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 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!!
September 21st, 2014
Mission: “To help families develop solutions to meet challenges and embrace opportunities.”
Children & Families First is an organization that started in 1884. They provide services to 5 agency locations throughout Delaware, besides other family services. They are located at 410 S. Bedford St. in Georgetown, Delaware. Website? http://www.cffde.org.
Southern Delaware is a great place for fundraising events. Children & Families First has 2 important events to raise funds during the year. The first one happened to be in May. I will be sure to let you know next year the information because it was so much fun this year when the event called Brunch & Bubbly was hosted by the Lewes Yacht Club in Lewes, Delaware.
Basically, it was a brunch and shopping event with a percentage of the proceeds going to Children & Families First. Local shops gathered through the room and guests were able to shops to their hearts delight. In this photo Jane & Georgie is showcased.
You could stop and sip bubbly and have something to eat…meet and chat with others that gathered on a beautiful day in Lewes. The Lewes Yacht Club outdid itself with great food. I am showing you this so that you can take a peek at the type of event that Children & Families First offers to the communities of Southern Delaware.
EVENT: A TASTE FOR ART OF SOUTHERN DELAWARE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014!!
This second fundraising event takes place at Indy Hall at Independence, 23767 Samuel Adams Circle, Millsboro, Delaware 19966. It is actually between Rehoboth Beach/Lewes and Millsboro. This will be the 5th year in which Children & Families First again offers Southern Delaware one awesome evening.
This Signature Event for Children & Families First offers a unique creative arts and culinary experience. Guests will mingle among the featured works of area artisans, available for purchase, while at the same time sampling creative dishes prepared by top gourmet restaurants from Southern Delaware, right in front of your eyes. A little bit of this and a little bit of that!
25% of the sales will benefit Children & Families First. This evening will give you a jump on your Holiday shopping…..great prices and all for a worthy cause.
The cost is $65 per person or $120 per couple. Beer, Wine, and a fabulous Martini Bar, Live Music, Silent Auction and Shopping Galore all in one night. 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
To purchase tickets please visit http://www.cffde.org/events/eventdetail.aspx?eventID=64
As of the beginning of August the restaurants participating are: 1776 Steakhouse, Bethany Blues, Bluecoast Seafood Grill, Cultured Pearl, Espuma, Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties, Off The Hook, Touch of Italy, Mariachi, and Abbotts Grill.
Also participating are: Delaware Distilling Co., 16 Mile Brewery, Ristorante Zebra, Back Porch Cafe, Eastern Shore Coffee & Water, and Taylor’s Toffee.
Artists participating as of beginning of August are: Back Bay Art Glass, Basket Whimsies, Heidi Lowe, James Kinnett, Jane Knaus, Kathy Buschi, Kevin Fleming, Kim Klabe, Mitzi Ash, Pam Bounds Seemans, Patti Backer, Peggy Geilis, and Wesner Stack.
For more information, please contact Marcie Urgo at 302-604-6277. Email: marcie.urgo@cffde.org. Website? http://www.cffde.org.
Have a great day!!
August 27th, 2014
The tomatoes are at the height of the season, the peaches are still sweet….this is pretty much a raw salad. Bursting with flavor, it has everything to offer for a perfect end of the summer 2014 meal.
When I made this salad I used gluten free bread. The recipe, actually calls for white bread with crusts removed. Your choice.
TOMATO, PEACH, CORN, AND FETA SALAD
2 slices white bread, crusts removed, cut or torn into small pieces
1/2 cup plus 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
2 ears fresh corn, shucked
4 ripe tomatoes, a variety of colors….or plain red will do. About 2 lbs.
4 large peaches (about 2 lbs. too)
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion or shallots (I used red onion.)
3/4 cups of sheep’s milk feta, crumbled
Pulse the bread in a blender or food processor until the bread breaks down into coarse crumbs.
In a medium skillet, over medium heat, warm 1/2 cup of oil. Once warm, add breadcrumbs and gently toast until golden and crispy. Transfer crumbs to a plate line with paper towels. Season with salt.
Using a sharp knife, slice corn kernels off the cob.
Cut tomatoes and peaches, preferably into wedges. Place in large bowl with onion slivers and corn kernels. Season with salt, optional.
Add the Feta cheese.
Add 6 tablespoons of oil and toss to combine. And then, sprinkle your favorite white balsamic vinegar. My choice was Cranberry Pear White Balsamic from the new store in Downtown Rehoboth Beach….The Olive Orchard.
Distribute salad among plates, then scatter breadcrumbs on top…..serve and enjoy!!
August 25th, 2014
My husband, John Merryman, III’s testimony before passing away last August 31st was that during over the 3 decades in Bethany Beach, Delaware, he had developed more than enough houses to know the business. He referred to Jeff Burton of Lane Builders as a consummate professional, easy to deal with and someone he was happy to be doing business with.
 
John and Jeff designed The Tidewater, a home that was to be built on Parkwood Street in Bethany Beach. The lots in Bethany are usually long and narrow, so a special house with plenty of bedrooms for a family and friends was born.
 
