September 17th, 2011
Well, it certainly got a little rainy on this Saturday. My thoughts went to a nice warm soup for dinner. That’s all I wanted.
The recipe I chose I have made it my own by adding a little bit of this, a little less of that.
A butternut squash is a type of winter squash. It has a nutty, sweet taste; you know, like a pumpkin.
It can be roasted, toasted, mashed into casseroles, breads, and muffins. It can also be pureed into a soup. That’s where my recipe comes into play.
I hope you like it. It does have curry. Get a mild curry, if you want. It is up to you. But, curry does add a lot to it.
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups yellow onions (chopped)
2 tablespoons mild curry powder
2 medium to large butternut squash
4 sweet apples
2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
salt (optional) Kosher salt to taste
2 cups Apple Cider
Warm butter and olive oil in a large pot. Add the onions and the curry powder. Cook, uncovered until the onions are tender. About 12 minutes or so. Stir them occasionally.
The squash is a little hard to peel, but please do so, then cut in half, remove seeds. Cut into chunks.
Next step is to core the apples and cut into chunks. I did not peel the apples. If that is what you like; you know what to do.
Add the squash, apples, salt, pepper and the chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 1/2 hour or until the squash and apples are very soft.
In a food processor or blender, take your time to blend the majority of the soup. Return to the pot to keep hot. Make sure you keep chunks of squash, apples and onions whole so that you have more than a pureed soup. You can do this by just taking them out of the soup prior to pureeing, or just puree 3/4 of the soup only.
Add the 2 cups of apple cider. Stir.
As the pureed soup is kept warm, swirl into the soup the other 2 tablespoons of butter. This is an optional step. You can also add more butter, if you want to.
Serve garnished with homemade croutons, with an additional sprinkle of curry powder.
Note: My croutons were made with gluten free bread, but if you don’t want the croutons then a nice crusty bread will do.
I think this soup is buttery including a great balance of flavors, as well.
This soup is gluten free.
Enjoy!! Remember to make it your own. It will certainly, keep you warm…
September 17th, 2011
I am welcoming this change in the weather like you would not believe. It is so gorgeous and crisp; makes you want to get up and do something.
If you are spending time this week-end at the beaches, you will hear the roar of motorcycles up and down Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). They are mainly heading towards Ocean City, MD, where the Delmarva Bike Week is presently taking place.
The other day I went to have lunch at Liquid Assets. This restaurant, bar and beautiful bodega is located at 94th St. & Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-524-7037, website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com. I think this is the perfect opportunity to write the post on L.A. since just as it opens for lunch, it is also open for dinner.
I took my sister in law, Susie, on this outing. I wanted her to see how different it was. Don’t have one in our Delaware Beaches.
It has a bistro atmosphere with different choices for dining. You may choose to stay in the package goods section where you can see the comings and goings of patrons, and at the same time have a quiet dining experience.
You can also sit at the bar, or decide to dine in their separate dining room, which might be more intimate. The feel of it is, definitely, more like a wine cellar.
Susie and I decided on a corner table in the middle of the package goods store.
Diane was our waitress and she turned out to be very knowledgeable about the menu and very friendly, as well.
Usually, I do have their Pan Roasted Mussels. I truly love them and even though I have had very good ones in other restaurants; these, at L.A. are totally #1.
But, I decided to have something else. I went with their L.A. Burger. It was made with Creekstone Farms beef, with a traditional cucumber and red pepper relish, bibb lettuce, Denhay English Cheddar, and thick cut fries on a Kaiser roll. Temperature? Medium rare.
As you can see from the pictures, it was a very generous portion. How I ate it? I don’t know. To tell you the truth I don’t know why I even dare to question this since I have always been able to finish all my food.
It was juicy, well seasoned and I really did like the addition of the bibb lettuce.
Susie had their Deluxe Grilled Cheese. This sandwich is always on their menu and it is very popular. Applewood smoked bacon, sliced apples, cheddar, spinach, pane dolce and thick cut fries.
Great combination of flavors for this time of the year. We had to open it so that you could see what it looked like inside.
Liquid Assets has an extensive wine collection, as well as plenty of spirits. As I walked around a few caught my attention.
Then, one in particular. It was a Vodka called Tito’s Handmade Vodka. In large letters it also said Gluten Free.
This vodka is handmade in Austin, Texas by Mockinbird Distillery. It has been in the press lately, as well. It has the designation of being the First Spirit to be Made in USA Certified. If you visit their webiste, www.titosvodka.com, you will find very interesting info., including the press releases from Buy American Challenge, WSJ, Martha Stewart, NY Times and CNN Money.
