Southern Springtime Splendor
Happy Spring Ya’ll!
Hope everyone is enjoying the blooms and blossom of Spring…The trees are green and the birds are singing here and are hopefully they are doing the same in your little country corner of the world!
COUNTRY QUIP OF THE MONTH
“Well don’t you look prettier than a glob a butter melting on a stack of wheat cakes!”
HATTIE YA LIKE THAT?
The Country Music Hall of Fame has opened an amazing photographical exhibit on Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge ya’ll called Thirty-Four Steps and Fifty Years offering a historical “lookie-loo” back on this Nashville institution that was founded by Jeff and Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess in 1960. Originally a small restaurant on Broadway, they re-christened it as Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and as it’s proximity to the Ryman was just a stones’ throw, the club became quite the hoedown hangout for many a Grand Ol’ Opry stars to wet their whistle between sets . Through ups and downs and an ownership change, today Tootsie’s is and remains a legendary landmark and country music anchor amidst a buzzing country music beehive! The exhibit displays many images capturing some of their most memorable moments both on-stage and off. A must see!
- Runs through September 30th -
Click the link or clink yer spurs!
http://countrymusichalloffame.org/recent-press-releases/view/1570
GOODBYE CITY – HELLO HAYCATION
Before we turn around Summer will be here before ya know it…so where do ya’ll go for vacation when you wanna escape the hustle and bustle of the big city? One word – Haycation! Yep…farmers are opening up their barn doors to overnight guests all across the country and you & your family can experience both a relaxation & education like no other…down on the farm! Such a serene and simple way of life, this is the perfect getaway to have fun while teaching your kids how food gets from the farm to the families all across America.
Check out http://www.farmstayus.com – where they have compiled listings including prices, pictures and details of over 580 American Farms and Ranches in all of the beautiful 50 states.
KEITH ANDERSON – WHERE ARE YOU?
Anyone know what Keith Anderson has been up to lately? Now that’s one country fella that seems to have eluded the music scene these days and he is sorely missed. Perhaps he’s concentrating on songwriting or perhaps there’s a certain someone he’s “pickin’ wildflowers” for. In any case, I hope all is well and hope to see him back on the charts soon!
COUNTRY MUSIC – COWBOY-STYLE
No matter where all ya’ll are…I’ve done some diggin’ to find where everyone’s pickin’ & grinin’ ya’ll!
April 7-10 – Country Thunder Music Festival
Country Thunder West – Florence, AZ
Four days of non-stop country music thunder down under – in Arizona that is! Headliners include Sawyer Brown, Jason Aldean, Martina McBride and Toby Keith. Aside from country, camping and campfires, the Frat House antics that are scheduled to ensue are Roller Derby, Karaoke and a little thing called Spaghetti Wrestling….Yeeeeehaww!!!!!
To learn more – click the link or clink yer spurs…
http://arizona.countrythunder.com/?s=1.12
April 15 – Trace Adkins
American Music Theater – Lancaster, PA
Who better mixes down-home country charm with classic honky tonk, gospel, blues, and all-American rock-n-roll…A bountiful and bodacious baritone is he and this will be a night of pure country you won’t want to miss ya’ll!
To learn more – click the link or clink yer spurs…
http://www.amtshows.com/Trace-Adkins/
April 15-16 – Runaway Country Space Coast Music Fest
Wickham Park – Melbourne, FL
Staged along the lakes and beaches of Wickham Park, Florida – come and enjoy a wild weekend of continuous Country! Catch Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, John Anderson, Eric Church and Steel Magnolia. Country, Camping and Cartwheels of fun! I reckon a jim-dandy of a good time…
To learn more – click the link or clink yer spurs…
http://runawaycountry.com/lineup.jsp
April 30 – Country Music Marathon
Centennial Park – Nashville, TN
Come participate in or be a spectator at this amazing running event in its 12TH year! They’ve mapped out a brand new course this year highlighting Nashville’s most beautiful scenery. Starting at Centennial Park and finishing up at LP Field…the largest running event in the state of Tennessee will bring more than 30,000 runners and walkers who, this year will be enjoying historic sites like the Parthenon and world-renowned Music Row coming down the home stretch along the Cumberland River. Race entertainment includes more than 40 local bands that will be performing on 28 stages throughout the course and sure to keep everyone motivated and heading toward the finish line onto the ultimate after-party where Montgomery Gentry will be rockin’ the post-race concert at Bridgestone Arena. Yowza!
Come one – come all ya’ll!
