January 8th, 2010
You know they are coming. Whether you have invited them or not, those foodies will be showing up to watch their favorite teams. I will be watching the Ravens.
You need to be prepared. It will be a cold week-end ahead. So, here is a little bit of help, just in case friends are coming to your house.
Black Bean Salsa
2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (17 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 purple onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3-4 tbsps. fresh lime juice
2 tbsps. olive oil
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Mix together all ingredients and refrigerate. Very good with corn chips. And so versatile that you can put it on eggs or baked potatoes.
Note: This recipe is gluten free. Read labels of canned goods.
Oyster Broccoli Chowder
3 cups milk
2 (11 oz.) cans condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped broccoli
1 cup frozen loose-packed hash brown potatoes
1 small onion, chopped
1 pint shucked oysters or two oz. cans whole oysters
In a 3 quart saucepan, combine milk and soup.
Stir in broccoli, potatoes, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until bubbly, breaking up broccoli with fork until thawed. Simmer, covered for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat; cool. Cover and chill.
At serving time, reheat soup. In a saucepan place the fresh undrained oysters; cook over medium heat until edges curl.
Add to broccoli mixture; heat through.
Note: If using canned oysters, just add undrained oysters directly to soup and heat through.
Macaroni & Cheese Salad
1 (16 oz) pkg. Rotelle large shells
1 1/2 lbs. sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small squares
1 pkg. radishes
2 medium green peppers
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
2/3 cups milk
3/4 tsp. salt (optional)
1/2 tsp. cracked pepper
Sugar to taste
Cook macaroni, drain and set aside.
Cut cheese, radishes and green peppers to bite size pieces.
Mix mayonnaise, milk, salt, pepper and sugar together.
Combine everything together and serve at room temperature or chill.
Note: Just add a tsp. of sugar first, then taste it and adjust.
To make this recipe gluten free you will need to get gluten free pasta.You will only be able to get the small shells. Buy the block of cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. Hellman’s mayonnaise is gluten free.
Shrimp Cakes
4 cups chopped cooked shrimp
2 cups mashed potatoes
2 tsps. dry mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsps. Old Bay Seasoning
4 tbsps. chopped parsley
1 1/2 cups shredded potatoes
Mix first 6 ingredients; cover and chill.
Form into patties then coat with shredded potatoes.
Pan fry until golden on both sides.
Makes 8 cakes.
Note: To save time you can buy the frozen shredded potatoes. Make sure you chop the shrimp in very small pieces. If you decide to serve them as an entree then just add a salad. But, you can make them smaller and serve them as an appetizer. Have a little bit of tartar sauce for dipping.
To make this recipe gluten free you should shred your own potatoes and instead of tartar sauce you can just dip the cakes in Emeril’s mustards.
If you really have a large crowd, then you can try this recipe. Just let me know how it comes out.
Elephant Stew
1 medium size elephant
2 rabbits, optional
Lots of brown gravy
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cut elephant into small bite size pieces. This will take approximately 2 months.
Add enough brown gravy to cover. Cook over a kerosene fire for about 4 weeks at 465 degrees.
This will serve approximately 3,800 people.
If more are expected, the 2 rabbits may be added, but do this only if necessary, as most people do not like to find hare in their stew.
I just want to make sure you are reading the blog….
Make them your own and talk to you later…
January 7th, 2010
For the most part a lot of us have used Property Managers. It does not matter if you own or rent, they are there to make life easier for the owners and renters, as well.
A happy customer is one of the most powerful signs that a Property Manager does a good job with their services.
My criteria for a good property manager is that he or she should have strong communication and organizational skills.
Everything that goes wrong is the problem of the Property Manager and, again, he or she will have the most client contact when disasters occur. You have to agree with that. The Property Manager needs to perform well in crisis situations. Maybe even foresee the future. See when that hurricane is hitting the coast, or, closer to the mid-Atlantic states when will the next nor’ easter strike.
