Sunday, December 2, 2007

02 December 2007



We had a spontaneous adventure yesterday. Against our better judgement, we decided to go up to the Premium Outlet Malls in Dawsonville, Georgia. We never buy anything when we go there, but it still allures us from time to time. Afterwards, we tool the "path less taken" back toward Canton. It was a nice drive, so I wanted more. I had another genius suggestion: perhaps driving up to the Harrah's Casino in Cherokee, NC! We went up there a few years ago with Shafel and Shelly, so we had pleasant memories from that roadtrip. Low and behold, we discovered that it was the company that we enjoyed that time around! The casino is on a Cherokee Indian reservation, and they own and operate the venture. We had to park a half mile away, and there were buses of tourists around. We entered the casino and realized they still allow smoking inside. First blow. We made our way to the ATM machine and tried to orient ourselves. Between the really bad lighting and heavy cigarette smoke, I had the sudden urge to drink – heavily! But as we strolled through the casino, I began to have a strange feeling. I did not see anyone with beer or cocktails. That's when it hit me: Cherokee is DRY!!!!!! I panicked of course! We made our way to the hotel to check out the lounges and restaurants, but no luck. Jim pointed out that the restaurant photos only showed people drinking ice tea! Needless to say, we did not hang around long! However, I did win $275 right before we left on the draw poker machine. Wow, just enough to pay for the gas up to Cherokee and my $140 speeding ticket in Murphy, NC! I was going 77 in a 55, but he only cited me for 70 mph so I could mail in the fine. After we left Cherokee, we began our long track back to Canton. We looked for BBQ restaurants all the way back, around a 2 1/2 hour drive! Of course, we did not find one. We decided to drive all the way back to Alpharetta and eat at the "Swallow at the Hollow." Jim called, and they said they served until 10 pm. We got there around 9:40, but the snotty little hostess informed us they were "sold out for the night!" They have live music on Saturdays, so the place was packed. She didn't bother to mention that when Jim called her just 15 minutes before. So, we went across the street to Greenwoods and had very heavy Southernesque cuisine with mile-high pies for desert. What a day! So, today I had to get the bad taste from yesterday out of my mouth. Redemption was key. Therefore, I decided to go French comfort f0od and prepare a classic Coq Au Vin (chicken in red wine). It is an earthy, wonderful dish, but it takes a few hours to cook it correctly. I served it over buttered egg noodles tonight. If you ever have the time and want to try to cook this dish, Julia Child has a great recipe. You can find it on "the internets." Here is a short movie of my red wine sauce during the final reduction and a photo of the finished dish.

Bon appetît ya'll,

Bill

Sunday, November 25, 2007

25 November 2007



We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at One Britt this year! My dear friend, Ann Willoughby and her fiancé Steve Robbins, came to visit from Kansas City. They were the perfect guests, and Ann and I cooked together all day on Thursday while Jim and Steve watched football! Later that day, Steve and Amado showed up to help, and they did a beautiful job on the table decor! For me, the day was more of an experience and less of a production as in years past! ;-) Our group was complete with the addition of Matt, George and Sylvie from Atlanta and Mia from Chattanooga. Everyone brought amazing side dishes, and I cooked the bird, Franny Betty's southern sage dressing, mascarpone mashed potatoes, Franny Betty's sweet potato pies and the usual Red Velvet cake. It was a gray, rainy and chilly day today, so it was the perfect backdrop for tonight's supper. The menu:

• Day After Turkey Soup

• Franny Betty's Refried Dressing®

• Mascarpone Potato Pancakes

• Franny Betty's Sweet Potato Pie

You'll notice the ® on the "Franny Betty's Refried Dressing" item. I created this recipe tonight – either that or my mama sent it to me from heaven or that Super Walmart in the sky! I was using the leftover mashed potatoes to make pancakes, and I thought: I bet you could do the same thing with the leftover dressing! So, I made patties out of the cold dressing and dusted them in flour. I then "fried them up" in the same pan that I used for the potato pancakes! I drained them on paper towels and sprinkled with Kosher Sea Salt. They were divine, and FB would have been so proud of me. She would have been the first person I would have called after I created this recipe! Or maybe not since she had a tendency to "borrow" other people's recipes and submit them to Southern Living as her very own! She got busted one time! So, I will spend the next few months perfecting this recipe and submit it in her honor for next year's leftover Thanksgiving ideas. The ultimate tribute indeed!

