Feet under my table -Leslie J. Watkins Archives - Feet Under My Table

Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:21:23 +0000

When zucchini season is in full swing, creativity on what to do with it all abounds. A few days ago a friend whose garden was overflowing with zucchini, shared part of the bounty with us. Into the food processor it went to be grated for a casserole, zucchini gratin, and zucchini bread. Some was saved for pineapple zucchini…but, then? I found a double chocolate zucchini bread recipe. A Chocolate Zucchini Bread? Yes, please. So 2 cups of that grated zucchini was set aside for this new bread. A chocolate zucchini bread with both cocoa and chocolate chips sounded perfect. Applesauce reduces the need for as much oil and provides flavor and moisture…again…yes, please. A new way to enjoy zucchini. Have you ever had a chocolate zucchini bread? or a double chocolate one at that? The recipe said it made 2 loaves. But for us? I have found we enjoy mini loaves much better. That meant we would have 4 mini loaves to slice into 6 nice servings…add to the freezer…gift to friends. Perfect decision. Whether you use plain flour or gluten free flour, this recipe is delicious. This recipe is dense, especially if made with gluten free flour. If you do need to make a gluten free version, make sure that you use one with xanthum gum or add an additional 1 t of xanthum gum per cup of gluten free flour. With so many guests having issues with gluten, having another recipe to offer made my heart so happy. Make sure that you cool the loaves in the pan…whether mini or regular loaf pans for 10 minutes before adding them to a cooling rack. This is my absolute favorite loaf pan. For mini loaves of zucchini bread, meat loaf, and now this recipe. Just click on the link to find the pan. Perhaps you might want to make muffins with this recipe. That may be my next way to make them. Serve them warm with a few seconds in the microwave with a bit of whipped cream or softened butter. Perfect with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea or coffee. Who knew that zucchini could be this good? The chocolate lovers in our house have approved. And with the gluten free flour? The gluten free bunch are singing its praises! Meanwhile a friend delivery of a loaf at the perfect time made both of our hearts happy. Even when her feet can’t be under my table, taking something to her table is the next best thing. Hope you enjoy this recipe for the many zucchini you may have in your life right now…and if you have other favorite ways to enjoy them…won’t you please share in the comments? My friend with the garden may need lots more ideas! Happy Baking,

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Ideas from the Southern Living Idea House

Leslie J Watkins — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:07:10 +0000

