Simply Home by Beth

Jalapeno Drip Jam

Freshly picked peppers at the Farmer’s Market

Today I’m sharing an appetizer that I use year-round, for holidays, birthdays, on a charcuterie board, and for hungry weekenders who can’t wait for the meal to be served!

Side note: If you offer this along with a cold brew, you’ve made friends for life!

Second Side Note! I think if you took a small Ball canning jar, with the Jalapeno Drip Jam inside, covered the lid with material or wrapping paper, tied it with twine or ribbon, to make a bow, you’d have a unique and homemade hostess gift!

A simple recipe:

Jalapeno Drip Jam

4 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 medium white onion, cut into 1/4″ dice
1 C. packed light brown sugar
One 4-ounce can diced jalapenos, undrained (about 1/2 cup)
2 Tbs. stone-ground mustard

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent and tender, about 6 minutes. Add the brown sugar, jalapenos with their juice, mustard, and stir and cook until bubbling. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer until the mixture is flavorful and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 30 minutes.
Let cool slightly before using. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Cool: 5-10 minutes

This sweet and spicy jam is from the Magnolia Table cookbook, Volume One. Joanna Gaines, and I as well, serve this over a block of room temperature cream cheese, with crackers and toast.

Would be a great addition to your next charcuterie board!

Friends, if you make this, let me know how you like it, and what you used it for, what type of event…

Enjoy!

August Arrives,

By Beth Wood

with a flurry of activities!

August is our last chance to get away, before school starts.

August bears the heat of late summer; offering us lightening bugs to catch, swimming holes to jump into and cicadas singing us to sleep, time seems to move slowly, and the days are precious and fleeting.

Don’t you remember when just a few months ago, we thought summer would never be here, it was still “too cold”, the days wouldn’t warm up fast enough, and the wind was bitter and harsh….

deep down, you knew you were wrong, just impatient.

As I write this, I just can’t believe it’s August already. I titled this AUGUST ARRIVES, just to remind myself to remember that!!!

I have a list for this month, and I’d bet that you do as well!

Do you have special activities that are set aside for August?

Are you taking a last-minute vacation, before the kids go to school? The last week of August is when we would take our children to the beach. Our schoolyear started in September, and their school year started in August, in South Carolina. Therefore, we would get the “end of season” discount, and it was so appreciated. Without that timing of the vacation, we wouldn’t have been able to go. On the day we had to check out, we would rebook for the next year; the same time, and same place, that way, there were no “sad faces” when we got into the car, we were happy to know that we’d be back!

Two arms full of happy wiggles, a heart full of love.

I have to admit, that when my children were younger, I’d lay on the beach with a to-do list in my head, thinking of everything that was waiting for me when I returned home. Sadly, I wish someone would’ve told me then, that it didn’t matter. Enjoy the day! Time spent with your children is irreplaceable, your work and duties, and all responsibilities will wait for you to return.

Once you’re home, you now have the “back to school” shopping list to address.

Children get so excited to get a new “backpack”, to carry through the year. Also, a chance to meet their new teacher is a welcome relief for many. All three of my girls loved school, and I believe it’s due to the fact that they had excellent, involved, and invested teachers. All three loved EVERY teacher they had! As a parent, I was so relieved, and happy for them.

A New Backpack and shoes of Gold, someone’s ready for Preschool!

During 2020, when the children were home, forced to be home, with parents forced to be their teachers, I wondered how that would affect the children. As it turns out, it created a greater awareness of the educational system, it’s strengths and weaknesses for the parents. That is a huge positive!

I’ll move on, but not without a shout-out to all of America’s teachers.

Thank you for caring for our children beyond the classroom and thank you for all that you do to add joy to their day, to their self-esteem, and to their pride of accomplishment.

The value you place on our children, and to us as parents is beyond measure.

My sweet little Hazel Ann celebrates her birthday with her Preschool Class…Best Day Ever!

I joke with my grown daughters, that if I had home-schooled them, we’d all still be sitting around the kitchen table doing homework!

The school bus arrives as the sun comes up, better be ready!

In my last home, before I moved back to Indiana, the Elementary school bus stop was directly at the end of our driveway. I loved watching the neighbor children climb those bus steps each morning, their giggles and excitement to start a new day was so refreshing, and a reminder that we should approach our days the same way!

Joyful Positivity….what an awful thing to “outgrow”!

Note: I literally watched twin infant boys in a double stroller pushed by their mother, “see off” their older brother each morning at the Bus stop. By the time we were ready to move from that home, I watched those same twins proudly climb the steps on their first day of kindergarten. I also saw their mother wipe her tears away…

If you get the chance to take a quick trip this month, drop a message below and let me know if it was a “before school starts” quick get-away., this is a busy travel month, even with gas prices as high as they are, it’s hard to not GO when you get the chance.