To learn more click the link or clink yer spurs…
http://nashville.competitor.com/
And last but certainly not least – you may have heard of this little annual gathering in Indio, CA…
April 30 & May 1 – Stagecoach Festival 2011
Indio, CA
Returning for their 5TH fabulous year to the Coachella Valley Desert, THIS year will surely not disappoint whatsoever! Complete with line dancing, bull-riding, BBQ, honkeytonk and more…scheduled headlining performers include Loretta Lynn, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney and Darius Rucker – while these remarkable artists will be supporting: The Gatlin Brothers, Mel Tillis, Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs, Leon Russell, Wanda Jackson, Rhonda Vincent, Josh Turner, Easton Corbin, Chris Young and Steel Magnolia…and this year they will be introducing some great new country music entertainment as well! Planning on making their Stagecoach debut this year include The Gourds, Rosie Flores, Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real, Sara Watkins, The Cleverlys, Phosphorescent, The Punch Brothers, Truth & Salvage Co., Stealing Angels and The Secret Sisters. Wow…a wonderful weekend of Country in the sun! Can I get an Amen?
To learn more – click the link or clink yer spurs…
http://stagecoachfestival.com/
Hello Potato – How You Doin’?
Sometimes you just want to indulge in some cozy comfort food and sink into a comforter cocoon when the weather is a bit chilly. It’s been on the cooler side here lately and I had a pot luck coming up and wanted to bring something delicious, yummy and satisfying… You’re gonna love this and your pot-luckers & guests will too! This was a big hit at my gathering…
BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE
Ingredients
8 medium potatoes (about 2 1/2 to 3 lb. total), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 cup Carnation evaporated milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups (8-oz. pkg.) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
(I used 2 – 2.8 oz packages of real cooked & smoked turkey bacon pieces from the salad dressing aisle for a healthier option)
Sliced green onions (optional)
Fresh chopped chives (optional)
Directions
Place the potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook over medium-high heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender then drain.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a 2 1/2 to 3-quart casserole dish. If you don’t have one of these, I used a 13X9 glass baking dish and that worked really well.
After draining, return the potatoes back to the pot and add the evaporated milk, sour cream, salt and pepper. Beat and blend together with a hand-held mixer until smooth, and then stir in 1-1/2 cups of cheese and half of the bacon until incorporated. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, remaining bacon and green onions and/or chives. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
TIP: This can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Cover with foil and bake at 350° F for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated. Uncover and top with the cheese, bacon and green onions / chives and bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Serve warm and watch your belly smile!
Serves 16 half-cup servings of potato goodness…
I’d love to know if you’ve tried this recipe or would like to submit one of your own…
Please leave me a comment below or email me at cmk@countrymusickitchens.com
Until next time…Yee-Haw to your Grandma!
Toodleoo ~
ShellyDee
We thank thee, Father, for thy care
And for thy bounty everywhere;
For this and every other gift,
Our grateful hearts to thee we lift.
2011 – February Jezebels – Up & Coming Women in Country Music
Happy 2011 Ya’ll!
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and are off and running to a sensational 2011 so far! The new year signifies fresh starts, new chapters and milestones, so wishin’ that all ya’ll are makin’ the most of your hopes, dreams and desires this year and will be fulfilling goals galore! My personal goals for the coming year have emerged as three items: learning to play the ukulele, starting a jewelry business and making music. Ahhh…feels good to put them out there! Best wishes and hope ya’ll get to cross many things off your lists this year!
HI-YO – NO MO
I wanted to give a sweet send-off to one of the most remembered and best known vocal folk for his endeavors announcing the Lone Ranger on the much-admired television show – Mr. Fred Foy. He passed away this past December 22 in Woburn, MA of natural causes. He was the last voice announcer who worked on the show and will be greatly missed. His other announcing accomplishments include: “The Green Hornet” and “Sergeant Preston of the Yukon.”
A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Hi-Yo Silver…
JEZEBEL JEMS
So I wanted to take a little time to highlight just some of the awesome up & coming female artists in country music today if I may. As I think about what I’ve listened to lately, there are some percolating in my brain that I really like and would love to share with you.
Here are my favorite songs from these lovely ladies!
Jaida Jezebel Dreyer – Fall for Me – Tart and twangy from this little lady…
Sarah Beth Bonner – My South – Fiesty southern-gal drawl ya’ll!
Irish Bernadette – Daddy Laid the Blues on Me – Irish lassie with a whole lotta classy!
Amanda Williams – Love’s Been Lookin’ for Me – Acoustic guitar & sweet country soul…
Amber Collins – Lucky You – Country Melancholy from this sweet little dolly!
