July 7th, 2010
It is so funny that it is so late at night and I am writing about Flan. I came late from Two Seas (tomorrow’s blog) in Dewey Beach and my Flan was ready. I had made it this afternoon. It is the perfect dessert for balmy evenings.
A Flan is like a custard, but at the same time it isn’t. It is more than that; it is a dessert that can be adapted to any occasion.
Let me tell you how I like it. First of all, just like with creme brulee, I want the original and most simple of the recipes. Forget flavors and enhancements. This dessert does not need all that.
The following recipe serves about 12 people. I cut it in half and it fit perfectly on my metal pie pan.
Flan de Leche ( Puerto Rican Baked Custard) Serves 12 (to adapt it just cut it in half; instead of 7 eggs, use 4). I also cut the sugar in half.
6 cups of milk (whole milk)
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
peel of fresh lime, rinsed
7 eggs
1 cup sugar (to caramelize the pan)
Combine the milk, sugar, salt and lime and bring rapidly to a boil. Reduce heat to moderate and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain and allow to cool.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Caramelize a round 9 x 3 1/2-inch aluminum pan without tube, by putting sugar in the pan; placing it in the oven until it turns to a light gold. Swirl the pan to coat bottom and sides with caramel. Set aside.
In a saucepan, blend egg yolks and whites with a rubber spatula. Mix milk gradually, and strain.
Pour strained mixture into the caramelized pan. Set pan in a large shallow baking pan containing about 1 inch or so of hot water. Bake 1 hour for the full recipe or a little bit over 1/2 hour for half of the recipe. It should be set and golden. You may insert a knife in the center and if it comes out clean, it definitely is ready. Then, remove pan from water bath.
Allow to cool and then cover and set in refrigerator. When ready to serve, turn custard onto a platter. This can get tricky so first run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it up.
As with any recipe, you do have, at times, to play with it and make it your own. Then, enjoy it.
If you want to make it more festive, you may add berries on the side.
Talk to you later….you know I will….
July 4th, 2010
The 4th of July; a grand and great holiday in the United States, enjoyed by the exciting, colorful and traditional displays of fireworks in most cities. These are, but, a symbol of the meaning behind the Celebration of Independence.
The 4th of July Independence Day, though, came about as the result of the valiant efforts and commitments of our American forefathers; not that long ago.
Have a Great 4th and talk to you later……….
July 3rd, 2010
DELRAY BEACH – JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION
Celebrate your All-American spirit in this Village by the Sea with a day on the beach and a wide range of entertainment from morning til’ night!!!!
Sand sculpture contest, parades, live entertainment, music, food and a spectacular fireworks display.
Location? Intersection of A1A and Atlantic Ave.
Schedule of Events:
8 a.m. until 12 Noon – Sand sculpting
10 a.m. – Flag raising ceremony for 30′ x 60′ American flag near the beach
3:15 p.m. - Hot Dog Eating Contest
3:45 p.m. – 3-Pound Burger Eating Contest
4:00 p.m. – Registration and decoration time for entries in the Patriotic Bike and Scooter Parade. Gather at Veterans Park (Atlantic Ave. and the Intracoastal)
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Food and beverages provided by local restaurants at Atlantic Ave. and A1A.
4:45 p.m. – Patriotic Bike & Scooter Parage begins at Veterans Park and continues on Atlantic Ave. to the Marriott Hotel on the Beach.
5:00 p.m. – Beautiful Baby Bathing Suit Contest begins on the entertainment stage at A1A and Atlantic Ave.
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Free concert at the entertainment stage at A1A and Atlantic Ave.
8:30 p.m. – First fireworks salute signaling that the show will begin in 30 minutes.
8:45 p.m. – Red, White & Blue Star Shell will be launched to announce that the show will begin in 15 minutes. Time to set your radio to Sunny 104.3 FM for the fireworks music simulcast.
8:50 p.m. – Fireworks celebration introduction and Pledge of Allegiance led by Delray Mayor Woodie McDuffie.
9:00 p.m. – Spectacular Grucci Fireworks Celebration begins!!!
