Zea’s Creamy Corn Grits – YUM!
| February 19, 2012 | Filled under Food Gems, Moments of Greatness |
Last night we had a little Mardi Gras for family/friends. And although the entertainment wasn’t exactly what you might expect (it ended up with the lights off, toddlers with glow sticks, and trance music for an impromptu dance party) the food was right on target I think. We served jamabalaya, red beans and rice, potato salad, french bread, and these creamy corn grits.
This December when we went back to Louisiana for Christmas, I was on a grits kick. Every place we ate at that served ‘em, I ate ‘em. I honestly gained 7 pounds that week, but it was worth it. I chose my favorite, and searched the internet to find that they were gracious enough to share the recipe with the world. So simple…so full of calories…so very worth it!
These are grits.
Yellow corn grits to be exact. Not the instant white grits that sort of turn to mush when you cook them. This is not the kind of grits that you will find at the Waffle House smotthered and covered. I got these at Central Market in the breakfast food aisle. Sometimes you can find them in the flour section, it just depends on the grocery store and the day.
The recipe is simple, and you can substitute dry polenta in a pinch although it does taste different.
Zea’s Corn Grits
2 cups water
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grits
1/2 pound butter
salt to taste
1 ear of corn, roasted and cut from cob (optional but highly recommended)
Mix water and cream in a large pot and bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, you can bring out a small cast iron pan or skillet and quickly grill the ear of corn until the kernels start to blacken. You can do this outside on the grill if you prefer, and you can also add more than one ear if you are fond of corn. If you don’t have time, you can actually either do this a day before and store the kernels or just skip althogether. But it really is yummy. I say go to the trouble!
Back to the water and cream…when water and cream begin to boil add grits and stir, turn heat to simmer. Add butter and cook until done, stirring occassionally. Add salt to taste, and please don’t skimp here. Salt really brightens and changes the flavor here. Add corn, stir, and serve!
And as simple as that, you have the best tasting side dish ever, and you have gained a pound. You can thank me later. Enjoy!
IHeart Organizing: Free Printables
| January 31, 2012 | Filled under Gems of Wisdom, Things I Luv |
I recently discovered a new blog that has me more than a little obsessed. IHeart Organizing is a bright, colorful, witty, and insightful blog. As a mom, nothing makes me happier than to have a clean and organized space, but I have 2 little munchkins who are on a mission to make my house something…different than that. Let’s just say that they scream the loudest when I walk into the Container Store. No lie! As much as I love that store, they hate it. Loathe it…abhor it! It’s a site to see really. So now I just go when they are in school.
I digress. You should really check out IHeart Organizing if there is even one spot in your house that would benefit from a little organizing TLC. And she has kindly offered to her readers free printables. You know how I love free things…and printable things. I printed these lovelies off right away on some card stock and broke out my new laminator. Got myself some dry erase markers from the store, and I’m good to go. It is such a relief to get things out of my head and down onto paper, especially paper that inspires me and that I can use again…and again…
Jewelry Giveaway!
| January 8, 2012 | Filled under Gems of Wisdom |
It’s been a while since we’ve done a giveaway here, and I think it’s about time to get back on that wagon. December was quite distracting for me, but back to the business of having fun and giving stuff away!
This go round there will be 3 winners. Each winner will get to choose 3 objects of his/her choice from my Etsy store on a first come, first serve basis. This could be a great prize to keep some for yourself and give some to a friend. Just a thought. I’d probably keep it all for myself and buy my friend a coffee, but that’s just me.
Giveaway will run until midnight on January 16th. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell perfect strangers. I love giveaways so much I would happily give away many more of these prize packs if there is excitement about them. Good luck!
Also, don’t forget to click on the “Enter” button after completing each task. It’s the only way you will be officially entered to win!
Printable Project by printableproject on Etsy
| January 4, 2012 | Filled under Craft Gems, Gift Ideas |
I just love coming across good design. And there is so much of it out there, especially on Etsy. Yesterday I came across Printable Project and had made a purchase within 5 minutes. It wasn’t hard to do…there’s a great sale going on right now. Printable Project offers designs that you can print at home and use how you wish. Perfect inspiration for me now that I’m thinking about making another big girl room this year. So support handmade and check it out!
