Island Insider
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
As we step into one of the most magical times of the year here at Seabrook Island Club, we can’t help but feel the holiday spirit settling in all around us. The Island House is sparkling with decorations, familiar faces return with family in tow, and the Lowcountry seems to glow a little brighter as the season unfolds There’s something special about the way the holidays take hold on Seabrook gentle, warm, and wonderfully contagious.
December invites us to reflect on the year behind us everything we ’ ve accomplished together and to look ahead with anticipation to all that’s yet to come. There’s a shared excitement in the air, a sense of gratitude and connection that reminds us of the true meaning of this season. We find that feeling especially beautiful as we turn the page toward a new year
This month is filled with festive moments we ’ re thrilled to share with you: Breakfast with Santa, the 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Sale, Candlelight Dinner at the Pelican’s Nest, Pony Camps, Charitable Toy Drives, and so much more. We hope to see the familiar, cherished faces of our Members enjoying these celebrations with family and friends soaking in the laughter, the joy, and the unmistakable holiday magic that makes this time of year at Seabrook Island Club unlike any other.
Wishing you all a season filled with warmth, love, and memorable moments. See you next year!
Warm wishes, Anna
& Eve
AnnaRidge
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
As we wrap up 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has truly been an incredible year at the Club. Many of you heard highlights at last month’s Open Member Meeting, but it’s worth celebrating again just how far we ’ ve come. This year, we were fortunate to have an exceptional staff who hosted wonderful events and kept every department running smoothly. From a major Northstar upgrade, key staffing transitions to a full calendar of Member events, holiday celebrations, weddings, and facility renovations the momentum has been nonstop
Now our attention turns to 2026. Budget planning is complete and we have partnered closely with department heads to ensure a seamless start to the new year. Members can look forward to important capital projects, improvements across the Club, and continued progress on the Seabrook Island Master Plan alongside SIPOA, and TOSI. Design concepts are being developed incorporating feedback from the 2023 Member Survey with Members squarely in mind, and we are working through business cases and cost updates for each project idea.
We are also deep in the search for our next General Manager. A special thank-you goes to Jeri Finke and Ellie Ward, who are co-chairing the Search Committee, as well as the dedicated group of Members lending their professional recruiting expertise. With the support of a partner search firm, we are committed to finding the right fit for Seabrook Island Club.
And finally, Board of Governors elections are just around the corner in February. Four seats are available, and this year ’ s nominees are John Carpenter, Glenn Cocchiola, Chuck Cross, and David Shields We appreciate their willingness to serve and look forward to the election process ahead.
On a lighter note, we hope you fully enjoy the month ahead filled with holiday fun, time with family and friends, and the beauty of Seabrook Island during this special season. Whether you ’ re here on the island or celebrating elsewhere, we are grateful for this community and excited for everything the new year will bring.
Warmest wishes for a joyful December, and we look forward to seeing you at the festivities!
LynnLillibridge
LIFE AT THE CLUB
GOLF
December on the courses is filled with festive spirit as Members gather for holiday scrambles, workshops, and year-end celebrations. From gift-worthy Pro Shop sales to cheerful on-course events, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the game and wrap up another great year of golf at Seabrook Island Club.
Remaining2025SICGolfSchedule
December
Dec3:MGA3IslandCup-WildDunes/ Linkscourse
Dec3:HolidayBalloonSaleatthePro Shop
Dec4:SILGAAceoftheYear
Dec10:SILGAHolidayScramble
Dec11:GiftYourselfLadies’Golf Workshop
Dec13-24:12DaysofChristmasPro ShopSale
Dec14:MixedCouplesHolidayScramble &Dinner
Dec16:Sip&SwingWinterGolfWorkshop
GOLF PRO SHOP SALES
Premium Golf Ball Sale | Nov 1 - Dec 31
One-Day Holiday Balloon Sale | Wed, Dec 3
12 Days of Christmas Sale | Dec 13 - 24
DIRECTOR
GIFT YOURSELF LADIES’ WORKSHOP
Treat yourself to the gift of improving your game this holiday season with a three-part instructional schedule and lunch on the Golf Veranda.
Thursday, December 11 | 10 AM - 1:30 PM
SIP & SWING WINTER WORKSHOP
Come one, come all to our Sip & Swing Winter Workshop focused on Purposeful Practice! Bring a club, grab a pint at the Pour Wall, and join us on the driving range for an informational workshop on how to practice purposefully.
