RSS Feed Follow Me On Twitter Join Me On Facebook

Archive for the ‘Georgetown’ Category

January 25th, 2021

Meatless Monday! French Onion Soup, Easy, Flavorful Soup, Winter Winner Soup

In the winter there is nothing like a warming bowl of soup. It was cold on Sunday. But, today at the Delaware Beaches the temperatures will rise to the upper 40’s. I’ll take that.

Over the years I have bought tons of magazines. A lot of them have been food oriented. I go through them many times and then I start cutting recipes out and putting them in folders. With a morning coffee I go through them and if something catches my eye, I take it out.

I picked an Onion Soup Recipe that got my attention back in 2013 in a Food & Wine Magazine. It is a healthier version of the traditional French Onion Soup. Traditional soups are fantastic but making them healthier while conserving flavor it’s the trick. That hunk of bread and thick layer of melting cheese makes it high in calories and sodium. Sorry, but it is true.

For Meatless Monday and being that it is a cloudy day this onion soup might be just what you need. I made it yesterday and it is a keeper.

Meatless Monday is a worldwide organization trying to have folks like us eat meatless at least one day per week.

The Recipe

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 large onions, (sweet or regular) halved and thinly sliced

Kosher Salt

1/4 cup of dry white wine

1 tablespoon soy sauce

6 cups of beef stock or low sodium broth

Baguettes (either cut your own or buy prepared ones) I used small ones for my large bowl.

Gruyere shredded cheese. I packed that cheese on the baguettes.

In a large pot heat oil until shimmering. Add the onions and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and just starting to brown. Maybe about 7 minutes or so. Taste the broth and add a bit of salt and continue to cook over moderate low heat, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and golden. I would say 20 minutes?

Add the wine and soy sauce to the pot. Cook for a few more minutes.

Add the stock and bring to a boil. Then, simmer over low to moderate heat, again stirring occasionally until the onion broth is well flavored and slightly reduced. Taste again and if needed add more salt.

You can make the soup ahead of time until this point.

Then pre-heat the broiler and arrange the baguettes on a baking sheet and top with the Gruyere cheese. Broil until melted.

To serve this onion soup, ladle it into bowls and top with the cheese toasts. You may sprinkle a little bit of cheese all over the soup prior to placing the cheese toasts, as well.

Hope this will be a keeper for you too. Remember AboutMyBeaches has a FB page just in case you want to chime in.

This blog started in 2009 with the idea of offering the readers who want to be in the know about events, restaurants, reviews, where to shop and what to cook for dinner.

Comments Off on Meatless Monday! French Onion Soup, Easy, Flavorful Soup, Winter Winner Soup

September 18th, 2015

Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival, October 17, 2015, 12:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M., Independence Hall, Food, Wine, Music, A Singing Chef, Local Chefs, Food Pairings, 13 Local Restaurants, A Man Cave? Do not Miss this Event!! Raising Funds for Rotary’s Global Eradication of Polio, Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches

DSCN0352

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”  booker t. washington

With that quote I begin my post by reminding you that Delaware is a Small Wonder with a Big Heart.  Fundraising events happen all year round, but it seems that as the Second Season takes hold of all of us living in Southern Delaware, we set records for fundraising.  It is incredible the amount of money raised to help others.

I got an invite to a Kick Off Party for the Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 17th (noon until 4:30 p.m.) at Independence Hall located at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle in Millsboro, Delawared.  Even though the address is Millsboro, it is, actually, closer to the beaches.

DSCN0349DSCN0350

The Kick Off Party took place at (a)Muse on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 9/17.  My friend, Susan DiMondi came with me to see what all the commotion was all about.

Let me tell you a little about What is Going On…

This event is being billed as the “ultimate wine, food and music event on DelMarVa”.  It will be hosted by former Bad Company bassist, now food, wine and music aficionado, Paul Cullen.  It will be a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up.

This is a benefit for Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels.

This is an inaugural SoDelFest.  The culinary Theater will host the chef showcases/demos, where you will find Neil Fuentes, The Singing Chef and Food Rewrapped Champion and 5 of our top local chefs including: Hari Cameron, Lion Gardner, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle and Sean Correa.

