January 31st, 2014
 Playa Los Machos, Ceiba My last post showed a cold winter day in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware…..Leaving the Delaware Beaches to a warmer climate in the Island of Puerto Rico,where the temperatures are in the 80”s with low humidity, found me tasting the Comida Criolla; the best!
The Ruta del Comelon….that’s us, following the path of those that love food. If you like Puertorican food, then, this post is for you.
Meeting with family and friends….first stop is always a must at the Metropol Restaurant right after getting off the plane.
This restaurant is one of those iconic Puerto Rican eateries where you can get a good taste of the local flavor at the best price.
A little spread was placed on the table.
Loved the octopus salad or ensalada de pulpo the best. It melted in your mouth. Yum!
Breakfast on Friday morning was not the usual bacon and eggs. I am once again staying at Hacienda Pellerano…a private enclave.
Frying some granitos indigenous from the town of La Ciudad Gris or Humacao hit the spot, along with bite size morsels of papaya.
Accompanying the above was one of my favorites….morcillas or blood sausages….I know, I know, they don’t look so appetizing but believe me when I tell you that they are amazingly good.
La Ruta del Comelon took us to the town of Naguabo on the eastern side of the island.
The restaurant of choice was El Makito. We started with the pastelillos de chapin. Chapin is a fish and these turnovers are sought after by anyone visiting the east side of Puerto Rico.
The beer was so cold and was the perfect side dish for our next dishes.
The Mofongo is made out of plantains. Stuffing it is the new craze. So, 3 of them were ordered, stuffed with Salmorejo de Jueves (local crab criollo), Chapin (the little fish), and Conch….shrimp were ordered, as well.
The Caribbean lobster or langosta was served to our fellow diners…I don’t want to be thought of as a food stalker but I guess I was….they let me take the photo. You can see that the side dish of mofongo traditionally prepared is on the right, but then the stuffed one was also served.
And how big were the lobsters at El Makito? You be the judge.
Dessert!! We were looking for casquitos de guayaba, which is a fruit that you do not find it as easily in the island as before, served with cheese. And the other is a dulce de lechoza, which is papaya. Homemade and awesome!!
Hours later, at Hacienda Pellerano, a little “picadera” or “tasting” of pasteles, also made with plantains just like the mofongo. Filled with chickpeas, raisins…it reminded me that we need to really walk on Saturday if we are to continue on La Ruta del Comelon when we will take off for Guavate or La Ruta del Lechon (Pig).
Buen Provecho!!
January 29th, 2014
A time capsule in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware? In 1991, Rehoboth Beach celebrated its Charter Centennial. A 6 foot by 6 foot time capsule was buried on the corner where the Chamber of Commerce is located, across from the Lighthouse traffic circle. The plaque on the above photo identifies its location. The capsule contains records from 1991, magazines, telephone books, and museum history records. It also has original photos, artifacts, postcards and souveniers from 1876 to 1891, plus the original die casts for the centennial coin. At the time, the youngest attendee was Tricia Conlon who was then 2 months old. Her photo and family history were included as she could possibly be alive at age 99 when the capsule is opened on March 19, 2090, one year before the bicentennial celebration in 2091.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is also knows as The Nation’s Summer Capital. In just a few months the Delaware Beaches will start waking up after a hard winter. Our winters our usually mild and balmy….we will see what that Groundhog will hae to say on Sunday.
It was quiet in town. Love Rehoboth Beach this time of the year!!
 On trendy Baltimore Avenue. Rehoboth Avenue is Main street in Rehoboth Beach. At the end of the avenue, the Bandstand, the Boardwalk, and the Atlantic Ocean.
An award-winning Boardwalk….it is the life of the town in the summer.
In the summer we play in the sand….in the winter, and after the storm, snow!! The best of both worlds.
On the north side of the Boardwalk….I love this view.
One of my favorite places in Rehoboth Beach is Silver Lake. This is a freshwater lake. It is closer to an ocean than any other freshwater lake in the U.S. It was once called Newbold’s Freshwater Lake. It is a waterfowl preserve and migrating birds like geese and ducks stop to recharge on their north-south flyway. The gazebos lining the lake have become symbolic welcomming signs to visitors of Rehoboth Beach.
Stay warm…..spring is coming!!
January 29th, 2014
I am looking forward to Groundhog Day just as much as to the Super Bowl. Super Bowl Sunday is not the only the only event going on. Phil will come out of his burrow and, hopefully, will not see its shadow. Could not handle 6 more weeks of winter. Lots of events happening while waiting for Phil to come out. Please visit http://www.groundhog.org.