Having that in mind, I really would like to thank my latest advertiser, Beach House Management, LLC. This company is located at 777 E. Atlantic Ave., Suite Z-307, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-376-4329 or toll free 866-414-4329. Website is http://mybeachouses.com. E-mail is beachhousemgmt@aol.com. You can just visit their website by clicking on the banner located on the right hand side of this blog.
I have used this company for about 6 years. Believe me when I tell you that I have used every service they offer and even some that might not be advertised. I cannot say enough about Michael Keegan because not being able to be there to take care of the properties myself, he is the person that I totally trust. From hurricane shutters, mailing of boxes, car inspections, yard, plumbing, internet, cable, air condition, leaks, replacing doors, concierge services like the bistro service they offer, pick up at the airport, help after being locked out, and the list can keep on going. He knows who to call and get them there fast.
They can manage properties from Ocean Ridge to Highland Beach. So if you are thinking about a Property Manager and have a property that needs taken care of in those areas, please give Michael a call. I can assure you that you will not be dissapointed.
In the Delaware Beaches, you will find another great Property Manager. Her name is Debbie Dyer and she owns Coastal Home Services. The address is P.O. Box 3, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Tel. 302-236-5065. The website is www.coastal-home-services.com and the e-mail address is info@coastal-home-services.com.
I also know personally this Property Manager. Debbie has that personal touch that makes you feel like you know her from the moment you meet her. She is very professional and will be able to handle your year-round property management requirements. The Delaware Beaches are very busy during the summer months. Renters come every week, so if you are renting your property, you need someone like her to be on top of things. You don’t rent your property but use it for your own enjoyment? She can arrange for private chefs, spa appointments, summer classes for your children, etc. But, if you visit her website, you will be able to find this info. and much more. And, if you have questions, give her a call. I am sure she would love to hear from you.
Property Managers give you peace of mind.
Talk to you later….
January 6th, 2010
Cold in South Florida and you find yourself on vacation and mentally and physically you are not prepared for the frigid temperatures. You see those swaying palm trees that I love so much and you wonder how can it be? I am supposed to be sitting on the beach. You even had to go and buy a sweatshirt or two.
A few things that you might enjoy this week are:
Saturday, January 9th – The Green Market – 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. – The location is SE 4th Ave. from the first alleyway south of Atlantic Ave. to SE 1st Street. This market happens every Saturday and there is an abundance of fresh and local produce, bake goods, and plenty of others things to check out.
Saturday, January 9th – Ride and Remember Trolly Tour – It is sponsored by the Delray Beach Historical Society and the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. It is a 90 minute tour that will focuse on the Historic Districts. The pick up will be at 10:00 a.m. at the Cason Cottage, 5 NE First St. For more info. please call 561-243-2577 or 561-279-8883. $15 per person or $12 for members of the Spady Museum and the Historical Society.
Saturday, January 9th – Art-Sea Living Gallelry & Studio, 1628 South Federal Highway, Boyton Beach, FL 33435 will be having an Arts & Crafts Trunk Show. This is an event that happens the second week-end of every month until May. Local artists will be on hand to show and sell their creations. There will be good wine, good conversation and great art. This Boutique Gallery carries unique and creative items; some of which are made by Florida artists. The Studio features Master Artisans who teach a wide array of Fine and Fun Art classes in a contemporary studio. Art-Sea Living has a studio on wheels and can come to your location. They will bring the art supplies and you invite the guests. Perfect for your next event. They offer paint your own pottery, wine glass painting, beading a la cart and sketching/painting and more. Please call 561-737-2600 for details. Also, please visit their website, www.artsea-living.com for on-line shopping, calendar of events and to find what they are all about. Boyton Beach is the next town north of Delray and it does not take any time to get there.
Monday, January 11th and Tuesday, January 12th – Will and Anthony Nunziata will be at the Crest Theatre, Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave. The show will begin at 8 p.m. Will and Anthony are identical twins that have taken the music and cabaret world by storm. They have appeared with the Boston Pops, the Cleveland Pops and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. They will soon be appearing in a segment of the Rachael Ray Show. Tickets are $42 per person. This is part of the Merrill Lynch 2010 Broadway Cabaret Series. For more info. and tickets please call 561-243-7922, ext. 1 or visit www.oldschool.org.
