September 26th, 2011
I had so many apples, courtesy of T.S. Smith & Sons, from Bridgeville, Delaware. I wrote a post on this oldest apple orchard in the State of Delaware. Just scroll down; you’ll see it.
Then, a recipe on Facebook from Back to the Kitchen Healthy Living with Real Food was on my line of view. It looked easy enough. Peeling was the only tedious part. You can also get this and other recipes from http://www.nancynewcomer.com, who also owns the Back to the Kitchen Healthy….
I had various types of apples, some tart, some sweet, some big and some rather small. All were going into my large crock pot.
I did change the recipe somewhat. In her recipe the ingredients were apples, water, cinnamon, juice of a lemon. My variation went the following way.
Homemade Applesauce…Slow Cooking and So Easy
Fresh apples – about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 pounds, peeled and cut in slices or chunks.
1/2 to 3/4 cup of fresh apple cider
Juice of a lemon or lime
3 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Optional: Sugar to taste or Splenda Blend
Peel the apples and place in crock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
If you would like it to be sweeter, then you know what to do.
On high for a few hours. Please check after an hour and if you need more apple cider you can add some more. Make sure you don’t add too much.
If you like your applesauce chunky just check its consistency.
Remember you do have to make it your own, but it is so easy.
Note: Applesauce is so versatile. Use instead of oil, with pork, on top of ice cream….I almost forgot…it is gluten free!!
Enjoy!! Talk to you later….
September 25th, 2011
And, why am I writing a post on South Florida when it is still warm here at the Delaware Beaches? Because it will be only a matter of weeks when those cool breezes will start telling us that winter is on its way. I, for one, am waiting for those cool breezes. There is something about this time of the year when the scenery completely changes. I love it.
Some are probably thinking about going south already. The last time I was in Florida was in July. I go to Florida any time during the year. You have to admit that at times, during this past summer, it was cooler in Florida than at the Delaware Beaches.
With friends, and about to go out to dinner, we decided to take a stroll through Mizner Park. This cluster of restaurants, shops, entertainment and residences are located in Boca Raton. South of Delray Beach. An easy drive and only a few minutes to get there.
During the winter it can get pretty crowded but on their Second Season it is a very relaxing place to visit.
They also have an amphitheater, wich is an outdoor venue. If you would like to check their schedule, please visit http://www.mizneramphitheater.com.
One event that caught my attention was the 2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, which will be on Saturday, October 22nd. You can find that info. on the above mentioned website.
One store that I tend to visit every time I find myself at Mizner Park is Sloan’s. It is an ice cream store, but it is the cutest shop. Very whimsical. Besides ice cream the also have candies galore and small gifts. They are located at 329 Plaza Real.
I thought this store was new this year. It was called The Spice & Tea Exchange. They sell spices, gourmet teas, seasonings, blends and rubs. their location was 426 Plaza Real. Website? www.spiceandtea.com.
They also sell accessories like salt and pepper mills, spice racks, grinders, mortar and pestles, tea pots and infusers.
The next shop was Z Gallerie. Their merchandise is directed for homes. You will find artwork, furniture, lighting, table top items, and plenty of accessories and unique pick up gifts.
The website? www.zgallerie.com.
You will find so many more shops at Mizner Park; we only had time to visit those mentioned.
Anyway, hope you visit them if you are in South Florida.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
September 23rd, 2011
I have been so hooked on Gala apples for months. I do love them. But, I was just introduced to an apple called the Jonagold. It is a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Jonathan apple. Jonathan apples are known to be tart; the result is that combination of sweet/tart.
So, my post on Friday, on that first day of Autumn, will start with my experience visiting the State of Delaware’s oldest apple orchard. T.S. Smith & Sons is located on Redden Rd., in the town of Bridgeville, Delaware, home of Rappa Scrapple. Another of my favorites.
I got an e-mail from Greer, who works for T.S. Smith & Sons. She invited me to visit this progressive farm that has been in existence since 1907. You can find them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/tssmithandsons, on twitter as tssfarms; their website will be launched very soon.
