Boots McBlog

I feel like a very proud godmother.   And like a proud godmother,  I am taking this moment to brag.

The Junior League of Little Rock has a legacy of producing outstanding cookbooks.   Little Rock Cooks released in 1973 has sold over 100,000 copies to date.  Traditions released in the 1980′s  is a favorite in houses across the South.  Apron Strings published in 1997  introduced a new culinary vibe and gave us the notoriously delicious Kahlua Cake recipe.  In January 2009,  JLLR released it’s fourth cookbook - BIG TASTE OF LITTLE ROCK.

A year later if you live in Little Rock or in Arkansas,  you have  mostly likely heard of the newest JLLR publication.  What we didn’t expect is that Paris, France had heard of us.  Last week Gourmand International awarded Big Taste of Little Rock the Best Fund Raising Cookbook in the World.

While this may come as a surprise to most,  as the proud godmother   – I knew from the very start it would be and now IS a darn good book.    The photography is beautiful.  The text is rich reflecting the mission of the  88year old  women’s organization and the city of Little Rock.  The recipes are simple, elegant, and just down right scrumptious.  EVERYTHING I have prepared from the book has been incredibly tasty!    (This from a staunch foodie)

Under the FCC  regulations, I should probably disclose that I was heavily involved in the Junior League of Little Rock during the book’s creation and publication…which is  why I consider myself it’s godmother.  However,  I was not part of the 22 person committee that collected and triple tested the 800 recipes submitted for consideration.  I did have 6-7 recipes make the cut and are  included in the  250 recipes featured in the book.    So if you ask me now for my Italian Chili, Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza, or my Almond Strata recipe,  I will make you buy the cookbook instead of emailing it to you.  Sorry – I have an organization to support.

In addition to my tried and true recipes above,  my new BTLR favorites include the Mocha Poundcake, the Sugared Chili Pork Tenderloin,  the Benedict Bake, the Chicken Piccata,  the Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread and the Gorgonzola Fillets with Balsamic Fig Reduction….just to name a few.   I also like the Ribeyes with Cowboy Butter – because the title makes me laugh.  If you already own  a copy,  I would love to hear what your favorite recipes are.

If you are looking for a great housewarming present, a birthday present, a mother’s day present, a wedding present, or if you just like to curl up with a good book and read -  look no further.  This is the perfect addition to any kitchen or coffee table.   You can purchase it at most book retailers or directly from the Junior League of Little Rock’s website. The funds generated by the book support programs that enrich the lives of women and children.  From mentoring teen mothers to car seat safety to providing children with school supplies to help them reach their learning goals…just to name a few.

The Junior League of Little Rock had set out with a  vision of providing an incredible edible journey though our city.  Now, the world has noticed and has taken a BIG TASTE OF LITTLE ROCK.

Now – go buy the book.

“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ”

Light tries to break through the bleak sky.  Winter chill is still in the air, and I’m dreaming of spring.   I’m ready for the green to return to the grass and the warmth of a sunspot.   I look forward to the festival of color, when earth puts away her bulky grey sweaters and says, “I’ll be wearing that bright party dress today”

Thankfully,  I don’t have to wait until the sunnier months to get my flower fix.   This past weekend several of my dear friends were part of the committee hosting the “Chocolate Fantasy Ball” for the Ronald McDonald House.   They let me sneak a glimpse of the wonderment in the making.   Behind those plain ballroom doors,  a kaleidoscope of colors warmed my soul.  Bright, bold, graceful flowers:  french tulips, lilies, amaryllis, roses, forsythia, lilacs- sigh.  Be still my heart.

Inspired by Nature -  Becky Clement and her team – brought fun and elegance together in one spot.  I recently met Becky and I have been a fan of her work for years. I’ve seen her transformations of gardens and the Junior League of Little Rock building for other special occasions. I’ve always walked away in awe.   The Chocolate Fantasy Ball was no exception.    So grab a cup of coffee on this cold day and enjoy a glimpse of spring.  

Cheers, Y’all!

