Miscellaneous

It seems all banana breads taste the same. Well, not this banana bread. Banana Bread has a Secret Ingredient • 1 large egg• 1/4 cup corn oil• ¾ cups sugar• 1 teaspoon vanilla• 1/4 cup milk• 1/2 cup mashed over-ripe banana (1 VERY RIPE banana)• 1 cup self-rising flour• 1 dash salt• 1/2 cup walnuts… click to get the recipe for this Best Banana Bread

When you see that beautiful full moon in May – know that it is a Flower Moon. It occurs at the time in spring when flowers pop up everywhere. David Grann writes on page one in his book Killers of the Flower Moon, “In April, millions of tiny flowers spread over the blackjack hills and… click to read about the Flower Killing Moon in eastern North Carolina

These tiny bottles of Peppers and Vinegar are a must-have for any southern cooks to serve with greens like collards. They also make great gifts. Hot Pepper Vinegar This does not need to be refrigerated. 1 pound of small (hot red peppers-the peppers must fit into the mouths of the jars)1/2 gallon distilled (white 5%… Click to learn more about Chloe’s Hot Pepper Vinegar Recipe

Biscotti is perfect for those who don’t want a super sweet confection. I like to bundle up a few Biscotti, tie them up with a festive ribbon, and take as a house gift or as my donation to the the Christmas party. Cranberry Almond Biscotti The biscotti will keep for several weeks if stored in… Click to read Chloe’s clever serving suggestions…

Picking peanuts reminds me of growing up in eastern North Carolina. My nephew Barney and I loved to play hide-and-seek in the peanut fields. Back then, the peanuts were dug and stacked on poles to dry. There is a certain earthy smell that is everywhere. We loved to hide behind these stacks and to climb… Click to see video of Peanuts being Picked

I love growing okra – it reminds me of late summer on the farm Okra, Corn and Tomatoes Recipe • 1 large sweet onion or 2 small onions (peeled and chopped)• 4 Tablespoons butter• 2 cups fresh (tender okra (about a double hand full))• 6 large ripe tomatoes (or a 28-ounce cans whole, peeled tomatoes… Click to read more about Corn, Okra and Tomatoes

Figs are so special – they are a real delicacy.  Fig Jam with Less Sugar • 2 ¼ pounds ripe figs* (4 cups prepared figs)• 5 1/2 cups sugar• 2 lemons• Zest from one the lemons• 2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice• ½ teaspoon butter• ½ pouch liquid pectin (1 ½ ounces use Certo NOT… Click to get the Recipe for my Fig Jam with Less Sugar and some great photos too …

Americans have a love affair with our marshmallow PEEPS … and we eat more than our share – we will eat 600 million PEEPS this Easter. (I call them all PEEPS, even if they are bunnies.) PEEPS marshmallow candy – those bright-colored chicks and bunnies that we see at Easter have a long history. In 1953… Read more

For couples who want  romantic seclusion for their wedding or vow renewal, the private, rustic setting of Big Mill Bed & Breakfast is perfect. No crowds. Just you, your mate and a few friends – if you want them. No fuss, no stress – our team does it all for you with your guidance. Our… Read more