I love the new Beekman Gourmet Provisions!

 

I am just crazy over our Beekman 1802 Gourmet Provisions!  I wanted to share three of them with you.  Aside from supporting the small farm and local movement all of their products are very unique and superior in quality. 

 

Most of you know that I love to entertain!  I especially love to serve good food, but more than that...I also LOVE simple so that I can enjoy my guests.  For my store, Gatewood Hall Gracious Home I work hard to find excellent products that can "doll up" even the most simple items...or as one of my best friends says that l love to "guild the lily".  These products do just that, as well as making perfect gifts.

Beekman Hot Fudge

Made with small farm cream, butter and real goat milk!

I almost hate to do this to you. The Beekman hot fudge uses real ingredients, from small farms, including fresh goat milk. It's made the oldest-fashionest way possible...in small batches, by hand. How's it taste? Like it would win Best Hot Fudge Sauce at a 1928 church social. That real. Real chocolate. Real sugar. No corn syrup. No stabilizers.

 

Sure you can just put it over ice-cream while you're binge watching HGTV...but how about really good vanilla ice-cream in a beautiful martini glass drizzled with this sublime fudge sauce and a little cream de menthe!  How easy is that?

There's really not much more to say about it. Except that I'm sorry for creating a new addiction. It is sure to become a stable in your kitchen pantry!

Shortbread Mix

Colonial Recipe with an added touch of goat milk

 

Not only is Shortbread one of my absolute favorite cookies it is one of the earliest “cookey” recipes in colonial America. But only for special occasions... butter was a pretty valuable ingredient in those days. With a little goat milk added to the Beekman shortbread mix, because, well as the Beekman boys say... goat milk makes everything taste better. So easy to make, they are nearly fail proof!  Try these delicious, buttery treats with coffee, tea, or a big glass of cold milk. Who needs a special occasion? Well the Beekman boys just declared today “Shortbread for Everyone Day.” Seriously. They can do that.

Besides there are endless things you can do with really good shortbread. Especially during the holidays! I love to make the shortbread and then dip half of the cookie in melted caramel or chocolate. With a very tiny sprinkle of Fleur de sel. Sometimes I'll add finely chopped dried cranberries, pecans and white chocolate chunks to the mix before baking. Yummy and special.

Blaak Drizzle

As featured in Country Living..

 

The Beekman 1802 Blaak Drizzle is a reduction of balsamic vinegar, figs and the native elderberries that grow wild around the Beekman 1802 Farm and all over New York state. It is in a beautiful bottle making it a perfect gift!

The mellow sharpness of cask-aged balsamic is further tempered by the sweet figs and tart elderberries. It's totally unique flavor has been heralded in Country Living and numerous food blogs. Enjoy it drizzled over cheese, salads, slices of fruit (imagine it with grilled Georgia peaches or strawberries) and always...a favorite...over vanilla ice -cream. Sounds odd but amazingly delicious and another great way to "fancy" up ice cream for guests. I know you'll find even more uses for it, too.

 

I hope you will try these goodies out and please let me know what you think!  I'd love to hear what ideas you come up with! 

Gatewood Hall is Proud to Announce a Fabulous New Line Beekman 1802

I am so excited to announce another exclusive line at Gatewood Hall Gracious Home.  I have been following Beekman 1802 for a few years.  I love their drive, creativity and overall business smarts.  Then when I tried their products I was in love.  I can honestly say there has not been product that I haven't found wonderful.  So let me introduce you to this exciting new line.

Beekman 1802 was founded in 2008 by Josh Kilmer-Purcell (advertising executive and NY Times Bestselling author) and Dr. Brent Ridge (physician and former Vice President of Healthy Living for Martha Stewart Omnimedia) with a mission to prove that a farm is bigger than its fences.

Josh and Brent with some of their "kids"!

 

In 2008, the ‘Beekman Boys’ were laid off from their NYC jobs and stuck with a mortgage on the Beekman farm in Sharon Springs NY. Originally the farm was their country get away from the hustle of the city. The farm became their lifeline. Faced with possible foreclosure, the pair made a decision – if they were going to save their farm, they would have to make it profitable.

Beekman 1802

After taking in a neighboring farmer and his herd of beloved dairy goats, Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell began producing soaps and cheese. As other neighbors taught them how to farm, Ridge and Kilmer-Purcell shared their city-honed skills – starting a website and Mercantile. Dr. Ridge even gifted Martha Stewart a bar of their unscented goats milk soap...rumor has it that the queen of  "good things" loved their products.  The men began working with several other local farmers and artisans to market their goods, and the entire village came together to host seasonal festivals, which are now attended by thousands of visitors from around the globe.

