Tidefan Fare

CRIMSON DOMINATION SHOWCASES TIDE'S THEME FOR 2012 BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: ZEREAUX TOLERANCE

2012-02-01T06:28:00.002-06:00

Holla! Worthy Highlights

Truly Memorable!

Trent Rich's Mom!

Beignets and coffee are always the start of a good day...even if it begins at 2pm.

Bama Belles we stumbled upon heading to Bourbon Street. I'm sure they were dancing in the street afterwards like we were!

Now go take care of all of those tasks you neglected for the last 4 months.
ROLL TIDE! And see you next season.

A "YOU CAN'T CATCH ME" PRODUCTION STARRING TRENT RICHARDSON AS "THE GINGERBREAD MAN"

2011-12-22T21:52:00.002-06:00

Only in the South do you merge Christmas holiday traditions with college football festivities.

When I asked Lucy and Owen to come over to bake off a-just-shy-of-a-dozen-batch of the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line, I must admit there was a good deal of silence on the other end of the phone. Once the cookies were dived and sent home with the mini-me's, there were plenty left for the "D" line too. Lucky duck!

We didn't quite get to the jerseys and numbers yesterday so I finished them off this evening. Perf-- just in time for the Christmas party tomorrow evening.

Oh, and sorry Nick for the bell. It was sort of an after thought and all I had left...just think of Coach Calhoun from Grease. Win that game on January 9 so we can go back to Tuscaloosa and ring that victory bell. Or at least Denny Chimes.

Gingerbread Men Cookies
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/gingerbread-men-cookies-50400000118027/

Roll Tide, Silent Night, and all that jazz.
Recipe courtesy of Southern Living.

I HAVE A BUN IN THE OVEN

2011-12-19T12:06:00.000-06:00

Make that 8 to be exact. And no, we're not talking Octomom here. I'm talking fresh from the oven, made-from-scratch hamburger buns. Sturdy and rather stately on the outside, yet soft and cozy on the inside.

Several years ago The New York Times ran an article about the best burger and how to achieve perfection in all of its "parts". The hamburger buns were described as light and brioche-like which is exactly spot on. The recipe is fool proof and the bun is sure to become a staple in your home too.

Light Brioche Buns: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/dining/011brex.html

Adapted from Hidefumi Kubota, Comme Ca, Los Angles
Recipe courtesy The New York Times, published June 30, 2009.

I promise, you'll never buy a sorry package of gummy hamburger buns again.

CHOW.

RUN TRENT RUN!

2011-11-26T10:36:00.009-06:00

RTR! We're all behind you today...go, go, go!

BAKE & TAKE: JUST ADD COFFEE TO THIS OVERNIGHT BREAKFAST CAKE

2011-11-23T10:38:00.016-06:00

Coffee cake is one of those delightful holiday treats that I look forward to whipping up each year. It's also a cinch to make, and even better, if you can make it ahead, refrigerate overnight, and enjoy fresh from the oven, why wouldn't you go for it?

I prepared the Overnight Coffee Crumble Cake from the December 2011 issue of Southern Living. No surprise here. Mmmm... scrumptious!

I made a couple of substitutions with more than stellar results:

I substituted all pecans in the Cinnamon-Nut Crumble, simply because I had a stash of them in my freezer.

If bourbon isn't your thing, you could also substitute vanilla extract in the Sweet Bourbon Glaze with equally good results.

My super dear friends' sister lost her home to a fire a few days ago (Everyone Is OK!), so I baked the cake in an 8-inch foil pan and a 9-inch brownie pan. Both cakes baked within the range we published in the mag but keep in mind that my 8-inch pan baked on the higher end and the 9-inch pan baked on the lower end. Definitely, now, a shareable treat.

Overnight Coffee Crumble Cake:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/overnight-coffee-crumble-cake-50400000117950/
Recipe and photo just above courtesy of Southern Living.
ENJOY!

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN

2011-11-20T09:17:00.003-06:00

i HEART november college football.

TIDE FANFARE

2011-11-19T10:36:00.002-06:00

Gobble-Gobble them up today, Tide!

PARKING LOT PARTY FARE

2011-11-16T10:49:00.006-06:00

Wheel in to your favorite grocery store or catering joint and pick up a few of your signature specialties. Shhh... it'll be our little secret.

