August 4th, 2009
With great vegetables at the height of the summer season, I think a Zucchini Lasagna would give you something different for dinner tonight.
3/4 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1/4 cup grated carrots
16 ounce can of tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
salt, pepper
4 or 5 medium zucchini, unpeeled
8 ounce low-fat cottage cheese
1 egg
6 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
In a large skillet brown beef, breaking beef up as it cooks. Drain and discard fat. Add onion, chopped garlic, green pepper, carrots, tomato sauce and seasonings. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring here and there. Spray with cooking spray or butter a 12-inch baking dish. If you don’t have that size, then adjust the recipe to the size of your dish.
Remove the end of zucchini and slice them lengthwise, about 1/2 inch wide. Arrange 1/2 of the slices on the bottom of baking dish
Beat together cottage cheese and egg. Spread over zucchini and top with a layer of 1/2 meat sauce and 1/2 of mozzarella.
Layer remaining zucchini, meat sauce and mozzarella.
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Serves 4 – 6 depending of who is eating at your table.
Note: You can mix 8 ounces commercial sauce and 8 ounces of tomato sauce, if it appeals to you better.
I also like using fresh herbs, so if you have some in your garden, please use them, by all means.
You can serve this dish with some good crusty bread and a simple salad.
August 3rd, 2009
The summer season is in all its glory. The beaches are crowded and everyone is enjoying the hot sunny days. I make a point to visit different establishments after the season has kicked off because it is great to see the beaches full of life.
My good friend, Donna, came to visit and off we went to check out Rehoboth Beach. Our first stop was to the shop of Mark Showell, very well known interior designer in the area. His showroom is located on Baltimore Avenue. Lots of pretty things that make you want to re-decorate. Donna loved it. She had never been there.
For lunch, we decided to go to Hobos, which is located on 56 Baltimore Ave. Their telephone is 302-226-2226. Their web site is www.myhobos.com You do not need reservations for lunch but, definitely, for dinner you should make them. We were able to seat in the porch area. It was very pleasant as we looked over our menu and checked all the food coming out of the kitchen. Everything looked very good. We had a salad with salmon on top. And, we split a wrap with chicken that also had a salad. I would have put a little more kick in the wrap since the salads had a similar taste. The wrap came with a potato salad and that was excellent. Perfectly cooked potatoes and a lot of dill. The mango ice tea was a perfect addition to our lunch. No dessert because we have to watch our figure.
I have been twice to this restaurant for dinner and my personal experience has been good. Gretchen, the owner, is very friendly and one of the best things is that they will ask you upon making a reservation if anyone in your party has an allergy.
They have gluten free breads, if you ask for them and very aware of gluten free diets.
Since our hunger was satisfied, we also stopped at J. Conn Scott, which has a showroom on Baltimore Ave. I tell you, this is a busy little street. J. Conn Scott’s main store is in Selbyville, Delaware which is about 40 minutes away give or take from Rehoboth. Gorgeous summer colors.
Not intentionally, we seemed to have hit all the “home stores” in the area.
Our last stop was Jeff West Home and he is on 413 Rehoboth Ave., tel. 302-227-3635. His web site is www.jeffwesthome.com It is near the roundabout as you are leaving town, going north. Everything is so well presented and he has beautiful accessories for the home and a perfect place to buy a hostess gift or just a gift for anyone that enjoys beautiful things.
On Saturday, August 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Jeff West Home will be holding a Natalie Silitch Trunk Show. Natalie Silitch is an artist known for her crackled canvas figures and whimsical fabric angels. She will be available to sign pieces at this event. For more information on her work, go to her web site www.nataliesilitch.com
Donna and I drove around town and through Henlopen Acres and The Pines which are perfect neighborhoods on the north end of Rehoboth Beach for walking, biking or jogging.
It wasn’t an exciting day but it was a very enjoyable day, spending it with a girlfriend. Perfect!!
August 2nd, 2009
A lot of different events going on this coming week at all the beach towns.
Lewes, Delaware
Take a lawn chair or blanket and watch free movies under the stars at the Village of Five Points. Free Popcorn. The movie on Thursday, August 6th, will be The Lion King and it will start at 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
On Saturday, August 8th, there will be a free concert by The Funsters at the Community Center Lawn
For more information please go to www.thevillagesoffivepoints.com
Rehoboth Beach
Friday, August 7th, there will be an Exhibit Opening of artist Anita Peghini-Raber at the Phillip Morton Gallery, located at 47 Baltimore Ave. The opening reception will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. For more details please go to www.phillipmortongallery.com
Saturday, August 8th, will be the day for Mosaic Second Saturdays: Destination Art Walk. You will be able to visit the downtown galleries from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Mosaic was founded in 2008 to recognize and support the art scene in Rehoboth Beach. Please check their web site www.mosaicrehoboth.com and read about their philosophy, members, events and check the map with all the galleries and addresses.
