Although the intent was surely different, Robert Cray said it best.

Well somebody called and gave me the word
And I’m gonna tell you people just what I heard
I’m gonna tell you for free and it won’t cost a dime
There’s so many women, so little time

Words to Action

Owing to fate these women and talented authors arrived on my doorstep. Why fate? In short, a week ago I did not have a schedule to host a salon filled with authors, artists and a couple of friends. Yesterday, I found myself drenched in conversations about publishing, cocktails with Matt Damon, secrets of Sundance, a secret garden, life lessons from India and spies in the Magic City.

Even so, one evening of conversation with these intelligent, gifted and entertaining authors would not satisfy my curiosity. A more perfect Q and A could not have been delivered to my doorstep, literally. Over slices of key lime and peach pie, charcuterie and one of my “whip it up” appetizers Hot and Easy Game Day Dip I managed to get a word in between the sips of wine. Many women and little time to read or learn it all.

Sometimes, women get excited to share their stories and journey. So many women and little time to condense it all in one evening of sharing. I was thrilled to listen and discover the secrets of wisdom that found their way to my abode. And crossing my fingers that they would leave some of their pixie dust behind to land on me.

Especially today, I am grateful for the pixie dust, visit and words scattered on my mind. Also, knowing that I can reach out to my favorite book store for more inspiration from these authors is joyous. Before even a day passed, I wanted to share each of them with you. Besides, maybe the pixie dust will land on you as well.

Authors and Pixie Dust Sprinklers

Kathy L Murphy Author, Artist and The Queen of The International Pulpwood Queens & Timber Guys Book club https://www.thepulpwoodqueens.com/

Book- The Pulpwood Queen’s Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life

Anne Kent Rush Author, Editor and Illustrator writing book on preventive health care, human body, yoga and massage

Latest Book with Elizabeth Owings MD- The Clitoris Unveiled

Lovelace Cook Author and Podcast Creator of Bollywood & Books

TK Thorne Author, Artist & Screenplay for Short Film Six Blocks Wide

Latest book-Behind the Magic Curtain: Secrets, Spies and Unsung White Allies of Birmingham’s Civil Rights Days

Tracy Lea Carnes– Author, Playwright & Screenwriter

Latest Book- Excess Baggage

Please check out each of these authors many books. Let me know what you think and how the pixie dust affected you.

Love Mimi

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If worried about how to navigate 30a songwriters festival the problem is all inside your head. Of course Paul Simon says, you need to make a plan man. The answer is easy if you take it logically. I’d like to help you in your struggle to avoid rookie festival mistakes.

Mimi’s tips to navigate 30a Songwriters Festival 2022

1.0 The best tip ever is to make a plan. The festival boasts 289 shows from January 14-17 in 30 plus venues. Since the schedule is released, take time to zero in on your top musician picks and make a list. Please build a list around the time slots and venues. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a Greek tragedy with no way out.

2.0 Before the festival, study the entire list of musicians and songwriters. Now is the perfect time to use technology in order to listen to artists that you’re not familiar with. Print the list and use as a guide to help navigate. On the way to work, traveling or while cooking in your kitchen, shout out to Alexa, Spotify etc. Grill Man and I have discovered great musicians with this random tip.

Review the current line-up and listen. Sadly if you find yourself without tickets this year, make a plan for 2023. Once tickets go on sale, they will not last for too long.

2022 30a Songwriters Festival Lineup

3. Define your ideal listening venue. Keep in mind that its Coastal Florida in January. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor while jamming? If outdoor, bring an extra wrap or portable blanket to share. Gloves, hats, scarves are great to layer up and layer off. Are you happy with standing room only or seating in a small or large listening room? If you scan the venue’s website ahead of time you will be happier with your choices.

Plan for nourishment and foodie options

4.0 It is all about the music. After a long day of listening to music food is vital. If you want adult beverages, food and water is part of your survival skills. Make time to eat in between venues or dine while listening to your favorite artist. Look at the menus for the locations that provide food and keep this in mind when creating your schedule. Grill Man’s entry into Hangry-Land is to be avoided. I still love him when he goes there but he loses his pleasing personality.