The inspiration for this post comes via the biggest socialite in town, as my mother would often bump into her in the Western parking lot before teas and luncheons. With her sterling silver tray resting on the hood of her luxury vehicle, Mrs. R stacked brownies, cookies, tea sandwiches, or a similar nibble appropriate for those types of gatherings in lickity split time. GENIUS!

3 Trunk Top Specialties:

Tray Chic
Log of goat cheese
Pepper jelly
Roasted, salted almonds
Assorted olives (You know, the fancy ones they sell by the pound.)
Crackers (The imported kind. They're a little pricey, but folks will notice and give you a point.)

Finger Lickin' Hood Platter
Deli Fried Chicken Fingers
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Assorted carrot and celery sticks
Nick's-in-the-Sticks House Dressing (You T-Towner's know what I'm talking about... Ranch dressing sprinkled with blue cheese crumbles.)

Greek (Goddess Doesn't Want to Ruin Her Mani) Tray
Sabra Hummus with a squeeze of fresh lemon (Yes, take it out of the tub and no, not the juice from the plastic lemon!)
Marinated feta cubes
Olives
Cucumber rounds
Pita Chips

Sorry, no dessert options (no offense, Mrs. R), that's simply where I draw the line... Party Foul! Sweet treats, must be made from scratch. Oh, and be kind to the germaphobes. Keep a stash of disposable rubber gloves handy.

So don't forget to grab your pretty platters and bowls on your way out the door. And when your friends rave over the dish you bring, truthfully you can say, "Aww, it was nothing..."
Photo courtesy of Southern Living.

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK...

2011-11-15T20:25:00.003-06:00

We Salute You, MDB.

GAME OF THE CENTURY: PRE GAME WARM UP

2011-11-05T08:44:00.005-05:00

It all started when Cledus scooped up his favorite monkey named Corndog.

Head to Head: Richardson vs Upshaw

No Mercy.

TAILGATE TOTES NOW AVAILABLE!!!

2011-11-03T19:05:00.007-05:00

"...'Bama's pluck and grit have writ her name in crimson flame..."

I've turned the volume down on these simple yet team spirited totes made from 10-ounces of light weight, natural cotton complete with a food-safe liner that can be wiped clean.

Perfect for sporting and toting yummies on game day or any day grocery runs. Each tote comes with a 3-inch removable houndstooth pin for just the right amount of fan flair!

Follow the link below to order yours today!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alabama-Crimson-Tide-Tote-Bag-Houndstooth-Pin-/260886421219?pt=US_NCAA_Fan_Shop&hash=item3cbe0adee3

They're going about as fast as Trent Richardson on his way into the end zone!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

TIDE VS. TIGERS: SNACK DOWN BEFORE THE SMACK DOWN...IN T-TOWN

2011-11-02T21:58:00.004-05:00

Only in the South do you place regular season football tickets in your safe deposit box. Just don't forget to retrieve them before Saturday's kick-off!

Literally, get ready to devour LSU with these Louisiana inspired snackies.

Muffuletta Dip:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/muffuletta-dip-50 400000109471/

Tailgate Tip: Prepare Friday night. Pack in an icy cooler before hitting the road.

Chicken-and-Sausage Gumbo:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-and-sausage-gumbo-10000000701065/

Tailgate Tip: Plan to plug in on the quad. Your crock pot, that is. Serve in Styrofoam cups with saltine crackers.

Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/bananas-foster-upside-down-cake-50400000117017/

Tailgate Tip: Cut cake into bite-size cubes and place into Tupperware containers for goodies on the go. Serve with toothpicks for easy eats. The ULTIMATE pick up food!

ENJOY!

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."
Well, you know what I mean. Southern football style. (Deck the tents and string with lights. Fa, rah, rah, rah, rah-- rah, rah, rah, rah!)
Photos and recipes courtesy of Southern Living.

SINK YOUR HOUNDSTOOTH PEARLY'S INTO SPLURGE WORTHY SHEETS

2011-10-29T09:24:00.020-05:00

Sheet cakes are the ultimate answer to feeding sugar junkies, like myself with ease. Without a whole lot of effort, you can quickly whip one up and have plenty of square footage to declare your celebration on top.

