It’s summer. It’s hot. It’s vacation time. And to my large and loving family that means one thing. It’s time to head to the beach for our annual vacation. We are a family of food lovers and each year we gather to overindulge ourselves against a backdrop of sun, sand, and surf.

This year’s location of choice was Fort Morgan, Alabama, a picturesque spot on the “Redneck Riviera” just west of the better known Gulf Shores, Alabama. Our gang of 43 included family and special friends, filling the four large beach homes rented for the occasion. Each featured a gourmet kitchen with unobstructed views of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and its sugar sand beaches. The exquisite accommodations also included a communal pool. Needless to say, we were living like rock stars.
But back to the food. Vacation menus are planned and discussed weeks in advance. Since we all love to cook, favorite recipes are prepared for mass consumption. This year my parents stole the show on day one with their meatballs and spaghetti.
Immediately after emptying the suitcases and claiming our rooms, we unpacked the large iron pots and assorted tools of cooking. A gigantic Dutch oven and seasonings were brought from home to assure consistency. Working in perfect sync Mom and Dad season, form, and fry the meatballs; the aroma filling the house heightening the anticipation of the meal. Next, the red sauce is added, made completely from scratch and seasoned to taste. Watching them work it is obvious they have cooked a few meals together and always with love. Incidentally, they celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary while on the trip. Now, that’s a lot of cooking!
My cousin Tritia and her husband Jim had a fire theme going this year with a five course meal. They prepared seared tuna in the afternoon as an appetizer. (Children don’t try this at home!) Our friend Carolyn had the perfect accompaniment to this meal., Goat cheese browned in olive oil with garlic and Kalamata Olives. This pairing was exceptional with the seared tuna and a chilled bottle of MacRostie Chardonnay. Later in the day this dynamic duo served flaming spinach salad with bacon, followed by crabmeat au gratin, and tender, broiled beef tenderloin.
Uncle Moe’s day could best be described as the Jimmy Buffet day. His specialty was fresh fried catfish and amberjack with boiled shrimp all seasoned to perfection. We washed it down with several rounds of Pina Coladas and ‘Moegaritas’. Moe hates to see an empty glass and allowed no one to completely finish a drink without a refill. The perfect accompaniment to Moe’s seafood feast was again provided by Carolyn, a spectacular cornbread filled with sun-dried tomatoes, sharp cheddar, roasted red bell peppers, and pepperoccini peppers. The hammock, the soft breeze, flip flops and Jimmy Buffet on the I-Pod authenticated the experience.
When we weren’t gorging on food and drink, our motley crew could be found at the beach. Leisurely hours were spent playing Washers as the kids played in the sand. For those unfamiliar with Washers, it’s a game of skill with players attempting to toss large metal washers into small holes cut through the top of a plywood box. It’s harder than it sounds and the competition can get fierce.
Each night featured boisterous poker games, cocktails and the music that transcends the generations. Van Morrison, Jimmy Buffet, and Bob Marley are just a few family favorites. And every so often someone had to fire up the LSU Pregame song, bringing everything to a halt as we all cheered. The party sometimes moved house to house, offering yet more opportunities to sample the day’s dishes.
On our last full day on the Redneck Riviera, we savored the beach. For a leisurely lunch, Uncle Moe prepared Grilled Amberjack on French bread topped with Dijon mustard, coleslaw with generous mayo, avocado, and tomato. Some of the adults were nursing hangovers so lots of Bloody Mary’s were being made.
For late dinner, my husband and I prepared drunken chickens with roasted asparagus. Some of the crew had already begun to depart and reality of the working world was beginning to return. The only thing preventing Deep Post Vacation Depression (DPVD) was the knowledge that next year will be filled with more incredible food, laughter till our bellies hurt, and the joie de vivre that surrounds this wonderful family.

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