January 10th, 2012
 Best Table on the Beach...Venus in Dewey Winter is the perfect opportunity to learn to cook. Cooking is not hard…don’t rush it…savour it. One of the most fun days I had over a year ago was when a few of us went to one of the cooking classes offered by Big Fish Grill. We had so much fun. I even ventured to fillet the fish…why was it so hard when it looked so easy?
So, What’s Cooking? Read on…
Abracadinner Cooking Classes – By Personal Chef Kris Etze. Class sizes range from 4 to 8, depending on the topic and “hands on” projects. Each class will last approx. 90 minutes to 2 hours. Cost? $55 per individual class. Enroll in 4 and get the 5th class free. Additional fees may apply toward food and supplies. Class size is limited.
Tasting will be included; a light lunch in Kris’ kitchen.
Pre-register by calling 302-945-2610, faxing your info to 302-945-4153 or you may e-mail Kris at chef@abracadinner.com. Leave your name, email address, phone number, topic and date of class. All fees are due in advance. Mail your check to Kris Etze, 22393 Holly Oak Lane, Lewes, DE 19958. Driving directions, registration info, and anything you might need to bring will be sent by e-mail.
Kris has different classes with the first one starting on Saturday, 1/14. This class will be Chowdah Central…Winter is the best time to prepare a chowder. To me, it calms the winter blues and warms my soul.
Next class will be on 1/28 – Thai It Up! The flavors of Thailand.
Kris is offering cooking classes all the way into March. For a complete schedule and more information, please visit http://www.abracadinner.com. Abracadinner is also on Facebook.
Nage Rehoboth – I have not been to Nage in such a long time. They have been a recipient of my figs in years past. Come to think of it, a post is needed on this popular Rehoboth restaurant. Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Tel. 302-226-2037. Website? www.nage.bz/cooking_Classes_in_Rehoboth.htm.
Nage will be offering 5 Cooking Classes. The first one will be on Saturday, 1/21. The topic will be Healthy and Flavorful Cooking Class. The next one will be on 2/18 with Hearty Winter Soups and Stews Class.
Better yet, just visit the website because each class is clearly explained.
In each class you will be exploring food and drink with the chefs of Nage Rehoboth. There will be an informal demonstration with lots of interaction with the instructor. A tasting, a booklet of the recipes from the class and even a meal shared with the instructor.
You will need to register and pay for the classes in advance. All reservations will be handled online. You may also pay online, as well.
Big Fish Grill – This is the only cooking class I have attended. The one that was so much fun. Their classes begin with a tour of the restaurant. Cooking classes feature menu items from the Big Fish Grill and Summer House.
There will be classes on February 4th and 18th, March 3rd , 17th and 31st, and April 14th and 28th. Call 302-227-3474 to sign up. For more details, please visit www.bigfishgrill.com.
So, what are you waiting for? Call a couple friends and make it fun!!
January 8th, 2012
I am never at a loss of words, but tonight nature left me speechless….
The Delmarva Peninsula is occupied by most of Delaware and portions of Maryland and Virginia. It is almost 180 by 60 miles. It is also bordered by the Chesapeake Bay on the West, and on the East, by the Delaware River, Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
It is basically a year-round resort with a quieter second season. January and February are probably the most subdued months and even though in the past couple of years we have gotten a fair amount of snow, so far, and I hope I am not speaking too soon, it has just been a most beautiful time of the year. So many visitors enjoying what this area is best known for; the beaches, restaurants, shops, the outdoors, and that relaxed atmosphere we all look forward to when we get away from our daily routines.
I had to drive from Rehoboth to the Salisbury airport. It is a convenient regional airport about 1 hour away. It was funny because it was mid afternoon and I mentioned to my son how beautiful the area looked. He nodded but that was it. I kept asking; don’t you love the marshes, and the bay and such wide open spaces? He agreed but not with the same excitement I was experiencing.
Driving back to Rehoboth I started noticing how pretty the sunset was going to be. It was now about 5 p.m. I drove to Rehoboth on Coastal Highway and was checking out our soon to open new Indian River Inlet Bridge when I noticed the Moon. Turned back and went on the beach and the pictures tell the time of the day; still light with the moon out and then the changes until I reached Rehoboth. I was totally speechless and in love with nature and the whole scenery.
