Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Ivy Green Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller Master Bedroom The famous well pump The plantation’s cottage The cottage’s main room 150 year old gardens, the brown community building and the kitchen The Kitchen and Cook’s Quarters The Kitchen Museum room Ms. Keller’s first Braille typewriter …
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The heart and soul of Southern culture that brings everyone together is food. Food is love. Food is tradition. Food is celebrated. Gumbo is one of the most beloved foods of the Gulf Coast.
For more than 30 years, Sandestin's Gumbo Fest has become the premier winter food event of the Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida. Hosted at Village of Baytowne Wharf every President's Day weekend, the festival brings together gumbo prepared by local chefs, Southern Zydeco music, and as of the last two years, Bloody Mary's. Two dozen vendors compete for awards in several categories, including People's Choice. Thousands of guests descend on the venue from near and far, even hundreds of miles away to attend the festival, which sells out every year. If you plan to go, purchase your tickets online in advance to ensure your reservation.
The first year my husband and I attended Sandestin's Gumbo Fest, we made some rookie mistakes, such as showing up at the start of the event. We found that means there are very long lines -- everywhere. So we arrived an hour later our second visit, which was much better. We found that the vendors have not run short of food or Bloody Mary's as had been our initial concern.
A few more tips: study the list of vendors in advance. Seek the ones who have previously won awards or vendors known for their gumbo. However, don't overlook the newcomers, the vendors who may not seem like an obvious choice and the contestants with straightforward (read "plain") presentations. Flavor typically wins over flash. Long lines don't necessarily indicate the award winners. Last, but not least, pace yourself. If you try a sample that isn't your style, don't feel obligated to finish it. Likewise, indulge in a second taste of the sample/s you love. We haven't come close to trying a bowl from each vendor because it is so hearty, but we do enjoy trying to predict and vote for the winners. This year, our votes matched both top People's Choice winners for Gumbo and Bloody Mary. Yes, we will be visiting the establishments of the winners, it's a great excuse to eat more gumbo.
Gumbo is reportedly the best known and by far the most popular native Louisiana cuisine, having evolved from a melting pot of many cultures, crossing through all social classes. It was even served at a New Orleans gubernatorial reception in 1803, which is believed to be the first documentation of gumbo, although there are historical references to meals of okra and rice dating to the mid-1700's. Historically, gumbo is made of roux and thickened by okra and/or filé powder, which is dried and ground sassafras leaves.
Before going further, let's review three very similar, yet very distinctive native Louisiana rice-based cuisine. Rice is an essential ingredient of all three and no doubt it worked it's way into the local cuisine because it has been produced in Louisiana and East Texas dating back to the mid 1800's.
A thick or thin, soup/stew featuring a variety of shellfish, sausage, poultry, meats and served with white rice. Roux, of French origin, is a mixture of equal parts flour. Roux, okra and filé powder are all traditional historical components of gumbo, but okra and filé powder are not necessarily included in modern recipes. Gumbo is the outcome of an infusion of cultures, including French, African, and Choctaw Native Americans, who used filé powder to flavor and thicken gumbo. The name "gumbo" is said to be derived from "ki ngombo" (shortened to "gombo") the West African name for okra and it is also believed there is influence from the Choctaw word for okra, "kombo."
A rice pilaf with tomatoes and a variety of meat, seafood/shellfish and poultry. Jambalaya was developed in New Orleans by Spanish colonial settlers as a version of paella, but tomatoes were substituted in place of the traditional saffron, which wasn't readily available in the region.
A thick roux-based sauce featuring just one type of shellfish, usually crawfish or shrimp and served over rice. Etouffe, which means "smothered" in French, has origins dating to a New Orleans hotel in the early 1920's.
Gumbo has evolved over the decades for many reasons, not the least of which is due to old-fashioned necessity and availability of ingredients. Again, the melting pot of cultural influence also resulted in various styles and cooking techniques. Gumbo recipes vary in countless combinations, but there are common elements that distinguish the Southern cuisine.
Roux and rice are absolutely non-negotiable ingredients of contemporary recipes. The rice is typically medium or long grained white rice and the color of the roux ranges from blonde to chocolate brown. The viscosity varies from thin to a thick stew stock. French roux is historically made of equal parts butter and flour, but roux can also be made of flour and lard/animal fat or vegetable oil. Olive oil is not recommended for roux due to it's low burn threshold. Water, shell stock, vegetable stock, chicken stock and white wine are all common elements to thin the roux.
