Spinach Salad...Simple & Delicious

A couple of weeks ago, an opportunity was presented that has allowed me to reconnect with many people whom I hadn't been afforded the time to truly relate to on the level that I would prefer. So in my excitement of hanging out and reconnecting, it occurred to me on Sunday that I have been eating and drinking like a celebrating idiot. I've probably eaten enough over the last couple of weeks to feed a frugal family of four--mind you, I'm not ashamed of this fact, but the truth is, I need to do a better job of making better decisions regarding food. Yes, I'm sure you noticed that I didn't mention drinking, that's because I ain't changing my "drankin" habits.

In efforts to eat better, I decided to visit one of my favorite markets for fresh produce, seafood, cheeses, coffees, desserts (that I didn't purchase) and practically everything else under the sun. This place is Your Dekalb Farmers Market, in Decatur. This place is simply a sight to behold and well worth the trip. I would have taken pics for y'all but they don't allow cameras, so you'll just have to take my word for it or go see for yourself. Besides having almost everything I needed to stock my fridge with freshness, the prices are fantastic!! I always leave wondering if they forgot to ring up half of my purchase.

In honor of my first day of "being good" with my eating habits, I decided to make a Spinach Salad. You know the green stuff that many people overlook on salad bars...yep that stuff. This is one of the simplest salads to make. You only need a few ingredients.

Spinach
Strawberries
Pecans
Red/Purple Onion
Goat Cheese or Bleu Cheese

Add a basic vinaigrette and dinner is served. Tonight, I used EVOO, strawberry balsamic vinegar, stone ground mustard, honey, coarsely ground black pepper and this was the perfect combination to bring all the salad ingredients together.

Y'all pretty much know by now that, besides baking, I'm not a measuring kinda girl, so I have no idea how much of each ingredient I used to make the dressing, but I can tell you that the best mixing method is a good old-fashioned mason jar--I used a recycled Classico Pesto jar. I know what you're thinking... on top of being really cute, I'm rather crafty huh??

Please send good vibes in my quest for better eating.

Sheila Denise

Mary Ann Cake - Spring is Here!!!

I will simply ignore the fact that I've broken a couple of promises to you...yeah, I know I said I'd resume blogging, but never did. Well, I think I'm back and I've missed you terribly.

Yesterday, I discovered a cake pan that I hadn't used. As a cake pan collector, I have no idea when I purchased it, but I immediately knew I needed to use it. The recipe included was a chocolate concoction, so I had to do a quick search to find something non-chocolate. Thanks to Williams-Sonoma, I stumbled upon this recipe with the most beautimous photo of a Mary Ann cake.

If you're wondering what the heck a Mary Ann cake is, well I have no idea who she is, but the pan is designed to create a cake with a convex top. After the cake is baked and turned out, you have a cake with a hollowed out top which may then be filled with fruit, cream, ice cream, or whatever your little heart desires. So off to work I went at about 11 o'clock last night. Baking it at night gave me time to think about my choice of filling and fruit. So it simply sat naked until this evening. Here are a couple of photos of the cake as it's cooling and waiting to be dressed.

I really couldn't decide what to do with this cake, so I simply went about my day. I joined my my girl-bestie, Carol, for brunch and a Braves game and it was during our outing that she mentioned blackberries. Okay, that determined the fruit selection, but what will I do for the filling? I knew what I didn't want, that's always the easy part, but had no idea what i did want. As I walked into Costco for the blackberries, I had an idea--I'd make a creamy, lemony concoction for the filling. So I pulled everything out of the fridge. I used, mascarpone, lemon curd, sour cream, heavy cream and a wee bit of vanilla sugar. I didn't measure anything, but next time I'll use more of everything to fill it closer to the edge. The mixture kinda sorta tastes like a very lemony cheesecake and it compliments the blackberries extremely well. Isn't it lovely??

Honestly, I have no desire to eat this cake--the act of making it/using my pan was the focus. Tomorrow, I'll take it for a drive to, JD, my most favoritest brother-in-law in the whole ENTIRE world.