Don’t worry, the temperatures are going to be rising by next Monday. In the meantime enjoy your time off.
Talk to you later…
January 6th, 2010
I think I am reminiscing. Yes, remembering when I was a young girl growing up in Puerto Rico. We were so lucky; getting presents two times during the Christmas Season.
Puerto Ricans take their holidays seriously and there is nothing more serious than this time of the year. When we are all finished, here in the States, with the eating, drinking and decorating, Puerto Ricans will start getting ready for the arrival of the “Three Wise Men”.
During this time of the year there would be plenty of “parrandas” which is a Spanish word for caroling. We would go from home to home with the very popular “asaltos” or “hold-ups”. These carolers would show up at your house and start singing with the idea that they would be invited in for food, drinks, and the ever present “coquito” or Puerto Rican Eggnog. The “asaltos” would continue until the early morning hours.
Driving through the island during these holidays is quite a treat since you will be able to get plenty of pasteles, morcillas, and roasted pig. You can buy all this food right on the side of the country roads.
On the eve of Three King’s Day, I would have already put boxes with grass, under my bed, for the camels, 3 plates with cookies and 3 glasses of milk for the Wise Men. Gone to bed early in anticipation of what I might be getting was a must. In the morning there would be such a mess; grass all over the place and half eaten cookies. Presents would be under the bed. They would be like stocking stuffers; nothing too big.
Besides all this partying, let’s not forget that this is really a religious holiday. After all, it is the Epiphany, which comes from the Greek word and means appearance, manifestation. It is a Christian Feast Day and the observance has its origins in the Eastern Christian Churches. It also includes the celebration of His birth and the visit of the Three Wise Men, who were Persian priests.
After Three King’s Day celebrations, Puerto Ricans will continue with the “octavitas”, which are the 8 days after, and until February 2nd. This is the day of the Candelaria when all Christmas trees are burned and the ashes are saved for Ash Wednesday; the beginning of Lent.
When my children were young I would take them out to do the same ritual I did as a child. Just on Monday, as my youngest son was leaving I reminded him that the Three Kings were coming and to remember to put the grass under the bed. He just laughed and said “I remember”. And, I hope some day they will do the same with their own children.
Note: Some of the Epiphany information was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday
Happy Three King’s Day…..
January 5th, 2010
Well, I guess one of my New Year’s Resolutions is down the drain. And, it happened in Baltimore, Maryland. Boy, it did not take long.
I was supposed to have had a bit of more self control, but how could I? When you read this post you will see why.
At the beginning of December there was an article in the Baltimore Sun about a gluten free bakery in Charm City. It gave an interesting story on how it started and how this bakery was now making gluten free cupcakes, as well. Cupcakes, the “new” rage.
Monday was my opportunity to visit them and check it out.
Sweet Sin Bakery is located on 123 West 27th St., Baltimore, MD 21218. The tel. number is 410-464-7211. You may place orders by calling 410-366-5777. Fax number is 410-366-5788. Website is www.glutenfreedesserts.com and the e-mail address is Richard@glutenfreedesserts.com. They are open Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Richard and Renee D’Souza are the owners, bakers and cooks. Renee is the person that has a gluten allergy and that is how this whole thing started. They have been in business for 5 years and even though I had not heard about them until now, they are becoming very popular because of the amazing products they are bringing to people with celiac disease. You see, when you have this allergy, is not that you can just pop a pill. The only thing for it is a strict diet.
So, needless to say, I am very happy to have found them since I have mentioned in the past about my husband’s gluten allergy.
Besides being a gluten free bakery, they also prepare soups. In the next few weeks they will also have a full gluten free menu with about 5 or 6 dishes.
The soups they had today were so delicious that I took a quart of each one home. Have in mind that these soups are made with natural ingredients and no added preservatives.
