March 2011

Volume 7 Issue 3

*** Random Thoughts

Earlier this year when I bought my new calendar and notebooks, I decided that at the beginning of each month, I could try to recapture that feeling that comes at the beginning of the year. The optimism, the sense that anything can happen, this could be your year! And lots of other phrases from self-help books.

That worked remarkably well for January. Come February, I forgot about it until well into the first week of the month.

Ditto for March. But since I love lists and planning, I’m trying to capitalize on that nerdy quirk. Make it work for me. I used to think that if I could focus, I’d be dangerous I’d get so much done. So I’m trying to put my money where my mouth is.

Anyone have any tips to share that help keep you on task?

Also, welcome to the new subscribers! I hope you enjoy.

Best,
Keetha

You can follow my blogs! Just click “Follow This Blog” to sign up and you’ll receive alerts when new posts are up.


*** Great Quotes

“When I bought my farm, I did not know what a bargain I had in the bluebirds, daffodils and thrushes; as little did I know what sublime mornings and sunsets I was buying.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson


***Now for something completely different.

I put together a PDF with a few Mardi-Gras-inspired recipes. I will figure out how to post it online so you can download it. In the meantime, if you’d like a copy, just email me at kudzuuu at gmail dot com and I’ll send it to you!


*** Fun Food Ideas

Garden, garden, garden is on the brain. Our zucchini seeds aren’t even in the ground yet and I’m already excited about grilling slices of zucchini. So much so that I’m going out and buying some zucchini so I can make this hors d’oeuvres for a wedding shower we’re hosting later this month.

Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Herbs and Cheese
From The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life by Ellie Krieger


3 zucchini (about 1/2 pound each), sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 ounces reduced-fat soft goat's cheese
1 tablespoon freshly minced parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups baby spinach leaves
1/3 cup basil leaves

Discard the outermost slices of zucchini and brush the rest of the slices with the oil on both sides. Season with salt and pepper. Place on a preheated grill or grill pan for about 4 minutes on each side, or until tender.

In a small bowl combine the goat cheese, parsley leaves and lemon juice, mashing with a fork.

Put 1/2 teaspoon of the cheese mixture about 1/2-inch from the end of a zucchini slice. Top with a few spinach leaves and 1 small, or half of a large basil leaf. Roll up and place seam side down on a platter. Repeat with the rest of the zucchini slices.



Homemade salad dressings sound so fancy but they are a snap to make.


I happened upon this recipe for a tangy Ginger Sesame Dressing that I love. It makes a great sauce for grilled chicken or shrimp or tossed with vegetables and pasta. And, of course, SALAD.

Ginger Sesame Dressing

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons peeled and minced ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Process until smooth.



*** Hit the Highlights – a few choice posts from this month’s blog

I want some hushpuppies RIGHT NOW.

That time we got stuck on an elevator in Memphis and the fire department showed up to pry the doors open so we could escape

Looking around Memphis.



Be the first in your neighborhood to know when fresh blog posts are up! Click on “Follow This Blog” to the right. You’ll be alerted when new content is posted.


*** Shameless Bid for Commerce

“Keetha DePriest Reed's "More Culinary Kudzu: Recollections and Recipes from Growing Up Southern" is part cookbook, part collection of wonderful essays on food, family and growing up Southern and altogether great fun...


I would very highly recommend "More Culinary Kudzu" to anybody who enjoys good food and good writing as well as to anybody who wants to find out more about the South. As for me, I only have one question left - how do I get invited to one of their family reunions?” – review by ReaderViews.com


*** Recommended Reading

The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman is great!


It’s about an English-language newspaper in Rome, with each chapter telling a story from a different person’s view.

The books I read last month.


*** Mississippi Writers Guild

The Mississippi Writers Guild sponsors writer workshops, conferences, writer retreats and reputable writing contests. Membership dues are only $40.00 per year. To learn more, visit www.mississippiwritersguild.com


*** Calendar

Wednesday, March 9th – Book club.

This month’s pick is The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown.

Sunday, March 13th – Spring forward. Grrrrrrr.

Tuesday, March 15th - The Ides of March. Beware.

Thursday, March 17th – St Patrick’s Day