42 minute read
Black Belt tastes
By Jennifer Kornegay
Alabama’s Black Belt region is so named for the fertile soil blanketing its gentle hills and flatlands, earth that yields bountiful crop harvests and abundant outdoor pursuits. But the people here are as productive as the land; their creative talents and hard work have thrived for generations and resulted in a wealth of handmade and handcrafted delights. Now, everyone can explore the area thanks to the recently created “Flavors of the Black Belt” Trail.
The Trail helps people take a self-directed trip to basically eat their way through the Black Belt, with a booklet highlighting restaurants, cafes and shops that sell locally made food products. It is an initiative of Black Belt Adventures, a tourism marketing organization that works to bring more visitors to the area, and director Pam Swanner explained how the Trail developed from a board member’s observation.
“Board member Dexter McLendon, mayor of Greenville, not ed that there are many small-batch, hand-crafted foodstuffs and drinks created by the locals throughout the region that deserve recognition,” she says. That sparked the idea for the Trail and its focus on the region’s resourcefulness in the form of the flavors it has fostered. Black Belt Adventures, as well as the multiple restau rants, shops and makers included on the Trail, hope it will entice people to go get a taste of the area – and spend money.
Amber Anderson, owner of and baker/cook at FPH Bakery in Union Springs, has already seen some traffic from the Trail. “I have reopened (after COVID-19 mandated closings), and things are getting somewhat back to normal,” she says. “I’ve had more and more people from out of town who’ve not been here before, and I think some of that is due to the Trail.”
The bakery and other stops on the Trail have booklets for customers to grab, and Anderson says they’re flying out the door, noting that almost everyone coming in is taking one when they
PHOTO COURTESY ALABAMA BLACK BELT ADVENTURES.
The “Flavors of the Black Belt” Trail has a handy guide booklet that features a smorgasbord of things to see, do and, of course, eat. And it’s not just restaurants featured. The Trail places equal emphasis on the region’s bakers, brewers, coffee roasters, sauce makers, candy creators and more, plus the markets and shops that sell their wares. There’s never been a better time to take a backroads trip and discover some of the region’s culinary and cul tural character. Here are a few highlights from the Trail to help you find your favorite flavor.
FPH Bakery, Union Springs
This café in downtown Union Springs is beloved for a bevy of baked goods made by owner and self-taught baker and cook, Amber Anderson. Her homey offerings like chicken salad, a variety of soothing soups and comforting casseroles draw hungry diners come lunchtime.
leave. Swanner echoed Anderson. “We’ve already had to replenish the Flavors Trail booklet in several of the retail locations,” she says.
Anderson is thrilled FPH Bakery was included. “I think the Trail is a great thing; I think it encourages people to get out and about in the area, and it helps small businesses like us that are off the beaten path a bit,” she said.
Another stop on the Trail, Jefferson Country Store in Marengo County, definitely falls into the “off the beaten path” category, and owner Betsy Compton Luker is also proud to be a part of the Trail. “We love that we’re included, and so do our customers,” Luker says. “It’s fun because it is validating to them. They say, ‘Hey. This place we love is as great as we think it is.’”
Chef David Bancroft, who owns barbecue joint Bow & Arrow plus the fine-dining institution Acre, both in Auburn, praised the Trail and Black Belt Adventures’ overall mission and efforts. “I think it’s a great idea and believe it can help businesses, which need help especially now,” he says. “I love the organization and all that they do. I’m such a big believer in getting outdoors, connecting with that heritage and discovering all of the Black Belt’s great resources.”
While the initial launch of the trail was delayed due to COVID-19, Black Belt Adventures is turning the pandemic-related travel restrictions to its advantage, promoting the Trail as a “back road” trip that offers a safer alternative to some other types of travel. “Road trips have regained popularity, and the Black Belt region is the perfect destination to fulfill that demand,” Swanner says.
It won’t cure COVID, but simply wandering is a pastime Bancroft believes can address a lot of what ails society today. “So many people think the world is what exists on that little screen in their hand,” he says. “But it’s not. The world is down that dirt path, along that trail, waiting at that little farm stand.”
Everyone hopes the virus won’t forever dictate our future, and Luker is optimistic, sharing encouragement to fellow business owners whenever she can. “I know it’s been hard for people in our business, but I just want to tell others to keep going, keep digging down to find your strength,” she says. “There are so many great flavors in our area and in our state to experience, and the more we focus on that, I think we can make it.”
Bates House of Turkey, Greenville
This spot is the restaurant arm of Bates Turkey Farm. Opened in 1969, as its name suggests, this eatery focuses on the farm’s fowl, its menu stacked heavy with gobble, gobble good selections like smoked turkey sandwiches and turkey salad.
Gaines Ridge Dinner Club, Camden
A historic setting and historically delicious food await diners at this Black Belt institution. Housed in a circa 1827 home, the Gaines Ridge Dinner Club has been serving up simple yet special fine-dining dishes since 1985.
Mel’s Dairy Dream, Monroeville
Not far from the old courthouse so tied to one of our state’s most iconic books, To Kill a Mockingbird, Mel’s Dairy Dream sits on another site of heritage, the spot where the childhood home of Mockingbird author Harper Lee once stood.
Doughnut King, Eufaula
There’s nothing fancy here, but the variety of glazed, iced and filled snacks you’ll find in this east Alabama favorite are definitely fit for royalty.
