December 18th, 2011
The last time I was in Delray Beach, I took off walking late in the afternoon, just before dusk. It comes to mind today as I wake up in Rehoboth Beach on a cold morning. Thinking that walkers are already out and about in Delray enjoying some warm weather. It is a great town for walking, biking or jogging.
I have mentioned before what a beautiful beach Delray has. Walking on A1A you can get a full view, and on a pretty day it just breathtaking.
The entrance to someone’s house or patio always attracts my attention; the beautiful and colorful bougainvilleas are one of my favorites.
Another favorite of mine are the seagrapes. I noticed they were getting ready. The darker, the sweeter they are.
Then I was at the intersection of A1A and Atlantic Avenue. This is a major intersection for this town. The ocean on your left and heading west on Atlantic to all the shops and restaurants. I found it so odd that it was so quiet.
I then took a left on Gleason, when the church that I had seen so many times caught my attention. I don’t know if it was that time in the late afternoon, or that the moon had shown its face. It was so pretty. I took its picture.
I did not go in but I have a feeling that is was probably closed. Long gone are the days where churches stayed open 24/7.
The Church is very interesting and I have made a mental note to stop by the next time I find myself in town.
“In 1924, a local Baptist congregation built a new sanctuary where the Church is now located. It was the only one built on the Delray Beach barrier island; considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the city. The architect was F. J. Schrader. He was also the builder and financial underwriter. His inspiration? A church in Florence, Italy. This church was less ornate, though.
Mr. Schrader, and a small crew consisting of a carpenter, a plumber and an electrician faced the difficult task of building the church’s large cypress trusses. At the time, it was said this was the most Floridian of all churches in Florida.
Originally, it was called the Gibson Memorial Baptist Church. After the real estate crash of 1926 and the hurricanes that followed, the congregation was unable to finish paying Mr. Schrader.
After the 1928 hurricane, local Presbyterians rented the church; then, they bought it.”
In 1977, after a new sanctuary was built, the original church became the Fellowship Hall for the First Presbyterian Church. It is located at 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-276-6338. Website? www.firstdelray.com
The new Interim Senior Pastor is Rev. Dr. Lawrence McBride “Mack” Sigmon. Sunday worship is at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Saturday, 12/24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services will be from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at 9:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, 12/25 – Christmas Day Candlelight Worship Services will be from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m.
This church has a historic designation. There are 26 buildings in Delray Beach with such designation due to their age and architectural or historical significance.
Have a beautiful day!!….Talk to you later.
Note: Information for this post was taken from the Historical Marker and from the Church’s website.
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 13th, 2011
 Flying the Big Sky I think that every day annoyances are heightened this time of the year….people coming and going, rushing…it is worse when you are traveling and have to make connections. Ahh….computer connections. You love them when they work, you despise them when they don’t.
I guess I am a little put off. So it is time to vent some.
Let’s take, for example, carry-ons while traveling. The idea of a carry-on is just to take into the plane a small bag with essentials; not a month’s worth. What airlines have done is create delays by charging so much for the suitcases that need to be checked in. People are refusing to pay; some are getting away with it.
I saw on Saturday the biggest carry-ons going into the plane until they said that all bins were full. Therefore, everybody else then would have his or her bag ticketed and sent to its destination for free.
It took forever to load the plane. The pilot was even getting annoyed. Finally, sitting down, in the middle seat, all squished I was. Suddenly the angelical voice of the pilot proceeded to tell us that there were 2 flat tires and we all needed to deplane. Granted, I am glad someone noticed, but couldn’t they have seen them while loading the plane? It would not have been very pleasant to land in such a state. A belly flop would not have been pretty.
Out of the plane. My fellow passengers were able to leave their “tiny” belongings. I knew I was going to miss my connection. One and a half hours later into the plane we went in a short time; nobody was carrying suitcases. More waiting for the paperwork to let the pilots know we were okay to go. Off we went and I had a new connection.
Of course, I will give you a hand I said to the person sitting next to me. She needed help with her oversize bag on the top bin.
In Charlotte walking and just waiting for my connection in 2 hours. Oh….late again…the crew had not arrived yet.
Finally, at my destination; drive for another 45 minutes…….The joys of traveling…..no choice…Rehoboth looked better than ever.
The Christmas Tree by the Rehoboth Bandstand looked beautiful.
Oh, we are so lucky to be able to display, here in Rehoboth Beach and all the coastal towns that make the Delaware Beaches, any Christmas lights or decorations.
When did we start being so grouchy?…No lights, they offend my way of thinking, my religion and my I don’t know what.
The decorations look so pretty. But, there are town that are now looking into abolishing Christmas decorations for the reasons above mentioned.
Boca Raton, Florida, is tired of being a referee in this regard…The Sun Sentinel had an article a few days ago just on this subject.
