Author Archives: Kristy Johnson

Shrimp & Grits with Andouille Sausage

Entrees
  • shrimp and grits1 cup grits
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 pound andouille sausage, cut into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3 green onions, sliced 
  • Cook grits per package instructions until tender. Stir in butter and cheese; set aside. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook sausage about 3 minutes and set aside. Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning and add to pan. Cook about 2-3 minutes and set aside. Add broth and tomato paste and simmer 3-5 minutes. Add sausage and shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cream and remove from heat. Place grits in individual bowls and top with shrimp and sausage mixture. Garnish with green onions and serve. Makes 4 servings.

Irish Wheaten Bread

Side Dishes
Photography by Gary McLaughlin

Photography by Gary McLaughlin

This brown soda bread is full of fiber, yeast-free and so simple to prepare. If you can find Irish imported brown whole wheat flour, you’ll get the best results. 

  • 3 cups coarse whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/4 cup oats
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ
  • 3/8 cup sugar
  • 3 ounces butter or margarine
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease and flour three 8-by-4-by-2-inch loaf pans. Measure all dry ingredients in large bowl. Rub in butter with your fingertips and create a well in center of mix. Beat egg in small bowl and mix with buttermilk and honey. Add to dry ingredients and mix well with large spoon. Transfer dough to floured surface and knead gently with floured hands. Divide dough into loaves and place each loaf into a pan. Using knife, cut line down center of each loaf. Bake for 40 minutes to deep golden brown color, or until base of loaf sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Makes 3 loaves.

Recipe by Judith McLaughlin

 

Fettuccini with Clams, Mussels & Shrimp

Soups
  • Clam-recipe1 (13.75-ounce) box fettuccine
  • Dash of olive oil
  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion
  • 1 pound clams, scrubbed
  • 1 pound mussels, scrubbed
  • 1 1/2 cups white wine
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 cup cream or half and half

 

Cook fettuccine according to package directions; drain and lightly toss with a dash of olive oil to prevent noodles from sticking together; set aside. Dissolve bouillon cubes in chicken broth and set aside. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and most of the green onion (save a little for garnish) and cook 3-5 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally. Add clams and mussels; cover and cook for another 5 minutes. Add white wine and bouillon cubes with chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce to a rolling simmer. Add shrimp, cover and cook 3-5 more minutes or until the clams have opened and shrimp is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Stir in remaining tablespoon of butter and the cream. Add cooked fettuccine and toss to combine. Remove to plates and garnish with remaining green onion.

Souper Bowls

Soups

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Score points with these soup, stew and chowder recipes that aren’t too tough to tackle.

Sirloin Steak Soup

  • 2 pounds boneless beef sirloin steak
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 pounds small red potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 3 cups carrots, diced
  • 1 (1-pound) bag frozen peas or cut green beans
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dried basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 10 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons steak sauce 

Cut beef into 1/4-inch strips; cut strips into 1-inch pieces. Heat oil in stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook beef in oil 4-5 minutes or until brown. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until meat and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Serves 6.

Fair Play

LIFE + STYLE

fair-1-main-photoGet ready for a whirlwind of entertainment as the 51st Columbia County Fair kicks off November 3 for ten days of pulse-pounding midway rides, outlandish stunt shows and wacky fair food. 

This year’s lineup includes returning favorites such as the Sea Lion Splash, Galaxy Girl Aerial Motorcycle Stunt Show, demolition derbies and petting zoo.

New attractions include Chase’s Racing Pigs, Farmily Feud Agricultural Game Show and sanctioned bull riding with the top 25 bull riders in the Southeast.

The Merchants Association of Columbia County, a non-profit organization of local business volunteers, presents the fair each year at its fairgrounds on Columbia Road across from Patriots Park. Special amenities include free parking with security, free golf cart shuttles, free nightly entertainment and free admission for kids 3 and under.

fair-carousel-horseProceeds from the fair benefit many local charities and provide scholarships to seniors from each Columbia County public high school. For more information, visit columbiacountyfair.net.

