5.01.2013

Happy May!


May indeed brings welcoming sights for me in Savannah. Finally, my lawn is lush green after enduring months of brown centipede grass. And being surrounded by pale new growth on plants makes me do a jig, just because.  The weather is perfect right now, and there are so many great gatherings happening, like outdoor picnics, and this fun Jack and Jill party hosted by Miss Sophie's place.  
I love how she used these simple but fun props to make the occasion special.  The power of Pinterest!  
And here are some great recipes to get you jump-started to host your next gathering! 



All recipes by Miss Sophie
Used with permission

Sour Cream Pound Cake
1 ½  cups cake flour
1 ½  cups white sugar
½     cup butter
1      teaspoon vanilla extract
½     teaspoon lemon extract
½     cup sour cream
3      eggs
1/8   teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8x4 inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.  Stir in vanilla extract, lemon extract and baking soda. Add sour cream and flour and mix well. Pour into an 8x4 inch loaf panBake 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out cleanLet cake cool on a cooling rack before slicing. Serve with sliced strawberries, blueberries or raspberries and whipped cream


Vinegar Cole Slaw
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon celery seed
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, chopped

Combine cabbage, onion and bell pepper in a medium size bowl. In a saucepan, mix oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, mustard, and celery seed and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and pour hot mixture over cabbage mixture and toss. Cover bowl and refrigerate a minimum of 24 hours and up to 6 days.

Peach Sangria
Break all the rules and serve this sangria in a Mason jar.  Better double it though, your guests will be asking for more!

1 Bottle of Pinot Grigio or your favorite white wine
½ cup Peach Schnapps
½  cup sugar
½ cup water
1 cup of basil leaves
3 sliced peaches
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 orange, sliced                                                                        
1/2 liter of ginger ale

Preparation:
Combine sugar, water and basil in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat just until sugar is melted, crushing basil with the back of the spoon against the side of the pot. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Pour wine and Schnapps in a pitcher, add sliced peaches, orange and strawberries. Stir in sugar water and basil. Chill mixture for at least one hour. Add ginger ale just before serving.




8 comments:

  1. Yum- across the board but I might have trouble getting past the Peach Sangria! Thanks, K!

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  2. Happy May to you too, Kay!

    Looks like a very happy party--great recipes, photos, and styling too! :)

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    1. Oh, Happy month to you, dear Erica! Pray all is well with you, friend!!

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  3. Hi Kay! May truly is a beautiful month. I bet it's even better in Savannah. I think of you every time I drink Emperor's Bride tea. I have some at the office, and it helps me get through long afternoons. Happy May to you and your family! Miss you, girl!

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    1. Hi, Hyosun! So glad for your visit!! I miss you, too!! Just barely treading water, though very thankful and happy to be in the season of my life. :) How about another business trip to Savannah?

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  4. Happy May to you too Kay! It is gearing up to be such a beautiful month :) Tulips are sprouting and friends are coming over for BBQ's,what could be better?
    Beautiful photos as usual, and I cannot wait to make that poundcake! I think I will try it out for my mom's group potluck this thursday, thank you so much!

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  5. I made the pound cake this weekend; it is good on its own, but would be awesome with fresh whipped cream and berries! Reminded me of a very popular frozen pound cake, but better ingredients :) Definitely a recipe to use when you need a good, basic pound cake. Next time I might add some lemon zest to the batter.

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  6. All of these recipes look amazing, Kay. As usual! I'm planning to try them all.

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