Easter Sunday Memories

I woke up this morning in anticipation of the lovely Easter brunch I will consume at Biltmore Estate.  Then my thoughts shifted to my father.   Some of my best memories are spending time with my father on Easter Sunday.  Almost every Easter morning, weather permitting, he and I would rise  before dawn, put on warm clothes and walk to our church which was about a mile from our home. I was never sure why we didn't drive, but I figured it was a tribute to Jesus.  After all if he was crucified on a cross for us, the least we could do is suffer a little by walking rather than driving.  Now that I am older, I realize it was probably because it was a good way for us to spend time together and he was building a memory for both of us.   Once we arrived at our church, we would board a van that took us to my grandparents' church which happened to have the most glorious view of the sunrise.  We went to a Southern Baptist church and my grandparents went to a Methodist church.  It was not lost on me that there were differences in the 2 denominations, although I didn't understand the specifics and didn't care to.  Since the two churches didn't seem to mind sharing and celebrating the most significant day in the life of Jesus, I felt for the most part, everyone was on the same page.

For those of you who have never experienced an Easter Sunrise service, it really is a special event that feels different from your typical Sunday morning service. For one, the sermon is quite short, there is usually only 2 songs and 2 prayers.  20 minutes tops!  The change in venue, the coming together of different congregations, and the emotional impact of honoring Jesus' sacrifice made this service something I looked forward to every year.  I remember feeling that every church service should pack such punch in such a short duration.  Kids and adults alike usually don't have an attention span much longer than this anyway!  After the service we would make our way to the fellowship hall where coffee, hot chocolate and donuts were waiting!

The back drop of the sun rising over the rolling hills of Kentucky is magnificent.  The brisk air on my face, being able to see my breath  and the fact that my Granddaddy was there too was a nice way to start the morning.  But the fact that my dad and I were continuing a tradition that was just ours and ours alone is my favorite memory because it made me feel special.

Pickled Squash

As summer approaches, and squash will be plentiful, I decided to bring out one of my favorite recipes.  I grew up in Kentucky, so how is it that I'd never heard of pickled squash?  Shameful, I know!  I was home for Mother's Day last year and the family had a cook out.  Our family's good friends, Joyce and Donald brought a Tupperware of pickled squash.  I embarrassed myself by going back for 2nd's and 3rd's, but how could I resist these crispy but tender,  sweet and tangy, one bite bursts of flavor!  

What's great about this recipe is that it can be used to pickle just about anything!  It's a great way to consume all your veggies before they go bad.  I really love pickled cauliflower, asparagus, okra and zucchini.   

Another great perk is that these pickles are ready 4 hours and once opened, last a couple of weeks refrigerated. 

2 lbs yellow zucchini or squash 
1/2 lb yellow or sweet onion

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups sugar

2 cups cider vinegar

1 tsp celery seed

1 tsp ground turmeric

1/2 tsp mustard seed

1/2 tsp prepared mustard

Slice squash, zucchini, onion 1/4 inch slices and cover with water and salt.  Let sit for 2 hours.  Drain.

Meanwhile, boil sugar, cider vinegar and spices.  Pour over veggies and let sit for 2 hours.

Boil 5 minutes and pack in jars that have been boiled in water for 10 minutes.  Store in fridge or cool dry place if sealed.  Refrigerate after seal is broken.  Makes about 4 pints.

Herbed Polenta Fries

Several times in my adult life I have joined Weight Watchers©.  I won't get into my weight loss stats, but I was successful every time I joined the program.  I was pleasantly surprised that the recipes provided were actually tasty and satisfying!  WW recipes are usually very simple and I like simple!  From time to time, I'll post my favorite WW recipes, but keep in mind I won't be  posting Point values because the program has changed over the years and I don't have the time or energy to figure out what's changed! 

These Herbed Polenta Fries are a nice alternative to traditional French fries! They are crispy on the outside and a bit chewy on the inside.  If you don't like rosemary and lemon, change up the seasoning!   This recipe is great paired with fish, steak, burgers or on their own for a quick snack!  Take them for a dip in your favorite sauce!  

