December 7th, 2009
It is that time of the year when family and friends come together and the common denominator is food.
The following are some easy delights that you can either serve your guests at home or take to someone’s house as a gift.
Cranberry-Orange Chutney
1 cup fresh orange sections
1/2 cup orange juice
4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
2 cups of sugar
1 cup apples, unpeeled and chopped
1/2 cup white raisins
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until berries begin to burst. Remove from heat and stir occasionally while cooling.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Makes 5 1/2 cups.
Note: This recipe keeps well, so it would be an easy one to give as a present. Just put it in a pretty jar. This chutney is delicious with any of the holiday meats.
Marinated Vegetables
Fresh head of broccoli
Fresh head of cauliflower
1 jar pimientos
Combine:
2 cups vegetable oil
2 Tbsps. basil
2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsps. garlic salt
2 Tbsps. unflavored meat tenderizer
2 Tbsps. dill seeds
Lay broccoli and cauliflower pieces in a metal cake pan. Sprinkle pieces with chopped pimientos.
Mix remaining ingredients and pour over vegetables.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Serves 6.
Note: I have made this recipe through the years and you don’t really need a metal pan. At first I thought the recipe was weird with the meat tenderizer added to the vegetables, but let me tell you that you will be surprised at how good it is. In a simple white bowl these cold veggies would look great since the colors are vibrant for the Holiday Season.
Cranberry Bread
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsps. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. grated orange peel
3/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups light raisins*
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
Sift together the first 5 ingredients into a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
Add egg, orange peel, and orange juice all at once; stir until mixture is evenly moist.
Fold in raisins and cranberries.
Spoon into a greased 9″x5″x3″ loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.
* You may substitute cranberries for the raisins for an all-cranberry bread.
The next recipe is very easy, and no cooking is necessary, but very well needed at this time of the year:
Recipe for Happiness
2 Heaping Cups of Patience
1 Heartful of Love
2 Handsful of Generosity
Dash of Laughter
1 Headful of Understanding
Sprinkle generously with kindness and add plenty of faith; mix well.
Spread over a period of a lifetime and serve to everyone you meet.
Enjoy!! See you soon…
December 7th, 2009
Sometimes it is taken for granted that we are supposed to automatically get into the spirit of the Holidays. There are years when I am ready to start and others like this one, where, I am asking: What’s the rush?
So, it has been a cold Sunday and even though last week I wished the weather would be a little cooler, I did not expect it to get this cold. Now it is even going to be harder to decorate outdoors. Oh well, it will be done.
I had the idea to visit the Christmas Spirit in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Their address is 161 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. The tel. is 302-227-6872.
Well, upon entering the store I knew that this shop would really inspire me into getting into the spirit of the Holidays. And, if that did not do it, then nothing would and I would be in trouble.
Christmas Spirit is a good size store. The decorations are so pretty. The different rooms and corners show decorations for every imaginable taste. Some areas are arranged by themes, like the music area. If you have a musician in your family, you will find all kinds of ornaments for him or her. There is another corner for the sport oriented person. Or, your tree is decorated in a coastal theme.
Maybe you are giving a first ornament to a newborn. Or it is someone’s first anniversary or a new home. Possibly, you have been invited to a dinner party and need a hostess gift. How about a present for a Secret Santa? Or, you have decided to start an ornament collection for someone. Christmas Spirit has an ornament for every occasion.
I like to attach an ornament to a wrapped present. It adds a personal touch. Through the years friends and family have given me ornaments and I cherish them more and more as time goes by.
I was noticing all the different tree skirts and garlands that were available; some more traditional than others.
The ladies that work at Christmas Spirit are all very friendly and helpful. Jill Hudson is the Manager and she was telling me that the Rehoboth location has been there for 31 years.
But, wait a minute. I almost forgot to tell you that if you live in Ocean City, Maryland and surrounding areas, Christmas Spirit has a store at 3400 Coastal Highway; great address. This store has been there for over 20 years. The telephone is 410-289-6101.
Please remember that Monday, December 7th is the Rehoboth Beach Christmas Parade, starting at 6:30 p.m. Line-up starts at 4 p.m. The parade begins at State Rd.
And, if you really want your Christmas cards to be a conversation piece, then you can drive to the town of Bethlehem near Easton, Maryland and have them postmarked there. From Rehoboth is about a 45 minute drive through the back roads.
 Happy Holidays y Feliz Navidad
December 6th, 2009
One of the interesting things about writing a blog such as mine is that you get to hunt for those unique restaurants or businesses that make and identify our communities.
I enjoy reviewing the already established and known places, but some of them are so well known that they are old news for a lot of you. That’s where “Saturdays” comes in; new and being discovered.
