We’re back! We actually arrived home Monday around 3PM, but I’ve been trying to play catch up the past few days. Our trip was super short, but we were able to spend time with lots of family and friends. I haven’t seen my Daddy and Sister in over 6 months. I was overdue!
We left Thursday around 3PM and arrived in GA right at midnight. Huck and I had a great ride home for the first 7 hours. At hour 7, I hit a wall. I wanted out of the car and just wanted to be there. Huck and I decided it was better not to talk to each other. I was being “a little” grumpy! I’d been sitting all day! I WANTED OUT!
Friday, I woke up early to spend time with my mom before she left for work, we had lunch with Huck’s family, and dinner with friends and family that night at Taco Mac. It was a busy day.
Saturday, I went shopping with my Mommy and Huck made a Life Size Jenga set.
My parents really enjoyed their new Jenga set!
Huck and I went originally went home to attend a surprise birthday party for our brother-in-law’s father. His birthday party was at Gordon Biersch. We left a little early to stop at Sweetwater Brewery. Unfortunately, they were sold out. I forgot that Georgia has different brewery laws than Florida.
We decided to make a trip to Red Brick Brewery instead.
In Georgia, you can not purchase a beer from a brewery. You purchase a glass and they give you tickets for samples of the beer.
For $10 we received one glass, 4 tickets for 8oz pours, and a brewery tour. We didn’t use all our tickets BTW!
We listened to some of the tour, but headed back inside. The Georgia game was on after all!
It was a cool spot. Be sure to arrive early, though. When we got there, they were out of all but two of their beers
Red Brick closed at 5, so we headed to Gordon Biersch to finish watching the game.
It was nice watching the UGA game at a bar in Georgia with everyone cheering when UGA scores! And they won! It was a great game! We had a great time hanging out with Huck’s family (his aunt is awesome by the way!) and Mike’s family (Hi Cindy!)
Sunday, we had a BBQ at my parents house with friends and family. I actually didn’t take any pictures but my sister did.
I haven’t seen my Great Aunt Jill in years! It was so nice her and my Uncle came! She’s an amazing, strong woman! I’m sad I didn’t get to spend more time talking to her.
It was great seeing my Uncle Mark, too. Him and Angel kicked butt at Jenga.
Helping or waiting on food??
Andrew wasn’t to happy with Uncle Huck!
Everyone took turns holding the twins.
They’re so cute!
Tabby took this picture of Oopie right before he peed on Lisa’s foot! So embarrassing!
It was a great day. The weather was amazing as well. Thank you Mommy, Daddy, and Tab for all your hard work! It was great seeing everyone and we should do it more often!
I managed to make it out of the driveway without crying this time. I didn’t make it far before the water works started. It sucks seeing my Mom standing on the porch, with tears in her eyes waving at us, knowing I will not be able to see her whenever I want.
I miss them already but Christmas will be here soon!
Stay tuned for a new UGA themed recipe. UGA is playing Tennessee this weekend. My recipe is chilling in the refrigerator right now.
That ride seems to get longer and longer each time. I’m sure it also has to do with the fact that once you fly, driving SUCKS!
We made it to my parents at midnight last night. I got up with my mommy is morning and spent some time with her before she left for work. She gets up at 5:15 ever morning but doesn’t leave until 7AM. I wake up at the last possible minute to get ready and get out the door. No “waking up” for me. It was worth getting up early to spend sometime with her.
This morning Huck is trying to get a few work things finished before our three days of see as many people as we can, starts.
I did manage to do this weeks recipe for my Bulldogs menu. I wasn’t able to find a beer from Louisiana, of course, but decided Sweetwater IPA would work great since we’re in Georgia this weekend.
This recipe was super simple yet really good. I’m not sure how UGA will do against LSU. I’m not getting my hopes up, but this meal is bound to bring a smile to your face. No matter what the score is!
I didn’t do a post for UGA’s first game against Clemson, and they loss. Maybe these will help us bet LSU
I wanted to go to Athens for the game, but there just isn’t enough time. We may get to squeeze in a trip to Sweetwater Brewery tomorrow, though.