For the next forty days, many of you will be giving up something important to you.  If you are a traditionalist, lent will be a time for you to decrease your caloric intake by eating less meat or avoiding sweets. For you modern whippersnappers, you may give up social media  – facebook or twitter -  in an effort to reconnect to those people who are actually sitting across the room from you.  Whatever you choose, Lent is a time to “let go”.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that “letting go” is not one of my strengths.  I’m fiercely loyal and sentimental.  I married my first boyfriend.  We live in our first house ( ten years later).  The house is filled with random pieces of furniture of no great value except they were my grandmother’s.  I’ve had the same best friend since 5th grade. The other friends I’ve picked up along the way will always be friends.   Once I’ve picked you for my team – as a job or a friend – you are there to stay.  At least that is what I thought – until this year.

You see,  my Lenten season has lasted far longer than forty days.  I’ve had a Lenten year.  I’ve let go of my career, my title, my paycheck.  I’ve let go of being in charge.  I’ve let go of being in the spotlight.  I’ve let go of having a clear cut plan.  I’ve let go of my high expectations.  I’ve cleared my calendar and let go of the fast paced life I love. And I’ve had to let go of a few friendships. In the process some friends let go of me.    I’ll be honest.  At first, many of these things, I did not release. I had a white knuckle grasp on most.  Then I realized, my hands were so full of all of this “stuff”,  I couldn’t hold the life I really wanted ~  a life of contentment, of peace, of rest.

image courtesy of http://citified.blogspot.com/

Every night  I tuck myself into bed with a book, a magazine, (or my iPhone).  As my eyes grow tired,  I put that book, magazine (or iPhone) on my night stand.  I lay it down.  I let it go.  I rest.   The next morning I wake up,  my hands are empty and open and ready for the day.   That’s how I’m trying to live life now.    Laying down as much as I can, so I can rest.   Saying no and Letting go, is not easy.   I remind myself, when the time comes, I’ll be thankful for the rest.  I’ll be glad I was able to finally let go.  I want to be ready to say “YES!” and grab on with BOTH hands to the ONE thing I’m called to do…whatever that is.   It’s been an extremely difficult lesson to learn, but it is one I hope I never let go.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  ³He restoreth my soul”   – Psalm 23: 2-3

Dependable. Versatile.  Classic.  Elegant.   She never seems to disappoint.  If you are like me,  there is an entire section of your closet dedicated to this wardrobe staple – the Little Black Dress or “LBD” as she is often known.

from my collection - my favorite LBD is this one by Gemma Kahng

The LBD is a great camoflauge for those times when we don’t feel quite as, well,  little.   And when we are at our peak fitness…VA VA VA VOOM!   Watch out,  there is nothing sexier than a pair of great gams extending from that dark hemline.

Like the number of LBD’s hanging in my closet, I’ve begun quite a collection of work-out apps on my iPhone to help me make the most of my couture.   The latest is  SHAPE Magazines Little Black Dress App.

Little Black Dress provides  12 total body strength training and cardio workouts specifically designed to sculpt, shrink, and strengthen a women’s figure in all the right spots — ideal for slipping into whichever little black dress style you desire.  Shoulders, arms, legs, abs,  you name it – there is a workout to help work those areas you most want to highlight.    There is also “5 minute pre-party Prep” workout which I adore.  Nothing feels better than walking into a party feeling strong.     The app also lets you listen to your own workout tunes while following visual step by step directions on each exercise.

Check it out today.   Just like a little black dress,  a strong body never goes out of style.

Cheers!

Many thanks to Blake Rutherford and RJ Hawk for a fun morning on the Arkansas Sunday Edition Radio Show on 103.7 The Buzz this morning.  Had a great time talking with them &  Stephanie Simoni about the “do’s and don’ts” of Valentines.      Our conclusion: use the KISS method.   Keep It Simple, Sir (or Ma’am).  Both sides of the coin – man or woman,  be thoughtful.    Say something heartfelt -  in a card, on a post-it,  in the steamed mirror in the bathroom.  It doesn’t have to cost a fortune.   Just say how your feel TODAY, so you don’t end up in the doghouse.  And then remember to say it,  on regular ol’ days at random moments from here on out.

And if you are still scrambling today when florists and liquor stores are closed, and restaurants are booked.  a good ol fashioned mix cd still rocks, too! – Just sayin

Now go share the love.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Y’all!