The Rehoboth Art League will be holding their 36th Annual Rehoboth Art League Outdoor Fine Arts & Crafts Exhibit.
The dates are August 8th and 9th and August 15th and 16th. It will start at 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the League’s location on 12 Dodds Lane. Their tel. is 302-227-8408 and their web site is www.rehobothartleague.org. Please check it out since you can find other information about the League, including classes.
At the Bandstand – August 8th – The performers will be North of Mason Dixon – New Country. This group opens for Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith and Rascal Flatts and other major country performers. Their web site is www.northofmasondixon.com
On August 9th, also at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand – the performance will be Oh Boy A Buddy Holly Tribute. It is a commemoration of the death of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member, Buddy Holly. The web site is www.ohboybuddytribute.com
The Rehoboth Bandstand has many other events coming up and I will be highlighting them, but you may also check their web site www.rehobothbandstand.com/schedule/
Dewey Beach
On Mondays this town has a movie night. It is free but donations are appreciated. Just bring your chair and your family. The movies are shown on a giant screen on the beach and they start at dusk (8:30 p.m.) The location is Dagsworthy St. and the Beach.
Wednesdays is Bonfire Night on Dagsworthy St. and the Beach. A beach chair and family and friends and marshmallows is all you will need for the bonfire on the beach. It starts at 7:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. The last of the bonfires will be on August 26th so you better try it soon.
Since the movies at the beach and the bonfires are subject to the weather, please listen for cancellations on WGMD 92.7 FM or check the notices at the Lifesaving Station at Dagsworthy St.
Bethany Beach
On Friday, August 7th, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and at this beach town’s Bandstand the performance will be Oh Boy, A Buddy Holly Tribute. This is a commemoration of the death of Buddy Holly, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Check the web site www.ohboybuddytribute.com
Also at the Bandstand, on Saturday, August 8th, starting at 7:30 p.m. is Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis. The web site is: www.jessegarron.com. I don’t think I need to say anymore of what this is about. Enjoy it.
Please call the Bethany Beach hotline 302-539-5484 for any updates.
Fenwick Island
Discover Sea Shipwreck Museum would be something to do on a cloudy day. The museum is located at 708 Ocean Highway in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Their telephone is 302-539-9366 and their toll free number is 888-743-5524.
This museum was opened in 1995. It is an ever changing exhibit. For more information please go to its web site www.discoversea.com
Ocean City, Maryland
This town has a lot going on this week besides its biggest event; The White Marlin Fishing Tournament. If you click on events under categories, you will find more information on the tournament.
Every Wednesday there are free concerts on the beach at North Division St. from 8:00 until 9:30 p.m.
This is the schedule:
8/05 Nomad, 8/12 Zydeco-a Go-Go, 8/19 Captain Quinn, 8/26 Frankie & the Pack and 9/02 Lauren Glick Band
Monday Family Movie Nights – Free movies for the whole family start at 8:30 p.m. and the location is 27th St. on the beach. Bring your chairs or blankets.
The schedule is as follows:
8/3 Beethoven’s Big Break, 8/7 The Incredibles, 8/10 Open Season 2, 8/14 Monsters vs Aliens
Bonfires on Thursdays on the beach at North Division St. You can sit by the bonfire and learn facts, history and fun things to do in Ocean City. There will be different speakers and it starts at 9:00 p.m.
Speakers scheduled are:
8/06 Ocean City Police, 8/20 Ocean City Fire Marshall, and 8/27 O.C. Recreation & Parks Dept.
At the Marlin Club in West Ocean City on Thursday, August 6th there will be about 20 vendors for a Jewelry Show to benefit the Stephen Decatur High School Scholarship Fund. Donation will be $5.00
It is open to the public and the $5.00 admission ticket will give you one free drink (wine, soda, beer, and snacks) The show starts at noon and ends at 4:00 p.m. The address for the Marlin Club is 9659 Golf Course Rd., Ocean City, Maryland, 21842 and their tel. is 410-213-1613
Another event taking place in Ocean City, this coming week-end will be Antiques-by-the-Sea Antique Show to be held on August 7th through August 9th at the Ocean City Convention Center on 40th St. and the Bay. It will start at 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and for more information, please call Jennifer Pearson at 410-289-3453.
For over 60 years, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea has hosted this fundraising event. Vendors will exhibit antiques, jewelry, furniture, pottery and art.
As you can see, there is plenty to do around my beach towns and I hope you have a great time discovering them.
August 2nd, 2009
It is Sunday, late afternoon, so if you are like me, you might not know what to have for dinner as of yet and that means having to go to the grocery store. I go to the store all the time; it’s because I don’t really know what will appeal to me for dinner.
This recipe is so easy and here it goes:
1 lb. veal scallops – or thin slices of uncooked turkey breasts
1 tblsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1/4 tsp. or more paprika
4 tblsps. butter or butter spread
2 tblsps. small capers – drained
2 tblsps. lemon juice
Lemon slices dusted with dried parsley for garnish.
