Tag: Thanksgiving

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Patoka Native Rebels

Hopefully, you’ve heard Drew Baldridge’s recent release, “Rebel,” by now. (If not, check it out…)

Although Drew’s expanding family now resides in Nashville, TN, he was born and raised in Patoka, Il. Recently, Drew and Katie Baldridge announced that their son Lyric will soon be a big brother.

Drew will be performing “Joy to Your World” with Mickey Guyton from the upcoming Hallmark Movie “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27. He makes a cameo appearance in the Countdown to Christmas 2025 movie that debuts Saturday, November 29,  on the Hallmark Channel at  7:00 p.m. CST.

Drew Baldridge and Mickey Guyton singing “Joy to Your World” at the Grand Ole Opry on October 15, 2025. Photo by Sharon Sullens

During the past several weeks, Drew opened for Jelly Roll on his tour in Australia and New Zealand. This was not his first collaboration with Jelly Roll. Have you heard “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll? Drew’s record label, Lyric Ridge, was responsible for getting the song onto Country radio.

Drew actually started his label after Covid hit and his former record label closed. That’s how he was able to release “She’s Somebody’s Daughter.” The result? It made history by becoming the first independently released single to hit number one on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart. He now uses his label to work with other musicians. In fact, Drew has posted on his social media that he wants independent artists to reach out to him to see if his label would be a good fit.

Drew Baldridge performing at the Grand Ole Opry on October 15, 2025. Photo by Sharon Sullens

As for rebelling, the lyrics to “Rebel” are pretty clear. He sings, “…I’m gonna stand my ground ain’t gonna back down and change the things I was raised on…”  An example of this is his recent #rebelofkindness social media post encouraging other independent thinkers to keep doing the right thing. He rebels against glorifying negative things by keeping his faith in Jesus and staying true to his Marion county roots. As his song says, “…if the whole wide world wants to dance with the devil, I guess you could call me a rebel.”

A special thank you goes to Sharon Sullens for allowing me to use her photos of Drew Baldridge at the Grand Ole Opry.

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Citrus & Spice and Everything Nice…

One of my favorite ways to marinate turkey breast is with citrus. I’ve learned that you can somewhat replicate sour oranges (often used in Cuban mojos) by combining the juice from regular oranges and limes.

This time, I actually used about 7 clementines and 8 key limes. I mixed that juice with a bit of olive oil (maybe a fourth of a cup,) about a tablespoon of chopped ginger root, a couple cloves of smashes garlic, teaspoon black pepper, and a teaspoon kosher salt. I poured that whole mixture over a double bagged 5 pound turkey breast and let it marinate for about 45 minutes in the refrigerator.

Then I mixed some of my Sazón of Little Egypt with a bit of brown sugar and black pepper and added enough olive oil to form a paste. I made a rack for the turkey breast with the squeezed lime and orange halves after filling the cavity with a cut up onion, a couple smashed garlic cloves, and a few of the citrus halves. Then I placed the turkey breast on the makeshift rack, cavity side down, and drizzled it with olive oil. I used a silicone brush to paint on the sazón paste mixture before pouring the remaining marinade in the bottom of the pain for some moisture. Next, it went into the oven for a couple hours at 350 degrees Farenheit until it reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. I believe it would have been fine at a slightly higher temp for a crisper skin because all of the marinade did a great job of tenderizing.

I think any leftovers might be good with some avocado and crostini…or maybe in a salad? Then again, some toasted bread, cheddar cheese, and sandwich fixings sound pretty good too… Since this is Illinois, a horseshoe made with with turkey over a pile a fries smothered in cheesy goodness would also work.