Vanilla Goats Milk Soap

Since then, their recovery story and lifestyle brand has been chronicled by the likes of NASDAQ, Vanity Fair and the New York Times. Beekman 1802 was named as as one of "the fastest growing lifestyle brands in the country". Josh also authored the New York Times bestselling memoir, The Bucolic Plague, about the very beginnings of Beekman 1802. (I loved this book it is very funny and inspirational!)

In 2015, Beekman 1802 unveiled a Goat Milk bath and body line and gourmet food products for the North American specialty gift and independent market. Most of 1802’s products feature Goat Milk as a key ingredient; emphasize ingredients from a Farm, rather than a lab; and are Made in America. Their gourmet provisions are simple and outstanding. They can take something from "drab to fab" and make you look like a seasoned chef (and you know how I love simple!!)

They have also written some excellent cookbooks, as well as their new Style Book which is absolutely lovely.  (these books make perfect gifts!!) I can't wait to hear your feedback!!  After all...as they say..."Beekman 1802 is for city folk who long for the country, and for country folk that dream of the city". Keep following our FaceBook page and this blog as I highlight some of their products and recipes.

Some Beekman 1802 Gourmet Provisions at Gatewood Hall

 

Beekman 1802 Style Book

 

My Simplified Holiday Season

I am determined to enjoy the holidays without all of the typical stress.  Last year I was still recovering from my first Achilles repair and I just wanted to get through the holidays.  This year has been full of interesting change and I'm so excited about the holidays and the new year...I feel it is important to celebrate.  So I am trying something different, as I was discussing my thoughts with a customer she suggested that I post it and then let everyone know how it goes!

Instead of trying to have a big holiday party I'm opting to have more casual impromptu gatherings with just a few folks at a time.  I think this will be better because I'll really get to visit with and enjoy my friends. 

Here's my plan and how I'm going to do it: 

This past week I finished my holiday decorating (definitely scaled back from previous years!) But I felt this was as important for me as it is for guests.  I did a very small vintage looking, gold tinsel tree in my in my bedroom.  It’s all new and a little over the top but I’m enjoying it.  In my living room I put up a small pencil tree, I wasn’t going to do it but I have some very special “Chloe” ornaments that I really wanted to display. Outside I went all natural, I used live garland and wreaths, and stuffed the window boxes with various evergreens from my property.



My Bedroom Tinsel Tree



Pencil Tree and Mantle

I ran errands one night after work so that I could stock my bar and wine cooler including a couple bottles of Champagne.   I also purchased some other treats including great cheeses, cured meats, Marcona almonds, delicious olives, a few kinds of crackers, as well as some sweets like a new favorite Panettone raisin cake, French truffles, peppermint bark, and some of my special “Holiday Snack Mix” (my recipe is below). I feel like these items along with some great Gatewood Hall provisions (Yes, this a shameless plug) like our Sansaba Peach Pecan Amaretto preserves to pour over cream cheese or pound cake, blood orange curd by Bella Cucina to put in their tiny butter crusts or even some GH black bean salsa will give me plenty of options for some quick and tasty snacks or appetizers.  These items have a long shelf life and besides, who wouldn't love a nice Chartecurie board and a glass of wine?

Wonderful Provisions

I have my iPod loaded with a special holiday mix.  I neatly put all of my holiday magazines, catalogs and Christmas cards in a nice basket complete with pens and stamps, I keep it beside my bed so if I want some holiday inspiration or feel like writing out a few cards I can do it easily.
 

My Magazine and Holiday Card Basket

I’m burning holiday candles (Available at GH J) and I am even listening to holiday music in my car. 

I’m having a few small, casual and intimate dinners, a few friends for a traditional afternoon high tea, and possibly a nice brunch.  I am also taking advantage of our great restaurants in Blue Ridge.  For our GH team celebration we are going to Cucina Rustica. Or what could be better than meeting a few friends for sliders, Pat’s great brews and some wonderful soup by Polina at Blue Ridge Brewery?  

So here’s how my plan is going so far…The other night I had friends over. We sat in front of the fire (I confess I had the AC on because Mother Nature didn’t cooperate and it was really too warm for a fire!) drank wine, ate Spanish cheese, olives, almonds, pate and French bread.  Then we had a very simple salad, along with a shrimp and pasta dish (more wine!) and then a sampling of fantastic cupcakes and truffles from my girls at the Sweet Shoppe of Blue Ridge.  I have to tell you it was a wonderful and stress-free evening with lots of conversation and laughs.  Exactly what I was hoping for that evening!
 