No piping? No problem. Simply shake some spirit sprinkles on top.

What's the secret ingredient between the sheets? A layer of miniature marshmallows. Forget to pick some up? Not a deal breaker, just simply omit and prepare as directed. It will be equally fabulous.

(Made with my favorite crimson & white beverage!)

Co-Cola Cake:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/coca-cola-cake-10000000332011/
Recipe and photo above courtesy of myrecipes.com.
(Not a bad treat for Sunday lunch. Just add milk.)
ENJOY!

AN ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS...

2011-10-22T11:55:00.003-05:00

The 3rd Saturday in October is always circled with vigor on my calendar having lived and suffered through the "lean years". However, Marrow and I know our loyalty and support has paid off. No Mt. Cody this go round but several outstanding folks available to step up! Rooting extra hard today for the Alabama Crimson Tide! See you there!

P.S. Tidefan Fare totes have arrived! Food safe shoppers perfect for game day tailgating or any day grocery runs. Completely decked with team spirit flare. Available soon! Check back!

RTR!

4 EASY & a-MAZE-ing COOKIES starring PEANUT BUTTER + CHOCOLATE

2011-09-15T19:16:00.034-05:00

I couldn't resist. I'm a huge fan of Maze, No. 4.

Fellow fans will flip for these peanut buttery sweet!-treats paired with chocolate (Eat your heart out Reese's). I promise, there won't be a crumb/ morsel/ nugget left on the plate and there will be plenty to go around whether you plan to serve 2 or 20.

Peanut Butter-Chocolate-Oatmeal Cereal Bars (above):
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/peanut-butter-chocolate-bars-50400000111515/

Candy Bar-Peanut Butter Cookies: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/candy-bar-peanut-butter-cookie-50400000108776/

Flourless Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/flourless -chocolate-chip-cookies-50400000108779/

Chocolate-Peanut Bars:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-peanut-bars-10000000477457/

ENJOY!
(oh, and RTR.)
Photos and recipes courtesy of Southern Living.

CLEDUS T: BROUGHT TO YOU BY "A CRYIN' ALL THE TIME" PRODUCTION...

2011-09-11T16:45:00.029-05:00

And funded by unsuspecting donors like me and M...

Our flip-flop loving, houndstooth-hound sure is as cute as a button, however the sleepless nights and toddler like similarities have made us question whether getting this mouthy mutt was the right thing to do. Having been fans of labs for years, when we lost our sweet baby angel, Billy, this past summer, I couldn't even imagine getting another lab at the time. The sadness was unbearable, not to mention that Bill was irreplaceable.

Enter, one Cledus Thalmage Gordon. Ahhhh, the name you ask? One part Smoky and The Bandit, one part Nutty Professor ("Come on, Cledus" and yes, I literally say it CONSTANTLY), and one part Decatur, AL. For the latter, Marrow grew up with a lad named Thalmage. He felt the name fitting. How could I disagree?

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to own a bloodhound yourself, go ahead and scrap all the Hollywood malarkey. He's not lazy. He doesn't "hang" under the front porch all day. And, he doesn't sleep all the time. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

INSTEAD:

1. He chirps much like a fire detector in need of new batteries hence the nickname Squeaky Fromm.

2. He Teedle-E-Tees on the floor if you're stern with him. He's very... well, let's just say, sensitive.

3. He generously spreads drool (thick, Ghostbuster's-like slime sans the green-- and there is A TON of it) and bits of half eaten kibble around the entire house... I mean everywhere. "Oh man, how did it get on the guest bedroom comforter..." "Come here Oscar, let me clean up your sad little head." Etc.

4. And literally, he cries ALL-THE-TIME.

Awww, but he sure is cute. ENJOY.

OUR EASIEST FAN FARE: IT'S BITTERSWEET

2011-08-31T02:25:00.016-05:00

How do you know when summer ends and football season begins at our house? Easy. The American flag that greets guests at our front door retires for several months and Marrow hangs our Crimson Tide flag. This past Sunday was that very day which made me realize how quickly the season had snuck up on me... and is snuck really a word?