The festival will also offer wine and food pairings with 13 local restaurants including; Abbot’s Grille, Bluecoast, Seafood Grill, Bramble and Brine, Cultured Pearl, Grandpa 9Mac), JD Shuckers, Lupo’s Italian Kitchen, Michy’s Relaxed Dining, Nage, Palate, Semra’s, Summerhouse and Touch of Italy.

You will be able to experience the Man Cave….don’t worry we are all welcome for cocktails, a raw bar and Cigars!  Join Rob Bagle from Bramble & Brine and representatives from Wigle Whiskey, Dad’s Hat, Benromach Scotch, George’s Bloody Mary Mix (a new local favorite from Berline, Maryland) and 16 Mile Brewery.  There may just be oyster shooters there!

30 wines will be offered by Teller Wines and the distributors for pairing and additional tastes.  Dogfish Head and Mispillion Breweries will be pouring their fall favorites at the bar!

There will be 2 special wine education seminars in the Wine University; Mike Zygmonski (Level II Sommelier, Sodel Concepts) will present a blind tasting and John McDonald (Wine Columnist, Cape Gazette) will present Wine 101 for anyone who wants to learn about the art of Wine Tasting.

General Admission tickets are $75 and there is a VIP upgrade that includes two special tastings at 95+ point wines and exclusive cheeses and a seat on-stage during one of the chef showcases.  The press is invited at no charge with advance notice.  Please visit http://www.sodelfest.com

Presenting Sponsor:  Ocean Atlantic Companies

Major Sponsors:  Schell Brothers, Sysco, SoDel Concepts, Coastal Style

Sponsors:  Good Clean Fun Life, Sposato Family Vineyards, Active Adult Realty

Event Chair is Stacy LaMotta

Event Coordinator is Carlene Roche

Volunteer Coordinator is Meg Gardner

Arriving at (a)Muse Susan and I were invited to taste some of the wines offered by Sposato.  For 6 years the Sposato Family researched, studied and visited South America.  In 2012 the family purchased their farm in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza.

DSCN0340

Based on their 23 years of experience in working with land, soil irrigation and plants, by running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., they saw this as a great opportunity to further their experience in the agriculture industry.  The farm was purchased as virgin ground.  A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed with more to come.

The farm is 250 acreas located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 3,000 ft. above sea level.  Sposato Family Vineyard has some of the best and most popular wineries in Argentina as neighbors.  The farm is located between two notable wineries, Bodega Septima and Vina Cobos by Paul Hobbs with more just around the corner.

DSCN0345

We tasted 2015 Chardonnay.  This fruit focused Chardonnay has an attractive color with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches.  Also a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, from their prize winning high elevation vineyards has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs, species and orange blossom notes that are persistent through the finish.  The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has intense red with blue shades. Another one was their 2013 Reserve Malbec…intense violet color, typical of Argentine Malbec.  And the 2014 Malbec had deep purple color, with high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets.  Please note that you can get the wines in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.

A presentation was given by all of those that are involved and making sure that this will be an unforgettable event.

Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair

Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair

Paul Culen, Host

Paul Culen, Host

Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon

Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon

Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse

Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse

Paul Cullen entertained us while we tasted delicious offerings by Blue Moon, Nage, and (a)Muse.

DSCN0336

DSCN0337

DSCN0334

So what are you waiting for?  Call your friends, pass the word, share in social media and get ready to have some fun!!

DSCN0346DSCN0351

Comments Off on Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival, October 17, 2015, 12:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M., Independence Hall, Food, Wine, Music, A Singing Chef, Local Chefs, Food Pairings, 13 Local Restaurants, A Man Cave? Do not Miss this Event!! Raising Funds for Rotary’s Global Eradication of Polio, Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels, Southern Delaware, Delaware Beaches

June 20th, 2015

Walking Sussex, Cancer Support Community, Survivors Across Sussex, 16 Miles or BUST, Team, 16 Mile Brewery was the Final Destination!! Cancer Survivors Rock After Party, Georgetown, Delaware

dscn5623

It has been a week since our 16 Miles or BUST team participated in a 16 Mile Walk to raise money for the Cancer Support Community Delaware.  We are all still talking about it because it was so much fun.  Everyone survived the heat….I think there were more like 17 1/2 miles, going through the Circle in Georgetown.

dscn5663

dscn5662

Our team was comprised of 10 amazing women…and one guy, who is pretty awesome himself.  These women and Jamin (our guy) have a thirst for life.  They have had their ups and downs like everyone else.  They have faced those curve balls that life throws to you when you least expect it, and they have handled them with courage.  3 of them were breast cancer survivors.  They are fit, they laugh, and they can also let their hair down.  They are professionals, mothers, grandmothers, well traveled and well read, as well.  The following photo makes me laugh…with Jamin.  He wore the pink hat that said “Women Who Behave Rarely Make History”!!