This recipe is spicy. I used Huck's homemade, salt free, spice blend for this recipe. Add spices based off your heat preference. The Cajun Seasonings at the grocery store will work fine for this recipe. Look for a Salt Free version and add salt as needed.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Rice
1 cup Chicken Stock
2 cups Water
2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (I used a homemade version.)
1-2 teaspoon Oil
1/2 large Red Onion (Diced)
1 large Bell Pepper (Diced)
3 cloves Garlic (Chopped)
2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
1/2-3/4lb Shrimp (Shelled)
1 large Link of Sausage (Sliced)
1/2 cup Beer
Directions
Combined Rice, Chicken Stock, Water, and Seasoning in a pot with a lid. Bring to a bowl, reduce heat to low, and cover for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add Onions and Peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes before adding the Garlic. Coat Shrimp and Sausage with Cajun Seasoning.
Move Veggies to edge of skillet and add Shrimp and Sausage. Flip to cook both sides evenly. Once Shrimp is cooked, add Beer and stir to fully combine and remove any brown bites on the bottom of the pan.
Add Cooked Rice to the mixture or serve shrimp mixture over the rice.
Growing up, I can’t remember eating anything Pumpkin. Not even Pumpkin Pie at Thanksgiving. I usually skip dessert or head straight for the Apple or Pecan Pie. There was never any room to try anything new.
A couple of years ago, I tried a Pumpkin beer and really enjoyed it. From there I’ve tried pie and even pumpkin soup. I’m definitely a fan. I’m not on the Pumpkin Spice Latte bandwagon, though. Actually, I’m not really a fan of Starbucks. I’m still a coffee newbie, and I’m cheap.
These Cinnamon Rolls have everything you love about Pumpkin Lattes but in Cinnamon Roll form.
I used Dogfish HeadPumkin Ale for this recipe. This is a Brown Ale brewed with Pumpkin, Brown Sugar, and Spices. Dogfish Head releases this beer around September 1st, but their website says it’s usually gone by Thanksgiving.
I’ve made homemade Cinnamon Rolls a few times. Normally, I prep everything the night before and place them in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, I just place them in the oven and breakfast is ready.
It’s great if you have guest staying the night and do not want to dirty up your kitchen or spend all morning cooking.
In the glaze, I added Beer and Coffee. And don’t worry, there is about 1/2 a beer in this whole recipe. You’re not going to get drunk at breakfast! Cavities… Maybe!
Now, I’m off to pack! We’re going to GA tomorrow when I get off work. We’ll get to my parents around midnight. That way we will have all day Friday-Sunday to spend with family.
Combined 2 Cups Flour, Sugar, Salt, and Yeast in an electric mixture.
Heat Beer and Butter in the microwave until Butter is Melted and Beer is warm.
Add Beer mixture to Flour. Stir to combine. Add Egg and start adding additional Flour until mixture pulls away from the bowl and forms a ball.
Remove dough from bowl and place on a floured surface. Knead dough 3-4 times and place in a bowl to rest for 10 minutes.
While dough is resting, combined Butter, Cinnamon, and Sugar.
Roll dough to 14x8 inch rectangle {Mine was more of a circle, but it worked out}. Spread Butter mixture onto dough. Sprinkle toasted nuts evenly over dough.
Starting on the long side, roll dough up tightly.
Cut into even sizes. Add to greased round baking dish. Cover with a towel and place in a warm area and allow to rise for 30-60 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 25-30 minutes {time may vary depending on size of rolls.}
While dough is baking, combined the Powdered Sugar, Pumpkin Beer, and Coffee. When Cinnamon rolls are done, drizzle sugar mixture over the top and serve.
We’ve taken our love for craft beer to a whole new level. Sunday, we loaded a bus supplied with nothing but craft beer to watch the Falcons lose to Miami.
Party buses to football games are popular here. Maybe they’re popular everywhere. Deena and Alex asked if we were interested in going to the Miami vs. Atlanta game a few weeks ago. It was Miami’s first home game.
