May 15th, 2011
I don’t which one I like better; a flan, a creme brulee, a baked custard or a floating island. Last night my perfect ending, after finally cooking my softshells they way I like them, was a floating island.
I had to make a boiled custard first. I don’t know why it is called “boiled” when you really do not let it boil. Basically, it is eggs, sugar and either flour or cornstarch.
Floating island is considered to be a French dessert. I love it when the weather gets warm because you can fix it ahead of time and with so many berries available; it looks so pretty.
Floating Island
3 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour or 1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups whole milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Separate the eggs, saving the egg whites. Beat egg yolks with a hand mixer. Add sugar and either flour or cornstarch.
Then, add milk, and stir. Place in a medium saucepan.
Cook over medium to low heat and stir until slightly thickened. Do not let it boil.
Remove from heat and let it cool before placing it in the refrigerator.
At this point you can serve it just like that, topped with berries. Or, you can make a floating island.
Floating Island
Just before serving the custard, whip the 3 egg whites. Keep whipping and add 3 tablespoons of sugar, gradually. Then, add 1/2 tsp of vanilla. You can also a little bit of finely grated lime into it for more color and taste.
Whip until stiff and place spoonfuls on the custard.
Note: I made it gluten free using cornstarch or you can use gluten free flour. Make sure the vanilla is gluten free, as well.
Enjoy!!….talk to you later….
May 14th, 2011
I got an e-mail from Noreen who loves The Bellmoor Spa. She is also a reader of this blog. She thought a visit to the Spa would make a good post. To tell you the truth, I have been meaning to take advantage of this Spa which is located right in the center of Rehoboth Beach. Now that it is getting warmer, I am almost ready to put my winter clogs away and take out the flip flops and sandals.
So, on Wednesday I went. Let me tell you a bit about The Bellmoor Spa. First of all, it is located in the elegant, The Bellmoor Inn, 6 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Website? www.thebellmoor.com. The Bellmoor Inn has world class accommodations. Here are a few pictures of the Inn.
The Spa is located on the second floor of the Inn. Open to the public; you do not have to be a guest of the Inn in order to take advantage of their many services.
I was reading what Dr. Susan Biali has said about the reasons you should still go to a Spa, even in tough times. She is an internationally recognized wellness expert, life coach, speaker and writer. To know more about her, visit www.susanbiali.com.
She said that people think that going to a Spa is an “extra, inessential splurge”. But, think again, taking care of ourselves (men also) is essential for our mental and physical health, more so in tough times. A visit to a Spa reduces stress; it gives a boost to your mood.
The moment I walked into The Bellmoor Spa I felt right in my element. I found that this Spa is small and intimate. The Director of the Spa is Tina Allen and the telephones are: 800-425-2355 and 302-227-5800. E-mail is spa@thebellmoor.com.
The Bellmoor Spa is a day spa and offers a variety of packages; from rejuvenating facials to full body massages, scrubs and couples’ treatments. There are also Men Only Packages between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Just remember that it is limited to the first 4 men that arrive per night. You know how men are. They certainly don’t want to sit there with all of us. They need their special time, as well.
For more info., please visit www.thebellmoor.com.
Erin Dickerson was going to take care of my pedicure. She also can do skin care and massage.
The nail room was waiting for me with nice, warm and foaming soaking water. Great. I chose more of an orange color for my nails.
Erin and I talked and got to know one another. She really was very professional and I really had forgotten how nice getting a pedicure felt. It really was a treat.
I cannot believe I am putting the picture of my feet “after” the pedicure. But, here it is.
Erin gave me a tour of the other rooms, as well. Depending on your service, you will be directed to a specific room.
There is another room for couples or friends that want to experience a spa treatment together.
The Bellmoor Spa has gift certificates available. They also have a Weekday Massage Special that is running until Memorial Day Week-End. You can enjoy a 50 minute Swedish Massage for $55 (usually $95) Sundays through Thursdays. Please ask for Tina to take advantage of this limited time offer. Just remember that it does not include gratuities. It is limited to one service per person, daily, and not valid in conjunction with other promotions.
I think you will enjoy it. And, there is plenty of parking available.
Let me know what you think…….talk to you later….
May 13th, 2011
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t know how to change a tire or my own oil. So, what was I doing at Dover Downs? There was a reason to my madness. I happened to be in Dover yesterday, and what opportunity to check out this city who is practically a parking lot on this race week-end. Race car fans arrived by the tents, RVs, trailers, you name it. Hotels are full.