Tuesday, December 16 | 3 - 4 PM
MIXED COUPLES HOLIDAY SCRAMBLE & DINNER
Grab your partner and swing your clubs round and round, and join us for our Mixed Couples Holiday Scramble and Dinner! This is a Captain’s Choice scramble with 4player teams.
Sunday, December 14 12:30 PM Shotgun | Dinner at 4:30 PM
STRONGER SWING: SEABROOK TPI PROGRAM
Kick off 2026 with a stronger swing, greater mobility, more speed, and better consistency by training with Seabrook Island Club Golf and the SIPOA Lakehouse in this six-week Titleist Performance Institute program.
January 12 - February 17, 2026
Contact Andrea Grier for more info.
JANUARY
Fri, Jan 9: MGA Fourball Par 3 Chili Bowl
Thur, Jan 15: MGA Player of the Year Event
Wed, Jan 21: SILGA Souper Bowl Par 3 & Annual Meeting
Sat, Jan 24: Men’s Fourball Match Play Champ. Round 1
FEBRUARY
Tue, Feb 10: SILGA Interclub w/ KIC, Gov Club @ Osprey
Wed, Feb 11: SILGA Cupid Classic
Thur, Feb 12: SILGA Fourball Match Play Kickoff
Fri, Feb 20: MGA Fourball Ringer M-M or M-G
Sat, Feb 21: MGA Fourball Ringer M-M or M-G
Wed, Feb 25: SILGA Interclub w/ Briar’s Creek, DIC, & Yeamans @SIC
Fri, Feb 27: Fun-Friday 9-Hole Event
MARCH
Sun, Mar 1: Couples Mixer & Dinner
Thur, Mar 5: MGA Interclub @ Briar’s Creek
Thur, Mar 12: SILGA Interclub w/ KIC, Gov Club @ KIC Cassique
Thur, Mar 12: MGA Interclub w/ Briar’s Creek and DIC @ SIC
Wed, Mar 18: Ladies’ Member-Member
Thur, Mar 19: Ladies’ Member-Member
Fri, Mar 20: Fun Friday 9 hole event
Fri, Mar 27: SILGA Interclub w/ Briar’s Creek and Yeamans @ Briar’s Creek
Fri, Mar 27: MGA Member-Member
Sat, Mar 28: MGA Member-Member
APRIL
Fri, Apr 10 - Sat, Apr 11: Spring Member-Guest
Mon, Apr 13: Habitat for Humanity Outing
Tue, Apr 14: SILGA Solheim Cup
Wed, Apr 15: SILGA Solheim Cup
Thur, Apr 16: MGA Island Cup
Fri, Apr 17: Fun Friday 9-Hole Event
Thur, Apr 23: SILGA Putting Contest
Fri, Apr 24 - Sat, Apr 25: Men’s & Ladies’ Club Championship
Mon, Apr 27: MUSC Outing - Both Courses
Thur, Apr 30: Ladies’ Member-Guest Practice Round
MAY
Fri, May 1: Ladies’ Member-Guest Fun Day
Sat, May 2: Ladies’ Member-Guest Tournament
Mon, May 4: The Point Charity Outing
Fri, May 8: Fun Friday 9-Hole Event
Tue, May 12: MGA Island Cup Turtle
Wed, May 13: Island Cup @ SIC
Sat, May 16: Mixed Couples Championship
Sun, May 17: Mixed Couples Championship
Mon, May 18: MS Outing
Sat, May 23: Men’s & Ladies’ Memorial Day Tournament
Fri, May 29: Ladies’ 9 & Wine
Sat, May 30: MGA Summer Sizzler Fourball & Beat the Pro
JUNE
Fri, June 5: Monia Kreber Outing - Both Courses
Mon, June 8 - Thur, June 18: Aerification Crooked Oaks Closed
Fri, June 26: Fun Friday 9-Hole Event
Sat, June 27: MGA & SILGA R,W,B Tourtnament
JULY
Mon, July 13 - Fri, June 24: Aerification Ocean Winds Closed
Fri, July 24: Fun Friday 9-Hole Event
Wed, July 29: Head Cover Cup with Cart Barn
AUGUST
Sat, Aug 8: MGA & SILGA Supers Revenge
Mon, Aug 10: Palmetto Senior Amateur Golf Outing
Fri, Aug 14: Fun Friday 9-Hole Event
SEPTEMBER
Fri, Sep 4 - Sat, Sep 5: NFL Draft Tournament
Wed, Sep 9: CCI Invitational 1:10 Behind Ladies’ Tony R
Fri, Sep 11: Fun Friday 9-Hole Event
Sat, Sep 12: Men’s Match Play Round 1
Thur, Sep 17: SILGA Individual Match Play Kickoff
Fri, Sep 18: Ladies’ 9 & Wine
Mon, Sep 21: Our Lady of Mercy Outing
Wed, Sep 23: SILGA Individual Match Play Kickoff
Wed, Sep 23: Men’s Member-Guest Practice Round
Thur, Sep 24 - Sat, Sep 26: Men’s Member-Guest