Seaside and Grayton Food and Beyond Options

Check out the random samplings available around the center of Seaside and on 30a from shopping to food trucks and air steams. Here are a few of the spots that we linger in occasionally.

Breakfast or Lunch: Black Bear Bread Co. has multiple locations but I love the Grayton spot for sure.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or Nightcap– Bud & Alleys. The Pizza Bar, The Taco Bar and don’t forget to check out the Rooftop Bar for stunning views.

Gourmet Market- Modica Market Items are a bit pricey but the gourmet selection is amazing. There is something to be said for accessibility and not having to get back out into traffic or drive anywhere. Full range of wine, beer, pastries and most everything else that you will need for 30a Songwriters Festival 2022.

How to travel from venue to venue during 30a Songwriters Festival?

5.0 Indeed if you plan to enjoy adult beverages, select your venues and housing accordingly. 30A Songwriters venues are distributed on 30a throughout South Walton. Hop on the bus Gus, you don’t need to discuss much. From limousines to Taxi, Uber or Lyft as needed make a plan, man and drop your keys.

If my memory serves I recall more than one unnamed group riding a bicycle to see shows. Of course, this is only a good idea for shows during the day. Also, keep in mind that you don’t want a PWI- Peddling While Intoxicated. No one wants to land on the news for evading police on a low-speed-pursuit.

Find the musician that you will love next

6.0 Plan to attend the acts that you really want to see. If you think that this artist is crazy popular and the venue is small, go early and stake a spot. Otherwise you risk standing in a long line for the one group that you didn’t want to miss.

Never underestimate the zeal of groupies to get up close and personal with you while trying to get closer to the object of their affection. Meanwhile, you may discover a new artist to love. Grill Man and I have discovered several artists using this method for example the dreamy Chris Stills, lovely Liz Longley and dynamic Reverend Shawn Amos and The Brotherhood.

More than once I have been surprised by the exceptional musicianship of a band that I had never heard of. As an example a Nu Grass Band was playing at AJ’s which for us was the “band before the band we wanted to see”. Old Salt Union came out and rocked the house. Much to my rock-n-roll and R & B soul, I actually liked it. After the encore was over, the crowd started throwing money on the stage for them to keep playing.

What about Covid and 30a Songwriters Festival?

7. Last year covid killed the festival and left many avid music lovers in mourning. This year the festival has implemented a new covid policy “requiring valid ID, Vaccine card or proof of professionally administered negative covid tests within 72 hours of festival for all artists, volunteers or ticket holders. ” The Watercolor box office will issue wristband for use during the weekend.

8. Since this year the wristbands will also include a chip that allows you to upload credit card data to easily pay for food, drinks, merch etc. The press release was unclear to me if this was at all locations or a select few. If you choose to use this feature “you can count on shorter faster lines and contact free transactions.” Of course the cynic in me wants to know if I would be tracked during event? How will this information be used, sold and how safe is the data? Inquiring minds…..

What else should I need to bring ?

9.Of course pack an emergency travel kit ahead of time. Here are a few options for your travel pack:

Snacks, protein bars, waters, headache or allergy meds, portable phone charger, rain poncho, antiseptic wipes, batteries for camera or charger, phone charger, disposable cameras, gloves, extra wool wraps and flask of your favorite “patience-juice”

10. While enjoying the festival take time to enjoy the lovely natural settings around 30a. All along the water ways, nature is calling you for a walk on the beach or in one of the State Parks. Go early and get your walking miles in before the music starts and the calories pile up.

Enjoy it all while it lasts

Clearly, if you arrive to 30a Songwriters Festival with a plan you will be able to make the most of the event. Keep in mind, planning is a guide only. Be flexible and adapt as necessary. The best discoveries will surprise you when you allow yourself to be open. Do not let Mother Nature’s curve balls or long lines ruin your pleasing personality. Be kind and lean into the joy of live music. Celebrate that you are alive and on your way to another live show despite Messy Rona.

