Author: Katelyn

Christie’s Coffee Co. is now OPEN! I have known Joseph & Lisa Christie for 16+ years now!! They are some of the most genuine, loving people I know. They would do anything for anyone along with giving so much to our community. You may recognize them as they are also the owners of the local Pelican SnoBalls!

Joseph was my youth group worship leader at church when I was in middle school, which seems like so long ago! It seems like life gets busier & busier and at times it’s hard to stay in touch. Lisa & I reconnected through Real Estate 2 years ago and I am so thankful we did! She is a former Respiratory Therapist at CMC and now a local real estate agent with Summer House Realty — also known as Home Sweet Augusta on social media!

Check out this CUTE drive thru coffee shop on North Augusta where they are serving locally roasted coffee, cappuccinos, lattes & more! They are located at 709 Edgefield Road, North Augusta, 29841.

Namaste Indian Street Food has your classic & favorite Indian dishes, with their own little twist that makes them absolutely amazing! The word “namaste” actually means, “I bow to you” which is used as a respectful greeting in India.

When some think of Indian food, they think that the food is very spicy and strong, but not at Namaste. The owner, Manoj creates the most flavorful and beautiful dishes topped with edible flowers and garnishes. You will notice something extra special if you visit their website — all of the dishes list whether they are spicy, dairy free, gluten free, but free, etc.

There is truly something for everyone at Namaste. My favorite dishes are the garlicky cauliflower, the butter chicken and of course the garlic naan. Let me just tell you, the garlicky cauliflower is unlike anything I have ever tasted! I crave it ALL THE TIME! So next time you go, make sure you give it a try!

Namaste is all about supporting local and supporting other local businesses. Go check them out!!! They are located at 4272 Washington Road, Suite 5A, Evans, GA 30809.

On a cutting board, lay your chicken breasts out and cover with a layer of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken so each price is even — this will help the chicken cook evenly. Marinate in Italian dressing for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

While the chicken is marinating, caramelize the onions in a sauté pan with olive oil and set aside. In the same sauté pan, cook the chicken so that it is brown on both sides. I also seasoned mine with a little Heffer Dust from Recteq. Once chicken is almost cooked thoroughly, add to a baking dish that has been coated with a nonstick spray.

Top chicken with caramelized onions, bacon, bbq sauce and cheese. Bake at 350° until the cheese is melted. ENJOY!

SIMPLE & SO GOOD!

**make sure your chicken is cooked to 165°

Life is short, get dessert. Let me just say that your dessert can absolutely be a martini, especially if it involves chocolate. Make any night sweet with this decadent chocolate martini garnished with fresh raspberries.

Decadent Chocolate Martini

There isn’t much better on a chilly night than a warm chicken and rice casserole. I threw this dish together a few years ago and let me tell you, it has been a staple in our house ever since! All of our favorite things, all in one! This is also my go to when I want to take food to a friend who just had surgery or welcomed a little one.  

There is just something about a fresh salad on a beautiful Spring day. It has been pretty chilly here in Georgia and all we can think about is sunshine and some warm weather coming in a few weeks. So close, I can almost taste it!

I am sharing one of my favorite salads. It is so simple and fresh and pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine on the back porch.

Caesar Dressing

• 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets, chopped
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup plus 2 TBSP vegetable oil
• 3 TBSP grated parmesan

In a blender or with an immersion blender, add your anchovies, garlic, spices, egg yolk, lemon juice, mustard and parmesan. Slowly, drizzle your vegetable oil while blending to create the dressing. Taste and add more spice if you’d like.

Citrus Salmon Caesar Salad

In a sauté pan, heat olive oil to medium high heat. Season salmon with your favorite spices — I love Fresh Bay by Fresh Jax or Surf’s Up by Ocean State Pepper. Put the salmon face down in the hot pan and then squeeze a little fresh lemon and leave the lemon slice in the pan. Cook approx. 4 minutes on each side, or longer if you’d like.

Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and freshly shaved parmesan cheese & top with salmon. Best served with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

ENJOY!

There is just something about a bowl of chili or soup on a cold and windy day. It makes you all warm and cozy… Perfect for enjoying cuddled up with a blanket and a movie. Check out my recipe below!

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Ingredients —

2 lbs of ground venison

1 onion, finely chopped

1 TBSP chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper (you could also use 1 package of chili seasoning for this)

2 cans tomato sauce

1 can of chili tomatoes

1 can kidney beans

1 can white beans

1 can corn

1 1/2 cups water

3 TBSP pickled jalapeños with juice

2 tsp sriracha

In a large pot on medium heat, brown the venison and chopped onion until cooked completely. Next add your seasonings — chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper. Then, add all the canned items — tomato sauce, chili tomatoes, beans & corn, along with the water

**tip – I fill the tomato sauce cans with the water to be sure to get all the sauce out

Last, add the pickled jalapeños and sriracha to the chili. I love a good kick to my chili! You can definitely leave these last 2 ingredients out if you prefer it not to be spicy, but it’s SO good!

Let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Top with cheese, sour cream & extra jalapeños. I like to serve mine with my homemade honey cornbread. This would also be delicious with sourdough or tortilla chips.

ENJOY!

Can I just say HOW ‘BOUT THEM DAWGS! After a late night of watching the National Championship Game and a long work day, a cocktail was very much needed to chill out this evening. This one did not disappoint!

1 shot Western Son peach vodka

1 shot Second City Distilling Co. rum

1 shot strawberry purée

juice from 1/2 lemon or lime

lemon or lime sparkling water

mix the vodka, rum, purée & juice with ice in a glass & top with sparkling water and fresh fruit

**to make the strawberry purée, in a saucepan bring 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, 2 TBSP sugar and 2 TBSP water to a boil. let cool and then purée.

HAVE A COUPLE & ENJOY!

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When it’s nice and chilly outside, not much beats a warm loaf of sourdough fresh out of the oven. It brings a sense of comfort to my kitchen. With such a variety including jalapeno cheddar, caramelized onion, cinnamon raisin or garlic & herb, the possibilities are endless.

These beautiful loaves also make great gifts for family, friends and neighbors. They can pair it with a warm cup of soup, enjoy with their morning coffee or make a fresh sandwich.

I recently took an online course with Ashley from Turner Farm to expand my knowledge about bread. She teaches all things sourdough and does a live demonstration that allows you to bake bread together. If you are looking to learn this technique, I strongly encourage you to check out her site and sign up for one of her courses. Be sure you are following her on social media as well to stay up to date with upcoming courses. Her farm and kitchen is absolutely beautiful! I will link her class here — TURNER FARM SOURDOUGH

happy breadmaking, xoxo

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Sharing all about my favorite coffee shops this week! Augusta has so many amazing local coffee shops. Whether you are in Evans shopping or strolling the streets of downtown, there is always a coffee shop nearby.

If you’re in Evans, check out Rooted Coffeehouse. This coffee shop is so cute & cozy and perfect for morning meetings! My favorite this thing to order is their iced americano or their warm chai latte.

If you’re in the beautiful downtown Augusta, I have 2 places that I will always recommend you check out! Metro Coffeehouse & Ubora. I love the vibe at Metro along with their delicious lattes. They also turn into a bar at night with live music. Perfect to grab an espresso martini after dinner! If I need to get some work done, o love to hang out inside Ubora with a warm cup off coffee or iced latte.

Grab a gift card for your family or friends — I promise they will love it! They make great stocking stuffers too. Next time you’re at one of these shops, be sure to tag me on Facebook & Instagram – @sweetandsassyapron. I would love to see what you ordered!