For more information, downloads of all contests and July coupons, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com/july-fourth-celebration.
Happy 4th of July to all…..
June 28th, 2010
I was in the mood for some comfort food. I think if you ask anyone from Puerto Rico they will probably tell you that they consider “tostones” their comfort food.
Off to Giant, our local supermaket, I went and they did have plantains. I needed them green for the “tostones”. I don’t think there is a translation for “tostones”.
Plantains are from the same family as the bananas. They are a starch and they do have less sugar than the bananas.
The easiest way to peel the plantains is by cutting the tips on each end. Then, place the plantains in the microwave for 1 minute. Make a slice with a knife, lengthwise, just on the skin and peel it back. Cut the plantains in one inch chunks and place them in a bowl of water with a teaspoon of salt. I like my “tostones” thin so that’s why I gave you that measurement.
Drain the plantains and in a deep fryer or deep frying pan put enough Canola oil to submerge the plantain chunks. Fry them until they are golden.
Place them to drain on paper towels. Yes, it is too bad that they need to be fried but I am telling you, that’s why they are so good.
The next step is to flaten them. All you need is waxed paper and a plate. Put one chunk at a time in between the wax paper and flaten it with a plate. Continue to do so until all pieces are flatened. Believe it or not, it really does not take long.
Back again into the frying pan. Fry them until they reach a very deep golden color. They will rise to the surface of the oil. Drain again on paper towels.
Some people just eat them as a side dish and others like them as a snack. Some put just butter on top and a bit of garlic powder and some, like me, make a Mojo.
Yes, the Mojo really came before the alcoholic Mojito. It is one of those sauces made in a Pilon (Mortar and Pestle), if you have one. If not, then improvise. Garlic and salt are the first condiments of my Mojo. Then mash with the pestle. Add about 3 tablespoons of olive oil, mixing everything in. Then add a small can of tomato sauce, the juice of a half a lime, cilantro to taste, pepper, and a dash of Tabasco or more. The measurements are not exact, as you can tell by the way I am writing. Some times I think it needs a little more lime, or maybe more cilantro so you will probably have to make this recipe your own.
The Mojo is a sauce used for a lot of dishes. I was making some shrimp with onion, peppers, olive oil, a little bit of butter. I just sauteed all the vegies and at the last minute the medium shrimp went in and cooked until nice and pink. I added some of that Mojo to give it a nice sauce.
I had gone to Tomato Sunshine and got really pretty tomatoes. Once summer starts giving us good tomatoes then I love to make mayonnaise. You wonder why? Well, it is homemade and delicious.
Homemade Mayonnaise
2 egg yolks
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups salad oil
Aple Cider Vinegar
Dash of Worcestershire Sauce
Dash of Tabasco
In a small bowl put mustard, salt and egg yolks. Mix together with a mixer on low speed. Then add oil, 1 tsp. at a time a t first, mixing well after each addition. For the first 1/4 cup be sure to add only a little at a time.
As the mixture thickens, thin with 1 tsp. vinegar. Keep mixing with the mixer.
After 1/4 cup of oil, you may add the oil a little faster. The first additions of oil make the emulsion. If by any chance it separates during this time, take another egg yolk in another bowl and start over. After you get this well started, you can add the old separated mixture to it. I don’t think you will have any problems.
When mayonnaise is finished, add a dash of Worcestershire and a dash of Tabasco to taste.
Enjoy and make it your own.
Talk to you later…..as usual….
June 27th, 2010
I was taking a walk this morning, here, in Rehoboth Beach, and it was so hot. It reminded me of the same heat I felt in Delray Beach a few weeks ago. We think that there is nothing going on in South Florida this time of the year but I was pleasantly surprised how crowded this Village by the Sea was a few weeks ago. As hot as it was, I did not mind it.
As the 4th of July approaches I was wondering what would be going on in Delray this week. And, this is what I found:
Monday, June 28th – Booksigning at Murder on the Beach, a Mystery Book Store, located at 273 NE 2nd Avenue (Pineapple Grove Art District). Tel. 561-279-7790. Website www.murderonthebeach.com. Open Mondays through Saturdasy from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
Murder on the Beach carries new, used, collectible books, and audio books. They also carry mystery jigsaw puzzles and mystery dinner games.