PHOTO BY LANA POUNCEY.
Jefferson Country Store, Marengo County
The small white wooden building on a rural highway has been meeting the needs of its community for more than 50 years, and today, Betsy Compton Luker and her husband Tony are at the helm, still providing everyday essentials (bread, milk, hoop cheese, snacks) as well as local products like honey and more.
Priester’s Pecans, Fort Deposit
Pop into the Priester’s Pecans shop and go nuts. You can buy raw and roasted pecans, chocolate-covered pecans, pralines, pecan brittle, pecan logs, pecan-studded divinity and more.
Black Belt Treasures, Camden
Find a bevy of Black-Belt-made items all in one place at this charming store. Stock up on homemade jellies and sauces as well as rich cheese straws.
SweetCreek Farm Market, Pike Road
Find the tasty fruits (and veggies) of area farmers’ labors and love at this bustling farm stand: fat scarlet tomatoes; pale yellow squashes; fuzzy, fragrant peaches; and sweet, seedy muscadines.
Cultivating the curative powers of plants
Passionflower
During these past months of uncertainty and stress, many of us have come to appreciate the restorative power of plants. It’s an appreciation worth cultivating.
That’s because plants have so much to offer us. The simple act of tending them in our own yards and houses or admiring them in the landscapes around us is quite therapeutic, but the plants themselves are also filled with curative compounds.
Most of us know that such beloved herbs such as mint, rosemary, sage, lavender, basil and thyme have both culinary and medicinal uses. However, we may not know that ornamental plants (camellias, roses, hollies, as well as annual and perennial flowers, grasses and the like) also possess medicinal properties. Nor might we realize that common “volunteer” (some would say “weedy”) native and non-native plants — from pine and sweet gum trees to goldenrod, dandelion and chickweed — have redeeming medicinal uses, too.
In fact, according to medicinal plant expert Tia Gonzales, “You can’t walk outside your house and touch a plant that doesn’t have some medicinal properties. It’s just a matter of learning to recognize and appreciate them.” As a horticulturist, herbalist and manager/curator of Auburn University’s Medicinal Plant Collection, Tia has a deep understanding of, and contagious passion for, the curative powers of plants. And this year in particular, can’t we all use a dose of plant medicine? That’s why I asked her to suggest a few helpful medicinal plants that all of us can easily grow and use.
Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama. Contact her at katielamarjackson@gmail.com.
Naming just a few isn’t easy, but Tia narrowed it down to these five plants, all of which can be used to brew simple teas for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety, common problems especially during these stressful times.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata; also known as maypop) is native to Alabama and grows well pretty much anywhere. It has beautiful flowers, is a host plant for Gulf fritillary butterflies and bees love it, too.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria), a member of the mint family, tolerates a wide range of growing conditions and can be grown in beds or containers; however, if you want to keep the cats out of it, Tia suggests planting it in a hanging basket. It’s also great mosquito repellent.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), another mint family member, is also easy to grow and it can repel mosquitoes. In addition to using it as a tea, Tia said it’s ideal for use as a relaxing bath that calms anxious adults and wound-up children.
Lavender has many fine qualities, but it can be hard to grow in Alabama unless you use Lavandula x intermedia varieties and cultivars, which are suited to our soils and weather. Once established, though,
it’s beautiful and can be used for teas, as a flavoring, for aromatherapy and as an essential oil.
Chamomile
is commonly used as sleep-promoting tea, but it has many other uses, including lightening and conditioning hair. Plants may be of German (Matricaria recutita) or Roman (Chamaemelum nobile, also known as English and Russian chamomile) lineage but both can be grown in Alabama. However, Tia said they don’t like the heat and will do best in cooler seasons.
To learn more about growing and processing these and other medicinal plants, Tia suggested two books: Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech and Rodale’s Twenty-first Century Herbal Guide by Michael Balick. Auburn’s Medicinal Plant Collection garden is currently closed for relocation but when it reopens, Tia will host frequent talks, tours and plant sales, details of which will be posted on its Facebook page.
OCTOBER TIPS
• Plant cool-season vegetables such as leafy greens and root crops. • Plant shrubs, trees and spring-blooming bulbs. • Collect and save seed from your favorite flowers, herbs and vegetables. • Clean and store summer gardening tools and equipment. • Refresh mulch around trees and shrubs. • Keep bird feeders and baths full.
CALL FOR ENTRIES Alabama Rural Electric Association’s
11 th Quilt Competition Our 2021 theme is: First responders
Mail, or E-mail form below for your entry package. Deadline to submit quilt square is January 29, 2021.
Ghosts, spirits said to wander the grounds at Fort Morgan
By Marilyn Jones
As the days shorten and Halloween approaches, there are always whispers on the wind of ghosts lingering in cemeter ies, houses and public buildings. Fort Morgan, a masonry fort located along the Gulf Coast at the mouth of Mobile Bay, is considered one of the most haunted places in Alabama. Here, it is said, linger the ghosts of long dead soldiers and other wandering spirits.
“As I walk through the tunnel to enter the fort, I get a feeling that I’m entering hallowed ground,” says Fort Morgan tour guide Jeff Rodewald.
Construction on Fort Morgan began in 1819. Completed in 1833, the fort was named to honor Revolutionary War hero General Daniel Morgan.
