January 14th, 2015
From the Delaware Tourism Office comes great news for those of us that have the ability to pass on information about our small state. Sought after by many as a place for retirement, for fun, and for relaxation, the Delaware Tourism Office is really campaigning so that when it comes to your vacation choices…..Delaware is It!!
It is the first time in the state history, that the Delaware Tourism Office has created a brand identity, a tagline and even television commercials designed to increase national awareness of Delaware as a desirable place to vacation. Many of us know that already, now we want you to check it out.
It is called the “Endless Discoveries” brand campaign. It aims to boost visitation and tourism revenue in Delaware by creating an image in consumers’ minds of the state as a destination that will surpass any preconceptions.
 
The Director of the Delaware Tourism Office states: “The challenge has always been to show others that Delaware is far more than just a place they pass through on I-95”. That, I have heard….receiving a call saying “We are on 95 going to such and such place…passing through Delaware….and, are you close by?”
I found this interesting…The brand campaign messages were specifically designed to resonate with female consumers, who have been shown to statistically more likely to take the lead in vacation planning decisions. The campaign is expected to reach hundreds of thousands of people in 16 East Coast states.
The new logo above shown, along with the words Endless Discoveries is hoping to spark the travelers’ curiosity and make them want to learn more……The Director of the Delaware Tourism Office, Linda Parkowski, goes on to state “The next step was to create words and images that fit that concept, and give travelers a sense that Delaware has treasures waiting to be found.” Some of us have found those already!!
To learn more, and to begin your journey, please visit http://www.visitdelaware.com.
NOTE: To see the 60-second Endless Discoveries commercial, visit the DTO YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msCpCkUemoA.
Please also note that the information for this post was taken from the Delaware Toursim new brand campaign: “Endless Discoveries”
January 11th, 2015
The trend continues….but to tell you the truth, it has always been there. Eating, buying, shopping and immersing ourselves in our local communities. We are emphasizing the fact that it is all good, so, I am promoting “All Things Local” in 2015.
It is Sunday morning. Fresh Duck eggs and sausage. Bread? Yum!!
It started when my son picked up duck eggs from Black Hog Farm, located at 16371 New Rd., Lewes, Delaware 19958. Black Hog Farm has very visible signs on New Rd.
You might see Pepper, the dog, running and barking like saying “don’t even try it”. It is just a show. Pepper is 9 years old and it is the family pet. The name Pepper comes from Pepper Greenhouses in Milton, just up the road. That’s near where he was found.
The farm is about 4.19 acres with a beautiful home, barn, ornamental and cutting gardens, including fig trees. The proprietors are Helen Waite and John Feliciani. Website? http://www.blackhogfarmstead.com. Tel. 302-236-2437. This is a self sustaining farm.
The sign…..
On their porch there is a refrigerator. If they have duck eggs that day, all you have to do is put the money in the jar. That simple and that trusting. $5/dozen.
Free range and pasture grown duck eggs are the best you can get. They are larger in size. The shells are tougher than a chicken egg. They are also higher in fat content, a bit more protein and cholesterol, more vitamins and minerals than chicken eggs, as well. These eggs were laid on 1/8/15 and I got them Saturday, the 10th.
I met Helen and John which by the way they were waiting for guests for dinner. They graciously invited me into their home and after a few pleasantries, I went to check out the ducks. It is a small flock, with a few geese, as well.
Mr. Cat was trying to get into the barn….seemed like he was allowed to, but I did not dare to open the door.
Black Hog Farm is also a B & B. Only 3 miles from the beach it is the perfect get-away. It is open from Mid-March through October.
Sunday dinners, once a month, on the porch, at Black Hog Farm is another event I did not know anything about. On the porch, a mid-day Sunday dinner following the rural tradition of dinner at 1 p.m. Check the website above mentioned as in the next few months they will start putting the schedules.
Leaving the farm until next time, I went home to see what I was going to do with my fresh duck eggs.
The duck eggs have been a total success in my household. First we ate them with Milton Sausage. This sausage is local, as well, and it is found in the grocery stores in Southern Delaware. Milton sausage had a delicious taste….I just added pepper and sage.
I usually do not eat many eggs….I love them as egg salad, deviled and at times in other ways….so, today, Sunday, I decided to fry a duck egg. I definitely felt how the shell was definitely tougher, and how big the yolk was. My son said the yolks are creamier and have a richer taste.
Then, I made myself a duck egg sandwich with sliced tomatoes on rosemary ciabatta bread from another local…..Old World Breads from Lewes, Delaware…another post in the making. Delish.
All Things Taste Better Local!! Have a great day!
November 29th, 2014
It might be so gray and cold today at the Delaware Beaches, but if you want to see some color and get into the Christmas Spirit, take a Drive to Milton, Delaware….just about 20 minutes away from the Delaware Beaches, where Pepper’s Greenhouses are warm and cozy…stroll through the isles and get ideas for your holiday decorations.
 
