Sugar-Free Apple Pie Recipe from Extension Homemakers Cookbook '93

  We have finally returned home after a week of my husband attending a work-related conference in Savannah, followed by a family vacation with our grown sons in Florida!  It was a logistical masterpiece planned by hubby.  Two sons flew in from two different states to meet up with our group of three who traveled by car (college-aged son in tow) to Florida.  This was the first time in several years that we have all been together for a week of vacation time.  The time spent together was priceless!  

  This week, however, is a week of everyone being back to the business of normal life!  Hubby and all three sons are back to work (and college classes for the youngest) and I am in the midst of a floor refinishing project at our house.  We have no furniture in our downstairs except for our bedroom which is carpeted.  The furniture and area rugs are stored, dustless sanding yesterday and today and staining will soon begin!  Once the flooring company is finished, our hardwood floors will be beautiful for fall!

  Since my kitchen is temporarily out-of-commission, I'm going to share a recipe from one of my old cookbooks.  I have made this before and it is delicious.  Get some apples out and peel them! This is a great pie recipe!  My mom and dad sent me this cookbook and it's a winner.

It's from 1993. ISBN is 0-87197-387-2

Here's the recipe :

Mmmm-Mmmm at The Lady and Sons!

Sharing a little more of my Savannah experience...because we're all "foodies" here!  Let me just say, the buffet at Paula Deen's place is delicious!  We were seated on the third floor which was a very cozy space.   Both the food and service were great...and everyone gets a dessert.  You have a choice of peach cobbler, banana pudding or gooey butter cake...oh, my!!

Here's a glance at that menu...

You can order from the menu, or get the buffet so you can try some of everything! I recommend this approach!  (Also, the dessert comes with the buffet!)

I know this looks bad...but I didn't get seconds!  I had to save room for cobbler!

Two people who have...lots of personality!

Miss Y'all!  Have a great week!

My Vintage Kitchenware Adventure

While I was window shopping in Savannah, Georgia, I happened upon this quirky, wonderful little store.  I know that several of you enjoy vintage kitchen gadgets, too, so I wanted to share.  I especially love their creative art of display!

Don't you just love the hanging mobile made of old kitchen items(pictured above)?!

I was lucky enough to own two Crock Pots just like these, thanks to my mom!  I passed the orange/red one to my son, Justin.  He has been using it since college!  The other one that I have is the harvest green and brown one next to the red one.

(I think I need a linen Texas tea towel!)

A cute little lamp made of tea cups and a teapot!  Clever!

Colanders riding in an old laundry cart!

Even the front windows had a border of vintage advertisements!

Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House

First stop is Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House!  The line for their famous lunch starts forming at 10:30.  The doors don't open until 11:00, but it is a popular place! 

  Delicious bowls of traditional southern sides and platters of fried chicken are served up family-style and refilled, promptly.  Hot biscuits and corn muffins are brought to your table regularly.  

  Family members still own and run this wonderful eatery and come around to your table to greet you.  You might be seated with other guests at your table...just like at a boarding house!  It's a great way to meet new people and and hear about their travels!  We met folks from San Fransisco on the day we were there.

All delicious!  There's fried chicken, BBQ, mashed potatoes, greens, black-eyed peas, stewed tomatoes and okra, coleslaw...sweet tea! There are even more sides on the table, but, a plate only has so much space!

(I happen to own one of this lady's cookbooks, so I was especially excited to eat there!)

Many articles and tributes, including awards, hang on the walls.  It's truly a family business.  A sweet picture of Mr. And Mrs. Wilkes sits prominently above a vintage fireplace mantle.

The staff is very attentive and the day I visited, a family member, referred to by staff, as "Miss Marcia" was hostess (in her summery dress and pearls). She was soft spoken but very friendly and welcoming.  

  Later, near the end of lunch, another family member came in with kids and grandkids in tow to celebrate his birthday.

What a unique place to have lunch while you're in Savannah!  They make you feel like family.

Broccoli with Bacon

This is my favorite way to prepare fresh broccoli.  It leaves it crisp-tender with a nice hint of bacon!  

1.  Heat 1 to 2 Tbsp  of olive oil in a wok or stir fry skillet.

2.  Place cleaned, chopped, broccoli in the hot oil. Toss it like you would stir fry.

3.  Let it steam with the lid on.

4.  Season with stir fry seasoning (or lemon pepper).

5.  Finally, toss in crumbled crisp bacon and it's ready to serve!