To all of the parents counting down the days till the bus arrives…. I’m not judging!

Been there myself…sometimes summers are VERY long my friends!

To the teachers getting their classrooms ready for our littles, I do so appreciate you, and I’m not alone in this. God Bless you and your year ahead. Thank you for all that you do so well!

That’s about it for me, I absolutely love summer and I do hate to see it go. To me, the school busses remind me that Fall is coming up soon, how about you?

Do you hate to see summer go?

Looking forward, excited to see Fall decor and get the Halloween stuff out of the basement?

I personally hang on to each season, trying to savor it and just soak it all in.

There’s no hurry, no rush, to get to tomorrow.

Go soak up some sun, I’m right behind you…!

Happy August, friends!

XO,

The B-Old and Beautiful

By Beth Wood

**We’re not all born beautiful, for some of us, it takes WORK!**

Is it ODD that I’m starting my post with an AFTER photo?

I can see how you might think so!

If the table looks familiar, you’ve already met.

I shared this table months ago, stating that I would refinish her and use her for a kitchen island at the cottage…you can see that that did not happen.

My garage is my workshop, and storage facility, and keeper of things not yet found…

I do my messy painting, sanding, Easy-Off “stripping”, (I blush), and general mess-making in the garage. The neighbors have seen it all, they don’t understand any of it, but they still like us!

Please don’t ask me, because I don’t remember where we, or Jon, found this table. I loved that it was pine, blackened with age, and I thought the hardware was copper, which would be so pretty with the pine.

The B-Old and Beautiful Table needed some Love

At that time, I photographed the table, made a post about what it “could be,” then waited for more than a month before I actually got around to working on it. By that time, it was so embarrassing, I thought, I can’t even stay on my own schedule!

Never speak of what you’re going to do…. until after you do it.

This is my new motto.

**Pine table, worn but solid, copper hardware, a gem!**

Did I mention that the original plan was to use the table at the lake cottage?

Our cottage kitchen is the size of a small patio, 9’x9′, to be exact. Try as I might, I couldn’t fit the table in, from any angle. Plan B was to put her in the living room/main room next to the kitchen, with a black towel rack on the end facing the kitchen. Maybe casters to raise her up a bit?

Both of those decisions fell flat.

**Measure, Measure, Measure. Antiques are not level, prime or square!**

So, back to making her pretty.

I knew that no matter what I did, or where I would put her, use her, I had to refinish the pine first.

I removed the drawer pulls and set them aside. I always tape the tiny screws inside the handles, so I don’t lose them.

I decided to try the Easy-Off method of stripping, I knew it worked, I had used it on a small Singer Sewing machine drawer, just to practice. Practice? Yes, how long would the spray have to stay on the finish, how thick/heavy should the spray be, how long would it take to be effective? Got the answers I needed, now on to a larger piece, the pine table.

It was a hot day, so I pulled the table out of the garage and onto the driveway. I put a tarp under the table and began to spray an even, heavy coat of Easy-Off on the tabletop and table sides. I did the legs after the top was finished. I covered everything with Plastic Wrap, and let the sun warm the spray for an hour. After an hour, the top was black from melted varnish, and I waited another 15 minutes before removing the plastic wrap.

Before I took the plastic wrap off, I pulled the table onto the lawn, so I could use the garden hose to spray it down. The varnish had completely melted, or dissolved, and came off easily with the force of the water. Spots with varnish still remaining, were scrubbed with an old scrub brush. Entirely clean, I was so thrilled!

Next, the legs of the table. They’re completely straight, so easy to scrub or sand if needed.

I boiled the hardware in a pot of boiling water for about 20 minutes. Scrubbed with an old toothbrush, (hope it wasn’t my husband’s!), and this worked. Again, if anything remained, I scrubbed with a stiffer brush, or used sandpaper on the wood.

At this point, the table sat in the sun, on the lawn, until completely dry.

As it dried in the sun, the “finish” of the wood grew lighter and lighter.

I am thrilled with how it turned out, sad I don’t have a kitchen island, but sometimes Plan B stands for Plan Beautiful, my friends!

One more after photo…

This was a quick, fun, and worthwhile project, a little DIY with big returns!

I hope you give this a try….

actually, what I really want to say is

You should try this, and if you do, please send me a quick, Guess What! in the comments!

Let’s talk again soon!

XO,

Old Favorites, for New Seasons

By Beth Wood

Old recipes make new memories this Holiday Season

So! the holidays will be here before we know it!