In summary, I hope that Mimis tips to navigate 30a Songwriters Festival 2022 may help you avoid rookie mistakes. Check out my impressions from the past of 30a Songwriters Festival for additional tips. Mimi’s Tips to Navigate 30aSongwriters Festival 2020

Grasshopper, seek first to know your own journeys beginning and end…But in this seeking, know patience.”

– Master Po.

Alexa, shout out to Paul Simon, 50 Ways to Leave your Lover

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Is cheeseburgers on your menu?

Not long ago my Bonus Mom suggested that we cook cheeseburgers instead of making a big fuss. Smiling first at the thought of putting my feet up while Grill Man organized the grill, I thought about it for a minute. I replied that her son and others would rebel if cornbread dressing and pecan pie went MIA. My Bonus Mom’s Pecan Pie needs it’s own James Beard Award. (Recipe under the dessert section)

Even I know she loves cheeseburgers. Although it was all about making sure that we didn’t make a fuss. Yet, even when I tire myself out in the kitchen, I am where I want to be. Cooking is a labor of love that I enjoy sharing with my family and friends. Hopefully Southern Zipper Peas and more from Mimi’s table will help with a few suggestions to make your dining table special.

Having guests over may add to your list of duties. Early planning will help you reduce kitchen mayhem. As you know Mr. Mayhem only arrives when you need him the least and company is heading your way. One of my latest recipes will come in handy because it is best prepared days in advance so that the flavors blend. If you like coleslaws or marinated salads, you will enjoy this recipe.

Easy Make Ahead Side Dishes From Scratch

Entertaining for family or friends is one of my joys. Along with it of course is a lot of extra work but it is worth it. Set aside time to dine slowly with your loved ones and enjoy real conversations. Start a revolution, have everyone leave their phone in the car. What? Is it possible?

Recently, I watched a movie about three adult children returning home for the holidays and the drama that usually ensues in “some homes”. This movie included standard sibling rivalry, aging parents, grandchildren running amok and other chaotic events. If this scene creates dejavu for you , even to the point of secretly desiring proof of your adoption papers. My plan would be to feed them well and have adult beverages on hand.

At least while you share a meal you may find something in common. Entire dinner party conversations could surround the safety of food talking points. From the local food sourcing and farms to the complexities of the wine served. While dining ask everyone to share their favorite food memory or favorite dish and latest food love.

Food is something that we should be able to agree on without coming to blows. Stay away from politics, covid, and other long standing taboo family topics. I certainly could curate a conversation around food. Food is a safe subject, right?

Desserts just make us happy

No dinner table is complete without dessert. Desserts just make us happy. Whether you let them eat cake, brownies, pie or cookies you will need a sweet treat. Desserts are another great recipe to bake ahead of event and set aside. All your best days should include dessert even if it’s only a kiss.

If chocolate is your love, the dessert category has several options for you to bake and serve. Top dessert off with a side of ice cream, coffee and Kahlua and call it a day.

Southern Zipper Peas and More from Mimi’s Table is only an sampling of the many choices listed on the site. Review the archives to see what you may have missed. If there is something that you would like to see in the future, please let me know.

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Premade side salad with a marinated dressing will improve as it steeps. Delightfully the steeped salad will last longer than normal in the refrigerator. This feature is important if you are planning multiple meals over several days for house guests.

Grill Man and I enjoy sharing our home and time with loved ones. Sharing a casual meal at home is the optimum way to spend quality time. Whether sitting at the dining table, eating an outdoor meal on the porch or watching the fire on the deck, sharing meals is special. A simple libation added into the mix makes it all better.

Why you need Company’s Coming- Premade Steeped Side Salad in your life

With house guests in my future, I decided to peruse one of my cookbooks for inspiration. My Bonus Aunt Theria gave me a lovely community cookbook titled “The Three Arts Club- Opp Alabama”. This copy is the historical edition 1928-2000, “A collection of Recipes Past and Present.” I did not know much about the club other than their mission. ” The Three Arts Club was to awaken and stimulate interest in literature, music and art.”

