Sunlight dapples through dew-kissed dogwoods and magnolias, gently awakening the Port City from its gray wintery slumber. Showy azaleas, hydrangeas, lilies and tulips emerge while hatchlings chatter in nearby nests, echoing the joyous giggles of children that dash across the green lawns below. “It’s a rebirth,” Tommy Clement Jr. says of springtime in the South as it unfolds before his eyes in his own backyard.
For the Clement family, the word “rebirth” means much more than just nature’s revival; it represents the handing down of Easter traditions from one generation to the next. For as long as Tommy can remember, Easter — complete with egg hunt and dinner — has been celebrated at his grandmother Jackie Williams’ home. After decades worth of hosting, however, Tommy says she is about ready to “pass the baton on to us.” Eager to keep the family tradition alive, Tommy and wife Anne graciously accepted the opportunity to coordinate this year’s fete.
Located on a picturesque corner in Spring Hill, an idyllic white picket fence envelops the Clements’ thoughtfully landscaped lawn. Lush shrubbery and flower-filled planters provide perfect spots to tuck eggs just out of toddlers’ sights while mature trees offer enough nooks and crannies to keep older children hunting for hours. The home boasts warm and inviting gathering spots for guests of all ages, and pastel eggs, bright tulips and white porcelain bunnies dotted throughout form the subtle backdrop.
As in years past, the morning starts with baskets teeming with trinkets and candy for Clement children Emme, Bond, Thompson and Mary Ellen. A traditional service at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church is next, which always includes the Clements’ favorite, a heart-stirring rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” Then it is back home for pictures and an egg hunt, the most prized finds of which are the golden eggs, a tradition started by Tommy’s grandmother (she tucked $2 bills and silver dollar coins into the plastic shells). While kids turn their attention to playtime and tween talk, the men enjoy their pastime of choice — an afternoon spent watching golf and playing a raucous football game pitting kids, dads and granddads against one another. “There is always an injury,” Anne says, laughing.
Not lost amidst the bustle is the heavenly aroma of the buffet-style dinner, with dishes prepared by various family members. “We all know what we’re good at,” Anne explains. Among her favorites is the macaroni and cheese dish, made from her grandmother’s recipe. Passing down recipes is something Anne hopes to do with her daughters. “Right now, Emme is the baker,” she says of her oldest. “We certainly enjoy our time in the kitchen together.”
And the kitchen is where the group of brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, cousins and friends gather, if only briefly, to admire the delicious meal spread before them. But before the first slice of ham is carved, the group circles together to say the blessing — a prayer for health, provision and continued traditions.
Rosemary Scones
Skip the store-bought rolls — these scones can be prepped ahead and stored in the freezer. Just place and bake Easter morning. Recipe adapted from the former Sweet Olive Bakery in Fairhope.
4 1/2 cups flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
2/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar and rosemary in a large bowl.
3. Divide butter into small pieces and add to flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center of flour and butter mixture. Gently incorporate cream into the well until dough pulls together. Turn out onto a lightly floured table and form into a 1-inch thick round. Cut with a biscuit cutter.
5. Place dough on a parchment-covered sheet pan and freeze at least 30 minutes. Dough can be baked immediately or stored in a sealed container and frozen for up to
30 days.
6. Before baking, brush the tops of scones with egg wash. Bake 25 – 30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Add baked ham bites and a dollop of Jezebel Sauce (below) to each sliced scone.
Jezebel Sauce
Just like Southern women, this classic sauce is sweet with a little spice. Recipe adapted from “Some Like It South,” a cookbook by the Junior League of Pensacola, Florida.
1 10-ounce jar apple jelly
1 10-ounce jar pineapple preserves
1/2 jar prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1. Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate overnight.
Crunchy Romaine Toss
Recipe adapted from “Come On In,” a cookbook by the Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 package ramen noodles, uncooked (discard flavor packet)
1 bunch broccoli, coarsely chopped
1 head romaine lettuce, broken into pieces
4 green onions, chopped
1 cup Sweet and Sour Dressing (recipe follows)
1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Brown walnuts and noodles in butter; cool on paper towels.
2. Combine noodles and walnuts with broccoli, lettuce and onions. Pour dressing over and toss to coat well. Serves 10.
Sweet and Sour Dressing
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
salt and pepper, to taste
1. Blend all ingredients well, and serve with chilled salad. Yields 2 1/2 cups.
Cheese Grits
Gruyere and Parmesan give this Southern dish a unique taste. The recipe can be prepared the day before and baked when ready to serve. Recipe adapted from a cookbook by the Junior League of Memphis, Tennessee.
1 quart milk
1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup butter, divided
1 cup grits
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Bring milk to a boil. Add 1/2 cup butter and stir in grits. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is the consistency of oatmeal (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove grits from heat, add salt and pepper and beat mixture well.
4. Stir in remaining 1/3 cup butter and Gruyere, and pour into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
5. Bake 1 hour and serve warm. Serves 10.
Macaroni & Cheese
This quick and easy Southern staple is dear to Anne Clement’s heart, as the recipe was handed down from her grandmother.
16 ounces elbow macaroni
16 ounces Amish Country Colby cheese, shredded
3 – 4 cups milk
butter, for topping
salt and pepper, to taste
1. Boil noodles according to package directions. Pour half of the noodles into a 9-inch by 12-inch casserole dish and cover with half of cheese. Add remaining noodles to cheese layer, then top with remaining cheese.
2. Top noodles with enough milk to nearly cover entirely. Top with butter, salt and pepper.
3. Cook at 350 degrees for 45 minutes – 1 hour, until lightly brown on top. Serves 10.
Chess Bars
These creamy bites are the perfect “pick up” dessert. Recipe courtesy of Betty Luce, as found in “One of a Kind,” a cookbook by the Junior League of Mobile.
1 package butter cake mix
1 egg
4 ounces (1 stick) butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 eggs
8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese
16 ounces (1 box) powdered sugar
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, egg, butter and vanilla. Spread into a greased 9-inch by 13-inch pan.
3. In a clean bowl, beat eggs, cream cheese and sugar. Pour on top of cake mixture and bake 30 – 40 minutes. Cool and cut into bars. Yields 24 bars.
Missionary’s Downfall
A surprisingly strong drink that can waylay the best of intentions, as the name reminds.
Recipe adapted from “Come On In,” a cookbook by the Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi.
1 small can frozen limeade
1 limeade can measurement of vodka
1 handful fresh mint leaves
1. Fill blender with ice. Add limeade, vodka and mint leaves. Blend until mint leaves are finely chopped. Serve in glasses garnished with fresh mint sprigs. Serves 4.