Coastal Highway is a great beach road and a most scenic one; Rehoboth Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
I was not the only one thinking the same thing. I saw people stopping and getting their cameras out. A young woman did just that; we both were taking pictures of Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach.
Believe it or not I was on my way to Giant. I wanted to make chicken soup. That had to wait; stopping to enjoy the views was a priority.
If you were at the Beaches tonight I am sure you saw the same thing…..just priceless…
December 27th, 2011
New Year’s Eve in Lewes, Delaware, is something not to be missed. Weather permitting a full lighted anchor will be dropped from the mast of Lightship Overfalls, to its deck, with a countdown into the New Year. This is an annual tradition. It is the only National Historic Landmark that does a “ball drop”.
Lightship Overfalls was part of manned lightships or “floating lighthouses” that were started by the U.S. government in 1820. It is one of the 17 remaining and one of only 7 of such vessels in the country that is still open to the public. For more info., please visit http://www.overfalls.org.
These floating lighthouses could be placed in deep waters where it was practically impossible to put fixed structures; they could also be moved easily.
In the mid 20th century new automated lights and radio signals made these vessels a thing of the past.
Lighthship Overfalls was built in 1938 and was one of the last to be built. In 1973 it was given to the Lewes Historical Society.
Then, on 12/7/01 ownership was transferred to the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
So, if you are in Lewes, for this last day of 2011, then put on your party hat and get down to the canal, right at Front and Shipcarpenter Streets. Help everyone welcome 2012, toot the horn and drop that anchor.
Have a good time!!!
December 26th, 2011
I remember well when this week could either make me as a Mother or break me…..Calgon take me away….How could the children get so bored right away? Here is where Cape Henlopen comes to play…
The Cape Henlopen State Park is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-6852.
The Park has recreational, historic and plenty of opportunity to enjoy nature; for all ages. Usually, a lot of the programs start at the Seaside Nature Center, right in the Park. It opens daily, except for 12/24, 12/25 and 1/2. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
If you are a resident or if you are vacationing with children at the Delaware Beaches during the Holiday Season please take note of the following:
Wednesday and Thursdays – 12/28 and 12/29 – Holiday Break for 6 to 9 years old. Programs of Nature and Exploration. Hands on activities, crafts and please make sure you dress to go outside.
Wednesday, 12/28 from 10 a.m. until Noon – Where are the animals at the Park and what are they doing? Learn the skills to discover them, identify them by their tracks. Explore the Park searching for wildlife. The cost is $6/child. Please call to pre-register at 302-645-6852.
Thursday, 12/29 from 10 a.m. until Noon. Animal Winter Olympics. How do you stack up against some of the fastest, strongest, and best adapted animals found in Delaware? Sign up to find out by calling 302-645-6852. The cost is $6/child.
Friday, 12/30 – Night Programs at the Park present a Winter Moon Hike at 6:30 p.m. Explore the Park by moonlight, searching for nocturnal life in the Park including deer and night birds. It is for ages 7 years old and older with an adult. $2/child. Please call to pre-register at 302-645-6852.
Sunday, 1/1/12 – Winter Hike Series at the Park present the annual traditional First Hike, which is a 1.6 mile hike. It is the First Hike, on the first day of the New Year, in the First Town in the First State – Kick off the New Year with a hike along some of the most scenic and interesting trails. Look for treasures and learn how the Point is changing every year. For more info. and to pre-register, please call 302-645-6852.
Have a good one!!…Talk to you later….
December 24th, 2011
Running out the door today to get that present that you might have missed or just to even up the stack, or really just to take a walk through Lewes. Then…..
If you get a little hungry then do like Jody and I did on Thursday when we decided to stop at Blue Sea Cafe. It is located at 108 Second St. Tel. 302-703-2161. Website? http://www.blueseacafe.com. It is a sister restaurant to Jerry’s Seafood, which is right next door. The restaurant opens for breakfast and lunch daily and Fridays and Saturdays for dinner.
Blue Sea Cafe is a little bigger than what I expected. The addition of the bar is fairly new. It has a casual atmosphere; very colorful.
We sat at a corner table, with views to Second St. People were busy, carrying packages, and chatting with one another.