Before starting our walk, Jamin brought us all together in an uplifting prayer giving thanks, and praying for peace, hope and health for those afflicted with cancer.

dscn5659

Police escort…our route was a little dangerous, more so, at this time of the year.  Every mile we had water, and every 2 miles we had fruit and granola bars.

We walked in groups of two or three, and then, we would change and formed other groups, which made it easier.

Everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another and being that June is Cancer Survivors Month, cars passing by kept honking their horns all through our journey.  All services provided by Cancer Support Community Delaware are free of charge.  For more information, please call them at 302-645-9150.  Or, visit their website…http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.

It was so darn hot…but at least there was a breeze, and the Sussex County Corvette Club was transporting anyone that had had enough.

dscn5672

At the Lewes-Rehoboth Moose Lodge, the Sussex Tech Band received us.  I believe that was mile 7.

dscn5665

dscn5669

Dreaming about a cold beer….16 Mile Brewery’s was hosting the Cancer Survivors Rock After Party.

dscn5674

Music and Bethany Blues Lewes….Food Truck!!  Games, massages for the walkers, as well.

dscn5676

dscn5677

16 Mile Brewery….air condition, please.  And, a cold Beer.  It is located at 413 S Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947.  Website?  http://www.16milebrewery.com.  Tel. 302-253-8816

dscn5687dscn5686

The tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Friday from Noon until 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday from Noon until 5 p.m.

dscn5679

Crisp and clean…Blues’ Golden was just delicious.  For the event a little twist to this favorite beer, adding ginger, coconut and mango.  Very good!!

dscn5694

dscn5684dscn5692

The Tours are Friday and Saturday from Noon until 3p.m. on the hour.  Please call ahead for private tours and tastings.  Tel. 302-253-8816.

dscn5678

Events:  Wednesday…Farmers’ Market.  Friday…Live Music (you may bring food into the Brewery).  Every week-end…Food Trucks.

If you are planning on having a party, please call them at the above mentioned telephone.

Visiting the Delaware Beaches…don’t want to drive?  Let the Jolly Trolley do all the driving from Dewey to the Brewery.  Round trip is $40 per person on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Pick up and drop off is at Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill. You will get a private tour and tasting.  Also, specials at Gary’s before and after.  To make a reservation, please visit http://www.jollytrolley.com.  Or, email reservations@jollytrolley.com.  Tel. 302-227-1197

Meet some of our 16 Miles or BUST walkers as they arrived at 16 Mile Brewery:

dscn5697dscn5696

dscn5693

dscn5695

dscn5698

Note:  Thanks to Ann Raskauskas of Bethany Area Realty in Bethany Beach for the T-Shirts she offered us from her annual event, Bethany Beach Breast Cancer Fun/Walk.  It happens on the Saturday of Mother’s Day Week-End.  For more information, please visit  http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com

dscn5655dscn5656

Have a good one!!

Comments Off on Walking Sussex, Cancer Support Community, Survivors Across Sussex, 16 Miles or BUST, Team, 16 Mile Brewery was the Final Destination!! Cancer Survivors Rock After Party, Georgetown, Delaware

June 9th, 2015

Survivors Across Sussex, 16 Mile Relay Event, Cancer Survivors Rock!, Block Party, Fundraising Event, Cancer Support Community, Saturday, June 13th, Our Team? 16 Miles or BUST, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

dscn5439

I was waiting for my Venti Cafe Mocha Extra Hot, at Starbucks on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, when the poster caught my attention.  I, usually, do take pictures of posters advertising events here or there.  I looked at it for some time, while my daily addiction was being brewed.  I posted it on my personal Facebook page….then, one of my friends mentioned about walking it.  Another also mentioned the same and added that if we made a team she would join.