Oddly while scanning the cookbook, I did not make it past the premade side salads in the beginning. I found a Marinated Vegetables recipe submitted by Mrs. Robert Virginia Dowling Sr. that I knew I wanted to play around with. When I see a recipe I read it in an effort to improve the flavor, nutrition, update cooking method, create and infusion or balance the flavors to my desired taste.

Over time, I have developed my flavor profile through cooking trial and errors. (Yes errors, in case you have not heard, I am the “Queen of burnt bread”). In our household we adore full flavor and enjoy food with a bit of heat. We are not fans of bland food. Food does not have to be fussy or expensive to be good but it must be prepared with love. If your short on time or love having a few tricks up your sleeve will help.

Every host needs a trick up her sleeve

A premade side salad is a perfect trick recipe that everyone needs in their repertoire. Mrs. Dowling’s Marinated Vegetables recipe stated that the dish could be ” kept for several weeks and better each time you serve.” Challenge accepted! While pulling out the ingredients I was able to determine how I wanted to change the recipe.

My Bonus Mom gave me a beautiful wooden bowl the other day and I had been eager to use it. Quickly, I started making Company’s Coming-Premade Steeped Side Salad because soon my guests would arrive. A premade side salad would be great to add to the menu and then use as a side served alongside a sandwich from leftover turkey or ham.

Company’s Coming-Premade Steeped Side Salad offers a perfect amount of crunch to go along with the green beans, corn and early sweet peas. The anchovy adds a hidden layer of flavor to the dressing that your mouth will enjoy. Honestly, I do not add cayenne to every dish but add it. Spice will wake up a tired palate and make it sing with the candied jalapenos.

‘Cause everyone needs a little sugar in their life. Alexa, shout out to Maroon 5 for their single Sugar. Check out their video for this song and their drop in surprise for random weddings in LA.

Visit the dessert category for My Bonus Mom’s Pecan Pie which is perfect if you have fresh pecans.

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Pear trees are loaded to such a point that I almost panic annually at the sheer magnitude of pears. Typically I offer pears to every one that I see like a town crier.”Pears, pears, come get your pears.” Occasionally my friends will take me up on the pears and I sign a bit of relief.

The “waste not want not” rings in my head like a battle cry from my Mother. Clearly, I truly am able to process, give away and eat only so many pears. Naturally, the local wildlife shows up and partakes of their fair share of the August Pears. Natures bounty is always plentiful and I am happy to share.

What can you create with pears?

What do I create with all of those pears? Pears are a great snack and loaded in healthy vitamins and minerals. Studies have noted that eating pears and apples daily will help ward off strokes. Everyone needs to be heart healthy, so eat your pears. While researching the health benefits of pears, I discovered lots of useful data.

In addition to all of the health benefits of eating pears, apparently eating pears may also help with hangovers. UK’s Andrew Griffin from Independent suggested “Pears can keep cholesterol down” and “work as an anti-inflammatory — as well as stopping people getting so drunk.” What? Pears for everybody.

Between the pear snacks, preserves, tarts and tomato pear relish, I needed a salad. After much thought, I settled on Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno August Pears Broccoli Salad recipe. Fresh raw broccoli mixed in with pears and other bold flavors marries together well.

How I created Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno August Pears Broccoli Salad

In my past work life a co-worker had shared a Broccoli Salad that I enjoyed. Over the years, I have tried several variations on broccoli salad. Of course I am sure that I have made it a hundred times. Pam’s version of broccoli salad was a great recipe as is. Yet, over the years, I had tossed the bacon. As much as I love bacon, I think it got lost in the salad. Does a salad really need bacon? My friend Pierre would say, “Yes, salad needs bacon desperately.”

In addition to reducing bacon, I had also reduced the mayonnaise and sugar. For awhile, I wanted to adapt this recipe but nothing really settled in my mind as an improvement. With my August pears clamoring for recipe selection, it finally dawned on me to add pears to the Broccoli Salad.

Fresh raw broccoli is a great first start to a salad. Once I added in the pears and red onion the rest of the recipe flowed. With the addition of the pears and candied jalapenos a sweet heat ensued which allowed me to lower the white sugar. A sharp cheddar cheese tossed in with fish sauce and cayenne added the balance of the flavors for Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno August Pears Broccoli Salad.

