LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
2 019 V o l u m e 2 I s s u e 6 lakecityalabama.com
JULIE PATTON
+
Ho,Ho,Ho Don't Ya Know
Wait until the kids see this
Taste of Fall, Full Of Flavor
Covered Bridge Adventure
Traditions with a basis in giving build values and make memories.
Granddad's love for capturing family holidays turn him into de facto director.
It's a holiday feast that will crown you the king or queen of the kitchen.
We take you on a five bridge loop you can do in 6 hours for our latest Daytrip.
Come check out the full line of new TRACKER OFF ROAD vehicles today! 3780 Brashers Chapel Rd. Guntersville, AL. 35976 | 256.660.5400 | www.duckettmarine.com
LAKE CITY 2 019 V o l u m e 2 I s s u e 6 lakecityalabama.com
Ho,Ho,Ho · 6
Reflections of Christmas and the giving spirit it brings. By Beth Wheeler Dean.
A Chance to Play Santa · 8
The Marshall County Christmas Coalition works to ensure all Marshall Co. children have a Merry Christmas.
Tales From the Betamax · 10
Making memories includes capturing them and Grandad is on the job.
Dirty Santa · 12
Also known as a White Elephant gift exchange, we have some great gift ideas you'll want to steal back for yourself.
Take 10 with Julie Patton · 16 Join us in getting to know one of Guntersville's treasures, Jule Patton.
At Home with Peggy · 20
The secrets of a southern grandmother's holiday dinner staples.
Cook Like a Holiday Pro · 22
Seven classics of the holiday table done right. Everything you need to own the holiday meal this season.
Covered Bridge Adventure · 30
A beautiful scenic drive to visit five of Alabama's historical covered bridges makes a great Lake City Daytrip.
Lake City Calendar · 32
There's a lot to do in Lake City this season. Don't miss a bit of it; check out our calendar.
m a g a z i n e
LAKE CIT Y ALA
2020 IS THE YEAR OF THE READER
LIKE . FOLLOW . SHARE @LakeCityAlabama #LakeCityAlabama
magazine
V o l u m e 2 I s s u e 6 - 2 019
lakecityalabama.com PUBLISHER Oden Imaging MANAGING EDITOR Patrick Oden SPECIAL EDITOR Joe Cagle COPY EDITOR Dee Weeder CONTRIBUTORS Joe Cagle Heather Dale Beth Wheeler Dean Patrick Oden ADVERTISING Heather Dale
FOR ALL INQUIRIES contact@lakecityalabama.com 256-486-9000 Mailing Address: 383 Gunter Ave. Guntersville, Ala. 35976 © Copyright: Lake City Magazine is published by Oden Imaging. No portion may be reproduced by any means without the express written consent of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Editorial and advertising content are for information and entertainment, and do not constitute advice.
Will your money last as long as it needs to? We can help make sure it does with solutions from respected companies such as AXA, Lincoln Financial Group, Protective, and Prudential. Call us today. HOWARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLC 256-293-9457
1024 BLOUNT AVE GUNTERSVILLE shonhoward@allstate.com
Have any other coverage needs? Call anytime!
Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727. Check the background of this firm on FINRA's BrokerCheck website http://brokercheck. finra.org. © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.
4 · LAKE CITY
10688930
Your retirement plan should work as hard as you did.
LAKE CITY
Don't miss a single issue
View online or download to any device - back issues too.
LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
www.lakecit yalabama.com
LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 018 lakecityalabama.com
Andrea Oliver Director of The Foundation For Marshall Medical Centers
+
Remembering The Falls Of Youth
Wine & Gifts & New Shop
Young Artist An Inspiration
Fall Pumpkin Recipes
Cotton Fields and County Fairs, a short story by Dee Weeder
Childhood friends are now co-owners of Stach & Co.
Madeline Smith paints dispite channenges to with her vision.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Creamy Pumpkin Soup, & Pumpkin Pie
LAKE CITY m a g a z i n e
J U L Y | A U G U S T 2 018 lakecityalabama.com
LAKE CITY SUMMERS THE PHOTO ISSUE
+
Experimental Aircraft & Pancakes
The All-American Drive-In
Growing Your Own Veggies
Fresh Summer Recipes
We visit with Mario MuĂąoz, Guntersville EAA's V.P.
Char Burger, a 60s drive-in with great burgers has survived time, and is booming
Homegrown tomatoes and peppers, it's time to plant them and we teach you how
Infused waters, wild hot dog toppings, and fresh homemade strawberry ice cream
Subscribe to our FREE digital version at lakecityalabama.com/subscribe Don't worry, we won't share your email address or send you any junk, just a great magazine every couple of months.
