Monday, July 6, 2009

Sunday Supper


Don't get the wrong idea. We don't eat like this every Sunday. June Cleaver, I'm not!! But this was a special day so I dressed up the table and we had a good ole southern summertime supper. I call it a "summertime" supper because you can't get fresh vegetables like I cooked for this meal in the winter here. On the menu: steak off the grill, fried fresh okra, sliced Bradley tomatoes, and fried Silver Queen fresh white corn which I'll show you non-southern gals how to "fix" at the end of this post.

I covered my table with a Laura Ashley floral tablecloth and then topped the cloth off with rose colored place mats to accent my dinnerware.
I used a mixture of various china patterns today. I like to mix and match. You may have caught on by now that I don't like anything matchy matchy. I'm using two vintage china patterns from Pope-Gosser. They have a few dings and dents, but that makes me love them even more. The green plate, serving as a charger, is Elite by Gibson from Hobby Lobby.

What a more appropriate theme for a summertime table than "birds and bees". I found these cute little bee hive place card holders at a local "junk" shop and I made my place cards with leftover scrapbook paper and embellishments. A green button in the shape of a flower secures my papers together for the place card.


My napkins have an embroidered rose duplicating the rose on my china.

And my napkin rings are really silk flowers cut from a silk flower garland into pieces long enough to shape into a circle and secure.


In the center of my table and on each side of my centerpiece are metal bird candle holders. I placed a candle and hydrangea stem in each one.


And for my centerpiece, I chose to place dried oak-leaf hydrangea blooms from my yard in an old green crock pitcher. I raised the pitcher up a tad with a glass cake plate and layered it with green leaves to soften it a little.

I placed sweet little girl and boy ivory statues that I borrowed from another part of the house in front of my centerpiece and added a bird's nest complete with eggs to continue my theme.

I mentioned the oak-leaf hydrangeas were dried. You might be interested to know I picked them right off the plant. I've read lengthy instructions on how to dry hydrangeas, but I have found the easy way to do it is to wait and cut them after they dry or almost completely dry on the stem. If you cut the blooms at this time, you don't have to go through all the processes you may have been told about. I like to do things the easy way and I know you in blogland do to! :) The only disadvantage might be that you don't preserve a lot of the original color, but since I like the dried "sepia" color I don't mind that at all.

Here I go again mixing china patterns. My covered dish like the setting above is a vintage piece from Pope-Gosser and the green plate like before is Gibson's Elite. I added yet another pattern with the tulip platter (Waverly Garden Room, Garden Lane).

And now let's get to the yummy part! You know, we take for granted that the food specialties in our region of the country are known by all, but I've learned that's not the case. Being from Tennessee, I've grown up with good ole fried corn, but I know many of you have never heard about it and MAN, what you're missing!!

You start with white corn and I think Silver Queen is the best. I get it around this time of the year at a fresh-air market near my home. You should be more likely to find it at a farmer's market or fresh-air market, some place that sells local produce. If you don't have access to either of these, you can buy white corn at your grocers. Now if you didn't know corn had shucks (or husks for you non-southerners :-o) and instead you thought it grew in those Jolly Green Giant cans, let me give you a few tips on picking out GOOD corn. Pull the shuck down just a little to see the little pearls of corn. If they are dented, it's too old. Throw it back and step away! If these little white pearls are so tiny they don't butt up against each other, it is too young. Throw it back and step away! Look for fully developed kernels and you have yourself a good ear of corn.

I buy a dozen ears, take it home, shuck, and wash it.

Next, I take a long knife and cut off the very tip of the kernel into a frying pan or kettle.

Then, I take the back side of the knife and scrape the pulp and juice from the corn into the pan. Add a stick of butter, salt and pepper to taste and about a half cup of water (more water may be needed depending on how starchy your corn is. You could substitute milk for water if you like a richer flavor). Heat your corn in a deep frying pan over medium heat for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring often. The corn will stick to the bottom of the pan so you will need to stir often. Don't worry to much. The crusty corn on the bottom just adds to the flavor and texture as long as it doesn't burn. Let your corn boil slightly. I know, I know, I called it FRIED CORN, but it's really not fried in a technical sense. I don't know why we call it fried corn; we just do! It's a southern thing!