Mon, Sep 28: More Good Days / Respite Care Outing
Wed, Sep 30: Ladies’ Island Cup @ Osprey Point
Wed, Sep 30: Exchange Club Outing
OCTOBER
Mon, Oct 5: Landmarks for Families Outing
Thur, Oct 8: MGA 3 Island Cup
Mon, Oct 12: MGA Putting Contest
Mon, Oct 12 - Tues, Oct 13: Overseeding Crooked Oaks Closed
Wed, Oct 14: Pink Links
Wed, Oct 14: SILGA Interclub with KIC, Gov Club @ SIC Thur, Oct 22: MGA President’s Cup Cocktail Party
Fri, Oct 23 - Sat, Oct 24: MGA President’s Cup
Wed, Oct 28: SILGA Pumpkin Scramble
NOVEMBER
Wed, Nov 4 - Thur, Nov 5: Ladies’ Member-Member Ringer
Mon, Nov 9: Veteran’s Day Golf Outing - Both Courses
Tue, Nov 10: MGA 3 Island Cup-Kiawah/Turtle Point
Fri, Nov 13 - Sat, Nov 14: MGA Member-Member
Tue, Nov 17: CALGA Outing
Fri, Nov 20: Ladies’ 9 & Wine
DECEMBER
Wed, Dec 2: MGA 3 Island Cup - Wild Dunes
Thur, Dec 3: SILGA Ace of the Year
Fri, Dec 4: MGA Finale - 18 Holes
Sat, Dec 5: MGA Finale - Reverse 9 Holes
Wed, Dec 9: SILGA Holiday Scramble
Sun, Dec 13: Mixed Couples Holiday Scramble & Dinner
Wed, Dec 30: Ring in the Year
I hear this all the time as a Golf Coach… “I want more consistency in my shots.” Most of the students I work with let their arms and upper body dominate the swing, which creates those inconsistencies. Shifting into your front leg at the start of the downswing and letting the arms fall to the ground is the best way to get more consistency in your shots. This is the hardest concept to grasp mentally in golf, but it is necessary to improve your game long term.
This could be done by trying to feel like you are bumping laterally into your front leg and loosening your back foot, so the heel isn’t glued to the ground. The back leg needs to start moving towards the front leg first at the start of the downswing. You could also think of it as engaging your core and your glutes to help utilize the lower body movement in the golf swing. Using those muscles to help turn your body towards the target sooner will allow the club to strike the ground more consistently. This will also generate more power because your legs will be using the ground more to push forward.
And don’t worry if you lose your balance. A balance loss is a good thing if you ’ re trying a move you have never used before. Just remember to always lose your balance in the direction you want the ball to travel (towards your target). If you let it go and don’t try to stop yourself from stepping, you will see more consistent shots more often. Eventually, you will stop losing your balance, because the muscles you have never used before will start to get used to this new feeling or motion.
P O W E R & C O N S I S T E N C Y
For more information or help with this topic, please feel free to visit the Golf Pro Shop and speak with any of our SIC PGA Professionals.
WRITTEN BY ANDREA GRIER, DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
RACQUET SPORTS
DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS LAURA FERRAIRA
Racquet season rounds out the year with playful holiday competitions, social mixers, and opportunities to strengthen your game before heading into 2026. Whether you ’ re joining the Reindeer Games or celebrating at the Holiday Party, the courts are buzzing with December cheer.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HOLIDAY BUNDLE SALE
Choose from three of our Pro Shop Holiday Bundles and save on racquets, strings, paddles, and more!