Along with the roux and rice, traditional gumbo includes the "Holy" trinity of vegetables: equal parts of diced celery, onion and bell pepper. Okra is a vegetable that purists would insist be included, but is not necessary, depending on personal preference. Same for tomatoes, which date back to okra gumbo recipes, but not all gumbo variations.
Seasonings make the difference between good and great gumbo. The goal is flavorful gumbo that has a kick, but not too hot and spicy. Louisiana-style hot sauce is a wonderful way to add heat either within the pot of gumbo or individually at the table. Cayenne pepper, Commercially blended Creole salt and Cajun spices enhance gumbo recipes, as do individually prepared seasonings.
Proteins including shellfish such as shrimp, crab, scallops, oysters, mussels, clams and crawfish; andouille sausage; kielbasa; chicken; ham; bacon; even beef are all subject to personal preference. Fish may or may not be included in recipes; however a sturdy fish such as Amberjack or cod hold up better.
Garnishes range from sliced scallions, crispy fried okra, crackers, pork rinds, crusty bread, corn bread and hush puppies.
Filé powder, made from ground sassafras leaves, is used for flavor and as a thickener in traditional historical gumbo recipes, but not so much anymore.
I've been making my own signature gumbo recipe for many years and have found it's comforting, yet a little extra special. It's a great way to use whatever you have in your fridge and freezer to create a hearty meal, but plan ahead. This is not a quick entree. It takes time to chop the vegetables, cook the rice, prepare the shellfish, poultry and sausage. Cooking the roux is a 25 to 30 minute labor intensive process of attentive stirring to avoid burning the roux or worse, causing a small fire.
A few tips from experience:
--Blend your seasoning mix in advance in small batches so it's quickly accessible when needed
--Use a rice cooker as your "silent sous chef" while stirring the roux
--Reduce prep time by setting aside or freezing grilled kielbasa and chicken a day or two ahead of time
--If you are short on time, use canned chicken, drained
-- Mardi Gras theme
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Five elegant hors d'oeuvres, perfect bite-sized presentations that appeal to every sense. One of the highlights of my year is taking community classes through our city's Parks and Recreation Department. Of all of the years of cooking classes, this class stood out as the very best! The hors d'oeuvres we learned to make are beautifully presented, tasty and there is a variety of ingredients and styles. For less stress, make some of the components a day or two in advance and of course commercially prepared ingredients such as pico de gallo and cream of chicken soup are perfectly fine short cuts if you prefer. The recipes shown here are written based on my notes from the class presented by professional chef, Patrick Whetstone. All five are delicious, easy and most definitely suitable for snowbird entertaining. Not only are these hors d'oeuvres festive for the upcoming holidays, they are great for any event year round. Bon appétit!
Snowbird meals tend to be much simpler, using fewer ingredients and a very limited selection of appliances and gadgets to prepare them. Choose the freshest, highest quality ingredients and find alternate ways to make your favorite recipes. Forget about what you don't have to cook with, instead focus on what you can accomplish with what you do have. - Midlife Snowbird
6 slices thick cut applewood bacon, cut in thirds
1/4 cup BBQ dry rub* or to taste. A ratio of half brown or white sugar and half spice is preferred. If needed, add sugar to balance the ingredients.
12 medium sized shrimp, uncooked, cut in fourths
2 T. chives, minced
2 T. garlic, minced
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
*A commercially prepared dry rub is fine or use your own recipe
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Dredge both sides of the bacon pieces into a bowl of barbecue spice rub, then lay flat on a cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the bacon is cooked and blackened. Remove from oven and let cool.
Simmer garlic and olive oil in a small frying pan over low heat until garlic is softened. Add shrimp and saute for about one minute or until no longer translucent. Do not overcook. Remove from heat.
Assemble garlic shrimp piled on bacon, then top with minced chives. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Serve at room temperature.
12 small purple potatoes, boiled and halved
2-3 hard boiled eggs, peeled
1/2 cup mustard aioli
2 pieces bacon, crumbled OR one 4 oz. package real bacon bits
1/4 cup celery leaves
1 t. Kosher salt
1/2 t. Fresh cracked pepper
Optional: 2 -3 green scallions, sliced
1 T. garlic, minced
2 T. Dijon mustard
1 t. honey
1 cup mayonnaise
1 t. minced dried onion
Blend all ingredients, then refrigerate a few hours to blend the flavors.
