The Larkinsville Shuffle

So, as many of you may or may not know, I am from a small town in Northeast Alabama called Larkinsville.  Larkinsville is near Scottsboro.  So, I was watching Dancing with the Stars out of sheer boredom the other night.  I made a comment that someone couldn't dance that was performing on the show.  So, Mr. Smarty Pants remarked, "you are one to talk, Ms. Larkinsville Shuffle.
" What?," I asked.
"You always dance the Larkinsville shuffle," he said as he made a hasty retreat downstairs back to whatever he was watching or doing.
Duh! 
 So, I have had  crazy lyrics going through my head about "The Larkinsville Shuffle". So, in an attempt to get this out of my head,  I decided to do a dump from brain to paper hopefully never to hear this again.

Larkinsville Shuffle?  WTH?
.

The Larkinsville Shuffle

Hey, hey, hey
Do the Larkinsville Shuffle
Come on Baby Get on the Floor
Take your time, take it real slow
Shake it now Baby, Twist it to the floor
Hey, Hey, Hey
Do the Larkinsville Shuffle
How low can you go...
Yeah, yeah, yea
Do the Larkinsville Shuffle...

Slide, Slide, SLide
Get on your Pony and Ride, Ride Ride
Do the Larkinsville Shuffle
Move it real slow
Whoa, whoa whoa
Do the Larkinsville Shuffle
Ah, Ah ah ha
twirl it now baby, twirl it some more, mo mo mo
SLide it to the left, slide it to the right
hitch hike baby, with all your might...
Yeah, yeah yeah
Do the Larkinsville Shuffle...
Whoa Whoa Whoa
Let's do it once more,,,,more more

Yee haw!!

The Bridge

So quite the controversy over whether or not to save a bridge.  Some might think of it as an eye sore.  Especially, as this bridge seems to block a lot of the view of the Tennessee River.  However, those that love history, love saving things, etc. want to save the bridge.  They do not want it torn down and sold as scrap metal.  And, some folks just don't give a tinkers damn either way.

But, me?  Well, I had a dream about that old weather beaten bridge.  I was driving from Atlanta to the Boro coming down the mountain..highway whatever and I always look forward to seeing the Tennessee River.  But, it was dark and I did not expect to see much.  The closer I got, I saw it. The NEW bridge.  Yes, it was about 10 PM.  And, the lights started at one end of the bridge and they lit up all over that bridge.  These lights sent shivers of diamonds into the Tennessee River.  I mean the River was sparkling like all of Elizabeth Taylor's jewels rolled into one.   And, that old bridge looked like a version of the Eiffel Tower.  And, as I neared the "new" way into the city, I saw dozens of cars parked everywhere.  And, low and behold.  There was an elevator that was slowly going to the top of that bridge.  To the very top.  I got dizzy in my dream just thinking about that.  The lights were on in that little platform like elevator and I saw a beautiful girl.  Oh, you know where I am going.  So, she got out of the elevator onto the platform (yes, the town had built a standing platform on top of the bridge) and I saw her standing there.  Then, the elevator went back down and up again.  I pulled over on the shoulder of the road and watched.  The girl and her beau got back into car/elevator and road back down and hand in hand, they walked over to a little chapel.  And, there they said their wedding vows.  Yes, they met on top of the bridge.  You know, Cary Grant got left at the Empire State Building and so did Tom Hanks and God only knows who else.  As they were on top of the platform, guess what began to play?  The Tennessee Waltz and the Rhett Butler looking handsome guy took her into his arms and they danced a bit.

Wow!  What a dream.  And, yes.  Before I awoke, I made a date to meet at the top of that bridge sometime in the future.  We shall see!!

Have You Seen Her

What is the name of the song that goes something like this, "have you seen her, I see her face everywhere I go, tell me, have  you seen her?"  And, then it goes on, "why oh why did she have to go?"

The words to that song remind me so much of a dear friend that I once knew.  But, she is gone, gone forever.  I regret so many things.  I guess life is like that.  Full of regrets.  Things that one cannot change or bring back.

I have so many good memories of her. I wish that I could remember everything but the hands of time have snarled its way through my mind and, too, some memories have simply been over written by other memories.

