June 13th, 2012
I think some get intimidated by the look of such a large squash. How the heck do you cook it? And, what is it?
It is like any other squash, the difference comes into play when you cook it. The flesh separates in tender spaghetti looking strands. That’s why they call it a spaghetti squash.
You can cook it in different ways. I use the simple method of the good old microwave. First, prick the squash in more than a few places with a fork. Then, just place it in the microwave. For a medium squash like mine, just cook it for 6 minutes on high, turn over and give it another 6 to 8 minutes. It will soften up.
Cut it in half with a knife, take out the seeds and then with a fork just separate it.
Spaghetti squash is very low in calories, and a good source of vitamin C.
You can use it as a substitute for pasta, just add your favorite sauces. Or, add butter and serve it as a side dish.
The actual taste of the squash is mild and a bit sweet. It is very good.
Spaghetti Squash Pancakes; Spice them Up!!
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
3 shallots, chopped
2 small jalapenos, seeded and minced
3 tablespoons chopped, peeled fresh ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon coriander
coarse salt and ground pepper
3 cups Spaghetti Squash
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I used rice flour due to the gluten allergy in my household.)
In a large, nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add shallots, jalapenos, and ginger. Cook, stirring, until softened. A few minutes. Then, stir in cumin and coriander and cook until nice and fragrant. About a minute or so. Season with salt (optional) and pepper. Let it cool a bit.
Tranfer to a large bowl and stir in squash, eggs, and flour, mixing after each addition.
Cook on a slightly greased skillet (cooking spray, butter, or oil) over medium heat.
Just add the batter in about 1/4 cupfuls, pat them down somewhat. Cook until brown, flipping halfway through.
I actually ate these pancake as my meal tonight. I did not want anything else. But with enough imagination these little cakes can go a long way. Make them your own and enjoy.
Note: If you are making a large batch, then, pre-heat oven to 275 degrees and transfer pancakes to oven to keep warm, while you cook the rest.
Also, please note that with the rice flour, this recipe was gluten free.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…you know I will.
June 13th, 2012
The calendar of events for this historic town is full. You will find yourselves having a great time if you are visiting Lewes. Check out what’s going on….
Thursdays, 6/14 – WSFS Bank Summer Music Program from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Location? Stango Park at 111 Adams Ave. at Kings Highway, behind the Lewes Library. It is a free concert. All you have to do is bring family, friends, and chairs. USAF Heritage will be performing; a Brass Quintet. More info? Please call 302-644-3872.
Friday, 6/15 – Sunday, 6/17 – Lewes Boat Builder Program – An all day event. From the 1600s until the mid 1800s hundreds of vessels of all sizes were built on Lewes Creek. The Lewes Historical Society invites you to be part of their Family Boatbuilding Week-end over Father’s Week-end.
Wooden boats called “Bevin Skiffs” will be built by the participating groups and families. On Saturday, from 10 until 4 p.m. come to the Lewes Lifesaving Station to view more than 16 wooden boats made by wood boat hobbyists. After construction, the groups will launch their new handmade Bevin Skiffs at the Lewes Canalfront Park, located at 211 Front St., on Sunday at around 1 p.m.
You might want to register a group to participate in next year’s event by calling 302-645-7670. More info? Please visit http://www.historiclewes.org/events/lewes-boat-building-program-june-15-17.
Saturday, 6/16 – Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. until Noon. Every Saturday, rain or shine, you will find this famous market at the Lewes Historical Society Campus at 110 Shipcarpenter St. Remember that no pets are allowed. More info? Visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
Saturday, 6/16 – It is the 22nd Annual Lewes Garden Tour, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Lewes is fully in bloom and these private and public gardens should be in top shape. Rain or shine. It is a self-guided tour of 9 private gardens and one public garden in the historic seaport town of Lewes. You will also find a garden market with vendors specializing in garden related retail items, a free lecture on a gardening related topic and working artists in the gardens. Food Tent in the Park.
The Garden Tour is $15 in advance or $20 of the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce located at 120 Kings Highway in the Fisher-Martin House. Payment by charge (VISA and MC) can be made by calling the Chamber 302-645-8073, toll free, 877-465-3937.
