Some Like It Hot Video & Blog

Ok, ok…I watch my fair share of CNN.  It’s true.  So….the other day I was watching CNN and one of the anchors started talking about these women he met in New Hampshire for the primaries earlier this month (or was it last month).  He referred to them as “political tourists.”  Apparently, they don’t live in New Hampshire but flew in so that they could be a part of the excitement that is the political primary season in New Hampshire.   

What an interesting new trend, I thought.  With that, I did what all Internet-addicted Americans do…I “Googled” it, I “Asked Jeeves” about it and I was captivated.  As one writer put it, “it’s like when people fly into New Orleans for a jazz festival…except that these are political junkies” who fly from Quebec, New York, Massachusetts, Cleveland and even overseas to check it out. 

So, with that, for all you “political tourists” out there I have one tip…www.TravelSouthUSA.com.   In that one site, you will find all you need to plan your political tour of the gorgeous, beautiful and politically active Southern states as well as articles from the pages of Southern Living magazine.  From dining to shopping to festivals and attractions, it is all there.  And for those of you who can’t make it in person, you can take the South home with you by downloading some great Southern Recipes.  Here are two of my personal faves…

First of all, how often does one get to use the word “fortuitous?”   But it IS fortuitous that this month TravelSouth USA is offering Canadians a chance to win a trip to my second favorite Southern state-South Carolina.  Psst…it is only second to my home state of Arkansas where I was born and have lived my entire life.   But back to the giveaway…it is  HUGE.  The VIP pass must include entry in to 30 different venues in Charleston including the Carles Towne Landing State Park, a round of golf at one of my favorite places, Kiawah Island Golf Resort and a chance to learn about lowcountry cuisine from some of the top chefs in the country at Charleston Cooks!.  To learn more about the trip to Charleston, SC visit the TravelSouth USA website.  In fact, you can check out this video from Southern Living magazine there.

Last, but certainly not least for the media, it is further “fortuitous” that this is also the month of the South Carolina primaries where names like Clinton, Obama, Edwards, McCain, Romney and Huckabee are fighting it out for  political leadership.  I sure hope Candy Crowley, Tim Russert and all the political news analysts in town to cover the Presidential primaries know about TravelSouth USA’s Dining site so that they can visit places like Bowen’s Island (which is back in business after a fire in 2006) and Louis’s at Pawleys when they are in town and share the great experience that is the lowcountry.

In fact here’s one of the recipes I found at Louis’s at Pawleys website:

Enjoy!  Until next time…

I just heard that four Kentucky poets, Lynnell Edwards, Erin Keane and Ben Lesousky of Louisville, and David Harrity of Nicholasville, will read from their work at the first Tapas Tuesday of 2008 at Holly Hill Inn in Midway, Kentucky.  The reading will be on January 29^th.  As an English major, I’ll go anywhere to hear poetry but, unfortunately, I had to ask, “What is a Tapas Tuesday?”  Here’s what I learned from Genie Graf: the tradition of serving food on small plates, or tapas, originated in Spain. These small plates of food can be shared among friends, or several can be ordered as a meal. The dishes, such as gambas al pilpil (shrimp in garlic sauce) or a Spanish tortilla, can range from spicy to light, soups to meats, chilled or hot. 

Sounds awesome.  Gene also told me that vegetarian options are always available at the Holly Hill Inn. Cost for each plate will range from $5-$10.

Holly Hill Inn is at 426 North Winter Street in historic Midway, Exit 65 off I-64, minutes from Lexington, Frankfort and Versailles. Hours are: dinner, 5:30-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; brunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; weekday lunch by group reservation only in winter. Reservations suggested for dinner and brunch at (859) 846-4732. For menus and more information, visit www.hollyhillinn.com.

We've also got articles from Southern Living magazine about Kentucky as well as other locations throughout the south at http://www.travelsouthusa.com/travel-talk/Default.aspx?id=25.  Check it out!

