To Watch
Click Here

There seems to be a set, standard Southern rule if you visit, you dine, you have coffee… if you’re entertained in someone’s home or spend the night, go for house party, you arrive with a gift. That gift can be very small, it’s supposed to be from the heart, and that usually means homemade.

I have a shelf in my bookcase that’s designated for gifts from my friend Durden, all exquisitely handmade, painted, or drawn. She does all of the aforementioned beautifully; I have a piece of her pottery, a watercolor, a painting, all delightful and I think of her and the good times we’ve shared when I look at the gifts she’s given me. I have photographs, lovingly framed from my friend, Ann. She knows that I love black and whites, and she always has something to inscribe on the picture. She exactly knows the special brand of large beautiful soap I’ve come to adore, and I’m a lucky recipient of that very soap many times over.

I don’t paint, I can’t use a camera, I wish I could throw a pot or two, I can’t. But, I can cook. I can throw together a little mix of something that might brighten a day or help a harried friend put out a little appetizer when she’s entertaining. Maybe it’s something that could go in a cup of coffee or a salad or a tidbit for a sandwich; just a little something that tastes really fun and incredible.

Do you see what I mean? it’s tradition, it’s sharing your own gifts, and it makes for such a great feeling to be on either end—giving or receiving. Big Daddy loves to receive my friend Kathy Jeanne’s pickled okra. I love to make her husband Cream Cheese Pound Cake, he describes the various ways he eats it so well!

So get used to sharing things that you can take along, things in a jar, easily transported, ready to be opened, tasted, served up on a cracker, in a cup of coffee, whatever. I think the things in a jar – “stuff” in a jar – are wonderful, varied, and just amazing.

My grandmother made the Pickled Mushrooms and Onions many times over, and I love the spiced tea mix from my friend Dorothy. It’s the best mix to use any time of the year when you want that comfort factor, and you can add a bit of bourbon if you are in need of a grand hot toddy for cold or sinus, regardless of the season.

I’m especially fond of the Seafood Antipasto Spread recipe we’re featuring this week. This recipe came from a friend in Chicago, by way of her friend in Canada. Big Daddy has a buddy in Florida who for years begged for the recipe, I wasn’t forthcoming because it would take away from my being “special” at the holidays. He whined and begged for the recipe, my husband gave me grief, I gave in and sent the recipe. He communicated back, “Forget the recipe Just sent the jars! Too much trouble!!”

Keep the tradition going, good things in jars are always a delight to give or receive, whether it’s pickles…….mushrooms… jelly… honey……….. antipasto…….. okra………………..coffee creamer…………chow chow……………………?????

Recipes:
Light Cappuccino Coffee Creamer
Pickled Mushrooms and Onions
Seafood Antipasto Spread
Spiced Tea
Sweet Hot Pickles