Olivia West – If She Only Knew – Real & simple, acoustic with a country blues dimple…
COUNTRY MUSIC – COWBOY-STYLE
No matter where all ya’ll are…I’ve done some diggin’ to find where everyone’s pickin’!
Feb 5 – Willie Nelson
Palladium Ballroom – Dallas, TX
Come see the true Texas legend himself – Willie Nelson performs in Dallas at the Palladium Ballroom. A portion of the proceeds raised will go to the SPCA of Texas. For more info – click the link or clink your spurs! http://events.nbcdfw.com/dallas-tx/events/show/159227305-an-evening-with-willie-nelson
Feb 11 – Corn Dogs and Country
Florida State Fair, FL
The annual Florida State Fair is a salute to the state’s “best” in the agriculture and equestrian industry including an abundance of shows, music, rides, food and shopping for 12 consecutive days. The Corn Dogs and Country show featuring Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, Jake Owen, Sunny Sweeney and Brett Eldredge will be taking place from 6-9PM and is included with the ticket price. For event info – click the link or clink your spurs! http://www.floridastatefair.com
Feb 25-27 – Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Sul Ross State University – Alpine, TX
Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year…The Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering features traditional cowboy music in most of the poetry and storytelling sessions. All music is “live” and performed acoustically by working cowboys. By working, it means that at least part of their time and livelihood are/or were at some time ranch-related. Activities include cowboy church service with music, chuck wagon breakfast and student’s poetry contest. Confirmed acts include: Don Cadden, Michael Stevens, Joel Nelson, Jack Sammon, Rod Taylor, Andy Hedges, Andy Wilkinson, Chuck Milner with Hallie & Cody, Jim Wilson, Karen McGuire, Cowboy Celtic, Jill Jones, Desert Sons, and many, many more! T’git yer cowboy on – click the link or clink your spurs! http://www.texascowboypoetry.com/
Feb 26 – Junior Brown
Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
Time to get electrified! Junior Brown is comin’ to town and he’s armed and dangerous with his unique Guit-steel – an amazing double-necked machine that marries the six-string guitar with its steel counterpart. Prep yer ears for a magnificent, maniacal mixture of country, blues, Tex-Mex, Western swing and rock-n-roll! YEEEEEE-HAWWWWWW! Come and git yer guit-steel on hoss! – click the link or clink your spurs! http://events.nbcdfw.com/dallas-tx/events/show/154624365-junior-brown
CROCK POTS ROCK!
Deciding what to make for dinner? A country chicken & biscuit crock pot rocks a brrrrrisk evening and is sure to make your home & tummy cozy on those chilly-cold winter nights!
- – VITTLES – -
CHICK’N BISC’IT BOUNTY!
Ingredients
1-1/2 – 2 lbs pounds boneless chicken, cut into chunks
½ c. chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup fresh peas
1 cup chopped kale
1 can (10-3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 jar (12oz) chicken gravy
6 Buttermilk Biscuit refrigerated package
¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and Pepper to taste
In a slow cooker, layer the chunks of uncooked chicken breasts with chopped onion and celery. Combine the soup and gravy with poultry seasoning, thyme, and pepper; pour over the chicken. Add the vegetables then place biscuits inside leaving an inch at the top for rising. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours until browned biscuit goodness appears. Mmm……
I’d love to know if you’ve tried this recipe or would like to submit one of your own…
Please leave me a comment below or email me at cmk@countrymusickitchens.com
Until next time in 2011…Yee-Haw to your Grandma!
Toodleoo ~
ShellyDee
We thank thee, Father, for thy care
And for thy bounty everywhere;
For this and every other gift,
Our grateful hearts to thee we lift.
2010 – December Delights & a Country Christmas for All!
♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪
We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪
Wonderful Winter Wishes…
Good tidin’s yall! Hope everyone is having a lovely yuletide season so far and getting ready for Ol’ Saint Nick to come-a-callin’ down the chimney! Country Music Kitchens thanks each and every single one of its precious readers and wishes you a festive and fun-filled holiday season…
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Ya’ll – YEEHAW!