Pepper’s Greenhouses are located at 13034 Cedar Creek Rd., Milton, DE 19968. Tel. 302-684-8092. They close on Tuesdays but Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday they are open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. On Sundays they open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Website? http://www.accentsforhomeandgardens.com. Find them on Facebook: Pepper’s Greenhouses or Accents for Home and Gardens. Online business? Yes do have it. This is a family business, operating since 1985.
The Greenhouses change with the season. During the summer months there is a lot going on outdoors, as well. At this time, it is mainly indoors unless trees and shrubbery is what you are looking for.
Their poinsettias are gorgeous. All sizes, colors and variations. Hard to make a decision.
Pepper’s Greenhouses have pots, baskets and their staff is so helpful. Add a bow, making the containers look just right for gift giving.
Poinsettias are indigenous to Mexico and Central America. They were introduced in the U.S. in 1825. I am from Puerto Rico and they do love the weather there. They are trees flowering at different times of the year.
Pepper’s Greenhouses have forever wreaths and Holiday decorations. Don’t have that touch? They can help.
Fresh wreaths and garlands are also available, while they last.
Other popular plants like lilies, the easy to take care of cyclamen and violets are available this time of the year.
 
So, if you are tired of fighting the shoppers in town, now you know where to go and get away for a little visual relaxation.
Have a great Small Business Saturday!!
NOTE:
Santa Comes to Town – Welcome Santa with music by the First State Harmonettes. Santa will be in town from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Santa will reside in Milton from today, Saturday, November 29th through December 21st: Fridays 6 – 8 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Holiday Stroll – Friday, December 5th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. – An enchanted evening downtown. Horse-drawn hay rides, Santa House, Refreshements, Carollers, Music and more.
November 5th, 2014
Two days after election day Southern Delaware gathers in Georgetown, Delaware, for Return Day. 2014 will celebrate 101 years of this tradition which is unique to Sussex County.
State Law in 1791 removed Lewes, Delaware, as County Seat. Georgetown became the new County Seat. Much more geographically centered was the reason. The State Law required that the voting take place in the new County Seat. Those same voters would “return” 2 days later to hear the outcome of the election….therefore the name Return Day began.
The celebration will have a carnival atmosphere….a celebration no less!! The Courthouse will shine during the festivities. And, The Circle will be crowded.
There are new traffic patterns in place. To find out information regarding this and schedule of events, please visit http://www.returnday.com.
Hungry? On The Circle…..
 
Great food and friendly service. On Return Day, exhibitor, award-winning folk artist Pamella Bounds-Seemans will be at the Coffee Shop. Check http://www.theuppercrust.info/current_artist_exhibit. The Upper Crust will be offering a court-themed menu. The Menu has been updated and a version in Spanish is included. Please visit http://www.theuppercrust.info/menu.
The Upper Crust is located at 7 E. Market St. Tel. 302-856-2300. Catering is available….everything is homemade.
 
The Brick Hotel is located at 18 The Circle, right in the heart of Georgetown. Tel. 302-856-1836. Website? http://www.thebrickhotel.com. They offer nightly specials. Open every day. Happy Hour is from 3 until 6 in The Tavern. Fridays from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. complimentary appetizers. Tuesday through Saturday, they serve lunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lite Menu from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sundays the Breakfast buffet is $9 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Outstanding crab soup!!
The Classic Cheeseburger and The Pulled Pork I totally recommend.
The Pulled Pork!! And, if they offer the Grilled Portobello…then it will be a decision. Talk to the server. They are good with their recommendations.
 
