grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

Hello Summer!

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wordless wednesday…


The true Southern watermelon is a boon apart, and not to be mentioned with common things. It is chief of this world’s luxuries, king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat. It was not a Southern watermelon that Eve took; we know it because she repented. – Mark Twain

talya

Musical Pairing:

Watermelon Song, Dave Matthews Band

Family Reunion

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Original Johnsons + Grandpa Johnson

Last weekend I attended the Johnson family reunion. My Nana was one of twelve Johnson children who grew up at the turn of the century in rural Arkansas surrounded by a God-loving family  The original twelve still attend in spirit as our huge group gathers each year for delicious food, lots of laughter and great storytelling. 

We have over fifty 1st cousins in the family.

Fifty 1st cousins equals lots of 2nd and 3rd cousins.

with a few of my 2nd cousins…

How long will these reunions continue?

When the 1st cousins can no longer travel, will the 2nd cousins continue the tradition? We are spread around the South, busy with kids and careers and life. Some cousins I only know through Facebook. Some are complete strangers. Even so, that one weekend a year we realize our special bond is worth the effort. Plus, the original twelve would miss these family celebrations if we stopped.

talya
(Johnson 2nd cousin)

Musical Pairing:

In the Sweet By and By, Dolly Parton

Turkey Lettuce Wraps

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This is a quick and light recipe perfect for that summer night when you want something different.

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground turkey
3 diced carrots
2 stalks diced celery
1/3 cup reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 garlic cloves minced
4 green onions chopped
lettuce leaves


  • In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook turkey over medium heat until no longer pink.
  • Add carrots and celery to the pan. Stir in the teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter, ginger, vinegar and oil. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
  • Remove from the heat; stir in onions. Place 1/2 cup turkey mixture on each lettuce leaf; fold lettuce over filling. Yield: 4 servings.

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening


Food. Farm. Garden. Life.

THANKS FOR READING!