Place eggs in a small pan of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer the eggs 15 minutes. Drain and immerse in cold ice water to chill. Peel eggs and set aside.
Boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender. Drain and let cool. Slice in half lengthwise, then use a melon ball tool or small spoon to hollow the centers. Discard the centers or save for another recipe.
Cut hard boiled eggs into fourths, lengthwise. Then cut each quarter into approximately 2-3 wedges.
Season hollowed potatoes with salt and fresh cracked pepper. For an additional pop of flavor, sprinkle a few scallion slices into each potato. Then fill the center with mustard aioli so it's almost level with the edge of the potato. Top with celery leaves, bacon crumbles and egg. Generously sprinkle with kosher salt.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
24 pieces ciabatta bread, sliced thin
18 grape tomatoes, quartered lengthwise
5 - 6 fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade ribbons
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1 cup OR 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 T. garlic, minced
2 T. onion, diced
2 T. butter or margarine
2 T. white wine
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Slice grape tomatoes lengthwise into quarters. Place them in a container and add salt, pepper, basil leave chiffonade plus several tablespoons of olive oil to coat the tomatoes. Chill the marinade in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two to allow flavors to blend.
Place thinly sliced ciabatta bread onto baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake approximately 3 or 4 minutes until toasted. Do not overcook. Remove from oven and let cool.
Boil peas in a small pan or microwave until cooked al dente. Drain and let cool.
Simmer onion in white wine, butter or margarine in a small frying pan over low heat until softened. Add garlic to onion and butter. Saute for about one minute more or until softened. Add approximately half of the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.
Place peas, mint leaves and sauteed onion mixture into a blender to puree. OR use an immersion blender. The desired consistency is wet sand. It should not be runny. Adjust vegetable stock if more is needed to obtain the proper thickness. Chill mixture in the refrigerator.
Assemble crostini with a thick slather of the pea-mint mixture. Top with marinaded tomatoes. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Serve at room temperature.
24 small round gourmet tortilla chips*
6 ounces beef tenderloin
1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
2/3 cup pico de gallo
1/2 cup avocado mousse
2 T. garlic, minced
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup tomato, diced
1/3 cup red onion, diced
1 T. vegetable oil
1 T. jalapeno pepper, minced
1 T. fresh cilantro, minced
Dash ground cumin, kosher salt, pepper
Finely dice red onion and tomato. Add 1 T. minced jalapeno pepper and 1 T. fresh minced cilantro. Season with kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper and dash of ground cumin. Blend and chill.
One fresh avocado, pitted and skinned
1/4 cup sour cream
1 lime
1/4 t. Kosher salt
1/4 t. fresh cracked pepper OR white pepper
Puree avocado, approximately 1/4 t. lime zest, 2 T. fresh lime juice and sour cream with immersion blender. Chill in refrigerator.
*Make your own tortilla chips by using a round shape to cut corn enchiladas into silver-dollar sized pieces, then pan fry in hot canola oil until crispy, flipping one time. Remove, let drain on paper towels and sprinkle with Kosher salt.
Cut beef tenderloin into a lengthwise strip approximately the diameter of a fifty cent piece. Season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
Preheat frying pan over medium high temperature. When hot, add vegetable oil. Then brown beef tenderloin until an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove from heat and let rest for ten minutes.
Slice beef tenderloin into 24 silver dollar-sized pieces
Prepare avocado mousse and chill in refrigerator.
Prepare pico de gallo and chill in refrigerator.
Assemble beef tenderloin onto tortilla chips, sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh pepper, then heap with shredded cheddar cheese. Broil for a minute or two until cheese melts.
Top each tortilla chip with pico de gallo, sprinkle with kosher salt, then dollop avocado mousse on top.
Serve at room temperature.
1 package puff pastry sheets, cut into round shapes
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 c. chicken breast, diced fine
1 standard carrot, peeled, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped fine
1/4 cup peas
3 T. butter
2 oz white wine
1 T. onion, diced fine
1 T. flour
1 T garlic, minced
1/2 t. Kosher salt
1/4 t. fresh cracked pepper (or 1/8 t. white pepper)
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Roll puff pastry onto flat surface. Use a glass or cutter slightly larger than the diameter of the shot glasses to cut the puff pastry into desired number of round shapes. Dock the puff pastry with a fork to reduce the puffiness when it bakes. Transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet and bake a few minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
Saute diced chicken and 1 T. butter in medium frying pan until meat is no longer translucent. Remove chicken and set aside.