Patty’s is located at 517 South Bedford Street in Georgetown. Tel. 302-253-8692. Website? http://www.pattys.comcastbiz.net. They cater and deliver, as well. Find them on Facebook.
I first became acquainted with Patty’s when they catered an event for Fund for Women. The small chicken salad croissants were outstanding.
Subs, sandwiches, salads, party trays, and gourmet foods. Patty has been in the business for so many years throughout the U.S. She is so friendly and the food is so good. The menu changes constantly but she is happy to tell you that Patty’s serves food from subs to the sublime.
Here is Patty at the counter.
During good weather you can take a seat on her picnic table, otherwise, I think people come in to order and then take out.
Chips from restauranteur Jose Andres!! Got some. You pay a bit more but worth it.
On the left is a Grain Salad with Quinoa tossed with Genoa Salami, hot and sweet sopressata, provolone, Goathorn peppers and tomatoes in an oregano vinaigrette. And, on the right is a Corn Salad tossed with scallions and cherry tomatoes in a smoked paprika vinaigrette.
 
Have a great day!!
November 3rd, 2014
I have tons of cookbooks. Not enough years to read them. Some I like better than others. This Meatless Monday recipe is not my own, but I treat it like it is. It was Giada’s mother’s recipe. It is good; perfect for company. A little tricky getting out of the loaf pan, though.
Veggie Loaf gives you an opportunity to leave meats on the side. Just by itself, it is plenty. Serve it with a fruit salad would be my choice.
VEGGIE LOAF
LOAF:
Cooking Spray
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small white onion, chopped (finely, please)
1 shredded carrot
1 celery stalk, sliced (thinly, please)
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 15 ounce canned cooked lentils, drained
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup low fat shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup canned corn
1/3 cup chopped basil leaves (If not available use basil paste by the vegetables in the grocery store. Use about 2 tablespoons.)
2 large eggs, beaten lightly
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
1 tsp. kosher salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. freshly black pepper
2 medium tomatoes, sliced (You can use smaller tomatoes, as well.)
SAUCE:
1 box (pint) cherry tomatoes, halved
3 scallions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped (optional)
8 fresh basil leaves (Use basil paste, if fresh basil leaves are unavailable.)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tsp. Kosher salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Make the sauce first and just put it aside. In a blender or food processor chopped the ingredients. Do not puree, you want them a little coarse. I used a blender.
Proceed with the loaf:
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a skillet, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, carrot, onion, celery….cook for about 5 minutes or so stirring frequently. Put in a large bowl to cool.
In the same skillet, cook spinach until it wilts, which does not take long. Drain and let cool slightly. Squeeze the excess liquid. On a cutting board coarsely chop it. Add to the onion mixture.
Add the lentils, brown rice, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella, the corn, basil, eggs, egg white, salt, pepper and 3/4 cup of the sauce to the already cooled veggie mixture.
Fill the loaf pan with this mixture. Arrange the tomatoes in a couple of rows, depending on their size, covering the mixture.
Sprinkle the remining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Bake until loaf is heated through and the topping has melted and starts to brown. It might take 35 minutes or a bit more. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
Slicing this loaf is tricky. Do so while the loaf is still in the pan. Do not attempt to take it out. Otherwise, you will have to do some rearranging.
I think 1 inch slices will be a good portion. Arrange on plates and top with sauce. Enjoy your Meatless…..whatever day you want it to be.
Note: This recipe was gluten free. Please check the labels for canned goods, grate your own mozzarella cheese or read the label on the bag. If using basil paste instead of fresh basil, Gourmet Garden, Basil Paste is gluten free and usually available by the produce in the local grocery stores.
October 29th, 2014
Pepper’s Greenhouses….13034 Cedar Creek Rd., Milton, DE 19968. Tel. 302-684-8092. Well, I will give you my Sussex County directions: From Rehoboth Beach go north on Rt. 1 or Coastal Highway, turn left on Rt. 16 west. Drive for a few miles and when you get to the stop sign in Milton, where the Food Lion is, turn right and immediately turn left. Follow that road for less than a mile and the Pepper’s will be on your left. That easy and worth a trip to the greenhouses.
This is a family operated busines. They have been doing so since 1985. They also have online shopping and shipping within the United States. Visit http://www.accentsforhomeandgarden.com. They only close on Tuesdays at this time of the year. On Facebook you can find them two ways: Pepper’s Greenhouse or Accents for Home and Garden.
Pepper’s takes a complete different aura in the Fall. Just like anywhere else it is a bit more quiet….well, let me correct myself. More quiet everywhere else unless you are Sea-Witching in Rehoboth Beach, or ghost hunting in Lewes….Those 2 Delaware Beaches do not stop year-round.
Pepper’s greenhouses looked beautiful the other day. The weather is cooperating so if you still have some planting to do, take a drive over. Plenty of cabbages, and winter pansies.
Strolling the greenhouses I found pineapples!!
The poinsettias are slowly turning waiting their turn!!
Pepper’s offers plenty accents for the home and garden. They also have ready made arrangements and a “forever” section of flowers…silks, etc. etc.
It is going to be beautiful today!! Check it out!
 