As I was walking out of the chiropractor’s office I decided that this would be a good challenge.

June is cancer survivors month.  We all have so many people impacted by cancer.  The courage of the ones fighting is so impressive.  Lifechanging, really.

Cancer Support Community Delaware is located at 18947 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24), Suite 312, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.  Website?  http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.  Tel. 302-645-9150.

Their mission is “to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by the community”.  It was established in 1982 and all services are provided free of charge.  Funds raised in Delaware, stay in Delaware.

I love our team’s name:  16 Miles or BUST

Survivors Across Sussex is a Premier 16 Mile Relay Event.  You can decide what you want to do.  Either form a team, walk in a relay, walk it yourself or even just donate money to support one of the teams.  Hopefully, you will choose ours. This event is open to anyone and everyone who would like to Celebrate Cancer Survivors, Honor someone in the fight, or walk in memory of a loved one.

To register please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.  Click on the Walking Legs.  Once the website opens, scroll down to where it says Register Online.  There, you can join a team, or register yourself.  If joining our team, please type 16 Miles or BUST and the Password is DE Challenge.  It is that easy.

On Saturday our team will be early at the Tunnell Cancer Center on Rt. 24 or John J. Williams Highway.  The walk begins at 7:30 a.m. but before that, at 7:00 a.m. there will be an Opening Ceremony.

You can walk the whole 16 miles, or just one mile…….remember that 16 Mile Brewery will be waiting for all walkers and visitors for their Cancer Suvivors Rock? Block Party.  Live music, food trucks, vendors, and a special and unique beer brewed by 16 Mile!!

The Corvette Club will be in charge of transporting walkers through the 16 miles.  Tired at one?  Then, meet the rest at the 16 Mile Brewery.

Note:  If you have registered for a team you will need to raise a minimum of $500 to stay as a team……please donate to 16 Miles or BUST.  You can visit the website above mentioned and go through the steps and halfway down the site there is a way to click and donate to your favorite team…US!!

You can also just click on the website and donate.  All you have to do is choose the team.  You can call Morgan at 302-645-9150 and she can help you with your donation.  Credit cards are accepted.

Our team members are : 3 Debbies, Cindi, Raven, Jamin, Ryan, Gloria (moi), Jessica, and Brenda, so far.

dscn5440

Let’s say you do not want to walk.  You just want to party.  Very easy.  The party is $20 and $10 of your ticket fee will be donated to the Cancer support Community of Sussex County tohelp support family, friends, and neighbors that are going through cancer.

16 Mile Brewery is located at 412 South Bedford St. in Georgetown, Delaware.  The party begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.  The Cancer Survivors Rock! Block Party will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, and BEER!!  There will be Beachcombers Corvette Show, $1 Basketball Shoot Game, $5 Ribbons Pick-em Game, and a Cornhole Tournament that will be taking place at Noon.  Shoot….I will be missing that one.  I won’t be there until about 1:30 p.m…..walking!

Hope you can join all of us as we challenge ourselves….it will be hot!  What better way to celebrate Survivors and those you know who have been touched by cancer?

Note:  2 of our walkers are Survivors!!

Comments Off on Survivors Across Sussex, 16 Mile Relay Event, Cancer Survivors Rock!, Block Party, Fundraising Event, Cancer Support Community, Saturday, June 13th, Our Team? 16 Miles or BUST, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

February 10th, 2015

Chowdown For Charity, Next Gen South, Delaware Community Foundation, Fundraising Event, Southern Delaware, Kent & Sussex Counties, Food Tasting, Voting, Wall of Wine, Silent Auction, Fun=Fundraising, Same Time Next Year!!

dscn3496

Here we were, the usual suspects….we do have a younger suspect, Jade!!  We were ready to Chowdown for Charity, an event that took place on Friday, February 6th, at Baywood Greens Golf Course in Long Neck, Delaware.  It was an evening of food tasting, voting and mingling.  Much loved local chefs were cooking for a cause….Next Gen South of the Delaware Community Foundation, http://www.delcf.org. This is a non-profit board of young professionals from Kent & Sussex Counties that was founded in 2012.