Grace and gratitude to all,

Bill

Sunday, November 18, 2007

18 November 07















It was an absolutely perfect fall day in Canton, Georgia today! Check out the slide show I made of the leaves. I love watching America's Test Kitchen on PBS, and their magazine, "Cooks Illustrated" is the best. I am an online subscriber as well, and yesterday, they featured one of their "lost recipes." I have never heard of this dish before, but it is called Chicken Rivel. It is chicken and fresh corn in a fresh stock with "rivels" which are brown butter dumplings! I was so intrigued I had to cook it tonight! It was really great and will even be better on a very cold winters night. As I post, I am also cleaning the main oven on the Viking for the very first time. What more could you want?

Ciao!

And here's the video of Fall at One Britt:

Sunday, November 4, 2007

03 and 04 November 2007


Well kids, it's been a while, but you know what I have been dealing with lately. So last night was a Saturday, but I needed to cook, and I needed comfort food! I made lasagna from my mom's original copy of the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. It is a staple! I love her copy because it has all of the stains from meals gone by, and of course, she had all of the pages out of order! I can imagine many reasons for this...

So, Jim and I had dinner and then watched "Afterglow," a Robert Altman film starring my new obsession, Julie Christie! It was wonderful, and I urge you to get the DVD if you haven't seen it already. My obsession started when we were on our way to Asia and I watched "Away From Her," Julie Christie's latest movie. I cried like a little girl, but Julie Christie is still totally hot for an old lady! I read once that she commented that she was not a great actress, but the camera loved her. I totally agree. So we will be on a Julie Christie kick for a while!

Tonight, Sunday, we had day-old lasagna (always better). We were at the office until around 7:30 participating in a phone bank for Jack Goodwin's campaign for Canton City Council. Jack is a member of the Historic Canton Homeowner's Association, and we are trying to get him in office. Our mayoral candidate, Gene Hobgood, is running unopposed, so things are looking up for now!

Working my way back,

Bill

(photo courtesy of Jim's iPhone)

Sunday, August 12, 2007

No Tiempo Cocinar Hoy


No time to cook supper this Sunday – too much going on. Worked until 6 pm today in preparation for a design war room tomorrow for our Jaipur Rug designs. Now, all I see rug patterns everywhere, including in the parking lot outside El Caporal (aka the CCH).

Sunday, July 29, 2007

29 July 2007




Going for some Mexican country cooking for tonight's Sunday supper. I crave Mexican molé sauce, an earthy and mysterious pepper and chocolate "gravy." It is a very complex concoction, so I mail ordered the molé paste online and added the chicken stock and other ingredients. I also made Rosa Mexicano's chunky guacamole, or as Lori Lorraine calls it "rockamole!" I will serve it all with warm tortillas and authentic tortilla chips. I bought all of the Mexican ingredients at McFarlands, a local grocery store that now caters to the large Hispanic population. It is great! We are off to visit a new client in Aurora, Ohio tomorrow through Wednesday. It is a resort, spa, residential community and golf club. It is called Walden, and we are totally rebranding it. Should be a fun trip!

Adios amigos!

The Menu:

• Chicken in Mole Negro Sauce

• Green Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

• Rosa Mexicano's Chunky Guacamole

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Happy Birthday Jim!






Last week, I prepared a special dinner for Jim's birthday on Saturday, July 21. I even did the dishes afterwards – a first! Our friends Matt and George joined us for a quiet Saturday supper celebration on the dining porch. For the menu, I prepared several recipes from Seattle celebrity chef, Tom Douglas. He owns several successful restaurants in Seattle and was recently a contestant on Iron Chef. Jim's niece, Jill, and her husband Tim used him for their wedding reception at Palace Ballroom. The recipes were very interesting, and, of course, I put my own spin on them. The birthday cake, however, was all Georgia – caramel butter cake! All in all, a very successful and gourmet experience! I gave Jim an iPhone for his birthday, so expect a call or text soon...