On Tuesday, as with many of you I'm sure, I received the letter from the Mayor of Tuscaloosa, Walt Maddox, and President of the University, Dr. Robert Witt, and couldn't help but become overwhelmed with emotion. I opened the pdf and before I could fully grasp my place to read the letter from top to bottom, I read the words: "EF-4 Tornado". Tears instantly began rolling down my face. As we all trickle into T-Town this weekend, I have no doubt it will be a glorious but somber day. There will be many stories to share as we catch up with our tailgate friends or reminisce old times with new faces in a new landscape. I'm fully prepared for the tears to come and go all day and the puffy eyes to follow on Sunday.

As you begin to make plans for your tailgate spread, I encourage you to give my tailgate menu a try from the September issue of Southern Living. The menu is a snap and loaded with real life tailgate tips whether you're planning to watch the game at home or on campus:

http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/tailgating-menus-00400000052824/

Let me know what you think and I'm looking forward to reconnecting with you this weekend and may God bless you and your loved ones.

Photo courtesy of Southern Living.

CHOW.

PICK UP MY BOOK APRIL 26: THE HALF-HOUR HOSTESS!!!

2011-04-22T14:50:00.001-05:00

REBECCA KRACKE GORDON, here. I hope you'll let me show you how to throw fabulous parties with grace and ease, the Half-Hour Hostess way!

*35 menus each with a make-ahead plan
*Over 150 full-color photos
*Quick and delicious recipes
*Effortless party ideas with tons of style

Let me know what you think!
ENJOY!

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST DELICIOUSLY MOIST, SO-SOUTHERN CORNBREAD

2010-11-14T20:23:00.001-06:00

I couldn't help but think of my grandmother, Nana, today as I used her well seasoned cast iron skillet to make the most moist cornbread ever. She was an amazing cook and I have fond memories of cooking and baking with her and my mother around the holidays growing up. Nana, and my grandfather Doc, would come for a week long visit each Christmas so there were always plenty of opportunities to learn from her as there were many meals to be shared and prepared during their stay. Snapping pole beans and spreading super-thick icing on the spice cake Nana loved so very much are as vivid today as they were when Madonna was nothing but a "Lucky Star".

Simple Cornbread
Makes 8 servings
Prep: 5 min., Bake: 30 min.

Be sure to grease your cast iron skillet with a little shortening to keep the cornbread from sticking if it's on the newer side.

1/4 cup butter
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
2 large eggs
11/2 cups self-rising white cornmeal mix

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat butter in an 8-inch cast iron skillet in oven 5 minutes or until melted.

Whisk together sour cream, buttermilk, and eggs until well blended; whisk in cornmeal mix, then whisk in melted butter. Pour batter into hot skillet.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 27 minutes or until done. Serve with butter.

Enjoy.

LET YOUR KITCHEN BE "A GREAT LITTLE SEAFOOD PLACE" THIS WEEKEND

2010-10-27T19:28:00.003-05:00

I heart fried shrimp. I know, I know... I probably shouldn't, but I do. They're easy to make and can be enjoyed so many different ways. My best recipe? Isn't mine at all. I borrow "Timmy the Shrimper's" Bayou Fried Shrimp. My friend, Scott Jones, featured him in a beautiful story several years ago and I've been a fan ever since.

Delicious by themselves, dunked in a fabulous sauce, or piled high on buttery, toasted French bread with all of the Po' Boy fixin's (just remove the tails), you can't go wrong with this tailgate or anytime treat.

Meet Scott and Timmy: http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-central/meet-timmy-cheramie-video-00400000035864/

The Goods...as in yum

Bayou Fried Shrimp: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001806891

Two Die-For Dipping Sauces

Spicy Cocktail Sauce: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001821014

Remoulade Sauce: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001821013

Photo and recipes courtesy of myrecipes and Southern Living.

Enjoy.

COAT CHECK: 3 STYLES WORTH SPORTING ON GAME DAY

2010-10-15T21:56:00.030-05:00

If you haven't taken stock in your cozy duds... well hop to it! We always need to be prepared for that unexpected cold snap, even if it only lasts for a day or two at a time. Take a look at a few options available in stores.

Now, hurry up-- I'm sure sizes will go quickly!

Easy on the Eyes: Perfect for pairing with a houndstooth handbag or shoe.

Cream Confection Jacket

Anthropologie

$188

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=18652719&navAction=jump&navCount=

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie.