Liquid Assets also has catering, and the availability to hold private parties in the restaurant.
By visiting their website, above mentioned, you will find their menus, including their cheeses, their martinis and their beer list. Throughout the year they hold events and interesting specials, as well. You can even share your lazy dog photos with L.A.
Lazy? Don’t want to cook? They have carry-out.
You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
September 15th, 2011
Finally, I was able to make it to Blue Moon. I love being able to visit those favorite restaurants that make our Delaware Beaches a dining destination. In the summer? Well, I have told you before, Rehoboth gets crowded; I wait for the Second Season to really enjoy our most sought after eateries.
It was last Sunday evening when we chose Blue Moon for a special dinner with my sister in law, Susie. She had come for her usual 24 hour visit to the beach. That’s all she ever stays; a swim, a restaurant, maybe pick up some popcorn and off she goes back to Baltimore.
Blue Moon is located at 32 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-6515. Website? www.bluemoonrehoboth.com. Only 2 blocks from the beach on this trendy street, which is full of restaurants and shops.
You cannot miss Blue Moon, blue and yellow colors, patio full of customers having a drink, either waiting for the entertainment to begin or for their reservation.
Besides being a restaurant, patrons also enjoy Blue Moon for its entertainment. You can visit the website above mentioned for a complete schedule. Last Sunday, Pamala Stanley was entertaining. She is a well rounded performer and very popular at the beach.
The building is a Victorian beach house from the turn of the century. It opens 7 days a week at 5:30 p.m. On Sundays brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
If you are here during the week you might be able to get in without a reservation, but, you really should make one, anyway. The restaurant, itself, is not very big. Tables are in close proximity to each other.
I had high expectations. Blue Moon’s cuisine is innovative and diverse. The restaurant is very well aware of gluten allergies. Even though it is a busy restaurant, they do take the time to accommodate customers with food allergy issues.
First on our table was the bread. And, immediately a treat was placed on the table. Dates stuffed with a bit of cheese and wrapped with an apple wood cured bacon. I completely forgot to take a picture. They were so good. Nothing like the combination of that salt and sweetness at the same time.
Drinks and appetizer were then ordered.
Susie ordered a salad of Artisanal Lettuces with strawberries, toasted almonds, goat cheese, lemon, and a bee pollen vinaigrette. Beautiful colors, fresh and light.
My husband, who is usually the “particular” one ordered something he had been dying to have for some time; the Seared Cage Free Foie Gras with sweet pear, brioche, hazelnut butter and a vanilla gastrique.
Foie Gras is duck or goose liver that has been fattened; this one was free range (natural feeding).
The presentation was gorgeous and he thought it was rich, buttery and delicate.
Kathryn was our waitress and I decided to take her suggestions on this evening.
She told me that the Fried Green Tomatoes was a signature appetizer for the Blue Moon. They were amazing; herbed sheep’s cheese, onion, compote, pesto and a balsamic drizzle. A unison of flavors.
Some say that fried green tomatoes are a “southern thing”, but others think that they are linked to Jewish immigrants. Not sure, though.
For our entrees our choices were:
When my sister in law comes to the beach, she will choose seafood. So, for her entree she chose Porcini Dusted Halibut with spatzle, roasted mushrooms, tatsoi, pine nuts, brie fondue, and a blueberry gastrique. Bueberry? It was perfect. She loved it; perfectly cooked.
My husband decided on the Pan Seared Pacific Ling Cod with a potato-lump crab hash, smoked bacon, sweet corn, and a lobster beurre blanc. I had the opportunity to steal a bite and it really melted in your mouth. Very good and nicely seasoned.
Once again, I went with Kathryn’s suggestion of the Seared Duck Breast, with goat cheese gnocchi, almond, arugula, honey gastrique, caramelized cippolini, cherries and yes, figs!! Fell totally in love with it. Deboned, crispy and cooked medium to rare (pink in the middle). Great suggestion.
I really did not want or need any dessert. I asked Kathryn’s what would her suggestion be if all I wanted was something to finish my meal; a little light.
She thought the Tres Leches would be a good one. Upon seeing it I decided that another lap around the block would be the only thing to do the next day. It was delicious. Tres Leches is a popular Latin dessert. The main component being a sponge cake. Blue Moon added its own unique touch.
My expectations were totally met and exceeded. It was a delicious meal, in a beautiful setting with family…priceless!!