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is adjacent to the Speedway. More info? Visit www.doverdowns.com/hotel.
For more info. on what’s going on this week-end and future races, please visit www.doverspeedway.com.
In case you don’t know, Dover is the capital of our small State of Delaware. Also, the home of one of the most important United States Air Force bases. Only about 45 minutes north of the Delaware Beaches.
The reason to my madness is that this is the 5th year in which Dover International Speedway and Fedex have joined forces with Autism Speaks to create awareness for this special cause through the Monster Mile’s Spring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, titled “Fedex 400 Benefitting Autism Speaks”.
Through this week-end’s race, 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars, 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series cars, and 20 NASCAR Camping World Truck series trucks will sport the Blue Autism Speaks blue puzzle piece logo as a sign of support for the Nation’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. If you visit http://www.nascar.com/kyn/ you will find a list of all of those participating.
Autism Speaks is North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization; dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure. For more information, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
Dover Downs trademark is “The Monster Mile”. It is known to be tough on drivers and their equipment. It is the first concrete paved super speedway making the races cleaner, faster, and more competitive.
Dover Motor Sports, Inc. owns and operates Dover International Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tenn. These 2 facilities are known for its concrete surfaces, severely banked corners and signature trophies. They are also favorites amongst fans and drivers. To know more, please visit www.dovermotorsports.com.
The history of NASCAR is very interesting and this is the first time I have read about it. It is the sport with the most fans. From its inception, there were many skeptics. To learn NASCAR 101, please visit www.nascar.com/news/features/history.
As I was checking the area I came upon this camper. They were soooo ready. Look at the picture. Chairs lined up, checkered tablecloth, rug, and don’t miss the decorations.
Then I came upon a car. It is a show car; not racing but with real racing tires and body. He asked me if I wanted my picture taken. He said I could sit on the tire. I don’t think so; I’ll stand. I figured, why not because my friends would not believe I was checking out NASCAR.
From there I really came upon the real race car. It is raced by Elliott Sadler. He races No. 2 One Main Financial Chevrolet Impala. He is one of only 22 drivers to have won in each of NASCAR’s top 3 series. He is definitely racing this week-end.
I could not believe the inside. It looked like you needed to be very thin to get into that car.
The motor sits low in the front in case of a crash.
And, another picture? Why not?
On such a week-end safety is of utmost importance. Dover is ready.
Have a great week-end and I hope the weather holds….talk to you later…
May 12th, 2011
This is one of those recipes that surprised me. I had never tried it. I picked it up at the grocery store and made it my own. A little more of this here and a little less of that there.
It is pretty easy and versatile. It can be used as a side dish. That’s exactly what I did, except that I paired them with my softshells. Too much of the same colors on the plate. I admit that I ruined my softshells by dusting them in cornmeal and spices. When will I learn that the best way to enjoy softshells is by sauteeing them on their own. They are so wonderful that not additives are needed.
The stuffed poblanos could be also good as a side dish for barbecued meats. On their own they would make a light lunch or dinner, accompanied, perhaps, with sliced tomatoes or any other salad. The perfect meatless meal.
A poblano is a mild chile peper from Puebla, Mexico. When it is in dry form, it is called ancho chile.
Predominantly mild, at times one might surprise you and give considerable heat; otherwise, don’t worry about it.
This recipe called for Poblanos or Cubanelles. I like the poblanos intense green color. Visually, I go more towards them. In the end, it is a matter of whether you can find one or the other in your friendly grocery store.
Stuffed Poblanos
1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed, halved and seeded (fresh or canned)
2 large cloves of garlic (optional, but it does add to the dish)
1 can (14 1/2 oz) stewed tomatoes, no salt
1/2 cup vegetable broth
3 tablespoons chili powder (if you want to use less, well, you know what to do)
2 cups cooked brown rice
3/4 cup frozen or canned corn
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 egg whites
1/4 tsp. salt, optional
4 large poblanos, stemmed, halved lengthwise, seeded
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese with hot peppers (it is not hot)
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine jalapeno pepper, garlic, stewed tomatoes with juice, broth, and 2 tablespoons of the chili powder in a food processor or blender. Process to get a consistency of medium to coarse texture. Pour into a 9″ x 13″ glass baking dish and set aside. Easy, isn’t it?