LAKE CITY ¡ 5
6 · LAKE CITY
Spirit of the Season By: Beth Wheeler Dean
I
LOVED November and December as a kid. Who am I kidding?!?! I still love Christmas. As a child, I lived in the old farmhouse built by my grandfather with my parents, my brother, and my grandmother. We always put up our Christmas tree on December 16, which was my birthday. There were all sorts of small things that made Christmas special. Christmas preparations started on a Saturday in November when we were told to clean out our toys. The rule was that broken and tattered toys would be thrown away, but toys with all their pieces, toys in excellent condition, and toys that would still be loved by other children had to be chosen to give away. It took my brother and I hours to make our decisions. My father would come in and review our selections. If there were not enough or the toys were too worn, he sent us back to revise our choices. When Daddy was satisfied, he would tell us that Santa needed our toys to make children happy that were not as lucky as we were. The sacrifice was worth it. It had never occurred to us that we were blessed more than many people. Finding Christmas in our closets for children that might not have Christmas was a revelation for me. We began to look forward to our preChristmas purges. As a parent, I continued this tradition using the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. My daughters and I would visit the Angel Tree and choose two angels for our family. It took them a long time to choose their angel. We would then go to a favorite restaurant to celebrate and plan the gifts they wanted to buy for their angels. They were usually the same age as my daughters, so they became the experts. Full of good food and Christmas spirit, we went shopping for the angels, wrapping paper and ribbon. We took them all home to be wrapped and readied for delivery. As a librarian, I have an affinity for books. I always give books. My preparation starts with the upcoming Christmas book lists that public librarians always get. I am Amazon’s best customer in December. I also find one totally schmaltzy Christmas romance or feel good novel that gets me in the spirit. Writing quality or literary significance is not required. Never forget a new or classic picture book. Let me know if you need suggestions. My last suggestion from my childhood is to allow one present to be opened on Christmas Eve night, a great pair of Christmas/Winter pajamas so the pictures will be cute on Christmas morning.
“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.” ~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
LAKE CITY · 7
8 · LAKE CITY
T
he Marshall County Christmas Coalition (MCCC) is gearing up to once again provide Christmas assistance to families in need throughout the county during the holiday season. Beginning in 1996, the MCCC works with volunteers throughout the county to make sure Christmas is merry and bright for as many as possible. The MCCC became a 501 (c) (3) in 1999 with Wayne Sellers, Jeanie Wallace, Dr. Judy Berry and Gina Walley acting as the original incorporators. In it’s 23rd year, the MCCC’s current director is long-time board member Beth Sprouse. . Beth says her passion for the MCCC stems from her years working as a public-school teacher in Marshall County. “I am a retired teacher and can remember many times that sweet children that were signed ups for Christmas Coalition would come back from Christmas tell me or show me what they got for Christmas and the child be so very proud,” she said. “I have shopped for children and helped with the drop off process when sponsors come with gifts. My family sponsors a family each year as part of our Christmas.” “As the director, I enjoy working with the donors, sponsors, volunteers and people who donate toys to
GOT A LITTLE SANTA IN YA? Christmas Coalition,” Beth says. “I always receive a blessing each and every year. I am reminded how honored and blessed I am every year. Marshall County has many, many great people who want to help others.” Anyone who would like to sign up for assistance can do so between Tuesday and Friday by contacting the MCCC. “People can sponsor a family and shop for that family or people can donate money to Christmas Coalition” Beth says. “We use the money that is donated to shop for families - we use our board members and volunteers to do this shopping. We also collect new toys at many businesses in Marshall County where people can donate a new toy. or toys they have purchased.” Beth added, “we always welcome volunteers, to help when sponsors drop off the gifts they purchase for the children. We can use volunteers to help shop for children.” If you’d like to help by either sponsoring a child, or donating you can do so by contacting the MCCC by phone, (256) 582-9998 or by visiting the MCCC website at www.christmascoalition.org. By: Joe Cagle
LAKE CITY · 9
Grandad And His Memor y Machine
The Average Joe A Column By: Joe Cagle
10 · LAKE CITY
I
grew up in Arab just down road from my grand parents’ house. It’s the same house my mother was raised and the same house they live in to this day. The single-story ranch style home sits on about 10 acres in the Grassy community just outside of Arab. Surrounded by pine trees and a picturesque hollow, it’s the place where we gather every year as a family for Thanksgiving. And the tradition continues. Sweater or shorts? That’s the usual question for Alabamians when it comes to what we’ll wear to Thanksgiving dinner each year. While the food spread usually always suggests it’s cold outside the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Regardless of what the weather has in store for us around Thanksgiving, there’s one certainty we can all count on – a great afternoon of fellowship. I always find it amazing to take a step back and observe my family as the years have flown by. I was just a young child but I can still remember my grandad filming every family gathering with his on-the-shoulder JVC camcorder. The 10-inch by 8-inch camera was advertised as “compact” and “convenient.” I still watch those old Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to this day thanks to my grandad. The grainy footage taken by that old JVC camera warms me up more than a cup of coffee on a chilly December morning. Around the year 2000 my grandad upgraded to a hand-held JVC camcorder that was advertised as the “future of home movies.” The quality of the footage was a tad better, but you still had to place the small VHC tape inside the bigger VHS tape. Nearly every Thanksgiving since I’ve been alive is on tape because of the time and effort my granddad put into filming. Like most directors, my granddad stayed behind the camera at all times. He’s never been one to show up unexpectedly in the frame. In the last 29 years he’s caught uncountable family moments from his director’s perch. None of the footage would seem entertaining to anyone outside the family, but to those of us in the family they’re golden moments. I think of scenes like my aunt helping my grandmother set the food out while I anxiously try and pour a glass of sweet tea. I can feel my aunt’s anxiety increase as I get in her path from the table to the stove. I think of the arbitrary seating arrangement every single year, which places my grandparents, great aunt and cousin on the “nice” dining room table while the rest of us grab the closest fold out table. I guess I never chose the nice table because there’s no TV in that room. As a 10-year old boy, I couldn’t bare missing Brett Favre take on John Elway. As we move on, and I now have my wife and two children with me at family gatherings the filming habits have changed. Now, everything is done with the rectangular devise in our pockets. I feel like the torch has been passed to me to film family gatherings. I admit, I haven’t done that well enough the last few years. So, in order to honor my grandad's directing skills I’m making a personal commitment to start filming these gatherings so my kids will have the same kind of memories to look back on. It’s easy for us all to get caught up in the social media capabilities of our phones, but join me and try and use them to make memories that will last beyond this holiday season. Sure, sharing photos of your pie on social media is great, but making likable posts shouldn't be as important as making memories. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas everyone! LAKE CITY · 11
Did someone say
Dirty Santa?