“As I learn the history of the fort, where the soldiers stayed, where they ate their meals, and where they went when they were wounded, (I often) visualize and feel the ca maraderie and the pain of every soldier,” says Rodewald.
Apparitions and screams
Many guests say they believe there are spirits and ghosts still present in the fort. It’s easy to time travel as you walk through the massive archways along the same corridors where soldiers lived, worked and died for just over a century.
On one particular summer night at dusk, Rodewald was stationed in a back room of the fort near a row of casemates (an armored structure where guns are fired). Dressed in a period sol dier uniform, his assignment was to tell visitors about the deaths in the fort from the time of construction to its closure after World War II.
According to Rodewald, three young women entered the can dlelit entrance and stopped to take a picture of the doorways that run through five of the casemate rooms. “They are toward the end of the group coming in … Just as one of them is in the process of taking the picture one of them shouts ‘did you see that?!’ The other two say, ‘yes!’
“They pull the picture up on their phone and sure enough, there is an orb-like object in the photo,” he recalls. “They ask me if anyone else is back here. I tell them we are the only people in this part of the fort. … They are a little spooked with what just happened,” he says with a smile. “I cannot explain what they saw,
Jeff Rodewald, historical interpreter at Fort Morgan, hears many visitors say they have experienced ghosts and spirits at the former military outpost. PHOTO COURTESY GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH TOURISM
but they saw something!”
There have been many sightings over the years. The old barracks are said to be one of the most haunted por tions of the fort. In 1917 a prisoner hanged himself there. According to many reports, you can still hear the hanging man cry late at night. Visitors say they also hear footsteps and have been touched. During the Civil War, a bomb went off in a room of the fort killing several men. Visitors say the men can still be heard screaming. The most witnessed manifes tation is a young woman. She was attacked sometime during the 19th century, and it is be lieved she still roams the fort and grounds looking for her attacker.
Civil War and beyond
The fort was seized by State of Alabama troops in 1861. Turned over to the Confederate Army, the fort served as the first line of defense for the city of Mobile and provided protection for block ade runners entering the bay. In 1864, Union naval forces fought their way past Fort Morgan and defeated a Confederate naval squadron, and the fort’s 581 men were forced to surrender.
During World War I, 2,000 troops were stationed at the fort. Many of these men trained on the new artillery weapons that were becoming commonplace on the battlefields of France. With the end of the war, Fort Morgan’s garrison was steadily reduced and in 1923 the post was ordered closed.
In 1941, the U.S. Navy reoccupied the post to renew the fort’s coast defense mission. In July 1944, Fort Morgan was abandoned for the last time and its role in America’s coast defense officially came to an end.
If you go:
The fort is located 23 miles west of Gulf Shores. Although the fort is open for tours, due to COVID-19, the museum is closed and in-person programs and events have been canceled. For addi tional information, visit fort-morgan.org.
Famous Alabamians
by Myles Mellor
Across 1 Alabama author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, Fannie 4 Alabama civil rights leader recently passed, born in Troy, John ____ 8 North Alabama’s mascot ___ III 10 Alabamian lead singer for the Commodores, first name 11 Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who writes about Alabama, Rick ____ 13 Acronym for computer ports 15 Fly catcher 16 Lead singer of the Alabama band,
Randy____ 20 “Love __ love you, baby” 21 Gymnast’s need 22 Fraternity word 24 Troublemaker 25 Artur ____, he served as Democratic member of the US House of Representatives for Alabama’s 7th congressional district 27 Creeping plant 28 Raise 29 Alabamian who sang “When a Man
Loves a Woman”, Percy ____ 31 Sweet Home Alabama movie lines:
“What would you want to marry me for anyhow? (Melanie) “So I can ___ you any time I want” (Jake) 33 Play part 35 Famous chef with a restaurant in Foley,
Alabama, ____ Deen 37 Horse lodging 39 Atmosphere, prefix 40 Coach who took the Tigers to a Nation- al Championship, Gus Down 1 Alabama’s 50th Governor, Jim ____ 2 Days past 3 Alabama’s Pine ___ Recreation Area, a favorite with hunters 4 __ and behold 5 Former Miss Alabama who married A.J.
McCarron, Katherine ____ 6 Montgomery native and lead singer for
Styx and Damn
Yankees, Tommy ___ 7 Alabama blues great, Cleo __ __
McGee, 2 words 9 The in Spanish 12 Obtain 14 Eastern European 17 “Boulder to
Birmingham” singer, ____ Harris 18 Short sleep 19 Parcel carrier 22 Alabama writer and humorist, Kelly 23 Alabama singer who was famous for his big hit “In the Midnight Hour”
Wilson _____ 24 ICU attachments, abbr. 26 Colbert County city, ____ Shoals 30 Motown great, ___
Ross 32
34 36
38 Crimson Tide’s record breaking head coach Senator’s six years, say State with the motto “We dare to defend our rights.” (abbr.) Nurse, for short Answers on Page 37
Seven mistakes that can upend your retirement
Pursuing your retirement dreams can be challenging and mistakes can cost time and money. Here are seven big mistakes to avoid when preparing for retirement:
1.No Strategy: The biggest mistake is having no strategy at all.
