What did it really mean? Was it just another month to pass by to get to March? Was it only that? No, of course not. It was a month to remember all the heros and heroines that marched, spoke, died, ran for president and yes, taught in schools; worked in factories; ran companies as CEO’s….it was a month to remember all those African American heros past and present. It was a time to chart a new course….it was a time to dig out of the snow that stopped the world in the northeast!
And it was a time to look forward to the coming month of March when the Irish will be remembered.
They were immigrants; were outcasts in certain areas and also many died due to the potato famine in Ireland. When we hear the Irish music, be it sad or lilting, we are reminded of a people who believe in the magic of the land; have the love of the ale and have the gift of “gab.”
Each month is a reminder of what the past has brought to the present. We thank you for February and all our African American heros (he and she) and for March. May the winds of Spring blow blessings upon all who read this post and send a positive comment along to us.
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It’s not about weight loss; eating right; doing exercise…no, it about doing one-act of kindness each day for 365 days in this coming year.  We all are aware that this country and the world is full of disparity, unrest, anger and angst.  But we can make a difference in the very places where we live and work.

It’s not about donating great sums of money, but giving from the heart.  It’s not about being recognized because you did something kind (but if it happens so much the better). 

It is about making sure that you say thank you to the person who waits on you in Mickey D’s; about making that phone call to someone who has mentored your child; it about being kind in the grocery store line….and so much more.

Each day there are thousands of opportunities for kindness.  They reach out to us in many forms.  They are the opposite of what the world is telling us.  And it is all good.

So, set your goal of one per day…and make it shine.  Lift someone up with your smile.  Make someone try once again because of your encouragement. 

And let me know how you are doing.  I know I am dong this and my world is so much brighter.  And you know, I think I am helping to shine a positive light and not dwell on the negative.

And today, if you have not done so, give to a registered charity for the earthquake victims in Haiti.  Everyone on the ground is doing so much to help fix a very depressing and disastrous situation.  Join in and give.  I donated to the Red Cross.

Be kind and much peace to all.

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Well, this year is a year of definition.  Not by choice, but by the economy, the loss of jobs, the lack of dollars to be extravagant.  And you know, everyone seemed to exhale a positive breath once the conversation was held.  It seems we are all in the same way and all lacked the courage to speak out.  So, economy, you did us a favor this year.  Our Christmas season (whether is Hannaka, Kwanza, or the traditional Christmas) is going to be one where we cut back on the glitz and share a part of ourselves with our families.  Such a wonderful feeling to know this!

However,  we are definitely going to eat well!  The “rice pot” is coming out and rice is going to be steaming on our table. Plus we are going to have shrimp and grits, “fried banta” (Cornish hens), shrimp and rice, baked sweet potatoes, baked white potatoes (for those teenagers that just “can’t eat” a sweet potato), steamed squash, macaroni and cheese and of course, the traditional ham.  This is the Gullah way…the way to share, the way to load the tabletop with hot, steaming foods and enjoy the diversity of those foods and those around us.

Everyone is bringing something that they want to cook , their specialty.  Some will be preparing it at the home we choose for our celebration; many will have their “assignments” cooked and ready to serve…but we all will be ready to eat when the appointed time arrives.

Gifts will come second this year and we will give thanks for another year of health, blessings and the opportunity to gather together near the end of a year filled with hope and broken promises.  It will be a time of renewal for us as a family.  A time to reconnect with one another; a time to forgive those small transgressions that always seem ot occur in families; and a time to build upon the strength of our love and commitment to one another.

This is what our Christmas season will be all about.  We can’t wait for the celebration to begin!

One of the great tastes for the “crackers plate,” as the teenagers call it, is Sweet Potato Butter. Spread on the crackers, it is a taste that just lends itself to what is coming in the Thanksgiving meal. Another delicious spread is Red Rasperry Pretzel Dip. Now, we use this on pretzels as well as crackers….so delicious!
Another butter that I have used in pies is Pumpkin Butter. While not everyone is a lover of pumpkin pie, those that are surely are will eat more than one piece.
There are so many ways to add to your traditions and to continue your traditions. Just be creative; think outside the box and enjoy your day, being thankful for all your blessings….both small and large.
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Place oil in deep pot or fryer. Bring temperature to 275 degrees (not high than 300 degrees) Higher temperature will cause turkey wings to become brittle and unsightly.
Make sure turkey is completely thawed.
Wash and season turkey inside and out with gullah Luv seasoning.
Pat breader onto turkey with hands.
Cover with breader.
Slowly place turkey in fryer (make sure oil is up to temperature)
Cook for 2 – 21/2 hrs. (The larger the turkey, the longer the cooking time.)
Remove and wrap aluminum foil (this will allow turkey to hold heat and continue cooking).
When turkey is done, it should excrete clear liquid. If there is a thermometer, remove it to see if there is any red or colored liquid on it.

Tips: Do not use knife to check doneness; a large cut will break seal and cause that area to fht turkey to become brown and dry, especially if more cooking is deemed necessary after the test. A small wooden skewer works best.

This recipe and others can be found in the cook book: The Ultimate Gullah Cookbook”
And you will say also….”De smell ob dem turkey!
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Lots of educational material to read about the gullah people and then a super  shopping experience for all.  Just click into the shopping site.

Coming up this weekend is the festival at Holden Beach, NC.  We will be there on Saturday and Sunday.  Also visit the Harvest Home Festival at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, SC.  We will be there on Sunday.  Lots to see and we do want to meet everyone.  Remember….Ultimate Gullah, for cooking and lots of neat items in our “cart.”

I have been looking through all my stand-alone recipes, ripped from magazines that I have read and then thrown away.  However, there is one cook book that I am going through time and time again.  I am searching for something “old-fashioned” and similar to what my grandmother would have made.

The Ultimate Gullah Cookbook has one recipe that I am definitely going to make and bring to the family table this Thanksgiving.  Steamed squash that is seasoned with some Gullah Luv seasoning and also some drippings from the cooked bacon strips.  Not much of these drippings, but just a wee bit. 

Part of the key to steaming this squash is to remember that squash produces its own water, so add as little as you can.  And seasoned with Gullah Luv, I will be the star at the Thanksgiving table this year.