Next Gen South selects an area of focus every 2 years based on what is needed in our communities.  Presently, the focus is and has been for the past 2 years, Children’s Mental Health.  This is one fundraising event that lets this organization award grants to local organizations on an annual basis.  Next Gen South might be young but in 2014 they awarded $15,000 to:  Delaware Guidance Services, Delaware State University, The Seaford House.

dscn3497

Chefs were ready for the guests….remember we were given 3 tickets to put on our favorites.  A friendly competition would be taking place.

dscn3471dscn3474

ABBOTT’S ON BROAD CREEK – This restaurant is located in Laurel; http://www.abbottsgrillde.com.  It is a sister restaurant to Abbot’s Grill in Milford.  Chef Ryan Cunningham was serving Smoked Strip Loin with a Scallop Vinaigrette & Coriander Popcorn.

dscn3472

Loved the addition of the popcorn to the tender beef.  Ryan asked us to come to Laurel for a real treat this year.

dscn3476

a(MUSE.) – Located in Dowtown Rehoboth Beach, http://www.amuse-rehoboth.com.  Hari was hard at work, but always explaining exactly what he is cooking.  Pumpernickel Pasta?  OMG!! This pasta tasted just like pumpernickel bread.  You had to be there to experience it, but Hari said he has it at the restaurant, among other amazing tasting pasta flavors.  It was served with Brussel Sprouts, Pastrami Beef Cheek, Charred Onion & Pickled Mustard Seed.

dscn3475

The pasta was cooked to perfection and the other flavors complemented already a winning central ingredient.

dscn3479

LUPO DI MARE – Located in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com.  This restaurant is part of the family of SODEL Concepts restaurants and started by the late and much missed Matt Haley.

dscn3478

They were serving Rustic Meatballs, Parmesan Polenta with Tomato Gravy.  I can’t make a good meatball, so always enjoy little morsels like these ones.  They did tell us that this was not their signature meatball…prepared exclusively for this event.

dscn3477

PAPA GRANDE’S – Two locations:  Downtown Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island.  A Delaware coastal taqueria.  http://www.papagrandes.com/rehoboth.  Papa Grande’s is also part of the SODEL family of restaurants.

dscn3483

I love Scrapple!!  And, this is what they were serving…House Scrapple Tostada, Hibiscus Jelly, Apple Radish Jimaca Salad, Corn Chip.  Having had their scrapple taco last year….of course just by looking at these tostadas, I knew they were going to have an awesome taste.

dscn3482

They asked if we had had their Duck Scrapple….and that they were planning on a crab scrapple this summer….can’t wait.

dscn3485

THE BRICK HOTEL RESTAURANT & TAVERN – Located in Georgetown on The Circle, http://www.brickhotelrestaurant.com.  The chefs were serving Black Cherry Braised Beef with a Root Vegetable Puree & Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

dscn3486

The black cherry flavored was detected on the braised beef.  It was cooked in a 250 degree oven for 6 hours.  It melted in your mouth.  Totally delish!

dscn3484

THE WALL OF WINE –  This has become very popular at events.  Wine aficionados love it….more so if they get a prized bottle of wine.  You pay $20 and then get to choose a wrapped bottle of wine from the wall.  You might get the $10 bottle or a very expensive bottle.  A ticket was also given for a raffle….a bottle of Dom Perignon at the end of the evening!!

dscn3487

BAYWOOD CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT – Located in Long Neck, http://www.baywoodgreens.com/restaurant.

dscn3492

Stuffed Pork Pinwheel!! Pop them in your mouth.  They would be perfect for a party.

dscn3491

NAGE BISTRO & WINE BAR – Located on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach, http://www.nagerb.com.

dscn3494

This pastrami was made out of tuna, on a pumpernickel crouton, caraway sauerkraut, spicy mustard….definitely one of my true favorites of the evening.

dscn3493

Next stop?  BETHANY BLUES, LEWES…Located on Costal Highway (Rt. 1), http://www.bethanyblues.com/lewes.

dscn3502

I love St. Louis Ribs more than any other rib.  That’s what they were serving.  Smoked St. Louis Ribs, caramelized in a Habanero Apple Cider, served with a Jalapeno Slaw.  Got those tastebuds dancing immediately!!