The first one was a Crab and Clam Chowder and it had crabs, clams, shrimp, tomato, garlic, coconut, green peppers, carrots, green peas, okra, jalapenos, potatoes and onions. The seafood was so tasty and the broth was rich. Richard told me that the soup was so natural that not even oil was present. The broth is all homemade, as well.
The other soup was a vegan soup. It was a Sweet Potato, Pumpkin Soup and it had sweet potatoes, pumpkin, onions, garlic, rosemary, coconut, basil, tomato, olive oil and cinnamon. It was fantastic with the perfect seasoning and sweetness.
Veganism, Dairy Free and Casein. What are these terms?
Veganism is a lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. They do not consume animal products of any kind.
Dairy Free contains no milk, cheese, butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream, whey, casein or foods that contain those ingredients.
Casein is a protein found in all mammals’ milk. The most common foods that contain it are milks, ice cream, sour cream, yogurt, butter, lunch meats and cheese.
The cakes looked very appetizing as well as the tarts and pies. I tried the pecan pie and it really was good.
My sister in law and I sat in the living area of this row house and had our soup and 3 cupcakes. I have to confess that I had 2 and she had 1/2 of the other and took the rest home. I really don’t feel guilty, though.
As we sat there chatting people kept coming in. Some were buying soups/muffins, bake goods and others were talking about gluten free foods. Nobody rushed us; you can read or have a cup of Zeke’s coffee.
I really would love this bakery to make products for our beaches. I think we need it and we have plenty of stores that could carry their goods.
Sweet Sin also bakes sandwich bread. I had it toasted, with a little bit of butter and it had good taste, was dense and it held well.
I left this great bakery with a bunch of goodies like, pecan tart, which is casein, dairy and soy free, double chocolate mousse cake, with no added preservatives, a key lime tart, also casein, dairy and soy free, lemon meringue, chocolate-raspberry truffle, chocolate dipped cheese cake and chocolate caramel tart.
Then, I bought an assortment of cupcakes and cookies, as well.
If you get the opportunity to visit Sweet Sin in Baltimore, you will find out that they have something unique, besides their winning disposition. Nobody knows better what people with food allergies go through than the owners of this bakery. They have not compromised flavor as they developed the recipes that will make you want to come back for more.
Now you know why my New Year’s Resolution was on hold for the day. And, even though this post was not from any of my beach towns, it was definitely worth writing about.
Note: The cupcakes have eggs. Most of their products are made with only non-hydrogenated fats, including olive oil and organic palm oil shortening.
Information on Veganism was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/veganism
Talk to you later….
January 3rd, 2010
At the beaches, you would think that we are hibernating since it is so cold, but, we really are ready to start 2010 with a few things happening this coming week and beyond.
Lewes
Tuesday – January 5th – A Night of Song and Music sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild. The location will be Beseme Bistro, 142nd and Market Streets in Lewes. Tel. 302-645-8108. Walt Hetfield will be celebrating the great songs and songwriters of the Big Bopper era, like Buddy Holly.
For more info. on Beseme Bistro, please read my post of November 14th. All you have to do is click on November on the Archives, on the left, and scroll down.
Rehoboth Beach
Thursdays – Noodle Night at the Pearl, that is, The Cultured Pearl, located on 301 Rehoboth Ave. Tel. 302-227-8493. Website www.culturedpearl.us. If you want to know about this restaurant, please check my post of September 12th. All you have to do is click on the month of Sept. on the Archives and scroll down.
Starting this coming Thursday is Noodle Night and since they are offering an extensive noodle menu, their regular entrees will not be available. Sushi will always be available, though.
Some of the appetizers for Noodle Night are Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Tempura, House Salad, Wonton Soup and Okonomiyaki which is a traditional vegetable and seafood “pancake”.
There are 8 $10 Noodle Dishes. The ones that attracted me are: Saka Mushi which are littleneck clams and pasta tossed in a spicy sake broth with fresh baked bread, Vietnamese Beef Pho, which are tender rice noodles, shaved eye of round and vietnamese style meatball in a fragrant beef broth accented with onion, cilantro, mung beans and jalapenos. I love Pad Thai and theirs will be with shrimp, egg and tofu with the traditional pad thai noodles, pad thai sauce, chili peppers and chopped peanuts with a side of spicy rice vinegar sauce.