Have you started to think about and plan your holiday dinners, holiday hosting?

Have you pulled out cherished old recipe cards that you use every year?

Are you practicing new-to-you recipes?

I, personally, have NOT started any of that, beyond “typing” about it, to you!

I procrastinate.

Tend to, anyway.

And tell me true…. I’m not the only one that does, right?

Truth be told, the same holidays come at the same time of the year, EVERY year!

It’s a Groundhog’s Day movie, over and over,

so why do we stress?

Don’t tell me you don’t!!

All of the “Favorites” on the same table…

I actually have overcome “most” of my rapid breathing and forehead sweating, through the course of the years. Practice really does make perfect.

Not that I’m perfect, I’ve just had a LOT of practice!

As a newlywed, hosting scared me to death!

A. I could not cook.

B. My idea of a “fancy” dessert, was to make Jell-O in a Tupperware mold…because, WHO DOES THAT? Exactly, that’s why it’s “fancy”!

C. As much as I love “words”, I would be tongue-tied as soon as people entered my home.

D. I am not an introvert, but compared to my husband, I was a door knob!

E. Was my house clean enough, big enough, pretty enough, and

F. WHEN WERE THEY LEAVING? !!!!

G.Did I mention that I could not cook?

Ahhh, thankfully friends, I’m glad I grew out of that.

The best way to eliminate stress for any occasion, is to plan ahead, give yourself enough time to do everything that YOU want to do. Clean, shop, decorate, invite people and confirm they’re coming,

something else, consider your guests “needs” as you plan your menu. Are there any food allergies or restricted diets to be aware of?

What are the ages around your table? Do you need a highchair? Booster or a drop cloth for an aggressive toddler?

Hint: If the parents aren’t willing to sit close to their sweet toddler, there’s a reason. NEVER forget the drop cloth, especially over carpet or a favorite rug.

Sweet Ivy Joy wants to feed herself! I put a drop cloth under her highchair, always!

Okay, back to the old recipe cards…

I have a few favorite make-ahead dishes that I prepare every year, for every holiday. My husband, children, grandchildren, and brothers request these dishes by name, that’s how good they are!

The night before a holiday, usually Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, I prepare a Broccoli Salad and dressing, cheesy potatoes, and Wayne’s Cranberry Sauce from Paula Dean. Earlier that day, I’ll prepare a couple of Apple Cranberry pies, at my husband’s request, it’s his favorite. I’ve made this so many times, my kids are starting to call it their favorite too!

Before I go to bed, I’ll set the table or two, depending on the number of family or guests attending, I’ll double check, then double check, to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything.

At that point, it’s usually late, and the house is quiet. With everyone in bed, there are no distractions, the pace grows slower, and I can take my time.

Setting the holiday table is my favorite thing to do.

I imagine who will be sitting there, though I usually know, and I hope that they’ll like what they see. I believe you “eat with your eyes” before you actually begin your meal. That’s another way of saying that your presentation matters, it pleases the senses before the meal begins.

It creates anticipation.

This is so important to me; I am creating an “experience” beyond eating for my guests.

I’m making memories for them to carry home.

The next morning, the day of the holiday, I’ll do another quick check.

At this point, I’m simply adding a few easy appetizers as people wait, and condiments, rolls and butter, and beverages are ready to go!

Take your time. You do you.

Remember, I haven’t mentioned a single holiday that is all about you, or me, or how awesome WE are!

With all of that love around your table, look around, relax, and feel the warmth of “gathering”.

Happy Hosting friends!

Happy Holidays!

XO,

Meyer Lemon Pound Cake

By Beth Wood

A Great Treat for a Summer’s Breakfast, Brunch or Dessert…light, bright, sweet and tart all at the same time!

Time for a confession: This little pound cake is the first time I’ve made a pound cake, let alone a Lemon Pound Cake!

Because it “sounded good”, when I was in the grocery store, I grabbed a Krusteaz Mix, because that brand ALWAYS delivers! I’m a big fan of their Honey Cornbread Mix, I’ve used it many times.

Krusteaz Mixes are a girl’s best friend!

Look at that slice of cake close up, look how light the texture is, it literally melts in your mouth!

The recipe is on the box, I did not create it. I did, however, use the hand mixer before reading that I should “stir” the ingredients together! This is how I roll, friends!!!