Blue Moon always sends you home with a little sweet ending…
Talk to you later…
Note: Our service was good; but we decided that our waitress was very busy on Sunday. I just thought that at times we had to get someone’s attention to get more wine or water…a little off there. Otherwise, it was perfect.
September 13th, 2011
Just a short drive from Ocean City, Maryland and a little bit of a longer drive from the Delaware Beaches, you will find some interesting events that are on the calendar for the upcoming week-end. After having such crazy weather, the month of September is turning out to be one of sunny days and low humidity, great for outdoor events.
Historic St. Martin’s Church
This Church is located in Showell, Maryland. It is the oldest of 11 Worcester County Museums; established in 1692. Beautifully restored and a proud gem of the community.
I wrote a post on St. Martin’s Church on 5/9/11. If you would like to see it, please click on the month of May,on this website, and scroll down to the date.
The address is Rt. 113 & 589 Junction, 4 miles north of Berlin, Maryland. The website is www.historicstmartinschurch.org. You can also find it on Facebook.
Because it is part of the Worcester County Museums you can also visit www.octhebeach.com/museums.
St. Martin’s has been busy all summer long. All the way through October there are open houses every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Weddings have been held at the Church and other events have been on-going, as well.
The next event will be on Sunday, September 18th, at 1:00 p.m. This is when New York based Brown Box Theatre Project will bring, to the public, free of charge “Twelfth Night”.
Shakespeare’s classic comedy of a shipwrecked heroine is brought new life by local resident Kyler Taustin, the Director, and a group of exciting young professional actors and designers out of Boston and New York City. The setting will be the bones of a shipwreck itself, with the actors picking their way over driftwood and broken pieces of a ship.
Since it will be an outdoor performance, the audience is encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets.
Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, with a twisting plot involving identical twins, mistaken identities, love triangles, and one very cruel practical joke.
Other events on the calendar are:
11/11/11 – St. Martin’s Day: A Celebration of Donors
11/12/11 – Open House Festivities
December- Historic St. Martin’s will have several holiday services, To Be Announced.
Worcester County Garden Club
The Worcester County Garden Club is sponsoring A Standard Flower Show, “A Day At The Beach”. Location? The Ocean Pines Library on 11107 Cathell Rd. (Route 589).
This will be a two day event. Please note that it is FREE to the public.
Friday, 9/16 frin 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9/17 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon.
Anyone interested in entering the show, please call Mary Lou Scott at 410-208-6558.
Design Arrangements and Horticulture Specimen will be judged prior to the public viewing.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
September 12th, 2011
Having attended this summer one of these unforgettable outdoor dinners, I have to remind you that tomorrow, Tuesday, September 13th, you can join fellow diners as the sun sets for a special dining experience.
It is sponsored by Plate Catering and Good Earth Market. The food will be prepared by Matt Haley, Sue Ryan and SoDel Chefs.
It will start at 6 p.m. Location? Good Earth Market, Clarksville. $95/person. For tickets please call 302-537-7100.
All local farm and pier fresh menu accompanied by wine pairings and cocktails.
This is a fundraising event. All proceeds benefit the Global Delaware Fund.
This Fund is helping local and global communities by supporting education and sustainability. Their website? www.theglobaldelawarefund.com.
The Global Delaware Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations. It provides essential services to children and adults locally and throughout the world.
Their Services? Financial support for essential needs, such as clothing, shelter and food, and thereby filling the gaps in the “social safety net”.
They also provide financial support towards counseling and mentoring for abused, grief-stricken, or disease-afflicted children.
And, they also provide scholarships, fellowships, and education grants for students in grades K-12 including support for special needs and learning disabled students.
Online donations are accepted through the Delaware Community Foundation, www.delcf.org. Or, you can make a check payable to: The Global Delaware Fund, P.O. Box 31, Bethany Beach, DE 19930.
When donating, please specify whether you would like your funds distributed locally or abroad.
Good Earth Market is located in Clarksville, Delaware, just a few miles west of Bethany Beach. For directions and more info., please visit www.goodearthmarket.com.
Have a great time!!…talk to you later…
September 11th, 2011
“After the design is firmly fixed, the decoration is added. Decorating is the final enhancement.” albert hadley
I finally made it to Rooster’s Nest. Friends had told me again and again to write a post on this really neat shop west of Fenwick Island; just a couple of miles only. It is in the Bayville Shopping Center, 37244 Lighthouse Rd., #108. Tel. 302-436-1848, Fax is 302-436-1868. Website? www.roostersnest.com.
