Author: Kathleen

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Proper Sunday Dinner

IMG_2498 IMG_2507 IMG_2509{Roast has been rubbed with chopped fresh garlic, salt & pepper; and the stew has been cooked with fresh bay leaves, rosemary, oregano and parsley from the garden}

Upon awakening this morning I had a strong craving for a proper Sunday dinner, a meal that consisted of beef, potatoes and a dessert. And, dessert could not be a pudding or fruit pie, but had to be a chocolate brownie with pecans brought back from Charleston. As I am always thinking of meals to make later in the week, I took a 10-lb beef sirloin, split in two and roasted one half with garlic and onions, and made a stew with the other half.

IMG_2515 IMG_2514 IMG_2513The beef stew was for dinner and the roast I wrapped for later in the week to make a pepper steak, sandwiches or a simple beef stroganoff with egg noodles. Needless to say tonight’s dinner was most enjoyable and absolutely delicious. So, when the desire for something appealing with a distinct flavor takes hold, there is nothing like a home cooked meal.

Recipe for Cocoa Brownies

Cook stylishly,
K

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Charleston: Low Country

IMG_2254 IMG_2284{Middleton Place-  home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens}

When I can extend a weekend and create a mini holiday, there is nothing like jetting out of town to Charleston, which is an elegant and charming city. An area rich in American history dating back to the first settlers, along with a growing trend for foodies who have a penchant for the Low Country style of southern cooking. And, there is an art scene that anyone would enjoy uncovering throughout the back streets.

IMG_2279 IMG_2288But, what captured my attention most on this trip was seeing our nations oldest gardens at Middleton Place on the Ashley River 14 miles northwest of Charleston. These formal gardens were designed to reflect elements established by André Le Nôtre, the fabulous landscape architect of Louis XIV’s Versailles. It is always inspiring to see gardens while traveling to extract ideas that can be incorporated at Heath.

IMG_2170 IMG_2144 IMG_2148{Calhoun Mansion currently used as a private home and a museum}

The inside of Calhoun Mansion {16 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401} is decorated as if the eclectic taste of the Addams Family, Liberace and Louis XIV were thrown into bag, shaken up and strewn about the place. The interior is completely over the top and most definitely over stuffed, but we absolutely love going into this Victorian home whenever in town, because there is so much to see and the decor changes constantly.

K