May includes one of the most celebrated and memorable holidays of the year… Mother’s Day. And we all know that gathering around the table and honoring that special loved one with a beautiful meal adds a unique touch to the day. Whether you’re searching for that colorful spring-time dish or a light and savory taste to please the palette, we’ve got you covered.
This month, I’m excited to share my Dinner’s Ready recipes. Not only do I have a passion for being a writer, editor, and curriculum developer, but I enjoy being in the kitchen and preparing different meals for my family to enjoy.
I’m married to Brian Spivey, and we have two children: Julian (15) and Amara(6). Both children are actively involved in sports and activities that bring them the most joy. Amara is a very active child, and her interests soar through a variety of things that she considers fun. She plays softball and soccer, along with taking ballet. Julian is a wrestler and has a passion for music. His talents emerge through creating musical beats through technology. Both enjoy school and having social outlets to connect with friends through extracurricular activities.
Being residents of Pike Road, we enjoy living with neighbors in a community filled with family-friendly people. One of the best things about living in our neighborhood is that it’s filled with children. Our kids have made a lot of friends, and there’s always someone they can play with and have a great time together.
Growing up, I watched my mother prepare home-cooked Southern meals in the kitchen. Mom started cooking from a very early age, and she was a fantastic cook. She showed me and my brother how to cook with lessons from the kitchen. We would sit at our bar stools and listen intently. As we got older, we started assisting my mom in the kitchen with measuring, kneading bread, talking through recipes, etc. Also, my grandmother lived next door, so I had the opportunity to learn some of her iconic recipes. Her specialty was baking. My grandmother made the best, mouth-watering cakes, pies, teacakes, and cobblers. When she cooked, she never referenced anything written down. It was all by memory… a pinch of this and a dash of that.
With our busy schedules, it’s convenient to prepare meals that fit into our on-the-go lifestyle. One of my favorite dishes to prepare for a special occasion or busy weeknight is a charcuterie board with an accompanying side dish. A perfectly arranged spread of meat, cheese, crackers, and condiments is irresistible at any gathering. The presentation looks beautiful, and you can add a variety of foods. You can make it your own; the themes are endless. When I prepare one for my family, I include foods everyone will enjoy.
Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- A variety of cheeses: (Gouda, Brie,Pepper Jack, and Monterey Jack)
- Publix spinach and artichoke dip
- Porchetta
- Salami
- Carr’s Table Water and Whole Wheat Crackers
- Purple grapes
- Green olives
- Garlic toast
- Chocolate covered strawberries
- Arrange, serve and enjoy!
Corn & Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 c. cornor four fresh husks(kernels removed)
- I often use a 15 oz bag of frozen and thaw on the counter.
- 2 c. cooked chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 limed, juiced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or avocado mayo
- 2 oz feta, crumbled
- Stir and enjoy
Kimberley Carter Spivey is a freelance writer, blogger, author, and entrepreneur. When she’s not working as an Instructional Systems Designer and copy-editor on Maxwell AFB, she ’s busy freelancing, blogging, or toiling away at her next book. Her debut book Bloom: How to Get from Good Enough to a Life You Love can be purchased on Amazon and girlyouwrite.com.