December 1 - 31
RACQUET SPORTS WEEKLY PROGRAMS
Take a look at the Racquet Club Winter programs! Advanced sign-up is required for all clinics and programs through the Racquet Club Pro Shop.
M O N DAY
T U E S DAY
W E D N E S DAY
MEN’S OPEN CLINIC 9:30 - 11 AM
STROKE CLINIC 11 AM - 12 PM
BEGINNERS CLINIC 9:30 - 10:30 AM
CARDIO PICKLEBALL 3 - 4 PM
PLAY-BY-LEVEL 2:30 - 4:30 PM
INTERMEDIATE DRILLS 1 - 2 PM
POINT PLAY WITH PRO 2 - 3:30 PM
LADIES’ OPEN CLINIC 9:30 - 11 AM
STROKE CLINIC 11 AM - 12 PM
T H U R S DAY EVENING DRILLS 5 - 6 PM
F R I DAY
S AT U R DAY
LADIES’ MATCH PLAY 9 - 10 AM
STROKE CLINIC 11 AM - 12 PM
CARDIO TENNIS 9 - 10 AM
LADIES’ OPEN CLINC 10 - 11 AM
BEGINNER CLINIC 9:30 - 10:30 AM
PLAY-BY-LEVEL 10 AM - 12 PM
PB STROKE CLINIC 9:30 - 10:30 AM
DOUBLES STRATEGY 2 - 3 PM
CARDIO PICKLEBALL 9 - 10 AM
POINT PLAY WITH PRO 2 - 3:30 PM
MORNING DRILLS 9 - 10 AM
PLAY-BY-LEVEL 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
S U N DAY
PLAY-BY-LEVEL 3 - 5 PM
EQUESTRIAN CENTER
DIRECTOR OF EQUESTRIAN CHARLES HAIRFIELD
The Equestrian Center embraces the magic of the season with Pony Camps, cozy gatherings, and special programming to close out the year. December is an ideal time to enjoy the beauty of the horses, the landscape of the island, and connect with fellow Members.
PONY CAMP
Calling all Seabrook kiddos! Join us for holiday Pony Camps this month at the Equestrian Center. Enjoy pony rides around Magnolia Circle, crafts, and fun!
Wed, December 24 | 9:30 - 11 AM Wed, December 31 | 9:30 - 11 AM
BOOK CLUB
Join us for our first monthly Equestrian Center book club! Inspired by our horse of the month, Theo, we’ll be reading “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi.
Saturday December 13 | 11:00 AM
To sign up for Equestrian Center events, please call the Equestrian Center: (843) 768-7541
FLIPPER & ED
Meet the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center’s horses of the month: Flipper & Ed, two beloved geldings owned by SIC Member Elaine Mansfield. Though they may differ in temperament and personality, these two seasoned partners share an unmistakable charm and even passports to prove their worldliness.
Flipper, a 20-year-old Selle Français, has called Seabrook Island home for an impressive ten years. He is known around the barn for his love of watermelon, which he begs for by dramatically lifting his front leg until he gets another bite. Ed, a 21-year-old Belgian Warmblood, is the relative newcomer, having joined our barn family this past April. He’s easily identified by his signature move curling his lip every time he receives a treat.
Together, the pair keeps their human, Elaine, thoroughly entertained. On Ed’s 21st birthday, he was gifted a bottle of Guinness…but before he could enjoy it, Flipper swooped in and happily drank it himself. And while both horses are affectionate, they’re known to show their love for Elaine in their own playful, slightly nippy way.
Each month, the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center selects a horse (or in this case, a duo!) to highlight in our community and inspire our monthly book club.
Stay tuned for January’s featured horse of the month!
FLIPPER & ED
BEACH CLUB DIRECTOR
MATT HOISINGTON
SEABROOK ISLAND BEACH CLUB
The Beach Club’s December lineup brings a coastal twist to holiday fun from bonfires and stargazing to seaside scavenger hunts and family-friendly traditions. As the year comes to a close, Members can soak in the beauty of winter by the water while enjoying festive moments with friends and family.
BEACH CLUB BONFIRES
Gather around the fire for family fun, ocean breezes, and good company.