Sleek and Chic: Pull on your fav boots with this look.

Marc By Marc Jacobs Felted Wool Coat

Bloomingdale's

$568

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=485343&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale's.

Short and Sweet: Jeans and ballet flats will do the trick.

Juicy Couture Brushed Twill Coat

Neiman Marcus

$398

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/search.jhtml?N=0&Ntt=juicy+couture+red+coat&_requestid=38004

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

DE-LISH.

CREATE FANFARE WITH THIS EASY TAILGATE FAVORITE: HOT SPINACH-ARTICHOKE DIP

2010-10-09T20:42:00.018-05:00

WARNING*****WARNING*****WARNING*****WARNING
Once you serve this delicious dip, you'll be expected to bring it to every get together moving forward. O-M-Gosh... I promise, it's that good.

What sets it apart from its counterparts? No artificial flavors here. Fresh lemon adds zing complimenting the spinach, artichokes, and Parmesan cheese. Pepper jack adds just the right amount of zip and body. The extra step of grating the cheese is well worth the effort providing a more smooth and pleasing texture. Light sour cream cuts the fat and helps provide just the right amount of creaminess when heated with the other ingredients.

Seriously. I don't mean to take this dip so seriously, but I encourage you to give it a try.

A FEW TIPS:
Use a microplane grater to grate the Parmesan cheese. It will have a feathery light texture, so be sure to pack it in the cup to ensure an accurate measurement.

The size of green onions can vary, if they're on the larger side simply reduce from 4 to 2.

Smaller artichokes will be more tender. If you can't find the medium ones then size down rather than up. I prefer the Cento brand.

Green Giant makes a 9-oz. package of frozen chopped spinach. Thaw the spinach in the refrigerator overnight and drain well. I wrap the spinach in triple-ply paper towels and ring out the excess water. If the spinach looks rather stringy, run your knife through it several times to chop a tad more.

Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Makes 10 servings
Prep: 15 min., Bake: 30 min.

Game Plan: Ideal for tailgating at home. Prepare up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until center is hot and edges are bubbly.

1 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 green onions, sliced
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 1/4 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
1 (9-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 (14-oz.) can medium artichoke hearts, chopped
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Corn chips

Stir together first 6 ingredients and 1 cup pepper jack cheese. Fold in spinach and artichokes. Spoon into a lightly greased 1 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup pepper jack cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until center is hot and edges are bubbly. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and serve with corn chips.

The Extra Point: Portion into several smaller ovenproof dishes or ramekins and bake a few at a time to keep food fresh throughout the party. For a fancier affair, spread on toasted baguette slices and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until bubbly for an easy crostini. Great with crackers, tortilla chips, and bread sticks too.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

GAIN KITCHEN CONFIDENCE BY BREAKING A FEW RULES WITH THESE 3 QUICK AND EASY TAILGATE DIPS

2010-10-06T20:46:00.005-05:00

If you're a tad insecure in the kitchen, I'm here to let you know it's okay to fudge a little when it comes to preparing recipes, especially for a hungry crowd of your best peeps.

Relax. Cooking should be fun. So if you don't think you have time to prepare that nibble you've been meaning to try just because you don't have a specific piece of equipment to do "such and such" or "the recipe says to ____, and I don't know how to do that." Well, let me show you how to take those deal breakers and turn them into your new--most requested-- signature pot luck superstars.

Red Pepper-Black-Eyed Pea Salsa:

Don't care for red bell pepper? Picky eaters in the bunch? Nix it if you choose and shave 5 minutes off the prep time. Shave additional time by omitting the oregano. The dish will be just as tasty... scouts honor. Felling a little crazy? Substitute chopped tomato or black beans for the red pepper and peas. Serve leftovers with quesadillas and tacos.

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001704101

Grilled Crostini with Olive Tapenade:

Glamourize prepared tapenade with a handful of robust additions. No time to grill the bread? No worries. Look for toasted baguette slices in the bakery section of the grocery store or serve on assorted crackers. Swank it up a notch and serve with a 5 oz. log of goat cheese rolled in freshly ground black pepper. Leave it to guests to spread, top, and sprinkle.