The Garden Lecture will be at the Zwaanendael Park at 1 p.m. – Using Flower Essence of Life’s Stresses-The Power of Flowers.
Cape Artists painting in the Gardens from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Sunday, 6/17 – Rise & Shine Fitness N’ Fun at Canalfront Park located at 211 Front Street in Lewes. 8 a.m. until Noon. This event is sponsored by Quest Fitness & Kayak.
Enjoy a morning of health and well being and fresh air. The fitness activities will be provided by Quest Fitness instructors. Donations for each activity will be benefitting the Friends of the Canal Front Park.
Yoga with Dimitra from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m.
Lewes Steps Out for Fitness – Info and Sign Up Booth!! They will be there from 8 until 1 p.m. Get outside and get healthy!! This is a popular walking program. Those who sign up will be getting a free pedometer from Beebe Medical Center to record your steps. Lewes Steps Out for Fitness attemps to record millions of steps by its participants during the course of the summer. The program is free and everyone is invited to participate. If you cannot register on Sunday, 6/17, stop by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce beginning on June 18th to sign up. The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 to 4 p.m., Saturday, from 9 to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 to 2 p.m. Tel. 302-645-8073.
Fresh fruit with Ideal Nutrition, Kayak and SUP demos in the Cannal, Spinning and Boot Camp, Mat Pilates, Zumba, and Group Fitness.
You need more info? Please contact Matt Carter of Quest Fitness at 302-644-7020. Or, visit www.questfitnesskayak.com.
Sunday, 6/17 – Thursday, 6/21 – The 14th Annual Chautauqua with a theme this year: Rockets Red Glare: 1812 in America.
The programs will be held at Zwaanendael Park, located at 102 Kings Highway, Stango Park located at 111 Adams Ave. at Kings Highway, behind the Lewes Library, and at the Lewes Historical Society located at 110 Shipcarpenter Street.
Chautauqua takes its name from a series of adult education programs first held at Lake Chautauqua, NY, during the late 19th century. It was reborn in the 1970s. Re-enactors take on the persona of celebrated historical figures, speaking and interacting with audiences.
For more information, schedule of events, and performances please visit http://www.history.delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.
Have a great time!! Relax!!!
June 12th, 2012
The tall ships and the Navy grey hulls started to arrive today in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a Star Spangled Sailabration to launch Maryland’s 3 year commemoration of the War of 1812.
The State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, and Fort McHenry will host a series of programs and events.
The “Angels Over Baltimore” Air Show will take place over the harbor and Fort McHenry on Saturday, and Sunday, June 16th and 17th. It will feature the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels aerobatic demonstration team.
There will be also an open house static display of various Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft at Martin State Airport in Baltimore County.
Because of the events, please remember that your visit to Fort McHenry may be greatly impacted; huge crowds, limited parking and closed areas of the park.
Please plan accordingly.
For more information, please visit http://www.nps.gov/fomc/parknews/star-spangled-sailabration.htm.
Talk to you later…
June 12th, 2012
Independent boutiques, vintage shops. It is all about finding a niche and discovering what Historic Lewes has to offer.
Take, for example, Aqua Marine. It is located at 114 Second St., Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-644-4550. You can find them on Facebook. New!! A website!! www.aquamarineat114.com.
This boutique is owned by Maureen. You will always find her and her mother at their shop. Both of them will take care of you like there is no other customer at the boutique. They are friendly, will tell you exactly how your outfit fits and give you constructive ideas.
Aquamarine is full of merchandise. Lots of bright colors this summer. Oranges, blues, yellows, you name it.
   
Aqua Marine has plenty of flirty sandals to add fun to your summer outfits. Stop by and see what I mean when I tell you that the shopkeepers of our Delaware Beaches are the Best!!
Talk to you later…have a good one.
June 11th, 2012
Growing up in Rehoboth Beach….well, it is a small town; just like all other towns in Coastal Delaware. It is great to see some of our local “kids” pursuing their dream and their future.
Courtney Bateman is one of those “kids” that grew up in Rehoboth Beach. She is a talented artist, sensitive, creative and intuitive. Her art speaks for itself.
