Sweet Home Alabama

Although I grew up in California, I have
always had this special connection to the
southern lifestyle. In a lot of ways it
reminds me of the way I was brought up.
My parents taught me the importance of
supporting the local boutiques & cafes in
our neighborhood and people actually
got to know you by name.

Of course I grew up in the 60's and
I can remember going to neighborhood
festivals, the farmer's market and my parents
would buy things in a co-op with a group
of friends.

When my parents passed away, my sister
took over and introduced me to everything.
She had her pulse on anything that was
creative & stylish. I remember when
she told me about Natalie Chanin
who started Project Alabama many
years ago and I have been a fan of hers
ever since.

My Mother was from Alabama and I spent
many summers there baking with my
grandmother hearing stories about family
and creating memories about good food
that give me such comfort even today.

All of the treats I make at the bakery
are inspired from hand written recipes that I
learned so many years ago.

I just Love the new Alabama Stitch Book.
The way it's written really gives you
a sense of a way of life as I remember.
It has everything from the wonderful
hand stitched clothing that Natalie
Chanin is so famous for to other fun
projects like fabric mums made
from recycled fabric.

She also shares stories of her life in
a sustainable community. The
thought of getting together with
family and friends and having
pot luck dinners is just dreamy.
Simple yet fulfilling.

I absolutely love the wonderful recipes
like southern style biscuits slathered
in warm butter.
It is a beautiful book.