Author, Craig Johnson, will speak and sign his new book, Junkyard Dogs. The book: “Missing body parts and dead developers are only the beginning….”
Craig Johnson is a mystery writer from Wyoming and he is the author of The Cold Dish and The Dark Horse.
Tuesdays through Saturdays – Coral Reef Shark Feeding at the Sandoway House Nature Center located on 142 S. Ocean Blv., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-274-7263. On Sundays the feeding takes place at 1:30 p.m. Website is www.sandowayhouse.com.
You know, the Sandoway House is a house that was designed by Samuel Ogren, Sr. in 1936 for early Delray winter resident J.B. Evans who was a retired produce broker. It is a simple home, overlooking the ocean, and it is one of the last remaining Resort Colonial Revival houses in Delray. Since it was built during the Great Depression, the only ostentation is the cathedral window on the south side of the house.
In 1998, this house opened its doors to the public as a nature center in a historical setting.
Please visit the website or give them a call because they have all kinds of programs, plus it is a neat house to tour; you don’t find many of those left. They have turtle talks, garden walks, inside and outside talks about shells, fossil Fridays and snake and lizard talk.
At Boston’s on the Beach:
Boston’s is an institution in Delray Beach. It has been in this town for 28 years and there is always food, fun and live music. Right there a block south from Atlantic and A1A, across from the beach. The address is 40 S. Ocean Blvd. and the telephone is 561-278-3364. The website is www.bostonsonthebeach.com.
On Monday, 6/28 is Reggae Night from 9 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.
On Tuesday, 6/29 it is Blue Tuesdays from 8:30 until 9:30 p.m. This night brings world class blues music featuring famous Frank Ward and “The Nantucket Goobers”. It is an ever changing lineup of musicians and special guests.
On Friday, 7/2, Saturday, 7/3, and Sunday (the 4th!!) – It is The Red, White & Blues 2010 Festival at Boston’s on the Beach at Atlantic & A1A. Featuring Elvin Bishop & Tinsley Ellis. Admission $12 on Friday, $18 on Saturday or a 2-day pre-sale pass for $20. No charge on Sunday. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. For schedule performances please visit the website above mentioned.
Friday, 7/2 – Gallery Walk - 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. This is a time when Delray’s downtown art galleries and studios open their doors to the public for extended hours for music, art and refreshments.
The following businesses I personally know. There is no better way to advertise than by word of mouth. Yes, they are also my advertisers right on my blog. Just click on their individual sites and this will take you into their websites for information on everything they have to offer.
Tauriello & Company Real Estate – I have used them many times. Please call John Merryman at 561-573-8500 in case you want a place in this beautiful Village by the Sea.
Anita Jennings Designs – Interiors. You may contact Anita at 561-278-7473.
Beach House Management, LLC. – Property Management Company. Tel. 561-376-4329. Please talk to Michael Keegan. I cannot say enough about Michael. I have known him for a very long time and having a house in Delray with him taking care of it, has given me peace of mind.
Have a great week!! Enjoy the Second Season….
June 19th, 2010
“Fathers like Mothers, are not born. Men grow into Fathers and fathering is a very important stage in their development.”
I was coming out of a parking lot, when out of the corner, a family was passing me by. Single line, Mother leading the way and Father watching their backs.
I could not believe it, but what a tender moment!! I knew those 2 pictures were going on the post.
We celebrate Dad. Not only our fathers, but all men who have acted as father figures in someone’s life; Uncles, Stepfathers, Grandfathers, Adult Male Friends and even Big Brothers.
The first Father’s Day was observed on 6/19/1910 in Spokane, Washington.
In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. But, it was not until 1966, when President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day.
So, I wish the best to all of those Fathers that serve as role models to all children. Thanks so much!!
Have a Great Week-End and, of course, A Wonderful Father’s Day!!!