We decided on iced teas, while checking the menu. I wanted something Mediterranean since the restaurant has an American and Mediterranean cuisine.
Jody’s choice was a Smoked Turkey Panini with Gouda cheese, tomato and pesto. It came with chips. A nice size panini. I think I remember her saying “this is so good”.
I had not had a Gyro in such a long time. It is, Greece’s version of a fast food. The menu said it was an Authentic Gyro, with seasoned beef and lamb, sliced paper thin and served with that traditional tzatziki sauce. It also was received very well. It was a generous portion; more than enough, but as usual, it was gone in not time.
Served on a pita bread with extra tzatziki sauce. Tzatziki sauce is traditionally made of strained yogurt, mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, pepper and at times lemon juice and parsley. It is always served cold.
If you try Blue Sea Cafe for dinner let me know……the menu is on their website.
Note: Blue Sea Cafe offers delivery.
Time flew by. You know what? I feel so lucky…my friends are priceless!! Love getting together with them.
Again, Merry Christmas to you…..
December 23rd, 2011
Out and about in the historic town of Lewes with my friend Jody. Just a few hours to catch up before Christmas and New Year’s keep everyone wrapping, cooking and entertaining.
Living in a small coastal town is, to me, perfect at this time of the year. I don’t have to be looking for my car lost in a big parking lot in a mall. Local shops have everything my family and friends would want.
Lewes is beautiful any time of the year. Christmas has an appeal on this historic town. It is the first town of the first state. It has great restaurants, friendly residents, and wonderful shops.
For example, take the house where the Lewes Historical Society Museum Shop is located. Right on the corner of Second and Mulberry Streets. Ryves Holt was probably born in 1696 and died in 1763. He lived in that house. He was the Chief Justice of Three Lower Counties on Delaware from 1745 until 1763. He was a Member of the Assembly and Speaker of the Assembly, as well.
The building is so beautiful in its simplicity. Definitely, a post for the future.
The Lewes Historical Society has tours year round. For more information, please visit www.historiclewes.org.
Continuing our strolling we ended up at The Cottage, which is located at 142 Second St., Tel. 302-644-1544. Its owner is Sally Lawton. The store has wonderful gifts. It was described as “a vintage gift boutique”. Another description would be “where past and present meet”.
I picked up a few last minute gifts. I loved the wine stopper. Bought it for nobody in particular. Thought it would be fun to attach it to a nice bottle of wine. The candle smelled so good, I got it for a friend. Then, a customer was raving about the Fleurs Du Jour Rice Body Powder. She said she buys it for herself and friends. It smelled delicious; talc free, soothing and moisturizing. Of course, I got it. I think I will put it under the tree. It said that it would revitalize my skin and lift my spirits, as well.
The Cottage will be closing at the end of the day today, Friday the 23rd. They will be reopening in February. At that time the store would have expanded to the next space, and a post will be more in depth then. Please note: Sales are on-going today.
If you have little ones that might want to say hello to Santa. Well, today is also the last day to do so in Lewes. Right on Second Street, Santa’s House can be found. He will be there from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Walking through Main Street Jody and I met Lizzy, who was walking and shopping with her Springer Spaniel. Lizzy has a business and I am passing you the info. She is a licensed and insured property manager. Her business is Leave it All to Lizzy. She is a one person “does it all”. Home and office organization, event planning, house cleaning, rental preparation, linen service, grocery shopping, personal shopping vacation home opening/closing, holiday decorating, reservations and 48 hour move-ins. For more info. please e-mail leaveitalltolizzy@gmail.com or call 302-841-0917.
Chatting away…then we noticed the mini BMW with the tiniest of Christmas tree on top….so cute I had to take the picture.
We did have a late lunch….the post in a few hours…..
Merry Christmas!!
December 17th, 2011
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that uses Ladyfingers dipped in coffee. The layers in between are filled with a mixture of whipped eggs, mascarpone cheese, a little liquor and a sprinkle of cocoa on top.
My goodness, there are so many varieties!! I like the traditional one the best. Some still follow the classics; others have evolved from those methods and have different additions.
For the person that has to eat gluten free, then there is the question of the ladyfingers. No way.
Gluten intolerance or sensitivity is one of the most common conditions at present. Celiac disease is an allergy. Both have to approach food in a very different way. No wheat or its derivatives.