Mix rice, corn, chopped tomatoes, onion, egg whites, salt, and remaining tablespoon of chili powder in a bowl. Then, spoon about 1/2 cup of the stuffing into each poblano. I filled them up pretty high and then placed them stuffed side up in the baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake about 40 to 45 minutes. Then remove foil and sprinkle the peppers with the cheese. Bake another 5 minutes or so, or until the cheese melts.
Serve peppers with the sauce.
Note: This recipe is gluten free.
Enjoy….talk to you later….
May 11th, 2011
I strolled yesterday, just like everyone else through the tent lined street in Grove Park. This is the home for the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market who is celebrating its 5th season. And, every Tuesday, rain or shine, from Noon until 4:00 p.m. you will find the locals, residents and visitors purchasing, organic produce, food, flowers, baked goods and at times live entertainment, as well. On a beautiful day like yesterday, it was priceless.
Grove Park is a wooded corner in Rehoboth that is located adjacent to the Lighthouse Circle, right by the roundabout. It has a Tot Lot and benches to sit and rest or get a little shade when the summer weather heats up.
The Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market has a website; http://www.rbfarmersmarket.com.
There is free parking available on Henlopen Avenue, Columbia Avenue and Sussex St. and Felton Street. Otherwise, you will have to feed the meter in a few weeks.
This is the second week for the Farmers’ Market. Other farmers’ markets at the beaches are starting pretty soon.
Just like the traditional “mercados” found in cities throughout the world, growers sell their produce directly to the public. You can even have lunch at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market. Some vendors have pick up delicacies. For example, Yolanda from Mariachi which is located at Wilmington Ave. had Arroz con Pollo, Papusas, Tamales among other things. Mariachi’s website is www.mariachirehobothde.com.
Shopping at farmers’ markets has become a weekly ritual for a lot of us that want to have fresh and local produce. It is great to engage in conversation with some of the farmers.
The Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market has about 25 vendors. To see the complete list, please visit www.rbfarmersmarket.com/vendors.html. There are a few new ones but all the old standbys are there, as well.
So, as I strolled these vendors got me interested. Their produce looked beautiful.
From Deep Grass Nurseries, a certified organic farm in Sussex County, Delaware.
From Kennet Square the mushroom from Davidson Exotic Mushrooms. Kennet Square, PA is known as mushroom capital of the U.S.
Jimmy Lynn’s Seafood, Home of the Crab with Attitude and one of my favorites in the area had beautiful seafood.
Breads from Koglers Old World Breads made in Ellendale, Delaware
Backyard Jams and Jellies
Cleckner Family Farm Eggs are from Bivalve, Maryland. Hormone free, chemical free and healthy range chickens. They are a “Community Supported Agriculture”. CSA is usually an organic vegetable farm where one pays a fee to join and then gets a share of the crops throughout the season. For more info. please visit www.clecknerfarm.com.
I had not seen Skipper’s All Natural Crunchy Dog Treats before. They are made in Lewes, Delaware and are all natural pet treats and all natural pet products. They also have custom orders, personalized birthday, holiday and forever home gifts. They are on Facebook and their website is www.skipperscompany.com.
Fifer Orchards are favorites at the Delaware Beaches. www.fiferorchards.com
I met Victoria who is the owner and baker from Olivia’s Breads & Alden’s Desserts. These are her kids’ names. Her love of baking natural and delicious treats started a long time ago with the dietary requirements of her grandmother. The rest is history. If you need gluten free, sugar free, etc. etc. just give her a couple of days notice. Her website is www.oliviasbreads.com. Toll free is 1-855-424-4395.
Nuts to You had beautiful nuts. They also had “butters”; Almond, Peanut, Pecan and Walnut.
Pasqualinis Bakery is in downtown Rehoboth beach on 375 Atlantic Ave. Website? www.pasqualinis.com.
Kettle Korn is lightly salty and somewhat sweet. Perfect combination. You will find it towards the end of the tents.
Susie Sunshine Organic Sprouts had plenty of samples for tastings.
Yes, it was certainly nice. I know I missed some of the vendors. There is always next time. I hope you get to visit some of these farmers’ markets in our Delaware Beaches. It is worth it!!
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
May 9th, 2011
I am not sure if you are feeling like I do. The older I get the more I am paying attention to my surroundings. A beautiful tree, the bright color of an azalea, the marshland, a wooden bridge, a row house, a blue heron, the way the ocean sounds as you stand at its edge, a historic town; a historic church.