The goals you set for yourself should be attainable; and how can a goal be attainable without a strategy? A goal without a strategy to reach is like a car with no motor. Creating a strat egy will increase your potential for success, both before and after retirement. 2.Frequent Trading: Fear of missing out (FOMO) on the next
“hot” investments often leads to despair. Create an asset allo cation strategy that is properly diversified to reflect your objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon; then adjust based on changes in your personal situation, not due to market ups and downs. 3.Not Maximizing Tax-Deferred Savings: Workers have tax-advantaged ways to save for retirement. Not participat ing in your employer’s 401(k) could mean that you’re leaving money on the table in the form of employer-matching contri butions. 4.Prioritizing College Funding over Retirement: Your chil dren’s college education is important, but you may not want to sacrifice your retirement for it. There are loans and grants for college, but not for your retirement. 5.Overlooking Healthcare Costs: Extended health care is an expense that could derail your financial strategy for retirement if you are not prepared for it.
6.Not Adjusting Your Investment Approach Well Before Re
tirement: The last thing your retirement portfolio can afford is a sharp fall in stock prices and a sustained bear market at
SOCIAL SECURITY of online services for residents of Alabama available through its my Social Security portal at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that residents of Alabama can use the portal for many replacement Social Security number (SSN) card requests. This will allow people to replace their SSN card from the comfort of their home or office.
“We are here to serve the public and this option helps us improve service by offering a safe, secure, and more convenient choice for doing business with us online,” Commissioner Saul said. “I am pleased to offer Alabama residents the added convenience of replacing a Social Security card through the my Social Security portal.”
The agency is conducting a gradual rollout of this service; Alabama is one of the many states, including the District of Columbia, where this option is available. Throughout 2020, the agency plans to continue to expand the service option to other states.
the moment you’re ready to stop working. Consider adjusting your asset allocation before tapping into your savings to avoid selling stocks when prices are depressed. 7.Retiring with Too Much Debt: If too much debt is bad when you’re making money, it can be treacherous while living in re tirement. Carefully consider managing or reducing your debt level before you retire.
Alabama Rural Electric Credit Union is proud to offer Alabama ONE Wealth Advisory to our members! We offer comprehensive financial advice to help you plan for the future, invest, or maximize growth potential. Interested in our TEAM’s expertise? Contact them at (205) 341-0108 or at WealthAdvisory@AlabamaONE. org and visit AlabamaONEWealthAdvisory.com to set up a free consultation.
Tyler Foster
Director of Wealth Advisory
Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC).
Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Alabama One Credit Union (AOCU) and Alabama One Wealth Advisory are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Alabama One Wealth Advisory, and may also be employees of AOCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of AOCU or Alabama One Wealth Advisory. Securities and insurance
Not Insured by NCUA or Not Credit Union Not Credit Union Any Other Government Agency Guaranteed Deposits or Obligations May Lose Value
Replacement Social Security cards now available online
The Social Security Administration introduced the expansion
offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
Kylle’ McKinney, SSA Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached by email at kylle.mckinney@ssa.gov. This service will mean shorter wait times for the public in the more than 1,200 Social Security offices across the country and allows staff more time to work with customers who have extensive service needs.
U.S. citizens age 18 or older and who are residents of Alabama can request a replacement SSN card online by creating a my Social Security account. In addition, they must have a U.S. domestic mailing address, not require a change to their record (such as a name change), and have a valid driver’s license, or state identification card in some participating states. my Social Security is a secure online hub for doing business with Social Security, and about 51 million people have created an account. In addition to Alabama residents replacing their SSN card through the portal, current Social Security beneficiaries can manage their benefits online—change an address, adjust direct deposit, obtain a benefit verification letter, or request a replacement SSA-1099. Medicare beneficiaries can request a replacement Medicare card without waiting for a replacement form in the mail. Account holders still in the workforce can verify their personal earnings history and obtain estimates of future benefits by looking at their Social Security Statement online.
For more information about this new online service, visit socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen
An unfinished basement provides great opportunities for improving ductwork and insulation. PHOTO COURTESY INTIAZ RAHIM
Q: I’ve heard that energy can be lost through my home’s basement. Is that true? If so, what can I do to make by basement more efficient?
A: Yes, basements can account for a large portion of your home’s en ergy use, especially in colder climates. More importantly, basements are often a key area when you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Crawl spaces can also waste energy, so we’ll ad dress ways to improve the efficiency of those areas as well.
Moisture is a common problem in base ments and crawl spaces, and can lead to mold, rot and lowered effectiveness of insulation. It should be noted that as you make efficiency improvements, you can solve moisture problems, but you could potentially make them worse if you’re un sure of the work you’re conducting. Look carefully for signs of water damage or moisture buildup, such as rotting wood, mold, a stain on a wall or floor or a musty smell. Any untreated wood in contact with a cement floor or wall could be rotting. Search online for “test basement walls for moisture” and you’ll find a simple test you can conduct yourself. Crawl spaces can be muddy or even have standing wa ter in them if gutters or the slope of the landscaping drains in the wrong direction. Once drainage problems are solved, the crawl space should have a ground vapor barrier.
Before making improvements, you should also consider whether radon or carbon monoxide could be a problem. If you live in an area where radon has been a problem, you should conduct a radon test through a licensed professional or purchase a DIY home test kit. Carbon
Patrick Keegan writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Write to energytips@collaborativeefficiency. com for more information. monoxide problems can be deadly. If you have any type of combustion occurring in the basement or crawl space, whether it’s a furnace, water heater or even a fireplace, make sure they have adequate ventilation and that you have working carbon monox ide detectors nearby.