Tablescape for Small Dinner Party

I’ll keep you posted on how the rest of the season goes. Wish me luck and most importantly I hope you and your loved ones have a very special holiday season with many, many wonderful memories.

Corky's Holiday Snack Mix

1-  Can (1 LB 2.75 OZ)  Planters Winter Spiced Mixed Nuts
1-  Bag (12 OZ) White Chocolate Chips
2-  Bag (8 OZ or more if you like) Dried Cranberries
1-  Bag (5 OZ) Emerald Brand Glazed Pecan Pie Pecans (Optional but delicious!)

Mix together and store in an air-tight tin or jar!  Enjoy!!

Autumn Harvest at Gatewood Hall

Well today is the first day of Autumn, and while I know not everyone is crazy about this time of year (Shawn Hall being one of those) I happen to love it! Many of you have heard stories about my mother and how much she enjoys decorating for the holidays and seasons...I remember my very first apartment, late September and she shows up with mums, and pumpkins that she had just purchased at the farmer's market to "help me decorate and get into the fall spirit" you guessed it, she loves the fall too!

Fall is especially nice in the North Georgia mountains, our neck of the woods becomes majestic and mother nature...well, she just "shows out"! Our very beloved British friend Ellie used to sit in a rocking chair on the porch of our cabin and look out at our view of Rich Mountain and say "That my dear is evidence of God!" and I couldn't agree more.

It's not just the beauty, it's the color, the crispness in the air, the idea of nesting and cozying up that I just love. (Don't get me wrong in early December I'll be dreaming of Spring) But for now I enjoy how some things just sort of slow down.

So this time of year brings us to our next theme that we call Autumn Harvest at Gatewood Hall! We'll be highlighting some of the our picks or things that we have in our shops and in our community that we especially love this time of year!

Some great fall inspired gourmet gear and goodies for your pantry or to keep handy for hostess gifts!

Beautiful decor for your harvest table and wreaths for your doors! Love these vintage looking wild turkeys and the faux gourds and pumpkins that we have look unbelievably real!

The new fall Caspari collection of napkins and guest towels are exceptionally beautiful this season. My mom always says buy those pretty paper napkins, "don't store them away, use them...they make an ordinary sandwich or drink taste better". You know what? She is right!!

We love this line and we have carried it for quite awhile, and they keep adding more beautiful pieces. These new items are gorgeous! I love the wood and pewter mix on the salad and nut bowls. The stag wine glass would be a great gift for the man in your life. Imagine a good red wine in that glass while sitting in front of the fire in your mountain home! The little squirrel on the stump is a salt and pepper set, the stump is for salt the squirrel holds pepper...how great is that?

A new gourmet line that we have is Captain Rodney's! The Boucan Glaze is a quick and easy cooking trick. It can be brushed on as a glaze for any game, fish, fowl, beans or vegetables. Straight out of the bottle, it makes the perfect dipping sauce for chicken or shrimp, quick and easy to use, always ready to add just the right amount of sweet spice to any dish. This glaze is added after cooking so you get full, rich flavor without the time and trouble of a traditional marinade. No long waits, just easy, all-natural flavor. We love the recipe for the famous cheese bake appetizer...we'll give you the recipe card on the bottle but- just to get your mouth watering.. you mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayo, scallions, top with crisp bacon bits and buttery cracker crumbs and then drizzle with Captain Rodney's sweet, spicy glaze bake and serve warm with crackers, it is DIVINE!! Our friend who turned us onto "Hot Squeeze" told us about Captain Rodney's, what a great gift to keep on hand! Another one of our customers Martha from Alabama (who does famous catering) says she's used Captain Rodney's forever, she said "We call it the stuff that could make cardboard taste good!" She serves it over her well-loved southern fried chicken, YUM!

We also have Captain Rodney's Temptation of Jezebel Sauce which brings back a traditional recipe of the Treasure Coast. A sweet and tangy taste of the old south with tropical pineapples, sweet apples, cracked black pepper and a little horseradish for just the right amount of bite. Try it as a glaze over meat and vegetables or serve it as an appetizer with cream cheese and crackers. (I love it on a ham and swiss cheese sandwhich or biscuit). With just one bite you will see why the Temptation of Jezebel is impossible to resist.
Gosh now I'm so hungry!! Happy Fall Y'all! Please do come in and see us!

