January 11th, 2012
I had cut out this paella recipe, knowing that it was going to have to be adapted to our way of eating. It was healthy and a bit different, using barley instead of rice. Barley was out of the question, my husband having a gluten allergy. And rice? Well, I was a little bored with it.
Something new to try was Quinoa. It is a grain as ancient as the Incas. They thought this grain was sacred. It is known as “the mother of all grains”. It has the best amino acid profile of all grain. It is gluten free, healthy for your heart, a whole grain, low in sodium and rich in fiber. It is as versatile as rice. It resembles couscous; smaller than barley.
A Paella is a Spanish dish, cooked in a paellera. Well, I did not have one. A large pan would have to do. Some are Paella Valenciana, Paella de Mariscos and the Paella Mixta. Boy, mine was going to be, definitely, different. There are hundreds of ways to cook one and everyone has their favorite.
This was the first time I had used this recipe and I found it to be very good. The paella ended up being more wet than a traditional paella. Hope you like it.
Shrimp Paella with a Twist
1 1/2 cups Quinoa
3 or 4 tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup red pepper, sliced in thin strips
1 cup yellow pepper, sliced in thin strips
1 small fennel bulb, stalks removed and cut into strips (1 1/2 cups)
 Fennel 3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 pinch of saffron (This is the world’s most expensive spice. Only a pinch is needed to add aroma, flavor, and color. You can find it at most grocery stores.)
2 1/12 cups of hot vegetable stock (I bought reduced sodium)
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 lb. shelled large shrimp (about 17 shrimp) I decided to used the medium size shrimp and added about 20 shrimp or so to the pan.
1 cup peas, fresh, canned or frozen
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 can artichokes, drained and quatered, marinate them in 2 tablespoons of Italian dressing. I used Wishbone, gluten free. Or, you can buy already marinated artichokes, drain and quarter them.
20 pitted Kalamata olives, halved.
Cook the Quinoa per directions. Does not take long. Fluff and keep aside. Keep enough Quinoa to sprinkle over the dish when serving.
Heat oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat and cook onion until softened; 5 minutes or so.
Add peppers and fennel. Cook until vegetables soften. Another 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add bay leaves, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Mix in Quinoa and cook for 2 minutes. Add vinegar, saffron, 2 cups of the stock and salt. Bring to a nice simmer.
Stir and cook until liquid reduces by half. It won’t reduce completely. This might take about 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and discard.
Stir in shrimp, peas, tomatoes, artichokes, olives and remaining 1/4 cup of stock. Simmer for about 2 or 3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Cover tightly and let it rest for about 10 minutes until shrimp are just cooked through.
Serve, sprinkle with extra Quinoa and enjoy. It has a nice kick to it, don’t you think?
Note: This recipe is gluten free as I prepared it. If you want to use rice, then, be my guest. But, if you decide to use the barley, the recipe will not be gluten free.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
January 11th, 2012
“Lewes has always been essentially a seafaring town. Blessed with an excellent harbor, Lewes is home to a large fleet of charter fishing boats stationed on the canal along Anglers Rd. It is also the base of the Delaware Bay and River Pilots Association, whose members guide cargo vessels to and from the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. The University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean & Environment makes Lewes its home.” lewes chamber of commerce
At times I ask friends what they have been up to and usually the answer is Out & About. So, that’s what I just did Tuesday when I went to Lewes to visit 3 friends. What would I do without them? Don’t know. I find myself so lucky to have so many really good friends. The other day I reposted on Facebook something to the effect that “it did not matter how serious life gets, you want to count on those friends you can be stupid with”. These ladies are definitely on that level of friendship.
Lewes had taken the Christmas decorations down. New year and new expectations for all the coastal towns. The merchants were happy with the holidays; plenty of shoppers, fantastic weather, beautiful scenery. Second Street is the Main Street in Lewes; a quiet day in Lewes it was.
Our choice for lunch was Striper Bites. Lewes offers its visitors and residents many good restaurants within walking distance. Striper Bites is located at 107 Savannah Rd., almost where Savannah Rd. meets Second St. Tel. 302-645-4657. Website? www.striperbites.com. It is a most loved neighborhood restaurant with 2 other sister restaurants in Lewes; Kindle and Half Full.
Striper Bites opens year-round, full bar, plenty of seating; in the summer outdoor dining is available all the way into fall. Please note that they will be taking a well deserved rest; closing on Sunday, 1/15 until Thursday, 2/9.
Our server had to come a few times to our table. You know how it is, we were trying to out talk each other; catching up.
We had a laid back lunch. Since we are trying to watch our figure after the holidays then soup and salad is what we ordered. To tell you the truth I should probably be eating a piece of lettuce and call it a day. Anyway, this is what we had.