Delray Beach was fully decorated. This house was over the top.
You have not heard from me too much due to the fact that computers have their own way of behaving. Mine have been crazy, but I think all is well, at the moment.
I feel good again…venting….it feels good to let out, a little erratic…talk to you later…back in business
December 9th, 2011
Purpose: “To advance the public interest in the visual arts and to promote the development of excellence in visual arts in the South Palm Beach area.” delray art league
There is definitely a schedule, but when I see the banner I know that the Artists are in the Park. And, this is one of those week-ends. Right on Veterans Park, by the Intracoastal you will see the white tents.
It is going to be a crowded Saturday in Delray so get there early and stay awhile.
Artists in the Park have been in the community for over 46 years. Susan sent me an e-mail and told me that their Larry Marini Art Education Fund has donated back to the community so that students may have the opportunity to experience the arts through scholarships and supplies. Artists in the Park have donated to Old School Square, Milagro Center, Atlantic High School, Sister Cities, FAU, Delray Beach Library, Plumosa School of the Arts and so many others.
It is South Florida’s longest running outdoor fine art show and sale. You will find a variety of mediums; watercolors, oils, acrylics, photography, and sculpture.
It is free and it starts at 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
If you want to learn more about the Delray Art League, please visit www.delrayartleague.com.
Have a great week-end. Talk to you later….
December 9th, 2011
Snowbird? or, Snowflake? If you are in South Florida and around Delray Beach, check this out because they have a pretty busy schedule starting tonight.
Friday, 12/9 – It is the much awaited Boyton & Delray Beaches Annual Boat Parade – The decorated boats line up at the Boyton Beach Inlet and south they will travel along the Intracoastal to the C-15 Canal in Delray. Viewing areas are located at the Boyton Harbor Marina and along the parade route. Pre party starts at 5:30 p.m., live music, pictures with Santa at the Boyton Harbor Marina by Two Georges. Note: Please bring a new and unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
If you want to view the parade from an advantage point, then see if you can get on one of the cruises from Delray Yacht Cruises. This specialty cruise designed for the Boat Parade is $60. Please visit http://www.delraybeachcruises.com/schedule.html, or call 561-243-0686.
Tonight is called Free Friday Concerts with The Dillingers being the Main Event. Where? The Crest Theatre & Outdoor Pavilion, located at 51 N. Swinton Avenue. It opens at 7 p.m. with the food trucks, and cash bar. Bring a chair and blankets but there will be chair rentals available, as well. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. The Dillingers are a mix of traditional and contemporary blues. They are considered “Surfabilly”. Check their website at http://www.thedillingers.com. The concert will be held rain or shine, cold or warm. No pets, please and no outside food or drinks either. The concert is free.
Saturday, 12/10 – Kids at the Tree at Old School Square, 51, N. Swinton Ave. Visit Santa and play in the snow? at the famous 100-foot Christmas Tree from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This is a Free event.
Saturday, 12/10 – You might as well stay in town for the Delray Beach Holiday Parade. This year’s theme is Celebrating the Centennial. Parade begins on Atlantic Ave. at Venetian Drive and heads west to the Courthouse at 6 p.m.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12/16 – 12/18 – Musical Moments on Ice. This song-inspired ice skating spectacular is set to the music of the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Location? The Crest Theatre & Outdoor Pavilion. Please visit http://www.oldschool.org/performances.asp.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 12/22-12/24 – It is Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Home for the Holidays…The Therapy continues. This is a new Holiday show to be held at the Crest Theatre located at 51 North Swinton. Tickets are $30. Please visit http://www.oldschool.org/performances.asp.
If that schedule is not your cup of tea, then head for the beach….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….
November 22nd, 2011
Monday was the perfect day to write this post. First of all, I am back from Delray Beach, Florida. And, second of all, because it was, actually, one of those misty, rainy, Fall days in Rehoboth Beach. Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying it. But, I am also remembering last Thursday when I had the day all to myself in Delray….yes, in that Village by the Sea.
Last Thursday was gorgeous. I decided to go and sit on the beach for a few hours. Knowing that I was coming back to the cold weather, I was trying to get the last bit of sun. That was a good thing, since Friday was a stormy day in South Florida.
I have told you before about the beach in Delray. No buildings to block the sun. All you see is the beach. The water was so blue and crystal clear. I had all my beach essentials; a chair, hat, sunscreen, and water. Actually, I think my chair is too low. I need a new one. A little trivial… but that’s what you do when you are on vacation.
I have been wanting to cruise the Intracoastal. Right from Veterans Park on Atlantic Ave., by the bridge, you will find the Lady Atlantic and Lady Delray. I wanted to go on one of those. Departure? 1:30 p.m. for the 2 plus hours of sightseeing.