**P.S. I just had to come back in and add this footnote. It is around 11AM, I just called my mother on her cell to tell her to be sure to read this new blog post that I wrote last night..."OK" She said "Honey, let me call you back I can't talk, I'm on my way to Grandma's, I picked up mums and pumpkins and I can't even see out of my car, this is bad, I'm gonna have to pull over to rearrange..." I laughed and said- be careful, just call me later...Is that funny or what?? :) I LOVE YOU MOM!!

A Great New Gourmet Line to Add To Our Summer Pantry

As you know we just finished the July Market in Atlanta and it was a really good show! Shawn and I wanted to find some more gourmet lines to bring into both shops not only for our GH Summer Pantry but for some great staples throughout the year. The criteria was- it had to be versatile, unique, delicious, simple and well priced. We also wanted it to be "giftable" so a pretty package was certainly a plus. We found several new lines and I am happy to introduce the first to you this week (yes, it has already arrived believe it or not).

We are thrilled to bring you Foxys Gourmet! This exciting new line met all of our criteria and more! We can't wait for you to try their products. They are beautifully packaged making them great gifts and all of their products are:

• MSG free; No trans-fat; No artificial sweeteners
• No artificial color; No preservatives
• Made in nut free facility

Experience the versatility of the savory gourmet dip mixes. Some of the flavors include Sun Dried Tomato, Garlic Herb, Cheddar Onion, Olive Tappenade, Lemon Dill, Onion Chive, and Roasted Red Pepper. These delicious dips can be used as toppings on countless entrée possibilities. Have one as a dip for crusty French bread, sliced vegetables or flat breads. Delight in the ease of creating gourmet dips at your next epicurean event. Simply add sour cream and mayonnaise and you can even dress them up by adding fresh items like chopped parsley, spinach or even olives to create an incredibly delicious "home-made" tasting treat.

You will enjoy the Sweet Dips as a topping on many desserts and fruits including bananas, strawberries, pears, apples, and so much more! The dips are so easy, simply add milk, cream or water to the mix to create an incredibly rich, creamy and delicious sweet treat. We went crazy over the Creamy Caramel, you just add water and you have a incredibly rich, decadent caramel sauce great on apples or drizzled over cheesecake!

And just wait until you try the amazing cocktail mixes. You can be your own bartender and dazzle your friends and family with impressive martinis, daiquiris, mojitos, and margaritas! Master the art of modern entertaining and use these gourmet mixes to make delicious and unique cocktails. Combine the mix with a few bar ingredients to create a sensational drink. These tasty mixes will become a delightful addition to your cocktail repertoire. Imagine some of these fabulous concoctions:

Chocolate Seduction Martini
Raspberry Buzz Mojito
Cool Lime Mojito
Cotton Candy Daiquiri
Raspberry Lipstick Margarita
Cloud Nine Martini

And get this there are 12 more flavors!!!! Come in and see us and we'll show you the whole line!

the girl & the fig for your Summer Pantry

We love "the girl & the fig" products at Gatewood Hall. We started carrying this wonderful line last year and many of you have come to love it!! Created by Sondra Bernstein proprietor of the renowned Sonoma, California restaurants Estate, The Fig Cafe and The Girl & The Fig these products will make feel like you are in the wine country! These are great additions to your Summer Pantry!

The fig and port vinaigrette is the signature dressing for the famous grilled fig & arugula salad at Sondra's girl & the fig restaurant. A perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Serve on a salad of arugula, toasted pecans, pancetta, grilled figs & chevre. (say it with me, HEAVEN!!!!). You can also use it as a marinade for pork or chicken.

The Apricot Fig Chutney is probably one of the most popular products from the girl & the fig. Plump apricots and calimyrna figs are a fantastic combination for flavor and texture. With a hint of ginger, spices and dried cherries, this chutney is a very versatile condiment that will add another flavor dimension to your favorite dish.

Serving Ideas:

The most popular box lunch sandwich from the girl & the fig is the house-roasted turkey, apricot fig chutney, fiscalini cheddar cheese on a baguette. (YUMMY!!). A great and easy appetizer is to take the small phyllo shells and put a small piece of brie or goat cheese, spoon in a little chutney and warm in the oven, delicious and easy gotta love that! You can also...