Sheila Denise

Back in the Saddle...Soon

I hang my head in shame, as I sit here and be brutally honest with myself. I have a confession to make--I've been a bad, bad blogger. I'm not really even sure that I can refer to myself as a blogger anymore. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm ready to end this dry spell, so never fear, my trusty followers, hope is on the horizon.

I'm participating in both Buckhead Restaurant Week (March 6-14) and Inman Park Restaurant Week (March 8-14). I have a date with a dear fellow foodie to dine at Sotto Sotto and I'm REALLY looking forward to enjoying a wonderful meal with someone who is as obsessed with the wonders of food and drink as I am. Hopefully, I can squeeze in 3 or 4 dining experiences during the upcoming Restaurant Week(s), so stay tuned for lots of photos and feedback.

A very special thanks to The Broke Socialite for posting the Buckhead Restaurant Week info. Sad thing is, my office is in Buckhead, but I'm out of the office more than I'm in so, I guess that's how I missed it. Y'all need to drop in on Ms. Socialite--she's absolutely adorable and has officially made a place for herself on my "bloggers to meet" list.

Sheila Denise

White Dishes and Why Does This Always Happen To Me???

Okay...the good news first. I have more white dishes!!!! They are the KA-yutest little things. I have the mama sized version and the babies have joined the party. Thank you for allowing me to carry on about such nothingness, but I am one excited chicklette.
Just look at how tiny the little baby is.

Now for the rest of the story...

I've come to realize that I have a real knack for discovering food items and falling head over heels in love with them, only to have them discontinued. What gives?? My Aunt Maxine and I had this discussion a few days ago and we listed several items that have fallen along the wayside that I enjoyed tremendously.

Here's a short list of gone but not forgottens:

1. Ruby Tuesday's bread sticks (some of y'all may be too young to remember these).
2. Bonnie shortbread cookies by Lance.
3. Lemon and Strawberry powdered sugar by Domino.
4. French Vanilla Creme coffee (the manufacturer escapes me - it's been almost 15 years and I STILL remember the oh so perfect taste of this coffee).
5. Cabot's Horseradish Cheddar. Mind you, I just discovered this in 2009 and could only find it in Publix stores in Macon. I was recently shattered to hear that it will no longer be available (per Mr. Publix Man).
6. Tostitos Sweet & Spicy Summer Salsa. I purchased a jar at Big Lots in Valdosta YESTERDAY only to do a little Googling tonight to find out that it's discontinued.

WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY do bad things happen to good people??? Okay, I know I'm being bit dramatic, but I'm heartbroken once again. I'll enjoy this one little jar and will be on the lookout for it in every nook and cranny of ALL the Big Lots in the state of GA.

This stuff is tasty, tasty, tasty. If you don't believe me, maybe you'll believe this guy. From what I've read about him so far, he's quite the guru on all things hot and spicy and he is definitely right about this salsa.

I think I'll try it on blackened fish tacos this weekend. Stay tuned...


Sheila Denise

306 North - Valdosta, GA

Happy New Year y'all!!! I'm finally back to blogging. I've been MIA for quite some time and I'm excited to be back. I thought I'd start with my first business trip of the year and in my EXTREME excitement, I didn't bring my camera along for dinner. It was taking a nice siesta in the hotel room. I do apologize for not having photos, but at least I'm blogging again, so please be happy for me.

I'm in Valdosta for a few days and I was on a mission to find great food and tonight I hit the jackpot. I discovered a very nice little gem, 360 North. I love everything about this restaurant from the bar to the wonderful food to the outstanding service. Oh, the name 306 North is also the address--306 Norh Patterson Street. Kinda cool huh??

Since I don't have photos, I'll describe dinner the best I can. My work boy bestie, Charles, and I, started with cocktails, of course. I had my usual Lemon Drop and Chuck had his usual Ketel One and tonic. We were both very happy with the outcome. They each had just the right amount of the necessary ingredients.

Now let's move on to dinner. I ordered the Roasted Pork Butt Quesadilla and Chuck had the Frito Misto (calamari). The quesadilla was served with Chipotle Salsa and Cilantro Creme Fraiche and the calamari was served with a Tomato Lemon Aoili. Both were very tasty, but I personally think the pork butt needed barbeque sauce to jazz it up a bit and the calamari was a wee tad on the crispy side.

