It Started With A Happy Little Cloud

Posted on by theexileskitchen by Amanda Ellison Anglin

This week was so much fun; a happy little cloud in a crisscross sky started my week out with a smile.

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That fluffy little smudge, kinda in the middle of the picture, got me thinking about the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross.  He had a gentle way of speaking and a huge ‘fro of hair. He would use a 2″ brush to paint trees, clouds, water, whatever. When I saw the cloud, it made me think of the famous Bob Ross phrase: “It’s your world. You want a cloud in it? Well, go ahead, put it wherever you want.”

I made up a Facebook  contest: a box of Cajun Pralines to the person who could identify the one who said the above mentioned phrase.

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Players needed a hint and this was it. Sadly, some players guessed Richard Simmons!
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I posted this when I announced the winner.
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A trip to the craft store for paper supplies = dressed up box of pralines

Wednesday at choir practice, the winner was excited when she received  her prize and she shared with the ladies around her. I’ll have another contest in late  November- something with a Christmas theme.

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Thursday brought an early Christmas to my youngest son. Nobel prize winner Bob Dylan played at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson. It was a great concert. Lots of aged hippies, but some of us younger people too. Only at a Dylan concert would I be considered younger.

Before the concert, we ate supper at the Iron Horse Grill. Tillman was our server. Hot Tamales, Shrimp Fahitas, Shrimp and Grits. I love Shrimp and Grits. If you want really good Southern food, you must try the Iron Horse  Grill. Check out their menu on-line.

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George, waiting to get into the hall, perused the program.

Friday we went to the big home improvement store for a palm sander and a set of attic stairs. We also came home with this.

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George named him Jimmy

Saturday I spent the day at my farm house. Leaving that evening, the stars were magnificent .  I haven’t seen the stars like that in over two years. Living in town (with its glaring street lights) obscures the night sky.

Before the sun went down, I walked my property and snapped a few pictures. Swept steps, baseball bats, purple petunias, old out house, stunning sycamore.

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Take the time to enjoy  life: nature’s beauty, good food, great music, friends and family, simple things.

Blessings from the Exile’s Kitchen..

I Got On the Pumpkin Bandwagon

Posted on by theexileskitchen by Amanda Ellison Anglin

I resisted as long as I could, but gave in this morning before leaving to go work on my farm house. What did I give in to? The pumpkin craze that happens this time of year caught up to me. There was that can of pumpkin in the pantry and pie isn’t what I felt like making- oh, by the way. Did you hear that your favorite canned pumpkin is really yellow squash? Yep. There was an article about it a couple of weeks ago. I wonder if I offer anyone a piece of squash pie this Thanksgiving if I’ll have any takers.

Instead of making pie this morning, I made pumpkin bread.  As always, this bread is not too sweet and great with a cup of coffee.

Here’s the recipe and what to do:

In the bowl of your mixer, combine one 15 ounce can of pumpkin (not pie filling), 2/3 cup white sugar, 3 eggs, 2/3 cup olive oil and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix till combined.

In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Once completely combined, pour into the pumpkin mixture and slowly turn on your mixer. The batter will be very stiff. When mixed, divide dough equally into 2 bread pans, that have been sprayed with Pam.  Place in 350° oven and bake for about 80 minutes. Test with a wooden skewer stabbed in the middle. If it comes out clean, your bread is done. Cool before cutting.20161022_081637

Out at my farm house, the weather was perfect. Couldn’t ask for a prettier day than today. Cool temps, clear blue skies. No butterflies this morning, but the honey bees were busy in the pink sasanqua.

I worked today in what use to be the original kitchen. It has been gutted and will be my son’s bedroom and en suite. Its amazing what a couple if coats of primer will do to brighten a  dark fire place mantel. Again, slow progress is still progress.

My old barn is ancient, with quiet stalls lining both sides and a set of stairs to the second story. No floor on the third story, yet, but one day.

Blessings from the Exile’s Kitchen.

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