- Add to a cheese and charcuterie platter.
- Marinate chicken or pork chops with apricot fig chutney and grill.
- Serve as a condiment for pork loin, roast chicken, turkey breast
- Serve on a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Mix with Cream Cheese or Mascarpone and make Stuffed French Toast.

Mostarda is an Italian condiment made of candied fruit with a kick from mustard or mustard seed. Traditionally mostarda was served with boiled meats called bollito misto which is a speciality of northern Italian cooking. More recently it has become a popular accompaniment to cheeses. Subtle flavors of rosemary, cinnamon, coriander, and ginger add depth and create a nice balance in the multi-dimensional product. Serve alongside charcuterie or cheese, or even as a spread on a sandwich . Also delicious as a condiment or sauce with grilled chicken, pork, lamb, and sausage. You will love it!

The red onion confit is a blend of red onions, red wine vinegar, red wine, sugar, thyme, salt, pepper. Serve with charcuterie dishes, grilled sausages, barbecued chicken and meats. Add to a turkey or cheese sandwich. It almost has a sweet and sour flavor and adds a nice addition of flavor to the most basic recipes.

Serving Ideas:

- Serve with charcuterie dishes, grilled sausages, BBQ chicken and meats.
- Add to a turkey or cheese sandwich.
- Use as a condiment for cheese platters.
- Warm gently and use as sauce for pork, chicken, turkey, or beef.
- Use as a sandwich condiment or on a burger. YUM!
- While braising, add a couple tablespoons to the pot.
- Add a few tablespoons to sautéed vegetables. (I do this and it really dresses up something simple!)

The salts are wonderful blends that include:

Fennel citrus herb blend - A blend fennel seed, lemon and orange peel, sea salt, lavender, mustard seed and other spices. Sprinkle on fish, chicken or pork before pan searing or grilling. Add water to brine pork or chicken.

Lavender sea salt- Simple lavender flowers blended with grey sea salt. Subtle scent and flavor makes this a great addition to certain dishes for an unusual dose of flavor. (I love it on fresh heirloom tomatoes!)

Citrus sea salt- Oven dried lemon and orange peel mixed with grey sea salt. Sprinkle on fish, chicken or pork before pan searing or grilling. Toss with pasta or risotto. Serve as a condiment on the table.

We also have Sondra's outstanding cook book that is full of great recipes that promote her vision of country food with French passion.

Stop in this weekend we will be having tastings of some of the girl and fig products...we will get you hooked!! See you soon!

Sansaba for Your Summer Pantry

This week we are highlighting a perfect product for your summer pantry. A longstanding GH Favorite... Sansaba Preserves! The original Peach, Pecan & Amaretto has been a top selling product for us since we opened and we still love it! All of the flavors are great over cream cheese and served with crackers for a great appetizer. One of our customers loves to make special sundaes with Breyer's vanilla ice cream, and I love to (O.K. I know this not a heart healthy recipe) pan fry homemade pound cake (from the freezer) in butter and then top with any flavor, add some whipped cream...YUM!

Try this recipe for a easy yet fantastic pie that everyone loves!

One of our customers made this pie for a church social and everyone went crazy over it. She was so excited because she isn't much of a cook so she is usually asked to bring paper products however, after this pie everyone asks her to bring dessert. She bought a case of Sansaba to have on hand, and get this she won't give out the recipe as it is now her "secret". While this recipe calls for peach, pecan and amaretto it really works well with any of their flavors.

It is great on pancakes, or waffles on slathered on a biscuit (another customer told me last week that she eats it straight from the jar! I'll mention no names, we don't judge!)

Finally, one of my favorites is to grill chicken and then baste it with the peach, pecan and jalapeno serve on rice and it is AWESOME!! Come try it out if you haven't already! A must have for your summer pantry.

Hot Squeeze Arrives at Gatewood Hall!

At Gatewood Hall we are always on the search for new products! A few weeks ago one of our wonderful guests told me about a gourmet product that was created and made in Atlanta. I love Georgia products so I was interested…I quickly did some research and hooked up with Sue Sullivan the creator of a product called Hot Squeeze Sweet Heat Chipotle Sauce. Once I heard her story I knew that I wanted to try the product and meet her. So this past weekend I received my sample and started on my research (and you thought I was off being lazy on Saturday!) I am so happy that I looked into this because I love Sue’s products and after having the pleasure of meeting her I am excited to be a part of her adventure to get her product in the hand of everyone. It is clear that she is a passionate entrepreneur who is proud of her creation and wants to share it with folks and I just love that about her! I want to share Sue’s story and tell you about her two sauces!