This recipe is versatile and will pair well with most proteins. This recipe is on the list of “make ahead and set aside” which is perfect for entertaining. Eating raw fruit and vegetables provides the most nutrition. Trust me, you need pears in your life. If you have space in your yard, plant a couple of pear trees. This will allow you to grow organic pears.

Of course, it will take a while for the trees to bear fruit but it is so worth it. Fresh fruit is versatile for snacks, baking, salads and savory recipes. If Mother Earth has created it your body must need it. From sun kissed pears to Unprocessed Candied Jalapeno August Pears Broccoli Salad, eat a pear.

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Put away electronics and chill

Somehow work will always follow you in some manner. Unless of course, you drop your phone in a box and forget it until you return. This is lovely for the time you’re away if you can forget lack of access. Most of us do not want to lie awake at night and wonder. It is easier to take the phone and navigate as needed.

Smart phones are a wonderful tool if you do not allow them to become the bane of your existence. Like everything else, use the phone, text and email options in moderation. Especially if you want Snapper Downtime on Dauphin Island. Red Snapper season is on the list of holy days to celebrate and Dauphin Island is the place to worship. If you don’t believe it’s on the list, ask Grill Man.

Why go to Dauphin Island?

Dauphin Island is a quiet island that time somehow forgot. Clearly the city leaders are trying to keep the small town feel alive and well. This feature makes it a perfect place to spend a covid lockdown with family or friends. The Island has plenty of places for rent on the water or near the water. Beaches are located every direction that you go.

There is hardly better fishing to be had than on the Gulf Coast. If you have a boat, you’re all set to go. If not, the Island has lots of boats for charter. Hiring a guide is another option to find out the latest information on “what’s biting where”.

Snapper Downtime on Dauphin Island is what the Doctor ordered

Grill Man loves the water and he almost always brings home fish. Flying across the water like Henry the Heron on the way to fish is one of his favorite things to do. Although he truly loves it when Mother Nature cooperates and provides a great day on the water for fishing. Like most women, Mother Nature is not always compliant.

If you have managed to catch your limit in red snapper, check out my recipe Fish to Table Sriracha Kissed Fresh Red Snapper, it is delicious. My recipe would taste lovely on a variety of fish. Of course, most of the seafood markets on the Gulf Coast will be happy to sell you fresh fish.

While Grill Man is navigating the Gulf waters, I settle in for quiet time at the beach and paddle boarding. Being able to paddle directly off the dock is lovely early in the morning. Although my favorite time is near the end of the day when the sun is settling down.

Watching the sun dip down is soothing to the soul. Add in an adult beverage and it’s the perfect recipe for the end of the day. Learning to appreciate the simple things is priceless. 2020 clearly has a mission to remind us all about the important things in life.

To cook or not to cook

Before you head out to enjoy your Dauphin Island stay-cation, bring everything that you may need. It will help cut down on the trips out and the Island does have “island prices”. If you want to minimize cooking, make meals ahead of time and freeze.

Creating meals on the island is easy enough. Fresh seafood is available for purchase. Stop by a farmers market on the way or visit Mary’s market at the corner on the left just before you turn on the island.

Before you leave home, snip herbs and add to ziplock with water. Seal bag as much as herbs will allow. Then place in a small bag for easy transport to the island. Use fresh herbs liberally on vegetables and seafood. Herbs increase the flavor of food.

Always with fresh food, warm sunshine and nature to calm you, why would you not want Snapper Downtime on Dauphin Island? If you’re too far away to make it to our island, plan a quiet getaway near your home. Anywhere you live there is a beach or lake just waiting for you to visit.

In summary, be practical, safe and use your common sense. If you need more information read article on Coronavirus Health & Travel Considerations for Travel in the US. As for me, I think I will plan more Snapper Downtime on Dauphin Island.