N
ot this Dirty Santa, you know, the gift exchange game also known as White Elephant. It seems we all end up at a gathering several times a season where either you are asked to bring an inexpensive gift. If you don't you end up sitting out like a dolt as others enjoy unwrapping presents and jacking each other's glorious new stuff. There isn't anything worse than scrambling at the last minute just to end up with the same lame gifts you take every year. No, to save you that embarrassment we've scoured the internet for a collection of great gift ideas for around 20 bucks. Go ahead and find a couple of Dirty Santa gifts and have them on hand, you'll be glad you did, and we'll make sure you have the most stolen gift of the game. Winner, winner, turkey dinner. 12 ¡ LAKE CITY
LAKE CITY · 13
1
2
4
5
3
6
For about 20 Bucks 1. Game of Thrones letter opener set 2. A nice scarf 3. Rechargable vibrating lure 4. Foot spa 5. Lightning cord keychain 6. Tiny GPS tracker 7. Bacon lover's gift set 8. Meat claws to shread that Boston Butt 9. A funny coffee mug 10. Essential oil difusser 11.Duct tape keychain 12. Cute little Bluetooth speaker 13. Unique bottle opener 14. Magnetic wrist cuff 15. Funny fuzzy slippers 16. Adult onesie pajamas 17. Candles 18. Gimbal ratchet 19. Multi-tool 20. Grilled cheese toaster 21. Retro game system loaded with, like, a million games.
7
8 14 ¡ LAKE CITY
9
10
11
12
14
15
13
16
17
18
19
20
21 LAKE CITY · 15
16 · LAKE CITY
10
T A K E
With
Julie Patton
HISTORY IN GUNTERSVILLE Lake City Magazine: Julie, thank so much for taking the time to let our readers get to know you a little better. Most people in Guntersville know you as the Guntersville Museum Director. Give us a little insight into your background with both the museum and your ties to Guntersville. Julie Patton: I grew up in Guntersville, but after graduating from the University of Montevallo in 1987, I only returned occasionally for weekends or holidays. My first real job was with Parisian where I moved around a few times (to bigger stores and bigger cities) as an assistant store manager. I got my big-city fix while living in Atlanta and Birmingham. Eventually, I entered the non-profit industry as the director of the Birmingham Heart Ball for several years. The American Heart Association placed me back in north Alabama as a regional director and through a couple of chance business meetings, I learned of an opportunity with Paragon Wall Décor that would get me all the way back to Guntersville. That experience opened another door to the Guntersville Museum. Now I’m so happy to be back in my home town. Lake City Magazine: How long have you lived in Guntersville? What’s your family history as it relates to Guntersville? Julie Patton: I was gone for about 22 years and have been back almost 12 years now with seven of those years as director of the Guntersville Museum. *I just did the math on that. I didn’t realize it had been that long.* My father was Billy Neal Patton and his family had been in the area for several generations. Some of my paternal family names are Tidwell, Starnes and Price. My mother, Eloise Patton, moved here in 1957 from Calera and taught school for 37 years. A lot of people thought she was from Guntersville because she was so ingrained in the community. One of my three siblings also lives here, Scott Patton, with his family. My other siblings are Greg, who lives in South Carolina, and Adonis, who lives in Tennessee. Lake City Magazine: You seem to always be on the go and very busy at the museum. What are some things on the horizon you’re excited about? LAKE CITY · 17
Julie Patton: We are busy at the museum! We like to keep a balance of permanent exhibits that tell Guntersville’s story and temporary exhibits that add some flavor. Changing exhibits, plus programs and events give people reasons to return often. Our visitor attendance continues to increase because we have the ability to offer variety. We’ve just launched a new digital interactive, Life on the Tennessee River, which takes visitors through a journey of Native American, early Guntersville, and post-lake ways of life. Most of our visitors are not local so this experience gives them an overview of our history. Locals will appreciate the exhibit because it includes maps of the area before inundation. Our new 70-foot floor mural of the Tennessee River from Paducah to Knoxville will be included on Alabama Tourism’s mural trail. The museum has a great line-up of exhibits next year including a history of Guntersville churches and a Mississippi Blues traveling exhibit. Lake City Magazine: As a city museum, you are a part of a large arts and entertainment group in Guntersville. What are some of your goals to grow the museum’s influence in Guntersville? Julie Patton: The museum is in the middle of Guntersville’s Cultural District. We try to partner with the Guntersville