NATIVITY
A time when we compassionately commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrate His nativity as described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. As one of the most well-known stories of the bible…when Mary & Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted in a census. When they found that there was no room for them in the local inn, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a common stable, wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. There were shepherds in the same region being vigilant and keeping watch in the night over their flock…and behold, an Angel of the Lord stood near them and the brightness of God shone around them. The Angel said to them “do not be afraid for behold, I proclaim you a great joy which will be for all the people. For today, a Savior has been born for you in the city of David: he is Christ the Lord.”
http://www.squidoo.com/holychristmas
AND NOW, SOME COUNTRY CHRISTMAS EVENTS I ROUNDED UP THAT ARE NOT TO MISS…
Through Christmas Week
Gaylord Orpyland Hotel’s “A Country Christmas”
Includes spectacular light display viewing, Louise Mandrell Christmas Party, SNOW, Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, ICE!, taking a General Jackson Holiday Cruise and browsing through treasures at the Holiday Craft Show…non-stop Holiday fun indeed!
http://nashville.about.com/od/tourism/tp/opryxmas.htm
Through January 1ST, 2011
Wisconsin’s Largest Outdoor Drive-Through Holiday Lights Display
Featuring over one million holiday lights festively displayed on 40 wooded acres of Waukesha’s countryside. Trips through their Christmas Village and Streets of Bethlehem are musts! Food donations made at the event will go to The Food Pantry of Waukesha helping those in need in their community this holiday season.
http://thecountrychristmas.com/
Through January 1ST, 2011
Overly’s Country Christmas – Pleasant Unity, PA
Located at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds in Pleasant Unity
This year’s celebration features 2.1 million lights, 5 acres of Christmas Village to stroll through, life-sizes nativity with live animals, horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides through Christmas Village, pictures with Santa and much, much more! Don’t forget to stop by the
C. Edgar & Sons General Store for some handcrafted ornaments, crafts and decorations!
http://pavendors.com/events/westmoreland-county/pleasant-unity-pa-overlys-country-christmas.htm
Through January 3RD, 2011
KaLightoscope Christmas – Louisville, KY
Come view this landscape of larger-than-life, lighted holiday sculptures inspired by ancient Chinese art. Made of sheer painted fabrics, each towering sculpture (some reaching 24ft high!) is enhanced by light, color and an imaginative setting. Santa’s Midnight Flight Over the World, Toyland and the breathtaking Nativity are just a few of the twelve areas designed to awe and delight! The life-sized Gingerbread Village and world-class dinner show “Colors of the Season” are not to be missed!
http://kalightoscope.com/
Through January 4TH, 2011
Schlitterbahn Hill Country Christmas – New Braunfels, TX
Capturing the magic of Christmas with more than one million lights, ice skating, over fifty light sculptures, snow, three dazzling shows, crafters village, sledding, train display, life-size nativity, Candy Cane Walk-Thru Light Tunnel, Santa (appearing through 12/23) and much more!
http://www.newbraunfelsresortaccommodations.com/pages/Schlitterbahn_hill_country_Christmas.html
LET THERE BE LIGHTS…
To catch some of the festive light displays in your area, visit the link below…
http://www.festivals-and-shows.com/christmas-lights.html
From Last month…
GOOD OL’ FASHIONED COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
As promised, I’ve whipped up a batch of country stores that you’ll sure to fall in love with and find all those cherished country Christmas gifts for one and all!! If you’re in any of these areas, I hope you’ll have an opportunity to peruse the isles of these country stores this Christmas! Enjoy and happy shopping!
Brooks Shaw & Son Old Country Store
56 Casey Jones Lane
Jackson, TN 38305
Phone: (731) 668-1223
Toll Free: 1-(800) 748-9588
http://caseyjones.com/OldCountryStore/giftshoppe.html
Floyd Country Store
206 S. Locust Street
Floyd, VA 24091
Phone: (540) 745-4563
http://www.floydcountrystore.com/
Rau’s Country Store
656 S. Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Phone: (989) 652-6661
http://www.rauscountrystore.com/
Shelburne Country Store
29 Falls Road
Shelburne, VT 05482
Phone: 1-(800) 660-3657
https://www.shelburnecountrystore.com/
Meme’s Country Store
4974 Bevis Road
Greenwood, FL 32443
http://www.memescountrystore.com/
Country Store of Geneva
28 James Street
Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: 1-(800) 232-1220
http://www.countrystoreofgeneva.com/default.aspx
Aunt Gladys Country Store
PO Box 1001
San Jose, CA 95108
Phone: (724) 209-4537
http://auntgladyscountrystore.com/
Amish Country Store
3100 N. Gretna
Branson, MO 65616
Phone: (417) 335-3200
Toll Free: 1-(866) 891-5514
http://www.amishcountrystoreonline.com/
The Country House
805 E. Main Street
Salisbury, MD 21804
Phone: 1-(800) 331-3602
https://www.thecountryhouse.com/viewcategory.asp?catid=117
COUNTRY MUSIC
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without music and here’s just a few happenin’s takin’ place during this upcoming holiday season…
Dec 26 – Tony Rosario Solo Show
Little Bear Saloon – Evergreen , CO
Tony’s unique, down-to-earth outlook, relaxed vocal style, compelling guitar work and seasoned songwriting will take you down a thousand winding roads and have you singing along all the way. Combining Folk and Country, Americana with an originall Rock and Soul feel.