dscn3500

dscn3501

TOUCH OF ITALY – A trattoria, salumeria and pasticeria….http://www.touchofitaly.com.  These restaurants can be found in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Ocean City, Maryland.

dscn3505

Making mozzarella…it looked time consuming, but also relaxing.  Take a look.

dscn3507dscn3503

dscn3506

Smaller mozzarella balls were served with rosemary and EVOO!!

dscn3509

ESPUMA RESTAURANT & MARTINI BAR – Located in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, http://www.espuma-restaurant.com Chef Jay Caputo was serving Spanish Style Clam Chowder topped with Potato Foam and Scallion Powder.

dscn3510

The biscuits were filled with the creamy, and well seasoned clam chowder.  I liked it a lot.

dscn3508

Love this tapas eating style….grazing here or there!!  We tried them all!!  Next!!

dscn3512

FINS FISH HOUSE & RAW BAR – In Downtown Rehoboth Beach and with a sister restaurant on Coastal Highway, http://www.finsrawbar.com.  Another time consuming dish is making risotto.

dscn3511

FINS did a great job with their Crab & Shrimp Risotto.  It was delicious!!

dscn3513

LAST STOP!!

dscn3515

THE ROOKERY – Located in Milford…2 golf course locations, Milton and Milford, http://www.rookerygolf.com.  We finished our Chowdown with a treat of Ahi Tuna with a Ginger Lime Soy, served over a Seaweed Salad, Cucumber & Wasabi Tobiko.  Excellent ending!!

dscn3514

We then continued to listen to DJ Jimmy Young, who provided great entertaining throughout the evening.  Plenty of items on the silent auction raising funds for a great cause.

Have a good one!!

THE WINNER?  a(MUSE.)  Congratulations!!

Comments Off on Chowdown For Charity, Next Gen South, Delaware Community Foundation, Fundraising Event, Southern Delaware, Kent & Sussex Counties, Food Tasting, Voting, Wall of Wine, Silent Auction, Fun=Fundraising, Same Time Next Year!!

January 26th, 2015

Meatless Any Day! Spinach Gratin, Casserole, Easy, Recipes Begged, Borrowed & Stolen….Gluten Free, Delaware Beaches Eat!

Meatless recipe….but the day is perfect for a nice hot chili!!

This recipe is totally stolen.  Cannot take any credit for it.  It is a recipe from Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa.  It comes out so good and it can be served by itself, or, as a side dish for meat, chicken or fish.  I have served it with a Turducken and I just served it for Christmas Eve dinner with my small standing rib roast from Hickman’s in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

dscn2964

Spinach Gratin and sliced tomatoes on the side…yummy!  It is by no means a low fat, low cal recipe but some adjustments can be made….substitute the butter for something lighter.  The heavy cream can be half and half, and the milk can be low fat, as well.

dscn2973

SPINACH GRATIN

4 tablsps. usalted butter

4  cups yellow onions, chopped

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp nutmeg, grated (I used ground)

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups milk

5 10-ounce packages of frozen spinach, defrosted

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Kosher salt (optional)

1/2 tsp ground pepper

1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat.  Add onions and saute until translucent.  About 10 minutes.  Add the flour and nutmeg and cook stirring for a few more minutes, making a roux.  Add the cream and milk and cook until thickened.

Squeeze as much liquid as you can from the defrosted spinach.  Add the spinach to the sauce.  Then, add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese and mix it well.  Season with salt and pepper if you want to.

Transfer the spinach to a baking dish, 9 x 13, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 Parmesan and the Gruyere on top.  Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Serve and enjoy!!

IMG_0362

I made this recipe gluten free.  Please grate your cheeses to make sure there are no additives containing gluten.

Comments Off on Meatless Any Day! Spinach Gratin, Casserole, Easy, Recipes Begged, Borrowed & Stolen….Gluten Free, Delaware Beaches Eat!

January 14th, 2015

What Are You Reading? Growin’ up Country: Rural Life in the 1950’s and 1960’s, J. Everett Moore, Jr., Sussex County, Delaware

Everyone I talk to that grew up in the 1950s and 1960 have so much to say about those years.  For those of us that grew up in those times I think we can all agree that people were more polite, more caring, more relaxed….and after seeing The Temptations and The Four Tops a couple of weeks ago….definitely, better music!!