She will be in Coastal Delaware from June 15th to July 9th. I want you to see samples of her work. If you think that you have an interest in one of these works or art, please e-mail her at courtneybateman118@gmail.com. Prices are upon request! Courtney is also available for commission pieces.
Artist Statement:
“The pieces I create are such a strong balance between the beach life I grew up with, in Southern Delaware and the California desert, in which I currently reside. The movement and whimsy of both places create such beauty and movement, which I try to capture in my brushtrokes. Also, the balance of hot and cold with the scenery; the ocean and the desert; hot and cool colors influence my work greatly to create the environment within the pieces.” courtney bateman
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
June 11th, 2012
I was not sure if to even write a post about it. An event too private. But, why not? It was beautiful!
When everyone was leaving the cities to come to the Delaware and Maryland beaches, we were going west, to Cockeysville, Maryland.
Cockeysville, Maryland is north of Baltimore. It was hot on Saturday. We were also attending a wedding. Out in the country and quite a change of scenery.
The location of the wedding was on Shawan Rd. Some of you might know the area. I was at an intersecton of Falls Rd. and Shawan Rd. when I saw the farmer’s market. Wondering if it was still the one I used to buy the best apple butter in Maryland. Don’t know.
It was early so my husband and I decided to stop at The Oregon Grille for something to tie us over until dinner. The Oregon Grille is located at 1201 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville, MD 21030. Tel. 410-771-0505. Website? http://www.theoregongrille.com. It is a 19th century stone farm house.
We sat outside and proceeded to order 2 appetizers.
The Lobster Cocktail with a mango mint and a sweet chili mayonnaise was awesome!! About a pound of lobster or even more. On a hot day, it was truly perfect.
My “Paella” Risotto Cakes with lobster-shrimp, saffron and a paprika aioli were so delicious I could have had more.
Both of these appetizers are on their dinner menu, as well. Thought I would mention this part of the trip in case you are in the vicinity.
This part of Maryland has expansive views and open lawns. Gorgeous rolling hills.
John and Laura were ready to be married. It was the groom’s paternal home. The lawns were beautifully cut, the entry was impressive, the tent was up and running with margaritas, sangria, wine and other spirits. And, the ceremony was about to begin.
It helps when the couple loves good food. They are foodies, that’s for sure. They made sure we all had plenty to eat. Appetizers were passed around; too busy talking to try any.
Then, when I saw the outdoor kitchen I decided to just take my camera to check out what was cooking. They were using both, charcoal and gas.
Basting the chicken; he told me the basting was his secret.
Our table was #1 so we thought we would be the first ones to get up. Oh no, we were towards the last. My brothers in law were not too happy. We had to cut in line; nobody seemed to mind.
Salads, barbecue chicken, beef, grilled shrimp, seared tuna, grilled veggies, asparagus, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, collard greens. The sweet ending…the Cake!!
I was able to put a little bit of everything on my plate. Where did the collard greens go? I am not sure.
The cake was delicious…..the evening was setting…..
 
Congratulations, John & Laura!!
June 10th, 2012
The last thing I heard my husband say before leaving for the store was…you don’t have to buy big steaks, there are only 3 of us. You need to learn to cook for just a few and not for an army and, you know…bla, bla, bla.
Well, I guess I did not tell you that our friend, Jay, was coming for dinner. Just out of the blue we called him. I love to grill and love it even better when it is over charcoal. Who, in its right mind would buy tiny steaks for barbecuing? You need steaks with attitude.
I had gotten the charcoal just right. And, here are my tiny steaks. I chose rib-eyes. Rib-eyes are known as a standing rib roast, or prime rib. Their excellent marble makes this cut loaded with flavor; it also remains tender during the cooking process. A dry rub of garlic powder, pepper, cumin, grated lime is all they needed.
This is one cut that is best grilled. It is so delicious that you might need to close your eyes after that first bite and enjoy the moment. I am not kidding; it is that good.
I was going to serve the steaks with a grilled Caesar Salad with homemade Caesar Dressing.
The Caesar Dressing is so easy. Recipe follows.
