Iris Flowers Festival Foods and Crafts

Last weekend the festival of iris flowers was held in Tennessee. These small Tennessee towns have some of the best festivals. Of course, I love to check out all the wonderful festival foods and crafts. Many people drove to the festival mainly to buy a funnel cake. Can you imagine!


It was such a beautiful weekend to hold the festival of iris flowers. The sun was out bright and the temperatures were up there; combine this with the hills (small mountains) of the town and you would think it would have been a chore to check out all the attractions. Quite the opposite. With all the very nice people from the area and the relaxed atmosphere, it was such an enjoyable time.


If you have ever visited a small town in Tennessee you know why this area hosts this festival of iris flowers. In May the hills and fields come alive with masses of blooms. There is every color imaginable. I grew up in Ohio where we also grew irises (we called flags), but I never saw so many in so many colors.


After walking up and down the hills, it was time for a break. Right in front of me was homemade ice cream. It was meant to be! I had to have butter pecan. It was typical of my soft homemade ice cream but what flavor! It was perfect on this hot day; very light, not a heavy cream. Perfect!


After a short break, it was off again. My nose led me to a booth with the wonderful aroma of dried herbs. Just Herbs www.justherbs.org carries a huge selection of products including spices, herbs, all kinds of seasonings, dip mixes and teas. All the products are free of MSG and are non irradiated. NOTE: The later is a new term for me. I couldn’t even find it in my Webster’s dictionary. After a little searching, I found it means radiation free. Keep this in mind, we might be seeing this more frequently.

Iris Flowers Festival Foods and CraftsSpices

I am always interested in the arts and crafts at events like the festival of iris flowers. Many of these venders have very useful and beautiful products especially throughout these small Tennessee towns. I had a nice visit at one display booth with Linda. Linda’s quality products are called “Sew Divine” lrmaxwell@charter.net They include everything from kitchen towels, curling iron covers and everything useful around the house, especially the kitchen.

Microwave Potato BagMicrowave Potato Bag

I already had my eye on one particular item when Linda asked me if I baked potatoes in the microwave. Of course, everyone cooks potatoes sometime in the microwave. She went on to explain how the microwave potato bag works and she even gave me one to try. Let me tell you it is great; nice moist hot potatoes in minutes. This is great Linda. Thank you so much! It paid me to attend this festival of iris flowers!

casserole carrierCasserole Carrier

Like I said I already had my eye on this very neat casserole carrier. The bright red quilted material caught my eye immediately; then I was intrigued by the carrier. A board is inserted in the material to place the casserole dish on, then two flaps overlap to cover the casserole dish and then you have two flaps with wooden handles to conveniently carry the casserole. What a great idea! This would be good for those of you who take dishes to church suppers, holiday picnics or any kind of gathering. The quality is great and I love this item.

casserole carrierCasserole Carrier

HOT BAKED POTATO SALAD RECIPE This would be a good recipe for the carrier that I purchased at the festival of iris flowers.

  • 1 Medium chopped onion
  • ¾ Cup salad oil
  • ¼ Cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon flour
  • 1 Teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ Teaspoon paprika
  • ½ Teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • ½ Teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ½ Cup water
  • ¼ Cup vinegar
  • 6 Cups cubed baked potatoes
  • 1 Jar chopped pimento
  • Grated yellow cheese

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Cook onion and bell pepper in salad oil until tender.

Add flour, sugar, paprika, mustard, salt, seasoned salt, water and vinegar; cook until thickened.

Add cubed potatoes and pimento; blend and pour into 9 X 9 inch casserole dish.

Arrange grated cheese on top for color; bake long enough to melt cheese.

CHICKEN CASSEROLE RECIPE

This would also be a good casserole recipe to take in a casserole carrier like I purchased at the festival of iris flowers.

  • 3 Cups cooked chunks chicken
  • 4 Cups bread cubes
  • ¾ Cups diced celery
  • 1 Medium chopped onion
  • ½ Cup chicken broth
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ Teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • ½ Teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 Egg
  • ¾ Cup milk
  • 1 Can celery soup
  • Buttered bread crumbs (mix a little melted butter in with some bread crumbs)

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Arrange cooked chicken in 2 X 6 X 10 inch greased casserole baking dish.

Sauté bread cubes, celery and onion in chicken broth; add seasonings and baking powder.

Beat egg slightly and add milk mixing well; add to bread mixture and pour over chicken.

Spread celery soup over the top; Sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over top and bake for 45 minutes.