I know this is a little more work than opening a can of Green Giant, but I'm telling you there is no comparison between this and canned corn. NO SIRREE!! And I did tell you it was a special Sunday dinner, didn't I? Pair it with some good ole juicy Bradley tomatoes! OH MY GOODNESS! You'll think you've died and gone to heaven!

Check out the other beautiful tablescapes at Susan's Tablescape Thursdays and the other fun foods at Gollum's Food Friday!

60 comments:

Marsha said...

Marsha, what a beautiful tablescape and it must have been a special occasion for all the work you put into it.

I really enjoyed hearing about the "fried" corn and will have to try it when we finally have corn in August. My mouth is watering for fresh corn and tomatoes after seeing these close up shots ;)

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a pretty table.
Fried corn - You are from TN and you did not add a smidgen of bacon drippings!!! :-)
Your dinner sounds wonderful.
Glenda

Donna said...

That fried corn looks so delicious. Next to fried chicken, it's my fav dish!!!! so good!

Peacock Blue said...

No, you are not June Cleaver, but your our "Martha!"

From the Old InkWell said...

Glenda from the MidSouth,

I guess you are right - most Tennesseans would use bacon drippings, but I haven't had real bacon in years. Drippings from turkey bacon just wouldn't be the same! LOL!

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Gorgeous table. I found my beehive placecard holders at Nell Hill's in Kansas. Love them!

Your meal sound delish!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Martha...this is divine! I long for a good ole Southern dinner like this! I just may have to actually do a little cooking this weekend! :-) That's the same way we always make our corn. Silver Queen is sooo sweet and yummy! Your table is sooo pretty....love the way you mixed your chinas! The place cards are beautiful and even more special knowing you made them from scratch. I love the little card holders. Beautiful table...love it!
Susan

ellen b said...

What a beautiful table this is. I love all the linens. Pink and green are so beautiful together. The dried hydrangeas are great with the scheme. The little place card holders are so darn cute!! Now pass me some of that corn please :0)

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Sweethart!, I love the roses everywhere!!!! Your tablecloth, the dishes, and all your sweet details...I showed Mr. Wonderful how you southerners do corn and he said, Lets try that!!! xoxo~Kathy~ @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I LOVE, Love, love that corn! And those placecards are precious! Great tablescape!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Marsha, what a wonderful table... you went to so much trouble with all of your details, and it shows!

My grandmother used to do fried corn all the time, and it is one of my favorite dishes. Oh YUM! I am ready to come to your house to eat!

Happy Tablescape Thursday...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Pinky said...

Your table is beautiful and I have GOT to try the "fried" corn! Thanks for the info! Hope you are having a great summer down in TN. WE are having gorgeous weather up here in Pa. I am lovin it! Pinky

Unknown said...

Marsha, our tablescape is so dainty and pretty in pink! Your china is lovely! I'm a fan of mix n match! The flowers are lovely in that fabulous green pitcher! Looks really special the way you elevated it! The Laura Ashley floral tablecloth is so pretty! I adore your bee hive place holders!

Thanks for sharing!

Tina

Unknown said...

Beautiful table. It is so sweet and feminine. And the food sounds tasty!

Lori E said...

The corn looks yummy but the tomatoes make my mouth water.
Your little white figurines are very cute. You have put together a really nice setting. One that make you want to sit longer and enjoy the evening.

Dana and Daisy said...

my two favorite veggies corn and tomatoes, even better together! what a lovely table you set, too!

Kathryn @ Bonafide Southern said...

What a gorgeous table you have created. Tables set like that make any meal feel special!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Pretty tablescape, love the color scheme! Great job!

Ooooh, that fried corn looks so yummy!!! And those tomatoes....!!! All you need is some fried okra and cornbread and I'll be there in a flash!! I'm originally from Alabama and we call it fried corn too! I haven't had any in a long time!

Katherine

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

How pretty your table is! I have a hard time mixing patterns but you have done it wonderfully. Your Sunday Dinner table brings back memories of when we had a special meal on Sundays.

Dining Delight

susan said...