Federal Donuts, from Philadelphia, came to my house this past week-end and they were so good. My favorite? The Cookies & Cream. Federal Donuts offer Coffee, Donuts, and Chicken…people line up for hot donuts right out of the oven…your choice if you want chicken or not. Please check them out at http://www.federaldonuts.com.
We have balmy winters in Southern Delaware. The beaches is a great place to enjoy a snow event. Fresh snow….the surroundings are quiet. This morning was such a day.
So, my “rescued” Heinz 57, Addy, decided it was time to go outside…..Oh, I don’t thik so.
This is more like it…I think so.
Waiting patiently for spring!! Talk to you later.
 
January 26th, 2014
A women’s organization that started in 2006….they all lunch and gather the second Friday of the month until May with a purpose in mind…..to raise funds for those in need in the community.
At this time of the year you will find Rehoboth Beach taking a rest, but on the second Friday of every month women drive long distances to Rehoboth Beach to have lunch, get together, and have a great time for a few hours.
I have been to a few and it is awesome to see the power of women when they get together. These lunches are usually a sell-out.
If you would like to attend any of these lunches, please send an email to Cheryl Mitchell at cherylmitchell13@gmail.com. She is at the helm and will be able to put you on her email list for future lunches.
Each month the charitable organization picked, will be the host, and in charge of obtaining the donations for the auction, raffle items, etc. etc. The popular 50/50 is always at the lunch.
They will be introducing themselves to the community. Some of these organizations you may know, others will be completely new to you.
You will be asked to make a menu selection. The lunch is $20 in cash. Cash bar available, as well.
Each lunch asks for your generosity…please bring non-perishable items for the Food Bank of Delaware.
On Friday, January 10th, I attended the lunch. The lunch was at the Rehoboth Beach Golf & Country Club. Sold out, as usual.
Already women were going over the auction items….The host was the Rehoboth Beach Boys and Girls Club.
An introduction to Maria Edgerton who was in charge on behalf of the Rehoboth Beach Boys and Girls Club of Delaware. They are part of a nationwide movement whose mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. This club serves local children ages 5 to 15. They are located at 19285 Holland Glade Rd. in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, at the Epworth United Methodist Church. Tel. 302-260-9864.
 Cheryl Mitchell on the foreground, Maria Edgerton in the background. Our table was simple and elegant….we had our raffle tickets, 50/50 tickets, and had already dropped one or more auction tickets on our favorite items…hoping to win something. But first, we were having lunch.
 
I had chosen the grilled salmon and it was moist and delicious.
My partner in crime, Jody, chose the cheese and asparagus Quiche with fruit. She was pretty happy.
The third menu item was a chicken salad wrap with a cup of vegetable soup. It looked great, but unfortunately, I could not take a picture.
The Chef’s choise of dessert was a lemon meringue pie. A few bites told me that I could eat the whole thing too. Bla bla bla…too much talking and I forgot to take the picture.
I WON!!!! This shell caught my attention. They told me the potter was Pottery with Love, Milton, Delaware.
Next Lunch with a Purpose will be on Friday, February, 7th. Location? The Atlantic Sands Hotel on the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. This month’s hosts are Suzanne Landon and the friends and supporters of Cancer Support Community Delaware.
This organization used to be called the Wellness Community Delaware. It is part of a national non-profit organization that provides support, education, and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. All programs are free of charge. For more information, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
Please send an rsvp email to Morgan Fabber at mfabber@cscde.org no later than Friday, January 31st.
Menu selections need to be made.
Everyone gets a starter Chicken Escarole Soup.
Choose one:
Cobb Salad…Mesclun Creens, Grilled Chicken Breast, Bacon, Tomato, Eggs and Blue Cheese
Monte Cristo…French Battered Texas Toast, Roast Turkey, Virginia Ham and Gruyere Cheese/chef’s choice side dish
Pasta Primavera (vegetarian)
The above menu items will be served with warm rolls and butter…and a beverage.
The dessert will be the chef’s choice.
Have a great time!!
January 22nd, 2014
These 2 photos are the only ones I have. It was so cold in the winter of 1979 that the ocean froze one mile out. These photos were taken in Bethany Beach, Delaware. People were even walking on it. Do you remember?
That’s my post!! Brrrrr….
January 22nd, 2014
Looking forward to a cold, and snowy winter day at the Delaware Beaches. And, good morning to you too wherever you are. It is 9 degrees in Rehoboth Beach as I sat down to write this post. Can’t wait until this p.m. when temperatures will be soaring to a mere 18 degrees!! Love the changes in season, that’s why I can’t wait for Spring!! By the way, they say if you want to be warm today, you have to go to Phoenix, Arizona. No mention of South Florida.