2016 Fair Schedule:

Thursday, November 3
Hours: 4-11 p.m.
Admission: $7; free admission 4-5 p.m.
Unlimited Ride Special: $15
FFA Judging: 6 p.m.
Musical Entertainment: Donna Jo
Bull Riding: 7:30 p.m. 

Friday, November 4
Hours: 5 p.m. – midnight
Admission: $7
Unlimited Ride Special: $20 from 9:30 p.m.-midnight
Musical Entertainment: Tony Howard Motown Review
Bull Riding: 7:30 p.m. 

Saturday, November 5
Hours: Noon – midnight
Admission Special: $7
Kids’ Day Special: Kids ride free noon – 1 p.m.
Musical Entertainment: Will McCranie Trio 

Sunday, November 6
Hours: 1 – 11 p.m.
Admission Special: $7; $1 off with church bulletin
Unlimited Ride Special: $20
Musical Entertainment: Little Roy and Lizzie, 5-7 p.m. 

Monday, November 7
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $7
Unlimited Ride Special: $20
Musical Entertainment: Brandon Shane Reeves
Demolition Derby: 7:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, November 8
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $7 or free admission with 5 non-perishable items per person for the food bank
Unlimited Ride Special: $18
Apollo Talent Night: Ages 1-12 

Wednesday, November 9
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $7
Unlimited Ride Special: $20
Musical Entertainment: Ippie Music
UGA Georgettes Dance Team: 6 p.m.
Student Appreciation Night 

Thursday, November 10
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $7
Senior Night: $3 admission for adults 55 and older with ID card
Military Appreciation Night: $3 admission with military ID
Unlimited Ride Special: $20
Apollo Talent Night: Ages 13 and up 

Friday, November 11
Hours: 5 p.m. – midnight
Admission: $7
Musical Entertainment: Tim Cardiere
Demolition Derby: 7:30 p.m. 

fair-chainsaw-artistSaturday, November 12
Hours: Noon – midnight
Admission: $7
Kids’ Day Special: Kids ride free noon – 1 p.m.
Unlimited Ride Special: Buy unlimited ride stamp between noon-3 p.m. for $25 and come back later
Musical Entertainment: The BTUs
Chainsaw Carving Auction: 9 p.m. 

Sunday, November 13
Hours: 1-11 p.m.
Admission: $5
Unlimited Ride Special: $20

Show Time

LIFE + STYLE

annie-moses-bandIt’s not the same old song and dance with the variety of shows that Augusta Amusements is bringing to the area for the holidays.

On Monday, November 14 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the Annie Moses Band pays tribute to the most treasured love songs of the last century in “The Art of the Love Song.” The epitome of old-school elegance, the band — which scores an impressive double chart entry on Amazon’s Classics chart and Billboard’s Classics/Crossover chart — performs music that is reminiscent of the Great American Songbook of the 1940s and 1950s and borrows from artists of the ’60s and ’70s such as Don McLean, Paul Williams and John Lennon.

The concert is a memorable collection of some of the greatest love songs written, including “Evergreen,” “And I Love You So,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “And I Love Her,” among many others.  The band’s corresponding 60-minute PBS Special has been airing on PBS stations across the country since early 2016. Tickets are $39 for the matinee and $49 for the evening performance.

The holiday season kicks off with “A Very Electric Christmas” by Lightwire Theater on Thursday, December 1. Performed in complete darkness, the show tells the story of a young bird named Max who tries to get home for Christmas after being separated from his parents while flying South for the winter.

The storyline features Nutcracker soldiers with candy canes, naughty rats, an electric Christmas tree surrounded by presents, glow worms, dancing flowers and other creatures that light up the stage. Audiences of all ages will enjoy timeless Christmas songs from Nat King Cole, Tchaikovsky, Mariah Carey and others. Shows start at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $28.50 for adults and $14.50 for children under age 12.

“Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas,” starring Michelle Berting Brett, celebrates the biggest hits of one of the most successful recording duos of all time. The performance, a natural offshoot of the “We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered” show, features a full complement of Karen and Richard Carpenter’s classic repertoire.