Adhering to a gluten free diet is the only way to go and the only remedy. Once the diet is started the results are amazing; you start feeling so much better; tests results will show that, as well.
The most important thing to know is that it is not a fad diet. People with no gluten issues that follow the gluten free diet do feel better; I do.
Some time ago I found a company called Schar. It is from Europe. Their gluten free products are fantastic. You can find these products at Giant in Rehoboth Beach. I am sure you can also find them in nature stores, as well.
They do make ladyfingers that are gluten free. In the back of the box there was a recipe for Tiramisu. Ha…finally!!
This recipe is so easy. No cooking is necessary. At this time of the year, it can be made ahead of time. Everyone will love it.
Sweet endings; dessert. It is the final chapter of a meal…I love a good ending.
I always change a recipe, making it my own. In the ingredients on the box it said 3 egg yolks. But, in the preparation it said 4 eggs. I figured it was a typo and just used the 3 egg yolks.
Another ingredient I changed a bit was the sugar. Instead of 4 tablespoons, I only used 3.
It said to use rum but I used white wine. There are gluten free rums; I just did not have any in the house.
The glass container could have been a bit larger. I had some of the mascarpone mixture overflowing,
Other than that, it was really good.
Tiramisu
3 egg yolks
3 egg whites
3 tablespoons of sugar
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons white wine
A whole package of Schar Ladyfingers
1 cup of brewed espresso or coffee
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
Beat the egg yolks with sugar; then add the mascarpone cheese and the wine.
Beat the egg whites until stiff and carefully fold into the mixture.
Dip ladyfingers in the coffee. Arrange them closely together in a flat glass or ceramic dish.
Cover them with half of the mascarpone mixture, then add another layer of ladyfingers and top with another layer of the mascarpone mixture.
Sprinkle with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 4 – 6 hours.
It makes about 6 servings.
A little tricky cutting it but it is very delicious and light…..well it does have plenty of calories.
Note: Schar’s Ladyfingers are not quite as big as regular ones. If you want to buy 2 packages, do so and add a few more. I just used one package, though.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later. You can find Schar and AboutMyBeaches on Facebook.
December 14th, 2011
“Eating stale cookies and drinking warm milk by the fireplace at 2 a.m. while you learn Chinese from a 46-page set of assembly instructions.” Got to laugh because I always paid extra for those assemblies. No way I was dealing with that.
Holiday dread or excitement? All that baking, shopping, entertaining, and wrapping….Guess what? I have not done any of it..haha Well, maybe a little. I encountered a long line at the Post Office in Rehoboth Beach; 5 people were in front of me. Imagine that. No patience, because here, at the Delaware Beaches, we usually do not have to make those long lines anywhere. Hmm…at the height of the summer season, yes, restaurants are crowded, and finding parking is a pain.
But, it is December and we are all trying to mail our precious gifts. So, there I was. My Mother asked me last year to send her fruitcakes. I am surprising her this year by sending them again. I hope that’s what she wants. By the time these are mailed to Puerto Rico, they will be worth their weight in gold. And, they were, definitely heavy. Fruitcakes are not my favorite, though. Don’t they have fruitcakes in Puerto Rico, anyway?
During the holidays is best to avoid stress by doing something fun. I found an activity and an event. They are on the same day and at the same venue.
Thursday, 12/15 – How to Make and Decorate a Natural Wreath, at 10:00 a.m. This is a hands-on class making your own wreath and decorating from nature’s products. It will be held at East Coast Garden Center, 30366 Cordrey Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966.
Please register by calling 302-945-3489. You can also visit www.eastcoastgardencenter.com.
The cost is $25, which will include one 18″ wreath, three leaves of your choice, three pine cones, three acorns, three clusters of dried foliage/flowers and a 1 1/2″ sprig of bittersweet.
Thursday, 12/5 – Holiday Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at East Coast Garden Center in Millsboro. 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Cocktails will begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. The Murder Mystery will start at 7:00 p.m.
$40/person or $70/couple. Please pre-register by calling 302-945-3489 or visit www.eastcoastgardencenter.com.
Note: Directions to East Coast Perennial are all in their website.
Have a great time!! Talk to you later….
 
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