It is what it is….so how about some Scrapple Muffins this morning. I am sure you have Scrapple in your refrigerator. Love the RAPA brand. The two brothers Ralph and Paul Adams many years ago developed it and it is the largest scrapple producer in the world. It is located in the town of Bridgeville, Delaware. Please note that you can order scrapple from RAPA from November through February. To read more about it, please visit http://www.rapascrapple.com.
I have made these Scrapple Muffins before. Besides the original Scrapple from RAPA, others are now in the market; Chipotle, Bacon, and their newest…Turkey Scrapple. It is really good and definitely lower in fat.
The recipe is a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Want it hotter? Then add the jalapenos, just like I did.
First cook the scrapple….well done; crispy. Take out of frying pan, chop and save.
Chopped onion…about 1/2 cup.
Chopped pickled jalapenos…that’s your call.
Add to the onions in the frying pan.
Once that’s done, add the chopped scrapple.
The muffin mix can be store bought or you can make your own. Therefore, you will need eggs, and milk. I like evaporated milk because it makes a delicious muffin. Add 1/2 cup of grated extra sharp cheese. My pan was deep and 6 big muffins is all I could get.
Add the scrapple mixture to the muffin mix and pour into your favorite lightly greased muffin pan. Sprinkle with extra grated cheese.
It took about 1/2 hour or so to bake these muffins. Just test them by inserting a knife in the middle. If it comes out clean…they are ready!!
Take out of the oven….let them cool a bit.
Enjoy!!
January 21st, 2014
Are you planning a beach wedding this year? I stopped at the Rehoboth Beach Visitors Center and found that they have these great gift bags for $1.00 plus change. Your guests will be surprised to receive so much information about the area; perfect it they have not visited Rehoboth Beach before.
The Rehoboth Beach Visitors Center is located at 501 Rehoboth Avenue. Stop by and check them out.
For more ideas for beach weddings, please visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bridal-guide/50-ideas-for-beach-weddin_b_3266798.html.
Stay warm!! Talk to you later.
January 20th, 2014
You can tell there is snow in the forecast….the grocery stores were having a white sale: bread, eggs, milk
Following some of the restaurants that are offering meatless Monday dishes, I decided to try a recipe given to me by my friend, Kathy. I have had the recipe for some time. But tonight was the night.
Like any of the recipes that I prepare, I usually add a little bit of this and a little bit of that. To this particular recipe, I changed a few things, and it was still very good.
The original recipe was vegetarian and gluten free. Usually, I would prepare it that way, using short or long grain brown rice, but I do have 50 pounds of pearl barley so I used the barley instead of the rice, and therefore, the recipe as I prepared it was not gluten free. All you have to do is to use the rice instead. Here it goes….I hope you love it just as much as I did.
PEARL BARLEY (OR, SHORT/LONG GRAIN BROWN RICE) AND WALNUT LOAF
1 1/4 short or long grain brown rice (I used pearl barley.)
1/4 cups walnuts, roasted and chopped (I bought the ones already chopped and roasted them.)
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds, lightly roasted
1/4 cup minced onion
1/4 cup minced celery
6 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon Dijon style mustard (Plenty of gluten free ones on the market, like Emeril’s.)
1 teaspoon salt is optional (I did not use it since there is cheese in the recipe.)
1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1 cup grated cheddar cheese ( I bought an extra sharp cheddar block and did the grating at home.)
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Roast the walnuts for about 5 minutes then add the sunflower seeds for another few minutes. Watch them so they don’t burn.
In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well.
Pour into a lightly greased loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned and pulling away from the sides a bit. I will take about 60 to 90 minutes.
In the meantime, prepare the Gravy. Once again, the original recipe called for 3/4 cup of Cashew Butter. Never have seen it, and never found it. So, I decided to replace it with Almond Butter. I also replaced the 2 1/2 cups of water for unsalted chicken broth. If using chicken broth make sure it is gluten free. This gravy is gluten free. It is so good, you might want to use this gravy for everything. It makes about 4 cups.
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 large onions, diced
3/4 Cashew Butter if you find it. If not use the Almond Butter…..very good.
1/2 cup wheat-free and reduced sodium soy sauce
2 1/2 cups unsalted chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon sage
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until caramel in color; about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the onions become browner, stir more frequently. Add the cashew or almond butter, gluten free soy sauce, broth, and spices. Cook until heated through.
Place in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. I did this in batches, placing the already blended sauce in a saucepan and repeating the process. Be careful while blending since hot liquids tend to foam up. Warm up the gravy while you wait for the loaf to cook.
Once the loaf is ready, cut it and serve it with gravy drizzled on top. You may add your favorite veggie or salad to this dish. Enjoy!!
Have a good one!!
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