Before Hot Squeeze, Sue Sullivan was a caterer in Atlanta, Georgia she began catering when her children were babies as a way to be a stay-at-home mom. Sue’s husband, who at that time worked for CNN, hired Sue for her first film production catering job. The business grew and grew and by the time her children were teenagers, she had taken on a business partner, renovated a commercial kitchen in her home and was working full time catering film production lunches.

Hot Squeeze began innocently enough as a chipotle glaze for a pork tenderloin served at one of those lunches. It was an instant hit, so she tried the glaze over grilled salmon and flank steak. Then she started using it in recipes for black bean chili, stews, and mashed sweet potatoes. It became a signature ingredient in her catering menus and a staple on their tables. Sue and her partner soon found that clients poured it on everything—meats, vegetables and even on salads, soon it had to be available at every lunch they served.

Word about the delicious sauce spread within the industry and film crews from all over the US, when on assignment in Atlanta, began to request catering from the “two women with the incredible sauce,” and they soon became known as the “Chipotle Sisters.” Clients begged them to bottle the sauce so that they could buy it at home.

For years Sue’s clients continued to tell her that she should bottle the sauce, and for years she would look at them like they were crazy — She was busy enough running a catering company and as she says she had no clue how to bottle a sauce.

As a self-proclaimed workout-aholic, Sue tells the story that her spin class instructor always asks that the group share their New Year's resolutions. In 2006, she told her class that she was finally going to get Hot Squeeze into a bottle. It took her 10 months to actually do this! She said that she asked a lot of questions, researched everything, and then took a leap of faith, but in October of 2006 the first run of 500 cases of Hot Squeeze was produced. (Sue says she felt a little like Lucy in the candy factory when she saw those first bottles come off the assembly line!)
So what exactly is Hot Squeeze Sweet Heat Chipotle? Well it is a very versatile sauce with personality. It's smoky (because of the chipotle, a smoked jalapeno pepper). It's spicy, it's sweet, it's sassy and it's sexy all in one bottle!

Use it as a condiment, like a steak sauce. But it’s not just for steak—it jazzes up everything on your plate from meat, fish, potatoes, to vegetables and even salad.

Use it as a finishing glaze. Let’s say you’ve just grilled up some salmon. Squeeze on the Hot Squeeze and watch as it coats the fish with a sexy glaze that tastes as great as it looks. Tired of baked chicken? Transform it into something exceptional with a little Hot Squeeze! Some say it’s got Asian nuances, others think southwestern and still others think barbecue. Once you realize how good Hot Squeeze is on food, try using it in recipes for chili, black beans, vegetable casseroles and soups, it adds that extra zip. Mix it with mayonnaise for a sandwich spread or add it to vinaigrettes for a new twist on salad dressings Hot Squeeze can be used as a stir-fry sauce and a bbq sauce. Hot Squeeze can be drizzled over goat cheese or cream cheese for an easy appetizer or used as a dip for egg rolls or meatballs.

Sue’s newest creation is Hot Squeeze Orange Ginger Zing (OGZ) It’s got a bold burst of orange and fresh ginger and just a little bit of zing. Like Chipotle Sweet Heat, this sauce was created to do everything! I used it on shrimp this week and served it with brown rice and it was outrageous. It tasted like a gourmet recipe that I had worked on for hours! Sue said people have even used OGZ on cheesecakes and ice-cream. And the great news is that we all know that Ginger is really good for you!

Both of the Hot Squeeze flavors puts an end to condiment clutter because you can clear out all those other bottles of sauce. With Hot Squeeze you’ve got it all—sauce, marinade, dressing, glaze—in one bottle! I’m already addicted. I LOVE THIS STUFF!! It is a sassy, all-purpose sauce that is good for you, too! All natural, fat free, low sodium, kosher and shelf stable. Each flavor has endless uses in your recipes and at your table…come try it this weekend…I promise you are going to be addicted too!

You know it is addiction when you are at one of the new "trendy & fancy" gourmet burger places in Atlanta and you are enjoying what once was your favorite turkey burger and you think to yourself..."Darn, do I have that sample bottle of Hot Squeeze in my car? it would be awesome on this!" Yep- I seriously did that!!

Wonderful Things!

It has been a very busy week at Gatewood Hall, as many of you know Shawn is in Europe so I can't thank Becky and Brenda enough for helping "hold down the fort" while he was away. We have received so much new inventory (a bunch of Holiday arrived this week...Oh just wait until you see!!!)