Public Library and the Whole Backstage on programs and events. We’ve got great neighbors and we like to support each other and seek ways to collaborate. We are also partnering with the Marshall County Archives and the Guntersville Historical Society on a section of the museum dedicated to little-seen documents and artifacts that we will exhibit on a rotating basis. We have a great historic building, good visitor traffic, and creative display space, so it’s a chance to work together with the experts while presenting more of our history. Lake City Magazine: The festival of trees is always an event people in Guntersville, and Marshall County, look forward to. Talk about how this event got started and tell us a little about the 2019 edition of the Festival of Trees. Julie Patton: The Festival of Trees is in its 12th year. I believe the museum board member who initiated the idea was Angie Otts and it has been successful from the get-go. We love this time of year. We get so many visitors… locals and out-of-towners… and it’s really festive and very social. Typically, we feature about 35 decorated trees with a couple of special music events and receptions. We will have returning favorites and some new participants as well. This year, we will also showcase some fine 18 · LAKE CITY
art on loan from the Huntsville Museum of Art. The exhibit runs from November 21st through January 1st. Lake City Magazine: It’s obvious that a lot goes into putting on the Festival of Trees, but how much of it fits into your own Christmas tradition? Julie Patton: Well, it’s a lot of work getting the museum ready for the holidays and I always think I’m too tired to decorate at home. But, I always do. I’m a Saturday-after-Thanksgiving person and I usually put up a couple of trees with mostly sentimental ornaments. I don’t do a lot, but I like my front door and the inside of my house to be very inviting and Christmas-y. After a busy day, it’s nice to turn the lights on the trees, have a little glass of wine and just be cozy. Lake City Magazine: Who are some of the folks behind the scenes that help to make sure everything runs smoothly at the museum? Julie Patton: I work with an eleven-member board of directors who give me guidance and support and we work together to manage the museum’s collection and exhibits; a staff of three who are side-by-side with me during the week, and a volunteer group (The Guntersville Museum Guild) who serve as museum hostesses on weekends and during events. In addition, the City of Guntersville is an invaluable partner who helps maintain the building and our grounds. A healthy museum membership with community-minded individuals and families are really good to us with donations and support also. Most all of our artifact and art collection has been donated by community members. Lake City Magazine: Other than the museum, how else do you spend your time? Julie Patton: I’m kind of boring, but I do like to travel, bake and volunteer with the Art on the Lake arts and crafts festival every year. I do love to collect art and I’m really into researching my genealogy right now. Lake City Magazine: How can people who don’t know much about the museum find out more information? The museum is on Facebook and has a website with current and upcoming exhibit information: www.guntersvillemuseum.org. Lake City Magazine: Thanks again for the time Julie. We always like to close the same way: Is there any last thought you would like to address directly to our readers? Julie Patton: Please come see us! We love company and we have so much to offer: art, history, a little natural science and a beautiful building and view.
ADORABLE & AFFORDABLE
Tuesday thru Saturday 10am - 5pm 354 Gunter Ave - Downtown Guntersville 256.486.9449 Mention seeing us in Lake City Magazine for 10% off your total purchase *Sale items excluded - VIP club members - no additional cost
Bubba’s II Featuring clothing from Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, Southern Marsh, Mountain Khakis, Filson, Southern Point & Many other fine brands Open M-F 10am - 5:30 pm Sat 10am-5pm 352A Gunter Ave. Guntersville, AL (Across from City Hall) 256.571.9971
Lake City Auto & Tire Family-owned and operated for over 30 years
SEE US FOR ALL YOUR AUTO REPAIR
Quality auto repair, including oil changes, brakes, shocks, alignments, exhaust, collision repair and more.
WE GUARANTEE OUR WORK! 24 months/24K miles on most models L to R: Danny, Brandi, Joe, Linda, Davy, Ronnie. Shane not pictured. Front: Riley
FULL LINE OF NEW TIRES AND A GOOD SELECTION OF USED TIRES 628 Gunter Ave., Guntersville — Open Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 5pm
256-582-8844 24-hour towing & recovery
Day 256-582-8844
Night 256-302-0485
A modern general store - curated with (mostly) Southern goods. Purses, jewelry, skincare, home and Christmas decor, gift baskets, clothing.