I heard that “Saturdays” had opened up last week. I knew this store was in the works because back at the end of August or beginning of September I wrote a post about Emmert Auctions in Rehoboth Beach. At the auction I saw Karen and she told me what she had been working on. I told her then that when she got settled I would love to visit the store and write about it. I have known Karen for a long time since 2 of our children went to Giant Step at the YMCA in Rehoboth Beach.
So, on a rainy and cold Saturday afternoon, I headed to “Saturdays”. The address is 26526 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Harbeson, DE 19951. The tel. is 302-265-8575. The e-mail address is saturdaysinformation@gmail.com. You can also visit “Saturdays” on Facebook. The hours of operation are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays, or you may call and make an appt. and the owners, Karen and Beth will be able to meet you.
“Saturdays” is owned by 2 sisters in law. Karen Peden and Beth Shinn have been scouting the Delmarva Peninsula for about a year looking for “finds” in order to open this unique store. It is not hard to get to either. If you are in the Lewes area you need to head west on Rt. 9, which is also the road to go to Georgetown. From that point is about an 8 minute drive. The store will be on your left and it is a house.
“Saturdays” occupies the first floor of this house and Karen and Beth have organized it in such a way that you can see all the items very well. In their Holiday Room they have displayed fully decorated trees, old windows painted by a local artist, wreaths and ornaments, among other things. You will find armoires, headboards, clothing, china, glasses, candle holders, paintings and shoes. There are chandeliers, sets of chairs that need some repairs, pitchers and picture frames. They also carry a line of salsas, chips and other goodies.
I think they are going to do very well and the community has welcomed them with open arms. Karen and Beth are very proud of their new and carefully-used home decor, antiques and “green” items that are available. They certainly should be because they have put a lot of thought and work into this new venture.
If you have any items you would like to sell on consignment, please give them a call or send them an e-mail.
The word consignment comes from the French word consigner “to hand over or transmit” and that came originally from the Latin word consignare “to affix a seal” as was done with official documents just before being sent.
Now that the Holiday Season is upon us, this could be a good place to shop especially since everything is affordable. 
So, if you are a bargain-loving person that enjoys hunting for treasures and is thrilled to come across fantastic finds, pay them a visit.
Note: Book Clubs are welcome to swap books with other book clubs. Please call for details.
I had a good time going through the store. I even saw a vintage suitcase that could be given to someone I know in town. I did not get it, but I might, next Saturday…
See you and talk to you later…
Information on consignment was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/consignment
December 4th, 2009
Parades, caroling, holiday celebrations!! The joys of the Season!!
Lewes
Until Sunday 12/6 – Is the Children’s Beach House Benefit Art Exhibit Sale. Visit www.cbhinc.org for details.
Saturday, 12/5 – Holiday Cookie Walk. $5.00/pound. Bethel United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visit cookie displays, shop for cookies, weigh them and pay.
Saturday, 12/5 – Is the 3rd Annual Christmas Boutique from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., sponsored by Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, at the Seaside Nature Center.
Saturday, 12/5 – Lewes Historical Society’s House Tour from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. 8 homes on the tour plus the Historical Society’s buildings. Tickets are $20. Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.
Saturday, 12/5 – Is the Lewes Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. followed by tree lighting and caroling at the Zwaanendale Park and reception in the Fisher-Martin House. Call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com.
Rehoboth
Sunday, 12/6 – Community Unity Spaghetti Dinner from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Convention Center. Tickets are $8, seniors $5 and kids under 12 eat free. Call 302-227-2772 or visit www.downtownrehoboth.com.
Monday, 12/7 – Rehoboth Beach Christmas Parade. Line-up starts at 4 p.m. Parade begins at State Rd., and travels east to the Boardwalk, then turns west and goes back up to the Convention Center.
Santa’s House is open during the Holiday Season so please visit www.downtownrehoboth.com for hours or call 302-227-2233.
Please Note: Doggies at The Beach will have a float. Look for them. They are located on 18806 John J. Williams Highway. Their tel. is 302-644-8200 and the website is www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
Ocean City, Maryland
Saturday, 12/5 – Ocean City Christmas Parade at Oceanside North Ocean City (91st-146th) Activities at the Gold Coast Mall after the parade. Parade starts at 11 a.m. Route: 100 St. north to 115 St. at Mall. Call Honey Jarvis for info. 410-524-9000
Until January 2nd – Winterfest of Lights at Townwide & Northside Park, 127th St. Call 800-626-2326 for visit website http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation.