Last weekend while at the Food Truck Invasion in Abacoa, we noticed DAS Biergarten was sponsoring a bus trip to the game. DAS Biergarten is a craft beer bar and the flyer said the price included craft beer, bus ride, tickets, and food. All for $80 each! Where do we sign up?
Deena and Alex arrived at our house around noon, and we rode our bikes downtown.
We were greeted with a mimosa to start the day. I’m recreating a mimosa like this for the blog soon. It was made with beer
I was going to buy a Falcon shirt online but didn’t want to pay $30+. I purchased a cheap Walmart tank top {My favorite tank tops plus they’re only $4} and iron on transfer paper. For less than $6 I had a Falcons shirt!
We boarded the motor coach at 1pm and headed to Miami. It was actually one of the bus with the company I work for. Is that considered drinking on the job?
Once on the bus, we were provided road beers.
Huck said I looked like a bug…
and he was right!
The best part of the beer bus, we had a bathroom!
Miami vs Atlanta. UGA vs UF. We’re in the wrong state!
He enjoyed chips and hotdog as we watched the clouds move in.
It started sprinkling, and everyone crowded around the tents, but then it started raining hard!
Luckily, we had the A/C bus to wait out the storm! And a tub full of craft beer.
The rain stopped just in time for us to make it inside for the beginning of the game.
And it was the ugliest stadium EVER! Orange and Aqua everything.
Some of us didn’t make it through the whole game…
Felix bought us an Arepas. Good greasy stadium food.
Of course the Falcons lose. Walking back to the bus in a Falcons shirt sucked. Everyone had something to say! “3-0” “You need a better team” “Honey, you need a real team” “Aww sucks to be you” “GO FINS!” “I’m a stupid Dolphins fan” I may have added the last one
We were home by 10 and in bed around 10:30.
It was a great time. Great people, good food, and great beer. If the Falcons won, it would of been a perfect day! Thanks Das Biergarten for a great event. Can’t wait until next time.
I’ve been really good lately. I’m eating smaller portions and making healthier choices.
When I got off from work, Huck and I went to the grocery store to buy food for dinner and my blog post. Today, the Bulldogs are playing the North Texas Mean Green. I wanted to make a recipe using a Texas beer. Unfortunately, I could not find any Texas beer {not even Shiner Bock!}
We were walking around, and I was about to cancel the whole plan, when we walked pass a pack of frozen fried green beans. Mean Green… Green Beans… Got it! Not exactly healthy, but everything in moderation, right?
Beer Battered Green Beans with a Mean Green Ranch dipping sauce. Perfect for my Bulldog theme. Since I couldn’t find a Texas Beer, I decided to stick with a local beer. Monk In The Trunk, by Inlet Brewing, is our local beer. It’s actually brewed in South Carolina, but shipped here for distribution. It’s called Contract Brewing. A brewer gives a brewery their recipe and they brew that beer for them. Inlet Brewery doesn’t have a location in South Florida, but you can purchase their beer at the grocery store and most bars.
I made a Ranch Wasabi sauce to dip the Green Beans in. That’s what gave this dish the mean part. I love Wasabi because it only burns for a few seconds, but those few seconds are rough.
Huck jumped in to get some pics, too.
In other news, the Barley Dolls newsletter went out this week. Something so simple took so much time! I’m hoping next months will be a lot easier.
Our next meet up is Tuesday at TBC. We even made the line up for Hop Week…
I was really excited to see our name posted on the Hop Week board. It’s only our second month and we’re already a big deal
Now, I’m off to watch Football and clean. This is my last full day at home for 2 weeks. Tomorrow, we’re going to the Miami vs Atlanta game and next weekend we’ll be in Georgia.
1 tablespoon Spicy Blend (I used a mix of Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Pepper Powder, and Salt)
1 cup Beer
1lb Green Beans
1/4 cup Ranch Dressing
2 teaspoons Wasabi (Optional depending on Spice preference)
Directions
Heat oil in a fryer or large skillet to 350-375 degrees. {I used a large skillet and added 1 inch of Oil}
Combined Flour, Panko, Spices, and Beer in a large bowl. Add Green Beans to batter and fully coat each Green Bean with the Beer Batter. Remove from batter and carefully drop into oil. Cook the Green Beans in small batches not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Using tongs, flip Beans if needed to brown on both sides. Removed from oil and let drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt if desired.
