A simple birdhouse

This charming made-by-hand birdhouse was a gift we received soon after we moved into Etiwan House in the summer of 2017.  We found a spot and hung it just after Hurricane Michael.  Now, this sweet little roosting place is just waiting for new inhabitants - hopefully we'll see some this spring.

Hoppin' John - A Southern New Year's Tradition

Gorgeous bowl of New Years' Day Hoppin' Johns.  This hearty meal (or side) is thought to bring you good luck in the new year, here in the south.  This recipe is easy and makes for wonderful leftovers.

Hoppin' John

Ingredients-

• 4 Tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 16 oz of black-eyed peas
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 1 ham hock or 16 oz of bacon, chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder
• salt and pepper
• 2 Tbsp of white vinegar
• 1 pack fresh baby spinach
• Brown rice, cooked, to serve the Hoppin' Johns over

Steps-

1. Soak peas in water, overnight.
2. Preheat a dutch oven.
3. Melt butter on low heat.
4. Add onions, bell pepper, celery & garlic and sauté on low until soft, 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the peas, bacon, chili powder, salt & pepper.  Stir to mix.
6. Add 4 cups chicken stock, stir and simmer on low.
7. After an hour or so, add more chicken broth if necessary.
8. Continue to simmer on low 4-6 hours.
9. Just before serving add vinegar and stir in spinach.
10. Serve over rice (or better yet, leftover chicken bog, if you have some)

Pictured in this post-

• Small shamrock Fiestaware bowl
• 3.5 qt Le Creuset Dutch Oven or here
• 8 oz Ball Fruit Mason jars

Lowcountry Produce in Seabrook

As the season has shifted into fall, the way the sun lights up the spaces in our house throughout the day has changed.  For some reason, thinking about how the sun streams in reminded me of a visit to Lowcountry Produce earlier this year.

While I don't have dreams of opening a shop, Lowcountry Produce is the kind of place that I would like to create if I did.  Everything about it was charming, from the bright white floor-to-ceiling board and batten clad walls, to the pickles, jams & soups lining the shelves.  It is a sweet little market where you can find a darling gift or something to make a plain appetizer or meal a little bit special.  The colorful art placed here and there and the sunshine streaming in warmed the happy space right up.  

By the way, the make scrumptious breakfasts and lunches, too.