DEEP SOUTH MERCANTILE Open 7 days days a week 64 North Main Street - Arab 256.586.1717
LAKE CITY · 19
20 · LAKE CITY
At Home With Peggy
Let's Talk Turkey Over the next few pages we are going to share with you some of the best recipes you've ever tried for those holiday favorites. This is your year to make the perfect meal, and we've got the goods to help you do it. But, there are a few of the dishes that deserve a little more attention by way of some good 'ol southern cookin' knowledge. Don't worry, we're going to break it down and make it simple for ya. Let's start with that old Tom Turkey. Fresh Is Best You'll want to get a fresh bird instead of a frozen one. Ice crystals that form during freezing damage a turkey’s muscle cells. When the bird thaws and roasts, fluids leak more readily from the damaged cells, drying out the meat. Brine That Bird A turkey soaked in a salt-water solution absorbs both the salt and the water, so it’s moister to begin with as well as seasoned on the inside. You can flavor a brine as well. Rub Soft Butter Under The Skin As it melts, it bastes the turkey and adds buttery flavor. For even more flavor, you can add herbs and spices to the butter. To Truss Or Not To Truss Legs tied up tightly against the sides of the turkey take longer to roast, putting the breast meat in jeopardy of overcooking while the legs take their time. Truss loosely or not at all. Roast The Turkey Upside Down At First Placing the turkey, breast side down, on a V-rack for the first hour or so of roasting essentially allows it to baste itself. Any marks left by the rack will disappear once you flip the turkey over and finish roasting it. Don’t Overcook It Use a thermometer, either instant-read or probe-style, to monitor the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh (be careful not to hit the bone). You’re aiming for 170°F. Let The Turkey Rest Before Carving The intense heat of the oven forces the juices into the center of the bird, so after roasting, let the turkey rest for roughly 20 minutes (enough time to make the gravy). The juices will redistribute, and you’ll get moister slices.
And what about those taters. It's A Mixed Bag, Baby Use a blend of potatoes. My favorite is mix of Russets, Reds, and Yukon Golds. Chop 'Em Up I know, so many of us grew up boiling whole potatoes. But the problem is that large, whole potatoes cook unevenly. So instead, cut your potatoes into evenly sized smaller pieces for quick and even boiling. Don’t Overboil 'Em You want to keep a close eye on them. And as soon as a dinner knife can be inserted easily into a potato with minimal resistance, they’re ready to go.
Pan-Dry Your Spuds Immediately after the potatoes have been drained, return them to the hot stockpot, and place it back on the hot burner over low heat to pan-dry your potatoes. Hold the stockpot handles with oven mitts, and gently shake the pan for about 1 minute to release some of the steam and moisture from the potatoes. Take It Easy With The Mixer In general, you want to stir the liquids into your mashed potatoes until they are just combined. Otherwise if you over mix, they can crossover into gummy territory, which is no good. Season As You Work (Whistling optional) As always when seasoning a recipe, taste-taste-taste along the way, and add more salt as needed.
And finally, the secret to the perfect pumpkin pie. Blind Bake Your Crust A soggy crust is the curse of many a good pie, particularly custardbased ones like our dear pumpkin. To help avoid this, partially bake the crust before adding the filling. Don’t worry — it’s easy. Just roll out the crust and fit it into the pan. Then, line it with a piece of parchment paper and fill the bottom with pie weights, dried beans, or even pennies. The weights help keep the bottom from puffing up and the sides from slouching. Bake for about 15 minutes, remove the weights, bake for another few minutes to dry out the bottom, and you’re ready to go. Purée The Purée Run the pumpkin purée in a food processor or blender for a minute before proceeding on with the recipe. Even though canned pumpkin purée is already, yes, puréed, fibrous stringy bits often remain. Puréeing the purée helps ensure a silky-smooth texture. Cook The Filling Let the pumpkin purée bubble on the stove top for about five minutes. I find that this brief bit of warmth helps cook out the raw pumpkin taste and give the finished pie much more depth of flavor. It also melts the sugar into the purée and infuses it with the spices. Pour It Like It's Hot To make sure that the filling and the crust fuse into a single delicious creation, add the warm filling to the warm crust. The extra effort will pay off in the compliments about what a great chef you are, how amazing the meal was, and so on and so forth. Just don't leave this copy of the magazine laying about when company descends for dinner. Now on to the meal ... LAKE CITY · 21
22 · LAKE CITY
RECIPES
HOLIDAYS AT YOUR PLACE? YOU GOT THIS! and just to make sure ...
Tender Tom Turkey Ingredients
Whole turkey 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 1/2 quarts turkey stock
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Place rack in the lowest position of the oven. Remove the turkey neck and giblets, rinse the turkey, and pat dry with paper towels. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in the roasting pan. Loosely fill the body cavity with stuffing or sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary and sage. Rub the skin with the softened butter, and season with salt and pepper. Position an aluminum foil tent over the turkey. Place turkey in the oven, and pour 2 cups turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan. Baste all over every 30 minutes with the juices on the bottom of the pan. Whenever the drippings evaporate, add stock to moisten them, about 1 to 2 cups at a time. Remove aluminum foil after 2 1/2 hours. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted in the meaty part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F (75 degrees C), about 13 minutes per pound. Transfer the turkey to a large serving platter, and let it stand for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
LAKE CITY ¡ 23
24 · LAKE CITY
Homemade Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
1 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup orange juice 1 (12-oz.) package fresh cranberries 2 tsp. orange zest Salt
Instructions
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine sugar, water, and orange juice until sugar dissolves. Add cranberries and cook until they burst, 10 minutes. Stir in orange zest and a pinch of salt. Remove saucepan from heat and let cool completely, then transfer to a resealable container and refrigerate.