It was a really scenic drive. From Rehoboth I took off towards Georgetown, DE,and from there north on 113, a left on Redden Rd. If you recognize the name Redden is because Redden State Forest is Delaware’s largest state forest, located right here, in central Sussex County. It is massive and historic.
Greer and Charlie were waiting for me. Then, she sent us off to explore.
It was beautiful at the farm. I was so lucky to have Charlie all to myself. He is Charlie Smith, one of the sons. Only someone who has lived in the farm and knows it inside and out can give you the kind of tour that comes from the heart. As I heard him talk about the farm, all I could think was; if you have a passion you will never work a day in your life.
I think I met my match. He could talk as much as I could. Then, we stopped in front of a tractor. He said this is a 1953. Well, I don’t get that excited about tractors except that this is one of two orchard sprayers and vintage tractors still in use at the farm. For over 50 years helping the farm and still valued and used today.
Let me tell you about T. S. Smith & Sons:
It was established in 1907. It is Delaware’s oldest apple orchard and the only one in Sussex County. I was amazed to find out that in 1938 Delaware had 92 apple producers. Now there are only 2. This farm being one of them.
Some of the apple trees are over 40 years old. Check the trunk on this one.
It is also Delaware’s only solar powered century farm. Conversion of power supply to solar in order to use renewable energy for cold storage, which consumes largest amount of electricity on the farm. The company used? Solair, a Delaware based company who designed and installed Delaware made solar panels.
The farm is also located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. A stream that runs through the farm is a tributary of the headwaters of the Nanticoke River. Many Nanticoke Indian artifacts were found along this stream and are all at Delaware Tech in Georgetown, Delaware.
 Charlie's picture The water was so clear I had to take some pictures.
T.S. Smith & Sons was one of the first broiler producers in the state. It started not long after the poultry industry took hold in Sussex County. Remnants of the poultry industry still exist on the farm. One of the WWII era chicken houses is still standing, and in need of help. In those times the family that tended the chickens lived on the second floor of the chicken house; the feed was kept directly below the family, on the first floor. Sorry, I forgot to take pictures.
The chicken houses were built by German Prisoners of War during WWII with wood from the farm. An effort to save the historic chicken house still standing is underway. After the war ended letters from several POW’s were received by the family. Those letters are still in existence.
The other chicken house is pretty much gone but still on the property. The family is still waiting to see if at some point it can be removed from the farm.
Instead of burning apple trees that have been removed, apple wood is available for sale.
They continue to expand their use of water conservation measures, such as trickle or drip irrigation.
TSS practices farming methods aimed at soil conservation, such as no till farming and crop rotation. Land in critical areas has been taken out of production and allowed to grow naturally.
Baskets, crates and other items are reused rather than sold or thrown out.
This year they are encouraging to use reusable shopping bags.
Much of the farm machinery is kept in service rather than scrapped.
Besides apples, this farm produces sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, squash, zucchini, lima beans, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkins and asparagus. Orchards produce many varieties of peaches, and nectarines.
 soybeans Charlie took me through the fields of asparagus. These and the rest of the crops are picked by hand.
We went all over the place, stopping here or there to pick a certain type of apple, or for me to snap a picture. Then, he took me to the family’s home, which was built in the 1800’s. Unfortunaly, his dad, Walt Smith, passed away just recently leaving a big hole in his heart. The farm house was in perfect shape.
Charlie told me that just 2 years ago he planted honeycrisp apples. You really don’t see them in the grocery stores that much. Honeycrisps were developed at the University of Minnesota in 1974.
We then stopped at the apple packing house. It is over 80 years old and serves as the farm market. Its apple grading equipment is also historic. The equipment itself was produced by a company owned by the family. It is an example of automation in the apple industry for that time.
Some of their employees have over 50 years with the company; six have over 30 years; meet Ashley.
If you are within 45 minutes radius of the farm, you are most likely going to be be able to get their produce. But, the best part is really coming right to the farm in Bridgeville, like I did.
This farm has a unique natural features and offers an authentic working farm experience like no other in the area and possibly the state. Its reputation is for quality and value.
You can find them in at their Lewes store, right on Savannah Rd. The Beach Market is open daily from 9 – 6 p.m.