Jody and I decided on the Striper Bites House Salad. This salad was a mixture of fresh greens with archichoke hearts, roma tomatoes, kalamata olives, cukes, red onion rings tossed in Italian vinaigrette and topped with toasted pinenuts and crumbled bleu cheese. Jody and I decided to substitute the bleu cheese for feta cheese.
I thought the salad was very good. After some of the food I had been eating lately, it was refreshing and light. Toasted pinenuts added that extra crunch.
Our friend, Debbie D, had the same salad with the bleu cheese but she went the extra mile of topping it with grilled Rockfish. She thought it was delicious. We live on the coast and seafood is the specialty of many of our restaurants.
One friend that does not need to watch her weight is the other Debbie that was with us. Nevertheless, a hearty beef vegetable barley soup hit the spot. Nothing better than soup on a chilly day. She thought it was well seasoned and the barley and vegetables were enough for a light lunch.
I looked around and the restaurant was crowded. Good to see the people Out & About.
A few cups of coffee and tea completed what I always find a priceless time with friends.
Please note that Striper Bites opens Mondays through Saturdays from 11:30 until closing. Check the website for specials and events; they have plenty. It is closed on Sundays and….No reservations.
January 10th, 2012
 Best Table on the Beach...Venus in Dewey Winter is the perfect opportunity to learn to cook. Cooking is not hard…don’t rush it…savour it. One of the most fun days I had over a year ago was when a few of us went to one of the cooking classes offered by Big Fish Grill. We had so much fun. I even ventured to fillet the fish…why was it so hard when it looked so easy?
So, What’s Cooking? Read on…
Abracadinner Cooking Classes – By Personal Chef Kris Etze. Class sizes range from 4 to 8, depending on the topic and “hands on” projects. Each class will last approx. 90 minutes to 2 hours. Cost? $55 per individual class. Enroll in 4 and get the 5th class free. Additional fees may apply toward food and supplies. Class size is limited.
Tasting will be included; a light lunch in Kris’ kitchen.
Pre-register by calling 302-945-2610, faxing your info to 302-945-4153 or you may e-mail Kris at chef@abracadinner.com. Leave your name, email address, phone number, topic and date of class. All fees are due in advance. Mail your check to Kris Etze, 22393 Holly Oak Lane, Lewes, DE 19958. Driving directions, registration info, and anything you might need to bring will be sent by e-mail.
Kris has different classes with the first one starting on Saturday, 1/14. This class will be Chowdah Central…Winter is the best time to prepare a chowder. To me, it calms the winter blues and warms my soul.
Next class will be on 1/28 – Thai It Up! The flavors of Thailand.
Kris is offering cooking classes all the way into March. For a complete schedule and more information, please visit http://www.abracadinner.com. Abracadinner is also on Facebook.
Nage Rehoboth – I have not been to Nage in such a long time. They have been a recipient of my figs in years past. Come to think of it, a post is needed on this popular Rehoboth restaurant. Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Tel. 302-226-2037. Website? www.nage.bz/cooking_Classes_in_Rehoboth.htm.
Nage will be offering 5 Cooking Classes. The first one will be on Saturday, 1/21. The topic will be Healthy and Flavorful Cooking Class. The next one will be on 2/18 with Hearty Winter Soups and Stews Class.
Better yet, just visit the website because each class is clearly explained.
In each class you will be exploring food and drink with the chefs of Nage Rehoboth. There will be an informal demonstration with lots of interaction with the instructor. A tasting, a booklet of the recipes from the class and even a meal shared with the instructor.
You will need to register and pay for the classes in advance. All reservations will be handled online. You may also pay online, as well.
Big Fish Grill – This is the only cooking class I have attended. The one that was so much fun. Their classes begin with a tour of the restaurant. Cooking classes feature menu items from the Big Fish Grill and Summer House.
There will be classes on February 4th and 18th, March 3rd , 17th and 31st, and April 14th and 28th. Call 302-227-3474 to sign up. For more details, please visit www.bigfishgrill.com.
So, what are you waiting for? Call a couple friends and make it fun!!
January 8th, 2012
I am never at a loss of words, but tonight nature left me speechless….
The Delmarva Peninsula is occupied by most of Delaware and portions of Maryland and Virginia. It is almost 180 by 60 miles. It is also bordered by the Chesapeake Bay on the West, and on the East, by the Delaware River, Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
It is basically a year-round resort with a quieter second season. January and February are probably the most subdued months and even though in the past couple of years we have gotten a fair amount of snow, so far, and I hope I am not speaking too soon, it has just been a most beautiful time of the year. So many visitors enjoying what this area is best known for; the beaches, restaurants, shops, the outdoors, and that relaxed atmosphere we all look forward to when we get away from our daily routines.