The entrees, which were FABULOUS, were spot on. We ordered Chicken Cordon Bleu (early bird special and only $10.95) and Pan Seared Scallops. Both entrees came with a salad. I had a Spinach Salad and Chuck had the Mixed Greens Salad. The chicken was served open faced with a very nice mustard sauce and two sides (sweet potato mash and broccoli). An interesting deconstructed version of Cordon Bleu. The oh so succulent scallops were complemented with garlic mashed potatoes and the best grilled asparagus I've eaten in a very long time. Everything was perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Y'all already know that I'm an all day sucker for presentation, so I was a very happy camper.

We managed to leave a little room for dessert and decided on the Caramelized Angel Food Cake with Raspberry Sorbet and the Pumpkin Pie Creme Brulee with Apples. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by both dishes--in a very GOOD way. I've never been a huge fan of pumpkin, but this dessert may change my mind. Creme Brulee is one of my all time favorite desserts and the pumpkin twist was a nice change. The angel food cake was a crispy, sugary package on the outside with fluffy softness inside. The sorbet was just the right combination of sweet and tart. They were both a great way to end tonight's meal.

306 North is definitely a spot you should check out if you find yourself in the Valdosta area. I'm very happy that I discovered it and am thrilled to pass along my dining experience. Stop in and tell them Sheila sent you...they won't know who I am, but it kinda has a nice ring to it.

Sheila Denise

Crabcakes!!

I simply see no reason to limit myself to celebrating on just the actual date of my birth, so I celebrate from August 1 through Labor Day. Needless to say, the celebrating has completely interfered with my blogging ability. Having fallen off the blogging wagon, I'm attempting to redeem myself after being MIA for weeks. I've been caught up in the excitement of summer/my birthday. So here I am, on the last day of a five day hiatus from work and thought I'd clear a few photos from my camera.

At some point during August, I did manage to cook a meal or two and I actually have proof and thought I'd share a few photos with you.

I had a container of Phillips Seafood Lump Crab meat and decided to make crab cakes. I used this recipe from their website and I must say, they were just what I wanted. Crab cakes with minimal filler--what more could I ask for??

Here they are ready for an hour of refrigeration. I didn't want to take any chances with them falling apart.
In their olive oil and butter bath:
They didn't fall apart during the "flip" episode:
Out of the tub, drained and ready to eat:
On a comfy bed of black bean and mango salsa (with red onion, jalapeno, avocado and lime juice):
This was truly one of many high moments of August.

Sheila Denise

Georgia Peaches...One Of My Many Loves

OMG y'all!!! I just realized it's been a month since I posted. I do apologize, but I haven't had very much "home" time lately. I've got alot of making up to do.

As a peach lover, I think I need to dedicate a post to this deliciously versatile fruit. I'll continue to add peach-related photos, so check back periodically. I always anxiously await Georgia Peach Season and take a few trips to Lane's in Fort Valley, GA every year to take in the whole peach experience. My daddy, was a peach entrepreneur, so I've been exposed to "good" peaches all my life. Today, instead of traveling to Lane's, I "traveled" to my neighborhood Publix. I was pleased to see they had Lane's peaches AND they were on sale. I grabbed about 10--hopefully I won't eat them all today. I don't like super soft peaches, so I only purchase a few fairly firm ones at a time.


I was feeling rather lazy today, and decided to have a very light lunch while deciding what to have for dinner. I immediately knew it would include peaches but still wasn't sure what to eat. My go to option is often a salad and today turned out no differently. I decided to have a small, simple summer salad with arugula, peaches and goat cheese with a balsamic reduction drizzle. The bite of the arugula was a great backdrop to the sweetness of the peach and the creamy tartness of the goat cheese. The bitter-sweet notes of the balsamic reduction brought it all together beautifully. My taste buds were singing. It was absolutely delicious.


Balsamic Reduction:

1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar
A few tablespoons to 1/4 cup brown sugar

Whisk vinegar and sugar in saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat to simmer and allow mixture to reduce and thicken.

Can be used warm, room temperature or cold. I store mine in a squeeze bottle in the fridge.

Sheila Denise