I wasn’t planning on doing anything special for supper tonight – just serving my people some leftovers that we could all pretend were tasty and delicious – but at the last minute my husband suggested that we go out to dinner. It took me all of two seconds to say, “YES, PLEASE,” and within a couple of minutes we were in the car and on our way.
We ate supper at one of our favorite non-Chuy’s Mexican places (Chuy’s, of course, is the pinnacle), strolled through a nearby bookstore, and grabbed some frozen yogurt before we headed home. I’m going to be out of town this weekend, so as we pulled in the garage, I was thinking about how fun it had been to have an unexpected night on the town with my fellas before I leave for a couple of days. I was still in my little reverie as I got out of the car, but then I stopped, and I looked around, and I smelled it.
I didn’t know what “it” was, exactly. But I knew that it was a cross between Italian food, smoke, and a white-hot BBQ grill.
Then it dawned on me.
I must not have. Turned off. The leftovers. On the stove.
I mean, I thought I did. I announced that I was going to turn them off. But apparently there was a significant user error, because when we walked through the kitchen door, I realized that I might need to practice getting that control knob to the COMPLETELY OFF position.
Oh, y’all. The smoke. It was so very smoke-y. Granted, I’m so grateful that nothing actually, you know, caught on fire, and I think we’ve gotten most of the smoke out of the house, but oh, it is some charred-smelling awfulness in this place tonight.
And for the record, I am never cooking meatballs again.
Anyway. Let’s talk about something fun now. Like prizes!
Here’s the winner of the cornstick pan and two copies of A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet.
Yay, Jennifer! I just sent you an email.
I’m also starting to feel like a game show host. And I don’t mind it.
So I’ll make this next giveaway pretty quick because I need to start typing “how to get smell of burned Italian food out of my house” into the Google, but I think y’all will enjoy this next little Southern treat. Especially if you’re planning to take some road trips this summer because, well, hash brown casserole, anyone?
Yep. It’s a $50 gift card to Cracker Barrel, plus, you know, a copy of this book.
And who knows? If I can’t get this smell out of my house, I may be at the Cracker Barrel first thing in the morning. Coffee and homemade biscuits can cure a world of hurts, you know.
Have a great weekend, y’all!
This giveaway is now closed.
So excited for the book and “The Barrell”!
I love Cracker Barrel and biscuits and apple butter!!
Kim J
Mmmm… fried okra. Cracker Barrel is the only place around me that I can find it these days.
Hey Boomama! Glad it was only smoke that greeted you at the door. Thanks for the fun giveaways. Can’t wait to read your book!
I love Cracker Barrel. Their special on Saturday (I’m pretty sure it’s Saturday) — the chicken and rice. Yeah. That’s my favorite. :-)
Cracker Barrel… yum! And I would love a copy of your book!
I can’t wait to read your book! Great giveaway!
I live in Germany (military family) and we’re coming back for the summer. I am missing me some Cracker Barrel!! Would love to win that! :)
I resemble your remarks!!! Cant wait to read your book.
Glad your house is Ok. To get the odor out, simmer water with rosemary, lemon and a little vanilla. Thanks for the chance to win!
Put vinegar out in bowls and see if that helps! Great giveaway…..I do enjoy Cracker Barrels pancakes. Can’t wait to read your book.
I love me some Cracker Barrell! And I liked to have never got the burnt popcorn smell out of my house from an incident with my daughter and microwave. My microwave still isn’t the same!!
Your book AND Cracker Barrel?? It doesn’t get any better.
Cracker Barrel has the best hashbrown casserole….and fried apples….and I could go on and on…..
My daughter once cooked a burrito for 12 minutes in the microwave. I know exactly how you feel.
Food and a great book – yaay!
Oh, my. I was cooking spaghetti sauce once and got busy talking so the oil I had in the pan for the onions and garlic caught fire. The friend I was talking with was very impressed with how calmly I got out the lid for the skillet, put it on the pan, and then moved it off the heat. I told him it was a good thing he wasn’t there the first , or tenth, time I tried to burn down my kitchen, and that the calm was based on practice. I think he laughed for 10 minutes.