Have you ever been able to visit a Southern Living Idea House? For over 30 years Southern Living has captured the Southern lifestyle in an updated fashion in the most beautiful locations with their Southern Living Idea Houses. A dream to visit every time. A few years ago, a visit to the Southern Living Idea House took us to visit it in Asheville, NC. The fall weather was gorgeous in Asheville and the house was beautifully nestled in a wooded lot that proved it was meant to be there. The fall of 2021 brought lots of heartache to our family, and somehow we missed traveling to see that one that was only a 3 hour drive. Last year’s idea house was farther away in North Carolina…but, somehow schedules and open dates just never coincided. But, the 2023 Southern Living Idea House? Even though the house was open to guests for viewing in August, our schedules pushed us to November to join the tours. With Christmas decorations…I think the wait was the perfect timing. A little over 2 hours drive from our home, this year’s Southern Living Idea House is in Leiper’s Fork, TN. A perfect setting for this house. Tours began in August and will continue until December 17 if you are close enough to visit. Click here for tickets! It originally was to be open until December 23, but they have shortened it since I have been. With an appointment 20 minutes away on a day they were open? Yes, please! Tickets were purchased. And the BEST part? Meeting my best friend who lives close by to join in the fun. Entering the Southern Living Idea House took my breath away… And yes! Christmas decorations were lovely. Again with a sustainability flair, fresh magnolia and pinecones were the focus of greenery. From wreaths…oh, my goodness that door design…swooning… to mantels…. On the stairway… What’s so special about the Southern Living Idea House? Well, let me tell you. Their design is always on track with what’s needed in a home each year. This year’s home has a focus on sustainability and an herb and vegetable garden to encourage farm-to-table dining. The gardener in me? Although we weren’t there to see those garden beds in full glory, there were still herbs and kale and flowers that gave me enough to make me need similar ones reproduced at home. It confirmed my need for astro turf around them in a small enclosed area close to the house. Pots that divide the pool area from the “garden” area make it all work for both design and function. This greenhouse. Even the greenhouse was complete with heating and water source. Don’t you love it? Southern Living idea that I loved? A focus on entertaining with a barn style pool house, basement, with even a music studio, hints of the best of southern hospitality and lifestyle are seen in every design decision. Another table to have your feet under.. Inside that pool house barn. My favorite parts of the Southern Living Idea House? For me, it was the farmhouse feel. Check out the ceiling! Open areas and expanse for entertaining on ground and main levels. yet areas that allowed for coziness tucked in on the breakfast nook and porches on both levels. Areas for conversation…for our husbands. Or dining outdoors.. and the porch complete with an outdoor kitchen. Even an open window from the kitchen to that porch dining table worked. If you look into the porch area..see that track? there’s both screening and vinyl that motorize up and down to protect and open porches when weather might not allow. Genius! Another favorite area? Of course you know me…the kitchen is amazing! From appliances and open plan with a great island… to the breakfast nook that showed gingerbread house building. My heart is full in this room…If you want my gingerbread house recipe, you can find it here. okay…the hand painted walls! I need that idea in a special area of my home. How about you?!! And what entertaining home would be complete without a side butler pantry perfectly appointed? There’s a walk in pantry and cubby area near the stairway. Main Floor A main office area moves from the large open area graced by full length windows and flooding light from both sides. Be still my heart. The main floor boasts a primary suite with a huge bathroom, laundry area and walk through closet. Even a beverage/snack area is a part of this suite. Complete with a mantel… and then a walk out porch overlooking the garden area and pool. The main floor also boasts other areas. From the stairway area, there is an fabulous laundry room complete with a dog bath that would make me happy to do laundry OR bathe the dog! Workout room completes the main floor. If you’d rather add another guest room on this level, this room would work for that, too, since there is a gorgeous bathroom connected. Now for the upstairs… I love that the bedroom areas are on opposite ends of the house. Great if you have guests and no little ones to be close to at night! One of the children’s rooms had these framed cork boards around the walls and into bookcases that I may have to add into my office makeover. The other bedroom – guest or child area- had a more “grown up” feel. The built ins were spectacular in this room. There is a gathering room between the two bedroom areas offering a bit more privacy and separation with great storage there, as well. Both guest bedrooms have their own amazing bathrooms. Loved that the designs are perfect for children or guests for both. Basement at ground level completed the entertaining areas. Since this was a ground level basement to the back…it gave another great area close to the pool and hot tub. Entertaining with a baby grand piano… pool table… and outdoor spaces close to the pool area on this level… there’s even a recording studio included. So what happens after the tours? Well…a new owner has purchased this amazing home for $6.3 million. Wonder who will move in? Perhaps a country music artist? I wonder if it will be a true farmhouse home, or just used for entertaining? Regardless…I am taking lots of inspiration and ideas home with me. My favorite part? SO. MANY. TABLES. The designers valued having feet under the many tables in every part of this property. Glorious for entertaining. Whether intimate or extravagant. Hopeful that those who walk through this home will feel hospitality, intimacy, comfort and sharing life that is full and embracing. My heart is full after this tour. A few hours with my best friend and her spouse was wonderful. If you are close by…take the time to be inspired. A great morning or afternoon with family or friends. Thanks for joining me for this. Happy Touring, friends!

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The Perfect Gift Books for Those on Your List

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 20:05:38 +0000

Do you love to give gifts for book lovers on your list? Need gift book ideas? For any occasion Kobi Yamada's books are the perfect gift.

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THE BEST- P. Allen Smith’s Buttermilk Pie

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:48:42 +0000

Do you love chess pie or pecan pie? Sharing P. Allen Smith's buttermilk pie which is a delicious mixture of both!

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You Need the 1905 Columbia Salad

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:35:40 +0000

Have you ever had the 1905 Columbia Salad? It's a delightful table side served favorite. Join me for the recipe!

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Mrs. Wages Salsa Mix to the Rescue

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:31:44 +0000

Mrs. Wages mild salsa mix makes the most amazing salsa to add to your pantry or freezer. Sharing how to make it today!

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Corn Salad – A Great Fourth of July Recipe

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 21:51:37 +0000

Fourth of July recipes are where my focus takes me today...to a great corn salad that adds fresh veggies and great flavor to the menu!

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Do You Need Some Favorite Fall Recipes?