Dec 31 – Woody Guthrie’s American Song
Cinnabar Theater – Petaluma, CA
This stirring musical journey follows legendary singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie on the cross-country travels that inspired his songs about American life and events during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era with over two dozen of his most famous ballads and folk songs including “Bound for Glory” and “This Land is Your Land.”
Dec 31 – The Zac Brown Band
Phillips Arena – Atlanta, GA
Dec 31 – Anchorage Native Fiddlers
Shriners – Anchorage, AK
Old time country music!
Jan 14 – Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash
6TH Street Playhouse – Santa Rosa, CA
An uplifting musical tribute about the triumph of human talent and spirit, featuring a cast of men and women performing Johnny Cash’s greatest hits and telling the tale of country legend’s meteoric rise from poverty to fame and fortune. The show features 38 of the music legend’s songs including “Ring of Fire.”
Jan 14 – The Squirrel Hillbillies: Calliope Emerging Legends Series
The Cup and Chaucer Café – Pittsburgh, PA
The Squirrel Hillbillies, from the urban hills of Pittsburgh’s East End, play acoustic folk, country and blues featuring ukulele, guitar and vocal harmonies. Yeehawww!
Jan 18 – Carrie Underwood
Borgata Event Center – Atlantic City, NJ
CHRISTMAS VITTLES!
Deciding what to make for Christmas dinner takes a good deal to ponder… traditional…non-traditional…there are a lot of options here! A nice home-cooked holiday meal made from the heart is sure to warm your soul and your tummy too!
My birthday is this Saturday, December 25th and although there are no scheduled plans, I’ve been thinking about making a holiday roast. You know…the kind with those little potatoes, some carrots and onions, and perhaps some celery too. While I don’t currently have a crock-pot…it would be nice to pick one up and prepare my roast in this way, with it simmering all day until it falls apart and melts in your mouth. Not to mention the aroma of the roast cooking all day and filing the air with all it’s goodness just sounds really yummy!
CROCK-POT CHRISTMAS ROAST
Ingredients
4 pounds chuck roast
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 stalk celery, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
Take the chuck roast and season with salt and pepper to taste. Next, brown the roast on all sides in a large skillet over high heat. Place in the slow cooker and add the soup mix, water, carrots onion, potatoes and celery. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours and Walla…you have a savory and sensational slow-cooked crock-pot Christmas Roast!
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/Maries-Easy-Slow-Cooker-Pot-Roast/Detail.aspx
I’d love to know if you’ve tried this recipe or would like to submit one of your own…
Please leave me a comment below or email me at cmk@countrymusickitchens.com
Until next time in 2011…Happy Holly-days and Yee-Haw to your Grandma!
Toodleoo ~
ShellyDee
We thank thee, Father, for thy care
And for thy bounty everywhere;
For this and every other gift,
Our grateful hearts to thee we lift.
2010 – Giving Thanks: Gospel, Grace, Gratitude & Humility
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms – Psalms 95
GOSPEL: Glad tidings, especially concerning salvation and the kingdom of God as announced to the world by Christ.
GRACE: The freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.
GRATITUDE: The quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.
HUMILITY: The quality or condition of being humble.
Hope ya’ll had a Happy Harvest! Now that we’re past All Hallows Eve, and had our turkey with all the trimmings, we now look forward to commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Hope you’re getting your home & hearth ready, ‘cause it’s that special magical time of year where the spirit of the season really comes alive and the true meaning of Christmas warms your soul and renews your spirit…
We’re gettin’ off to a sensational and spiritual start here and getting’ geared for a delightful December…hope ya’ll are too! Here’s some jim-dandy tidbits for ya to chew on this month!
From Last month…
COUNTRY KITCHEN CONTRACTORS
As promised from last month, I rounded up some kitchen contractors should ya’ll be looking to country-fy your kitchen! Take a look at these three genuine country kitchen contractors in the ol’ kitchen contractor corral here…
KITCHEN REMODELING SERVICES
http://www.kitchenremodeling-services.com/country-kitchen.html (Serves the United States)
Provides FREE kitchen remodeling quotes. Whether traditional, rustic or old world, the goal of KRS is to bring warmth, safety and comfort into your home. Glance through their image gallery of country kitchen styles and get some good ideas for your very own country kitchen today!
