Simply Spoonbread

A few weeks ago, my grandfather Dick Crago passed away. This was my father's father, and he is who my father is a spitting image of and the person I only hope to aspire to be like one day.

No one's sense of humor or jokes could stand a chance when up next to my grandpa's. 

Saying he was a true conversationalist is being humble. I've never met someone who could carry a conversation with anyone, (anyone!), like he could. 

The difference though, would be that my grandpa cared about the people he kept company with (family and non family alike), and when he asked the questions he did, he truly wanted to know the answers. 

He was intrigued and wanted to know others. 

 

So many of my memories from my childhood until now have included my grandpa. 

Another thing about my grandpa is he loved his family and family gatherings. 

Grandpa loved most meals especially favoring those that had a side of spoon bread.

Now what exactly is spoonbread? 

I honestly couldn't tell you (before looking up the details just recently when trying to recreate the dish).

 I guess before now I have seen spoonbread as this runny, fluffy, buttery concoction that rivals with mashed potatoes (not really but you get my drift).

Could this be "the" epic southern dish? Well being that I'm half a "northerner" (I'll only admit this once...) due to my dad's New York/Ohio roots, this staple Crago Family favorite is just as delicious amongst the "y'all's" and "you guys" of crowds alike. 

Ever since grandpa's recent passing, I tried to recreate the dish for our Christmas meal. Dad loves the stuff just as much as his dad did and I knew this would be just the thing to add to the perfect meal. 

I found what I believed to be the coveted recipe and took it for a spin ending with a pop in the oven set at 375. 

Boy was I wrong with my first attempt. 

The dish was way too thick and looked like a giant scrambled egg with burnt edges. (Sorry no pictures... I think it fell into the trash can too quickly to document the epic fail this became). 

Not really what I was going for to say the least...

I gave spoonbread another whirl and here's what I came up with..

2 cups milk

1 cup water 

2 cups cornmeal

1/2 tsp. baking powder 

2 tbsp. butter

2 eggs

Salt to taste

First bring water and milk to a boil. Add cornmeal and simmer for about 5 minutes. 

Beat eggs and add remaining ingredients to cornmeal mixture. Pour mixture to greased pan and put in oven at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes until golden brown. About mid way I stirred the mixture to keep it more at the desired consistency. 

I'm not saying this is the best recipe, I am new at the "spoonbread" forte of recipes. 

Oh well, practice does make perfect. 

I know that grandpa is looking down from heaven munching on a stale marshmallow Peep (fresh Peeps are overrated) and enjoying of course, a bowl of warm, buttery spoonbread. 

I hope you enjoy these memories with a side of simple spoonbread. Of course don't hold back on all of the buttery goodness. Oh, and as Grandpa would have it, with a side of maple syrup possibly too. Why not?

Love ya grandpa,

~Your granddaughter 

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.

Genesis 28:15

Sixteen Candles... and then some...

This past weekend I got to spend the weekened in Asheville with best friends and Kacey Musgraves.

Why, you may ask? My birthday weekend had rolled around yet again and 26 had creeped it's way into my little world. 

(Btw.. This cake is half chocolate on chocolate, half chocolate peanut butter and completely non vegan and absolutely  sinfully delicious.) 

I'm not going to lie, 25 was a big milestone. I remember when my sister Laura turned 25 four years ago. I told her she was halfway to thirty. Little did I realize the backlash that comment would bring when I indeed realized halfway to thirty is 15. Yeah, whoops. Haha 

Being 26 isn't any different than 25 just another year and I'm excited to see what the big "year of 26" will bring. 

As my friend Katherine and I always say 25-29 all round down to your early 20's and then 30 well, that's just 30. 

We'll get to that when it gets to that...

Anyways, Asheville (one of my favorite cities if you haven't noticed) was a blast as we did some shopping and sipping; on repeat. 

(Doesn't this Bloody look legit amazing??) HINT: it was.... :)

I found the cutest Tom's suade black wedges at the fabulous Top's shoes located in downtown Asheville. (Sadly no pic. They're just too busy being fabulous upon my feet.) 

Saturday night we got to see Kacey Musgraves at the infamous Orange Peel. The Orange Peel has housed numerous big names in the music industry, (last name I saw was Grace Potter and the Nocturnals...SO good) so when we heard that Kacey Musgraves was coming to Ashevegas we had to jump at the chance to see her! 

The show was beyond amazing and we got to see all of it for a small sum. She's so down to earth and has a super chill personality. LOVED it. 

Our night was also spent at Wicked Weed Brewery which is just feet away and known for great craft brews. What's not to love?

My sis Laura decided to stop by so definitely no complaints! 

So glad I got to see some friends and fam this weekend and must say it was a great way to bring in the new year of 26. 

Here's to another year of being healthy, happy and ready for anything. I am so thankful for all of the people in my life and my faith in The Lord. I owe everything to Him!

Excited to see what is next to come! Recipes and all.... (Of course) 

#cheers,

~Crago 

Remembering my Papa

Before I get back to the recipes and "all things green", I wanted to stop and take a moment to reflect on the passing of a truly phenomenal man. One week ago today we found out my grandfather, known as "Papa", passed away at the age of 91. He lived a long full life of being an educator, playing golf, cracking jokes, and loving those in his life, relatives and non relatives alike. 

