As Spring bursts into full bloom and the weather warms and schools all over are drawing close to the end of the semester, I am reminded of my college days in Oxford Mississippi (Home of The University of Mississippi “Hotty Toddy!”) Spring was my favorite time of year there, the blooming dogwood and magnolia trees, the beautiful green canopy of leaves returns again to “The Grove” a grassy park lined with trees which lies at the heart of this stunning, vibrant campus. Ask anyone who has attended Ole Miss what’s on the “must see” list and you will always hear, “The Grove!”
Also on that list was a little diner that was everyone’s goto place for comfort food. While a student there I recall climbing into a few cars with a pack of my fellow Theatre students for the meandering drive along Lamar Blvd. to a blue-plate, Mom and Pop diner called The Beacon.
The food at The Beacon was inexpensive, came out quickly, and was the kind of food that reminded you of home, even if you were not from a southern family! There was a “vibe” about it that made you feel like you were at your Mom’s or Grandma’s table unlike the long lines at a dining hall cafeteria or the generic flavor of fast food.
We would all crowd into a back room after a long day of building and painting sets for our latest production. We’d often fill all tables in that room, our clothes ratty and covered with paint flecks from the day’s work, but no one looked at us funny or made us feel unwelcome. It was like being called in from playtime by your Mom, where you come in all sweaty and red faced to a warm pot of soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. This was simple, home cooked food, and exactly what you would expect… every time.
They served a yummy house burger or a large hamburger steak with onions and gravy… or meatloaf, mashed potatoes, southern style green beans, corn, fried okra or for breakfast cheese grits, country ham and eggs or a short stack with patty sausage… always prepared and served with lots of love and southern sweet tea! And every plate was garnished with a bright red spiced apple slice! I can not pass a jar of them in the grocery store without recalling time spent with friends at this Mom and Pop diner. And while I have not been to Ole Miss nor The Beacon in years, I have heard that not too much has changed at the restaurant. Though sadly, it appears they no longer serve up their specials and other plates with that signature spiced apple slice, they continue to be a haven for students and locals alike.
Recently I sat contemplating why the students always loved this place so much? But, the only answer I have is that it was/is comfortable. No matter what your upbringing, you likely had meals where you gathered around simple food and the conversation and warmth of the atmosphere was paramount. If we could bottle that, I am certain we could achieve world peace!
Often when we are transported to the emotional side of nourishment, it is not because the meal was served on fine china, or white linen tablecloths. It is when we experience our connection to nourishment in a more visceral way. With conversation, modest meals prepared by hand. Something as simple as buttered toast can invoke a moment when you were completely at ease, just living in the moment and sharing a very human connection. These are the moments that surpass definition. Can I give you a recipe for that? No. It will however be forever emblazoned in your mind, to come rushing forward, perhaps when sitting in a diner with our friends, laughing and eating a bowl of buttery grits or sharing a BLT, while covered in sawdust and paint splatters.
What is your recipe? What moment is it? when you are “breaking bread” with others and suddenly you are totally engaged and mindful of the sensations of the moment. The smell, texture and taste of the food, the sound of conversation and the room in general. Perhaps there is laughter, or lively conversation. No matter the context, you are fully committed to the moment, not running the remains of the day through your mind… not fretting or feeling on guard.
The secret ingredient is believing in the moment. This is everyone’s “Beacon” guiding us to comfort and nourishment. Oh… and maybe that slice of brightly colored spiced apple!
Spiced Apple Rings
These sweet cinnamon spiced apple slices are a bit of southern nostalgia. Try them as a zippy garnish to add color and a pop of sweetness to roasted pork, turkey or chicken. They are also amazing with a scoop of old fashioned vanilla bean ice cream or in a cup of hot apple cider! Drop me a note in comments and let me know your favorite way to serve them!
Ingredients
- 4 Apples ( I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) Peel and Core
- 1 Lemon (juiced) prevents darkening of apples
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Red Cinnamon candies
- 1/4 tsp Whole cloves
Instructions
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Peel apples, slice into 1/3 to 1/2 inch slices and core them.
Hint: You can clean and use a small plastic soda bottle lid to cut out the core.
To prevent discoloration drop apples into 1 cup lemon water after cutting them and set them aside to soak while you prepare the rest.
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In large saucepan, place sugar, cinnamon candies, and 2 cups plain water
(Note: DO NOT use lemon water for this part of the recipe.)
Place saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until candies and sugar are melted into a syrup.
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Drain apples and discard the lemon water.
Carefully place drained apple rings into the cinnamon syrup, add whole cloves and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir/ turn apples gently in cinnamon syrup until they begin to turn transparent. Remove pan from heat and discard cloves.
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Carefully place hot apples into jar(s) and cover with syrup.
Lid jars and allow to cool before placing in fridge.
Apple rings will keep in fridge for up to a week.