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The question really is why are you not using fresh culinary herbs or dill? Is it possible that you may not use fresh herbs due to access or lack of experience? The token amount in the produce section of the grocery store cost approximately the amount of buying a small herb plant. Also, growing your herbs will allow you to reduce loss of taste and nutrition by cutting just prior to using. An item cut fresh from the vine is more vital and alive at that moment so that it will impart the most flavor while fresh.

How to plant and start using dill or herbs?

By planting a small herb garden in the Spring, you may have all the fresh herbs that you require until the season wanes. If you want to plant seeds early indoors, Illinois College of Agriculture Consumer and Environmental Sciences has suggestions for Starting herb seeds indoors. Starting with seeds is cheaper but slower to harvest.

My preference is to buy the smallest plants possible so that I may harvest right away. The local feed and seed store should sell small herb plants. I was able to purchase herbs for less than $4 each. Grill Man plants the herbs for me while I sit back and wait patiently. I will typically wait at least one week before I start snipping off herbs for Mimi’s Outsider Chef Culinary Tips-Dill.

It just seems very rude to plant the herbs and harvest before the plant has an opportunity to settle into the soil. Ohio States College of Food, Agriculture and Enviromental Sciences Offers Top 10 Tips for Planting Herbs. Mississippi State University offers a list of herbs suitable for Mississippi. Most of these herbs should also be suitable for Alabama and Florida.

Although on the Gulf Coast, the hot Summer sun will wear on the dill plant. This is typically when I cut back the herbs and dry the dill stems. When the hot sun bakes the herb and starts to change the color of the leaves it will be time to find a use for your herb.

Mimi’s Outsider Chef Culinary Tips- Dill

1.0 Plant in full sun and well drained soil. My dill is in a large container along with parsley and oregano.

2.0 Harvest fresh dill leaves anytime to use in cooking. To harvest seeds is a bit trickier, once the seed heads start to turn brown clip with scissors. Place seed head upside down in a brown paper bag and store in a dry spot to dry out for a week. Once dry separate out the seeds from plant. Then allow seeds alone to dry out for another week before placing in storage container.

3.0 Prior to using dill seeds in cooking bruise or crush with a mortar and pestle. This will release more of the full flavor from the seeds. Dill seeds will provide more flavor when heated. Dill seeds are stronger tasting than the dill leaves. You may use seeds in pickles, breads, specialty vinegar and preserved vegetables.

4.0 The leaves from the dill plant have a lighter flavor and less bite than the seeds. Add dill leaves near the end so that the flavor does not fade away. In a cold dish you will not run into this issue, the dill can be added at any time.

5.0 When you cut fresh dill cut with longer stems than you need. This will allow you to place in a glass of water to stay fresh until its needed.

6.0 If the caterpillars arrive, pick off and transport far away from dill. Caterpillars will make dill disappear quickly and they were not invited to the party.

“Dill adds a certain freshness and cleanness to a dish. During the winter, most of my fish dishes have dill– as well as dishes like goulash with noodles, which is served with both chives and dill for herbal freshness.” Tony Liu August (New York City) The Flavor Bible 2008 by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page

Remember to add dill leaves to the end of any dish that will be heated or the flavor will fade. On the other hand, dill leaves can be added to a cold dish like a potato salad right away.

How to use dill in food?

Fresh dill is lovely to use on many recipes but for a special foodie appetizer that is quick, buy smoked salmon. Local markets will have smoked salmon in the seafood section. Serve salmon alongside diced red onion, creme fraiche and sprinkled with fresh dill. This is lovely served as an appetizer with rye bread, mini bagels or toast points.

Another great way to use dill leaves or sprig of dill is spicy pickled carrots. I have no idea where my version of the recipe came from but it is delicious. From a quick scan on the internet I found a similar version to the one that I use. Spicy Dill Pickled Carrots is a recipe that you will enjoy. If you love crunchy spicy pickles you will love making this one. Perfect addition to a Bloody Mary Cocktail. It is a delicious and easy gift to make for small hostess gifts.

While reviewing recipes to help use up all of my fresh dill, I ran accross a bread too good not to share. Do you need a No Knead Dill Bread in your life? If so, visit The Wine Lovers Kitchen blog for details. It looks too yummy to pass up. I bet the bread would taste lovely with the smoked salmon as well.