16 oz roll of plain polenta

1 TBSP chopped fresh rosemary

2 tsp finely grated lemon zest

1/4 tsp kosher salt 

Olive oil spray

Preheat broiler.

Cut polenta crosswise in half; then, working with one piece at a time, set polenta on flat end and cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices.  Cut slices into 1/2 inch thick strips to resemble french fries.

Spray cookie sheet with olive oil and arrange "fries" not touching on sheet and spray with olive oil.

Sprinkle with salt and broil 6 inches from heat until crisp and golden, 10-15  minutes.  (No need turn, but check at 10 minutes to make sure they are not burning!).

While still hot, toss with rosemary and lemon zest, seasoning to your taste!

Date Night at Sunny Point Cafe

My wife Kiana and I have a date night every other Friday night.  Often we get in a pattern of going to the same restaurants because we are creatures of habit.  We also have high expectations and don't like disappointment.  Creating this blog is going to be a great excuse to try new restaurants around Asheville, neighboring towns and during our travels.

I'm going to start with our most recent  night out at Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville on the corner of Haywood Rd. and State St.  This cute little cafe has indoor and outdoor seating and a diverse menu to satisfy all cravings.  It is an excellent place to take out of town guest if  you want to share the local food experience.

I've been going to Sunny Point since I first moved to Asheville in 2005.  My sweet Baby Dog Trace and I would walk down in the morning, grab a seat on the patio and dine on our favorite dishes of Heuvos Rancheros, Breakfast Salad and MGB (Mighty Good Breakfast).  This was back before everyone and their brother discovered it.   Fast forward to the present and there is not a seat to be had for breakfast or lunch.  You'll be waiting for a table if you show up 10 minutes past opening.  If you have the time and don't mind the wait, they have a lovely garden that is worthy of a stroll where you can see some of the produce you'll be eating.  There is plenty of outdoor seating with shade and coffee to sip while you wait.  The food and service is definitely worth it if you are not in a hurry or hangry.

Sunny Point takes reservations for their dinner service and as it should be, they serve breakfast all day long!  It's not hard to get a same day reservation, so this satisfies my impatient nature.

We started the night with the Jumbo Tots, a special that did not disappoint! Three homemade tater tots drizzled with Serrano creme, crumbled goat cheese, diced tomatoes, green onion and chopped bacon.  Holy cow, what a treat!  I can say nothing negative! The tomatoes were a pleasant addition in taste, color and texture.  Nice start to the meal and I hope they keep it on special for a while, or better yet,  add it to the menu!

As she most often does, Kiana ordered the MGB. A Might Good Breakfast is is!   Fluffy scrambled eggs, salad with Honey Hemp dressing, Maple Peppered Bacon and an Angel biscuit. This meal offers a choice of stone ground cheese grits, herbed spuds or salad. You can also order sausage or veggie sausage.  This meal never disappoints!  I love to watch her savor the bacon with teeny tiny bites, like a little mouse.  She doesn't offer to share and I don't blame her!

I branched out and ordered the Kale Pesto Pasta.  There is no going wrong with this choice!  Linguine, kale, pesto, Parmesan cream sauce, seasonal vegetable medley, toasted pecans and grilled foccacia.  Oh dear, I was in heaven.  I added blackened shrimp and this meal made me very happy.  Thin sliced zucchini, squash, and onion were perfectly tender and the kale had a great bite and added  texture in addition to the pecans.  The portion was large and I took home about half, which I inhaled in private so I wouldn't have to share!

If you haven't been to Sunny Point Cafe, make a reservation and treat yourself to something very special!  The menu has a variety of choices.  They have a full bar with a wonderful selection of local beer on draft and wine by the glass or bottle.  Ask your server about their favorites because they taste nearly everything, especially the daily specials.

If you are from out of town, you will enjoy an Asheville experience and see the diversity of Ashevillians  under one roof!  Fifteen years ago, I took my parents to Sunny Point Cafe for dinner.  My father made a comment about our waitress being "different".  She was wearing a tutu, as she often did during her shifts.  I just smiled and said "Dad, she's probably thinking the same about you!".

If you haven't already, give Sunny Point Cafe a try and make a reservation at www.sunnypointcafe.com!