The recipe is as follows:

Four ingredients:

3/4 C. water

10 Tbs. melted butter

1 egg

1 1/2-2 Tbs. water for the glaze mix (you’ll make this later after cake is cooled)

Heat oven to 350*. Lightly grease an 8×4- loaf pan
With a spoon, STIR together water, melted butter, egg and cake mix until blended.
Bake 38-42 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the cake comes out “clean”. Cool for 5 minutes, gently loosen from the pan. Cool cake completely before drizzling with the glaze.
For Glaze: Whisk together enclosed glaze mix with 1 1/2 Tbs.-2 Tbs. water. Drizzle over cooled cake. Allow glaze to “set” before serving.

To call this cake my “own,”, I made the glaze a bit “lemonier” by using half water and half lemon juice. Also, I zested one medium lemon and added all of it to the cake mix while I was “stirring”:) The cake was still very light, sweet and a bit tart, perfect for a Summer’s breakfast, brunch, snack or dessert.

To make it “pretty”, which I love to do, I cut a few lemon slices (left over from my original 1 lemon), added them around the cake with a few sprigs of lemon thyme. Over the top of the cake, I sprinkled lightly the leaves of the thyme onto the glaze.

You can’t taste the “herbs,”, just the lemons!

Don’t worry, it turned out great!

This is SO SO good, I hope you try it, and when you do, let me know how you made it, and if you loved it too!!

Enjoy!!!

XO,

A Summer’s Drive…

By Beth Wood

For me, there is nothing more soothing, inspiring and uplifting than a drive in the country!

I’ve shared this before, though you may not know, but the first four years of my life, I lived at my Grandparent’s farmhouse in the countryside, not far from where I currently live.

Even though I was young, I have very vivid memories of certain events and places that happened during those years. I think it was the people I lived with, four adults that loved me like crazy, my parents and grandparents. An aunt and uncle lived next to us, about 1/4 mile away, they were our nearest neighbors. It’s safe to say, I wasn’t starving for attention!

My cousin pushing me on the swing at my Grandparent’s farmhouse, my home.

Now, I live on the border of our city, and the “country” is literally across the street in front of my house. In my backyard, I have a golf course view, third T to be exact, and in the front yard, I can see the other side of the golf course, which is bordered by a corn field and several old barns. Structurally, our home is well built, with “extras” that make it aesthetically pleasing. BUT it was the openness and the views that sold me on this house. What do they say about real estate? The three most important things about every home, every purchase, is Location, Location, Location! Based on that, I think we found a winner!

Last Monday, just two days ago as I write, I took my daughter and granddaughter to the Amish Market, about six miles from my home. So, between here and the market I drove past farmhouses and barns, corn fields, railroad tracks (unmarked,) horses with their colts, cattle, chickens, laundry on clotheslines, gardens, and miles of white- painted fences…it was stunning!

I asked my daughter, if she remembered me taking her to the Market when she was younger, about four to six years old. There were certain things she remembered vividly, which I had nothing to do with! Apparently, my father took her to the market, which I didn’t know or remember, and he talked a young man into giving her have a buggy ride around the property. Well….what kid wouldn’t remember that?!!

A spare buggy waits for a horse and driver at the Amish Market.

As a young mother, I would shop by bulk at the Amish Farm Market, buying vegetables by the bushel to preserve for the Fall and Winter months ahead.

Last Monday, the tables were sparse in their selections. Small stacks of blueberries blackberries and raspberries were neatly boxed, according to weight.

Full Bushels and half-bushel baskets were used for cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, beets, potatoes, tomatoes and peaches. Ears of corn, freshly picked, were strewn across a table of their own, and sold by the dozen.

Dairy products were in a small, refrigerated case. Butter, by the pound, and neatly wrapped in white parchment paper, sat beside Amish cheeses of various flavors. The milk, however, would “be here on Tuesday,” said the hand printed sign, so we just missed it!

No large purchases were made, we were mainly just “browsing”. My daughter bought Pepper Jelly and my granddaughter bought a bag of “Buggy Trail Mix”! I purchased a small bag of homemade chocolates, which are not on my summer’s diet, but looked, and ARE delicious!

Well, I hope you don’t mind me sharing my day and sharing some old memories with you. The best part of the day? Spending time with my family and sharing a drive through the country with them.

How about you?

Where is your special place, the one that offers you the greatest peace?

Whether you find peace by driving through the countryside, or walking along the beach listening to the waves, I really want to encourage you to be kind to yourself, and “take a break” when needed. Why in the world do we have to remind ourselves to do that?

It’s a rush-rush society that we’re living in…

and that’s a sermon for another day!

Below, I’m going to leave you with a bit of ME: white barns, tin roofs and white farmhouses are some of my favorite items to search for while driving in the country.

Side Note: The fact that I can actually reach my destinations safely, is amazing!

I’m wishing you a wonderful, peace-filled day, friend!

Hugs,

simplyhomebybeth