Why should I use fresh herbs?

Finally, I hope that if you don’t have an herb bed that you will start a container garden soon. Be bold, learn how and when to use an herb. Herbs, spices and their proper use can give you a magic trick in extracting the best flavors out of an ingredient. The understanding of food and flavors is something that anyone can master.

Herbs have always been a part of every old time garden in the South. In Louisiana the Creole gardens included herbs for culinary and medicinal purposes. Dill has been used for medicinal purposes dating back to ancient Egypt, as a digestive, sedative, a cure for hiccups and even flatulence.

Whether for medicinal or culinary, dill is versatile and easy to use in the kitchen. What is your favorite herb? How do you like to use it? Mimi’s Outsider Chef Culinary Tips- Dill is a good place to start. Please let me know if you have any questions.

With love from,

Mimi’s Kitchen

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Despite the uncertainly happening outside our door, we have to deal with what we may control. Of course at times, that seems like precious little. We must avoid the carousel of stress. Otherwise, we will not be able to focus on answers to the problems that will arrive uninvited.

We must answer with courage.

Along with stress when fear knocks we must answer with courage. We never know when we will be in a situation that requires us to stand up for what is right. Imagine the ills of the world that could be prevented if more people would stand together peacefully to stop hate.

We are so busy identifying why we are different that we lose sight of what we have in common. Procrastination is a barrier to peace. Stamping out hate and evil starts with each of us in our home, neighborhoods, schools and cities. My review of April 2020 with Hoda Wan Kenobi reminded me of a couple of things. You may be wondering, how may I help?

Especially today you may feel at a loss for how to help resolve the injustice of the worlds problems. Problems of the world almost sounds too big for anyone to even think about addressing. Yet, it should begin within our communities that we start to encourage and build a desirable world to leave all our families. Have faith the fog will clear so that you will see a path.

A path will always arrive for each of us to behave as we should. It may even arrive daily. More than likely it may even be subtle and something as simple as “calling out a bully.” An unknown Boston author wrote a statement that my Mom damn near wore out when I was growing up, “Actions speak louder than words.”

Do you judge a book by its cover?

Words matter but actions give words power and residual benefits. It is one thing to say that you stand for a cause. Another level entirely when you put actions behind your words. It is hard to right a wrong if you become part of the problems instead of the solutions.

All of us live our own versions of wins, losses, heaven or hell. No one can look at a person and tell what path someone else has walked. When we see a person do we tend to look at the outer shell or even possessions? All of us are guilty of this at times. Does who you are or what you have define you as a person? What would you want someone to know about you that they may not see?

None of us are too old to learn. My daughter pointed out a couple of videos of “real life situations from past” where women made false accusations against random strangers. In each of the cases, the situations were filmed by a cell phone and surveillance which helped to show what was actually occurring.

Learning lessons from bad behaviors

From Cornerstore Caroline who falsely accused a young boy of groping her who only had the misfortune of walking innocently past her with a stuffed backpack. It would be nice if this was an isolated event but there is more from Permit Patty to Becky BBQ, Hotel Earl, Coupon Carl and so on.

Truly, the list probably goes on from there. If you have any interest in watching the videos, they are available on the internet.

Since when have to decided that “be our brothers keeper” meant to help the authorities police the BBQ grills in the park or check for permits of children selling water? When we contact the police or 911 with matters like this it prevents them from helping someone in real need. Why would anyone care who uses a BBQ grill anyway and be willing to devote a chunk of their day to it?

Movies, morals and more

Where does this bad behavior or sense of entitlement come from? Who knows but maybe they need a quick review of Bible’s Moses and the 10 commandments? In 1956, Cecille B Demille created an epic movie which is shown every year around Easter. As a young girl, I remember being enthralled with the movie, story line, geography and visual effects.

Charleston Heston was the good guy who played Moses leading the Isrealites through the wilderness for forty years on a quest for the Promised Land. Of course, the bad guy was Pharaoh Rames who was played by Yul Brynner. As a young girl I remember how captivated I was by the difference in these two men within this story and the struggle between right and wrong.

