December 2011

CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE   The flavors and aromas suggests evergreens and berries, good cheer and great joy. It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year, our celebration of miracles and the fulfillment of hope. For a few days, we gather to share food, song, wine, spiced cider and lots of magic. This is the 19th year of “A Celtic Christmas,” perhaps the best celebration of the music, dance, poetry and camaraderie that we have today. The production has always been under the creative leadership of Emory University’s professor James Flannery, one of the country’s most renowned Irish tenors and Chairman of the W. B. Yeats Foundation. The performances are in the majestic Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts on Emory’s campus, but this year, Georgia Public Television is showing this as a seasonal delight for everyone to enjoy at home. For a sneak preview, click photo on right. The Georgia Governor’s Mansion is open at certain times for the public to enjoy the decorations including the lovely Christmas Tree and when you’re through with this tour, the nearby homes are among the most beautiful in the South.The 2011 Christmas Mansion tour begins today, Dec. 5 through Dec. 15 and the schedule is December 5 - 16, Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 11, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Call 404.261.1776 for reservations or further information. The Governor's Mansion is a drop-off location for Toys for Tots.  Not far from there, near the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is Callanwolde, and the annual “Christmas at Callanwolde” is one of those celebrations that have a firm place in Southern traditions. “One of my special Christmas Eve memories,” recalls Doc Lawrence, “is sitting down with a few friends and family to enjoy oyster stew.” This is a tradition today in many Southern homes and Doc selected a very simple recipe by Georgia’s own queen of Southern cuisine, his friend Paula Deen. “It’s easy to prepare but be sure to buy those oysters early because they sell out everywhere on the 24th. There are festivals galore this time of year and click here to find some of the best in Wines Down South. Blessings include the songs of the season, the laughter of children, the exchange of meaningful gifts, an abundance of pretty smiles and the meaning of these precious days. Let us join together and pray for peace on earth, good will toward men and celebrate the season with love and gusto, readying ourselves for 2012. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Friend Us! Follow Us! Share Us! Celtic Christmas Is On GPB. ClickHere To See Preview! PAULA DEEN’S OYSTER STEW Ingredients 2 green onions, chopped, plus additional slices for garnish 2 tablespoons butter 12 ounces fresh raw oysters undrained 1 quart half-and-half or whole milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Crackers, for serving Sliced green onions, for garnish Directions Saute onion in butter until tender. Add remaining ingredients. Cook over low heat until edges of oysters begin to curl and mixture is hot but not boiling. Serve stew with crackers and garnish with sliced green onions. DOC’S WINE PAIRING Oyster Stew will be even more wonderful with a dry or semi-dry Riesling from Germany or Alsace or one from our few Southern wineries that produce this like Biltmore Estate. A Cru Beaujolais will pair well for those who prefer a red wine. And this time of year, don’t hesitate to serve Champagne or a quality sparkling wine, preferably a rosé.