CALFINDER NATIONWIDE REMODELERS
http://www.calfinder.com/ideas/kitchen/country-kitchen (Serves the United States)
Provides FREE estimates. From casual, English, French Country to formal country, you’re able to view the fine craftsmanship their contractors have provided by browsing their gallery of kitchen renovations from previous completed work they have done!
COUNTRY KITCHENS FURNITURE COMPANY
http://www.country-kitchens.ca/ (Ontario, Canada)
Rick Thompson builds real country kitchens for you! He will work with your vision to ensure you get the country kitchen you want, built to your satisfaction. His experience in designing real country kitchens will inevitability make yours a show-piece, and ultimately will exceed your expectations. Beautiful, quality, strong built long-lasting kitchens here!
WINTERFEST 2010
Well tie me to a pig and roll me in the mud ya’ll! The lights have been strung for Smokey Mountain Winterfest 2010 ya’ll! For the 21st year in a row, Tennessee’s Sevier County’s three cities Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are playing host to this annual event kicking off this year’s winter wonderland of lights, local entertainment and lively holiday lollygagging!
The cities and Chambers of Commerce work together and always add fun new elements. This year they’ve added Santa’s Workshop where children can design their own ornaments and other crafts, decorate cookies and get their faces painted! It takes them from August to November to set up these three cities for this amazing display of lights, so if you’ll be in the area anywhere from now through February 28th please be sure to put this on your list of winter things to do with your family! Free shuttles run between the locations making it easy to tour and view all the lovely light displays and take advantage of all the fun-filled festive frolic!
Bathed in, twinkling and shimmering with over five-million holiday lights, all done in LED this year, is saving a bundle in electricity costs! This is one magnificent display of a monstrous magnitude and is not to be missed if you can help it! Celebrations also include festive decorations, seasonal delicacies; mountain music and more, so come on out and play!
For more info, please click on the link: http://www.smokymountainwinterfest.com/gatlinburg_winterfest_events.html
GOOD OL’ FASHIONED COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Christmas just dills my pickle ya’ll! I love Christmas traditions and all the traditional things that go along with this magical season and what’s more traditional than country store Christmas shopping ya’ll? Full of treasures and sentimental goodies, you’ll surely be in for a tremendous treat when I whip ya’ll up my list of a dozen ol’ fashioned country stores next month! You won’t want to miss this list folks!
VITTLES!
The sweets will be in full-force this holiday season and I’ve got just the thing for the month-long sugar-bomb of cookies, candies and cakes…Pudding! Country Croissant Bread Pudding that is…super-simple, super-sinful and just three ingredients! Ain’t that the berries???
2 – 3oz. boxes cook-and-serve vanilla pudding & pie filling
4 – Chocolate Croissants (approx. 4oz. each)
1 – Quart (4 cups) whole milk
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees and have a 3-quart shallow baking dish ready.
2. Wisk pudding mix and milk in a large bowl for two-minutes or until thoroughly blended.
3. Cut croissants in 1-inch pieces and arrange in prepared baking dish.
4. Pour pudding mixture over croissants, pushing pieces into the liquid.
Bake for 50 minutes or until bubbly around the edges and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool about 10 minutes before serving. Dust top with confectioner’s sugar, serve and enjoy!
I’d love to know if you’ve tried this recipe or would like to submit one of your own…
Please leave me a comment below or email me at cmk@countrymusickitchens.com
Until next time…Happy Holy-days and Yee-Haw to your Grandma!
Toodleoo ~
ShellyDee
We thank thee, Father, for thy care
And for thy bounty everywhere;
For this and every other gift,
Our grateful hearts to thee we lift.
2010 – Happy Harvest – Crops, Music & Dust!
Greetins’ folks…how do?
Well, if you’re anything like me, your kitchen and arms are welcoming the fun, fabulous and food-filled Fall! There’s just something so festive about this time of year…whether it’s family, foliage, food, whatever it may be, the goal is always the same and always year-round…count your blessings, enjoy every moment and savor the flavors of the season.
Now here’s some terrific and tantalizing tidbits for ya to chew on this month!
GET-TO-STEPPIN’!