If you have a forced-air heating system, your basement or crawl space is abun dant with opportunities for improving ductwork. Unless you’re in a newer home or the ductwork has been tested and sealed in the last decade, your ductwork is like ly leaking. Sealing these leaks helps your system distribute air more efficiently and should make your home more comfort able. The best way to seal ducts is with duct mastic. Metallic tape is the next best solu tion. Do not use duct tape. An energy auditor or HVAC professional can test your home’s ductwork and identify any leaks.
As you look at the ductwork, ask your self if rooms throughout the home are heated or cooled unevenly. If so, you’ll want to enlist the help of a professional. Sometimes minor modifications to the ductwork can make a big improvement in comfort.
You’ll find lots of air leaks in basements and crawl spaces, particularly where pipes and wires enter or exit the space. Air of ten enters the home around the sill plate, which sits on top of the foundation. If you can get to the sill plate, apply caulk around it. You can also increase efficiency by seal ing any gaps or leaks around basement windows.
Insulation is an effective tool for reduc ing energy use and improving comfort, but the applications are quite different in basements and crawl spaces. In both cases, the insulation strategy and the installation must be done correctly to prevent mold or exacerbate moisture problems.
The place to begin in basements is the rim joist, which is right above the sill plate on the top of the foundation wall. Rigid foam board can be carefully fitted between the joists.
Insulated basement walls make a room more comfortable. If you’re building a new home, there are advantages to insulating the outside of the foundation wall, but this isn’t practical for most existing homes. You can insulate the inside of the foundation wall if you’re sure moisture is not leaking through the wall from the outside. Experts do not recommend fiberglass insulation in contact with the foundation, which was a common practice for decades. Instead, they prefer sprayed-on foam or rigid foam board applied directly to the foundation wall. A wood-framed wall can be butted up against the rigid foam and insulated with fiberglass or mineral wool batts. The bottom plate of the wall, which sits on the concrete floor, should be pressure treated wood.
There are two ways to insulate crawl spaces. Over the past several years, the most common approach was to insulate under the floor with fiberglass batts. This allowed the crawl space to be vented to the outside, which alleviated any moisture buildup. If all the right moisture control and drainage steps have been taken, the crawl space can be unventilated, and the insulation can be applied to the founda tion walls instead of underneath the floor. That said, there are pros and cons to this strategy, so do some research online or consult with a local expert.
Here are a few additional ways you can save energy in your basement: • Insulate the hot water pipe exiting your water heater; • Install LED light bulbs; • Replace appliances that are located in the basement (like water heaters, washers or dryers) with newer, ener gy efficient models.
As you can see, there are several steps you can take to make your basement or crawl space more efficient. If you’re unsure about any of these steps, be sure to talk to a professional first.
This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficien cy. For more information on making your basement more energy efficient, visit: www. collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.
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Odd ducks Unusual game birds becoming more common in U.S.
Sounding like whistlers look more like squeaky wheels an ibis than a duck. They needing grease, make strong, slow wing about 50 noisy longbeats unlike the frenzied necked birds with promi flapping of other ducks. nent white wing splotches They also frequently land circled overhead as we on dry ground like geese crouched in our blind. and stand straight upright Responding to our whis with their long necks ex tling calls, the birds began tended. to settle into the waters Hunters can add them just outside our decoys. to their bags during the Even some veteran wa duck season, but they terfowlers looking at that might vanish before the same flock might whis season even begins. Local per, “What in the world is ly common in some areas that? Is it legal?” during the September teal Common south of the Rio Grande, black-bel lied and fulvous whistling A black-bellied whistling duck sits in a decoy spread. Native to Mexico, they breed in parts of the United States including Alabama, but winter in Mexico, Central and South America. Legal to hunt in Alabama during duck season, they head farther south when cold weather hits and often disappear from Alabama before the season opens. season when they are not legal to hunt in Alabama, most whistlers disappear ducks greatly expand PHOTO BY JOHN N. FELSHER before the general duck ed their breeding range season opens in Alabama. northward and eastward in recent years. Now, many of them breed When cold weather hits, whistling ducks head south into Mexico, in the United States, including parts of Alabama. Large numbers Central and South America. However, during warmer years, some live in eastern Texas, southern Louisiana and parts of Florida. might stay around long enough to give Alabama waterfowlers an They occasionally visit California, Arizona, Georgia, South Car opportunity at a different species. olina, Missouri, Tennessee and even stray as far north as Quebec, “Usually, we see whistling ducks in Alabama during the sum Canada. mer breeding season,” Maddox advises. “Throughout the year,