The proprietors are William Shoemaker and Sally Walsh. Rooster’s Nest is celebrating its 5th year in business.
As I came in, the first ladies I met were Dawn and Beth. I introduced myself, like I usually do. Having to get approval for me to take pictures, the owners were called and they agreed. Dawn and Beth told me a little bit about the store.
Everything in it is for sale, including the furniture pieces where merchandise is displayed. Before I forget, they can store furniture within reason and there is free delivery, as well. But, please do check with them.
 
 
At first look the store looked beautiful and fully stocked. A sweeping glance of it told me that it was one of those “must stop” shops, here at the Delaware Beaches. It is centrally located; a very easy drive. It took about 20 minutes from Rehoboth Beach.
 
I asked Dawn how she would describe the store and she did not hesitate to say “French Country”. Just looking at the colors I could see those blues, yellows, reds and blacks that are so prevalent in the region of Provence, on the south east of France. 
French Country has the feel of a warm and sunny place. The store carries classic European and American merchandise.
  
I took so many pictures. Could not help it. Rooster’s Nest has the perfect finishing touches for the home.
Besides being able to find those decorating indispensables, you could find gifts for any occasions, including gifs for him.
Products from Bella Cucina are perfect for a hostess gift.
Something caught my eye. The antique bottles on the armoire. They were so unique. They are made in Southern California by Jamie Dietrich. They are authentic bottles from the 1800’s to early 1900’s. They were decorated with handmade crystals and shell work.
I own a couple of Bossom Buddy bags. They are made in Baltimore, Maryland.
Plenty of gifts for the golf enthusiast; conversation pieces like the ball made out of Bobby Jones vintage clubs. Also available were books, lamps among other items.
 
Candles and soaps always make a nice gift. Lotions and colognes from Rogert & Gallet, Paris.
The coast is a beautiful place to call home and it was well represented at the store.
   
Even though summer is, officially, until the end of September, we can’t forget that Halloween and Thanksgiving are around the corner. Already the store had decorations for that most anticipated times of the year.
Did anything catch your eye? It still amazes me to see all the options we have when it come to shopping, dining, entertainment and activities. So much have changed at the Beaches. Lucky to call it home…..
Talk to you later…Guess what?…I do have extra pictures of Rooster’s Nest and they will be on Facebook on AboutMyBeaches…just in case you have missed something…
Talk to you later….
September 10th, 2011
United in Courage & Grief
“Grief is the most patient and persistent of all of life’s companions. It is an ancient, universal power that links all human beings together.”
molly fumia, safe passage
September 9th, 2011
Bethany’s flowers were gorgeous. As I walked around town today, they were still looking so good even though we have had some extreme weather lately. I have to congratulate the person in charge for all her work. I know she is there pretty much every day early in the a.m.
It was quiet in town, the playground was empty and there were just a few people shopping. That will soon end tonight since tomorrow Bethany is hosting its Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival. It is on the Boardwalk and branching out to some of the adjacent streets in town. The show is from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. A juried art show, including live music and a silent auction. It is sponsored by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. It is free. More info? Please call 302-539-2100 or visit www.bethany-fenwick.org.
I was with my friend, Debbie, and since we got hungry we decided to go to DiFebo’s located at 789 Garfield Parkway (Rt. 26) in Bethany. For reservations you may call 302-539-4550 and for carry-out, please call 302-539-4914. Their website is www.difebos.com and you can also find them on Facebook as DiFebos Restaurants. DiFebo’s is open year-round.
It was, practically, one year ago since I stopped to have lunch there. It was way past the lunch hour, but there were still customers having a late lunch.
Our waiter, which by the way was very attentive, experienced and friendly, brought us some hummus and flat bread. This is a traditional hummus, but I could detect a hint of lemon. Very smooth. The flat bread was delicious.
For my lunch I orderd a House Roasted Beet Salad. It had fresh beets, arugula, walnuts and apples. When I see beets on a menu I do order them. I love them and these ones were very good. A perfect starter.
Then, I also ordered the soup of the day. They had just finished making a tomato soup. It was lighter than a bisque; perfect on a cloudy day. A little Parmesan cheese finished the presentation.
Debbie ordered the Arugula & Blue Cheese Salad. It had a balsamic vinaigrette, pears, and walnuts. She decided to top the salad with a salmon.
Debbie and I were happy with our lunch. A little coffee, more chatting and then it was time to go.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
 
|
Comments Off on Butternut Squash and Apple Soup, Recipe, Easy Recipe for those Chilly Nights