Oh I’m so glad it was only smoke!!! And thanks for the Chuy’s recommendation. A new one just opened in LR!!
I’ve been there sista! And by there I mean in a smoke filled char smelling house due to umm, a similar user error. And I wish I had a magic cure for you but for my house it just took opening the windows, turning on all the fans, lighting candles and throwing out the pan, oh and like 3 days. :) Good luck!
I love entering your contests for giveaways—and I love Cracker Barrel….I am going to love your book too!
Love the Cracker Barrel and I’d love to have your book. Happy Friday!
Yay!! I would LOVE to read your book on our road-trip, and stop at a Cracker Barrel for BACON!! :)
Yay for Cracker Barrel. We have to travel a bit to find one, but it’s always worth it. Looking forward to your book release as well!
Oh, I’m so sorry about your charred leftovers! I’ve done that and, oh, the aroma! Gag! Have a great weekend with Melanie!
I think reading your book while having breakfast at the Cracker Barrel would be a perfect morning!
My last visit to Cracker Barrel no hash brown casserole. Corporate was there and had thrown out the casserole, it was not up to standards. Arrrrrrgh
We are taking our kids 18 hours across country this summer to Yellowstone National Park, a stop at Cracker Barrell would be delightful! I also hope to take your book with me on the trip and steal some quiet moments to read while the kids go fishing with their dad!
Oh no, good luck getting the smoke out!! That sounds miserable! So glad nothing caught on fire and everything is okay :) Can’t wait to read your book!
I would love to win the gift card and can’t wait to get my book..
Mmm, comfort food!
Maybe you can have a mild enough day to open some windows and air the place out. Looking forward to reading your book!
Praise God it was only smoke, I pray you get your home smelling fresh very soon.
Enjoy your week end and breakfast food is always a favorite.
Thanks for the chance! Can’t wait to read your book!
Love Cracker Barrel, but also some of the items in their little store!! All good, and a book, too!
I’m sure there will be a FEW CBs on our drive to Cooperstown in a few weeks and I can’t wait for my book to ship next week! I could give this one to a friend!!!!
mmmm….cracker barrel…and a fun book…mmmmm
I LOVE Cracker Barrel and am so thankful that we have one close by!!! Also, my Mom is coming to town soon and she would love to go there!!!!
I am so ready for June 4th to get a copy of your book! I know it will be fabulous!
Thank you!!!
Ashley L.
So glad that nothing caught on fire!! I love Cracker Barrel and would so enjoy a gift card. Looking forward to reading your book!
I love the thought of reading your book while at Cracker Barrel!
Love hash brown casserole :) and can’t wait to read your book!
I can’t hardly wait to get my hands on that book!!
Oh, I love Cracker Barrell and hashbrown casserole!
Congrats on the book, can’t wait to read it! Cracker Barrel, YUM!
Reading your book and eating Cracker Barrel breakfast–perfect!
Glad to hear the house is ok.
Honey and biscuits? Yes, please!
My two boys eat biscuits and gravy for every meal we eat at Cracker Barrel. Breakfast all day, everyday! :D
Baked beans in the oven. All weekend. Enough said. :(
Cracker Barrel does have Yankee Candles, you know. :) So there’s a thought.
Have fun this weekend – wish I were going too!!!
Glad the leftovers were the only casualties! Can’t wait to read the book.
When I was nursing my son, I couldn’t have dairy for a year. I’ll never forget the Sunday we went to Cracker Barrel after church and I had to watch my husband eat chicken fried chicken with gravy, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, dumplings and biscuits. Clearly, I have bitterness issues. Can’t wait to read your book!
Awesome giveaway! Can’t wait to read the book and eat the food!
You had me at hashbrown casserole, but seriously can’t wait to read your book!
Love Cracker Barrel! Congrats on the book!
This might be the best giveaway I’ve ever attempted to win. And that’s saying something!
Can I admit I’ve never eaten at Cracker Barrel? So anxious for your book, Sophie!
I would love to win! Can’t wait to read your book and who doesn’t love Cracker Barrel
Oh grilled tenderloin chicken sandwich on grilled sourdough bread with colby cheese, where for art thou?
I’m really not sure if my kids like the food at Cracker Barrel, or the big checker boards, but it’s a family favorite.
