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Crop Dusters, Porch Swings and Home

June 23, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner 9 Comments

Arkansas…

sister-cousins

sister-cousins

Sunrise

over rice fields,

crop dusters soar and dip,

cousins down the road, memories,

sunsets.

Texas…

porch swing days - Munger Place, Dallas

porch swing days

Porch swing

days, early blooms,

margaritas and Mavs,

cowboys and music, neighbors who

gather.

 

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

Musical Pairing:

Back Down South, Kings of Leon

Spicy Barbecued Cauliflower

June 2, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner 5 Comments

spicy barbecued cauliflower - made with Bentley's Batch #5

(I was provided free barbecue sauce; however opinions are my own. I swear.)

A few years ago, I discovered cauliflower. I mean really discovered it. Oh sure, I always knew about eating it raw with Ranch dressing. Cauliflower was never my favorite of the dip vehicles. Standing at a party veggie tray, I rotated through the choices not wanting to be that person hogging the carrot sticks or cucumber slices.

And steamed cauliflower with a thin cheese sauce? I consider that hospital food.

But the same head of cauliflower tossed with olive oil and sea salt, roasted in a 400 degree oven is a vegetable game changer. Heat brings out the caramelized flavor. The dark (almost burnt) bits taste like onion rings. Try it. You’ll agree.

Now that summer is (almost) here, I’ve been thinking about ways to spice up my regular recipes. This barbecued cauliflower—made with my favorite barbecue sauce, Bentley’s Batch 5—will complement all your summer meals.

Bentley's Batch 5

Before we get to the recipe, let me tell you a bit about Bentley’s Batch 5. Bentley’s is a stick-to-your-ribs sort of sauce, not one of those namby-pamby thin vinegary concoctions. The flavor is robust as a Texas barbecue sauce should be.

I’m not just saying all this because it’s made by my Munger Place friends Harold and Gale, but this does make it more special. I know the history and all the work that went into it. After years of making his Dad’s family recipe, Harold and Gale perfected it. Now you can purchase Bentley’s at several Texas locations (more retailers added daily).

I love it on grilled shrimp, chicken, pork and all sorts of vegetables, which brings me back to cauliflower.

recipe for spicy barbecued cauliflower

 

Print
Spicy Barbecue Cauliflower

Spicy Barbecue Cauliflower

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower
  • olive oil
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (I recommend Bentley's Batch 5 - Hot)
  • sea salt
  • ground pepper
  • Parmesan reggiano

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Cut cauliflower into florets. In a large bowl, toss with olive oil (just a drizzle) and 1/4 - 1/2 cup Bentley's Batch 5.
  3. Arrange on cookie sheet.
  4. Roast 10 minutes. Turn cauliflower and roast 8-10 more minutes adding more barbecue sauce if desired. (Oven times vary so keep an eye on it.)
  5. Top with freshly grated Parmesan reggiano, salt and pepper.
  6. Makes a wonderful appetizer, side dish or can be served on a salad.
3.1
https://gracegritsgarden.com/2014/06/barbecued-cauliflower.html

 

Barbecued Cauliflower - made with Bentley's Batch #5

I made this recipe with Bentley’s Hot, but if you aren’t a fan of heat, Bentley’s Batch 5 is available in Reserve and Sweet too.

Best Barbecue Sauce EVER.

Serve your barbecued cauliflower with extra Bentley’s Batch #5 on the side for dipping.

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

Musical Pairing:

BBQ Stain – Tim McGraw

Host a Southern Porch Party

May 15, 2014 By Talya Tate Boerner 12 Comments

Friday night means one thing in my neighborhood. Porch Party! And I do believe the good folks of Munger Place Historic District (where I live) have it down to an art.

How to throw an old fashioned porch party

First off, let’s talk about the porch. Most homes built at the turn of the century embraced the iconic front porch. Before air-conditioning, the porch provided an outside living area enjoyed by the entire family, while the porch swing offered the perfect place to catch a breeze. In Munger Place, we still embrace our porches, gathering together at the end of each busy week to catch up and ease into the weekend.

Porch parties bring people together, turning neighbors into friends, building community. I’ve seen the magic first-hand.

Of course it helps to have a porch, but a patio, deck, or front yard will work just as well. Memorial Day is just around the corner, and the weather is glorious. Why not start your own neighborhood tradition with these porch party guidelines:

  • pick a day and time for your weekly event (our parties are held each Friday night during spring and fall, 6-8 P.M.);
  • circulate a sign-up list for hosting (our list fills up quickly!);
  • the weekly host provides appetizers à la front porch; and
  • neighbors bring their own beverages.

Now for the basic elements for a successful southern porch party.

FOOD. As host, food shouldn’t be a burden. Keep the menu simple—just something to nibble on—appetizers (chips and salsa, a veggie tray, etc.) and cookies or brownies for dessert. Don’t forget plates and those cute napkins you bought on sale last summer.

How to throw a southern porch party

DRINKS. Although everyone brings his or her own beer and wine, the host should have cups (just in case), a corkscrew and bottle opener. We keep our bottle opener attached to the house. It’s easier that way. Also, a tub of chilled water is a necessity (this is Texas). And sweet tea for those who don’t imbibe. (Huh?)

How to throw an old fashioned southern porch party

SEATING: Porch steps and railings provide built-in seating. And if you have a porch swing, bonus!  There are so many folks at our porch parties, most people mill around talking to one another, but it’s a good idea to provide a few folding chairs for extra seating.

UNINVITED GUESTS: Let’s get real. Mosquitoes will be the first to arrive. Be prepared with citronella candles and plants, as well as fly swatters and bug repellant for guests to use. But what about wasps? Of course, you don’t have wasps because your porch ceiling is painted haint blue. According to southern folklore, the proper shade of blue will not only protect your porch from haints, but will also repel wasps. (FYI-my favorite porch ceiling shades are Sherwin Williams Soar #SW-6799 and Benjamin Moore Cumulus Cotton 2063-70. Perfect names, soothing colors.)

BATHROOM: Some people (usually kids) will need to use your bathroom. Make sure it’s presentable. Just saying.

DECOR: You already have baskets of flowers and lush ferns on your porch, right? Sweep off your front steps, fluff the pillows on your glider and break out a vintage tablecloth. In case the party extends late into the night, and sometimes it will, add twinkle lights. And don’t forget to provide a trash can. (Simple yet often overlooked.)

How to host a porch party

KIDS & PETS. Kids and pets are always welcome at our neighborhood porch parties. The host typically provides additional drinks for the kids—juice, lemonade or water. Sweaty kids drink a lot, just like their parents. Don’t forget Fido—he needs water too. And providing an activity for the kids will make for more relaxed porch party parents.

How to throw a porch party

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules for throwing a porch party. Keep it simple. The goal is to have good old-fashioned fun in the neighborhood.

See you on the porch!

how to throw a porch party

Munger Place Historic District, Dallas, Texas

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

Chicken Fried – Zac Brown Band

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Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

Click to BUY NOW!

Talya Tate Boerner books
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