I had to drive from Rehoboth to the Salisbury airport. It is a convenient regional airport about 1 hour away. It was funny because it was mid afternoon and I mentioned to my son how beautiful the area looked. He nodded but that was it. I kept asking; don’t you love the marshes, and the bay and such wide open spaces? He agreed but not with the same excitement I was experiencing.
Driving back to Rehoboth I started noticing how pretty the sunset was going to be. It was now about 5 p.m. I drove to Rehoboth on Coastal Highway and was checking out our soon to open new Indian River Inlet Bridge when I noticed the Moon. Turned back and went on the beach and the pictures tell the time of the day; still light with the moon out and then the changes until I reached Rehoboth. I was totally speechless and in love with nature and the whole scenery.
Coastal Highway is a great beach road and a most scenic one; Rehoboth Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
I was not the only one thinking the same thing. I saw people stopping and getting their cameras out. A young woman did just that; we both were taking pictures of Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach.
Believe it or not I was on my way to Giant. I wanted to make chicken soup. That had to wait; stopping to enjoy the views was a priority.
If you were at the Beaches tonight I am sure you saw the same thing…..just priceless…
January 7th, 2012
Is early in the morning and I wonder if I am writing this post out of guilt. Well, I have to admit it; I fell off the New Year’s resolution wagon yesterday. What could I do? My son asked me to go to Nicola Pizza, right here in Rehoboth Beach. I couldn’t say no. I also could not let him eat that well done pizza with sweet peppers and onions all by himself. I went willingly; no twisting of the arm there.
But today is a new day and I am back on the saddle again. I have to be kind to myself. I started analyzing my pizza. Vegetable, cheese, bread. That’s not so bad. Well, 3 pieces is a little too much. My confession is that even though in our household we eat gluten free, pizza is one thing that has not been perfected if you are on a gluten free diet. Sorry, but there is nothing better than a regular pizza. When you have not had it for some time, believe me, it’s heaven. So, enough of that and on with the post. It’s good to get it off my chest.
What brought me to Nutrition Cottage in Delray Beach was the fact that I was having trouble finding gluten free products in the area. It has been about 3 years since my husband started eating gluten free and believe me, you learn a lot while going through the process of adjusting yourself to another way of eating. The restaurants and grocery stores in South Florida have come a long way, but there is still work to be done.
That’s why it was a breath of fresh air when I found Nutrition Cottage, right on Atlantic Avenue. The address is 407 E. Atlantic Ave., tel. 561-272-8571. The store in Delray has been there for over 12 years. There is also another location in Boyton Beach at 1815 S. Federal Highway, tel. 561-734-4626. That store has been in that location for over 20 years. The website? http://www.nutritioncottage.com.
When you first see the store from the outside you might think that it is not that big; believe me, it is deceiving. It goes all the way to the back, ending with a Cafe/Bar area where you can order, smoothies, fresh juices, protein shakes, sandwiches, salads and one good cup of coffee.
I heard someone said, Do you need any help? I really was browsing for a lotion. I was already taken care of by Brenda. Anyway, he introduced himself. He was Mark Stowe who is the owner of Nutrition Cottage. He has been a licensed nutritionist for 32 years. He was also past President of the Natural Products Assoc. He is available for private nutritional counseling by appointment. If you are interested give the store a call.
He told me that his wife Karen does all the special orders for the Delray store and that if I ever needed anything to give her a call, as well.
I asked if I could take some pictures for my blog and he graciously agreed. I then went my own way checking things out.
The moisturizing cream I bought was from a company called Mountain Ocean from Boulder, Colorado. The line is called Skin Trip (Coconut). I love how quickly your skin absorbs it; no greasy feeling. The coconut smell is so nice too. If you want to know more about it, check www.mountainocean.com.
A corner with cosmetics from a line called Gabriel. They are 100% natural ingredients, no synthetic chemicals or animal by-products and no testing is ever done on animals. The colors looked nice. I do have friends who are allergic to a lot of the products used on make-up, so this might be something worth trying. The website is www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com.
Even though my concern was looking for gluten free items, the store has an abundance of nutritional products and groceries.
For the person interested in gluten free items you will find pastas, sauces, cookies, pancake mixes, cookie mixes, cookies, brownies, crackers, dressings and so much more. There is a freezer with plenty of gluten free breads to choose including French baguettes.
The staff is very knowledgeable so you will not have any problems, whether is a gluten allergy or any other related food allergy or concern.