This house was within walking distance to the Town of Bethany; its beaches, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. It was located in a quiet street in Bethany. Instead of coming through the front door all wet, you could come from under the house and leave your beach belongings there.
Jeff Burton is the Managing Partner and President of Lane Builders, LLC, located at 1009 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware. Tel. 302-645-5555. Website? http://www.lanebuilders.com. You can also find Lane Builders on Facebook.
Upon John’s passing, we called Jeff and we also called the buyer who was from Northern Virginia. I cannot imagine their thoughts in having to then deal with the widow. Having been assured that the building was going to go as planned, they were confident in our ability to carry it through.
I am writing this post, which by the way, is very personal, since the year anniversary of John’s passing is around the corner. I wanted to tell you the kind of builder Jeff was for us. The first thing he said without hesitation was “I will make this process as easy as I can for you.” And, he did.
 Jeff Burton taking care of last minute details. Spiritually, John was guiding me through this process. I believe that.
The house turned out to be so nice. I met the owners on the day of the settlement when we were checking the house.
The floors were hand-scraped wood flooring, the tones of the house were soothing, lots of gray, white and blue on the walls and countertops.
The family is going to love having all those bedrooms and bathrooms. A spacious laundry room…a must!
 
I know that when the owners come up the stairs they will certainly enjoy the smooth flowing of their beach house. They are already enjoying it, along with everything Bethany Beach has to offer.
This family had been coming to Bethany for many years. They told me they were waiting for the right house….The Tidewater is going to be a place for rest and relaxation. Bethany Beach is a family resort. It is also known as The Quiet Resort.
Jeff Burton surprised me on that day. The Tidewater is going to be always The Tidewater; in memory of John. A home design that was their first one to be considered a preplanned home, custom built on your lot. You can see a more detailed description of this house if you click on http://www.lanebuilders.com.
I will probably not have any contact with the new owners. Our business is finished. But, this house will always hold a special place in my heart. John would have been so proud.
 
My testimony? I can’t say enough about Jeff Burton, his building partner, Keith Hastings, and their staff at Lane Builders. If you are planning on building or remodeling at the Delaware Beaches, please give them a call. You will not be disappointed.
Have a great day!
August 13th, 2014
The mission at The Cancer Support Community Delaware is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. It is the only organization in Delaware dedicated exclusively to helping people cope with and manage the emotional aspect of cancer. The professionally led programs provide emotional support, education and hope. Best of all, all of the programs are offered free of charge.
4th ANNUAL WINGS OF HOPE KICK-OFF
Today, Wednesday, the 13th of August is the official kick off date for the 4th Annual Wings of Hope…the Campaing of Hope. This prelude to the much anticipated Butterfly Release that will be taking place on Saturday, September 13th.
Businesses and organizations throughout Sussex County will be selling seeded paper buterflies to honor friends and loved ones impacted by cancer.
Epworth United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church, All Saints’ Church, Dimitra Yoga, Rehoboth Beach Public Library, Tomato Sunshine and Surf Bagel are just a few of the locations selling butterflies.
Beauties and Butterflies — Salons Suporting Cancer Support Community Delaware chaired by Drexel Davison of Bad Hair Day? includes over a dozen beauty salons participating in the Wings of Hope by selling butterflies. For a complete list of butterfly sales locations, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org/wingsofhope.php.
Thousands of paper butterflies will be displayed at the Wings of Hope – A Butterfly Release on 9/13 on the grounds of the Medical Arts Building at the Beebe Health Campus on Rt. 24 in Rehoboth Beach.
This very special celebration of life is highlighted with the release of 250 live Monarch butterflies in recognition of Sussex County friends and neighbors impacted by cancer. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the admission is free. The event will also feature vendors, demos, refreshments, and children’s activities.
For more information about the Cancer Support Community Delaware and the Wings of Hope, visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org, or, call 302-645-9150.
Have a great day….sun is coming out!!
May 29th, 2014
 
We are Walking for MS and our team is Beach Babes….yes, that’s the name my friend, Jody, gave our team. To tell you the truth I think it is pretty good. We live at the beach and we are walking and coming together with others who are trying to make a statement about their commitment to creating a world free of MS.
It all started a few months ago, when we attended a Chicks for Charity dinner at Fish On in Lewes, Delaware. This non-profit organization meets once a month and visitors and residents attending have the opportunity to meet one another, have a great dinner, silent auction and raise funds for a local organization. They are on Facebook as Chicks for Charity (Southern Delaware). If you want to know more or to check when the next dinner will be, just visit http://www.chicksforcharity.us.
It was on the March dinner that we met Taylor DeMario, Miss Milford. Taylor has a member of ther family who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 20. Needless to say her platform is raising awareness for individuals and families afflicted with MS.
Having seen MS first hand, has made her commitment even stronger. Finding a cure and helping other families deal with this condition is her driving force.
Taylor DeMario will be competing for the title of Miss Delaware to be held on Sunday, June 15th at Dover Downs & Casino in Dover, Delaware. We wish her good luck!!
Taylor was so well spoken and as I listened to her talk I thought of 2 friends that have MS. For them I am walking.
Beach Babes is a small team, but we had to start somewhere. Maybe next year some of the local readers can join us. We got those hats made, we got colorful t-shirts and I think the weather is going to be perfect.
The Delaware Beaches is an excellent area for fundraising….Delaware is a small state but it has a heart of gold.
As we Walk MS 2014 we hope to come together with others, to celebrate and to show the “power of our connections”.
More info? Please visit http://www.delawarewalk.org. Tel. 302-655-5610.
Note: Please meet Jody, my Team Captain, with Taylor.
May 11th, 2014
I wish all my friends and readers a beautiful day. I remember when I became a Mother, I was totally complete.
For those of you you who Mother someone in your life….Happy Mother’s Day!
Note: The photo was taken in Bethany Beach the other day. It is not unusual to see families like this throughout the Delaware Beaches in the Spring. I never get tired of looking at them.
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