That covered dish is just gorgeous! Replace the steak with a pot roast and you have my husband's favorite menu! I am never able to get the fried okra to the table--they eat it the minute I take it out of the pan. ps- I never put bacon drippings in my corn and I'm a MS girl living in Tn--if that isn't southern I don't know what is! :)

abeachcottage said...

oh such a lovely table! and the fried corn looks wonderful

happy tablescaping

Sarah

Martha said...

A beautiful tablescape. Love all your extra touches. I, too, love dried hydrangeas -- some I pick after they dry on the stem -- some I pick before.

Love the way they last.

KBeau said...

My friend Glenda says that her MIL, who is from Michigan, claims that up there they feed silver queen corn to the livestock. They just don't know what they're missing.

I assume the Bradley tomatoes are from Bradley County Arkansas, home of the Pink Tomato Festival. My grandmother was from Warren, the county seat of Bradley County, so I grew up on those tomatoes.

Your table is lovely, btw.

Mary Bergfeld said...

What a beautiful table. It shows such thought. Thanks so much for the instructions for making fried corn. It's on my must-do list.

Barb said...

Hi Marsha, your table is gorgeous....such attention to every single detail. I love the softness of the entire setting....pretty!

Barb

From the Old InkWell said...

KBeau,

I'm so glad to know where the term Bradley tomatoes comes from. Makes sense they have a Pink Tomato Festival since they are a pretty shade of pinkish red instead of bright red like other tomatoes. You can learn so much in blogland!! :)

Amy said...

All I can say is....yummy! Your menu sounds ultra delicious, and the birds and bees theme is so whimsical. The bee and bee hive place card holders were such a find. So cute! Amy :)

Joyce said...

Pretty table and I like your "fried but not fried" corn and how to pick an ear or two or three. We eat so much corn in season and just never get tired of it. I just love summer vegetables!
Joyce

Kristi said...

How beautiful! What a delight to visit today. Blessings to you!

Fifi Flowers said...

Yummmm to the corn! TAble is lovely... love the figurines!

Christi @ A Southern Life said...

Absolutely gorgeous! So many beautiful touches. I love me some fried corn and the rest of your menu sounds yummy too!

Christi

Chandy said...

Wow, lovely Sunday table! I love that... I think I'll have to make one soon. I don't I've really had time on Sunday, but with your table, I know it's worth making time. Pretty colors!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Oh, this table is so sweet and almost old-fashioned with the flowers and china and the colors you used. By the way, love that color combo. Everything you selected was so complimentary! Impressive tablescape!
Brenda

a quiet life said...

beautiful and tasty too, perfect combo!

santamaker said...

Gorgeous tablescape and I would kill for some of that delicious looking fried corn!

Printersdevil said...

Beautiful table. I love the pink china.

Fried corn is one of my favorites. We have been eating a lot of fresh corn, but I haven't fried any this year yet. DH has a new grill and he is into grilling it in the husk at the moment.

Now, you have me wanting this.

TFS

We don't add the bacon grease in Texas either. (well, I think my MIL did!)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Hi, Marsha... dropping by again to wish you a Happy Foodie Friday! Still loving that corn...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Unknown said...

What a beautiful table and the fried corn looks sooo yummy!!! I need to add this recipe to my recipe box and serve it this weekend. Geri

The Fajdich Times said...

I love your china....beautiful table! I love fried corn. Have a wonderful weekend.

Foley said...

Your table setting is beautiful..the china, linens and accent pieces go together so well!
The "fried" corn is a new one for me..looks so creamy and delicious!!

The Tablescaper said...

What a beautiful tablescape. I LOVE the china. I too have quite the collection of delicate flower china and love to mix and match.The tablecloth is lovely. Enjoy! - The Tablescaper

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Oh my goodness. I absolutely love your table. Your china is simply gorgeous!! Love the centerpiece and the placecard holders are wonderful treasures. Your corn is certainly making me hungry. Not a good thing at this late hour. lol Thanks for swinging by to see the Beach themed table. I hope to see you again soon. hugs ~lynne~

bj said...

Your table is just stunning. I do love your colors.
We do the corn here in West Texas a lot like yours...I do add a touch of sugar to mine. Now, i am starving for it so, guess whats on for supper tonight!!

