Monday, April 27, 2026

Chipotle Seasoned Turkey Burgers on the Blackstone


I spied this seasoning blend at Sam's Club last week and knew I wanted it for all the flavor it would give to ground turkey and chicken options.

We are on a ground turkey kick right now and I'm loving to use the Blackstone for some delicious turkey burgers.  

Turkey needs a little help in the flavor department because, as we all know, by itself it tends to be a tad bland.

This Chipotle Chicken seasoning certainly delivered the flavor.  A blend of smoky flavors, a light touch of heat, and subtle garlic makes this one a winner.



I griddled some onions on the side and seasoned them up with this as well.  Perfect topping!




Lodge's Fireside Garlic and Herb Boneless Pork Chops


Oh, I am loving this gorgeous Spring weather that's allowing me to prepare the majority of our meals on the grill or the Blackstone.

I told y'all on FB about the different seasoning blends we were given at a recent BBQ judging event.

I decided to use the Fireside Garlic and Herb on these beautiful boneless pork loin chops.  I liberally seasoned both sides of the pork, put them on a searing hot grill, and let them begin the cook.

After about 5 minutes I flipped them over and lowered the heat to medium high and let them cook until they reached an internal temperature of 145℉.


In the first picture you can see that jumbo asparagus happily grilling away in the basket.  I drizzled the spears with olive oil and seasoned with the same product.

I cooked potatoes in the air fryer and everything was ready at the same time.  

Yum!  This seasoning is the perfect balance of garlic and herbs.  Sort of an Italian blend going on here.  We love this one!


A little bowl of apple cider vinegared cucumbers and onions finished out the meal.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Growing Potatoes!


Have you ever planted potatoes, tended them carefully, and then dug them out of the ground yourself?  There's a method to the process and it's very satisfying to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables!) of your labor.

Click the LINK to read all about my adventures with growing potatoes!

Monday, April 13, 2026

Family Reunions: Memories of a life that will never be again


I hope this one brings back wonderful memories of your childhood and family members who are no longer with us.  

Click the LINK to read about my family reunions.

Southern Kitchens


Southern kitchens have a life of their own.  Read my insight here by clicking on this LINK.

Monday, April 6, 2026

Around Lolly's Table: Easter 2026


Purple was my color of choice for this year's Easter table.  As always, Fiestaware has a color for any and all occasions!

The pastel plaid tablecloth?  One of my Springtime favorites.  The delicate white chargers?  Perfect for this table.  


Each diner had their own Cadbury Creme Egg set in delicate pastel color egg cups.


My mother in law gifted us with this gorgeous cut class basket years ago.  I bought a new set of sparkly eggs this year at Hobby Lobby.


The candleholders were my Great Aunt Marie's.



These have been around since my kids were little.  They'll always be here at Easter time.



Around Lolly's Table: Kids' Easter Table 2026

 


I got my chance to use those bright "Easter Egg" color Fiestaware plates on the kids' table!

I used a purple, yellow, pink plaid vinyl tablecloth as the base.  Then I found a sheer vinyl overlay with multi color eggs that I placed on top of the base cloth.  I love the result!

Each little diner received their own Cadbury Egg in these cute little egg cups!


I found these bunny napkin rings in an antique store about 5 years ago.


This jelly bean jar was my mom's.  She ALWAYS had this out for the great grands to enjoy during Springtime.  And yes, Brach's was the only brand of jelly beans she would purchase.


Hobby Lobby had these cute centerpiece items this year.  I fell in love with them.



Around Lolly's Sideboard: Easter 2026


I wanted to do something completely different for me for this year's Easter sideboard.  Instead of bright Fiestaware plates or fine china, I chose plain white Fiestaware plates as the backdrop.  Trust me, this was a difficult decision for someone who loves bright Springtime colors. 

But after all was in place and I stepped back and gave it a close look, I was pleased with the decision.  


I used deep purple plates on my main dining table, so I wanted a few pops of purple on the sideboard as well.  I've had this lovely bunny with purple basket for many years.
 

Mr. and Mrs. Rabbit belonged to my great aunt.  


My mother always had this little basket with colored eggs on her kitchen table.


The remaining bunnies, chicks, and decor have been part of  my Easter fun for a long time.  I love to use them year after year.







I hope y'all had a blessed Easter!



Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Southwestern Veggie Side Dish


I had some pork tenderloins to grill the other night along with some nice spring time asparagus.  I wanted another side dish to go along with our meal.  So to the pantry I went.

A nicely stocked pantry can help in situations like this.  

I chose a can of black beans, a can of Rotels, and a can of white shoepeg corn.   I drained everything and rinsed the black beans well.  

I added everything to a trusty cast iron skillet along with one half of a chopped yellow onion.



I added a few shakes of Blackstone's Tequila Lime Seasoning along with some salt to taste.  Then I gave it all a good stir to combine and set the temperature on low on that side of the grill.


While the pork and the asparagus cooked on the other side of the grill, I gave the veggies an occasional stir.


An entire meal cooked on the grill and minimal pots/pans to clean up!



Next time, I'd add some either fresh sliced jalapenos or a can of diced chiles.  

Friday, March 27, 2026

Kansas City BBQ Society Judging


If you've ever wondered about the judges that make the big decisions at BBQ competitions, I'm sharing the details!

Click this LINK and enjoy!

Saturday, March 21, 2026

What happens when an Alabama girl spends a month in Ireland


Let's wrap up our trip to Ireland with my random ramblings about things I will always remember!

Click the LINK for the article!


Wednesday, March 18, 2026

The Day I Visited St. Patrick's Gravesite

 


Another memory from our trip to Ireland....a visit to St. Patrick's gravesite.

Click the LINK for my article.  Enjoy!

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Dining Out Southeast: HognBones, Leesburg, GA


Last Saturday, we traveled to Leesburg, Georgia to visit family.  After our visit, and before we began the 4 1/2 hour drive back home, we decided to stop in and try HogNBones.  

This is the type of BBQ restaurant where you order at the counter like a fast food place.  When you've never been before, it makes ordering a little more difficult because you're trying to read the menu, or should I say, trying to SEE the menu to read it.  I had to ask where the sides were and then ask whether the drinks came with the plates and/or basket meals.  Sometimes sitting down at a table with a menu gives you time to see all the items offered and then really decide what sounds good to you.

But with a line forming behind you, you know just to order what you know and hope for the best.  So that's what we did.

After ordering, we were given our cups for drinks and we proceeded to the drink station for our water.  We were told to sit anywhere.

After a bit, the runner arrived at our table with our meal.  We thought.  Sweet Harold's meal was correct.  She said, "And here's your ribs..."  I interrupted her to say I did not order ribs.  She looked puzzled and asked, "Are you sure?"  Yes, I'm positive.  So off she went back to the kitchen.

Approximately 15 minutes later, and after Sweet Harold was half finished with his meal which I insisted he eat, because we were starving, she reappeared with my (correct) meal.

So...here we go.

Sweet Harold ordered the smoked chicken plate (basket?) with baked beans and fries.  It also came with a toasted slice of bread.


Let's start with the best thing in the basket:  the beans.  Perfect consistency, nice smoky flavor, served hot, pieces of pork included.  

Fries:  lukewarm at best.  

Bread:  Toasted bread...that is all.

Now the half smoked chicken.  

Y'all.  This poor half chicken had been on a diet.  As you can tell by looking yourself, the fries dominated that half chicken.  Flavor was good, but slightly overcooked.  Sauce was provided in individual 3 oz. cups.

Now, my turn.  I ordered the pulled pork plate (basket?) with fries and green beans....along with the toasted bread.


I'll start with the best:  the pulled pork.  A nice mixture of tender, nicely smoked "inside meat" with a few pieces with bark.  Moist, flavorful, good BBQ.

Probably because I had to wait on my second attempt at dining, my fries were piping hot.  Sorry, H.

The green beans were canned beans that had been shown some Southern love in the kitchen.  Pieces of pork and seasoning elevated those canned beans.

Bread:  See above.

I wish I had been able to look over the menu a bit more before ordering.  Did they have BBQ salads?  BBQ topped potatoes.  Maybe.  I don't know.  Anyway....it was a filling meal to hold us on the long drive home.









Friday, March 13, 2026

St. Patrick's Day Meal (without the corned beef)


 

Click the LINK to get recipes for appetizer, main course, beverage, and dessert!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Stones Across Centuries

Visit six Irish castles with me!

Here's the LINK  to my latest Substack article!