And, for the Non-Noodler, a $20 Bento Box will be available.
Fridays – Story Times for Preschoolers at the Rehoboth Beach Library, located on 226 Rehoboth Ave., 11:00 a.m. Stories, crafts and more. Tel. 302-227-8044.
Saturday, January 9th – Post Holiday Party – 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Browseabout Books. Wine, Beer, Food and Live Music. This event is sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild. Baked goods or appetizers are appreciated. RSVP to Maribeth at fischer.maribeth@gmail.com. Maribeth is the founder and Guild President. Tel. is 302-226-8210. The Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild, www.rehobothbeachwritersguild.com is an organization established in 2004. It is non-profit and 501c(3), which means that it is federally recognized and all donations are fully tax deductible. Its mission is to foster the literary arts in Southern Coastal Delaware. Please check their website for more information and events.
Saturday, January 9th – Pet Adoption in Wilmington, Delaware. Location will be PETCO located on 4491 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, 19808. Tel. 302-636-0860.
Paws of Tomorrow, Inc. will be there with their available pets. Please visit their website www.paswsoftomorrow.com and check out the event section, their pets and see if you are interested in giving one of them a forever home. This organization is based in Ocean View, Delaware, and it is 501c(3) federally recognized, which means that all donations are fully tax deductible. Their e-mail address is info@pawsoftomorrow.com.
I like to promote this rescue group because I got Addy from them last May and she has been great. They get their animals from high kill shelters; get them the medical attention they need and place them in foster care until someone that will make the commitment to take care of a pet adops them.
Ocean City, Maryland
Even though this event is not until January 16th and 17th, I am giving you the info. so you can plan ahead. It looks like a good one to attend if you are in the area.
Saturday and Sunday, 1/16 and 1/17 – The 25th Annual Nautical & Wildlife Art Festival – at the Convention Center on 40th St. and the Bay. Tel. 410-524-9177. This is the shore’s premiere presentation of nautical and wildlife; nationally acclaimed artists from many states across America. It provides a variety of multimedia presentations like painters, carvers, sculptors, model ship builders, and nautical/wildlife multimedia creations. It really is “The Art of the Wild…The Excitement of the Sea”. The attendance for this event is usually about 15,000. The admission ticket gets you into both shows.$5.00 for adults ($4.00 with AARP card), $4.00 for students 13-17 and children under 12 free with a paying adult. The times will be Saturday from 10 until 5 p.m. and sunday from 10 until 4 p.m. For more info. or if you would like to be a participating vendor, please call Donald’s Duck Shoppe at the above telephone number. You may also fax directly to the promoter Don Hastings at 410213-1516 or email him at duckmandon@comcast.net.
Delray Beach, Florida
Thursday, January 7th – Jack Hanna at the Crest Theatre – Old School Square on 51 North Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, 33444. Tel. 561-243-7922, ext. 1.
Jack Hanna will be live and this is part of the 2010 Robert D. Chapin Lecture Series. Tickets are $25 general or $40 reserved. You may purchase by calling the above telephone number or online at http://www.oldschool.org/lectures.asp.
Saturday, January 9th – Is the weekly Green Market located on South East 4th Avenue, just south of Atlantic Ave. 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. When I am in Delray I really enjoy visiting this outdoor market. Great baked goods, oils, flowers, etc.
Have a great week!! Talk to you later…
January 2nd, 2010
On December 22nd I got that craving for barbecue. It must be that it has been so cold that I just wanted to remember how it tasted when you barbecued outdoors. You have to admit that those lazy summer days are something to look forward in about 5 months. Yeah, that long.
I love to barbecue any time of the year. Charcoal is what I use. And, I enjoy the whole process. No need to rush it. I wait patiently for the coals to be just right. You cannot rush cooking or its method. It just does not come out the right way.
So, since I had not barbecued in some time this was a good night to try Bethany Blues.