Saute butter, carrots, celery and onion in a medium frying pan until carrots and onion soften. Transfer to a medium stock pot.
Add flour and salt to stock pot. Blend well. Then add white wine. Stir chicken or vegetable stock into pot in batches, stirring out any lumps.
Add cream, chicken, peas and the contents from the frying pan. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh thyme and rosemary to taste.
Pour soup into shot glasses, leaving space from the rim. Top with puff pastry. Serve warm with or without a small spoon.
-- Virginia Woolf, English Writer
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Security is essential for snowbirds who travel hundreds of miles away from their primary home for an extensive time, strategically planning for the best outcome of no major issues while away. For improved peace of mind, not only while in your warm weather home, but all year round, increasing your security system is well worth the effort. It's amazing how much better we felt after installing security cameras. Not only can we check out what is or isn't happening at home, we can also see what is going on with our neighbors, the weather and if/when our driveway is plowed or a package is delivered. Cameras help us feel connected. As summer winds down, take time to review, plan and improve your security systems so the work is completely finished and field-tested well ahead of your departure date.
Many people tend to put off making investments in their security systems until there is a problem. The problem may be encountered by a neighbor or loved one, even if not your own residence. Remember, the households with the most lax security measures will be the preferred targets.
What is your weakest link? Probably an unlocked door or window. Don't overlook the core basics. The best security systems are comprised of many layers: physical barriers, lighting, alarm systems, cameras, noise and more. Plus your barking dog, of course. The following ten layers of security can be applied to both your primary and southern residences. Although anyone renting their snowbird home will have much less flexibility, it's an opportunity to get creative.
The first layer of security starts with your environment. Fences, gates, and strategic landscaping, such as low, prickly bushes under the windows all play a key role. If your landscaping has grown up over the windows and around the exterior doors, cut it back. Don't provide an easy hiding place for someone checking out your home.
I don't know of anyone who doesn't have locks on their doors, windows and vehicles, but I do know of many people who are lax about using them. Be consistent, especially at night. Set up a daily routine of who is responsible for what so that closing overhead garage doors, locking vehicles, doors and windows is an ingrained habit. Locks are the most basic form of security, so stick with the basics, whether at home or away.
Keypad entries or twist-style knob locks combined with chain locks are good for exterior doors. Deadbolts are the best. If your home doesn't have deadbolts on every door, it's another easy, basic strategy. Your weakest link is any door without a deadbolt.
Layer your doors and locks. If you don't already have storm doors for each exterior entry, add them. Not only do they provide an extra barrier of entry, they will help with hot and cold weather drafts. It's not too much to have locked storm doors combined with a twist lock and a deadbolt.
Locks on your interior doors are also important. Install a safe bolted to a shelf in a closet with a locked door. Lock your file cabinet drawers too.
Keypad entries for overhead garage doors are an easy, cost-effective method for allowing access to your home without a key. If a trusted neighbor needs to place your mail or a package in the garage, they don't need a key. It's easy to change the code periodically as needed. However, don't leave for the season without first changing the battery on your keyless entry.
Don't forget to have a plan in place in case you get locked out of your home. There are many creative ways to hide keys, including small keypad cases that can be discreetly mounted to an exterior wall. For your rental snowbird home, make sure you memorize the keypad code and/or can easily contact the property manager if you get locked out.
Simple, strategic signs placed on your windows and near exterior doors can prove effective, whether or not you actually employ the measure. "Property Under Electronic Surveillance," "Protected by: XYZ Security," "Cameras in Use" and "Beware of Dog" signs are all popular. Signage that can be removed from your southern rental upon departure is fair game. Bluffing works when playing card games and is also a good security strategy.
Another basic strategy: lighting. Yes, it costs money to keep your porch or yard light on for a period of time every night, but is well worth it for the improved security so you can see your driveway, yard and front entry. Install a timer so the light will turn on at dusk and off by itself a few hours later, regardless if you are there or not. Measures that make it appear someone is home year round help deter criminals.
Motion-activated flood lights require more work to install, but are great for areas such as your side or back yard.
There are monitoring systems that offer multiple levels of features, including the ability to turn on lights from an app.