Country Cornbread Stuffing Ingredients
FOR THE CORNBREAD Cooking spray, for pan 1 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 cup whole milk 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 large eggs 3 tbsp. melted butter, cooled slightly FOR THE STUFFING 3 tbsp. butter, plus more for pan 1 large onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped Salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp. freshly chopped sage 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves 2 eggs 1 cup chicken broth Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400° and grease a 9"-x-13" baking pan generously with cooking spray. In a large bowl whisk together cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, whisk together milk, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir with a fork until just incorporated. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake until top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely then crumble into large pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Grease a large baking dish with butter and reduce oven temperature to 375°. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in onion and celery and season with salt and pepper. Cook until soft, about 8 minutes, then stir in garlic, sage, and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and toss with crumbled cornbread. Season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and chicken broth. Pour over cornbread mixture and toss to coat, then transfer to prepared baking dish. Bake until toasted on top and hot throughout, about 30 minutes.
LAKE CITY · 25
Granny's Green Beans Ingredients
5 slices bacon diced 1 medium onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic minced 2 lbs fresh green beans trimmed 3 cups chicken broth 2 tsbp. butter
Instructions
In large saucepan over medium heat cook bacon until almost completely brown. Set one strip aside. Add onion and cook with remaining bacon for additional 5 minutes. Turn heat to low and add garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Set bacon/onion mixture aside. Do not wash saucepan. Add green beans, strip of cooked bacon, and enough chicken broth to cover them to the saucepan. Bring to a low boil. Cover and reduce to simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain chicken broth, return bacon/onion mixture and butter to the beans. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir and serve warm.
26 ¡ LAKE CITY
Sweet Potato Bake Ingredients
FOR THE SWEET POTATOES 2 1/2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes 4 tbsp. butter, softened 1/2 cup whole milk 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 tsp. kosher salt FOR THE TOPPING 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 4 tbsp. melted butter 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° and grease a medium with cooking spray. Place sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly then transfer to a large bowl. Add butter to sweet potatoes and use a potato masher, or two forks, to mash. Add milk, brown sugar, eggs, nutmeg, salt and vanilla and stir until smooth. Transfer to prepared casserole dish. In a medium bowl, add all of the topping ingredients and mix until combined. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the sweet potatoes and bake until warmed through and golden on top, about 25 minutes. Serve warm.
LAKE CITY ¡ 27
Smashed Taters Ingredients
5 lbs. potatoes 2 large cloves garlic, minced Salt 6 tbsp. butter 1 cup whole milk 4 oz. cream cheese
Instructions
Wash and peel (optional) your potatoes and cut into chunks. Fill a large pot about half full with water, add salt and bring to a boil. Add your potatoes insuring they are fully submerged. Boil for 10-12 minutes until tender. Carefully drain out all of the water. While the potatoes are boiling, heat the butter, milk and an additional 2 teaspoons of sea salt together either in a small saucepan until the butter is just melted. Avoid boiling the milk. Set aside. Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. Pour half of the melted butter mixture over the potatoes, and fold it in with a wooden spoon or spatula until potatoes have soaked up the liquid. Repeat with the remaining butter, and then again with the cream cheese, folding in each addition in until just combined to avoid over-mixing. Add more milk to reach your desired consistency, and salt to taste.
28 ¡ LAKE CITY
Pumpkin Spice Pie Ingredients
1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/8 tsp. ground cloves 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, optional 3 large eggs, beaten 2 cups (or one 15-ounce can) pumpkin 1 1/4 cups light cream or evaporated milk
Use your favorite single pie crust recipe or a pre-made crust
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugars, flour, salt, and spices. In a large measuring cup, beat together the eggs, pumpkin, and cream or evaporated milk. Whisk into the dry ingredients. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the filling overnight before baking. Lightly grease a 9" pie pan that's at least 1 1/2" deep. Roll the pie dough out to a 13" circle, and transfer to the pan. Crimp the edges above the rim; this will give you a little extra headroom to hold the filling when it expands in the oven. Refrigerate the crust while the oven preheats to 400°F. When the oven is hot, place the pie pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie shell. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the filling is set 2" in from the edge. The center should still be wobbly. Remove the pie from the oven and cool on a rack; the center will finish cooking through as the pie sits.
LAKE CITY ¡ 29
D AY T R I P
30 · LAKE CITY
Five Historic Covered Bridges In North Alabama You can see them all and more in one beautiful day.
Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge Cullman LAKE CITY · 31
Old Union Covered Bridge - Mentone Our first stop brings us to the Old Union Covered Bridge in Mentone. The Old Union Covered Bridge spans the West Fork of the Little River and was originally built in 1863. In 1980, this historic 90-foot bridge was rebuilt over an existing cable bridge. Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge - Gadsden Our next stop brings us to Noccalula Falls Park. At this popular tourist attraction, you'll come across the Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge. This beautiful historic bridge is located within the park and spans a small pond near Black Creek. The Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge was built in 1899 and is 85 feet long. Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge - Cullman We've now arrived to the Clarkson-Legg Covered Bridge in Cullman. This historic bridge was originally built in 1904 and is 270 feet long, making it the second-longest covered bridge in Alabama. The Clarkson-Legg Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 27, 1974. 32 ¡ LAKE CITY
Old Easley Covered Bridge - Oneonta The trail route has now brought us to the Old Easley Covered Bridge, which was built in 1927 and is 95 feet long. It's currently the oldest of the three historic bridges in Blount County, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 20, 1981. Horton Mill Covered Bridge - Oneonta The Horton Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1934, making it the youngest covered bridge on our trail route. This 220-feet-long bridge spans the Calvert Prong of the Little Warrior River in Blount County. The Horton Mill Covered Bridge is 70 feet tall, which makes it the highest covered bridge above any U.S. waterway.
LAKE CITY CALENDAR Nov 1 Member Appreciation Cookout 11:00am-1pm Chamber of Commerce Get ready to celebrate on Member Appreciate Day, presented by CA Langford Company, on Friday, November 1, at the Chamber. Join us for great food, fun, fellowship and music from Slick Nickel…As we say thank you to our members and cheer on the Guntersville Wildcats! Nov 3-7 The Whole Backstage Presents- Noises Off 2pm-5pm The Whole Backstage presents Noises Off- a fast paced comedy by Michael Frayn, directed by Johnny Brewer.
up for one or both classes for a full day of instruction and field work. Please bring your camera and operation manual. Cost is $5 per a class, donation to LGSP Nature Fund. Nov 16 Christmas Paint Class: Doorhangers 10:30am Design your own Christmas door hanger! Join us for a Christmas paint class at Baker’s on Main. The class will be $30 and includes all supplies and one 22” cutout of your choice. Space is limited, reserve your spot now!
Nov 21-31 Festival of Trees 10am-4pm The annual Festival of Trees at the Guntersville Nov 7 Museum features over 40 decorated trees and Heather Brumbach Artist Reception wreaths from around the community. As a holiday 5pm-7pm greeting to visitors, the festival includes receptions Heather Brumbach primarily works in acrylic and and musical entertainment. Tuesday-Friday, 10amchalk pastel. Come view her beautiful pieces with 4pm and weekends 1-4pm admission is free. food and wine to taste while you browse at the MVAC Gallery. Exhibit will run Nov 6-29th Nov 22 Brandon Henson Concert at Fire by the Lake Nov 9 9pm Fall Photography Workshop Come out for a fun night of music and entertainment 8am-5pm with Brandon Henson. Brandon’s music is best Join us for a photography workshop at LGSP. We described as country music with a touch of rock have two sessions one from 8am-12pm and one and a bit of the 90’s. from 1pm-5pm. Session 2 builds on session 1. Sign
LAKE CITY · 33
LAKE CITY CALENDAR Nov 30 Skinny Turkey 5k and 10k 8am-11am Our second annual Skinny Turkey 5k/10k is fast approaching. Run off those extra holiday pounds through the beautiful Boaz area in your craziest Thanksgiving attire. The route will follow through Snead State Community College, the Boaz SportsPlex, and Boaz Elementary School on all paved roads with some hills.
welcome, $10 per person. Will be held at Gunters Landing Golf Course.
Dec 1 Cookies and Cocoa with Santa 2pm Bring your family and join us for some sweet treats and a meet and greet with our guest of honor. Santa Claus will be joining us for a fabulous Christmas party! Hot cocoa bar, cookies, crafts, music, dancing, and complimentary family photos available with our special guest. Kids of all ages are
Dec 6-7 Mistletoe Market 10am-4pm daily This event will take place at Baker’s on Main. There will be fun for the whole family. Arts, crafts, sips and snacks. Events will be going on throughout down town including ice skating and carriage rides. Santa will even be in town! Don’t miss the holiday fun.
Dec 6 Christmas Parade 6pm Guntersville Lake Join us for the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Guntersville. Make sure to bundle up and bring the whole family!
Marshall County 256.582.1000 Madison County 256.533.5992 HVAC, Electrical, & Plumbing
AL Certification #92263 34 · LAKE CITY
An unmatched resort experience on the shores of the Coosa River. Vacation rentals & newly renovated venue space for events of all kinds.
1 RIVER ROAD - GADSDEN 256.543.7111 riverrockslanding.com
L AKE GUNTERSVILLE VACATION RENTALS
Owning a vacation • Full service management - From marketing to final check-out we will handle all vacation rental rental can be a lot of details for you work. You can rest • Owner tailored calendars - Your home is still your easy with ROHOGO home. Stay or book as often as you like. Management as your • 24-hour line available for all your guests questions local eyes and ears to • Quarterly payouts for owners keep things running • VIP concierge services smoothly. • Ordinance complied and insured Many updated lake view or lake front homes ready to BOOK TODAY!
www.rohogo.com | 256-677-RENT | rohogorentals@gmail.com LAKE CITY · 35
LAKE CITY CALENDAR Dec 7 A Night Before Christmas 3pm-7pm Don’t be a Grinch, join us for our 6th annual A Night Before Christmas. It will be going on at the same time as the Mistletoe Market. There will be events going on throughout downtown, come and enjoy the holiday fun! Dec 7 Children’s Christmas Card Awards MVAC 2pm-3pm Children’s Christmas Card Awards at the gallery and reception with Santa in attendance! Then head down to the Night Before Christmas Festival.