Caesar Salad Dressing
2/3 cup olive oil
10 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
1 egg
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 dashes of Tabasco
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves (1, if you think it is too much garlic)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
4 anchovies (I think the anchovies provide enough salt for the dressing.)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ( I grated my own.)
Blend all the ingredients, except cheese, together in a blender. Stir in cheese. Put in refrigerator until ready to be used.
I also made my own croutons. I used gluten free bread for the croutons. To make them just cube the bread and place in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with olive oil and a little bit of garlic powder. Place on a medium hot skillet and toast until golden. Flip over often. Careful not to burn them.
Grilling the lettuce was the easiest thing. Romaine is a hardy lettuce and can take the heat of a charcoal grill. It will only take about 3 minutes on each side to grill the lettuce to perfection. Just smear the lettuce with olive oil, before placing on the grill.
I had roasted sweet potatoes as another side dish to our meal.
The steaks were so big I had to get larger plates out. Steak, Caesar Salad with grape tomatoes, drizzled with homemade Caesar Dressing, topped with homemade croutons, and roasted sweet potato.
For a sweet ending I served a vanilla bean ice cream with chopped mango. A perfect meal!! Gluten Free, as well!!
Talk to you later….more barbecuing coming soon at a later post.
Note: Everything was gluten free!! If you do not have a gluten allergy you can use Italian bread; or your favorite bread, for that matter.
June 9th, 2012
It was another one of those evenings when you are taken back by the generosity of our communities.
A fundraising event for Global Delaware. Until last year, I really did not know what it was or what it actually did. I know now a little bit more. You are probably wondering, what is it?
The Global Delaware Fund was established by restauranteur and philanthropist, Matthew Haley and SoDel Concepts. Since its inception the mission was to promote education and sustainability, here, in Delaware and around the globe. Our little small wonder of a state is making a difference all the way to Nepal.
The Global Delaware Fund is managed by Hugh Leahy of Delaware Community Foundation, 36 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947. Tel. 302-856-4393. Email: hleahy@delcf.org. Website? www.theglobaldelawarefund.com.
Global Delaware is a non-profit organization. It provides goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations. And, also provides essential services to children and adults, here, in Delaware and beyond.
Some of these services, which are essential, and some of us take it for granted, are clothing, shelter and food.
Counseling, mentoring, scholarships, fellowships, and education grants for students in grades K-12, including support for special needs and students with learning disabilities.
Some of the beneficiaries are: La Esperanza, Crossroads Drug Treatment Center, Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre, Delaware’s Foster Children, Youth Development: Domestic Skills Classes, Children and Families First of Delaware, Boys and Girls Club Delaware, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, Pranjal Academy in Nepal, and Victory House Boy’s.
Matt gave us all a brief introduction of what Global Delaware is all about and its importance. The evening had a purpose; that while having a fun night, the raising of funds would be key to its success.
And it was. There was a huge silent auction. The shops, restaurants, went all out in their donations. Spa packages, golf packages, clothing, jewelry, wine, and art.
Just enough items on the live auction. Butch Emmert from Emmert Auctions was the auctioneer for the evening. Butch is colorful, energetic and fun. If you have seen him in action, you know what I mean.
This event took place at Fish On in Lewes, Delaware. Morsels of delicious appetizers were being passed around. My crabcake was tasty and just the right size to pop in my mouth.
One of the items that caught my attention, and I imagine the attention of many others, was the Airfare and 3 night stay for two at Wine Resort Conti Di San Bonifacio in Tuscany, Italy. This is an exclusive jewel of a hotel, suspended between sky and vines. Perfect for those who seek a retreat from their busy lives. You want to know more? Check http://www.disanbonifacio.com.
I think Matt and Global Delaware were happy with the outcome of the evening. Everyone had a good time, much needed funds were raised.
Note: Online donations are accepted through the Delaware Community Foundation, www.delcf.org. To donate by check, please make it payable to: The Global Delaware Fund, P.O. Box 31, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Every little helps someone in need.
And, when donating, please specify whether you would like your funds distributed locally or abroad.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you…Global Delaware is on Facebook. Go ahead and “Like” them.
Some information for this post was taken from Global Delaware Fund. Have a great week-end!! Talk to you later…
 
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