It was cold today! Cold for us anyways. Yes. I think 73 degrees is cold! It was 93 yesterday. That’s a big difference. It put me in the fall food mood.
I kink of cheated with this recipe. I had a pack of Pumpkin Cookies from last year. I checked the expiration, and they were still good. Our friend came over the other night and brought a variety of beers. One was Harpoon UFO Pumpkin. I figured it would be perfect for my Pumpkin Cookies. I followed the recipe on the back of the package but substituted the water for 2 Tablespoons reduced beer.
Harpoon’s Pumpkin is a very strong Pumpkin beer. A little too strong on its own for me. I plan to make this recipe from scratch in a couple weeks to take home. I talked to my Nanny Mathis on Skype yesterday and her and my Papa both want to try these.
I’m also thinking about make real Pumpkin Pie with it too. I’m going to go Pumpkin Crazy!!
These also have more of a cake like texture. That’s typical of all my cookies. They were still really good and I hope you give them a try.
Yesterday, Huck, Karl, and Greg got together and made a Pumpkin Porter. It was their first collaboration beer.
They added Pumpkin to the grains during the mash. I saved a couple cups for soap and maybe a recipe. Pumpkin soap sounds good!
Karl had an audience.
They used Cinnamon, Allspice, and Nutmeg plus 8 cans of Pumpkin. Someone said it smelled like Thanksgiving and it really did!
Sunday, Huck and I went to 3 different grocery stores to buy ingredients for dinner.
We went to the Seafood Market for Mussels, Fish, Shrimp, and Crab. On the menu, Cioppino (Seafood Stew).
We listened to music, cooked, and drank wine. Yes, I got Huck to drink Wine
We put up our new baby gate so the dogs couldn’t bother us, too. Oh, I can not figure out how to work this stupid thing. It’s way smarter than me apparently.
“Feed Me!!”
We bought fresh baked bread from Joseph’s Market. I know it was fresh because it was still warm.
Big Pot of heaven!
I followed the recipe by Giada De Laurentiis for the Cioppino. It tasted like Seafood Tomato Soup. We both agreed it was good but I probably wouldn’t use as much tomatoes next time. Or maybe just more wine!
That’s all I have tonight. Didn’t really have a lot to say tonight!
I’m a really lucky girl! I have 3 sets of Grandparents plus one adopted Grandmother. A few nights ago me and Huck were sharing memories of times spent with our Grandparents. I thought it would make a great blog post to share some of my favorite memories with each of them, and today just so happen to be Grandparents Day. It was meant to be!
The Gay’s
My grandparents live in Florida, so growing up, I didn’t get to see them that often. We would always go visit for Spring Break and during the summer, though. I get my emotions from my Nanny. I remember every time we would leave she would be waving and crying in the driveway! I completely understand that now.
Nanny Gay
I actually have two favorite memories with my mom’s mom. About 5 years ago, my mom was very sick. She spend months in and out of the hospital. My Nanny came into town to help take care of her and be there for her. One of my best memories with my Nanny was during some of my worst memories. I remember one day spending all day at the hospital with my Nanny and Mom, and I really got to know her. We talked all day, and she shared stories about her life. I learned about her childhood and her life now. I never felt like I knew much about her, so spending that day learning more about who she is, meant so much to me.
My second memory is during a trip to her house with my cousins when we were younger. One night, me and my cousin Matt put a fake snake in the bathroom. We went to bed and staring at the door waiting and listening for Nanny to find the snake {We are so mean, I know!} Of course she did find our snake, and freaked out! That wasn’t the only time we did that to her, either. I blame our parents for letting us buy fake snakes to scare Nanny with.
Papa George
My grandparents were married way before I was born, so Papa George has always been my Papa.