We live in Oregon but will be visiting my family in Alabama this summer. I would love to introduce our children to the Southern goodness of Cracker Barrel. I also can’t wait to read your book!
Thanks for the giveaway. I’m super excited to read your book!
Oh I adore Cracker Barrel….I worked there during college, and have just recently begun to feel like I’ve had enough time away to start returning to eat more than once every other year or so. :)
Love cracker barrel :)
We will be travelling about 2,000 miles by car this summer, so this would be awesome! Can’t wait to read your book!
Yay! Thanks for the giveaways.
My office used to be near a Cracker Barrel. I used to get the vegetable combo platter whenever I was having a tough day. Four veggies/side dishes, a biscuit, and cornbread do not make for a productive afternoon at work!
You are the best—-love CB and your writing!!
Looking forward to reading the book! I love shopping and eating at Cracker. Barrel.
Great giveaway! Wow!
Smelling the burn ruins that meal in our minds for the rest of our lives! Ack! Thanks for the awesome giveaway :)
Lurve me some Cracker Barrel!!! And I am anxious to read your book, I have heard so many good things about it :)
Seriously, you have the best giveaways! You make my little Southern heart so happy!
me me me
I would love both!
How Scary! Glad your house was ok!!!
Ha! Nothing like breakfast at the Cracker Barrel! Have a great weekend trip!
Road trips and Cracker Barrel – a perfect combo! Can’t wait to read your book!
I am so looking forward to reading your book. Peach pancakes please :)
I can’t wait to read your book! And a Cracker Barrel gift card would just be icing on the cake (my mom’s birthday cake, cause I’d give it to her).
Chicken and dumplings! I love a trip to Cracker Barrel.
Hash brown casserole and reading your book – that would be great!
Can’t wait to read your book! And who doesn’t love a good hashbrown casserole? ;)
Cracker Barrel is my favorite. I can’t wait to read your book.
Book and Barrel. You could be on to something there.
So sorry about the burnt supper but so so happy about the giveaway!!
I can’t wait to read your book! And I love the hash brown casserole at Cracker Barrel – it too is my favorite!
Oh pick me! I could put a hurt on the vegetable plate from there like nobody’s business. Also, I’ve already pre-ordered, but a signed copy is WAY more cool.
Homemade biscuits sound like perfection this morning – along with a copy of your book, of course!
I love Cracker Barrel and can’t wait to read your book!
Love Cracker Barrel and know I will love your book too!
Twice in the last month I have left the oven on FOR DAYS. It’s very quiet and doesn’t have a digital display (old school!), so it’s apparently really hard to know it’s not off. How it was on for SIX DAYS at 400 without melting is a mystery to me.
I now have an alarm that goes off every night at 9 pm that asks “Did you turn the oven off?”. Sigh.
So glad you had smoke and not fire! Can’t wait to read your book!
Yay ~ Cracker Barrel and a book!!
So sorry your delightful time was marred by arriving home, but thank The Lord you had a home when you returned!
Thank you for an indulgent giveaway.
Ruby’s dressed up chicken sandwich and hash brown casserole. Yes. Please.
Cracker Barrel and New York Time’s Next Best Seller? Yes, I think I will!
Looking forward to your book!
One time in my marriage the same food/burning incident happened to me. Now I’ m super paranoid about even going outside and leaving something simmering on the stove. The smell of charred ground beef can scar a person. I just might need a little salty to cut the sweet when i win that gift card to the old C.B. (as we call it locally).
Ground coffee will take the smell out of anything. Just pour some in a bowl (or several) and sit them around your kitchen. One time when I had gone on vacation I came back to a freezer full of thawed meat due to a tripped breaker. My garage smelled like decomposing nastiness. A friend recommended the coffee, and what do you know? It worked! Oh, and I’ve already ordered the book, but would love to have another copy to give my sister!
Oh No!! I hate when I think I’ve done something, but didn’t actually DO it. We love Cracker Barrel. We don’t have one nearby, but sure wouldn’t be sad about traveling a couple of hours to visit one. :) But….would love to have your book even more than eating at Cracker Barrel.
I hope the google helps on the smell! I would love to win!