Yet, I also remember Yul as the strong bald guy rocking a side pony with full pouty lips and being sexy even though he ordered up the plagues. I won’t ruin the story for you but the 10 Commandments are created in this movie. It is only 10 statements but they cover a lot of territory and apply to so many things.

From the 10 commandments to the Golden Rule, we must find a way to live together peacefully within our communities. Clearly I don’t have all the answers because I too am still learning. Music is one tool that has for years pulled us together even though we have differences.

Despite how different we may seem, we will find a way to live together in harmony. April 2020 with Hoda Wan Kenobi has given me plenty of things to think about that have been useful to me. I hope that you are able to take away something of value from my reflections and become “one with the force.”

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Au Revoir Covid, Berry Me Naked Cake is a reduced calorie cake filled with flavor. The calorie savings come from a reduced cake size and tossing the icing. Review the recipe and let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you.

What is your cooking challenge or trick?

Please comment and tell me what else that you would like to see on my site. Do you have a cooking dilemma? What makes you nervous in the kitchen? Do you love to entertain or does the idea make you sweat?

Or please share your best cooking trick that you have learned. We would love to hear from you. Cooking takes practice because no one starts out as a Master Chef. I love this recipe, so let them eat Berry Me Naked Cake.

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Apparently, we’re baking like there is no tomorrow. And someone is hoarding all the yeast! How many Netflix, Hulu or Amazon prime series can you really watch and stay sane? Cooking as always been a creative outlet for me. Focusing on creating lovely meals is a good way to reflect on something other than the crazy covid-ness.

A home made from scratch cake is a great way to show appreciation to someone you care about. Whatever your age it is important that you master at least one cake in your repertoire. Why do you need this recipe and what is a naked cake?

What is a naked cake?

Naked cakes have no or minimal icing which allow you to see the texture of the cake. Clearly I am a big fan of this type of cake. If you have ever read the ingredients on icing for a cake, you understand why I have created this recipe.

As a lover of almost all really good foods, I have to find new ways to reduce. Besides wanting to cook and bake, I want to eat cake. Life is not fun without dessert or happy endings. This recipe reduces the size of the cake layers and uses a filling in lieu of traditional icing.

Au Revoir Covid, Berry Me Naked Cake recipe has a huge calorie reduction when you dump the icing and bake thinner cake layers. Truly I am not saying that this is diet food but it does have less sugar, flour, butter and eggs.

Why do I need Au Revoir Covid, Berry Me Naked Cake recipe?

Summer berries scream to be added to a cake. The fresh bite of berry is just enough to add sweet without too much. In creating this cake, I wanted to reduce sugar, size of the layers and calories without sacrificing the cake. A triple layer cake looks pretty but I wanted the finished cake to be smaller.

There are literally billions of cake recipes on the internet. If you combine that with cookbooks you could never try all of the recipes. So, why am I creating another one? Over time as I cook an item, I start to experiment in my lab called kitchen. As an exercise I review the good, bad and what would make it better.

Not to mention, I have Grill Man who cannot help himself when it comes to providing unlimited data on anything that I cook. It is almost like having a professional FCIR, (food critic in residence). Yes of course I appreciate his candor.

Yet, I don’t always want to hear it. Sometimes I just want to savor the moment and enjoy. Trail and error with additional discussions does help me to try and improve a recipe. Everything does not come out as I intend or perfect. In our kitchen, I am famous for burning bread. Success and failure is just part of the cooking and creating process.

Is Berry Me Naked Cake hard to make?

As in any skill your cooking experience should improve over time. The more you do it, the better you will become. If you can read and follow instructions, then you too may cook. If you have secured your own Grill Man or taco master, it is great to have extra hands in the kitchen.

When is the last time you made a homemade cake for your love? Au Revoir Covid, Berry Me Naked Cake is an easy cake for anyone. This recipe would certainly look great on any table. The blueberry and strawberry pattern on top would be fitting for any celebration.

Shout out to Alexa for Def Leppards, Pour Some Sugar On Me.

With Love from,
Mimi’s Kitchen

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