Alarms are highly beneficial for not only security, but fire and flood as well. There are many reputable companies who offer various packages and plans. Not only do you receive the benefit of 24/7 monitoring of your residence, check with your insurance agent for an annual homeowner's discount if available.
When installing an alarm system, plan well in advance to do your research, select a company and get scheduled for the installation.
Allow plenty of time to learn how to use your system, as well as the features. Some systems have more than one option for tripping the alarm, such as laser beams that will be triggered upon motion of any kind; glass break sensors for your doors/windows and extra loud sirens.
There are monitoring systems that allow you to turn the alarm on/off from your cell phone app and computer. Priceless for the snowbird who wants to absolutely ensure the alarm is set or needs to turn the alarm off to allow someone access to their Northern home while hundreds of miles away. Being able to control an alarm system from afar goes a long way for peace of mind.
Our system allows us to assign specific entry codes for each family member, neighbor or friend and then compiles a list of who entered our residence from distinguished doors on a given date/time. For example, Person A entered the house through the kitchen door on 1-18 at 13:23 hours. On many occasions throughout the year, we've used this information to verify that in fact, someone kept their word and didn't just lead us to believe they were there, when in fact, they were not or vice versa.
I can't say enough good things about installing security cameras
in and around your home. Cameras keep you connected, emotionally and physically. My only regret is wondering why didn't we install them sooner?
Make a list of the most important considerations, do your research, select a product and install the cameras. Field test your system well in advance of departure so you can tweak it before hitting the road. For example, before departing for our time away, we installed a camera inside the garage in what to us was the perfect vantage point. We quickly realized our "perfect" camera angle was completely obstructed by the overhead garage door when it was open.
Our initial goal was to install cameras trained on every exterior door. However, after being away, it became important to me to view not only each exterior door, but to see in every direction outside our house: East, West, North, South. It's kind of like knowing a storm is approaching, but not having a window on that side of the house to see it coming. When you're away, you fully realize how important it is to see every view, not just limited views.
--No monthly contract
--Cost/value
--Easy to install and operate
--Modular, so we can add more future cameras
--High image quality during day and night lighting conditions
If you have a camera malfunction during your time away, have a plan in place for someone who you can call on to investigate the issue and be able to correct the problem. Examples, include replacing burned out batteries; wiping bird droppings, dirt, condensation or fog from the camera lens; adding, replacing and/or repositioning camera/s; and resetting or troubleshooting issues with the sync module.
Security cameras may be in use on the premises of your Southern residence. Inquire about them so you know where they are and if they actually function. Then make an effort to park your vehicle and stay within view of them at night.
Another strategy we have used in our southern rental home: web cams. We place a laptop computer facing the entry door when we're out to dinner and then check in periodically to make sure all is well and our dog is not creating a nuisance by barking excessively. It's a relief to see him sleeping comfortably by the door, waiting for our return.
With the portability of modern camera systems, it's easy to temporarily install cameras in your snowbird home and monitor them via your phone.
Don't underestimate your dog. Even small barking dogs can be a good deterrent because they create noise. However, since your dog will likely be with you in your southern home, use that as a layer of security while there since it's not possible to install permanent alarm systems in your rental property. However, as mentioned previously, web cams or removable cameras are an ideal temporary solution. If you own your snowbird home, installing alarms and/or cameras are a solid investment.
This is also why it's super important to have other layers of security in your Northern home to make up for the lack of your dog's protection while you are not there.
Since you can't leave your music streaming device or TV on at your primary home while away for weeks/months, use the technique in your snowbird residence with the caveat it will not disturb your neighbors. Noise is effective as a deterrent.
Snowbirds know they absolutely need to rely on a trusted "home" team to help as needed. We've had fliers and packages inadvertently delivered to our doorstep that need removed; items that have to be retrieved from our home and shipped to us as well as other issues that have come up.
A member of our home team plows the drive and walkway as needed so it looks occupied. We have our mail brought in every few days and our neighbors know to watch not only our home, but the one across the street from us because they, too, are snowbirds.
We also have built an "away" team of friends and neighbors who all look out for each other.
It all boils down to the basics. Set up your layers of security systems, consistently follow your procedures and trust that the best outcome will be to encounter no major issues.
Note: Content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended for any purposes other than that. This report does not take into account the personal objectives, situation or specific needs of any particular recipient.
-- Bruce Schneier, Internationally Renowned Security Guru
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