Family - grace grits and gardening

The Enchanted Forest

December 2, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

When I was a child, the coolest place to shop was Goldsmith’s in downtown Memphis. Even the journey to Goldsmiths was fantastic—driving over the Mississippi River, parking in the multi-level garage, and walking through the tunnel underneath Front Street to get to ground level.

And the tunnel? It was no ordinary tunnel. Inside the air was hypnotic—fresh, clean, divine—infused by a zillion shampoos and hair sprays lining the l-o-o-o-o-n-n-n-g passageway .

Just beyond the tunnel, a bakery greeted us. Oh mercy. Freshly baked cookies and cakes and gingerbread men filled trays displayed at eye level. The warm lights made the sugar sparkle.

Past the bakery, a world awaited with escalators and elevators and wide stairs and rails for swinging on (when we could get away with it). Unlike Belk’s in Osceola and Westbrook’s in Blytheville, There Was A Separate Floor For Each Department.

Trips to Goldsmith’s were reserved for special occasions such as back-to-school shopping or when Momma needed a fancy dress. The most special occasion of all was Christmas. During Christmas, the Enchanted Forest magically appeared inside Goldsmiths.

Magic I tell you…

A winter wonderland spread before us filled with forest animals and snowmen and twinkle lights and glittery snow delivered straight from the North Pole to the area behind men’s clothing. We strolled through slowly, savoring each second and every step, not wanting it to end. But kinda we did because deep in the frosty forest, a visit and picture with Santa awaited.

The real Santa.

We waited in line as long as it took.We wore our best holiday outfits.

The Enchanted Forest was THE holiday event.

We never missed it.

Picture with Santa, The Enchanted Forest, Memphis

my sister and me with the real Santa

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

“On these magic shores children at play are forever beaching their coracles. We too have been there; we can still hear the sound of the surf, though we shall land no more.” – J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan

P.S. The Enchanted Forest is now located at The Pink Palace Museum. Click HERE for the link. Has anyone been? I bet it’s different…

Which Came First—the Egg or the Egg Dish?

November 28, 2013 By Talya Tate Boerner

Turquoise Fiestaware. LOVE.

Which came first, the deviled egg or the egg dish? Since necessity is the mother of invention, I suppose the deviled egg. But the dish must have quickly followed. How else how did folks tote around deviled eggs to church picnics and holiday spreads?

I am obsessed with egg dishes. Never can I pass one up at an estate sale. Each is different, unique in its own way. Most of mine are handed down from family members, but I have a few newish ones like my fun Fiesta dish (thanks Marcia!) and my white plastic Crate & Barrel dish which is more practical poolside and at Munger Place porch parties.

Egg dishes make me as happy as the deviled eggs themselves.

A few of my favorites…

This one was my mother-in-law’s.

I bought this one at Wildwood Antiques in Etowah, Arkansas.

I love the gold rim around this antique one.

So, I’m wondering…

a) Are deviled eggs part of your Thanksgiving meal?

b) Do you have a deviled egg platter? New or vintage? More than one?

c) Do you have a special deviled egg recipe?

My recipe? I’m a purist when it comes to deviled eggs. I never stray from the basic ingredients of Hellman’s mayonnaise (must be real mayo), yellow French’s mustard, egg yolks and sea salt. I top with paprika and sometimes fresh thyme. That’s it.

What about you?

Happy Thanksgiving!

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

Musical Pairing:

Mother of Invention, The Trishas