The Deep South

One of the best parts of my career is the traveling to different parts of the world. I never know what I will encounter.  From Labor Day until about the 15^th I was in the southern states. Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama.  I spent a weekend getting my 2012 Tour of New Orleans ready (Check out the tour page for the information). Then I headed out on the road trip. First stop Alabama. I had not taught in Alabama since Hurricane Georges went through and canceled my tour in 1998. I was asked to teach in Birmingham, AL. It was a cozy and warm school with a terrific clientele.  While driving in Mississippi on my way to Alabama I stopped at an old general store: The Simmons/Wright Co. It had been built in the 1920s and was still in the same family. Trust me I would not have wanted to eat anything from the store.. The front part was filled with semi-antiques.. (Top and bottom shelves of displays were not for sale). I found the craziest thing on the top level. About 300 prs of shoes in original boxes from the mid-20s.  Crazy I tell you!  I had to purchase something so I got a box of old glass German Christmas ornaments   and a bar of soap made by a local.  I had intended on stopping for a soda or ice cream, but they only thing they sold close was watermelons. 

some of the boxes of shoes....

In Birmingham I taught a Breakfast Brunch Class where we had a terrific cake. The recipe is here: Cinnamon Pecan Coffeecake.

Then off to Atlanta to Cooks Warehouse.. They are currently opening their 4^th location in the greater area. I taught 3 hands-on classes. All were very special classes for me. It was historical George Geary I should have called it. One of the classes was based on my first pastry job in LA. We did an array of cakes. I am doing that class again in West Lafayette, IN. After that class I will post all of the recipes for it. Another class was called the Best of the Best. One great recipe from each of my books.

As many of you know my hobby and a passion is saving American architecture. With Frank Lloyd Wright and Los Angeles Conserving being the forefront.  I was please to take a tour of one of the Ustonion  FLW homes in Alabama, then I went off to Jackson, MS where I had a private tour of the Medgar Evers Home  (see the movie Help) arranged by her daughter who is a close friend. It was moving and very touching to see the home.

 

On my way to the airport I had a few hours so I stopped into Willie Maes Scotch House in the 9^th ward of New Orleans for some of the best Fried Chicken around!

Here is another recipe: Banana’s Foster from Brenanas.. Yes. I am on a Southern Food Streak! All week I will be posting more of the great 

Check back next week for a whole lot of recipes! 

George 

The House Of William...

Here I am in Sonoma, CA.. a few miles west of Napa.. Full of just as many great wineries.. But no not with a French Laundry.. But it was the house of William. 1956.. Right off of the main plaza of Sonoma, Chuck Williams started his first store William-Sonoma. After trips to France of purchasing beautiful copper pots he decided to start the beginning of his first store. His second store was placed in San Francisco, where most of the shoppers came from. He revolutionized the cooking industry. 

This October he will turn 96. He is one of the greats! I was fortunate to teach in his “Grand Cuisine” stores and also co-guest on the Tom Fitzmorris radio show in New Orleans.. Don’t ask me what we talked about. I was just excited to be sitting next to the icon.

I am here again teaching and sharing the love of food here at Ramekins. It’s a unique location with a number of kitchens, patio and the top level is an Inn with 6 rooms. It’s as close to Tuscany/Provence you can get.  It has been 10 years since I have taught here and this trip I am more in the moment.. Walking the plaza, enjoying the city and the people. Last nights class was Fast and Easy Appetizers from my 650 Best Food Processor Recipes book. Tonight’s Class is on Sauces. Funny. Joannie Weir will be teaching in the kitchen next to mine.. We both for years crisscross the country teaching but never in the same city unless it’s a convention.

Here is a recipe from last night:

Chicken Cakes with Herb Mayo

Julie from class finishing the cakes with the Dill Mayo.