Skip to main content

Adobe Express 20240307 0244460 1Step into the vibrant heart of Clayton with Clayton Living Magazine, your premier guide to the best this charming community has to offer. From the latest in home design to the most inspiring local stories, Clayton Living Magazine is your window to the soul of the city.

**Clayton Living Magazine** is more than just a publication; it's a journey through the lifeblood of Clayton, North Carolina. Each page is a celebration of the local spirit, featuring:

- **Inspiring Local Stories**: Meet the people who shape our community with their passion and dedication.

- Neil & Susan Fabbo**Home & Design**: Discover the latest trends and timeless tips from Clayton's top interior designers.

- **Food & Beverage**: Dive into the culinary scene with reviews and recipes from the best eateries around.

- **Life & Culture**: Explore the rich tapestry of Clayton's cultural landscape, from arts to entertainment.

Our mission is to be the hub that connects you to the heartbeat of Clayton

"Clayton Living" is more than just a website, we have a popular Facebook Page as well as a private and moderated Facebook Group. Our Group is growing fast because it is different. "Clayton Living" was conceived to provide an atmosphere of community and growth. You can even Sign up For Our Private Facebook Group with your business Facebook Page!

Neil & Susan Fabbo

Get An Editable Ad For The Cost Of A Coffee

patroneditorphone.jpgIntroducing "Clayton Living" - the ultimate Shop Local Business Directory for Clayton, North Carolina.
Lets face it, Clayton is probably the fastest growing town in all of Johnston County. We understand the importance of supporting our community and that's why we've created this platform for local businesses to connect with potential customers.

As a Patron Advertiser, you have the opportunity to create your own advertisement for only $5 per month, and the best part is that you can return anytime to use our Advanced Patron Editor to add pictures, specials, updates, links, and more in just minutes.

Our Shop Local Directory is submitted to all the major search engines every day, which means more visibility for your business than ever before.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your business to the Clayton community.

Sign up today to increase your exposure and reach new customers!

 

#clayton #northcarolina #johnstoncounty #smallbusinessdirectory

Clayton Living Magazine Cover Features

Renovations Underway for Premiere Recreational Experience in Clayton

23 March 2024

In an exciting development for the residents of Clayton, the Town’s Parks and Recreation Community Center and the adjacent Community Park are set to undergo a transformative upgrade.

claytonparksupgradestoryThe Town held a groundbreaking ceremony, which marked the commencement of the third and final project funded by the 2019 Parks and Recreation Bond.

The upcoming renovations will elevate Clayton's recreational landscape significantly. Additions will include the Towns's first pickleball courts, new tennis facilities, bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, a modern playground, a greenway connection, and increased parking capacity.

“These enhancements will accommodate the diverse needs and interests of Clayton's residents, providing an enjoyable recreational experience for all of our residents,” said Clayton Parks and Recreation Director Scott Barnard.

The success of this endeavor is possible thanks to community and voter support. A resounding 73 percent of citizen voters backed the 2019 Parks and Recreation Bond, making it evident that the enhancement of recreational spaces is a priority of the Town.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, along with Mayor Jody McLeod and the Clayton Town Council, played a pivotal role in championing this project. Town staff have also worked hard to keep this project moving forward and progressing on schedule.

In January 2024, Clayton Town Council awarded the project contract to S.T. Wooten for a bid of $3.7 million. Renovations began in early 2024 and are expected to be completed by the year's end.

“The Town recognizes the integral role that Sage Design team, McAdams, WithersRavenel, and S.T. Wooten have played in the project’s success, said Town Manager Rich Cappola. “These collaborators have demonstrated exceptional skills as contractors, construction experts, engineers, and planners. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the future of Clayton's recreational facilities.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including N.C. Representative Donna McDowell White, who joined speakers Barnard, McLeod, Cappola, and Chris McKeel, Division Manager at S.T. Wooten.

With the Clayton Community Center welcoming more than 100 visitors daily, these upgrades will meet the evolving needs of residents and offer a premier recreational experience.

