Birthday Celebration + Photo Book Giveaway

Let me begin by saying Thank You! I had a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family far and wide. The day before my birthday I was surprised with a Party at a local restaurant. Several friends were able to come and celebrate with me. The day of my birthday I went Antiquing then lunch at Norma’s at Duh where I was in for another surprise, Norma signed her cookbook for me as well as sat and chatted for a bit. I had a wonderful time celebrating that I am no longer in my teens! Thank you to everyone who made it so special for me, this was a birthday to remember for years to come! Below are two galleries of my celebration. Check out the bottom of the page for the giveaway.

My surprised look as I saw all of my friends.

My delicious cupcakes.

Bamboo cutting board in the shape of Florida.

Getting ready to open presents.

New scarf with anchors on it, I love it!

Some Like it South Cookbook.

Opening my card from my parents on my birthday.

First stop, Blue Moon Antiques.

Next stop, Allison’s Antiques.

Miss Norma signing my Cookbook.

As Always, Norma’s cookbook.

Shopping at Duh.

Today I bring you a Photo Book Giveaway, I have partnered with Lashes and Lenses Photography to bring you this awesome gift. The giveaway starts today and will end on Monday September 8, 2014. Whoever wins this giveaway will receive a 8 inch by 8 inch, 20 page photo book with their choice of Beach, Nature, or Sunrise and Sunset Pictures or a mix of all. This book will be beautiful to display on your coffee table. Below are a few picture options.

 

Star of David Sunset

Sunset

Nature

Nature.

The Beach

Grey Heron on the Beach

 

Photo Book Giveaway

Norma’s at Duh Review

When I was little one of my favorite things was to go on a special mommy/daughter date at Norma’s at Dillards. Norma’s at Dillards was wonderfully feminine with a huge mosaic on the wall of Victorian Women at the beach, as well as petite chicken salads.   You may remember I made my own take on Norma’s Bread Pudding Here. Fast forward many years and Norma’s at Dillards no longer exist but that’s ok because Norma has now opened up a new Restaurant at Duh. Duh is a wonderful mix of gardening, outdoor living and fine interiors. Personally I do not think a better pair has been made then that of Norma’s and Duh!  Norma’s at Duh is much more modern as well and it is not just for women. My dad was with us and He enjoyed himself. I am quite the picky eater so when I decided on trying the Champagne Chicken Salad I was not quite sure what to expect seeing as I will not eat Chicken Salad. Lets just say I about licked the plate clean I loved it so much! My Mom got Norma’s Chicken Salad and my Dad had the Gumbo. We also had Norma’s Bread Pudding. We will be back to Norma’s at Duh for sure!

The back of Norma’s menu giving you a history of Her Business.

Beautiful light fixtures

 

Norma’s Chicken Salad

Dad’s Gumbo.

Norma’s Champagne Chicken

Norma’s Bread Pudding

Large Print above our table.

Framed vintage map of Florida.

Vintage artwork.

More beautiful decor.

Norma’s Bread Pudding

When I was little and we lived in Pensacola, Florida my mom and I would visit Normas Cafe for special occasions. Fifteen years later and we still talk about Normas Bread Pudding! Normas Bread Pudding is like nothing you have ever had before, words can not even describe how yummy it is. I was and still am a very picky eater, so for me to eat the Bread Pudding must mean it was delicious! I made a few small adjustments to the recipe the largest being instead of using Amaretto Liqueur I used Amaretto Coffee Creamer, I looked everywhere for Amaretto and could not find it so I decided to go with the coffee creamer. As a side note I did buy the french bread to mix in with the homemade French bread I had in the freezer. Ever since the beginning of the year I have been making all of our bread homemade. Once you have tasted homemade bread out of the oven it is hard to go back to the store bought! I love being able to control what is going in the bread instead of buying bread that you can not even pronounce the ingredients! Without any further adieu below is my take on Normas Bread Pudding.

Cubed bread

Whisking together the sugar, milk, and water.

The bread soaking up the egg mixture.

Bread Pudding right out of the oven.

Whisking the sauce.

Ingredients 

1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups milk
2 cups water
6 eggs, beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup butter, melted
4 cups French bread, cubed
Sauce

1/4 cup light brown sugar

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1 dash ground cinnamon

1 egg

1 tablespoon butter, melted

3/4 cup International Delight Amaretto

2 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Heavy Cream if needed

Directions
Combine the sugar, milk and water in a bowl and mix well. Add the eggs, salt, vanilla, coconut and 1/4 cup melted butter and mix well. Stir in the bread cubes. Let stand until the liquid is absorbed. Spoon into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pudding rises like a souffle and springs back when touched. For the sauce: whisk light brown sugar, the flour, cinnamon, egg, melted butter, and creamer together in a heavy saucepan until smooth. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and the sauce coats the back of a spoon, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour sauce over warm bread pudding, or serve on the side in a bowl. If sauce is to thick whisk in cream before you add the vanilla.