Thursday, December 11 | 6 - 8 PM
Monday, December 15 | 6 - 8 PM
Monday, December 29 | 6 - 8 PM
PIZZA & A HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT
y Friday this December enjoy a ve holiday movie and pizza from our pizza kitchen on the Golf Veranda.
y Friday in November | 4:00 PM
STARGAZING
y an evening under the stars as search for constellations in the December sky.
nday, December 21 | 8 - 9 PM
CHRISTMAS SCAVENGER HUNT
arch for festive surprises and brate the season seaside-style. day, December 12 | 12 - 5 PM
LETTERS TO SANTA
Bring your holiday wishes to our cozy Letters to Santa gathering! Kids (and kids at heart!) are invited to write and decorate their special letters, drop them in our official North Pole mailbox, and enjoy a cheerful afternoon by the shore.
Monday, December 15 | 12 - 4 PM
CLUB EVENTS DIRECTOR
OF CATERING MICHELLE DUPLESSIS
The holidays shine bright at Seabrook Island Club with a month full of celebrations, parties, and memorable gatherings. December is your invitation to celebrate community, gratitude, and the joy of the season with us.
TRIVIA NIGHT SHOWDOWN
Put your knowledge to the test at Seabrook Island Club’s Trivia Showdown! Enjoy a reception and seated dinner followed by a fun & casual trivia tournament.
Wednesday, December 10 | 5:30 PM
MEMBERS HOLIDAY PARTY & TOY DRIVE
Our annual Members Christmas Party returns with a Festival of Lights theme featuring a festive DJ, dazzling light show, dinner, holiday music, and a charity toy drive for Toys for Tots.
Sunday, December 7 | 6:00 PM
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Bring the kids for a cheerful, familyfriendly morning featuring a festive breakfast buffet, a hot chocolate and coffee bar, photos with Santa, and a cozy holiday story time to end the event.
Saturday, December 20 | 9:00 AM
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Ring in 2026 in glamorous Old-Hollywood fashion as we take over the entire Island House for a fullvenue celebration on New Year’s Eve.
Wednesday, December 31 | 8:00 PM
CULINARY
EXECUTIVE CHEF & CULINARY DIRECTOR
DANIEL DOYLE
Our culinary team ends the year on a delicious note with seasonal favorites, creative classes, and festive dining experiences. Whether you ’ re joining us for a holiday brunch, candlelight dinner, or trying your hand at a holiday recipe at home, December is full of flavors worth savoring.
HOLIDAY COCKTAIL CLASS
Try your hand at some holly-jolly mixology where you’ll learn how to make three different seasonal cocktails.
Wednesday, December 17 | 3:00 PM
DINNER DELIVERED SERIES
December dinners are made easy when you order Dinner Delivered from Seabrook Island Club. This month, we ’ re featuring our new BBQ at home menu!
Thursday, December 18 | 3 - 5 PM
STUFF YOUR STOCKING WINE SALE
Stock up on some “jingle juice” at our annual wine sale featuring handselected bottles perfect for gifting, hosting, or savoring at home. Enjoy exclusive recommendations from winemakers like Moet Hennessy, Trinchero Family Estates, and Gonzalez Byass.
Thursday, December 11 | 5:30 PM
SHUCK & SAVOR
Join us for an afternoon of fresh local oysters, seasonal small bites, and perfect pairings with this special chef-led oyster event in the Bohicket Lounge.
Tuesday, December 18 | 3:00 PM
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING WORKSHOP
Kick off the holiday season with a sweet afternoon of creativity! Chef Christine will be on hand to share tips and tricks for creating the perfect holiday showpiece.
Saturday, December 13 | 2 - 4 PM
CANDLELIGHT DINNER
Enjoy an elegant candlelit seaside dining experience at the Pelican’s Nest. Enjoy a special chef-curated menu, festive ambiance, and a warm evening with friends and family.
Thursday, December 18 | 4:00 PM Friday, December 19 | 4:00 PM
CHRISTMAS EVE BRUNCH
May we be the first to wish you a very Merry Christmas at our annual Christmas Eve Brunch featuring seasonal dishes, warm pastries, holiday cocktails, and fun for the whole family.
Wednesday, December 24 | 10:00 AM
HANUKKAH BRUNCH
Celebrate the holiday with a Hanukkah-inspired brunch menu highlighting traditional flavors, seasonal favorites, and a warm gathering of our Seabrook community.
Sunday, December 21 | 10:00 AM
OYSTER ROAST AT PELICAN’S NEST
Thanksgiving Cocktail Class
Gather with friends seaside for a classic Lowcountry oyster roast featuring coastal favorites, live fire cooking, and Pelican’s Nest’s relaxed oceanfront atmosphere.