October 18th, 2014
 
Milton was on my mind this week-end. Small businesses and restored historic homes located at the head of the Broadkill River make this town home to many who are deciding to relocate in Southern Delaware. Quiet and unassuming is how I choose to describe it.
What’s Going on Milton?
Sunday, October 19th – BROADWAY CABARET NIGHT AT THE MILTON THEATRE – The Broadway Cabaret Series is being presented by Premier Centre for The Arts. The Milton location is 110 Union St., Milton, DE 19968. Tel. 302-684-3038. Website? http://www.pcade.com. Showtimes? Sunday October 19th at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 23rd at 6:00 p.m. For tickets and information, please visit the website.
Live musicians present Broadway and Jazz music. Amuse bouche menu presented by Vintage Pasta. Cash Bar. A cabaret style show with cabaret tables and candlelight. Featuring new music and food each month. Menu for the October show is featured on the website above mentioned.
Friday, October 24th – ZOMBIE WALK AND APOCALYPSE BALL – They say it will be a benefit of apocalyptic nature. This themed night will blow your undead mind to pieces. The Shuttle from the Milton Theatre to Po-Boys runs from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Po-Boys Pig Roast and Cash Bar. 8:30 Zombie Walk to the Milton Theatre. 8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. Apocalypse Ball with DJ, Cash Bar, Unique Performers. $25/Zombies, $12/ZombieCare, includes pizza dinner. For more information, please call 302-684-3038 or go to http://www.pcade.com.
Have a great time!!
Note: Information and Zombie photo courtesy of Premier Centre For The Arts.
October 8th, 2014
I have a friend that every time I put a recipe for “Meatless Monday” she always comments on my Facebook Page “I rather eat a hamburger.” She rarely comments, but on that day she does. This recipe is for her because Stuffed Pork is what’s for dinner.
On this recipe I measured everything with 1/4 cup. As usual, you can make your recipes your own…..add a little bit of this or a little bit of that.
YUMMY STUFFED PORK
1 1/2 lbs. pork loin (This one was already seasoned…that’s does not matter with this recipe. That’s all the grocery store had that day.)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried figs
1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved
pepper to taste
1 tsp. rosemary
1/4 cup whole cranberry sauce
1/4 cup of fig preserves
1/4 cup 100% Pomegranate Juice
Kitchen twine
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
The pork loin had a meat thermometer so I took it out and proceeded to make a slit on top not all the way to the bottom and not all the way (almost) to the sides. This is done to create a pocket for the filling.
In a bowl, mix the cranberries, raisins, figs, pepper, rosemary, and crushed pineapple. This is your filling…packed that loin up. Your fingers are the best tool for this.
Cut the twine in order to wrap the pork loin so that the filling stays put while cooking. Place in a baking dish. I inserted the meat thermometer on the side.
Bake for about 20 minutes. While it is cooking, make the sauce.
In a bowl mix the Pomegranate juice, the cranberry sauce, fig preserves, and reserved pineapple juice. Take the pork loin out of the oven and spoon the sauce on. Put back in the oven for another 25 minutes or so or until the meat thermomether pops.
Take it out and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and taking the twine and thermometer out.
Slice and enjoy. This dish can go well with mashers, corn pudding or corn bread, green beans, a salad….Leftovers? Sandwich would be my suggestion…with some mustard, as well.
Note: When slicing just do it carefully. You might have to arrange it a bit if filling falls off somewhat. If you want more sauce just mix the ingredients on a small saucepan, heat and pour over.
Have a great day….gorgeous out there!!
 
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