rope

photograph by kristen bach

the SFA's story app

recently, my family went on a little summer road trip and drove halfway across the country from georgia to far west texas....we were on highways and backroads, in small towns and big cities...
there were many times when we were hungry and could not easily find an option to all the fast food places. then, i remembered that i had the southern foodways alliance's story app on my phone! this app shares many of the oral histories the sfa has produced over the years about southern food and the people and places that make it so unique. interested in bbq? just follow the bbq trail in the app...want to know more about boudin in louisiana or why there are so many tamales in mississippi? look it all up here!
the app is searchable by state, by interactive map, by food type, or by proximity to larger cities in the south, so you can pretty much find a good meal anywhere, and learn something in the process!

here are screenshots of the app...
it is searchable by state:

and, by food type:

and, by interactive map:

and, by proximity to larger cities:

words by rinne allen, app by the SFA

rye grass

photograph by rinne allen

goodness grows

it's always a treat to ride out in the country and visit goodness grows. it is located just outside scenic lexington, georgia. people come from all over the south to see their beautiful displays and their extensive collection of classic southern flowers and native plants. they have many varieties of old fashioned southern favorites like camellia, hydrangea, ferns, day lilies and hostas, and all so attractively arranged! i got a lot of ideas and went home with a few bee friendly perennials. don't forget that native plants feed many kinds of local bees and birds.

photographs and words by rebecca wood

summer wildflowers

photograph by rinne allen

folk schools

summer is a great time to learn something new!

over the years we have visited many folk schools around the country and are consistently inspired by them...maybe it goes back to memories of being away at summer camp, but take a moment and see if any of these places are offering a class that interests you this summer!

alabama folk school
campbell folk school
haystack mountain school of crafts
penland

words & photographs by rinne allen

shadows

photograph by rinne allen

simple gardenias

photographs by rinne allen

blackberries

photo by kristen bach

wild blackberry cobbler

yesterday we went back to our friends wild blackberry patch so we could make a cobbler.  after an hour of picking and many poked hands later we all brought them inside to assemble our cobbler.  the house was soon filled with the smell of summer and chatter of summer memories from childhood.  a perfect summer afternoon!

wild blackberry cobbler
5-6 cups of wild blackberries...or however many you can find
a heaping spoonful of flour
a cup or so of sugar
the biscuit top
1 1/4 cup of AP flour
1/2 cup salt (add more or less to get to your desired sweetness)
1 1/2 tsp of baking powder
a pinch of salt
1 1/3 tsp of vanilla
1 egg
1 stick of chilled unsalted butter, cut up into small pieces
-pre- heat oven to 375 degrees
-mix the berry mixture in a cast iron skillet
-mix all of the biscuit ingredients together and spoon on top of the berries
-bake until golden brown, about 40 minutes
 

photos and recipes by kristen bach

sea salt

photograph by kristen bach

sugarhouse workshop's recipe book

I recently went on a road trip with my family, halfway across the country. we had many inspiring stops along the way...one was at the home of maura from folk fibers (more on that visit in a later post).  

while I was at maura's I got to peek at the new little recipe book from sugarhouse workshop's jessica stevens. it is a charming piece, with pale pink pages and approachable recipes and wonderful illustrations. I have followed jessica's work for a long time and get lots of inspiration from the things she shares and makes...this recipe book is a perfect companion to any kitchen!

jessica is currently soldout of her recipe books, but visit her website or follow her on instagram @sugarhouseworkshop to receive updates on when she may make more, and be inspired by her quiet, rural life.

photographs and words by rinne allen

intertwining

photograph by rebecca wood

pottery sale

after all that work of wood firing pots, it's time for the sales! most of the potters around here have 2 sales a year, one after each firing. first weekend of june and first weekend of december. it's a great time to ride out in the country and see the potter's studios and their latest work. i went to geoff picket's, where i helped in the firing, because i had spied a couple of pieces when they came out of the kiln that i really wanted. the pieces i wanted were still available, so they went home with me and i also got a large garden pots my mom requested, so happy all around.

photographs and words by rebecca wood

twist

photograph by kristen bach

foggy beach

now that school is out everyone seems to be heading to the beach.  it reminded me of a series of photos  i took last year of a trip we took to the panhandle in florida.  we awoke to a heavy fog that lasted the entire day, it was magical!  

photographs and words by kristen bach

dusk

photograph by kristen bach

allium sweet pea blackberry

photographs by rinne allen

clover

photograph and words by rinne allen

blackberry plum shrub

this weekend we were at a friends house that had a field of wild blackberries that were just starting to ripen.  while picking some berries i also found a little grove of wild plums that were ripe as well.  we picked a bunch and made a delicious shrub when we got home.  it has been the perfect drink to sip on through these hot hot days that are upon us.
blackberry and plum shrub
1 1/2 cup berries and plums
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup (more or less to taste) apple cider vinegar
-in a clean bowl, mash your berries and plums
-add sugar and combine
-cover and let your berries marinate for 2-3 days
-stir your berries each day
-using a colander with small holes or use cheese cloth, drain the fruit juices into a sterilized mason jar
-add vinegar
-place in fridge for up to 6 months
-when making a drink simply add a couple of tablespoons to some soda water, prosecco, or mix up a cocktail.
-enjoy!!