Brett takes center stage accompanied by her 7-piece Nashville band and performs songs like “Close to You,” Yesterday Once More” and “We’ve only Just Begun” along with holiday favorites. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 8. Tickets are $39.50.

All performances will take place at Jabez S. Harden Performing Arts Center. For more information, call (706) 726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.

Rockin’ the Country

LIFE + STYLE

big-richThere’s nothing shy about Big Kenny and John Rich. If you’ve ever been to one of their hard-hitting concerts you know what we mean. If that fortune has escaped you, here’s your Big — and Rich — break. The high-energy country music duo is bringing the party to Evans Towne Center Park on Friday, November 4. 

Along with a set list that includes crowd favorites such as their first No. 1 hit, “Lost in This Moment,” the duo will perform their most recent hits from Gravity, including “Look at You” and “Lovin’ Lately.” With any luck fans will also hear a tribute to our military with “8th of November,” a patriotic crowd singalong of “God Bless America” and a blistering version of “Rollin’ (The Ballad of Big & Rich)” before leaving the park.

Cowboy Troy will join the duo onstage for several songs that featured him, including “I Play Chicken With a Train” and — don’t you know it — “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy).” DJ Sinister, who has the #1 Internationally Syndicated Country Remix program on radio, and hometown Southern rocker Eric Lee Beddingfield join the party and put the icing on the cake. 

For tickets or more information, visit gamedayladya.com.

This Land is Your Land

LIFE + STYLE

oyster-roast-1Come sing the successes of the Central Savannah River Land Trust at its annual Bash on the Banks of the Savannah River

Everyone should enjoy the natural resources in the area, but the Central Savannah River Land Trust is showing its appreciation for those who support its conservation efforts as well.

The Land Trust will hold its 13th annual Bash on the Banks of the Savannah River at the River Island Clubhouse on Thursday, October 27. About 250 people have attended the event, which is open to people age 21 and older, in the last several years.

oyster-roast-2“It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate the projects that we have done in 2016 and share our plans for 2017,” says Veronique Marchal, the Land Trust director of communications.

The menu will include Southern barbecue and an oyster roast, and a cash bar will be available. The Unmentionables will entertain the party-goers with live music. The event also will include a raffle and a live auction. Raffle items range from a kayak and Belgian chocolate to a day at the National Wild Turkey Federation and an activity at Sharpe Shooters. Local artist Richard Worth will paint a nature scene during the first part of the evening, and the watercolor will be auctioned off at the event.

oyster-roast-4“He will be painting along the banks of the Savannah River,” says Marchal. “People can bid on the painting, and the winner can take home a little bit of the river.”

Funded entirely by donations and grants, the Land Trust focuses its efforts on protecting large areas of natural habitat, the major sources of our drinking water, larger forests that purify the air and grand vistas that offer scenic views.

Since 2001, the Land Trust has protected almost 6,000 acres of land in Columbia, Richmond and McDuffie counties in Georgia and Aiken, Edgefield and Barnwell counties in South Carolina. The organization’s reach extends as far upstream as Hart County and as far south as Statesboro.

The Land Trust has worked with local governments as well as individual neighborhoods and communities to preserve areas for public recreation and for residents’ recreation in neighborhoods such as River Island. The Land Trust also has joined forces with private landowners, farmers and ranchers to preserve natural resources in the area. 

oyster-roast-3Currently, the Land Trust is working on projects such as the CSRA Regional Greenway Program, Greystone Preserve, a neighborhood conservation initiative and farmland conservation in upper Columbia County and Clarks Hill Lake. 

The Greenway Program will connect more than 70 miles of multi-use trails in Columbia, Richmond and Aiken counties. The project encompasses Euchee Creek Greenway, Savannah Rapids Pavilion and the Augusta Canal Trail in Columbia County, and the trails will connect to downtown Augusta, south Augusta, Fort Gordon and North Augusta, South Carolina. The Greystone Preserve project includes the construction of a new outdoor educational campus on the preserve, which has more than 260 acres of running or hiking nature trails, in North Augusta.

