Shhhh!

Happy Friday!

Lagniappe - Potatoes

Photo courtesy of www.bbcfood.com

I am so a potato loving girl. I love them baked, mashed, fried, roasted. You name a potato dish I bet you I will love it. But have you ever found yourself with a ton of potatoes and your not sure what to do with all of them. I rarely find a way not to use a potato because I love them so, but sometimes I do want something a little different.

Well, you can make a meal out of all those leftover potatoes - believe it - no meat involved. Warm potato soup with some sharp cheddar shredded on top on a chilly day with a green salad will hit the spot - I guarantee it and this recipe is SO easy!

Gigi's Potato Soup
This recipe comes from Doug's grandmother - who is an excellent cook and has shared so many great recipes and entertaining tips with me.

8-10 large red potatoes peeled and chopped (you can really use any potato) or your whole bag - depends on how many you are trying to feed. I usually figure 2-3 large potatoes per person with a couple extra thrown in.

Cover potatoes with water (I add a little salt) and boil until potatoes are fork tender.

(Important step here) Drain potatoes, but reserve the liquid they were boiled in. Set liquid aside and place potatoes in a bowl.

Mix/Mash with a mixer and add a 1/2 stick of butter (more if you like lots of butter) and a splash of milk (you have made mashed potatoes here). Mix until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.

Now take your liquid and gradually add to potatoes while mixing (I normally put a fourth in at a time, mix until the liquid is incorporated, and repeat). You may not need all the liquid so you will add it until you get the "soup" to the consistency you like - just check it (or in my case taste it) with a spoon.

Garnish with scallions and/or shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately!

This is really so easy, cheap, and takes very little preparation. I hope you enjoy!

Introducing...

Priss the Poodle. Isn't she cute? I have been wanting to add a dog to the collection for quite a while and with a poodle of my own, I thought why not this prissy breed.

Priss will find her way onto notecards, bagtags, and calling cards soon. These invitations will also be available in the shop later today.

So since I am adding to my collection of graphics, what are some things you would like to see. Inquiring minds want to know. :)

Check it!

Hope you are having a fabulous Labor Day weekend. Ours has been full of absolutely gorgeous weather - and some kiddos who are under the weather. So while we didn't get to spend our weekend quite as we planned we are thankful for time together and cooler temps.

Take a little gander on over to Grosgrain today. She has a giveaway from yours truly over there. You won't want to miss out on entering to win something from The English Pea!

Happy Monday!

{red}

We received these gorgeous grape tomatoes (not sure if they are grape, but they were obviously small) in our Farmers Market Basket last week. The color on them was so bright and vivid. I just had to photograph them.

It was fun to enjoy little details that afternoon while I was prepping dinner and these little tomatoes have found their way into salads, on tacos, and snacked on over the last few days. I am not a huge raw tomato fan, but I have learned to appreciate them over the summer - in BLT's, on a salad, and I love them in salsas and sauces.

I love the last photo of my little man. He was whining for one, begging at the edge of the table for a taste. I offered him one and he did not appreciate them as much as I. He immediately spit it out.

So, here's hoping you are able to enjoy some small details over this long weekend. Happy Labor Day!

Atmore Trip

Yeah for Nannah's


The most decent picture of all the cousins - left to right: Adeline, Douglass Charles, Flannery, and Charlotte


Charlotte swimming in Nannah's pool


My sister, Lauren, and her daughter, Flannery


Charlotte and Douglass Charles playing in Nannah's living room after breakfast


Me talking to the kids trying to get them to smile and look at the camera


The best picture we got


Charlotte and Adeline with my brother Owen. Charlotte LOVES her Uncle Owey!

Our trip was relatively uneventful, just a lot of time with some of the ladies in the family and all the grandkids. I think my mother forgot how high the noise level can get when you have four children under the age of three all together. She thoroughly enjoyed everyone though - I think. :) Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Stock UP and SAVE!

Enjoy some savings from The English Pea over the next two weeks with my Stock Up and SAVE annual event. Purchase a set of notecards at the regular price and receive 6 cards for FREE with your order. This will only last for a limited time so stock up now and enjoy some extra savings!!!