“Whistling ducks are becoming more common in the Unit they gather in large flocks, maybe more than a thousand birds, but ed States,” explains Seth Maddox, the Alabama Department of during the spring and summer, they’re secluded. A pair breaks off Conservation & Natural Resources top migratory bird biologist. from that large group and try to find their own little territory to “They’ve been expanding their range for several years. In Alabama, build a nest and raise their young. As the weather starts to cool, whistling ducks are only found in the marshes along the coast. most whistling ducks migrate farther south to spend the winter. They typically hang around rice agriculture and we just don’t have They don’t tolerate cold very well.” a lot of that in Alabama.” Whistling ducks feed mainly on agricultural crops, particularly
Formerly known as tree ducks, whistling ducks look like no rice. They also prefer seeds and grasses, but may eat aquatic vegeta other North American waterfowl. Well adapted for perching on tion, insects, snails and other invertebrates. Because of their fondbranches, both species can land in trees and often congregate in ness for crops, they often hang around grain elevators, agricultural woody backwaters. They also thrive in marshes, rice fields and fields and even frequent golf courses or other suburban environs. coastal prairies. Highly gregarious, the birds may become quite Someone spotting a flock of whistlers in an agricultural field might numerous in local areas and commonly gather in large flocks. stop to ask the farmer for permission to hunt the birds eating up
“Both species look similar,” Maddox advises. “They are a little all of his or her profits. smaller than a mallard, but bigger than most other ducks. They act As duck hunting becomes tougher across Alabama, most water more like geese. A black-bellied whistling duck is more likely to fowlers would welcome an increasing whistler population expandgo in trees than a fulvous. Fulvous are a more caramel color with ing its range. These flavorsome birds make an excellent, tasty and a little bit of black on them. They have a light gray or blueish bill welcome addition to a daily bag for any duck hunter lucky enough and legs.” to spot them during the season. Perhaps soon, Alabama waterfowl
With elongated necks and their long legs trailing behind them, ers will no longer ask, “What’s that?” The Alabama duck season opens Nov. 27-28 and again from Dec. 5 through Jan. 31, 2021. Sportsmen lucky enough to spot one, or a thousand, of these odd game birds, can add them to their daily John N. Felsher lives in Semmes, Ala. Contact him through Facebook. bag limit of six ducks, but limits vary for some species so check the regulations. For more on Alabama duck hunting, see www.out dooralabama.com/seasons-and-bag-limits/waterfowl-season.
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DOUG HANNON’S FISH & GAME FORECAST
2020 OCTOBER Su 18 Mo 19 Tu 20 We 21 Th 22 Fr 23 Sa 24 Su 25 Mo 26 Tu 27 We 28 Th 29 Fr 30 Sa 31 NOVEMBER Su 1 Mo 2 Tu 3 We 4 Th 5 Fr 6 Sa 7 Su 8 Mo 9 Tu 10 We 11 Th 12 Fr 13 Sa 14 Su 15 Mo 16 EXCELLENT TIMES
A.M. PM 1:18 - 3:18 1:42 - 3:42 2:06 - 4:06 2:30 - 4:30 2:54 - 4:54 3:18 - 5:18 3:42 - 5:42 4:06 - 6:06 4:30 - 6:30 4:54 - 6:54 5:18 - 7:18 5:42 - 7:42 6:06 - 8:06 6:30 - 8:30 6:54 - 8:54 7:18 - 9:18 7:42 - 9:42 8:06 - 10:06 8:30 - 10:30 8:54 - 10:54 9:18 - 11:18 9:42 - 11:42 10:06 - 12:06 10:30 - 12:30 10:54 - 12:54 11:18 - 1:18
NA 12:06 - 2:06
A.M. PM 11:30 - 1:30 11:54 - 1:54
NA 12:42 - 2:42 1:06 - 3:06 1:30 - 3:30 1:54 - 3:54 2:18 - 4:18 2:42 - 4:42 3:06 - 5:06 3:30 - 5:30 3:54 - 5:54 4:18 - 6:18 4:42 - 6:42 5:06 - 7:06 5:30 - 7:30 5:54 - 7:54 6:18 - 8:18 6:42 - 8:42 7:06 - 9:06 7:30 - 9:30 7:54 - 9:54 8:18 - 10:18 8:42 - 10:42 9:06 - 11:06 9:30 - 11:30 9:54 - 11:54 10:18 - 12:18 10:42 - 12:42 11:06 - 1:06 11:30 - 1:30 11:54 - 1:54
MOON STAGE
FULL MOON
DST Ends
FULL MOON GOOD TIMES
AM PM 7:45 - 9:15 8:09 - 9:39 8:33 - 10:03 8:57 - 10:27 9:21 - 10:51 9:45 - 11:15 10:09 - 11:39 10:33 - 12:03 10:57 - 12:27 11:21 - 12:51
NA 12:09 - 1:39 12:33 - 2:03 12:57 - 2:27 1:21 - 2:51 1:45 - 3:15 2:09 - 3:39 2:33 - 4:03 2:57 - 4:27 3:21 - 4:51 3:45 - 5:15 4:09 - 5:39 4:33 - 6:03 4:57 - 6:27 5:21 - 6:51 5:45 - 7:15 6:09 - 7:39 6:33 - 8:03
AM PM 5:57 - 7:27 6:21 - 7:51 6:45 - 8:15 7:09 - 8:39 7:33 - 9:03 7:57 - 9:27 8:21 - 9:51 8:45 - 10:15 9:09 - 10:39 9:33 - 11:03 9:57 - 11:27 10:21 - 11:51 10:45 - 12:15 11:09 - 12:39 11:33 - 1:03 11:57 - 1:27
NA 12:45 - 2:15 1:09 - 2:39 1:33 - 3:03 1:57 - 3:27 2:21 - 3:51 2:45 - 4:15 3:09 - 4:39 3:33 - 5:03 3:57 - 5:27 4:21 - 5:51 4:45 - 6 ;15 5:09 - 6:39 5:33 - 7:03 5:57 - 7:27 6:21 - 7:51 F
Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1:06 - 3:06 1:54 - 3:54 2:42 - 4:42 3:30 - 5:30 4:18 - 6:18 5:06 - 7:06 5:54 - 7:54 6:42 - 8:42 7:30 - 9:30 8:18 - 10:18 9:06 - 11:06 9:54 - 11:54 10:18 - 12:18 10:42 - 12:42 1:30 - 3:30 2:18 - 4:18 3:06 - 5:06 3:54 - 5:54 4:42 - 6:42 5:30 - 7:30 6:18 - 8:18 7:06 - 9:06 7:54 - 9:54 8:42 - 10:42 9:30 - 11:30 10:18 - 12:18 10:42 - 12:42 11:06 - 1:06 NEW MOON