Poppedijne said...

You made such a pretty floral tablescape! How festive it was.Thanks for sharing

Shellbelle said...

Your tablescape is just lovely. I have one question — what's canned corn? My granny would turn over in her grave at such a thought!

Unknown said...

Both your menu and your table are just plain awesome! I would love to be a guest at your table anytime. I hope you will join with me in August when I begin hosting Crock Pot Wednesdays on August 5 at diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Let me know how the fritters turn out.

Unknown said...

Marsha - This is just beautiful. I think the tureen is my favorite thing of all. Thanks so much for sharing.

Charla

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Hi Marsha, I just loooove the vintage looking table. The corn looks delicious. I wish I could take a spoonful from my computer screen! Happy FF!

Cass @ That Old House said...

Your table is stunning -- I love the pink and green, and the mixed patterns of china. Love how you raised up the flowers, too.

Fried corn? Now I really enjoyed reading about that -- although it's several weeks away from local fresh corn here. Loks delish!
Cass

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Thank you so much for your visit and comment! :)
Your table is lovely! However the way you fixed your corn I MUST try! I can't wait and am sending my sweet husband off to the store for some...WITH your instructions.
Tonight...this is going on my table.
Thanks for sharing it.
My family are all from the South...
but in California where I was born...in our family they were husks..and we shucked the corn. :)
It's so interesting how different but not so different we are all over our wonderful country.
Thanks for sharing your way of fixing corn!
~smiles~
Mona

Cathy said...

Fried corn - I've never heard of it but can't wait for fresh corn to show up in the farmers market so I can try it. It sounds wonderful.

Your table is set so beautifully for Sunday dinner.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Thanks so much for your visit -- I love this tablescape and the dried flowers and the china and the food and gosh -- it just all looks wonderful!

Laura said...

What a beautiful table and your menu has my mouth watering!

You did good!

Laura

The Stylish House said...

Marsha,
Your table is filled with such wonderful details. This corn recipe is one I will defiantly make, it looks great!
Cathy

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Marsha! What a beautiful table! I love your little placecard holders and the nest! Your china is gorgeous! And you have made me so hungry! What a wonderful Southern summer meal...fried corn, fried okra and fresh tomatoes! Is there any better combination?? Love it!...Debbie

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Marsha...

Just read the sweet note that you left for me on my Corpus Christi mosaic...thank you so much for coming by and for your sweet comments!!!

Girl, what a beautiful "Summery" tablescape!!! I love all of your mix and match dishes...they're all lovely and I love the look!!! I do the same thing with fabric...so why not on the table? I need to do more of it! Your china is gorgeous...I love the little pink roses! Ohhh and your beautiful tablecloth is perfect! I just love your little birds and bees place card holders...I'd love to have some like them! Your entire table is just perfect...right down to those beautiful hand-made name cards! Girl, I'm taking notes and hope to use some of your ideas on some of my future tablescapes!

Now...I cannot leave without saying something about that fabulous centerpiece! I just adore hydrangaes and I love how you dried these and the colors are so pretty! Sure wished we could grow them in Colorado but I fear that it's too cold for them! Anyway, they just make your pretty table!!!

Warmest wishes,
Chari

Roban said...

Your tablescape is beautiful! (And I taught an 8th-grader Jon-Jon a year ago.... hmmm... "My" Jon-Jon lives in Central Georgia...)

I've never cooked corn that way even though I live in the South, too. I think that will be on the menu this week.

Roban

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Thanks for showing a Midwestern gal how to prepare fried corn ;) It sounds delicious!

~Susan

Karen said...

Gorgeous photos and tablescape! I so want some fried corn right now-yes, for breakfast would be fine with me:) There's a lady in my homemaker group that always brings fried corn and I take seconds everytime-she now gives me the leftovers to take home. Love your site! Karen

Jenn @ youknow... that blog? said...

What a beautiful table! I love those place card holders. How lucky to find them in a junk shop?!

I'm blog-hopping - If you have time, stop by my place tomorrow and take part in my "Silly Haiku Wednesday" blog event! The theme this week is "Summer Time". It's fun and easy - I promise!

Can't wait to see what you come up with! ;)