WELCOME

There’s something about being in the kitchen with the music turned up, slicing, dicing, creating, tasting ,and Palmer nestled comfortably close by, that brings a sense of calm satisfaction. North Alabama has always been my home. This beautiful place is surrounded by mountains, lakes, amazing wildlife, and the gulf coast white sand beaches are just a short drive south. Summers are hot, but produce our favorite feasts, the time when I can happily answer “yes!” when the family ask, “is it okra season yet?” Fresh caught snapper, shrimp, mouth watering sweet silver queen corn, figs, pecans and peaches to eat (just to mention a few). Relaxing fun filled times with family and friends at the lake. Outdoor evening dining is a front row seat to an opening symphony of invisible cicadas piercingly introducing the night, quieting into a slow movement of an occasional chirping cricket or bullfrog. Before we know it, the steamy days of summer are gently carried away with an incoming autumn morning breeze, leaves rustling in the wind, and the excitement of another football season ahead. Hydrangeas galore are replaced with zinnias and dahlias to color our tables and our plates are filled with heartier foods. Winter’s lid descends, trapping us under a cold grey impenetrable sky. A time for bundling up around the outdoor fireplace, roasted vegetables, creamy comforting soups, and vitamin D supplements. Inevitably, the hellebores, wood anemones, daffodils and tulips encouragingly emerge from the hard cold ground as a sign that spring is not far behind, and we begin dreaming of brightly colored vegetables painting our plates again. Cooking good food is simple: start with fresh ingredients. When you cook at home you control what’s in your food, or more importantly what’s not (salt/gluten). After my husband was diagnosed with celiac disease, my kitchen had to become gluten free. With a little research, it was surprisingly easy. I found that most of my kitchen staples were GF already. I just needed to adjust a few recipes here and there. Family, food, photography, flowers, fitness and all things french bring me joy. Thanks for stopping by!