One of my blog friends asked me the other day “What is Lowcountry Cuisine Anyway?”  Well, I’m no expert, but my definition is cooking that features ingredients predominantly found in South Carolina’s Low Country (as in geography) including Charleston and Savannah.  It’s the stuff Pat Conroy must have been eating when he wrote Prince of Tides (one of my favorite books, but not my favorite movie…in my opinion, the book is almost always better.  For favorite movie, see: Steel Magnolias.)  I digress…Lowcountry cooking has a strong French influence, is full of seafood and reminds you a whole lot of its kissin’ cousin, Cajun cooking.  As someone once told me, “it is the food of the water”

Wikipedia also educated me on some foods that, while some are new to me, are traditionally part of Lowcountry cuisine include She-crab Soup, Sweet Potato & Crab Soup, Charleston Red Rice, Hoppin’ John, Frogmore Stew, Perlau, Oyster Roast, Crab Cakes or Shrimp & Grits. 

With that, here’s a recipe for Frogmore Stew which, according to the South Carolina Encyclopedia, originated in the Frogmore community on St. Helena Island near Beaufort. 

Until next time, enjoy!

Yes, you can learn to cook the Southern way. All across the South cooking schools and Executive Chefs teach the magical tricks of their trade. This month, Travel South USA is offering a Charleston getaway package that features a class at Charleston Cooks where Lowcountry and visiting celebrity chefs entertain and inspire. Check out other Southern cooking schools and interactive cuisine experiences on the TSUSA Flavours site.

In fact, here is a great Crab Cakes recipe that I can’t wait to try.  Please send me some of your favorites as well or your thoughts on great cooking schools of the south.

Lowcountry Crab Cakes

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

Lightly toss lump crab meat, onion, parsley, mayonnaise, mustard, pepper, salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, eggs and 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Form to make eight (8) crab cakes. Heat the unsalted butter at medium heat in a large iron skillet. Roll crab cakes in remaining bread crumbs. Place in heated butter and cook until golden brown, turning once to cook the other side. Careful not to burn! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with tartar or remoulade sauce and lemon wedge. Enjoy your lowcountry feast!

View More Southern Recipes

Professional storytellers from across America will gather in Pigeon Forge for the 17th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival™, Feb. 7-9, 2008, to share their talents on stage and in workshops.

Hailing from West Virginia, California, New York and points between, the list of performers showcases a variety of storytelling styles. Tellers scheduled to perform include Waddie Mitchell, a cowboy poet and storyteller from Nevada; Bil Lepp, five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest.

Carmen Agra Deedy, an author and storyteller born in Havana, Cuba, shares stories steeped in the riches of both Latin American and Southern culture. Mitch Weiss and Martha Hamilton, an award-winning husband and wife team, are known for their work in teaching the art of storytelling.

Willy Claflin has a number of award-winning recordings and has been featured at storytelling festivals around the world.

The festival also features the National Youth Storytelling Showcase presented in partnership with the National Storytelling Network. The Showcase will feature performers age 17 and younger from across the nation, vying for the title of Grand Torchbearer.

Old Mill Haunts ‘n’ Haints Tales return with evening offerings of family-friendly ghost stories.

Storytelling concerts and workshops will take place at American Jukebox Theater. Day passes for Storytelling activities (excluding Haunts ‘n’ Haints) are $10 for ages 18 and older, free to ages 17 and younger. Weekend passes are $25. Haunts ‘n’ Haints tickets are $5 per person. All tickets will be available at 1-866-430-8422.

January is a great time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains.   In fact, Wilderness Week in Pigeon Forge begins its 18th annual on January 12-19, 2008, with a series of outdoor themed activities designed to connect visitors with the outdoor world of the Great Smoky Mountains.  Nearly 100 experts on nature and the great outdoors will host walks, hikes, seminars and lectures on a wide variety of topics, including Smoky Mountain history and plant and animal life. A number of Wilderness Wildlife Week programs are designed for children.

Guided Wilderness Week hikes through the Smokies range from easy, relaxed walks to more strenuous, multi-mile treks. Topics vary with individual hikes. To properly prepare for daylong outings, hikers are encouraged to bring gloves, head cover, rain gear, lunch or trail snacks, a flashlight and an extra pair of socks.  A complete hiking checklist can be found at http://www.mypigeonforge.com/winterfest-03wwwhike-checklist.asp.

Wilderness Wildlife Week offers activities for all ages and attracts thousands of nature lovers to Pigeon Forge. The International Festivals & Events Association has recognized Pigeon Forge Wilderness Week for its environmental and educational efforts.

Wilderness Week activities are offered free of charge and also include the 2^nd Annual AppalachiaFest, the musical component of Wilderness Wildlife Week, which will feature Dr. Ralph Stanley this year.  The Music Road Hotel & Convention Center is the headquarters for the event.