7:33 - 9:03 8:21 - 9:51 9:09 - 10:39 9:57 - 11:27 10:45 - 12:15 11:33 - 1:03
NA 1:09 - 2:39 1:57 - 3:27 2:45 - 4:15 3:33 - 5:03 4:21 - 5:51 4:48 - 6:28 5:09 - 6:39
7:57 - 9:27 8:45 - 10:15 9:33 - 11:03 10:21 - 11:51 11:09 - 12:39 11:57 - 1:27 12:45 - 2:15 1:33 - 3:03 2:21 - 3:51 3:09 - 4:39 3:57 - 5:27 4:45 - 6 ;15 5:11 - 6:41 5:33 - 7:03 The Moon Clock and resulting Moon Times were developed 36 years ago by Doug Hannon, one of America’s most trusted wildlife experts and a tireless inventor. The Moon Clock is produced by DataSport, Inc. of Atlanta, GA (www.moontimes.com), a company specializing in wildlife activity time prediction.
TRADITIONALLY
Southern Food styling and photos: Brooke Echols
Chicken and Dumplings
“W hen I’m really hungry, I want Southern food,” cookbook au thor Nathalie Dupree writes in her introduction to Cooking of the South, “because I know it will fill me up.” Food like fried chicken, collards, turnips and cornbread. Homemade biscuits, butter beans and peas. Peach cobbler. All washed down with sweet iced tea. The kind of meal your Southern grandmother may have fixed, possibly using food straight from her garden, or bought fresh at a local farmer’s market. For Leo Maurelli, director of culinary operations at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, real Southern cooking isn’t so much about a particular food, but more about seasonality. “If someone makes a pot of greens, or a tomato sandwich, it’s because those things are fresh,” he says. “It’s a very vegetable-heavy cuisine, and we just benefit from a having an overabundance of foods in season.” Southern cooks for generations used what was available to feed their families, and still do. While readers didn’t send us any recipes for fried chicken (maybe they didn’t want to give away their culinary secrets), they did share some favorite casseroles and main dishes that could bring a Southern touch to your table. Add your own favorite fresh vegetables, and you’ll be able to easily satisfy your craving for good old Southern cooking. And don’t forget the sweet tea. – Lenore Vickrey
Cook of the Month Kathryn Torres, Dixie EC
Growing up, Kathryn Torres of Montgomery remembers her mother made dumplings the way many cooks have done, by dropping balls of dough into hot, simmering chicken broth. “That’s what I fixed for my kids,” she says, but in later years after her children had grown and left home, she wanted a more noodle-type dumpling. She looked at different recipes, finally tweaking them and coming up with her own version to suit her husband and herself. “It’s popular with us,” she says. “It’s popping up every few weeks” on the dinner table. She prefers the rich taste of chicken thighs for their flavor, rather than chicken breast, and likes to add parsley on top “to give it a little pop of fresh.” - Lenore Vickrey
Chicken and Dumplings
4-5 chicken thighs 1 small bag baby carrots 1 large sweet onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 bouillon cubes, chicken flavor 1¾ cups flour, plus extra for dusting 1/3 cup shortening ½ teaspoon baking powder ¾ cup milk ½ teaspoon salt
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
Simmer chicken thighs, carrots, onion, celery and bouillon until thighs are tender. Remove bone and skin and break thighs up. Return to broth. Form dumpling dough with flour, shortening, baking powder, milk and salt. Mix into a ball and roll out onto a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. Cut into bite-sized strips. Bring broth and thighs to a slow simmer and drop dumpling strips in. Let dumplings simmer 15-20 minutes. Season all with salt and pepper, finishing with fresh chopped parsley.
Photo by The Buttered Home
Southern Coca-Cola Cake is a beautiful scratchmade dessert. It is also what we consider to be an heirloom recipe. It is one that you will want to pass on! We take the best ingredients and combine them with Coca-Cola and make this decadent dessert.
Southern Coca-Cola Cake
Cake: 2 cups plain flour 2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup butter Brooke Burks 1/4 cup cocoa 1 cup Coca-Cola (I used Coke Zero) 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla
Icing: 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup cocoa 1/2 cup Coca-Cola 3-4 cups confectioners sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9x13- inch pan with cooking spray. Mix first 5 ingredients (dry) together and sift well. Set aside. In a medium boiler, add butter, cocoa, Coca-Cola and buttermilk. Heat until butter is melted and mixture just starts to bubble. Let cool for 5 minutes. Add to dry mixture and mix well. Lightly beat 2 eggs and add to cake mixture as well as vanilla. Mix well and pour in prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until knife or toothpick comes out clean. Do not cook more than 35 minutes, because you want the cake to be moist. Allow cake to completely cool before icing. In a medium boiler, add butter, cocoa and Coca-Cola. Heat on medium heat until butter melts and mixture starts to boil. Only boil for about 15- 30 seconds and remove from heat. Add in confectioners sugar and mix well to get out any lumps and icing reaches desired consistency.