Saturday, December 27 | 11:30 AM - 6 PM
JAMAICA ONE LOVE HURRICANE RELIEF BENEFIT
Join us for an evening of Caribbean-inspired cuisine, island music, and community as we come together in support of hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. Donations will support World Central Kitchen in Jamiaca.
Sunday, December 21 | 6:00 PM
A CHARLESTON CHRISTMAS AT THE JAMES BEARD HOUSE
By Daniel Doyle, Executive Chef, Seabrook Island Club
Before joining Seabrook Island, I spent more than a decade as executive chef-partner at Poogan’s Hospitality Group, where I had the opportunity to shine a light on the Lowcountry’s soul through food. During that period, I was honored to cook at the James Beard House four times but my final invitation, in late 2018, remains the one that shaped me the most It was a Christmas-themed dinner, curated under the name A Charleston Christmas a concept that thrilled me, but also made me pause
I knew what a Southern Christmas could mean, drawn from my own North Carolina, Virginia roots, but “Charleston Christmas”? What did that flavor like? I realized I needed someone deeply rooted in Charleston’s culinary heritage and I couldn’t think of anyone more fitting than Nathalie Dupree, the doyenne of Southern cooking.
Nathalie was not only a cookbook author but an institution. Over her more than 50-year career, she wrote 14–15 cookbooks, won multiple James Beard Awards, and appeared on over a hundred television programs She was known for making cooking accessible, teaching home cooks to embrace French technique without pretension
Shortly after I accepted the Beard House invitation, I walked down to her Queen Street home in Charleston and reintroduced myself. To my delight, she welcomed me warmly. I returned a month or two later early fall 2018 to sit with her, listen, and learn.
What followed was one of the most profound conversations of my career. Nathalie was finishing her final cookbook at the time, Nathalie Dupree’s Favorite Stories & Recipes, published in October 2019. Surrounded by her kitchen cluttered with cookbooks, well-used tools, and touches of her life (like her signature Diet Coke) she opened up about Charleston’s food traditions, her own journey, and her philosophy in the kitchen
In that conversation, we tasted bits from her culinary archive, but more than that, we shared stories. She spoke about her time in culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu, applying French technique to the bounty of Southern markets. We talked about mentorship Nathalie believed deeply in lifting others up. She even had a “pork chop theory,” where she explained that “ one pork chop in a pan goes dry, but two in the pan, the fat from one feeds the other” a metaphor she used for how women in the culinary world ought to support each other.
From our conversation came one of the signature dishes I prepared for the James Beard House dinner: Charleston-style rice and crab purloo, inspired in part by what she shared with me, rooted deeply in Charleston’s heritage. As I plated that dish at the Beard House, I carried with me not just her recipes but her spirit and her generosity.
Nathalie’s impact stretches far beyond her books and TV shows. She helped found the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, served as founding chair, and cofounded the International Association of Culinary Professionals.She was also deeply invested in mentoring leasing her home kitchen, teaching younger chefs and home cooks, and welcoming people into her life.
Sadly, she passed away in January 2025, at the age of 85 Reflecting on that Beard House dinner now, I realize how lucky I was to knock on her door, to have that long conversation, and to translate her stories into a meal on one of the most prestigious culinary stages.
Nathalie Dupree was more than a mentor. She was a bridge between tradition and innovation, a teacher who believed deeply in the power of food to connect, and a gracious soul whose kitchen became a gathering place for ideas, recipes, and relationships. Her legacy lives on in every buttery biscuit, every soulful stew, and every chef who learned from her remarkable generosity.
GOLD RICE–CRAB PURLOO WITH MIDDLINS, FIELD PEAS & SAUSAGE
EXECUTIVE CHEF & CULINARY DIRECTOR DANIEL DOYLE
A Lowcountry classic, combining the nutty flavor of Carolina Gold rice with sweet lump crab, smoky sausage, and tender field peas. This recipe serves 6-8.