If you wish, pound the veal scallops or the turkey between sheets of waxed paper to make them thinner.
Dredge meat in mixture of cornstarch, garlic, salt, pepper and paprika.
Quickly brown in butter or spread in a large skillet. After both sides are brown, remove meat to serving plate and keep warm.
Add capers to pan. Stir. Pour drippings over meat. Sometimes I add a bit more butter or spread while stirring to the capers. Sprinkle with lemon juice, garnish and serve with a good Basmati rice and a steamed vegetable of your choice. You want color around your plate to make it more appetizing.
This recipe serves 4, but you might want to double it if you think it might not be enough and if you don’t eat it all, then you will have leftovers.
Note: Capers may be omitted if they do not appeal to you or you can substitute them with olives.
August 2nd, 2009
The on- line world, yes, pretty much you want to be connected, not left behind. It would be pretty hard to find someone that has not used the internet to buy something.
So, what are these blogs? A simple explanation would be that it is a personal journal or diary and the only difference is that it is placed on-line for everyone to see. And, why would anyone be interested in someone’s life or likes or dislikes? Because, it is human nature. The best part is that you may choose to read it or not read it. But, a lot of times you can get very good information. And, learn a thing or two.
Some of these blogs have focus. You could be interested in fashion, travel, entertainment, religion, science, ecology, media, medicine, economics, and the blog will be based on those criterias. Really, the blog can be what you want it to be.
In the late 90’s there were only a handful of blogs and now there are over one million.
The Wilmington News Journal (Delaware’s newspaper) had an interesting article on June 29th regarding self-regulation of blogs and also it raised the question regarding bloggers being paid or getting perks to be nice when they are reviewing a product, company, restaurant, etc.
There are new guidelines that will be approved by the end of the summer by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find those proposed guidelines on www.ftc.gov/os/2008/11P034520endorsementguides.pdf .
In the meantime, yes, I am blogging too, and I hope that locals, natives and visitors to my beaches will find it entertaining and helpful when you are trying to find what to do, shop, where to eat and what to cook for dinner.
Have a great Sunday even though it is a hot and cloudy day in the Delmarva Peninsula.
Note: Helpful information on this blog came from the article in the Wilmington News Journal dated June 29,2009, http://computer.howstuffworks.com, and from http://ask.yahoo.com/20021115.htm
August 1st, 2009
It is sunny and hot after the rain last night in Delmarva. A good night for barbecuing. The recipe is as follows:
2 boneless pork loin roasts, 2 pounds each
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tsps. sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 to 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
Mix all ingredients. Cut each roast lengthwise into 3 equal strips. Pierce sides of strips with fork; place in large plastic bags or container and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Press air out of the bag, if you are using one and tie securely. Turn bag several times to coat meat thoroughly or make sure the meat is covered with the sauce if you placed it in a container.
Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally.
Remove meat and grill for about 35 minutes, or until tender. Turn pieces frequently.
You really can serve this dish with some grilled vegetables, since you have the grill ready and new potatoes with sliced tomatoes since this time of the year they are so flavorful.
Note: If you think you need more sauce, just make some extra. You just want the meat covered with the teriyaki sauce. And, the easiest way to grill vegies is to brush them, after being sliced, with olive oil and some herbs and they do not take long.
Allergy tip: For anyone in a gluten free diet, please remember to use wheat free soy sauce.
August 1st, 2009
 Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Rehoboth Beach is the perfect town for walking, whether it is for exercise or just strolling. Even though I live in a neighborhood that has a long walking circle, it is good to just drive to town and park on the north side of the Henlopen Hotel, which is also the north side of the boardwalk and walk it. I would say that it is about 2 miles plus give or take if you do both ways. Touch the railings at the end. It is just what everyone does. Sense of accomplishment. On a clear day, if you go early enough, depending on your activities the night before, the sunrise will be breathtaking.
Alice and I walked together. She and I have been good friends and I had not seen her in a long time, but it is summer and just like everyone else, she heads for the beaches to her place away from home. She is a fast walker and she takes small steps. I take longer steps but not as fast as she does. I let her talk since she has no problem talking and walking fast at the same time. I can talk for some time but then I need to take a deeper breath of that salt air. It is so funny how we can catch up so quickly on what our families are doing in just half hour.
There is something about seeing the ocean at that time of the morning. It sort of gives you that push to continue the day.
The town of Lewes is also perfect for walking or biking, and you can incorporate the town with Pilottown Rd., which will take you all the way to the College of Marine Studies of the University of Delaware. Very scenic.
Bethany Beach is also a good town for both, biking or walking. The boardwalk is not as long but then you can do a whole loop from the northern part of the town all the way around.
Now, if you really want a long boardwalk, and you are staying in the Ocean City area, then please walk this town’s boardwalk. The earlier, the better, and enjoy the wonderful wide beach.
Remember, no meters until 10:00 a.m. Enjoy the Day!!
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