For about 10 years I drove to Berlin, Maryland from Bethany or Rehoboth Beach. It was a bit of a hike. I did not mind, though. I always took the scenic route. The road was Rt. 113 going south to Berlin, Maryland. But, before I got there I would have to pass the town of Showell. Did not dare to blink or I would miss it. Then, right after Showell, a small church sat there. It has sat there for 255 years and I cannot believe that the other day was when I finally got to, actually, meet Historic St. Martin’s Church.
The location is Rt. 113 & 589 Junction. Four miles north of Berlin, MD. St. Martin’s Church Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 590, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-430-2142. Website? www.historicstmartinschurch.org. You can find them on Facebook.
You will have the opportunity to meet St. Martin’s Church, as well, because there are 2 Open Houses scheduled in the near future. Other Open Houses will be added later on in the year.
The first Open House will be next week on Wednesday, May 18th from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. This is in celebration of International Museum Day. Every year since 1977 International Museum Day is organized worldwide. The reason? To raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. From America to Oceania, including Africa, Europe and Asia almost 30,000 museums get involved in more than 100 countries.
The next Open House will be on Saturday, June 4th, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Worshippers would have arrived by carriage, horse, boat or by foot to worship at St. Martin’s Church. It was 1756; 20 years prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence. I cannot imagine what life was like during the times of our country’s founders. Definitely, the simplicity of this Church says it all; it was built in colonial times when life was a challenge; it took brave hearts and determination.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is the oldest of 11 Worcester County Museums. Worcester County is the easternmost county located in Maryland. The county contains the entire length of Maryland’s Atlantic coastline. Its county seat is Snow Hill.
St. Martin’s Church once sat next to a tributary of the Saint Martin’s River; Windmill Creek. A lot has changed through the years. The geography has and the river no longer flows by. But guess what? The building that once housed this Anglican Church, where people came and worshipped remains, along with its secrets.
This was an Anglican Church. Anglican vs. Episcopal? When the Revolutionary War occurred in North America, the U.S. declared its independence from England and American Anglicans changed their name to “Episcopalians” to avoid persecution. Episcopal means to have bishops, but Episcopalians are still Anglicans today.
And there I was with Sherrie, Sue and Cindi. I wanted to see St. Martin’s so that I could write this post. I had heard that for years a group of community leaders were determined to preserve this gem of architecture. This group is working hard to promote St. Martin’s. They are trying to help raise awareness of its historic value and its funding needs.
The first thing you will notice as you get out of the car and take the surroundings in is that even though it is adjacent to a major highway, it is so quiet and serene. Towering pines surround the property.
A Historical Marker by the Maryland Historical Trust will tell you that St. Martin’s Church was established around 1692 as a Chapel-of-Ease for Snow Hill Parish, and later, in 1744 designated as the principal church to Worcester Parish. The original frame building was replaced with the Georgian brick structure, completed in 1764.
With its Flemish bond brick walls and the glazed checkerboard pattern on the south wall, you can tell it was built in colonial times. Rubbed brick borders highlight the church’s windows and doors, and the roof features what are called “kicked waves” and cove cornices”.
I was so honored to be able to step inside this historic museum. The entrance has double batten doors. One of the unusual features is the flat arches above the entrances.
The restoration effort started in 1994. The Foundation Board of Trustees selected award winning Architectural Historian, Paul Baker Touart, to guide the project. Although most of the building and the grounds restorations are pretty much complete, ongoing preservation continues.
Foundation President, Mrs. Sherrie Beckstead, together with master goldsmith Steve Clarke, has designed a key pendant, which is a replica of the key to the doors of Saint Martin’s. The copyrighted key will be available in sterling silver and 18 karat gold for those who want to purchase this keepsake in support of the historic church. You can call Sherrie Beckstead at 410-430-2142 or e-mail at Historicstmartin@aol.com.
And, then as I entered the Church I stepped on the Brick floor. This is the original brick floor.
And a look at the simple pine box pews. As you take a look at these pictures, please notice that the darker color of the pine, is what was replaced. The rest is all original.
The windows, for obvious reasons had to be replaced.
And, that majestic raised Pulpit. I climbed to the Pulpit where I could get a full view of the pews.
Although St. Martin’s Church is small, it can still accommodate 60 to 100 people.
I climbed to the Gallery. From that point of view there is a complete different perspective. Who sat here? Wide plank pine boards are intact.