Nutrition Cottage has award winning organic wines.
For the ones that one to pick out something for take out, there is plenty to choose from.
Check their website. It is a wellness reference library in itself, with recipes, information, events, coupons and links. I signed up and get coupons right to my e-mail.
That one cup of coffee…..it was so good; no kidding….I grabbed my cup and parked myself in one of their outdoor tables….people watching, warm weather, sunny day, palm trees….couldn’t complain.
Note: Nutrition Cottage has Blood Analysis. For more information on what this entails, please call the shop at 561-272-8571.
Have a beautiful day…talk to you later.
January 5th, 2012
Yesterday, well, it was too cold to snow. As I took Addy out last night I thought it was much warmer as in 38 degrees or so. When I woke up this a.m. and saw the dusting of snow, and believe me, it was just a dusting, for crying out loud, my thoughts went to the town of Delray Beach, Florida. That’s my home away from home.
So when I say a picture says it all; it does, don’t you think?
With that in mind I have to tell you that back in 2002 was the year when we first visited Delray Beach. Like anything else, a friend said to stay there while visiting colleges in South Florida. We liked it so much that in 2003 we bought a place. I think it reminded me of Rehoboth Beach; small coastal town, lots of restaurants, the beach, art and entertainment. The locals, natives, shopkeepers, and inn-keepers are very friendly; like you have known them forever.
The following companies are those that we have worked with on an ongoing basis. So reliable and very professional.
We met Cheran from Tauriello & Co. and she has been our realtor ever since. The company is located right there on Atlantic Ave. 900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tel. 561-5570. Toll Free 877-509-8300. Website? http://www.tauriello.com. Daniel and Sue Tauriello are the Brokers of Record.
Cheran and Tauriello have been very accessible and easy to work with. They have been in the community for so many years and know the area so well. You can find Tauriello & Co. on Facebook.
So, if you are in search of a place to hang your beach chair and bag, give them a call.
 Overlooking east on Atlantic Ave. Anita is the owner of Anita Jennings Designs. She is an Interior Designer. At times people are a little put off by some of these designers but Anita is very easy to talk to. She has said in the past that if you have a lot of money then the work of a designer is just so easy. It is when there is a budget that the designer can really shine and show what he or she can do. I can recommend her with complete confidence. If you are interested then give her a call at 561-278-7473. Anita speaks English and Spanish and a few other languages, as well.
Beach House Management, LLC. is a Property Management Company in Delray Beach. Michael Keegan is at the helm and I have yet to see anyone that is so organized and so professional as he deals with all of us, his clients. He knows I cannot live without him; I have said so before.
He probably thinks I am crazy for saying this but there is nothing he cannot do. So, there is nothing else to say. Having a property manager is a necessity, not a luxury, more so for me and others that do not make Delray Beach our permanent home.
You can contact Michael at 561-376-4329. He has a very nice website so check it out at www.mybeachhouses.com.
Please note that Tauriello & Co., Anita Jennings Designs, and Beach House Management are advertisers on AboutMyBeaches, all you have to do is click on their websites on the right hand side of my blog. That’s all you need to do to know more about them.
Just a thought…sand between our toes…a chair, a beach bag….and a place to hang it all…
Have a great day….talk to you later…
January 4th, 2012
 Silver Lake, Rehoboth Beach...Chilly day!!
It was too cold this a.m. to do anything else so my friend Trish and I decided that it was time catch up. She is snowbirding this week-end and it was the perfect morning to get together. We chose The Point Coffee House and Bake Shoppe. I had just written a post and thought that it was time to try it out. It is located at the “point” where Rt. 1 meets 1A, at the entrance of Rehoboth Ave.
Boy was I wrong when thinking everyone had gone home we would have the place to ourselves. It was crowded. It is comfortable, cozy and Tom is just so friendly, as well as the rest of their staff.
Trish and I were good. We split our orders and kept within the confinements of New Year’s resolutions, I think.
Our breakfast was delicious…the pictures do not lie.
 
But, let’s get down to what’s going on in Rehoboth Beach…
If you are trying to unwind from the hectic holiday schedule you might want to head out tonight to the Movies at Midway at 7 p.m. The Rehoboth Film Society is featuring Karen Cries On The Bus. This is part of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s Around the World Series. These series feature critically acclaimed, award-winning international independent films. Free and open to the public. I is in Spanish with English subtitles.
If you would like to see the trailer visit www.rehobothfilm.com then click on Film Events, scroll down to Around the World and click for more info. You can also call 302-645-9095.
