A Taste of Savannah and Paula

By: Sarah

 

If you’re new to my page, first and foremost…welcome! I’m happy and excited to have you here.

You’re right, one thing I checked off my bucket list…a mini trip to Savannah, Georgia. A friend mentioned the best time to visit Savannah is early June, and no dilly-dally, grabbing cheap Southwest Airlines flights out of Hobby Airport, I knew Glenn had no problems saying yes, specially the mention of Shrimp and Grits, the staple hot dish on any Southern table. No museums to explore on this trip, I was just ready to take a breather from the oppressive heat waves and ready to see what Savannah can offer.

One important note about flying Southwest Airlines is making sure you check in 24 hours before your flight to get the best seat possible. Well, the best seats are up for grabs to the highest bidder, and when you are traveling light, you really don’t care where you end up with. To my surprise, flight was full and by the time we boarded the plane, the only couple seats really available are at the rear. We got seated, we always prefer the aisle seat, and a young attractive lady gave us a welcoming smile and mentioned that the safest part of the plane is the rear seats, huh…thanks for that info. So now, I really wouldn’t mind if I forget to check in 24 hours before flights. And this young lady is a Savannah native and she gave us our first-timer’s introduction and guide to Savannah. And she even gave a thumbs up to our hotel choice by the Historical District, “you’re in the best spot…perfect for strolling around, easy to get around without a car, and yes, Paula Deen’s Lady and Sons famous all-you-can-eat restaurant is so walkable!” Now, who couldn’t get too excited after hearing Savannah’s southern charm from a very authoritative source, my flight seatmate.

Ok, adventure began. Very first info we got from our cab driver on our way to our hotel: “The weather in Savannah is so BIPOLAR. 70/80 one day and 30/40 the next”. It sure was, we saw people armed with umbrellas and rain jackets. We experienced sunny morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in early evening, omg! So on with all the exciting can’t-miss things to do in Savannah during our trip, including:

1. “Aboard the Georgia Queen” Riverboat 90-minute sightseeing lunch cruise, including dolphin spotting and a delicious southern-style buffet with live narration and alcohol beverages. Food was indeed absolutely amazing, the captain was brilliant in his history and story telling. There’s Southern Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Grits and Nana’s Banana Pudding, to name a few. I enjoyed my meals and pina colada and was very glad we did book that cruise, I would go again.

2. My favorite City Market “the heart and hub of Historic Savannah” where shopping for a souvenir is easy. An abundance of options including the world-famous Savannah Candy Kitchen pralines loaded with Georgia pecans, Byrd’s thin crisp Key Lime Coolers, Georgia Peach and Salted Caramel cookies (make sure to sample every cookie offered at the store, it’s free!), lovely boutiques Pelindaba Lavander Savannah’s lavender body oil and shortbread cookies. A guided history tour on a horse-drawn carriage is also an option here, why not!

3. The Savannah’s Waterfront and River Street Market is unmatched, it has something for everyone. Two standouts: Savannah Bee Company and its sweet and savory selection of honey-based soaps, skin creams and varieties of honey (tasting you’ll enjoy!), and Christmas on the River display of ornaments, trees and Santas.

4. Hop aboard the operating daily Old Town Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour, see Savannah’s streets and attractions and hear the history of Savannah. Yes, you can get on and off as you please, and there’s always a trolley available at stops every 15 minutes. Landmarks include Girl Scout’s founder Julette Gordon Low Birthplace, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the City Market, River Street, Pink House, Waving Girl Statue that depicts a lady in love with a sailor who never returned, Forrest Gump site, the house from movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It’s hour long and worth it!

5. Leopold’s ice cream with its unique flavors and creamy ice cream, same recipe for over 100 years, yes, since 1919 and really brings very long lines to the door, omg, they are all screaming for ice cream. Mouthwatering sundaes you just couldn’t say no to…sugar rush but really special flavors in my banana split with lemon custard, pistachio and savannah socialite (chocolate ice cream with Georgia pecans and bourbon-infused caramel) flavors, I don’t blame you if you’re salivating too over these flavors.

6. Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons Restaurant still has plenty of crowds attacking the eat-allyou- can Southern-style entrees and homemade desserts. Stop by at Paula Deen’s store next/attached to restaurant and check out kitchen tools and gadgets, even furniture and kitchen organizers. At least, get a Paula Deen apron!

I am looking forward to my next trip back to Savannah… am definitely coming back. Indeed, Savannah is like a box of chocolate, you really never know what you’ll gonna get !

BIBINGKANG MALAGKIT
The sweet rice cooks perfectly using your Rice Cooker.
Siguradong, proven masarap at makunat. Friends ask for this recipe everytime.

Rice Cake:
3 cups sweet rice (malagkit), washed and drained
3 cups water
1/2 can coconut cream
2 cups white sugar
Yummy Topping:
1 1/2 cans coconut cream
1 cup light brown sugar

Directions:

1. Place washed and drained sweet rice (malagkit) and water in Rice cooker and cook until done. I added tablespoons of Flavocol Ube flavor.

2. While rice is cooking, combine the yummy topping ingredients in a large saucepan and cook until it turns caramel-colored and reaches a thick syrupy stage, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

3. Fluff cooked rice with paddle and stir in coconut cream and sugar, mixing well. Spread the rice mixture (don’t press down but just smooth the top) into a greased 9 x 13 baking pan.

4. Pour the thickened yummy topping on top of the rice cake and spread it out evenly.

5. Bake in a preheated 350 F oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Top with some ube haleya and macapuno.

Last words: “Let go of what’s gone and be grateful for what remains.” Always look forward to the amazing things life offer us.