Through the neighborhood conservation initiative, the Land Trust is working with Columbia County neighborhoods such as Farmington, Sumter Landing and River Island to preserve greenspace. So far, more than 300 acres have been preserved in and around Columbia County neighborhoods. As part of its farmland conservation efforts, the Land Trust has preserved 2,300-plus acres of farms in and around Columbia County and Clarks Hill Lake.

If You Go:

What: Bash on the Banks on the Savannah River 

When: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, October 27 for ages 21 and older

Where: River Island Clubhouse

How Much: $50 per person; cash bar available 

More Info: csrlt.org

State of the Arts

LIFE + STYLE

art-after-darkCommunity members can brush up on the talents of local artists at the annual Art After Dark exhibition

Columbia County and the surrounding area are full of talented people, and the skills of some of the most gifted local artists will be on display at Art After Dark. The signature event of the Artists’ Guild of Columbia County, the annual affair will feature an evening of art and entertainment. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase art in mediums such as watercolors, oils, acrylics, photography, pottery, fiber arts, jewelry and mixed media. They can participate in the silent auction as well.

art-after-dark3“The money raised from the art auction goes toward a $1,000 scholarship for a high school senior who is going to study art at Augusta University,” says Jane Waldrop, the Artists’ Guild treasurer.

“We’re trying to promote the knowledge of art that we have in Columbia County,” says Waldrop. “People don’t have to go out of town to buy good art.” 

The Artists’ Guild offers classes to all ages ranging from children and teenagers to adults and seniors. Next year the organization plans to start a program in which artists will demonstrate their skills at some of the area facilities for senior citizens.

The Artists’ Guild is a group of professional and amateur artists and patrons of the visual arts. The organization provides opportunities for artists to exchange creative ideas and business information, to show and sell their work, and to increase their knowledge through workshops. Membership is open to anyone age 17 or older who resides in the Central Savannah River Area.

Art After DarkIf You Go:

What: Art After Dark

When: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, October 29

Where: Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center

How Much: Free; cash bar available

More Info: artistguildcc.org

Toe to Toe

LIFE + STYLE
Alice in Wonderland

The Portrait Gallery

Columbia County Ballet presents an original production of “Alice” to celebrate Imperial Theatre’s 100th anniversary.

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road can take you there,” Lewis Carroll wrote in Alice in Wonderland. However, fans of the classic novel should head straight to Imperial Theatre Friday, September 16 for Columbia County Ballet’s production of “Alice.”

Michael Viator, Columbia County Ballet alumnus and resident choreographer, has created a fanciful adventure in Wonderland with his original production of “Alice.” This full-length creation is will be performed in honor of the theater’s coming 100th anniversary. With vibrant colors and powerful music score, the Mad Hatter kicks off the fun with his frolicking party and bizarre friends.

Because the performance coincides with Arts in the Heart, parking passes for the lot at Eighth and Reynolds streets behind the theater will be available for $5 per vehicle.

As a prelude to the main attraction, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (A Very Merry Unbirthday) will be held 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, September 11 at Imperial Theatre. This complimentary family event, a preview drop-in for Viator’s premiere of “Alice,” will feature footage of the creation of this original, full-length story ballet. The preview includes a character meet-and-greet, cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and live music. Younger attendees are encouraged to dress in Alice-themed costumes.

If You Go:

What: “Alice”

When: 7 p.m. Friday, September 16

Where: Imperial Theatre

How Much: $12-$38; parking pass $5

More Info: (706) 860-1852 or imperialtheatre.com

Buffalo Chicken Wings

Appetizers and Snacks
  • Buffalo Chicken Wings2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large shallot
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 ounces dark beer
  • 1 cup chili sauce
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ancho chili pepper
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 4 ounces cayenne pepper sauce 

Chop the butter, shallot and cloves and sauté in a large pan. Add the dark beer, chili sauce and barbecue sauce; stir for about a minute. Add the ancho chili pepper, brown sugar, honey and cayenne pepper sauce; stir for about 2 minutes. In a deep fryer (or oven) cook wings until done. Place sauce in a large bowl and add wings. Coat completely and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Strings Attached

LIFE + STYLE

Loren-and-MarkAugusta Amusements opens its 2016-17 season with guitarists Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb on Friday, September 23. Displaying outstanding musical chemistry and a varied repertoire of original and arranged music, the international guitar duo entertains audiences with their guitar duets and vocal harmonies.