Dec 8 Holiday Tour of Homes 5am-5pm Come tour the beautiful homes of Gunter’s Landing. All homes will be decorated for the holidays. This event is hosted by the Guntersville Ladies Civitan Club. Dec 26 Guntersville Area Audubon Christmas Bird Count 5am-5pm This count, in another well-known birding area of northern Alabama, yields a wide variety of songbird, raptor and waterfowl species. The meeting spot for compilation is the Guntersville Public Library.
LAKE CIT Y A L A VIBE HOT COFFEE WI TH A COOL
If you have a public event coming up, contact us and we'll help you get the word out. For information on advertising contact us at: 256.486.9000 or by email: contact@lakecityalabama.com
JaMoka's Coffee Company
TRY OUR PEPpeRMINT MOKA THis Holiday Season
COFFEE · ESPRESSO · LATTES · TEAS · SANDWICHES · PASTRIES · SMOOTHIES & MORE
Keeping Marshall County Caffeinated Since 2005 385 Gunter Ave, Guntersville 256.486.3883 36 · LAKE CITY
110 E Main St, Albertville 256.660.0850
1851 Hwy 431, Boaz 256.593.3777
Tue-Fri 10-4 Saturday 10-2
kerson m sday-S aturda ain.co y 10am -5:30p m m 256.660.0352
shoptheplaidgiraffe.com
Lisa Baker
er Ave. • Gun tersville 6-582-130 0
bakersonm
ain.com am-5:30p
Tuesday-S aturday 10
bakersonmain.com m
Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5:30pm
All A
Lisa Baker
336 Gunter Ave. • Guntersville 256-582-1300 Lisa Baker
l Rugs
are
enhta h & carry Cafe 336 Oriwit orictes Fav e-c&as pri Covingtohn’s lfLee a Jones 6 with ef Go Ch 33
25 Retail Shops ntersville Ave. • •GuWi-Fi r e t n u G 6 33 Wine Shop 2•-1 300 8 Cards 6-5 25& Bridal Baby Registry Event Space Boutiques Complimentary Gift Wrap All Antique Persian & Oriental Rugs are half price-cash & carry Cafe 336 with Covington’s Favorites & Go Chef Lee Jones
s& Cafe avorite ton’s F Jones g in v o C ef Lee Go Ch
155150-1
Located in downtown Albertville across from Local Joe's.
i-Fi • Wip-Fi o s•W 25 Retail Shops etapil• SCahrds• Cards 5 RSho Wi2ne hopistry gistry & Bab ineySReg Bridal W y Re Eve l &ceBab ace daSpa rint BBo Sp utiqEues entt Wr vGif apes Complimentary Boutiqu Wrap nta& ry Gift Peresia n All Antique m li gs are p m o Ru tal C ian & Orien ueryPers tiqcar half price-cashn&
155150-1
103 E. Main St. Albertville, AL
155150-1
IF YOU THINK YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO ADVERTISE ... CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD NOT TO ? LET EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS FOR AS LITTLE AS $60 PER MONTH Small Ads for Small Businesses · Limited Availability - lakecityalabama.com/advertise LAKE CITY · 37
see you in 2020 Lake City 38 · LAKE CITY
We are continually striving to maximize every fitness opportunity for our customers while offering the best prices. Our goal is to provide quality equipment & activities for every fitness level, in an uplifting family-oriented environment. At Willmore Total Fitness, a honest and loyal customer-based relationship is a priority. With God as our guide, we want to help everyone win. - The Willmore Family
Visit us at any of our convenient locations Guntersville 路 Albertville 路 Boaz 路 Rainbow City 路 Arab
256.960.2361
Find us on Facebook
We like to say we’re big on the small things, but this is pretty big. Thank you for making us the Marshall County deposit market share leader. According to the FDIC’s annual Summary of Deposits, Citizens Bank & Trust now holds the highest deposit market share in Marshall County*. Since our founding in 2003, Citizens has worked hard to be the top bank in our home county. In a world of big chain banks we knew that was pretty ambitious. But we believed in the people of Marshall County, and we want to say thank you for believing in us. Being number one is a big honor, and we’re proud to share it with those we call friends.
BAN K & T RU S T Albertville • 256-878-9893 Arab • 256-931-4600 Guntersville • 256-505-4600
*FDIC Summary Of Deposits as of June 30, 2019 (report released 9/13/19)
visit us at citizensbanktrust.com Cullman 256-841-6600
Elkmont 256-732-4602
Hazel Green 256-828-1611
New Hope 256-723-4600
Rogersville 256-247-0203