You can also find them at the Farmers’ Markets in Milton and Seaford.
Right near the farm, on Redden Rd. and Rt. 13 there is a site of you pick pumpkin patch and headquarters for you pick fruit. Pumpkins are ready for picking this week-end.
You can pick your own apples and pumkins through October. June and July are for peaches and nectarines. Mark your calendar for next year’s picking.
A produce market has also been opened in Historic Easton, Maryland in the Easton Market House. It opens Wednesdays – Saturdays.
They participate in farm-to-table events that promote their brand as well as the restaurants who serve their produce. They also participate in Farm to School Programs.
They have also partnered with smaller producers, that have local honey, jams, jellies, gourmet rice pudding, flowers and produce they do not grow. This partnership enhances their offerings and supports smaller businesses.
The farm is open to school tours, group tours, and private picking events. Just call 302-337-8271.
On the Calendar:
October 14th – Apple Dessert Baking Contest. Call for more info.
October 15th – Apple Scrapple on the Farm. Lots of fun stuff. You can enjoy everything they will offer on that day and even take the bus to the festival.
December 3rd – Holiday Open House
I hope I got everything. Charlie gave me donuts made at the farm and Suzie, his sister had apple cakes for sale, as well.
Thanks Ruth for helping me. You were so gracious.
And, I really also want to thank Greer. Anyone out there reading this post that would like more information and would like talks about farming, produce, etc. etc. give her a call.
Note: T. S. Smith & Sons is a member of the Delaware Agritourism Harvest Trail. The purpose of this association is to showcase selected working Delaware Farms that provide an array of authentic farm experiences. For more info. please visit www.delawareagritourism.org.
I can’t explain it, but I did smile all the way home. I know, it was the friendly company, the farm; everything it stands for, and just being outdoors.
“We hope that individuals, groups, and families will visit the farm and make a memory here.” t.s. smith & sons
September 21st, 2011
I was just thinking how many visitors are still enjoying the Delaware Beaches. Well, it is still fairly warm so you can shop, walk, bike and dine until you drop. And, soon those meters will be put to sleep.
The Delaware Beaches have been doing such a great job in order to keep everyone coming back. Festivals, arts and entertainment, at the heart of it all.
Here is what’s going on….
Thursday, 9/22 – At the Indian River Life-Saving Station, Rt. 1, 3 1/2 miles south of Dewey Beach, Brown Box Theatre Project will be presenting Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at 6:00 p.m. It is FREE. It will take place in the courtyard. Why don’t you bring your blankets, just in case.
Note: You can pre-order a boxed dinner from Matt’s Fish Camp and enjoy it during the performance. I can vouche for its food. Great!!
For more info. on the performance or if you would like to order a dinner from Matt’s Fish Camp, please call Indian River Live Saving Station at 302-227-6991.
Que Pasa en Dewey Beach? Mucho…. Dewey Beach is the coastal town where you can find the best music venues….So, it is the perfect place to hold, from Thursday, 9/22 until Saturday, 9/24 the Dewey Beach Music Conference. It will be a various venues in Dewey. The best way to get that info. is to visit http://www.deweybeachfest.com. Plenty of opportunities to work at furthering your music future. Or, enjoy the many performances.
Friday, 9/23 – The beautiful Historic Town of Lewes is going to be having such a fun day on Friday. An All Day Italian Festival from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Specialty shops in town will be offering Italian-themed merchandise and even some Italian refreshments. More Info.? Please visit www.leweschamber.com.
Friday, 9/23 – In Rehoboth Beach, it is Opening Night for “Broadway Rhythms” with a Gala and A Night “On the Town” Party. Appetizers and drinks at Clear Space Theatre located at 20 Baltimore Ave., plus a chance to bid on silent auction items.
Dinner at some of the most sought after eateries in town and then on to a show from the Great White Way. Festivities will start at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $100. More info? Please call 302-227-2270 or visit www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Please note that this is the opening night and you can find the rest of the schedule on the website above mentioned.