One of the new items we have just put out is a limited edition fragrance by Archipelago called Black Forest. It is the soothing scent of Douglas Fir and Ebony wood and a subtle hint of Black Currant so perfect for the mountains especially this time of year. We have the 8 oz. diffusers and the hand poured, soy wax blend candle (which will burn for more than 50 hours). The packaging is beautiful and would make a very nice gift. Come in and smell for yourself.

A few weeks ago artist Ande Cooke turned me onto this blog called Honey and Jam and I have to tell you I love it. Here is the kicker...the writer and food photographer is local, she along with her mother and the rest of the family are said to make some of the most wonderful artisan breads that they sell locally, usually at the Blue Ridge Farmers Market. Well I fell in love with the blog the young lady is named Hannah, and her photography is absolutely beautiful! I probably sound crazy but I believe she captures the essence and feeling of the food with such simple nuance. Twice while at the farmers market I have looked for her so that I could introduce myself (I know...now I sound like a stalker!) unfortunately Hannah and her family haven't been there.

This past Sunday I arrived late to the store and Becky is helping some folks and I just jump in to do my usual wrapping with tissue and bows and the customer says these things are for my daughter she is a food photographer...(Ping, my ears perked up) I said who is your daughter because I think I am one of her new groupies...and sure enough it was Hannah turns our that she and her family have been in a few times and she buys some of her photo props from GH! The entire family (her sisters were there also, I think they thought I was nuts because I was so excited to meet all of them) were so very nice. Turns out they have been really busy with other stuff and that is why they haven't been at the market. Hopefully they will get back there before the season ends. In the meantime grab a cup of tea sit back and enjoy Hannah's beautiful, mouth-watering blog http://www.honeyandjam.com/ you will enjoy it and you deserve it!

Finally, while Shawn is away Becky and I decided we'd have a sale (teach him to leave us behind!!). Handbags and wallets are 15% to 50% off, all in-stock jewelry is 20% off, Cat Studio is 25% off, and we are still marking down. It is almost time for the High Point market so we need to make room for more new things! Stop in and see us this weekend, the fresh autumn weather has been AWESOME!

The Girl & The Fig Products at Gatewood Hall!

We are so pleased to be able to offer "the girl & the fig" products at Gatewood Hall. Created by Sondra Bernstein proprietor of the renowned Sonoma, California restaurants Estate, The Fig Cafe and The Girl & The Fig these products will make your mouth, heart and stomach sing for joy!

The fig and port vinaigrette is the signature dressing for the famous grilled fig & arugula salad at Sondra's girl & the fig restaurant. A perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Serve on a salad of arugula, toasted pecans, pancetta, grilled figs & chevre. (say it with me, HEAVEN!!!!). You can also use it as a marinade for pork or chicken.

The Apricot Fig Chutney is probably one of the most popular products from the girl & the fig. Plump apricots and calimyrna figs are a fantastic combination for flavor and texture. With a hint of ginger, spices and dried cherries, this chutney is a very versatile condiment that will add another flavor dimension to your favorite dish.

Serving Ideas:

The most popular box lunch sandwich from the girl & the fig is the house-roasted turkey, apricot fig chutney, fiscalini cheddar cheese on a baguette. (YUMMY!!) You can also...

- Add to a cheese and charcuterie platter.
- Marinate chicken or pork chops with apricot fig chutney and grill.
- Serve as a condiment for pork loin, roast chicken, turkey breast
- Serve on a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Mix with Cream Cheese or Mascarpone and make Stuffed French Toast.

Mostarda is an Italian condiment made of candied fruit with a kick from mustard or mustard seed. Traditionally mostarda was served with boiled meats called bollito misto which is a speciality of northern Italian cooking. More recently it has become a popular accompaniment to cheeses. Subtle flavors of rosemary, cinnamon, coriander, and ginger add depth and create a nice balance in the multi-dimensional product. Serve alongside charcuterie or cheese, or even as a spread on a sandwich . We served a sample at our last block party and Brenda along with one of our guests agreed that it would be fabulous on a peanut butter sandwich..that is where Italian meets the south! I think a big tablespoon in Greek Yogurt or in oatmeal would be extremely satisfying. Also delicious as a condiment or sauce with grilled chicken, pork, lamb, and sausage. You will love it!

