ARTIST MICHAEL HALL OF RICHMOND

Hello all, it has been a while since I have been on here,  I won't let that happen again!.. Lots to talk about. I have been the care giver to my 84 year old Mother in my home for the past 11 yrs.  It has been a honor and a challenge, now she is residing in GA. with my sister and seems to be doing well.  This has freed up a lot of time for me and I am pretty excited about what awaits me!  So thanks Sis and love you Mom!

Now about town......I met a absolute well kept secret by the name of Michael Hall.  He is a sketch artist who has done some wonderful sketches of my family. I just got Summer and Dallas sketches back today and I must say he really captured their spirit!  I am posting the sketch of my husband and I that he did from a photo that was taken at our wedding reception. I cried when I saw it.  He captured the moment as if he was there. 

I met Michael Hall when catering an event where he was working as security.  He said that he was impressed with how smooth it went and how good the food was.  Of course I agreed with him....  While wrapping up, he and I talked about the challenges of starting you own business and that is when he revealed that he like to draw....WELL! When he showed me his sketch pad he had in his car, I was blown away. I asked him if he had a studio...he did not,  I couldn't understand why I didn't hear of him or seen his work on the local scene, such as festivals, or live on site at restaurants or other small galleries sprinkled around the city or featured in the local newspaper or referred by word of mouth...if you know what I mean. So I run around in my circle telling everyone about how much talent he has been blessed with.  For more information please contact Michael Hall @ 804-237-4839

Make it a great day!

Dinner and a Movie

Got together with my sister-n-Law and friend Kym for an evening of eating and movie watching.  I made a southern dish with fried tilepia, broccoli cornbread and collard greens and grits.  Talk about a winner, we ate so much, we didn't see the movie!   This is a fabulous dinner to have with friends and family, talk about southern comfort!

Our next girls night in we will review a movie for you all and get some feedback on your thoughts. I have to say I am having the time of my life.  Loving my friends and family and loving sharing recipes with you.

One more thing before I give out the grits and collards,  I want to send a special thank you to Runako by Dee, please check out her blog (FANTASTIC) now lets get to cookin!

Grits and Greens ( Taste of South)
yields 6

4 cups of water
1 cup stone-ground grits ( or 5 min Uncle Bens)
1 tsp salt, divided
7 Tbls. melted butter, divided
1/2 pound pork sausage
4 cups chopped collards or turnip greens (pre-cut bagged greens are great)
1-8oz package of baby bella mushrooms, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1Tbls extra-virgin olive oil
6 large eggs

1. In a medium saucee pan, combine 4 cups water, grits, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook according to package directions.  Remove from heat, and add 4 tablespoons butter, stirring to combine.
2. While grits are cooking, brown sausage in a large heavy skillet.  Add greens, mushrooms, onion, olive oil, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, cook until greens are tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to  to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray a 6- cup standard-size a muffin pan with non stick cooking spray.
4. Crack one egg into each cup. Pour a 1/2 Tbls of butter over each egg.
5. Bake until the whites are completely set and yolks are just beginning to thicken, 10-12 minutes.
6. On a serving dish, layer hot grits and greens and top with eggs.  Ummm Ummmm!
7. Serve immediately and really enjoy it.

I know when something I prepare is really, really good when the kid kick there feet back and forth while sitting and eating and their little finger are dancing in the air to a happy tune in their heads and my husband, Russ say " Great day baby, this is good".  In that moment, all is right with the world...until I am left with the dishes!


Make it a great day!
Ma'Michele

Mother's Day

Hello All, hope everyone's Mother's Day was just as you wanted!  Being a Mom is such a blessing.  I continue to be in wonder at how my kids are growing! Happy Mother's Day Mom, still trucking 84 years old!  God Bless You, and to all the great women that I know who are even greater Moms....Salute!!

Breakfast for dinner recipes

I am so excited to share some of my family favorites.  One of the things we do everything Thursday is have breakfast for dinner.  I try and go all out with different recipes that have become a standard with the family as well as on my catering jobs.  I do on site omelet and waffle stations that have gone over like gang busters.  The children really enjoys it as they get in the kitchen and help with dinner.  And with Mother's Day approaching, preparing this for that special Mom in your life will be like giving love a big hug!

The Ultimate Belgium Waffle- you can prepare this the night before

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

3 egg yolks

3/4 cup butter, melted and cooled to lukewarm

1/2 cup white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups all-purpose flour

3 egg whites

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm milk. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of the warm milk and the melted butter. Stir in the yeast mixture, sugar, salt and vanilla. Stir in the remaining 2 1/2 cups milk alternately with the flour, ending with the flour. Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks; fold into the batter. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat the waffle iron. Brush or spray with vegetable oil and spoon about 1/2 cup onto center of iron. Close the lid and bake until it stops steaming and the waffle is golden brown.   Serve immediately. Makes 8.

Now if this is a little too involved for you,  you can use Bisquick mix according to the directions on the box, I use evaporated milk instead of whole milk and I add to taste, real vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon, I am pretty liberal with it, however as a measure, for a serving of 8, I would use 1/2 tsp ea. vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon.  Top with fresh fruits or ice cream it is sooo satifying!  My favorite syrup...Kings

Great finds about town

Good Tuesday.    I am really excited about my blog.  So lets get started with  some finds around Richmond that I would like to share. 

I began to go natural with my hair about a year and 5 months ago and decided to lock my coils about 6 months ago.  I must say it has been a rewarding experience for me.  It is teaching me patience, and it really compliments who I am and my life style. Frankly, I should have done this years ago.  One place that I go to  for my natural oils and loose incense is Kindred Spirits. I love this place,  Asya Madyun, who runs this boutique is simply a joy to be around.  Asya will make you feel right at home with the burning of loose incense and soft inviting music not to mention her knowledge of the products they offer.  There you can find unique one of kind jewelry from different parts of the world and  Every Saturday they have tea tasting and I look forward to going. Check them out and let me know of your experience there!

 located at 106 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA, 23220

(804) 783 · 7788

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Cooking and Blogging....Let's Go!!

Hi and Welcome to my new blog!

I'm Michele, creator and owner of Ma Michele's Catering in Virginia.  Someone gave me the crazy idea of blogging about what I do and sharing what I know with others, so here we go!  This may be a crazy ride in the beginning as I get started in this new world of blogging, but just like driving a vehicle, as soon as I figure it all out, I think we'll both enjoy the ride. 

Follow me on this journey as I share with you what it's like to raise a family and run a catering business while balancing ten plates on my head!  I'll also be offering up entertaining ideas, recipes, cooking tips and reviews. 

In the meantime, enjoy the weekend and I'll see you back here real soon!

Good Eats,
Ma' Michele

To find out more about Ma Michel's Catering Visit our website