The menu:

• Spinach and Asian Pear Salad with Curried Cashews and Slab Bacon
• Sake Steamed Wild King Salmon with Sake Butter Glaze
• Sesame Chili Fried Rice Cakes
• Wasabi Green Pea Flan (I added the wasabi - good call!)
• Butter Cake with Caramel Frosting and Fresh Orchids

Saturday, July 14, 2007

14 July 2007

Well, it is NOT Sunday night, but I did do some cooking tonight! Jim is bumfuck Pennsylvania visiting his friends Matt and Michael. Michael is in summer stock theatre there, and they are doing a drag show, oh I mean "play." Anyway, whenever Jim is out of town and I am home alone, rare occasion, I always cook the things he does not eat: red meat, onions, tomatoes, etc. Tonight, I made a classic Steak au Poivre with a French Cognac sauce. Yummy! The coolest part is when you tip the pan to flame the Cognac! Of course, it is all on YouTube by now!

Well, that is how I entertain myself when I am alone. Also sipping on a nice red zinfandel, Dashe. Enjoy the videos and stayed tuned to tomorrow's Sunday Supper. Who wants fresh Georgia sweet corn fritters? Jim will be sorry he left me alone!

Sunday, July 8, 2007

08 July 2007






Well, not much of a gourmet experience tonight folks... Today, we took a field trip with Matt and Millie down to Serenbe Farms in Palmetto, Georgia. We had lunch at the Farmhouse: fried chicken over cous cous and collards with sauteed asparagus and okra. Yum! The chicken could have been browner and crispier, however, but who am I to complain? We got back late in the afternoon and could not decide where to eat, so we wound up at Jocks & Jills sports bar in Canton. Classy! Much to Jim's dismay, we arrived too early for the Crazy Karaoke competition that started at 8 pm - see photo. I took all of these photos with my new iPhone! Yes, this weekend was all about the iPhone, so I did not have a chance to plan a Sunday supper. Below is what we ordered. Enjoy!

Bill, the "jock"

Jim:

• Politically incorrect Oriental Chicken Salad
• Diet Coke

Bill:

• Southern Sampler Platter - ribs, fried shrimp and chicken fingers
• Side salad
• $2.00 Domestic Beer Special - Bud Light

Sunday, July 1, 2007

01 July 2007






Well folks, it's been a few weeks since I posted, but I have been on
the road most of the month of June! We floated in the pool for a while
today, but then it started to thunder. The water is now 85 degrees, so
I don't mind getting wet a little. I am waiting for the local corn to
arrive sometime next week. When I went up to check on my mom yesterday, I passed a handmade sign that read "sweet corn 7/7," and I got excited! Maybe next Sunday...

Tonight, we wanted something lighter than normal, so I made a simple Southern version of "arroz con pollo" chicken with rice. Pretty good overall, but Jim thought it was a bit too cold by the time I photographed it for the blog and served it. Oh well, we have to suffer for our art! For desert, I served root beer floats in frosty mugs – very refreshing on a humid southern summer evening!

Bon appétit!

Bill

The menu:

• Steawed chicken with carrots, leaks and celery

• Organic long grain white rice

• Garnishes (served on the side in small crocks):
- hot English mustard
- kosher salt
- butter
- chicken stock from pot

• Ice cold root beer floats in frosty mugs

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Mid-week Jiffy Freeze Update

Ok, so the waiter at Jiffy Freeze told us that a new shake machine is 10 grand and that's why there are no shakes yet. How can you have a Jiffy Freeze with out the Freeze? I guess it's just Jiffy now.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

