Here's to you

Today I'm celebrating the 24th year of one of the loveliest people I've ever known.

She laughs with every bone in her body,

showers her family, friends and football team with love,

and has no problem telling me when I just need to chill the &%#@ out.

Happy Birthday Chaille!

The Countdown

Today is Monday.

But instead of singing the blues, I'm humming this instead.

Why? Because the countdown is on.



Buy this schedule here.



In just a few short days I'll be in sweetest southern town of them all, Oxford, MS at the fanciest tailgate of them all in The Grove.

It has been just shy of two years since I've laid my eyes on Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, and a long couple of years at that.

Originally found here.

So without further adieu...

 It's time to break out the chandeliers, bourbon and catered food, my friends, because college football is back.

Currently Obsessed: Kale Chips

The salty, crunchy snack that you just can't feel bad about eating.

Photo credit and recipe here.

Happy snacking!

World's Luckiest Fishing Village

It is very possible that the sole reason Ross chose to move to Destin was for the fishing.

Seriously, even the City of Destin's logo claims it to be the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." 

See exhibit A:

So naturally my response was/is: let's eat!

A few nights ago Ross and Daniel set off on their BOTE boards at sunset to go fishing. Stand-up paddle boarding is kind of a big deal around here.  Daniel lives on the harbor, so the two mapped out each of the docks that have lights beneath the water to see the fish, my dear.  And off on a mad hunt for Redfish and Trout they went...

{NOTE: In this area you are only allowed to keep "slot" Redfish, meaning the fish must be between 18 and 27 inches long.  The Trout regulations are 15 to 20 inches and you can keep 5 per person per day with 1 being over 20 inches.}

Although Ross and Daniel had a the time of their lives drinking beer and paddling the harbor for no less than 4 hours, Ross returned with only one Redfish, but it was completely  perfect even so.

When Ross returned after midnight with his catch of evening I was ecstatic AKA asleep.  We celebrated the next day with a wonderfully satisfying dinner. Although it was quite eclectic, I must say.  We had leftover Spanish Rice I really need to post my recipe for this soon, Collard Greens southern favorite and spicy baked Redfish.  

{It sounds like a bizarre combination, but it was delightful.}

Spicy Baked Redfish:
Two 1/4 lb filets of Redfish
1 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tbsp butter
Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning
Lime juice

Preheat the oven to 375°.  Spray an 8x11 glass baking dish lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Place the fish skin side down in the dish, and drizzle lightly with olive oil.  Smear one tablespoon of room temperature butter on each portion, then season with Tony's. Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the fish immediately before it goes in the oven.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the fish is flakey.

Enjoy!

Sundays are for Brunching

As a twenty-something female who loves all thing culinary, clearly I'm an advocate for Sunday brunch.

brunch 

{noun} 

a late morning meal eaten instead of breakfast and lunch

But honestly, what's not to love? Whether hosting a quiet brunch for you and yours truly at home, or attending a gourmet brunch at a local eatery with your dearest friends, it's the experience that makes eating this fabulous meal completely worthwhile.

The key to Sunday brunch in my opinion is enjoying whatever you may eat at your leisure.  You simply can't have a cup of coffee and a croissant and call it brunch.  And by the way, it's SUNDAY folks. So go for it! You can spend the remainder of the day resting and relaxing, or going for an afternoon walk then eating a light dinner, so indulge and do not feel guilty.

I tend to eat a light and quick breakfast throughout the work week, so when Sunday arrives it's on. At my house, you can expect nothing shy of two pots of french press coffee, a glass of orange juice or a mimosa, fruit, biscuits and/or pancakes, bacon, avocado because it complements everything, and always I mean always eggs.

Omelettes

Fritattas

Baked in a {ham} cup

Over-easy

Sunny side up

Poached

{and always finished off with a dash or two of hot sauce}

P.S. You totally deserve it.