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 15:37:59 +0000

Do you need some favorite fall recipes? It seems that everyone is finding, making and sharing their favorite fall recipes this week. I definitely think that the cooler weather beckons us to just spend more time in the kitchen. That happened to me. The braided yeast bread needed to be made. I’ll be making cinnamon rolls to share with you next week, so I hope you’ll come back to join me. Fall has also been a time when the jalapenos have been overflowing. In May, I planted lots of peppers in pots around a patio area and then in cloth bags in a corner of our picket fence. About July they began to produce. You saw me make the pepper jelly, pepper jelly dip, and candied jalapenos. This week I made pickled jalapenos that I’ll be sharing soon. It was the easiest way ever and I’ll sure be making these with small amounts of those peppers as they produce next year. There’s something about fall that brings out thankfulness. Praying for all of my friends and family who found themselves in the middle of Hurricane Ian. Some are still without power and water and I am praying for them all. Thankful for family whose homes and lives were untouched this week in Tampa and Lithia. Fall always brings us to thankfulness here. It seems that more feet find their way to our table and under our island to share life in the fall. Time on that back porch always brings great conversation and fellowship with family and friends. When I share a new recipe, you can be assured that neighbors will get a delivery! I’m sure that will happen when those cinnamon rolls are made! Fall Favorite Recipes So many of you have asked for some of the recipes that I have shared before. As we enter into the fall season with more time in the kitchen with perhaps more comfort food or holiday planning, I thought I would share a few from time to time that appear on my menus this time of year. I have shared with you fall favorites to add to the freezer and fall favorite appetizers. Here are few that will be on my menu plan for the next couple of weeks…a few fall soup recipes and fall salad recipes included. 1. Sweet Potato Chili You can choose to leave the sweet potatoes out of the sweet potato chili, but sweet potatoes just are a wonderful fall addition. If you want to change it even more?…add a bit of cinnamon to take it to a new level. 2. Fall Charcuterie Wreath This has been requested over and over again! If you are having a gathering, pull together seasonal nuts, meats, cheeses, crackers and veggies to produce something creative and unexpected with a fall charcuterie wreath. 3. Cheese Roll Typically the cheese roll is a holiday favorite…but, I’m thinking it will be added to a fall class reunion menu in a couple of weeks. I’m on the planning committee and we are so excited to be planning a fun one…taking a school bus to tour the school; a tree planting memorial for our classmates who are no longer with us; and wait for it…dinner from our favorite cafeteria foods! Chili and our favorite desserts are among the mix. This cheese roll with chili powder will be the perfect offering for that event. I’ll be sharing all about our class reunion when we finish in case there are those of you who find yourself in planning your next class reunion. 4. Loaded Potato Soup This has been a favorite soup for years. Quick, easy and delicious in true comfort food fashion. Loaded potato soup will happen here soon. 5. Winter Tortellini Soup Although this soup is enjoyed all winter, it is a great one for fall. This one has lots of ingredients, but is perfect when you have lots gathering to feed. More Fall Recipes… Here are a few other recipes that I found perfect for fall gatherings… Fall Salads by Pine Cones and Acorns Healthy Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte Fall Cookies Aren’t these the most amazing cookies? Those last two recipes are from my friend and mentor, Leslie, at My 100 Year Old Home. This week I got a package in the mail—her new book! If you aren’t following her…you need to! Her new book, A Home to Share, is so amazing! If you’d love a copy, here’s the affiliate link for you to order… Affiliate links mean you get the same great price but may provide a small commission for those sharing. Are You Planning Ahead for the Holidays? Me, too! Guess what? The past few months, I have been writing a book of entertaining tips and recipes for the holidays! Can you tell I am so excited to share this. I was invited to be a part of a group of writers who have put together 27 digital books that will help you decorate, entertain and plan for the holidays! Be watching…it goes on sale on Tuesday and I’ll be sharing the link here. Happy Saturday!! We are off to a Barn Sale and then a Band competition! Hoping your weekend is full of great fall weather and creating wonderful memories! Thank you for joining me here…it truly means a great deal!

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Saturday Sideline- How About More Easter Ideas?

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

So many great ideas for sharing a bit more Easter inspiration today! Recipes, gifts, and inspiration for preparing for gathering.

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Do You Need a Perfect Pepper Jelly for Guests?

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Do you need a perfect pepper jelly for adding to appetizers, charcuterie or to give as gifts? I am sharing a favorite recipe here!

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