 I do remember the first time that we met.  I was moving into the first floor of an apartment building. I had my VW Beetle crammed full of boxes and was just lugging another up the steps when a car careened into the graveled parking lot.  Dust flew.  She got out of the car, a Pinto, and flipped her sunglasses onto the top of her head.   For those of you to  young to remember, a Pinto was a small car.  I immediately noticed that gorgeous mane of blonde hair.  She glanced towards me, flipped her hair to one side, and gave me what I would soon learn, was her signature grin.  It was kind of a quirk grin that made me think she was sizing me up.    My first thought was, "who the heck is this goddess?"  I opened the door to my apartment and continued to unload all of the boxes that a VW could hold.   

What can I say?  This beautiful girl became one of my very best friends.  I so admired her.  She had a voluptuous body.  I may have weighed ninety-eight pounds and their was nothing special about me, but this girl had flawless skin and her grin was ...awesome.  Everything about her was perfect.  I had freckles and strived to keep them covered with make-up.  I guess my freckles came from all of those years in the cotton fields.  Anyway, this girl and I went on trips together, Sunday afternoon drives. and shared all of our little secrets.  Oh, my.  And, we did have our share of secrets.

She was a bit more country than me, I will have to admit; however, we were both farm girls.  Lots of Sundays she would go with me to my Memma's for Sunday dinner.  We were a pair.  Once, someone told me that drinking wine would make you gain weight so, I drove to South Pittsburg and bought a bottle of..I am guessing Boone's Farm.  I began to have a glass every night.  Of course, after work, she would pop into my apartment to catch up.  After several nights of watching me "drink my one glass" of wine, she decided that I was an alcoholic and made me give it up.  Didn't like it anyway and started getting breakfast at Burger Chef/King.

I knew her hurts, her pains, and just everything.  She had the cutest younger brother and a beautiful mother that would often visit.  I knew when she was upset because she had that funny little grin and a quirky little look.  And, for some reason, when she was upset, she would always give a nervous little laugh.

Vacations, Sunday afternoon drives, fits of crying over who knows what came to an end.  I moved.  And, why, I do not know, but we lost touch.  And, then I moved away to another State.  And, that was that.  But, I still thought of her and my Mom would tell me about seeing her, talking to her, etc.
Then, years later,I was visiting relatives in Alabama. We were sitting around drinking coffee and chit chatting.  Someone had turned the TV on.  I think it was just to have more noise. And, then we heard something about breaking news and a plane crash.   I watched the news saddened by the tragedy.  I remember thinking about work and hoping that no one from work was on the flight. As, by this time, we had gathered around the TV and a plane from NYC to Paris had crashed in the ocean.  It was horrible.  I just couldn't believe it.  The phone rang and it was my cousin calling to tell me that my friend that I had known all of those years ago, was on the flight as was her young son. 
Later, I recall that her sister-in-law called to tell me about a planned memorial service.  I did not attend the service.  I don't know why.  I just did not.  And, today, I regret it.
This year will be sixteen years since that event.  I think of her often and especially this past week or two.  I feel her presence and I sometimes think she is trying to tell me something. 
And, there are times, that I will be somewhere, and I will catch a glimpse of a beautiful blond with long, blond hair and I swear...I saw her.  I think I saw her.  I turned to follow and she was gone. 
Sixteen years ago this year she got on that plane with her son. 

And, I say to myself, have you seen her?  Tell me, have you seen her?  Why of why did she have to go?

Reese's PB Martini

Reese’s Peanut Butter Martini

2 1/2 ounces Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cup Infused Vodka, recipe below

4 ounces milk

1 teaspoon Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup

4 mini peanut butter Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, for garnish

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Infused Vodka

6 ounces good quality vodka (I used Tito’s)

1/4 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Instructions

1. To prepare the infused vodka, combine vodka and Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups in a clean mason jar. Close jar tightly and store in a cool dry place for 7 days. Give it a good shake once or twice per day.
2. Once vodka has been infused, strain into a clean mason jar using a fine mesh sieve or cheese cloth. Store in a cool place or in the freezer.
3. To prepare the martini, combine infused vodka, Hershey’s chocolate syrup and milk in a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice. Shake for 30-40 seconds and pour into two small martini glasses.
4. Garnish with Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Body Butter

You simply melt the shea butter and coconut oil together in a double boiler.  Add in the almond oil, or you an use Jojoba oil or olive oil.  Add essential oil of your choosing like lavendar or whatever you want (maybe orange).  Then, let solidify.  Then, whip or beat it with a mix and put into jars.

