James Farmer is one of the most talented and kind people that I have ever met. His smile instantly lights up a room and he makes you feel immediately at ease. Not only is James a fantastic person, he is an incredibly gifted gardener, designer and cook. James is a regular contributor to
Southern Living Magazine {his work is on the cover this month I might add!} and he now has his own book,
A Time to Plant: Southern Style Garden Living. James has kindly signed one of his gorgeous books to giveaway to a lucky
Particularity reader!! To enter, "like"
Particularity's Facebook page {link provided}. If you have already done so, you can comment on this post!
James grew up in Kathleen, Georgia and was raised organic and "farm to table". He became interested in traditional Southern cooking by cooking next to his grandmother who always used ingredients from a kitchen garden. James has developed old recipes to make them new while incorporating entertaining and decorating into the mix. His latest book is absolutely beautiful and truly reflects his skills.
James' book is the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys gardening, cooking, decorating or entertaining. Although I am not from the south, I still love every single page. James touches on subjects from fantastic hearty recipes to the correct technique for drying flowers. There is even a section that highlights hydrangeas!! A man after my own heart.
The photographs and sketches in this book are stunning. Not only does
A Time to Plant provide a wealth of knowledge, it is aesthetically pleasing and inspiring.
Don't these photographs put you in the mood for fall?
James is known in his family for his iced tea, also know as "Farmer's Tea". I will leave you with his delicious recipe which can also be found on his blog,
All Things Farmer.
Farmer's Tea
- Bring 6-7 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- Add 4 bags of Lipton (or whatever brand you prefer) and 1 bag of Earl Grey (Bigelow) and remove from heat.
- Let the tea bags steep for about five minutes near the warm eye of the stove.
- Add 1-1½ cups of sugar to about 2-3 cups of water (I use a 1 to 2 ratio) and dissolve the sugar in the water over a medium low heat…remove immediately from heat once the sugar has dissolved and has become a somewhat clear syrup. If you bring it to a boil, you’ll have the makings for candy and not tea!
- Combine the steeped tea and simple syrup into a large pitcher or split between two half gallon pitchers. If you’re using a glass pitcher, be sure to have a metal knife or spoon to pour the tea over so the hot liquid won’t bust the glass…
- Fill the pot with the tea bags in it one more time with water and add it to the pitcher…you can add a bit more water if need be. Stir with a large knife or spoon. This should provide you with about 16 cups of tea or 1 US Gallon.
- Serve over ice (remember tea continues to steep or “get stronger” as it sits, so it’s weakest once it’s first made) and with wedges of lime. Enjoy!
Don't forget to enter to win James' signed book,
A Time to Plant. His book is breathtaking and James brings a fresh and young voice to the art of entertaining. James has a love of life that resonates in
A Time to Plant making it a thoughtful gift for any friend or family member.