Ya’ll…Boot Barn is havin’ a killer deal on kowboy kicks and clothing right now…as they have re-launched the Grand Opening of BootBarn.com, all purchases over $99 will receive FREE shipping! I perused the wonderful women’s garb and came across the lovely Tony Lama Stars 10” Westerns in Peanut. Nice stitching with a square toe box with an orthotic insole and not to mention, waterproof! Although $4.01 short for the shipping deal, they are one pair my feet would be yee-hawin’ in for sure! Browsin’ a little further brings me to these equally lovely Boulet Women’s Super 14” Ropers in Chestnut – nice full round toe box with a classic roper heel and comes in Medium and Wide widths as well. What’cha waitin’ for? Kick up yer spurs and hightail it on over to BootBarn.com!
WAGON WHEELIN’
Watch out Lake Elsinore, CA…Country Music’s own Wagon Wheel Festival 2010’s a-comin’ your way November 13-14! Wonder how many of ya’ll are headed out west for this whirlwind weekend! Two days chock full of non-stop, heel-clickin’ with 14 fantastic acts! Kickin’ it off on November 12 is their Friday Night Camp Party open to just campers and RV’ers only, so I hope all ya’ll are planning’ on hitchin’ up, headin’ out and having one hootenanny of a good time!
Saturday’s spectacular scheduled performers include: Dierks Bentley, Lee Ann Womack, Jimmy Wayne, Emerson Drive, Jaida Dreyer and Haley Stayner. Sunday’s sensational slated lineup includes: Dwight Yoakam, Sara Evans, Randy Houser, James Otto, Troy Olsen and Austin Law.
Jimmy Wayne will be leading the Meet Me Halfway charity walk on Saturday the 13TH starting at 8AM at the Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino herding down cowtown-style to the stadium. If you wish to participate in the charity walk, a $10 dollar donation is required for this well-deserved cause. As you know, Jimmy’s much publicized Project Meet Me Halfway walk earlier this year from Nashville, TN to Phoenix, AZ to raise awareness for homeless children and teens that “age out” of the foster care system was very successful and to help continue this awareness, this charity walk will serve as the commencement to this fabulous, fun-filled affair. Hope all ya’ll can take part and walk for MMH.
For more information on Wagon Wheel and Project MMH, please clink the links below:
http://wagonwheelfestival.com
http://meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com
SWEET SYMPATHIES FOR SOLOMON
“Solomon Burke and country music were a perfect fit” quoted CMT, from when he first recorded “Just Out of Reach” in 1961. It was later recorded by Patsy Cline and many others had followed. Solomon, who unfortunately left us on October 10th, was 70 and had been at the Amsterdam Airport en routé to a performance. “He greatly loved country music and remained close to Nashville” CMT also stated. In his early life, he was a working minister and had been ordained at the tender age of seven. Early on, he made money selling sandwiches to hungry musicians on his tours. He had also worked as a mortician. In the movie The Blues Brothers, he was completely unaware that his song “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” was in the film until he went to go see it. He also appeared as himself in the movie, The Big Easy. Lovingly referred to as the Bishop of Soul, he had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Often saying that “God instructs us to be fruitful and multiply, he leaves behind 21 children, 90 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. This rock-and-soul great will indeed be greatly missed.
PUMPKIN PATCHIN’
Holy Gourds folks! I am so excited that this year we took our one-year old son to the neighborhood pumpkin patch! He’s not quite walking yet but by-golly, he was more than ready to go pumpkin patchin’ and pickin’ out his very first pumpkin was so precious ya’ll!
This is our lil’ bumpkin with his very first pumpkin!
KONDENSED KITCHEN? SWEET SMALL SPACES!
Got a tiny kitchen? Here’s a good article I stumbled over a tumbleweed on…good tips for your small space!
http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/443/13-stylish-small-kitchens/
More on kitchens and kitchen contractors next issue!
VITTLES!
Now, I love cake, same as all ya’ll…but let me tell ya, this recipe’s so yummy, that it’s sure to delight you from your dimples down to your derriere! Whether ya’ll’re makin’ a family dessert or bringin’ a delectable one to a delicious dinner party, this one is sure to please & satisfy the sweetest of sweet-tooths!
COUNTRY FAIR CARAMEL APPLE CAKE
3-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1-1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
½ tsp. allspice
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. unsweetened applesauce
1 c. vegetable oil
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp. water
2 eggs
60 caramel candies
¾ c. toasted, chopped walnuts
Needed:
2 – 1-/12 quart oven-safe bowls
1 – large craft stick
Waxed Paper
Heat your oven to 350 degrees, then grease and flour two-1-1/2 quart oven-safe bowls.
Next, combine 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon allspice, 2 teaspoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt.