Friday, 9/23 – Thursday, 10/6 – Philip Morton Gallery presents new works by William Dunlop. The Gallery is located at 47 Baltimore Ave. A reception to meet the artist will be on Friday, 9/23 from 6 – 9 p.m. His paintings are abstract in nature and minimalist in tone. More info? Please call 302-727-0905. To preview the collection, please visit www.philipmortongallery.com.
Friday, 9/23 – Presented by the Rehoboth Film Society as part of their Monthly Screening Series is “In a Better World” winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. At 7 p.m. in the upstairs screening room at Movies at Midway. Members $3, non-members $5.
Monthly screenings feature films and discussions about various cultures in the world, including the diversity in our own country.
Note: The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival will start on November 9th until November 13th.
For complete information, please call 302-645-9095 or visit www.rehobothfilm.com.
For the Kids:
Saturday, 9/24 – It is the 11th Annual Children’s Fun Fest presented by the Beebe Medical Center Auxiliary. It will be at Windswept Stables located on Rt. 24 (Lewes). Free admission, but some rides do require tickets, which are available for purchase at the event.
There will be games, horse shows, pony rides, food, baked goods and even a petting zoo.
I think this is a full week-end ahead. Have a great time. Officially, Fall starts on Friday!!
September 20th, 2011
I cannot believe that I still have a couple of posts from my trip to Baltimore, where I discovered so many interesting places to visit and to dine.
One of them, which I really liked was a very unique glassblowing studio called Corradetti. It is located at 2010 Clipper Park Rd., Suite 119, Baltimore, MD 21211. Tel. 410-243-2010. Website? www.corradetti.com.
I went to see Overlook Cipper Mill which are contemporary homes with wooded views and the latest in sustainable design options. Corradetti was in this complex.
Anthony Corradetti is the artist. His work consists of “painting multiple layers of metallic paints which are individually kiln fired on large blown glass vessels”. Vessels are bowls. I remember learning about them when I wrote about the Happyrock Pottery a couple of weeks ago.
You can read about this process and about the different workshops that Corradetti is offering by just visiting the website above mentioned.
The studio is gorgeous. If you are interested in hosting a party at the studio, just give them a call because the studio is available for parties.
The Gallery has a beautiful representation of his work and are available for purchase.
So, I am passing on the info. just in case you find yourselves in Charm City or if you are in need of a gift that will certainly be a conversation piece.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
September 20th, 2011
I visited this restaurant in July. The menu probably has changed since then. At this time of the year they will be offering a dinner package that goes with Terror Behind The Walls. You see, this restaurant is located right across Eastern State Penitentiary; the subject of my previous post.
You will find Jack’s Firehouse Restaurant at 21230 Fairmount Avenue, Philadlphia, Tel. 215-232-9000. Website? http://www.jacksfirehouse.com.
It is open for lunch, dinner, and they also serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
I found the restaurant by chance with Michael. Checking out Eastern State Penitentiary and then looking for something to eat. I later found out that there were mixed reviews. On that particular day, we had a perfectly nice lunch on a hot day, sidewalk seating, overlooking the prison.
Jack’s is located in a 19th century firehouse. Bar, entertainment, patio dining, al fresco.
We were brought bread, muffins and a raisin nutty bread.
Michael ordered a portobello sandwich with Swiss cheese. It came with French fries. It was a good size sandwich and the portobello was juicy and well seasoned.
I had the soup of the day. It was a cold tomato soup with basil and a hint of lemon. Thicker than a gazpacho. It was perfect for the weather.
A salad and I was perfectly content.
Note: If you would like to take advantage of the dinner package offered during the Terror Behind The Walls, please make sure to call the restaurant. It is a set price including the ticket for the tour. You will have to pay in advance. In their website you will be able to see the full menu for that particular package.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
September 20th, 2011
An adrenaline rush? A thrill? Well, today is when tickets go on sale for this much awaited season at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. It is their Terror Behind The Walls. The best way to buy tickets and check the schedules is by visiting www.terrorbehindthewalls.com, the website www.easternstate.org/tickets, or by just going to their box office at 21st Street and Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA. The box office is open every day from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on show nights.
Also, they are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a special Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, November 11th.
