungry...What to eat?

Salad all from Hillbilly! Iceberg lettuce, Baucom's Best Chicken Tenders, Corn cut off of the cob, cucumber Thomas picked for me out of our garden, John's Island Homegrown Tomatoes, Ripe Avocado and Peppercorn Ranch Dressing mixed with Amish Wedding Foods Hot Salsa. So Good. The only thing it was missing were some tortilla chips crumbled over top! Great tex-mex salad for a hot summer afternoon.

catch of the day

2010-06-23T17:39:00.001-04:00

fried perch straight form the water....

food

2010-06-23T17:37:00.001-04:00

cuban sandwiches and chicken/radish salad.....

hot weekend

2010-06-23T17:14:00.002-04:00

what a fun and hot weekend...we celebrated my grand-daughter's BD....had friends and lot's of kids there....and lot's of yummy food...for the party we did tacos w/ baucom's beef and grateful growers chorizo...already seasoned for you! great....then cupcakes and root beer floats...very popular ! my radishes in "dirt " was fun ....there is a delicious goat cheese under rye bread crumbs.....cuban sandwiches, chicken ans radish salad ( w/ creamy avocado dressing) but the food highlight was......da da da ......we went fishing for white perch....and man were they good...we actually caught several after i read in the paper what lure to use! i made a batter w/ ww flour, beer cornmeal...we soaked the fish 10 minutes in milk and fried them in a cast iron skillet....we even made onion rings...it does't get any fresher than that....homemade tartar sauce..

yum..

scorcher

2010-06-18T10:18:00.003-04:00

hi peeps......another hot weekend in the south....headed to the lake ...lots of food ideas......i'm definitely making gazpacho....sweet ripe tomatoes crisp peppers...yum...icey cold. i found another good one ....chicken and radish salad w/creamy avocado dressing (chocolate and zucchini blog) she's this fabulous french lady....check her out. i'm sure other family people will have lot's of ideas....that's what makes life so fun! stay tuned........

2010-06-17T22:15:00.001-04:00

rest of the apt.

fabulous apartment

2010-06-17T22:01:00.003-04:00

we went to visit a friend who lives in an older apartment (looks like old new orleans) outside. i took a few pics.....vintage kitchen, wonderful green sunroom/sleeping porch with magazine galore........and the ultra cool "salon" where we sipped tequila sunrises.....as we watched the sun come down.....plus the drinks matched the room......fun night.....she's a traveling soul we don't see often....soooooo much fun....

2010-06-17T21:58:00.000-04:00

we spent last week end @ the lake w/ good friends....great time had by all. lot's of good food...i was slack and did not photo much. i did take some photos of our breakfast after a big grill dinner......bratwurst w/ sauteed onions and peppers....lot's of mustard.......last nights chicken w/ onions and yellow peppers!

brunch

2010-06-10T10:23:00.002-04:00

yesterday for brunch, i checked out leftovers and came up with something quite wonderful (if i do say so myself) i have been reading alot of spanish recipes lately....guess that was my inspiration!

i made a brava sauce (shortcut one) mayo, ketchup, hot sauce and smoked paprika. the paprika is the ticket! then i heated or reheated......left over, local yellow squash, red potatoes (previously roasted) sliced baucom's sirloin steak (previously grilled) ......then added in a free range egg.....i popped the yolk....heated until egg set......plated....slathered some brava sauce (more hot sauce)

..........voila!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-10T10:16:00.002-04:00

last week we went to one of our very....favorite places.....lang van ...their spring rolls are to die for.

we make them ourselves....that way you can load up on all the wonderful fresh herbs.....thai basil, mint, cilantro, lettuce, sprouts......yum! try it ....you won't be sorry.

The authentic gazpacho recipe

2010-06-07T12:58:00.001-04:00

The authentic gazpacho recipe we made this last weekend with great juicy tomatoes (vine ripened from florida) not good as homegrown but still tasty! i also added a secret ingredient.....

watermelon!!!! it was't my idea...we had it at a fabulous restaurant in the islands.....

2010-06-06T15:21:00.002-04:00

Last night we ate a fabulous dinner all fresh from Hillbilly! We had roasted Baucom's Best chicken thighs with fresh herbs, roasted baby turnips from Hillbilly's own garden, roasted creamer potatoes with fresh lavender and oregano. John is not a huge squash and zucchini fan but he couldn't resist them since they were freshly picked out of Hillbilly's own LOCAL, ORGANIC farm! He sauteed them in a skillet with basil. So delicious!

Sisters Serve It Up: Vegetable Breakfast Hash

2010-06-03T15:46:00.000-04:00

Sisters Serve It Up: Vegetable Breakfast Hash

2010-05-27T20:48:00.003-04:00

mango salsa

2010-05-27T20:33:00.003-04:00

dinner tonight.......mango, tomato, jalapeno, lime, salsa......grilled alaskan cod.......fresh green peas.

just in fresh from the farmers market today! i saw the mangoes and thought salsa sounded great.

i chopped up mangoes, vidalia onion, cilantro, tomato, jalapeno, and lime juice! i think i'll add a little cilantro to the peas....after they steam!

Banana Ice Cream

2010-05-24T09:12:00.003-04:00

Hillbilly had lots of overripe bananas last week. I bought 2 big bunches, peeled and sliced them and put them in the freezer. (I read this tip in a magazine - I didn't make it up)

Last night, the kids and I put them in the food processor, added a splash of milk (just to get it going) added some chocolate syrup and VOILA - banana ice cream. It was YUMMY! FYI: you have to process for awhile before it becomes smooth and you might let the bananas soften a bit before you start.

Try it!

Also use the bananas for smoothies which I do almost everyday - it is the most requested after school snack. Freeze any fruit that is starting to over ripen and throw in blender with soy milk or yogurt - so quick and easy!

2010-05-07T08:29:00.003-04:00

in the yard!