Sunday, 12/6 – Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Holiday Joy at Community Church on Rt. 589 in Ocean Pines. Call 888-846-8600 or visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org. It starts at 3 p.m.
Berlin, near Ocean City, Maryland
Until December 25th – Victorian Christmas Celebrations include – life sized storybook window displays, horse and carriage rides, house tours, concerts, parades. Victorian fashion show and teas. Santa visits on week-ends at the Atlantic Hotel. There is a fee for some of the events. Visit www.berlinmdcc.org for more information.
Have a great week-end!! See you soon…
December 4th, 2009
I love Eggnog. Too bad it is so high in calories. I like it on Christmas morning when everyone is opening presents. It’s true. I just do, but I rarely do that anymore.
If you live in Delaware, you most likely buy Lewes Dairy products. It is a family operated business. You can learn more about them by visiting www.lewesdairy.com. The cream is exceptional and during the Holiday Season they do make eggnog. I have added rum to the eggnog and then whipped some of their heavy cream and folded it into the mixture. It will be thick. You can almost eat it with a spoon. Don’t get on the scale next day. I have a few friends that buy the eggnog and put it in the freezer and eat it like ice cream. So good!!
One eggnog recipe that I have and make every year is the following:
Eggnog
6 egg yolks (save the egg whites)
1/2 lb. confectioners’ sugar
3 cups of dark rum
1 quart of whipping cream (I use Lewes Dairy)
1/2 cup peach brandy
Freshly grated nutmeg
In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and gradually beat into them 1/2 lb. of sugar.
Add very slowly, beating constantly 1 cup of the rum. Let the mixture stand covered for about 1/2 hour to get rid of the egg taste.
Add, beating constantly the rest of the rum. If you just want to use one cup then do so. Add the brandy. Refrigerate the mixture, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours.
Beat until stiff 6 egg whites and fold them lightly into the other ingredients.
Serve the eggnog with freshly grated nutmeg.
The next 2 recipes are for Coquito. It is like eggnog but it really is a traditional Puerto Rican drink. It is served during the Holiday Season, including the Spanish festivities of Three Kings Day.
I have to laugh because if I were to make the Coquito in the purest way, then I would have to get coconuts and grind the pulp to get the milk, etc. etc. I already could picture the looks I would get at the supermarket when I carried 5 or 6 coconuts to the cashier line. The easiest way is going to be opening a can of coconut milk.
Coquito
2 14-ounce cans of coconut milk
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups premium white rum
Combine the coconut milk, condensed milk and rum in a blender. You will probably have to do this in batches. Puree until frothy. Pour into a pitcher. Refrigerate until nice and cold. Another way is to pour the coquito into an empty bottle of wine or liquor that has a screw top and then refrigerate. You will need 2 bottles.
Coquito #2
2 cans evaporated milk
1 can cream of coconut
2 cups rum
1 dash of salt
Some ground cinnamon, optional. A dash or two will do.
This is very easy. All you have to do is mix all ingredients. This will make about 1/2 gallon. Pour the mixture in about 3 bottles of liquor or wine with screw tops. Make sure the bottles are rinsed out. Refrigerate.
Remember that you can add a little or a lot of the rum. It’s up to you. Even if you do not drink alcoholic beverages, it would be nice to have in the refrigerator for those unexpected guests in the days to come.
Note: You can also make the Coquito without liquor.
Enjoy…talk to you later…
December 3rd, 2009
I first found Furst about 2 years ago. I had a problem with my shoulder from carrying heavy handbags all the time and needed an everyday clutch. I was walking on Pineapple Grove in Delray Beach, just off Atlantic Avenue and saw this store that seemed interesting. I went in and ended up buying a clutch that was in black patent leather. That’s how I found it.
Furst is located on 123 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444. They just moved to this new location. It is still in Pineapple Grove, just a block south. The tel. is 561-272-6422 and the website is www.furstshop.us. It is a husband and wife team. The e-mail for Flavie is Flaviefurst@gmail.com and Ronald’s is Ronaldfurst@yahoo.com.
Ronald and Flavie are from France. Up until recently they had another store in Paris and maybe in the future they will do that again. Ronald specializes in handbags and Flavie’s specialty is jewelry. Both handbags and jewelry are handcrafted in Delray Beach, on location.
Furst is a modern shop and even though I have not met Flavie in person, her jewelry speaks for itself. Gold, silver, color combinations of stones and metals make her jewelry innovative, fresh, fun; definitely, not boring.
Ronald’s handbags are also very unique. Some are more structured than others and, of course, depending on the materials used, some are more expensive than others. Just as Flavie’s jewelry, Ronald uses great combination of colors and textures.