There is a wall left unpainted and unretouched on purpose. If you look closer you will see all kinds of scribbles and dates. It is a Wall of Remembrance. A mark left by a visitor or worshipper, perhaps. Some dates are that old.
Since its restoration, open houses, weddings, musical and art events and lectures have taken place at St. Martin’s. “Historic Weddings” are starting to take place within the Chapel as couples that love history and the Eastern Shore region cannot resist the charm and setting of St. Martin’s. A collaboration involving several historic properties and hotels in the region is working with the Foundation on the creation of “Eastern Shore Historic Weddings”. All you have to do is give them a call or visit the website above mentioned for more information.
The grounds are beautifully kept. Plenty of parking and enough space for a tent, as well.
Hours of Operation:
Open every Saturday, beginning June 4th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Tours are also available.
Admission:
St. Martin’s graciously accepts donations. All donations are tax deductible.
Handicapped Access: For special assistance, please call or e-mail prior to your visit.
The websites? www.historicstmartinschurch.org, or visit Worcester County Museums at www.octhebeach.com/museums.
What do you think? It takes my breath away. It has taken a group of people with a lot of help from the community to bring beautiful Historic St. Martin’s Church back to where it should be. Lets appreciate it and enjoy it. This special and unique church is “Unlocking The Past…While Preserving the Future”.
Have a great day!!…Talk to you later….
Note: Information for this post came from Historic Old St. Martin’s Church Foundation.
May 7th, 2011
We really had a gorgeous day here in the Delmarva Peninsula. When Spring shows its colors, it is truly beautiful. Definitely, my favorite times of the year are Spring and Fall. A day like today, I could take it every day.
I got an e-mail from the Delray GreenMarket and it was so cute. It was about the reasons why Moms deserve their own Holiday.
She brought you into this world — through her own body.
For at least 2 years, she changed your dirty diapers.
Her first instinct was and is always to stick up for you.
Her lullabies, and later her lectures, could put you to sleep. Isn’t that the truth!!
“When you’re a mother, you’ll understand” turned out to be true.
Her chauffeur services and there were many, were first-rate.
She cooked your favorite meal when you came hom from college. Cooked for your friends too.
She did your laundry when you came home from college.
 The golf course looked fantastic!! Two words; homemade pie.
Mom does the worrying for everyone in the family!!
She taught you to play fair and watch your mouth.
She is there 24/7!! That’s my own comment.
So, to all of you who are Mothers in many ways; an aunt, a mentor, a grandmother, a stepmother, a teacher, I wish you a great day.
May 7th, 2011
I have visited Berlin in the past weeks a few times. I cannot get over how good it looks. Streets and buildings are pristine. This historic town is ready to give its visitors a good time.
Today, Saturday, 5/7 – Is the 4th Annual Berlin Jazz & Blues Bash from 12 Noon until 8:00 p.m. It will take place on 2 outdoor stages. It is a celebration of music and art. Live jazz and blues artists will be around town. Art and food vendors will be there, as well. It goes with the territory.
For the Main Line-Up and event schedule please visit www.berlinchamber.org. The Berlin Chamber is located at 103 N. Main St. and is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. In the website you will be able to find information on Berlin, visitors info., upcoming events and a Business Directory. Berlin has great shops!!
Berlin is very close to Ocean City and Assateague National Park. From Rehoboth Beach, the drive is about 45 minutes give or take a few. I used to do this drive a few times a day for about 10 years and believe me, it is very doable. So, a road trip could be on your schedule.
On my last visit I met with Cindi and Sherrie. Our choice for lunch on that day was at the historic Atlantic Hotel. We sat outside and the day was beautiful. Berlin is like no other town. To me, at times, it does not look real.
The Alantic Hotel is located at 2 N. Main St., Their Tel. is 410-641-3589 and the website is www.atlantichotel.com.
This hotel was built in 1895. It has 18 Victorian period guest rooms. For more info., please do visit the website.
The view from our table was towards Main Street. The porch was great and so relaxing.
Cindi and I had the Seasonal Field Greens with Grilled Wild Salmon. I had this same salad the last time. Delicious.
Sherrie’s Bistro Steak Salad looked wonderful.
And, then, for a sweet ending which I almost could not take a picture since we dove into it immediately was their Lemon Lust. Tangy; not overly sweet.
I hope you have a great day!!…Talk to you later….
 
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