Cookie's Southern Style: January 2011

Friday, January 28, 2011

2011 Kitchen Trends

Kitchens are becoming known as the new family room. Kitchen's are not only for cooking daily meals but used also as the entertaining room of the home. Islands and bar areas are becoming more popular for families with children to do their homework and empty nestor's to entertain. It's also a place for family and friends to congregate over a cup of coffee, tea or snacks. Breakfast rooms are also being used as formal dining rooms. These are the perfect rooms to gather everyone together.
Another trend becoming popular is the "Simplistic Style". Minimalism not only help keep the cost down, but also creates sleek lines making your kitchen more elegant and contemporary. Stainless steel appliances, white or painted cabinets, and stone flooring are just a few ideas for that perfect minimalist kitchen.

Be sure to become a follower of Cookie Hudson Design for more decorating and event trends in this new year!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Mexican Buffet

Most Texans love to eat Mexican or Tex-Mex food. When you think of Mexican food tamales, nachos, tacos and fajitas come to mind. These foods are usually considered fast or comfort foods. They are not usually used as a meal for a formal affair. Adding a twist to the traditional dishes and serving meals in chafing dishes would give this informal meal a formal flair. Choosing Mexican food for your next event would not only be inexpensive but will be a delicious menu items for weddings or any special event. Take a look at some wonderful choices with a twist like Spanish flavored scalloped potatoes, fajitas, Spanish rice, Salad bar and fajita chicken beast with Spanish cream sauce. Contact Cookie Hudson Design & Catering to discuss a menu for your next special event.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Diva Bridal Shower

Congratulations to Leticia Fernandez on her engagement to Yahir Cruz. I wanted to do something special for my lovely friend/sister Leti for her engagement so I decided to host a bridal shower for her upcoming nuptials. I did not want to do the usual shower so I chose a Diva themed party. Leti is such a sweet friend and sister to everyone she is always hosting and planning events for everyone so this day had to be special. The invitations requested that guest shower Leti with jewelry, purses, shoes, makeup or perfume all things that a Diva would love. Boy did she receive some wonderful gifts. I am still trying to steal that animal print purse she received! (Leti, you better hide that one real good! I got my eye on it!)

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

My Husband's 50th Birthday Celebration!

"The Happy Couple"

Last year I turned 40 and had a huge party! I had such a blast I started planning my husband's 50th birthday party the next week. As always he said that he didn't need anything and had everything he could possibly want. Well of obviously I didn't listen. He knew I was up to something and since he don't like surprises and hates not being in control he began to snoop. Everything remained a surprise! Three days before his party I placed his dinner on the table and gave him an invitation to his weekend long celebration. Thursday, Nov. 11, his admin surprised him with over the hill decorations all over his office, hallway and bathroom. He called me so excited! "Babe you would never guess what they did, and they are taking me to lunch today so I will be late coming home." I pretended not to know anything. Little did he know I was in route to his job setting up for a surprise party there. When he returned to the office from a bogus errand he was floored when he saw me and my aunts sitting in the office with his co-workers ready for a party. Friday, Nov. 12 his actual birthday, I planned a 70's party at my home where I had several surprise guess that he had not seen in 9 years. Saturday, Nov. 13 I planned a Red Affair since he did not want any black. This was my favorite night so I am sharing pictures from this special event. The final surprise was a 5 day cruise and we left 2 days after his party.

"Cake and Cupcake table"

"Favors filled with homemade pecan candy"

"My Nephew and Neice hosted the affair"

"Drink Table"

"Tablescape"

"Program and Menu"

"Buffet"

"Centerpieces"

Monday, January 3, 2011

Dreadfully Removing Christmas Decorations

Everyone that know me will agree that I love the Holiday season especially Christmas. Now that the new year has arrived I am so sad to take down my Christmas decorations. My assistant Rebecca and I have already taken down 8 of the 12 trees I put up this year. I am procrastinating taking down my 12ft tree in my formal living and the rotating tree in the family room. I enjoyed looking at these trees when I returned from my 12 day hospital stay after surgery. However I do find joy in beginning to decorate my formal dining room table in a valentine theme! How exciting! I can't wait to share my pictures.

Southern Spice Recipe by Cookie Hudson Catering

Ingredients:3/4 cup margarine, 3/4 cup all purpose flour, 2 celery stalks, peeled and chopped, 3 large onions, chopped, 1 green bell pepper, chopped, 1 red bell pepper, chopped,1 yellow bell pepper, chopped, 2 bay leaves, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons, dried oregano, crumbled, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 5 (8 oz.) bottles clam juice, 2 (28 oz.) cans Cajun style diced tomatoes, 2 pounds Smoked Andouille sausage, halved lengthwise, sliced 1/4 inch thick, 2 pounds okra, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices, 2 pounds large Shrimp, uncooked, peeled and deveined, 3 tomatoes, seeded, diced, 1 pound rice, cooked

Directions:

Heat oil in a large iron skillet over high heat until almost smoking. Add flour, stirring constantly until you get a dark red-brown rue, about 8 minutes. Add celery, onions and bell peppers. Cook 5 minutes, stirring and scraping bottom of pan often. Mix in bay leaves, salt, oregano and cayenne. Add clam juice, canned tomatoes and sausage. Boil 15 minutes. Add okra, reduce heat and simmer until okra is tender, about 15 minutes. Cover and chill to let the flavors merge. Bring to simmer before continuing. Add shrimp to gumbo and simmer until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Ladle over rice and top with tomatoes.

"Chicken Creole" Recipe

Cooked leftover chicken can be tossed into this gumbo and simmered with tomatoes, mushrooms, chile peppers, a little of this and a little of that. Delicious chicken gumbo consistency with tomato base served over a bed of rice

Ingredients:

1/4 cup oil for frying

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast

meat

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with

green chile peppers, with liquid

1 (4.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms,

drained

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 dashes hot sauce

Directions:

1.

Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until mixture is the color of a copper penny. Reduce heat to low and stir in bell pepper and onion. Cook 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.

2.

Add chicken, tomatoes with green chile peppers, mushrooms, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Stir together, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Recipe

Ingredients:

2 egg whites, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

1 1/4 teaspoons Old Bay or Creole/Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

1 pound fresh lump crabmeat, drained

Preparation:

Combine egg whites, mayonnaise, parsley, Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and dry mustard. Gently stir in the bread crumbs and crabmeat. Shape mixture into 8 patties, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper or non-stick foil; cover and chill for 30 to 60 minutes.

Spray a large nonstick skillet with vegetable cooking spray or use a little olive oil to coat the bottom. Place over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add crab cakes; cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until browned.

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