INGREDIENTS
PURLOO BASE
2 cups Carolina Gold rice (or 1 ½ cups middlins)
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 rib celery, diced
1 small green pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup field peas blanched (fresh or frozen)
1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes (optional)
4 cups shellfish or seafood stock, sub chicken broth warm
DIRECTIONS
1 bay leaf
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp neutral oil
FOR THE CRAB FINISH
1 lb local lump crab meat, picked for shells
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 Render sausage: Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat Brown sausage until fat is rendered, 5–7 minutes Remove and set aside
2 Cook aromatics: Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to pot; sauté until softened, 5 minutes Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
3 Add field peas and spices: Stir in field peas, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne (if using), and bay leaf Season lightly
4 Toast the rice: Add rice, stirring to coat in fat Toast 1–2 minutes until glossy and fragrant
5 Add stock and sausage: Return sausage to pot, add tomatoes if using, then pour in warm stock Bring to a simmer
6.Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook 20–25 minutes (or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed). Do not lift the lid.
7.Finish with crab: Remove from heat. Gently fold in butter and crab meat. Cover and let it rest 5 minutes to warm the crab. Adjust seasoning.
8.Serve: Spoon into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
GINGERBREAD COOKIES
Try your hand at Chef Christine’s beloved gingerbread recipe, a timeless holiday favorite crafted to fill your home with sweet, cozy aromas. It’s the perfect treat to share with family and friends all winter long. Yields 2-3 dozen cookies.
INGREDIENTS
Gingerbread
3 cups all-purpose Flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup molasses
1 large egg
2 Tablespoons milk
Royal Icing
2 egg whites
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
DIRECTIONS
1.In a medium bowl, whisk together AP Flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. If you like a spicier gingerbread - I add a little extra ginger. :-)
2.In a stand mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add molasses and egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mix until combined. Slowly add milk.
3.Mix until incorporated.
4.Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours. Also freezes well.
5.On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutter.
6.Place cookies on a prepared baking sheet ( parchment paper works great) and bake for 810 minutes until golden brown.
7.Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool complete.
8.Prepare royal icing:
a.In a large bowl beat the egg whites until frothy
b.Gradually add the powdered sugar, half at a time, scraping down sides of bowl until the icing comes together.
c.Add extract and beat until soft peaks form.
d.Place in airtight container to store, leave at room temperature.
9.Decorate with royal icing or décor of your choice.
COMMUNITY COMPASS
HOLIDAY CLUB WORD SEARCH
Jeffrey J Davis
REAL ESTATE
BROKER IN CHARGE
BEN SCHUYLER
As we close out 2025, the island’s real estate market reflects both the activity of the season and the anticipation of a fresh new year ahead. Stay informed with the latest insights and updates from Seabrook Island Real Estate as we look forward to a dynamic start to 2026.
Holiday Drive: Salvation Army, Toys For Tots, & Charleston Animal Society
Seabrook Island Real Estate welcomes new, unwrapped toy donations for Toys for Tots and pet supplies for the Charleston Animal Society, and Salvation Army Angel tags are ready for pick up! Please bring donations to our sales office at 1002 Landfall Way, Monday through Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Be sure to check out our market updates from Broker in Charge, Ben Schuyler, on the Seabrook Island Real Estate YouTube!
THANKSGIVING ON SEABROOK ISLAND
Rick Heilman
Rick Heilman
Rick Heilman
Susan Culler Soden
Interested in these images? This Seabrook Island Photography Club “Charity Gallery” allows free small downloads for everyone, and all the proceeds from full resolution image purchases are donated directly to Blessing Baskets and the SIPC operating fund
Rick Heilman
Jeffrey J Davis
Susan Culler Soden
Rick Heilman
Jeffrey J Davis
AROUND THE ISLAND
DECEMBER 2025
Jeffrey J Davis
Jeffrey J Davis
THE ESSENTIALS
Club
ADMINISTRATION
info@seabrookisland.com
COMMUNICATIONS
communications@seabrookisland.com
AMENITIES
amenitycards@seabrookisland.com
CULINARY
seabrookchefs@seabrookisland com
EVENTS
mduplessis@seabrookisland com
EQUESTRIAN
equestrian@seabrookisland com
RACQUET SPORTS
racquetsports@seabrookisland com
GOLF
golf@seabrookisland com
REAL ESTATE
realestate@seabrookisland com
MEMBERSHIP
membership@seabrookisland.com
The Island Insider is a digital newsletter for Seabrook Island Club, published online and delivered electronically to Members each month If you have questions regarding The Island Insider or Searbrook Island Club communications, please email communications@seabrookislandclub com
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