I just spoke to Ronald the other day, towards the end of the day. He loves his new location and is looking forward to a good season.
So, if you are visiting Delray Beach, or the neighboring towns, this could be a shop you might like to check out.
And, if you like to make a distinctive, one of a kind statement, Furst will definitely be a must stop shop in Delray.
Note: Please visit the website above mentioned to get an idea of what Furst is all about.
Also, worthy of notice is the following:
Thursday, December 3rd – It is the Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5 – 6 p.m. Also on this day is Jazz on the Avenue where an open house will be in progress for restaurants, art galleries, and shops. Live entertainment and it is free. 6 – 10 p.m.
Back in the beautiful Delmarva Peninsula; sunny and warm but not for long….
December 1st, 2009
You would think that after the Thanksgiving Holiday eating extravaganza people would not be able to see food for some time, including myself. Well, not in Delray Beach, on Atlantic Avenue. By the look of the restaurants on the Avenue, the coveted outdoor seatings were full even on a Sunday night, when we decided to go to Lemon Grass.
I have forgotten when this restaurant opened but it has to have been at least 6 or 7 years ago. At the time it was half the size that it is now. First, let me tell you where it is located because this is one of those restaurants that you would like to bookmark.
Lemon Grass is located on 420 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483, right in the center of the Avenue. Telephone is 561-278-5050, Fax is 561-278-0222. Website is www.lemongrassasianbistro.com. Hours of operation: Lunch Mondays through Fridays from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. Dinner Mondays through Thursdays 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., Fridays 5 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Saturdays 12 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. until 10 p.m.
At first I was just going to go to the restaurant and wing it, as they say but when I decided to call they asked if I would mind seating inside. That was fine with me because it had been a little chilly in South Florida so it might not be a bad thing. When my party got there, I wished I had sat outside since it really was one of those beautiful evenings where there was a nice breeze and the palm trees were swaying in their own unique way. I love them!
The interior of Lemon Grass has reds, whites and stainless steel. And, by the way, our table by the big glass window was perfect; very comfortable. This is a busy restaurant with people coming and going. If you are seating towards the rear of the restaurant, you can see the open kitchen with the sushi bar before the kitchen.
You have to admit that everywhere you look there are so many Asian restaurants sprouting. Lemon Grass, as I stated before, stands above a lot of them. The variety of Asian food will please a wide palate.
We started with the Spicy Conch Salad and conch is something I like and every time I am in an area that has it, I will certainly taste it. This salad had spicy conch, masago, scallions and sesame seeds on top of thinly sliced cucumbers. Very refreshing with the right amount of spice and a pretty good size appetizer, as well.
Do you know what masago is? It is a type of roe from the capelin fish, which is a member of the salmon family. It is small crunchy orange eggs used in sushi rolls to add additional texture and flavor. I thought I add that info. to the post since a lot of the Asian foods have it.
For dinner, someone ordered Sex on the Moon. It is a roll of shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado, scallions, eel, masago, tuna with tempura flakes on top and sesame seeds. People kept going by and asking what kind of roll it was. Eyebrows would raise with the answer. Other rolls are the Lemongrass roll, which has salmon tempura, eel, cream cheese, avocado inside out with masago. A very popular and impressive roll is the Lobster Monster which is crispy lobster, cucumber, scallions, asparagus, masago, spicy mayo and sesame seeds. It is one of those rolls that’s big so it’s probably the only thing you would need for dinner.
My absolute favorite at Lemon Grass is the Holy Snapper. Check the picture I took. It is a fried whole boneless snapper topped with garlic sweet chili sauce. The taste is so delicious and it is such an amazing looking dish. I hope you don’t mind the other dining patrons looking at you eating, because that’s exactly what is going to happen. A lot of people will never consider ordering a whole fish, but if you do find yourself at Lemon Grass, please order it because you will be coming back to this restaurant time and time again for this particular entree.
 Holy Snapper Lemon Grass has restaurants in Boca Raton, Boyton Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. In their family of restaurants they also own Sushi Thai and Fah in Boca Raton. Their website has information on all these restaurants and if you visit the site you will be able to see the different menus. They have appetizers, sushi appetizers, salads, soups, Asian stir, Asian curry, noodle soup, noodle stir, fried rice, sushi rolls, cucumber wrapped rolls, small rolls, entrees, and sushi and sashimi entrees.
Worthy of notice is that Lemon Grass offers catering for private or large gatherings. For the Delray location, please call 561-544-8181. They also have delivery available and you can call 561-900-7060 for that service.
I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to go back to have that Holy Snapper again.
Note: Information on masago was taken from www.catalinaop.com.
From Delray Beach, talk to you later…
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