27 May 2007 - Southern Sunday Supper for Mom







Well it has been a trying day! We were supposed to go to Dalton for my niece's, Kelly's, high school graduation today. Congratulations Kelly! However, I went to the office to feed the cat this morning and discovered the water line to the ice maker in the kitchen had ruptured, and the office kitchen was flooded! The water had also flooded our tenant's office, United Way, downstairs! Thankfully, the computer was okay, but all of the furniture and rugs were drenched! Jim and I spent most of the morning trying to mop and dry everything, so we did not make it to the graduation. I was scheduled to pick my mother up and bring her down to Canton for a few days, so I went to get her late this afternoon. She is a big fan of southern food, so I made a VERY southern Sunday supper for her. Here are a few photos and the menu for your deep fried pleasure:

The menu:

• Southern Fried Chicken

• Fried Okra

• Fried Squash

• Fresh "Quick" Pickles

• Sauteed White Corn

• Southern Cornbread

• Selection of Sundaes: Hot Fudge, Hot Caramel with Candied Walnuts and Hand-Whipped Cream

Sunday, May 20, 2007

20 May 2007 - The Exception









Jim's niece and her husband, Jill and Tim, visited last night on their way to Puerto Rico. They have recently announced that they are expecting, so we had to make an exception and have Sunday Supper on Saturday Night! We had a very nice time and really worked up an appetite from walking through the Canton Arts Festival downtown – not! (it was closed by the time we got there)

So, here was the menu:

• Lima Bean Paté

• Grill-smoked "Beer Butt" Chicken - a fun and curious way to grill chicken! First, you do a dry-rub inside and out of the chicken. Then you place the chicken on top of a can of Budweiser with Bay leaves inside and place over indirect heat on the grill. Place some soaked hickory wood chips on top of the charcoal, and close the lid to smoke for 60-80 minutes. The skin gets very dark and crispy while the beer steams the inside to keep it moist and tasty!

• Sea Salt Crusted Baked Potatoes with sour cream, European butter and fresh chives from the herb garden

• Roasted Asparagus with Shaved Parmesan

• Corn on the Cobb

• Garlic Bread

• Bill's Grilled "Krispy Kreme" Strawberry Shortcake™ – my own creation! I invented this recipe a year or so ago and pull it out on very special occasions. First, you split the doughnuts in half and brush them with melted butter. Then you place them on the grill, grill pan or hot skillet to toast the insides. This only takes a few seconds at most. Remove the doughnuts and place half on a plate and top with macerated strawberries and hand whipped creme or vanilla ice cream. Place the remaining half doughnut on top, and devour!

Here are a few photos from dinner last night. Cheers!

Bill

Sunday, May 13, 2007

13 May 2007 - Mother's Day


Well kids, not a very exciting Sunday supper post this week. I had to fly out to Boston tonight to put the finishing touches on a showroom we designed for one of our clients, Geiger. So, tonight Jim followed me down to Woodstock on the way to the airport, and we ate at Beetles BBQ, one of our favorite spots for lunch on Saturdays. It was a busy day. I went up to see my mom for Mother's Day, and then came home, packed and headed to the airport via Beetles. We did have an hour or so to float in the pool, so that was nice. Now, I have a little "color" for Boston. Jim's niece, Jill, and her husband, Tim, will be visiting next weekend. Jill has just announced that she is expecting, so we may have to make an exception and have Sunday Supper on a Saturday night! I know it is lame, but here is what we had for supper:

Jim:
• Pulled chicken sandwich platter with Cowboy Country BBQ Sauce
• Fries
• Cole Slaw

Bill:
• Pulled Pork Sandwich with Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce
• Fries
• Fried Okra (yum!)

Here's a photo that Jim took with his cell phone of the official Beetle's BBQ Beetle!

Now, off to my heavenly bed!

Bill

Sunday, April 29, 2007

29 April 2007


Hola mis amigas y amigos!