Clear Space Arts Institute – Off-Season is the perfect time to get on-stage. Classes in voice, acting and much more for all ages and experiences. They will be taught at the Theatre by professional actors and educators. Please note that family and multiple class discounts are available. For more info. visit Clear Space Theatre at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, call 302-227-2270 or check the website, www.clearspacetheatre.org.
Also, please note that you can become a member or give a gift of a membership, as well. The membership is good for a year.
Rehoboth Beach Museum is Searching for World War II Artifacts
The Museum will be hosting an exhibit that will illustrate the day-to-day life of citizens during WWII. It is looking only for items of local significance and would like to invite residents to share their family history during this time. The exhibit is scheduled to open in May 2012.
Rehoboth Beach Museum plans to recall how the lives of those who fought in the war, as well as those they had to leave at home in Rehoboth Beach were changed forever. The goal is to bring to light and life how residents of Rehoboth Beach were touched by this war; stories told, cherished objects, and visual history.
Already the museum has received photographs that illustrate a group of likely members of the Civil Air Patrol, proudly standing by their planes. Another important piece of memorabilia in the collection is a WWII rationing coupon booklet.
Nancy Alexander, the Director of the Rehoboth Beach Museum stated “This exhibit is to bring honor to those who fought in the war. Also, to remember those families who gave up some of the things they loved. Our area played a major role in the outcome of WWII and it is important to us that we share this with others”.
Ever since I got Addy, my rescue, Heinz 57, I have used Doggies at the Beach, as a place where I can leave her with total confidence. It is a cage free facility located on Rt. 24, 18806 John J. Williams Hwy. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
Doggies at the Beach is open 365 days. 24/7 human care. Day care, grooming, overnight care, dog and pup training, discount vaccination day, and so much more.
For the month of January 2012 they are offering grooming at 20% off. Please mention this info. and received 20% off your grooming and/or bath rate.
Next Discount Vaccination Day will be Saturday, January 7th from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Training for Doggies and Puppies:
Puppy only Training Class starting January 11th until February 8th. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Pupply Only Training Class starting January 14 until February 11th. Saturdays from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.
Doggie Training Class (over one year) – January 11th until February 8th. Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Doggie Training Class (over one year) – January 14th until February 11th. Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Note: 5 weeks for $120. Must sign up and pay to hold a spot.
Congratulations to Gail. She was chosen by the doggies and their humans as Employee of the Year!! Doggies at the Beach would like to thank their customers for all their support in the last 5 years.
Have a great chilly day!! Talk to you later…
January 3rd, 2012
Noooooo, my New Year’s resolutions are still hanging in there. Right before New Year’s I made a second trip to Attman’s, an institution in Baltimore, Maryland. Back in July, on my first visit, my husband told me I ordered the wrong sandwich. “You needed to order The Original; that’s the one I saved my money for on Fridays while growing up in Baltimore”, he said. The one I really wanted to order was the Lombard Street.
So, there we were, Susie, my sister in law, Michael, my son, and I. In between our sightseeing we got hungry. The funny part was that as we were driving around downtown Baltimore we thought it was so quiet; usually not so during the week. The holidays and the forecasted warm weather sent them all to our beaches; that’s how crowded it was here.
Attman’s was the only place that was packed; the usual line; we were all the way at the back of the line. The guys behind the counter were fast; professionals. You better know what you want to order. On this second trip I was ready. I sounded like I went there every day.
Attman’s is located on “Baltimore’s Famous Corned Beef Row”, minutes from the Inner Harbor. To hear my husband tell the stories of how that street used to look like so many years ago; a marketplace, vendors on the sidewalks…… Attman’s actual address is 1019 East Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21202. Tel. 410-563-2666. Website? www.attmansdeli.com.
If you are in Baltimore and want taste and flavor this is the place to go. The corned beef and the hot pastrami are to die for.
Besides our 3 sandwiches we ordered a green pickle, sliced.
My sandwich was The Lombard Street, the one I had been waiting for. Sorry, forgot to take the single picture. It had hot corned beef, hot pastrami, chopped liver and Russian dressing. I loved the combination of all those 3. It did not dissappoint.
Susie had The Original which is the Cloak & Dagger. This is the one my husband was talking about. It had corned beef, cole slaw and Russian dressing. It is a true original and she loved it.
Michal had the Stu Special. It had hot corned beef, hot pastrami, imported Swiss, cole slaw and Russian dressing. It was also delicious.
All sandwiches were huge. Some of us ate them all and another took half home.
I am so glad we went right before my resolutions; otherwise out the window they would have gone. My second visit was just as good as the first one; only better.
Please note that Attman’s ships anywhere, and caters throughout Maryland, Washington and Virginia.
Have a great chilly day!! Talk to you later….
 
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