Sunday, March 13, 2011

Easy Grilled Potatoes


Since tonight was our first grilling of the spring-like season we experienced this weekend, I thought I would take a few pictures of my husband's favorite potatoes.  This is my own version of grilled potatoes that my mother used to make. 


I started with 6 medium spuds (I always make extra so Mr. C has some left-overs for the next night). I wash them, then microwave on my vegetable setting just until done.  Next I spray a large sheet of heavy duty foil with Pam.  After slicing the hot potatoes on a cutting board (no more than 1/4" thick, the thinner the better), I place them on the foil and season with my favorites.  I ususally use sea salt, onion salt, fresh ground pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.  When the garden spring onions come in, I often slice a handfull on the pototoes before grilling...delicious.

Opptional use of butter or margarine dotted on top creates added flavor.

After seasoning, bring the two longest sides of the foil up and fold it over twice to make a sealed pack.  Then fold or roll up the two ends. 

Now your packet is grill ready.  Often I put the pack on the grill when I light it, and let it warm up with the grill.  I will leave it on one side for 10 to 20 mins. depending on how hot I have the grill.  Then when I put the meat on, I flip the package with my grilling spatula, being careful not to tear the foil. 

I bring the potatoes in at the same time I bring the meat, and simply open and serve.  A dallop of sour cream is also good with these, but it doesn't take any special side sauces to make Mr. C happy. 
For those who like to use a George Foreman grill, I make these same potatoes making all slices 1/4" thick, and place a single layer on the grill.  I prepare them before the meat, and keep them in foil until the meat is done.  Try them and let me know how you like them!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Barn Storming

Traveling home last weekend, in the storms and pouring down rain, I took these photos out the passenger window, while my husband did the driving.  I decided to pick out old barns.  I missed numerous, as I watched for the next opportunity to catch a click.  All of these barns can be seen on I65 S from Louisville to Lewisburg, TN.  See if you recognize any.
I said it was pouring rain!  View out the windshield!
"See Ruby Falls" almost did not make it into my pix.  I love the barn advertising in the south. 












Lastly, a glimpse of our barn as we pull into the driveway.   The rain had stopped, the sun was trying to peek, and our barn gave me warm greetings of home.  Our barn is over a 100 years old, and has housed cattle, mules, and currently horses.  We have raised many colts, baby ducks, chicks, kittens, and puppies here, and with a loft the size of a basketball court, we have raised and stored hundreds of bales of hay.  Nothing like a good ol' country barn.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Nashville Flea Market

Sunday, on our way home from our nephew's wedding in Louisville, we decided to stop at the Nashville Flea Market.  We had been looking for some ornate hinges to match the antique hinges on our interior doors.  We are still in our renovation, so we are paying attention to details we have earlier let slide.  Mr. Charisma hit the jackpot and found several really great pairs that matched.  We also found some other neat things while browsing.  The white adirondacks stole my heart immediately, but only to my dissappointment, they were sold.  We came away with some new ideas, and had a great time.

I loved this old door!  It was a pale yellow, and the shape of the top was splendid.
Really liked this stand on the table top. 

One booth was full of architectual pieces.  I wonder what Sassy Trash would make with these. (sorry the picture is sideways)



The man who had the hinges, also had this great collection of glass doorknobs. 

I love the way in which he displayed the glass knobs, hung from a rail all tied together so the light could hit them.  What size do you need?  I think I just want them hanging up in the sunlight!

Twice I went back to see the antiqued red island bar.  It is just the size I was looking for my kitchen, however, the craftsmanship did not match the price.  We decided we could make our own, or have the Amish make us one we can paint our own custom color.  Great idea though.

I also loved this red leather wingback loveseat sofa.  I was thinking it would work in my new living room setting, but not for sure.  Thought I would wait to see how things work out.  All of our furniture is piled up in two rooms, so I have to do inventory when we begin to refill our rooms.

These post lamps were unusual, and could be a real conversation piece in the right room.  I can see  nice burlap shades on them.

This double vanity was not at the flea market, but was handmade by a local Amish man for my new bathroom.  I picked it up this week, but we are not ready to install it yet.  Later I will show it installed with the granite top and mirrors he is making to go with it.  I took him a few pictures of what I wanted, and he came up with this.  Love the little shaker leg.