Winter Project: Make A Bird Nest Helper | Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh
| January 4, 2012 | Filled under Craft Gems, Gems of Wisdom |
I soooo very much wish that I had seen this back when I knit/crocheted more. It’s a brilliant idea and a great project to do with kids. I know my oldest is obsessed with feeding the birds and asks to put her hair outside for them to make nests of everytime we cut it. See the full article at OhDeeDoh and be sure to check out the do’s and don’ts at the bottom.
Winter Project: Make A Bird Nest Helper | Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh.
Emma’s Tiny Treats « The Unconfidential Cook
| December 5, 2011 | Filled under Food Gems |
It’s posts like these that make me feel inspired to jump into the kitchen and start baking up a storm. But it’s also posts like these that make me realize how uncreative I am. But you have to admire the brilliance of Emma and her Tiny Treats.
Looking for some Pinterest love!
| November 30, 2011 | Filled under Gems of Wisdom |
Looking for some Pinterest love! If you enjoy my jewelry, I’d appreciate your spreading the love by posting a pic of your favorite piece on Pinterest. Once you have done so, email me the link at shy@shyofperfect.com and I’ll send you a special coupon code for 50% off your purchase.
The beauty of handmade…
| November 16, 2011 | Filled under Craft Gems, Gems of Wisdom, Gift Ideas |
This time of year I begin to do more to support local artists and businesses even more than I do so the rest of the year. And given the nature of the economy and all of the people who have begun to rely on hobbies and side jobs as their main income, it becomes even more import to shop handmade or local, or both as much as possible.
Since I have begun to make and sell jewelry on Etsy, I have been constantly amazed at how many people have never heard of the website or even have any idea when local craft shows take place or where small businesses reside.
This past weekend I witnessed a moment that really hit home with me. While shopping with a friend and Miss H at a local craft fair (one of the largest in this city during the year) we were claiming a freebie from a vendor that we earned from puchasing a grab bag. After looking around and selecting our freebie, my friend kindly asked how the show was going since it seemed quite busy and quite successful. The chin of one of the cute girls behind the table began to quiver and shake and she didn’t seem to be able to open her mouth to answer. Her friend said things were picking up and they had high hopes.
Watching that raw moment of emotion really hit me deeply and made me rethink many of my upcoming purchases.
Even though Christmas is a ways away, it’s not to early to start buying things here and there and making a game plan to buy as much as you can handmade or locally. For instance, this is the time of year when there seems to be a handful of craft fairs each weekend at cities far and wide. Head to one of these and no doubt you will have fun, and the variety of things at your fingertips far surpasses that of the mall.
Worried if you buy handmade that someone can’t exchange something? Many sellers on Etsy have exchange and return policies and will work with you as long as you follows their guidelines. But it never hurts to ask first just to make sure. And if you are still worried, check the sellers history and feedback. You’ll know if people have had problems before. Chances are that you will be pleased with what you find and will fill even better about your purchase. Crafters seem to be the nicest people out there. So eager to please!
Worried that something handmade has to cost more? Don’t be. Although something may cost more due to the hours involved or a certain higher level of materials used, this isn’t always the case. Many crafters buy in bulk to provide you with the best possible price. And chances are the person you are giving the gift to will appreciate it even more than something like…a new sweater from a chain retailer? Just saying!
So in the nature of buying handmade this holiday season, I will be featuring buyers from Etsy on a pretty constant basis to help show you how you can get quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price. And if there’s a shop or artist that you enjoy, please feel free to share. Either through comments or email me directly so that I can check them out and spread the word!
Support handmade!
Make Your Own Yarn Art Wreath
| November 15, 2011 | Filled under Gems of Wisdom |
I can’t help but to think that done in the right colors, that this wreath would be a great addition to your mantle all year long, and made to look a little Christmas-y with a few ornaments once Thanksgiving has come and gone. Or sooner, it’s up to you. But a great tutorial.
Salt & Paper – Keep Calm and Gobble On free printable
| November 14, 2011 | Filled under Gems of Wisdom |
Salt & Paper has always been a go to favorite site of mine when I want to customize something just oh so….and that includes my mantle with these cute printables. Check out this one especially for turkey day, and you can even change the colors to whatever you like to compliment your own decorating scheme!
Salt & Paper – printable stationery & art – Keep Calm and Gobble On – 8×10 art.
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