James Farmer is a Southern gentleman who looks way too cute in his signature gingham shirts...he's a gardening expert, floral genius, interior designer, and a gourmet chef.
I just got my hands on his latest book...Dinner on the Grounds.
The book is full of his much loved Southern recipes; clockwise...
When James and his sisters were little, their grandmother would make these adorable "ants on a log" for treats. How cute are they? There are celery stalks with cream cheese and chopped green olives and some with peanut butter with apples and raisins. Then there's my favorite...Devilish Deviled Eggs. These sound perfect with the Wickles Pickles Relish! I'm a fan of okra prepared any ole' way, but his Roasted Okra recipe is must-try for me. Lord have mercy, he includes loads of topping ideas for grits...and I'm liking the idea of adding crumbled sausage, sliced mushrooms, baby shrimp, crumbled bacon, and chopped green pepper.
I must admit that I've never heard of an Olive Oil Cake. This recipe intrigues me because it doesn't call for any sugar at all...just honey. The name is "Honey Lemon Olive Oil Cake." In the bottom photo, it is served with and Amaretto Peach Bake. Be still my Southern peach heart! Peaches and amaretto liqueur...I'd love this tonight!
I first fell in love with James' tablescapes in Southern Living magazine. Dinner on the Grounds includes more beautiful settings...love this blue and white tablescape under the tent.
Buffalo check tablecloths--always a winner! Love the tablecloth, the chairs, the flowers, and the centerpiece!
I'm off to drool over the beautiful pictures and great looking food in this book!
Looks SO yummy! Be sure to invite all of us over when you start creating those confections ;)
ReplyDeleteAnts on a log was such a blast from the past... My mamaw used to make them for me in the summer when I stayed with her. Recipes bring back some of the best memories :)
Thanks for sharing, Miss Janice!
XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass
I have never had ants on a log:)
DeleteAbsolutely love the blue and white tablescape! That is what I have in mind for my dream wedding. So classically beautiful and southern!
ReplyDeleteI love that tablescape and all of his tablescapes!
DeleteWhere does a lady apply to be an honorary Southerner? *yum!*
ReplyDeleteAli
I have looked at this book several times at Costco. I may just have to break down and buy it next time. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a wonderful book, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOn a different topic - napkin etiquette; what are the approximate sizes for each meal? Lunch, dinner, cocktails, dessert. I often find that I haven't prepared (ironed) enough napkins if I decide to serve dessert in the living room and it seems tacky to ask people to carry their dinner napkins with them.
What do you think is the best solution?
Miss Jane,
ReplyDeleteI did a post about Napkin Etiquette
http://etiquettewithmissjanice.blogspot.com/2010/03/napkin-etiquette.html That will tell you about sizes, etc.