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001079897

Guacamole:

With a prep time of 10 minutes, you can't go wrong with this football favorite. The recipe calls to let the dip stand for 30 minutes so the flavor becomes more intense, however you can break the rules and serve it right away if you so choose. It will still taste yummy in your tummy. Try it on a plain Jane BLT. Need I say more?

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001611810

Now get in there and hop to it. Time's awastin'.
Chow.

Photos and recipes courtesy of myrecipes and Southern Living.

FORGET ABOUT IT... EASY ROAST BEEF YIELDS MANY QUICK MEALTIME SOLUTIONS

2010-10-04T21:15:00.005-05:00

One of Marrow's favorite meals is this So-Easy Oven Roast. You literally bake it for 12 to 15 minutes at 500 degrees and forget about it for 2 hours. Trust me when I say-- It's magically delicious.

We do all sorts of things with it:

Slice thinly for sandwiches. At about $4.39 per pound, it's much more economical than deli meat and it tastes better too. Horseradish sauce, spicy brown mustard, or blue cheese dressing make delicious spread options. Great on dinner rolls, French bread, or ciabatta with Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese slices. Try it hot or cold.

Add to torn Romaine lettuce, blue cheese, toasted pecans, sliced green onion, and grape tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, squeeze with half of a lemon, and drizzle with homemade Ranch dressing just before tossing for an easy weeknight meal.

Saute sliced green bell peppers and onions and serve in warm corn tortillas with salsa and guacamole for faux fajitas.

Serve Marrow-style with Beef Oven Rice and a green vegetable. No frills here, just simple and good the way he likes it.

The possibilities are practically endless.

So-Easy Oven Roast
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Prep: 5 min., Bake: 12 min., Stand: 2 hrs., 20 min.

Prepare roast the day before serving so you don't experience oven overload.

1 (2 1/2 lb.) eye of round roast
Creole seasoning
1 tsp. dried thyme

Let roast stand at room temperature 20 minutes. Coat all sides of roast with with Creole seasoning. Press in thyme. Place on a rack in a roasting pan (I actually use my grill skillet.)

Bake at 500 degrees for 12 minutes (Add 3 minutes for a 3 lb. roast.). Turn off oven and do not open oven door for 2 hours. Remove from oven, slice super thin, and serve or use as desired.

Beef Oven Rice
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Prep: 5 min., Bake 45 min.

3 Tbsp. butter
1 cup long grain rice
1 (14.5) can beef broth
1 cup water
Salt and pepper

Melt butter over medium heat in an oven proof saucepan. Add rice and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes or until fragrant. Stir in broth, water, and desired amount of salt and pepper-- a hefty pinch will do. Bring to a boil and pop in the oven.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. (Rice will form a crust over surface.) Serve with roast.

Tip: Spray meat with Pam when you remove from oven for a glossy, appealing look.

The green vegetable? Here are a few suggestions courtesy of myrecipes.com and Southern Living:

Green Beans with Shallots and Red Pepper:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1589364

Sauteed Garlic Spinach:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1831969

Cheddar-Pecan Green Bean Casserole:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1851579

Chow.

NO, I'M NOT AN ALABAMA CHEERLEADER, BUT I PLAY ONE ON TV

2010-09-29T18:52:00.001-05:00

... or uhh, in my case, in the Thanksgiving follies after the big meal. I love how my brother, in the background, is so deeply enthralled with my performance he can hardly stand up straight.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, our family's fondest memory is when my aunt didn't offer any gravy for the roast beast. The oversight seemed so scandalous at the time... or at least for a gaggle of elementary school aged kids. My cousin couldn't get past it and it consumed the kid's table conversation not just that day, but every Thanksgiving moving forward, too. My mom felt so badly for her that she ended up carting gravy every year afterwards from Birmingham to Montgomery.

Oh, and by the way, I was never coordinated enough to be an "official "cheerleader of anything. The closest I ever made it to cheerdom was Top 20 in middle school. And Dorians in high school-- Are you kidding? A most embarrassing dance/ kick routine to say the least. (I do have one juicy little routine I managed to learn and teach my roomates in college to the tune of Barry Manilow's Copacabana, but that's another story.) It just wasn't meant to be. But that's ok, I've learned there are other ways to rally the troops ;)

Rah-Rah and Roll Tide.