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….
December 8th, 2011
Every time I make this recipe I get those “ooohs and aaahs” you want to hear. It is, actually, pretty good. For lunch? For dinner? You decide.
It is really a healthy recipe; light and ready in no time. Great for a crowd; you can double it, or for just a few.
Hope you like it. Here it goes:
Asian Chicken Slaw
1 cup low calorie sesame-ginger salad dressing (I used Wish-Bone’s Light Asian with Sesame & Ginger Vinaigrette)
1 lb. chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 can (14.5 ounces) Mandarin oranges
1/2 lb. sugar snap peas, sliced
1 cup fresh basil, cut into thin strips
2 bunches scallions, trimmed and chopped
1 bag (16 ounces) cole slaw mix
1/8 tsp. salt (optional)
1/8 tsp. black pepper
Combine 1/2 cup of the dressing with the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Let it stand for about 20 minutes.
Toast almonds in a non-stick skillet, over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Watch them so they don’t burn. You want to obtain a light brown color.
Remove chicken from marinade and add to that same skillet or use another one. Cook over medium-high heat until the chicken is nicely done, turning a few times. It might take about 7 minutes or so. You want it cooked through. Then, cut into bite-size pieces.
Drain Mandarin oranges, reserving 1/4 cup juice. Whisk juice into remaining 1/2 cup salad dressing.
In a large salad bowl, toss cabbage, sugar snap peas, basil, scallions, cole slaw mix, salt, pepper and chicken with dressing.
Add Mandarin oranges and almonds; gently stir to distribute well. Serve and enjoy.
If you would like more dressing…then you know what to do….yes, make it your own…..talk to you later….
December 1st, 2011
It is that time of the year, and now that it is December 1st I can get into the holiday spirit. I, actually, did just that on Tuesday. Remember how nasty and rainy it was? Well, around 4 p.m. I took off for downtown Rehoboth for some holiday spirit lifting at Christmas Spirit. The store in Rehoboth Beach is an institution, having been at the Beach for 33 years. The one is Ocean City? Not that far behind with 22 years.
In Ocean City, Maryland you will find Christmas Spirit at 3400 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-289-6101. The one in Rehoboth Beach is at 161 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6872.
I thought as I came in that the store looked great. Jill Hudson, the Manager, told me they had a great week-end. So many people in town were here for the Thanksgiving Holiday, shopping, and enjoying such a gorgeous time in November.
The shop has many themes, ornaments, decorations, garlands, tree skirts, and lights. There are those ornaments that are keepsakes; then, the ones that are so much fun to give to friends or to attach to a present.
     