Influenced by jazz, bluegrass, western and popular music, the duo builds its guitar style on the thumb-picking techniques pioneered by guitar greats Merle Travis, Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed. Loren and Mark’s live performances feature guitar skills as well as musicality and the ability to be creative spontaneously. The interaction between the two musicians, who have toured extensively in the United States and in Europe, is as much a part of their show as their world-class guitar playing. 

If You Go:

What: Loren and Mark, international guitar duo

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 23

Where: Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center 

How Much: $35 

More Info: augustaamusements.com or (706) 726-0366

Pan-Fried Crab Cakes

Entrees
  • Pan-Fried-Crab-Cakes1/2 cup minced celery
  • 1/2 cup minced bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-2 pinches red pepper flakes
  • 1-2 pinches salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon spicy mustard
  • 4 tablespoons egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1-2 dashes hot sauce
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 pound lump crabmeat, pre-cooked
  • 2 scallions, chopped (white and green parts)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan. Add celery, bell pepper, garlic, red pepper flakes, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir about 7-8 minutes, until celery and bell pepper are soft and slightly caramelized. Place in a bowl and set aside. Place crabmeat in a paper towel and gently squeeze to absorb extra moisture so cakes won’t be soggy in the middle.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mustard, egg whites, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning and hot sauce. Gently stir in the breadcrumbs, scallion, crabmeat and cooked celery and bell pepper, making sure not to break up the crab lumps too much. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Gently form into patties and place on a platter or sheet of wax paper sprinkled with breadcrumbs so they won’t stick to the surface. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat and add just enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Fry patties on each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 6-8 servings.

Watermelon Parmesan Salad

Salads
  • Watermelon-Parmesan-Salad2 slices watermelon
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 wedge Parmesan cheese
  • Fig balsamic vinegar 

Cut watermelon slices and remove seeds. Using a vegetable peeler, make fresh Parmesan cheese curls from the cheese wedge. Place salad greens on individual plates and top with the watermelon slices and cheese curls. Drizzle with fig balsamic vinegar, to taste, and serve. Makes 2 servings. 

Stack alternating cubes of cheese and tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil; season with sea salt and pepper. Garnish with basil leaves and serve with toothpicks. Makes one cube.

Bayou Bash

LIFE + STYLE

Mudbugabeaux-N-Brew FestivalIf you’re craving crawfish, then hightail it to the area’s only French Quarter-inspired festival.

There are plenty of ways to kick off your summer fun, but it’s hard to top the eighth annual Mudbugabeaux-N-Brew festival. Even the name makes you smile.

The crawfish boil will include a crawfish-eating contest – of course, local live bands, a free commemorative T-shirt for the first 1,000 visitors, children’s activities and more. The festival also will feature craft and domestic beer, but the focus definitely is on the crawfish.

“We want people to learn more about crawfish. We cook them live on-site,” says Jim Beck, owner of French Market Grille West, which puts on the event. “There are lots of craft beer festivals, but we want to do something different. This is the last time to have an event before it gets too hot to have an outdoor summer festival.”

Other Cajun and Creole dishes such as jambalaya and muffuletta sandwiches also will be available. All-American favorites such as corndogs and lemonade will be on the menu as well. In addition, a variety of vendors, ranging from car dealerships to outdoor sporting goods stores, will have booths at the family friendly festival.

If You Go:

What: Mudbugabeaux-N-Brew Festival

When: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, June 4

Where: Augusta Commons

How Much: $5 

More Info: frenchmarketwest.com