Delray Yacht Cruises is located at 801 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-243-0686. Website? www.delrayyachtcruises.com.
There is parking available so don’t worry about that. Remember that this is now the holiday season and these cruises will book early.
The other day, it was pretty easy since it was not that crowded. The Lady Atlantic was our yacht and you can start boarding at 1:00 p.m. Promptly they will leave at 1:30 p.m. My cruise was what they called a Daily Two-Hour Narrated Sightseeing Cruise. They have one at 10:30 a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m.
The cruises are Tuesdays through Sundays. If you are visiting Delray this week and would like to book a cruise, please check the website above mentioned.
 Intracoastal looking North from Lady Atlantic. They have special event cruises and you will need to make a reservation. For example, Sunset Cruises, Brunch Cruises, Thanksgiving Day Cruises which will include a Turkey Feast, or a Twilight Cruise on Thanksgiving to relax after eating so much Turkey.
December will bring a whole new schedule of cruises with Holiday Lights Cruises, Boat Parades, (Boyton & Delray Beaches and Boca Raton), Holiday Luncheon and Dinner Cruises, New Years Eve Cruises….call 561-243-0686 for details.
The Lady Atlantic and Lady Delray are available for private charters, as well. Please call for more info.
Lady Atlantic was ready and we were all aboard trying to get the best seats. Some were already sitting on the first level. I went inside to see how the boat looked. Beautiful woods and understated decorations.
The Lady Atlantic is fairly new. This 105 foot yacht was delivered in 2008 and was designed for South Florida’s Intracoastal Waterways.
The Intracoastal runs most of the length of the Eastern Seaboard. Natural inlets, salt water rivers, bays and sounds; some are also artificial canals.
Some of us chose to sit outdoors on the upper deck. On such a pretty day you had an advantage point.
Breanna, my server, was great. I ordered a blackened mahi mahi sandwich. Just as we started the cruise it arrived and it was truly delicious.
This was a narrated cruise. We were going south and we were about to cross 3 bridges; Atlantic Ave., Linton, and Spanish River en route to Boca. The same on the way back.
The narration started with the safety of the yacht and the history of the intracoastal. We would not be going fast; there were manatees to worry about. Some parts of the intracoastal are wide and very deep and others; so narrow and shallow.
The narrations kept us all entertained. Who lives on the intracoastal? Which are the tear downs and who owned those magnificent houses along the intracoastal? Some are specs; others gifts to someone special. You will have to go on the tour and learn more and even see them decorated for the holidays.
  
I met people from Ohio and from Chicago. Just on vacation they were; taking a day off from the beach, shopping and restaurants.
The yacht was smooth and very relaxing. Those 2 hours were gone in no time and pretty soon we were back in Delray.
I totally recommend it. I had a great time.
Have a great Holiday!! Talk to you later….
November 20th, 2011
Three restaurants in 24 hours…not bad; all different too. Still looking for the elusive stone crabs. My husband had them on his mind. The funny thing was that Everglades City, which is in Collier County, just like Naples and Marco Island, is, really, the capital of the universe for stone crabs. They should be found at a lot of restaurants. The season for stone crabs runs from October 15th until May 15th.
Jay suggested The Dock. For so many years this restaurant has been right at the City Dock overlooking Naples Bay. It is located at 12th Avenue South. Tel. 239-263-9940. Website? http://www.dockcraytoncove.com. It opens daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. On Sundays they offer brunch. On that location you will also find the Naples Yacht Club and other eateries and shops.
This is Crayton Cove which was Naples’ first sheltered mooring.
The Dock offers open air dining in a very casual atmosphere. Sandwiches, salads, pastas, ribs and raw bar are among some of their offerings.
Finally, the stone crab claws were ordered; large ones, served cold. They were good, he said. To tell you the truth, I am not crazy about them. I think I like the sauce better. To me, there is nothing better than the taste of the Maryland crab. There are different, I know, but they just don’t do anything for me.
Our, Naples resident, Jay, had the Grouper Sandwich, grilled, on Cuban bread, creole remoulade sauce and cole slaw. He was happy too.
I had the Havana. It was their “Cubano” sandwich; grill pressed Cuban bread filled with roasted pork, smoked han, Swiss cheese, and pickles with mustard sauce served with black bean and rice.
I must admit that it was delicious. I had not had one in some time and just like the bread of a lobster roll, the bread of a Cuban sandwich makes the sandwich. Then, “a la plancha” to get all the extra ingredients nice an hot.
The Dock has a full bar and is available for holiday parties and Christmas lunches. Please check the website above mentioned.
So totally satisfied we headed back to the east coast of Florida and to the town of Delray Beach…talk to you later…oh, and thank you Jay…
 
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