The red onion confit is a blend of red onions, red wine vinegar, red wine, sugar, thyme, salt, pepper. Serve with charcuterie dishes, grilled sausages, barbecued chicken and meats. Add to a turkey or cheese sandwich. It almost has a sweet and sour flavor and adds a nice addition of flavor to the most basic recipes.

Serving Ideas:

- Serve with charcuterie dishes, grilled sausages, BBQ chicken and meats.
- Add to a turkey or cheese sandwich.
- Use as a condiment for cheese platters.
- Warm gently and use as sauce for pork, chicken, turkey, or beef.
- Use as a sandwich condiment or on a burger. YUM!
- While braising, add a couple tablespoons to the pot.
- Add a few tablespoons to sautéed vegetables. (I do this and it really dresses up something simple!)

The salts are wonderful blends that include:

Fennel citrus herb blend - A blend of fennel seed, lemon and orange peel, sea salt, lavender, mustard seed and other spices. Sprinkle on fish, chicken or pork before pan searing or grilling. Add water to brine pork or chicken.

Lavender sea salt- Simple lavender flowers blended with grey sea salt. Subtle scent and flavor makes this a great addition to certain dishes for an unusual dose of flavor. (I love it on fresh heirloom tomatoes!)

Citrus sea salt- Oven dried lemon and orange peel mixed with grey sea salt. Sprinkle on fish, chicken or pork before pan searing or grilling. Toss with pasta or risotto. Serve as a condiment on the table.

We also have Sondra's outstanding cook book that is full of great recipes that promote her vision of country food with French passion.

Stop in this weekend we will be having tastings of some of the girl and fig products...we will get you hooked!! See you soon!

Low Country Produce

Have you tried our exclusive Lowcountry Produce products? If not you are missing out on some good stuff! Lowcountry Produce is a purveyor of regional Southern delicacies from the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia. All of their products are handmade and handpacked using only all-natural ingredients. About five years ago, Lowcountry Produce decided to collect their own regional and family recipes and produce those special foods to let people have a continuing connection to the way things used to be. Their efforts have been well received, and our customers have been glad to leave the canning and preserving process to them and reap the benefits of their labor by serving foods that are pretty close to what Grandma used to make.

As an authentic Southern artisan company the owners of LCP are true believers in their small-batch, hand-packed products. They support local farmers and they make each product at the time when the key ingredients are at their peak. Their recipes represent the best food traditions of the lowcountry. Located in Lobeco, South Carolina, we believe that Lowcountry Produce brings you the best of these unique flavors.

The LCP Green Tomato Pickles are outrageous, they were even written up in the "foodie section" of the New York Times. You should try these babies on a hamburger or turkey sandwich! One of our favorite customers said "after all the time I took to can green tomatoes this past summer, and these are even better than mine!". The Dilly Beans are wonderful, these tart, pickled string beans add just the right amount of crunch to a salad or even to stick in a Bloody Mary. An old lowcountry favorite are the Artichoke Pickles they are made with Jerusalem artichokes and are both sweet and crunchy.

Do you like chutney? Haven't really tried it? We call the LCP Peach Chutney the 'beginner chutney'. For people not familiar with chutneys, this is a great one to start with! It is a beautiful color, not too clovey with a just a little spice. The perfect compliment to pork or game. There is so much you can do with the Pear Chutney! The pears and ginger make it the perfect side to any special meal, but is also a delicious addition to your panini sandwich. Great as an hors d'oeuvre when poured over cream cheese or warm brie. Not too spicy at all, but just a hint of cayenne pepper here and there. It is a really elegant chutney! Ginger and pears are such a delicious combination. The Ginger Pear Preserve is really versatile. A nice addition to your breakfast toast or wonderful as another quick hors d'oeuvre idea when poured over brie. For the ultimate bagel schmear, combine the Ginger Pear Preserves with softened cream cheese and spread, spread, spread! The preserves and chutneys are great to keep in the pantry not only to "gourmet" up a meal but to be able to whip up a "nice and easy" treat when company drops in!

Our Rebecca LOVES the Jalapeno and garlic that gives the Lowcountry Black Bean Dip lots of flavor. Great for making a layered dip or fill those Tostito brand “Scoops” with a teaspoon of the Black Bean Dip. Then top with a dot of sour cream and garnish with a thin slice of scallion they look beautiful on a platter. Oh and the easy four step soup recipe below is fantastic.



We have more great recipes that we will share in the future! In the meantime stop in and try some of these delicious products. We will be doing some tastings this weekend. (That is if Rebecca doesn't eat all of them before you get there!!!)