Talk to you soon, as usual…..
June 15th, 2010
Even though I have had a place in Delray for some time, I really did not know where to go for tiles. South Florida is full of businesses that are into tiles but I did not want to make a career out of checking them out. I like to make those decisions fast; I know what I like.
My contractor, Dan Palmer, suggested I went to D & B Tile in Delray Beach. So off I went to check them out even though what I really wanted to do was sit on the beach. It was hot!!
D & B Tile is located on 781 South Congress Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33445. Website is www.dbtile.com. Fax: 561-278-7621. Tel. 561-272-7022.
For over 50 years this family business has been in the tile business. It is considered one of the largest privately owned tile distributors in the United States.
With more than 40 manufacturers, the company imports from Italy, Spain, South America and the Far East.
Besides Florida, they service other parts of the country with 9 locations; providing tiles to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
D & B Tile donates tiles and materials to Habitat For Humanity, The Jack & Jill House Children’s Center, and the Trojan House, built by high school students. They also hold charity golf tournaments to benefit the James Jr. Fund at Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital.
Walking into this tile company was, at first, a little intimidating. So many choices, colors, materials, accents. But, then I met Cherie Arbogast. She is in Sales and Design at D & B.
Cherie was so easy to talk to and immediately showed me different samples. We talked about the space, grout, backsplash, etc. In no time I was finished. She also let me take tile samples in order to match them to the countertops, which was a big help. If you are in need of tiles, definitely, I would recommend her at D & B Tile. Her direct line is 561-843-6523.
Have a great day and talk to you later….
June 14th, 2010
What is it about cupcakes? Afterall, we have all been eating them since we were kids. That’s it!! It is not that they are now a little more fancy and even bigger, the idea is the same though. The little cake with a lot of icing.
Yes, I get it. Cupcakes universally evoke our childhood. They are so easy to eat. Definitely easier than a piece of cake. You know how busy we all are; we can really eat them as we are walking or driving from one place to another. Just like eating a hot dog, a hamburger, or a pretzel.
I have even heard that cupcakes are replacing some wedding cakes. I don’t know about that but you never know.
I remembered that the last time I was in Delray, a cupcake store was about to open. On this trip I had to check it out.
It is Cupcake Couture, a Sweet Boutique and it is located at 328 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-276-2334. Website is www.cupcakecoutureusa.com.
The owner of Cupcake Couture is Pam Joyner, Cupcake Curator. Her e-mail address is pam@cupcakecoutureusa.com. Their motto? “Life’s short…eat dessert first!”
Unfortunately, the day I stopped by she was not there yet but her employees were very gracious and answered my questions.
The store is colorful. It appeals to young and old. The walls are completely decorated with cupcakes and candy. The displays are full of all that old fashion candy.
The store bakes the cupcakes in-house. As I was talking to the ladies working the store, they were bringing them out.
The key to a good cupcake is that it is freshly baked.
The cupcakes have names like Donatella Vanilla, Jimmy Choo-colate, Christian Louboutinilla, Cocoa Chanel, Red Valentino, Oscar de la Raspberry, Dolce & Banana, Ives Saint Lemon, Donna Karrot, and so many more. They are all listed with their descriptions on the website. At the present time, the website is being worked on but you can definitely get its menu.
There is also an assortment of classic breakfast flavors that change daily.
One thing that immediately attracted my attention is that Vegan or Gluten-free cupcakes are available upon request. Minimum is 1 dozen and please allow at least 48 hours notice. They also have sugar free cupcakes.
Besides cupcakes this Sweet Boutique offers gelato, soft drinks and coffee.
There is plenty of seating available and even flat screen t.v.s that look like ovens in pink and green.
The store had plenty of customers late in the day but in the evening, as I passed by again, it was definitely crowded.
Cupcake Couture could be a good place to get something for a host or hostess or anyone, for that matter. The cupcakes will be a conversation piece.
Please note that they also offer custom cakes. The store is also available for rent for that special party in someone’s life. If you need more information please contact them at the above telephone number.
Have a great week!! Talk to you later….
 
|
4 Comments