Cars were left unlocked and there were some awesome cars during the 50s and 60s.  I went to a Barrett Jackson auction in Florida.  Check this 1955 Nash Stateman Super.  It had a hide a bed and a window air conditioner!

dscn2548

dscn2552

The other day I was at the offices of Moore & Rutt located at 122 West Market St., Georgetown, Delaware.  I was introduced to Growin’ up Country:  Rural Life in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  The author?  J. Everett Moore, Jr.  I am taking my time reading this book.  I am loving everything that I am reading and enjoying the photos, as well.

dscn3206

I did not meet Everett Moore, but I am so impressed in the way he delivers his life’s story.  In the book you will recognize many of the family names that still are very much part of Sussex County.  Please visit http://www.growinupcountry.com.  The website is great with so much information, including where to get the book.

The book would make a great gift for anyone that has moved to the area.  One thing is to visit and another is to call this county home.  I have been in Sussex County since the 70’s and even during those times, life was much simpler.  And, we did leave the car keys under our mats in the car.  My husband’s family chose Bethany Beach as their vacation destination.  Many years later, John and I called Bethany home.  And, then Rehoboth Beach.

dscn4536

Mr. Moore covers history, his home, recreation of the times, school, church, meals, etc. etc.

In reading the book my nostalgia started to take over.  I did not have a rural upbringing.  But, I did grow up in a small town on the eastern side of Puerto Rico…Humacao.  A small town where everyone knew every family.  The telephone?  Well, I think my grandmother’s number was 421.  I would pick up the phone and talk to the operator.  And a friend reminded me of shared lines.  I seem to remember that, as well.  That meant I could be talking on the phone and another person would join in.

IMG_1545

Your mail was delivered even if the address was not complete.

Mr. Moore mentions a Chevy Corvair.  My mother had one.  White with red interior.  And, my grandmother had a Valiant with push buttons.

In Growin’ up Country….of course you have to talk about the distinct accent of this county.  You have to really listen carefully at times.

Sussex County is the largest county in Delaware, but the least populated.  There is more arable land under cultivation than anywhere in the state.  It is also the birth of the poultry industry and the leading county of broiler production in the U.S.

Mr. Moore writes about looking for arrow heads and other Indian artifacts as a young child with his dad.  Worth visiting is the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro.

dscn4609

dscn4584

Mr. Moore mentioned that men went to the barber shop.  That no man would be caught in a beauty salon, I had to laugh.  The photo shown in the book shows different styles.  Well, guess what?  I showed the photo to my son because he had the same hair cut.  He has been going to the Georgetown Barber Shop to get it cut.  And, all that is old is new again….a retro look is the new thing.  Go figure.

The Noxzema story.  I have always loved that one with the farm on Rt. 26.  That’s the only cream my mother has ever put on her face…..she has no wrinkles.

Meals, food, and the kitchen utensils of the time.  I remember the milk being delivered in glass containers.  My husband used to talk about the cream on the top and how much he used to love it.

The book ends with his mother’s recipes.  Cannot wait to make the Old Fashioned Biscuits, and Dumplin’s.

I am still reading and I don’t want the book to end.  It is Mr. Moore’s story, one that he is leaving for his children and grandchildren.  What a gift!!

Growin’ up Country is in its second printing.  It is full of lore, tales, tidbits and brief notes.  Have fun with it!!

IMG_1558

January 14th, 2015

Destination? State of Delaware, Tourism, Delaware, New Tourism Brand Campaign, Delaware Tourism Office, “Endless Discoveries”, New Delaware Tourism Office Logo

Delaware_Tourism_Office_Endless_Discoveries_Logo

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!!

dscn2996

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.

dscn3415dscn3445

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.

dscn5094

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!!

dscn4405

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.

dscn4316

Please also note that the information for this post was taken from the Delaware Toursim new brand campaign:  “Endless Discoveries”

101_0003

Comments Off on Destination? State of Delaware, Tourism, Delaware, New Tourism Brand Campaign, Delaware Tourism Office, “Endless Discoveries”, New Delaware Tourism Office Logo

Search the Archives