He was an electrician and to this day still wears a button up work shirt with pencils in his pocket. Growing up, I would always try to take pencils out of his pocket. He would act mad, try hiding them, or yell for my Grandmother to tell us to stop {he was just joking} To this day, me, Tabby, and my cousins still try to take the pencils.
The Brooks’
My Papa Brooks is the the youngest 70 year old I know. If you go to his house, there will be an old Western movie on the TV and he’ll offer you some of his special brew the whole time you’re there. He comes from long line of ‘brewers’, and I hope to one day carry on the tradition.
Papa Brooks
Me and my cousin, Jameson, spent about a week at my Papa’s house when I was in middle school {I think}. Papa didn’t cook but he would take us to Waffle House everyday. I think he only ate once a day that whole week, because when me and Jameson would get hungry, we would walk to my Great Aunt’s house. We spent that week watching black and white westerns and eating Waffle House.
He’s adopted Huck as a new Grandson, too. They call each other regularly, and Papa always tells me I picked a good one. Oh, and if me and Huck every break up, he’s still welcome to come visit. I’m sure he would disown me at that point
Joan
My Papa and Joan were married when I was younger and recently got back together. I do remember when I was younger riding around on the four wheeler with her, petting her cows, and talking her ear off I wasn’t always so quite. Last Christmas, we watched some home videos and it confirmed my motor mouth and my country accent.
The Mathis’
I spent the most time growing up with my dad’s parents. I’m the oldest grandchild and started spending the night, with them, when I was 6 weeks old. To say they spoiled me is an understatement for sure!
Nanny Mathis
On our last trip to Georgia, I setup my Nanny’s computer with Skype. We’ve spent hours talking to each other on the computer since then. It’s not the same as sitting around their dining room table, talking in person, but it’s a lot closer than a phone call. I actually get to see her face. Like with my Nanny Gay, I’ve learned a lot about her life. Little facts about her like what her first job was, how she meant my Papa, and that she was born at home. Skypeing is a special time just for the two of us and I enjoy it so much. Now, I just need her to fix her camera so we can go back to our regular Skype dates
Papa Mathis
I get my adventurous eating from my Papa Mathis. And maybe my love for cooking. This man can cook. I’ve always said I wanted us to open a BBQ restaurant together. He makes the best everything and I’m not being bias. It is a fact!
He makes the best Brunswick stew I’ve ever had! Huck agrees. No ones comes close. And when he makes it, he makes enough to feed an army! I’ve always wanted to learn how to make it, so one day we planned to make a half batch. A half batch included 3 Boston Butts if that gives you an idea of how much Brunswick stew I’m talking about. He starts at like 5AM and it took all day from start to finish. I arrived early that day a little before 5 ready to cook. We cooked and watched stuff cook all day. He doesn’t really have a recipe for the Brunswick stew. “You look for the right color of red” he told me… Just like any good grandparent recipe! I picked his brain all day about how he makes this, how do you do that, where did you learn to cook this. In the end, I left with a years supply of Brunswick stew and a life time of memories!
Adopted Grandmother
Since meeting Huck, I have another Grandmother to add to the list.
Oma
Oma {German for Grandmother} is Huck’s grandmother. He was very close to her and after I met her, I officially adopted her as my own Grandmother. She actually told Huck I was a keeper many times
Oma was born in German and Huck and I decided to dress up in Lederhosen and go surprise her. It was our Halloween costumes if you’re wondering why someone would just randomly dress up like that.
When she seen our outfits she started crying. It was a complete success! She also told me my boobs looked very big in my outfit! I love Oma. She said what was on her mind. I enjoyed getting to know her and learning about Huck as a child. She would tell me the good/embarrassing stories! Part of our trip to Germany, we plan to visit the city where she was born.
All my favorite memories are times spent learning about my Grandparents. These people helped make me the person I am today!
I’m lucky to say I know each one of them personally. The memories I shared are just a few of memories I have have them, but the ones that standout.
Happy Grandparents Day!
For Grandparents Day call your grandparents if you can. I called my Nanny Gay last week, and I know it meant a lot to her {she told me multiple time and then told my mom, too :)}