Southern Chicken and Cornbread Dressing
2 1 4 1 6 1 1 1 2 2 cups cornmeal cup self-rising flour teaspoons baking powder small whole chicken eggs cup buttermilk cup butter, melted large onion, diced cans cream of celery soup cans cream of chicken soup
Note: I make my cornbread usually the day before I cook my dressing. Cornbread Instructions: sift cornmeal, flour and baking powder together and set aside. Beat all 6 eggs, add in buttermilk and melted butter mixing well. Combine this mixture to the dry ingredients. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour batter in and bake until bread is golden brown, usually about 30-40 minutes. Dressing Instructions: boil chicken, saving broth and deboning meat when it is cooled. Set aside meat and broth to mix in later. Sauté diced onion in a small amount of butter until it starts turning translucent, set aside. Crumble cornbread into a large bowl and add in deboned chicken, sautéed onion and canned soups. Add in broth by the capfuls until desired consistency (very wet) is reached (it takes several, usually at least 5 ). Mix well, making sure all is combined. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately one hour or until golden brown, making sure not to overcook or dry out.
Southern Chicken and Cornbread Dressing
Best Potato Salad
6 eggs 10 red potatoes 1 cup mayonnaise ½ cup ranch dressing 1/3 cup dill pickle relish 2 tablespoons yellow mustard 1½ teaspoons salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon paprika 1/8 teaspoon celery seed 1 onion, chopped 1/4 cup pepperoncini, optional
Place the eggs into a saucepan in a single layer and fill with water to cover the eggs by 1 inch. Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Remove from the heat and let the eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. Pour out the hot water; cool the eggs under cold running water in the sink. Peel and chop the cooled eggs. Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and refrigerate until cold. Peel and cube once cold. Stir together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, relish, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika and celery seed in a mixing bowl. Add the eggs, potatoes, pepperoncini and onion; stir until evenly mixed. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Joe Piper Marshall-DeKalb EC
Refrigerator Pickles
1 1/3 teaspoons turmeric powder 1 1/3 teaspoon celery seed 1 1/3 teaspoons mustard seed 4 cups sugar 4 cups vinegar ½ cup salt Fresh cucumbers, sliced Onion, sliced Green bell peppers, sliced Red bell peppers, sliced Orange bell peppers, sliced (optional) Yellow bell peppers, sliced (optional)
Mix first six ingredients and heat. In a wide-mouth gallon jug, pour this mixture over layers of sliced cucumbers, sliced onions and sliced bell peppers. Make sure your lid is sealed well and turn the jug from side to side to slightly blend the ingredients. Refrigerate for approximately 24 hours for best results. You can cut back on the array of bell peppers; the extra color and flavor just add to the pickles. Store pickles in refrigerator for a quick snack with a sandwich or as a side with pinto beans or cornbread. My guess is 32 servings.
Georgia Hampton North Alabama EC
$ 50
Cook of the Month Prize!
Themes and Deadlines:
January: Winter Greens | October 2 February: Chocolate | November 6 March: Jams, jellies, marmalades | December 4
3 ways to submit:
Online: alabamaliving.coop Email: recipes@alabamaliving.coop Mail: Recipes, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124
Please send us your original recipes (developed or adapted by you or family members.) Cook of the Month winners will receive $50, and may win “Cook of the Month” once per calendar year.
Chocolate Sour Cream Turtle Cake
box Pillsbury butter cake mix eggs cup sugar cup water cup canola oil small box vanilla instant pudding mix bag chocolate chips 8-ounce container sour cream cup pecan pieces, chopped jar of caramel sauce
Mix cake mix, eggs, sugar, water, oil and pudding mix together. Then add 1/2 bag chocolate chips and sour cream. Spray a Bundt cake pan with nonstick spray, spread chopped pecans evenly on bottom of pan, then pour 1/2 jar of caramel on top evenly on pecans. Pour cake batter on top of this and cook until light golden brown or toothpick comes out clean when stuck in cake. Cake will not jiggle when done. Cook at 310 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on oven.
Trina Mitchell Franklin EC 3 cups cooked and frozen chicken strips, thawed 11/2 cups baby carrots, cut into small slices 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes 1 small Vidalia onion, chopped 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup milk 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided 1/2 teaspoon each salt ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix chicken strips, baby carrots, potatoes, onions, cream of mushroom soup, milk and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese; add salt and pepper. Pour into a 9×12-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
Naomi Tidmore Joe Wheeler EMC
Tomato Gravy
1/4 3 1 3
1 cup chopped onion tablespoons bacon drippings tablespoon flour or 4 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped cup water Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauté onion in bacon drippings. Add flour and brown. Add tomatoes (with their juice) and stir until gravy thickens. Add water, a little at a time, and cook until gravy is thickened to your likeness. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Mary (Cathie) Donaldson Covington EC
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