Mediterranean Veggies & Shells Salad

January 18, 2020January 18, 2020 ~ Spence's Girl

Mediterranean Veggies & Shells Salad

1 c uncooked medium pasta shells
1/2 c kidney beans
1/2 c garbanzo beans
1/2 c navy beans
1 c Haricots Verts (fresh or frozen)
1/4 c minced onion
1 c chopped bell peppers (I used yellow, orange & red)
1 small chopped jalapeño
1/2 c chopped celery
2 T capers
3-4 T chopped fresh herbs – I used parsley, cilantro & thyme

Boil pasta in 6 cups heavily salted water for twelve minutes. Place the Haricots Verts in a colander. When the pasta is cooked pour into the colander with the beans, draining the pasta while blanching the beans. Set aside to cool. Place the rest of the ingredients into a large bowl and stir to combine. Add the pasta and Haricots Verts to the bowl and combine. Pour the dressing (recipe below) over the mixture and stir to combine. Eat now or refrigerate for later.

Dressing:

3-4 T fresh lemon juice
1/2 c olive oil
2 t sugar
1 T dijon mustard
1/2 t garlic powder
red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste

I mixed this together in a Mason jar, shaking it vigorously before lightly dressing the salad.

Depending on what you have on hand, you could substitute ingredients for some of these:

cucumber
chopped carrots
green olives
basil, mint, oregano or chives

So go crazy and create your own combination- it’s all about having fun while making delicious, healthy food right?

Happy New Year!

December 31, 2019January 16, 2020 ~ Spence's Girl ~ 2 Comments

Scenes from Death Valley

November 13, 2019November 13, 2019 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

On a recent trip to Nevada, my sister and I took a three day/two night girl’s trip which included a day spent in Death Valley. The weather was perfection with the sun adding warmth, color, light and shadows. It was a magical place and a dream to photograph. The photos below are my favorites.

Returning to Tennessee – part eight

October 11, 2019October 11, 2019 ~ Spence's Girl

When visiting the Smokies the food is a major part of the appeal. There are endless choices – I’m highlighting a few that I love.

My longtime favorite bbq spot, Smokin Joe’s in Townsend never disappoints. While I’ve had their brisket and ribs this time I ordered the pulled pork with fried okra and corn nuggets (fried cream corn). OMG.

A new find was Trailhead Steak and Trout House also in Townsend. I started with fried green tomatoes, a Caesar salad followed by their grilled trout that was perfectly prepared. While I neglected to photograph those meals (too hungry?) I did manage to capture the following:

Fried Oyster Basket, Hushpuppies and Fries at Paw Paw’s Catfish Kitchen

Piggy Mac is Cherry wood-smoked pulled pork in an iron skillet topped with white cheddar Mac and cheese and biscuit breadcrumbs at Pucketts in Pigeon Forge, I couldn’t resist this entree, comfort food on steroids!

I discovered an amazing bakery, Cakes by Bakin’ Bishop that had these ginormous cinnamon rolls – what an indulgence. They were my breakfast each morning as I sat on my deck, enjoying the sunrises over Wears Valley. I got to chat with the owner who was so friendly and also got two of her big cupcakes, custom frosted just before she boxed them up. They were a delightful treat and worth every calorie. This bakery will be a part of my future trips.

Inspired by southern cuisine and using my cast iron skillet I fixed this delicious plate of pea meal bacon, cheddar jalapeño cornbread, oven roasted potatoes and pickled okra.

Returning to Tennessee – part seven

October 10, 2019 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

Scenes from The Island in Pigeon Forge

Scenes from Wears Valley and the Smoky Mountains

While exploring one day I came upon the Waldens Creek Stables, now closed but still an interesting photo opportunity.

And another day comes to an end…

Returning to Tennessee – part six

October 6, 2019October 7, 2019 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

Driving the Cades Cove Loop you’ll find several churches with small cemeteries. It was early Sunday morning when I came upon them and I was able to hear parts of the sermons and hymns at each as I walked with reverence around the graveside pathways. It was peaceful and I was in awe of the history in this place.

The Dan Lawson Place, which was originally constructed in 1856, is a transitional piece of architecture – the home features both sawn lumber and hewn logs. In addition, the pioneer cabin featured a modern chimney made out of bricks.

Over the years, Lawson expanded both his land holdings and his residence. By the time of his death, the cabin had been expanded to have a large porch and an additional second story. The large, covered porch was used as a post office that Dan ran from his house.

I visited Cades Cove on three occasions this trip and my posts only provide a glimpse of the beauty. The peaceful meandering loop road connects you to nature. At any hour of the day you’re assured of unforgettable scenic views and often wildlife sightings making it a must-see when you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains.

Returning to Tennessee – part five

October 1, 2019October 2, 2019 ~ Spence's Girl ~ Leave a comment

Since my last visit in 2016, the Foothills Parkway was completed. The Wears Valley entrance was less than a mile from my cabin and I decided to check it out. I drove it several times during my stay; it’s scenic with many turnouts for taking pictures and little to no traffic.
”The Foothills Parkway is a national parkway which traverses the foothills of the northern Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, located in the southeastern United States”. Wikipedia

In Wears Valley I love to seek out interesting photo opportunities and thought this was a cool old barn. And I love old barns.

It never rained during my stay but it looks like Gatlinburg got a bit of rain this day. The clouds were low, shrouding the mountains.
I pulled off on a side road to take this shot. This is Wears Valley.

Returning to Tennessee – part four

September 30, 2019 ~ Spence's Girl

A trip to the Smoky Mountains isn’t complete without driving the Cades Cove Loop. I drove it three times during the trip choosing daybreak, midday and late afternoon to experience the changing light and wildlife sightings. It’s a one-way 11 mile drive that progresses slowly as you savor the scenery, take photos and stop for animals.

I get a thrill seeing the black bears that are a beloved fixture in Tennessee. I’d been following several Facebook groups in the weeks before my trip with numerous posts of mother bears with multiple cubs. I’ve always had multiple bear sightings on past trips – my hopes were high. I saw one bear cub on my late morning drive. He scampered across the road in front of me and was gone before I could get a photo. He was my only bear on this trip but there’s always next time.