For tonight's Sunday supper, I ventured to ole' Mexico for some fresh and spicy summer sensations. Don't you just love alliteration? Seriously. Even though I am too gay to grill, I managed to do the chicken thighs pretty right, but I should have listened to Lori about my grill always being too hot! The Chicken with Escabeche Sauce recipe is from one of my favorite Mexican chefs, Rick Bayless in Chicago. He has two amazing Mexican restaurants, Topolobampo and the more casual Frontera Grill. The rocking Guacamole recipe is from Rosa Mexicano in New York, and now Atlanta. It is one of Jim and I's favorite restaurants in NYC. We always order the chicken in molé sauce, an earthy yet divine, combination of peppers, spices and Mexican chocolate! Yes, it is unusual, but amazing. You either love it or hate it. I CRAVE it constantly. Every time we order it, they ask "have you ever had molé sauce?" We must look like a couple of gringos who have never been out of Georgia! I spent an entire weekend making molé sauce a year or so ago. It was very therapeutic, but I used some of the water from the pot where I rehydrated the dried peppers because it was such an interesting color, but it made the sauce to bitter. Not bad for a first effort however. So here are some photos from tonight's south of the border comfort food. We are having rice krispy treats for dessert because there is a new episode of Brothers & Sisters on tonight!

Adios,

Bill

The menu:

• Grilled Chicken in Escabeche Sauce - adorned with pickled red onions
• Grilled Fava Beans with Chile and Lemon
• Rosa Mexicano's Rocking Guacamole
• Nora Walker's Rice Krispy Treats



Sunday, April 22, 2007

22 April 2007




Well, I can not take credit for tonight's gourmet meal! Jim and I went to Chattanooga yesterday for the 4 Bridges Art Festival. Our colleague, Matt DeFrain, was showing some great new work there! We spent the night in Chattanooga with Matt and his fiancé Millie, and went out on the town! We ended the evening at our favorite joint, Lamar's Motel and Lounge, where we had some killer fried chicken around 1 am...

Today when we got back home to Canton, we had an emergency meeting for the Historic Canton Homeowners Association. We are filing a lawsuit tomorrow on the East Main Street zoning battle! So tonight, I had no time to cook, but we needed some comfort food! We wound up at one of our favorite spots, Jiffy Freeze! Yes, it is an old drive in diner, and they still come to your car, or picnic table, and take your order! They have great fries and milkshakes. Well, the milkshake machine has been broken the last few times we were there, so we let the waiter know how upset we were about this ongoing saga! The owner is afraid that she won't be able to "pay-off" a new machine before she dies, so there you go...

We ordered shakes anyway in protest, and would you believe the little ladies working in the kitchen made us both milkshakes by hand? Way! The actually hand whipped the shakes, and they were fantastic! Just what we needed after a zoning meeting where we discussed the continuing demise of our local culture and small town character! Thank you Jiffy Freeze ladies!!! You ROCK! All is well in the world, today...

Here are a few photos from our excursion, and here is what we ordered:

Jim:

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Lettuce, Mustard and Pickles
• Fries
• Diet Coke
• Vanilla Shake

Bill:

• BBQ Pork Sandwich with Pickles
• Fries
• Sweet Tea
• Chocolate Shake

Sunday, April 15, 2007

15 April 2007


Jim's sister, Monna, is visiting for a couple of days, so I made a semi-healthy dinner tonight. Well, at least for the main course!

The Menu:

• Fresh line-caught Halibut poached in a Thai coconut curry sauce served over rice with baby Shanghai bok choy

• Organic thin pear tart with cream cheese crust served with organic Ben & Jerry's vanilla ice cream

Sunday, April 8, 2007

08 April 2007 - Easter



Last Sunday, we were in Puerto Rico. Today is Easter Sunday, but it was colder today than Christmas! Last night, we visited our friends Steve and Amado in Blue Ridge. We had a great time but slightly over did it! I leave for LA tomorrow morning for a photoshoot for our client, Geiger. So, tonight called for comfort food! Plus, I needed to cook something that Jim can reheat this week so he won't starve while I am away...


The menu:

• Chilled Iceburg Wedges with Simple Vinagrette

• Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust

• Rice Krispy Treats (Jim's favorite!)

Cheers!