Southern Style Sausage Gravy

I wasn't a huge fan of sausage gravy until I went to a brunch place in Atlanta called Homegrown a couple of years ago. If you're local, you should definitely head there. They have this decadent platter with a flaky biscuit, crispy fried chicken, and a generous portion of this heavenly gravy. It actually sounds like a near-disaster for me, with all those things touching (if you don't know me, I am not a fan of food touching if they're not supposed to be). But, once I tried it, I realized that you really can't have a chicken biscuit without some sausage gravy.

Now, I dont really understand how biscuits can be served alone. I can't imagine a biscuit without gravy... It may be a southern thing, but it is so delightful, and anyone who hasn't tried it is missing out. It's not the most appetizing or pretty thing, since it's gravy with sausage chunks, but it completes any brunch.

I had to make it a priority to try creating this treat! Lucky for me and you, sausage gravy is extremely easy to make at home!

Sausage Gravy (makes about 1 qt)
5 oz Ground Pork Sausage
3 tbsp Flour
1 cup Milk
2 tbsp Maple Syrup
Salt
Pepper

1. In a frying pan or cast iron skillet, brown the sausage. Cook about 90% of the way.
2. Add the flour to the sausage that has browned, and then add the milk.
3. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly. Then, add maple syrup and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix thoroughly and remove from the heat.
5. You can serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to a week.

I love to have this gravy with a biscuit (recipe here) and a perfect sunny side egg (recipe here). You really have to try this. The runny yolks and gravy make for the richest breakfast you can enjoy in the south!

Berry Mint Mojito

A couple of weeks ago, I catered a bloggers brunch with some of Atlanta's top style bloggers at Lululemon. It was great to experience catering for the women, and it was awesome to be able to see their smiling faces upon eating the food.

One of the most popular items on the brunch buffet was the berry mint mojito! It's a beautiful summery drink that boasts fruity, refreshing flavors. It's easy to make, and makes a beautiful presentation to any guests you serve it to. The cocktail is very light, refreshing, and delicious!

Berry Mint Mojito (Makes 6)
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Water
8 Mint Leaves
6 oz White Rum
Strawberries
Raspberries
Blueberries
Blackberries
1 liter Sparkling Water

1. In a small pot, bring the sugar and water to a boil.
2. Tear the mint leaves a couple of times and add to the sugar solution.
3. Allow the sugar solution to cool completely. Then, strain into a vessel, such as a jar, to pour into glasses. Place the vessel with the solution into the fridge to make it cold.
4. Place a couple of each berry into the bottom of a highball glass with about an ounce of rum and an ounce of the sugar solution.
5. Use a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to muddle the berries into the rum and sugar solution.
6. Add sparkling water to fill the glass, and add a few ice cubes to keep cold.
7. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve immediately.

Not only is this drink simple and quick to make, it is entertaining to watch! It's a great way to spruce up a party- and show off your excellent bartending skills ;)

Now, for the brunch recap! This was actually my first delici-owh-so catered event, and it was actually pretty successful! The ladies seemed to enjoy the food, and the space was very well made for the type of event that Lululemon was hosting. At the brunch, people discussed visions and goals, which actually made me think about some that I have for this blog. This blog started out as a simple way to share my passion for food, and expand on it by honing my photography skills, and sharpening my writing skills. Of course, I will always have more to learn, but I think over the past year I've been developing more of a vision for myself as a blogger, but also as a professional. I hope to continue to be able to touch people's lives through my love of food, but in a more tangible way- through catering for them! I hope to get into doing desserts for small weddings and small events like this! I think this brunch was a small step to developing delici-owh-so as a brand. Still, there's much to plan and look into before I can make any of those goals a reality. Although that description sounds pretty vague, I hope it keeps all the readers on edge for what's to come! Anyways, here are some pictures from the brunch!

Spinach, Heirloom Tomato, and Goat Cheese Frittata

This frittata was very light, fluffy, and healthy! A perfect brunch option for any vegetarians out there!

Bacon Cheddar Biscuits- recipe here!

These biscuits are flaky, flavorful, and scream southern comfort! Simple and delicious!

French Toast with Orange Anglaise and Mixed Berries (Left); Desserts (Right)- Nectarine Mint Macarons, Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookies, Blueberry Muffins (click items for recipes!)

The macarons were the biggest hit for this event- and the recipe is posted on the blog! Be sure to check it out :)

Mimosa (left); Berry Mint Mojito (right)

These were very popular drink items that went perfectly for an afternoon brunch! :)

Photo By Futuristic Vintage

Me with the buffet :)

If you'd like your event to be delici-owh-so- catered, check out the box to the right! You can leave messages and ask about having your event catered by delici-owh-so! Not only do I cater brunches, but you can also special order custom macarons!

Bacon Cheddar Biscuits

Biscuits are the epitome of soul food. These biscuits are flaky and delicious. Have them with a little bit of honey for a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.

Bacon Cheddar Biscuits (Makes 12 Biscuits)

1 stick Butter

2 tbsp Sugar

1/4 tsp Salt

10.5 oz Self Rising Flour

8oz Buttermilk

2 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese

2 strips Bacon

1/2 stick butter, for brushing 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

2. Cut butter into small 1/2 inch cubes. 

3. Place the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl with the butter. 

4. Separate all of the cubes and flatten them each between your fingers. 

5. Once the butter is flattened, rub the mixture between your fingers until the butter flakes become small, about pea sized. 

6. Cook the bacon in a frying pan and slice it to small pieces.

7. Mix the bacon bits and cheese into the biscuit mix. 

8. Add the buttermilk and mix until it comes together.

9. Turn the dough over onto the table and fold over itself a couple of times. 

10. Form into a 6x8 inch rectangle and cut with a knife into 12- 2x2 inch squares 

11. Place the biscuits onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes. 

12. Melt butter. 

13. Once the biscuits are golden and the centers are baked through, remove from the oven and brush thoroughly with butter. Serve warm. 

Sorry for the late post! It has been an extremely busy weekend. I will be back again Sunday night 10pm! Until then, enjoy some yummy soul food- delicious biscuits! Also, happy St. Patrick's Day!