In a separate bowl, beat together 2 eggs 1-1/2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups unsweetened applesauce, 1 cup vegetable oil and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Then add this mixture to the dry ingredients and beat until well mixed.
Pour the batter into the prepared bowls and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a knife comes out clean in the center. Allow the cakes to cool in the bowls for 10 minutes, then remove them and set them inverted on wire racks to cool completely. Once the cakes have cooled, turn them over and use a long knife to even out their flat tops.
Topping:
Place the 60 caramel candies and 2 tablespoons of water in a medium bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir, then heat 30-45 more seconds until the mixture is smooth and forms a slow, thick ribbon when dropped from a spoon.
Layer the cakes (flat sides together) using a few spoonfuls of the caramel to help hold them in place. Pour the remaining sauce over the cake; running down the sides to cover it completely or you may use a knife to spread it while it’s still warm.
Let the caramel set for about 20 minutes before pressing the walnuts onto the bottom half of the cake. Cover one half of the large craft stick with waxed paper and insert the covered end into the top of the cake…and walla – One beautiful Caramel Apple Cake!
If you’re like me, you can wait to bake this and savor its warm, sweet & sticky goodness!
I’d love to know if you’ve tried this recipe or would like to submit one of your own…
Please leave me a comment below or email me at cmk@countrymusickitchens.com
Until next time…Happy All Hallows Eve and Yee-Haw to your Grandma!
Toodleoo ~
ShellyDee
2010: The Yummiest Year Yet!
Hey Ya’ll!
ShellyDee here from Country Music Kitchens…thanks for stoppin’ by! Got a real treat for ya’ll and wanted to just say right off the tippy-top, that I do declare this year, 2010 will be the yummiest year yet!
As we’re inch-wormin’ closer to holiday-time, I hope to be a lovely lil’ treasure and one dandy-delicious delight that you’ll tuck into your favorite places to visit again and again for some good ol’ fashioned down-home southern charm!
Please journey with me through the world of country music, the cupboards of my country kitchen and ultimately…savor the splendor that will tickle your taste buds!
OPRY RETURNS!
Yep, you heard me right folks! Finally slated to return on Tuesday, September 28TH after Nashville’s horrific spring flood this past year which displaced them to the Ryman, the Opry’ll be hoopin’ and hollerin’ once again and havin’ one heck of a handsome hoedown with a myriad of musical magic on this special night of their return home. Some expected to perform are, of course the Opry’s very own Little Jimmy Dickens, Blake Shelton, The Charlie Daniels Band, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Crystal Gayle, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean and many others! That is sure to be one truly memorable homecomin’ indeed!
More on this story here: http://my.gactv.com/photos-of-the-week/2010/Grand-Ole-Opry-Cake/detail.esi?oid=20185404&nl=GAC_091610_9
KITCHEN CRAZY!
Alrighty…this is where I put the kitchen in Country Music Kitchens, roll up my sleeves and have some good clean fun! An amazing country kitchen that will live up to the vision of what your kitchen should be (warm, inviting, cozy, etc), is not that far from reality…
If you’re in a quandary about your kitchen makeover…make it country !
CMK’s Choice – Pic 2 of 3
Would love to know which one ya’ll think is your favorite…so please email me at cmk@countrymusickitchens.com or post a comment below!
Now, I love grits, same as all ya’ll…but let me tell ya, this recipe’s so dang good, that it’s gonna curl your toes. Whether ya’ll’re makin’ a family dinner or just want a tasty snack, grits are gold when it comes to satisfying the tank (aka yer tummy!).
COWTOWN CHEESY GRITS & CORNY (Mmm…) PUDDIN’
1-1/2 c. whole milk
2 large egg yolks
3 large egg whites
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 c. grits
3/4 c. aged cheddar cheese, grated
3/4 c. puréed corn, fresh or canned
1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper
1 tsp. dill weed
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and, stirring constantly, adding grits in a slow, steady stream. Continue stirring until mixture is thick, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl to let cool slightly.
Stir cheddar cheese, egg yolks, and corn into the grits. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and add the remaining salt, pepper and dill weed. Beat egg whites in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the egg whites (in thirds) into the corn mixture. Fill eight 1-cup ramekins and place on a baking sheet. Bake until puffed up, approx. 40-45 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
If you’re like me, you can wait to make these and savor their warm yummy goodness!
Please leave me a comment below or email me at cmk@countrymusickitchens.com
I’d love to know if you’ve tried this recipe or would like to submit one of your own…
Until next time…Yee-Haw to your Grandma!
Toodleoo ~
ShellyDee