1 cup shea butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup almond oil (you can substitute olive oil, jojoba oil, any organic, liquid oil that is healthy.)

Reese's Cheesecake

For The Crust  Note:  I use graham crackers instead of Oreo cookies as I am not a big fan of that crust.

• 4 ½ cups crushed Oreo cookies
• 1 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• ½ cup butter , melted

For The Filling

• 2 lbs cream cheese , softened
• 5 eggs , at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter (not natural-style)
• ½ cup whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 Reese's Peanut Butter cups , broken into small pieces

For The Topping

• 3 ounces sour cream
• ½ cup sugar

Directions:

1. Please Note****Plan ahead--cheesecake needs to chill for at least 4 hours.
2. To Make The Crust:.
3. Combine crushed Oreo cookies and peanuts that have been ground in a food processor with the melted butter.
4. Pat the crust mixture onto bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan.
5. To Make The Filling:.
6. Beat cream cheese in bowl of electric mixer until smooth.
7. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
8. 8\Add sugar, peanut butter and cream; mix until smooth.
9. Stir in vanilla, then fold in peanut butter cup pieces with a rubber spatula.
10. Pour filling into prepared crust.
11. Place springform pan into a larger baking pan
 
12.  
    Pour hot water into the larger pan so that the water comes 1 inch up the sides of the springform pan
13.  
    Bake at 275°F 1-1/2 hours, or until firm and lightly browned.
14.  
    For The Topping:.
15.  
    Combine the sour cream and sugar and spread on the cheesecake.
16.  
    Return the cake to the oven for 5 minutes.
17. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for one hour.
18.  
    You may run a knife along the edge of the cake to loosen it from the pan somewhat.
19. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
20.  

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/ruggles-reeses-peanut-butter-cup-cheesecake-114907#ixzz1le91nNAY
Scroll to Top

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie
Serves 10 to 12
8 ounces chocolate cookies
4 tablespoons butter, melted
4 ounces finely chopped chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup creamy-style peanut butter
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 – 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Add the cookies to the bowl of a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs.  Combine melted butter and cookie crumbs in a small bowl, and stir with a fork to mix well.  Press mixture into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave.  Pour over bottom of cookie crust and spread to the edges using an off-set spatula.  Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the melted chocolate. Place pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Pour the heavy cream into a bowl and beat using a stand mixer or hand mixer until stiff peaks form.  Transfer to a small bowl and store in refrigerator until ready to use.  Place the cream cheese and peanut butter in a deep bowl.  Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.  Reduce speed to low and gradually beat in the confectioner's sugar.  Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and lemon juice. Increase speed to medium and beat until all the ingredients are combined and filling is smooth.
Stir in 1/3 of the whipped cream into the filling mixture (helps lighten the batter, making it easier to fold in the remaining whipped cream).  Fold in the remaining whipped cream.  Pour the filling into the prepared springform pan.  Drizzle the melted chocolate on top, if using, and refrigerate for three hours or overnight before serving.

Next comes the Trfle

1 batch of your favorite brownies, boxed or from scratch, cooled and cut into cubes
1 large box (5-ounce) of instant chocolate pudding, prepared and chilled (this will most likely call for 3 cups of milk, nothing else)
1 bag of peanut butter cups, chopped (I used Dove chocolate peanut butter Promises)
2 cups heavy cream
3-4 tablespoons granulated sugar, depending on your desired level of sweetness
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
8 ounces of whipped cream cheese, at room temperature
In the bowl of an electric mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat heavy cream and sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to an separate bowl and stick in the fridge until ready to use. I did not even clean the bowl of my electric mixer and just began mixing the peanut butter mixture.
Add the peanut butter and cream cheese to the bowl and beat at medium speed, scraping down the sides a few times until mixture is creamy. Add in powdered sugar and mix until combined, then mix in 2 tablespoons of milk. Remove the whipped cream from the fridge and add 1 cup of it to the peanut butter, folding it in until the mixture turns lighter in color and is mostly combined.
Grab your trifle dish and begin to layer your ingredients however you’d like. I did a layer of brownies, then peanut butter, then a handful of chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and so on. I repeated it until I got to the top, then piped the remaining whipped cream on top and sprinkled the candy on. You really can’t go wrong with layering – just use a long spoon to serve!