When you visit the above mentioned websites, please click on “New for 2011”. You will be able to see what they will be offering.
Please note that children of ages 7 -12 years old need to go on the designated days for Family Nights. Every Sunday evening, Wednesday, October 12th, Thursday, October 13th, Tuesday, October 18th.
The ultimate Halloween experience will be the Eastern State After Dark VIP Tour. The evening will begin with an hour-long, guided flashlight walking tour of this historic prison.
Eastern State Penitentiary was built in 1822-1836. It was closed in 1971. It was once the most expensive prison in the world.
On this VIP toup the highlights will include the cellblocks, Death Row, Al Capone’s cell, and the underground isolation cells under Cellblock 14. Afterwards you will be escorted to the front of the Terror Behind the Walls’ lines. This tour is limited to 20 people per tour group. The cost is $79 Sundays through Thursdays and $99 Fridays and Saturdays, only available on show nights only.
For this coming week-end 9/23 and 9/24, all tickets for the VIP tour are Buy One Get One Free. You can also call their group sales dept. at 215-236-5111, ext. 16 for pricing.
Note: Terror Behing the Walls will start September 23rd until November 5th.
Daytime Prison Tours are available from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Have a great time!!! Talk to you later….
September 19th, 2011
“Meals on Wheels, Lewes-Rehoboth is on the front line by helping senior citizens remain independent, dignified members of our local community by assisting in the maintenance of their nutritional needs…one meal at a time.”
Meals on Wheels of Lewes & Rehoboth, Inc. was founded in 1970 and was the first home delivered meal program in the State of Delaware. It is in its 40th year of service to the local community.
You can find Meals on Wheels at 32409 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-7449. Fax 302-644-1676. Website? www.beachmeals.com.
Meals are provided 365 days each year to over 260 home-bound residents in Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach and Harbeson.
I have friends, 2 in particular, who have been delivering meals for many years. Just as they give a smile and a warm meal to the ones in need, they, themselves, get so much in return.
I was amazed to find out that the proceeds from last year’s event paid for over 4,000 hot meals for their home-bound clients. Just in 2010, 107,200 meals were served by their agency. This could not be possible without the supporters and sponsors.
This year’s tournament should offer a great opportunity to challenge your skills amidst the beautiful scenery overlooking Rehoboth Bay, because the fundraising tournament will be on Monday, October 3rd at Rehoboth Beach Yacht & Country Club.
The entry fee will include Dinner and OPEN Bar and even complimentary beverages on the course. All to make this a very enjoyable day and evening, while supporting a cause dear to a lot in the community.
There will be tournament prizes for: gross, net, low gross men, low gross women, longest drive and closest to the pin.
You can register by visiting their website, www.beachmeals.com.
Fees:
$150 per player
$550 per team (4 players)
$25 Super Ticket/Single (1)
$75 Super Ticket/Team (4)
This includes: Green fee, cart, beverage on couse, dinner with open bar and awards ceremony.
Super Ticket
A hot item in many charity golf tournaments!! The all inclusive Super Ticket includes:
2 Mulligans per player
Cash prizes for hole in one holes
Chance to win a shot for 1 Million Dollars!!!!!
Entry into a drawing for a dream vacation!!
$25 per player/$75 per foursome
Schedule:
11:30 a.m. – Registration
12:30 p.m. – Shotgun start
5:00 p.m. – OPEN BAR, Dinner, Auction, 50/50 Raffle, Awards Ceremony
Note: Dress Code enforced; Soft spikes only.
Let’s say you do not play golf but would like to attend the dinner and the awards ceremony, then a $50 donation is all you need to pay. You can find all this info. in the above mentioned website.
Meals on Wheels are always in need of donations. If you don’t play golf or are unable to attend, please consider a donation to this amazing program. Again, all you have to do is visit their website.
If you would like to be a Hole Sponsor, the cost is $200. An 18 x 20 sign with the company name and listing in the program booklet is included with the paid sponsorship.
Another Note: If you would like to donate an item for the auction, please contact me so that I can pick it up or have someone pick it up.
Thanks so much!!!
 
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