Mama's Southen Fried Chicken Recipe

21 March 2024

This southern fried chicken recipe is a family favorite. It can either be cooked in a deep fryer or pan-fried. Whichever way you choose, you won't be disappointed.

You don't have to soak the chicken in the buttermilk overnight but it is the key to great southern fried chicken recipe. It adds so much flavor and makes the chicken extremely moist and tender.

Here's what you'll need:

1 Whole Fryer, cut-up (I like to cut each chicken breast in half so that they will cook all the way through without burning.

       Southern Fried ChickenFor the brine:
2 cups of buttermilk
2 Tablespoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For dipping the chicken:

2 eggs
1/4 cup Texas Pete Hot Sauce (this will not add heat to the chicken, only flavor, the heat will cook out)

For coating the chicken

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon of Accent
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground thyme
1/4 tsp garlic powder1 gallon size Ziploc freezer bag
Peanut Oil for frying

Here's what you need to do:

Combine the buttermilk, 2 Tablespoons salt and the pepper.
Place the chicken parts in a glass baking dish.
Pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken. Turn to make sure that each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours but preferably overnight.
After the chicken has finished marinating, pour the chicken and buttermilk brine into a colander to drain off the buttermilk. Allow to sit for about 15-20 minutes to drain and warm up a bit.
In a large (gallon size) plastic Ziploc bag, combine all of the coating ingredients (flour, salt, accent, pepper, cayenne pepper, sage, paprika, coriander, thyme and garlic powder). Mix well.
In a shallow dish, mix together the eggs and the hot sauce, set aside.
Drop the chicken pieces, one or two pieces at a time, directly into the flour mixture (don't put it in the egg mixture just yet, that will come in a minute). Shake off excess and place on a baking sheet or plate until all pieces have been coated with flour.
Next, dip each piece of flour coated chicken into the egg mixture.
Return to the flour mixture and shake ( no more than 2-3 pieces at a time) to coat well. Allow to sit on a plate or shallow baking dish for about 15 minutes so that the "crust" will stick to the chicken.

Heat peanut oil to 350 degrees F.

  • If using an electric deep fryer, follow the manufacturers' directions.
  • If using a dutch oven, fill with 6 to 12 cups but no more than 2/3 full of peanut oil.
  • If pan-frying, you'll need a heavy bottom skillet (I recommend cast iron) with about an inch of oil.

Slowly drop the chicken in the HOT oil starting with the dark meat first. Don't get in a big hurry putting in the chicken because you don't want to lower the temperature of the oil too quickly as this will cause your chicken to soak up the oil and be greasy (not a good thing). The temperature of the oil is going to drop to about 300° or so once you put your chicken in. This is the temperature that you want to try to maintain while the chicken cooks.
Fry 3 to 4 pieces of the chicken at a time for 12 to 15 minutes, or until each one is golden brown. Be sure to turn the chicken halfway through the cooking time so that each piece cooks evenly.

Remove the chicken to a rack, paper towels or brown paper bags to drain for about 5 minutes. Put the finished chicken onto a shallow baking sheet and put in a preheated 225°F oven to keep warm while the other pieces are frying.

The cooking times will vary but as a general rule:
(These times are for bone in chicken. Boneless will take only about half the time depending upon the thickness.)

  • 13-14 minutes for dark meat
  • 10-12 minutes for white meat

I hope you enjoy this family favorite fried chicken recipe!



Shop Local Directory Sign -Up Is Free

Enter email choose a password then verify your email and your in!

Step One Create Your Account Here / Login Existing Patrons

Register here for a Free or Patron Advertising Account. Please read all instructions and fill this form out accurately and completely.

Step 2 Purchase Monthly Patron Subscription

Step One Create Your Account Here / Login Existing Patrons

Register here for a Free or Patron Advertising Account. Please read all instructions and fill this form out accurately and completely.

Step 2 Purchase Monthly Patron Subscription