This restaurant is not new to the beaches. The first restaurant is in Bethany Beach. Also, Bethany Blues is owned by the same owner of Starboard in Dewey Beach. Needless to say, they know how to run an establishment that services a lot of customers every night.
Bethany Blues, Lewes, opened late spring of 2009. Immediately, it was a success; crowded every night. To tell you the truth, not until I went there just before Christmas, I could not have told you it it was good, bad, or mediocre. Boy, was I surprised. If you are in the mood for ribs, smoked ribs, chicken, steaks and the works, it really is going to satisfy your craving.
Since I am reviewing the one in Lewes I want to tell you that they are located on 618285 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. is 302-644-2500 and the website is www.bethanyblues.com.
My husband called Bethany Blues before going there because we wanted to find out how they would deal with someone with a gluten allergy.
Bethany Blues if perfectly capable of handling this allergy or any other food allergy. They told my husband what sauces he could eat and also what foods he could choose. There were plenty of choices. They also mentioned that about 3 times per night they get a gluten question.
It has plenty of parking and the restaurant itself is pretty big. There is a bar with a fireplace and very cozy, indeed. Choosing to eat there looks like it could be very casual, comfortable and toasty this time of the year but I just wanted one of their booths.
Britney was our waitress and she was very knowledgeable about the gluten food allergy. The manager did come to speak to us and reiterated the sauces and foods he could eat.
We both wanted the “all you can eat” barbecued meats. They had a special that night. Britney suggested I start with the brisket and it was the perfect choice because it melted in your mouth. My husband started with the baby back ribs and he thought they were great.
We had these other ribs that were cooked in a buffalo wing sauce so when you bit into them you had that taste. They were so tangy and tasty. I really loved them. It did not take long to get full but it was worth it.
It is so true when they say that their barbecue is authentic because you have to have patience and 100% wood smoke. Bethany Blues uses hickory as their primary wood. No need for gas or electricity.
The restaurant is able to handle private parties, large or small, as well as catering. They welcome families in the restaurant; just be considerate of others and keep those little rascals in check.
Bethany Blues uses locals and natives in providing them with milk and cream like the famous and delicious Lewes Dairy. The sausage is made daily from Milton Sausage on 113 Union Street, Milton, their produce from Always in Bloom Producer’s View, and the beer and Blue Hen Vodka from Dogfish Head Brewery.
So, when I tell you that I have had my fill of meat in December, I am not kidding. I hope you read my blog on 12/26 regarding Hickman’s Meats, which provides meats for Bethany Blues. Well, needless to say, I have been having sashimi, both from the Cultured Pearl and Saketumi in the past few days.
Soon enough that barbecue craving will start creeping up again and I now know where to go.
Note: some of the info. was taken from Bethany Blues’ website. The address for the restaurant in Bethany is: 6 North Pennsylvania Ave., Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Tel. 302-537-1500
I cannot believe that this is my first blog for 2010. Again, Best Wishes…
January 1st, 2010
We all make the yearly resolutions; never to really go through with them. The following is a recipe that I found some years ago in a recipe book. It is easy and perfect for 2010 and beyond.
The Recipe for a Healthy, Happy, and Active Life
3 cups full of faith
2 heaping cups of a healthy diet full of well balanced, nutritional meals including fruits, veggies, grains, dairy and meat
1 1/2 cups cool, clean water
1/2 cup of vitamins, minerals and good supplements
1/4 cup of plenty of sleep each night
2 tbsps. of truly supportive, giving, loyal friends and family
1 tblsp. positive attitude filled with gratefulness, integrity and hope
1 tsp of exercise to walk the stress away
1 heaping helping of hugs and kisses galore
1 pinch of patience and understanding from that special someone
A measure of compassion for those less fortunate
Mix all of the above ingredients together and gently fold with love, mercy, joy, peace, forgiveness and kindness.
Bake at 365 days a year for a healthy, happy and active life.
Serve to as many people as you can.
Feliz Ano Nuevo!!…
|
2 Comments