Papa grew up during the Great Depression and beat all odds (even his own personal goals) by eventually going to college for a teacher bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctorate. He skipped grades as a young student just by being unknowingly brilliant. Add serving in the Navy, becoming a teacher, principal, superintendent, and college president, and writing a published autobiography about his life to the mix. Greatest achievement? Possibly being a husband to my sweet Nanny for 64 years, father to to my mama and aunt Anna, and grandfather and great grandfather to myself, my sister and all of my cousins and great cousins. 

When learning of Papa's passing it was truly sad and I honestly didn't know how to accept this news being that this was the first time someone close (this close) to me had passed. He was a true inspiration for me when considering the teaching profession and for the hard work and dedication he showed with everything be pursued. 

I knew this would be hard for my mama and Nanny (Papa's wife and my grandmother) yet they all handled everything beautifully. 

Papa suffered from Dementia for almost 10 years and progressively his memory got worse. Two months ago we took him to the Veteran's Nursing Home in Kinston, NC so he could get the additional assistance he needed. He received excellent care during his time there and it was almost like The Lord was preparing him and us for what was yet to come as he brought Papa into His Kingdom. 

I prayed for peace for Papa and Nanny and my mama and aunt Anna. Papa leaves a legacy built upon the actions he showed in his love, guidance, and wisdom for all of us (not just those lucky enough to have known and loved him). 

So many people loved him and admired him! I only hope that I may lead a life as remembered as his.

This upcoming weekend it just so happens I will be walking in the Alzheimer's Walk to raise awareness. Visit here to donate. 

Now here's a few pics I was able to find...

Finally, a wonderful article was written for the Kinston newspaper commemorating everything Papa was remembered for. It was inspiring to read all of the kind and hilarious things written and said about him by former colleagues, employees, and friends.

The article can be read here.

I love you Papa and know you are watching down from Heaven. 

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15

"But those who hope in The Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Hold those who are dear to you close and cherish each day we have with each other.

Thanks for reading,

~Crago

*Picture Cred: www.theamericanjesus.net

The Girls do Charleston

This weekend I ventured off to my new favorite city; Charleston, South Carolina. Oh my goodness where do I even begin? Well, let's just say it was a fabulous weekend and I will be returning again hopefully sooner rather than later!

The girls and I had no agenda when booking this trip months ago. Our only mission was to have a girls weekend of relaxation and fun. Basically this was the last hoorah for Kates and I as we say goodbye to swimsuits and sandals and hello to classrooms and crayons in a few short weeks. 

Now, some celebration was in order for my dear friend Katherine due to her recent engagement in June. Of course us girls had to use Charleston as a celebration weekend as well. Perfection! 

Friday we surprised KO with these little beauties...

And of course champagne...

She LOVED the surprise and it definitely got our weekend off to a fab start. 

*Sidenote: the cupcakes are from a new bakery in downtown Lexington called Sweetalicious. (Check it out Locals!). They are super delicious and affordable. We had a mixed dozen of the flavors strawberry daiquiri, vanilla with vanilla buttercream, and lemon. The little ring accents are from Tiffanys (HAHA JK) whoops, I mean Michaels. You can find them in the wedding aisle. 

Friday night we began at Stars Restaurant and Rooftop Bar where I had a Mojito that changed my life. 

Great atmosphere and the menu wasn't too bad either. The kale salad was superb (3 out of 4 of us got it) and our waiter was very attentive. 

The rest of the night? We ventured out on the town and hit up restaurants and bars along King Street. Our favorite spot of the night? Prohibition Restaurant and Bar. On special was the legendary Jalapeño Margarita. It's been a long time coming but man oh man was it worth the wait. A little spicy but still sweet and tangy, the Jalapeño Margarita left the best impression. I am craving one as we speak and I type...

Saturday was dreary and rainy but that didn't matter. We woke up in Charleston, so there ya go. We stayed at the fabulous Marriot which was only about 5 minutes from downtown. I highly recommend it! They were very attentive and had everything we needed for a great weekend. 

Saturday we strolled King again except hit up the shops this time. Charleston has fantastic shopping and the architecture and scenery all around is to die so that's a plus. My favorite store now? C. Wonder. Oh my goodness everything in there is amaze balls. Not only is it "monogram city" (snagged a pair of "R" earrings) but the home items were on sale! I walked away with the most adorable paisley bowls. Look for them in a new recipe a little later for sure.

Saturday night we did the restaurant Fleet Landing. My Lemondrop was on point and the food wasn't too shabby either. I had a lighter meal of mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. We all enjoyed fresh biscuit "rolls" with sweet butter that were to die! Caro got a veggie and shrimp pasta that was delicious as well. Great atmosphere of course. 

Sad Sunday (dubbed it with this name due to our sad departure) was great as we toured the streets of historic Charleston homes, The Battery and Rainbow Row. We did lunch at a great spot about 10 minutes from downtown called the Hominy Grill.

Best initial part about this place? The wait! I know, am I crazy? No one likes to wait for a table, but here is great because there is a beverage window! What?!? Yep. While we waited outside we sipped probably the BEST Bloody Mary's and mimosas. If you like your Bloody a little spicy, Hominy is your place for sure. 

For a late brunch I had a roasted eggplant and veggie sandwich that had a touch of herbed goat cheese. The girls did breakfast and theirs looked scrumptious as well. 

Well Charleston was the best location for our trip and I had the best time with the girls. We will def be visiting again soon. I'm interested to try some of the restaurants I heard about that have delicious vegetarian cuisine. Our cab driver Byron was into vegetarian living and had lots of recommendations. He was great! 

I'll see ya soon Charleston, and when I do return please have lots of sun and a Jalapeño Margarita waiting for me. 

~Crago