Jill thought that the store, on that day, was picked over. I did not find it so. It was full to capacity, I thought.
I always gravitate to the coastal ornaments. I find them so pretty. Jill told me that even though she has lived here all her life, these were also her favorites.
Strolling through the store; some caught my eye more than others.
For example, there were handpainted Christmas balls by Ruth Culver from Berlin, Maryland. 25% of the proceeds will be donated for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Ne’ Qwa Art? I had never seen these ornaments. They come in a very impressive box with a certificated of authenticity, as well.
This art originated in China and it is the reverse handpaiting on the inside of mouth blown glass. It is only practiced by a few. If you would like to know more, the website is www.neqwa.com.
Many towns and cities hold their Annual Christmas Parades in the first week of December. So, here we are, and our coastal towns are ready!!
Thursday, 12/1 – Berlin, Maryland will hold its parade at 7:00 p.m. – Christmas floats, marching bands, fire trucks, Santa Claus and more.
Thursday, 12/1 – Christmas Balloon Parade in Georgetown, Delaware at 7 p.m. A Vintage Christmas Parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, marching bands, floats, and fire trucks. More info? visit www.georgetowncoc.com. Please note that on Monday, 12/5 there will be Caroling in the Circle at 7 p.m.
Friday, 12/2 – It is the 51st Annual Selbyville Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. Food, fun, floats, marching bands, beauty queens, classic cars and fire trucks, of course!!
Saturday, 12/3 – The Christmas Parade in Historic Lewes, Delaware – 5 p.m. Then, tree lighting ceremony and caroling in Zwaanendael Park. Refreshments will be served in the Fisher-Martin House. More info? Please call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com.
Saturday, 12/3 – Christmas Parade in downtown Millsboro – 10 a.m. Santa’s Pak Shopping Spree – shopping, gifts, craft vendors, at the Millsboro Civic Center on Wilson Highway and Mitchell St. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be there and lunch will be available. More info? 302-934-6777.
Saturday, 12/3 – Ocean City, Maryland will be holding its Christmas Parade begining 11 a.m. at 100th St. North to 115 St. to the Gold Coast Mall. Check inside the Mall because they will be having lots of fun stuff. More info? Call Elaine Jarvis at 410-524-9000.
Monday, 12/5 – Christmas Parade in downtown Rehoboth Beach at 6:30 p.m. More info? www.downtownrehoboth.com.
Wednesday, 12/7 – It is the Christmas Parade in the town of Milton, Delaware at 7 p.m.. More info? Call 302-684-8500 or visit www.historicmilton.com.
Holiday House Tours:
Lewes, Delaware, 12/3 – It is the Christmas Tour of Lewes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour. More info? Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.
Milton, Delaware, 12/10 – Holiday House Tour and Holly Festival – 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the house tour, are $12 in advance and $15 the day of. They can be purchased at Antiques in Milton on 109 Union St. and at the Holly Festival in the Milton Fire House from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. More info? Call 302-684-5544.
Fala la la and more la…..have a good one!!
November 21st, 2011
“The first true supermarket in the U.S. was opened by Michael J. Cullen on August 4, 1930, in a 6,000 sq.ft. former garage in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.” wikipedia
I knew I was home when I first saw how covered with leaves my yard was; then I heard the geese. I love their sound and how low they usually fly. They were migrating south as I had just migrated north. Hmmm….
It is that time of the year when I usually decide if this is another Turducken Thanksgiving or would a regular bird will do this time. I wanted a regular turkey; have not even decided what trimmings I will make this year.
I think it has been about 3 years since we started eating gluten free. Not by choice; by the diagnosis of celiac disease. No wheat or derivatives, please. Just like we have learned to navigate, grocery stores, restaurants, and going to friends for dinner, our friends have learned just as much. They are always on the look out for gluten free products for us.
I got an e-mail from Richard…Hey, I was at the IGA in Lewes and they had gluten free turkeys. You want one? Of course, I did. I told him to tell them to hold one for me until Sunday. He did and then he said…by the way, you should write a post on this grocery store…it will be interesting to see what you think…
First let me tell you that when you mention to someone about a gluten free turkey, they are surprised. They think all of them are. Not, really. People with gluten allergies and celiac have to stay away from words like, basted, marinated, injected, flavor enhanced and even rubs, unless you know exactly what the rub contained. It is tricky but like anything else you get used to it.
So, there I was ready to pick my bird up and to also do the post. When someone considers going to a grocery store a chore, I actually love it. I go pretty much every day. Ask anyone who knows me. I also see everyone else there, as well.
Lloyd’s Market is located at 611 Savannah Rd., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-6589. You can find Lloyd’s Market on Facebook.
 Oyster stuffing? I can see why Richard goes to this market all the time. Lloyd’s has that neighbordhood charm. If you are lucky to live nearby, then, you really can walk. Otherwise, there is plenty of parking in the back.
The first thing I experienced as I came into Lloyd’s was the smell of rotisserie chicken. That was a good start. Rotisserie chicken makes great chicken salad; add mayo, grapes or raisins and pepper and you are good to go.
Lloyd’s is small in comparison to the new “mega supermarkets”. But, really, what it had was that neighborhood charm. That familiarity that is lost in big stores.
I introduced myself to Lenny. He was the son in law and yes, he had my turkey. He was so friendly. I asked him about taking pictures and he gave me the go ahead.
   
My gluten free turkey came from House of Raeford Farms in North Carolina. You can check this company by visiting www.houseofraeford.com.
Lloyd’s Market had just turned 40 years old on the 19th. My friend, Richard, told me he used to be a bag boy back in the day. The store keeps in touch with past employees, as well.
Lloyd’s is very well stocked. The store is impeccable and every item is perfectly in line. Good lighting and employees are ready to help.
   
They have local produce. The cabbage and the sweet potatoes were huge.
 
Of course, Lewes Dairy Egg Nog was in the refrigerator. It is the best, hands down. Some drink it plain, sans alcohol; others spike it; while others freeze it and eat it as ice cream.
I met Barbara. She was the cashier. She was from Pennsylvania and had been at Lloyd’s for 7 years. She was a widow and loves meeting the customers. Better than sitting at home by herself, she said. Again, that familiarity of a neighborhood market.
I found these gluten free chips called Popchips. Popped, never fried or baked. Vegan too. They were jalapeno potato popped and had quite a bite to it. They were delicious. The website was www.popchips.com.
I was taking pictures and a young boy asked me why I was doing that. I explained it to him and then he said, Oh, then more people would come, right? It was funny they way he said it because as I am writing this post I am thinking that Lloyd’s really did not need an introduction.
 My cart. Thanks, Richard….talk to you later…
 
|
0 Comments