January 19th, 2014
Well, well, well…for the past few weeks we have been into pearl barley in my household. Before that, a total investigation on steel cut oatmeal took effect. We are still eating a lot of kale…shakes, baked, you name it.
I have a good, easy and tasty recipe for you but first let me tell you a bit about pearl barley.
Pearl Barley originated in Ethiopia and Southeast Asia. When cooked it has the consistency of pasta, rice? It is a very versatile cereal grain. The health benefits are too long to mention here. You might want to research it yourselves. But, it does have a very low glycemic index, and decreases the risk of colon cancer. Very good for people with heart disease. So much more, though.
When the 50 pounds of barley arrived at my doorstep, the UPS man had to be helped. The bag, as you can observe from my photo takes half of my small refrigerator. It will take a whole year, eating every day to consume that amount of pearl barley.
The following recipe turned out so good, that I do have to share it. The first time I made it, I used my convection oven to speed the cooking process. It turned out very good, but dryer than cooking it in the conventional oven like I did the second time. I did add more mushrooms than was required by the recipe. I think it is a very good recipe, just by itself or as a side dish for any of your meats.
PEARL BARLEY CASSEROLE
1/4 cup butter (I used I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter)
8 1/2 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup pearl barley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
4 cups chicken broth (I used low sodium broth)
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add mushrooms and chopped onion. Saute until lightly browned. Add barley and brown lightly, stirring. Add salt and pepper, then, turn into a buttered 3-quart casserole.
Pour chicken broth into the skillet and cook until hot. Pour over the barley mixture and mix well.
Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until barley is tender. It took about 1 hour and 45 minutes in my oven. Check it occasionally, and add more broth if needed.
The recipe says it serves 6, but if you use it as a side dish, it does serve 8 people. Enjoy!!
For our leftovers the next day, the casserole was reheated and the barley was served with a fried egg on it for breakfast.
Note: In researching pearl barley I found this website for recipes. It looks great! http://www.whfoods.com/recipestoc.php.
January 18th, 2014
Always very grateful when a friends delivers a present. It really was not for me…I might be able to use it too. It is so pretty.
Root Carving….that’s something I had not heard. It is a traditional Chinese art. When cutting a tree down, depending on the size, it could only take about 30 minutes. Removing the root is another story. First of all it takes time and it’s a little expensive. But, you have to do it if you are replacing the tree you just cut down.
Roots are free for anyone that wants to dig them out. Of course, you have to ask the landowner; don’t just show up with your shovel.
The type of soild and conditions in which the root grows determines the color and shape. Baskets, bowls, and plates and numerous other items can be carved. Each piece is unique, as the natural form of the root is maintained. They are like fingerprints the shape, texture, or grain is its own.
Our root bowl came from a store in Fenwick Island, Delaware, called Fenwick Float-ors located at Lighthouse Rd. on Rt. 54.
Shelley was horrified when my son said….”Oh, I can put my sweet potatoes in it”. Don’t worry Shelley, we will take care of it, also applying mineral oil and spraying it with water to keep the wood moist.
Every day we learn something new. Have a good one!!
January 18th, 2014
“Almost every culture has a mystique about pearls that are magical or divine.” joan frense-mulholland
Pearl enhances a woman’s skin like nothing else. All you have to do is wear them….people will notice.
 
Up the road from the Delaware Beaches, just about 20 minutes or so from Rehoboth Beach, is The Pearl Lady, located at 4 Park Avenue, 2nd Floor in the town of Milford, Delaware. The entrance is around the corner from the Mispillion Art League. Tel. 302-228-2287. Website? http://www.the-pearl-lady-studio.com. She opens Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. If that does not work for you, just give her a call and she will be glad to make an appt. Is that easy!!
The Pearl Lady Studio’s website is pretty interesting….What Joan’s is all About, the different pearls, and their care.
In her studio, Joan gives her full attention to her customers. You can speak to her in English or French.
Her designs are all about enhancing the natural beauty of the pearls…they speak for themselves.
 
It is that time of the year….Valentine’s Day is around the corner and with so many weddings taking place at the Delaware Beaches, it is good to keep the Pearl Lady in mind for those gifts that are part of the celebrations.
Talk to you later…have a great day!!
January 17th, 2014
 
Spending the winter in the Historic town of Lewes? There is always plenty to do. Granted, this is a more quiet time of the year. A time to take a break…some restaurants really deserve it, and a time to enjoy Southern Delaware.
Get out and about and discover how much fun it is to live in Coastal Delaware…this is what’s going on!!
FRIDAY, January 17th – The Lewes Historical Society Speaker Series …”Preserving War Letters: Touchstones of Time” at 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Author-Journalist Nancy E. Lynch will be presenting this first topic of the series that take place on Fridays. Location? Lewes Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall on Kings Highway in Lewes. “War letters, first-hand accounts from the front lines, provide a unique window from a military man’s or woman’s perspective. They become a primary source material.” They are priceless!! For more information, please visit http://www.historiclewes.org.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, January 17th, January 18th and January 19th – The Rehoboth Beach Film Society presents What Makes Us Tick? These films explore the bonds of family, friendship, love and betrayal. The event takes place in January with the presentation of 3 films and post screening discussions. This film series explores aspects of the human experience. To see the trailers and for more info., please visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com. You can purchase the tickets online, or by phone by calling 302-645-9095. Tickets may be available at the door, as well.
Friday: The Intouchables at 7 p.m. at The Virden Center, University of Delaware on 700 Pilottown Rd. in Lewes. Admission is $12 for members of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society and $14 for future members. The film is rated R and it is in French with English subtitles.
Saturday: After the Wedding at The Virden Center, University of Delaware on 700 Pilottown Rd. in Lewes. Admission is $12 for members of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society and $14 for future members. The film is R rated and it is in Danish with English subtitles.
Sunday: Brick Lane at The Virden Center, University of Delaware on 700 Pilottown Rd. in Lewes. Admission is $12 for members of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society and $14 for future members. The film is rate PG-13 and it is in Bengali with English subtitles.
CHICKS FOR CHARITY – A girls night out dedicated to those less fortunate. The January dinner will benefit Habitat For Humanity. It will be on January 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Fish On! Two delicious entrees to choose from along with appetizer and dessert. $25 per person includes gratuity. Cash Bar available, as well. Raffle items and a 50/50 raffle too! Cash or checks only payable to Fish-On!. RSVP to chicksdinner@gmail.com. Please do not call the restaurant.
Please attend and learn about the Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps program and the wonderful men and women who have committed a year to service. January’s Chicks for Charity is raising funds on that evening for Delaware’s Habitat for Humanity, which program includes members from right here in Sussex County, from Delaware at large, and from states across the nation. Members are united behind the goals to make our people safer, smarter and healthier.
BIRDING FIELD TRIP AT PRIME HOOK – January 23rd from 8:30 a.m. until Noon. This is the first birding field trip of the 2014 season at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. The trips will originate from the Refuge Headquarters office and will run for about 3 hours. Since 85% of the bird species found on the Refuge are migrants, every month of the year brings the opportunity for different species of birds to be observed. You should take your binoculars. The Refuge has a few pairs of loaner binoculars if needed. Be prepared to walk up to a mile and please dress appropriately. In the event of light rain, the trip will still go. But, it will be cancelled if the rain is heavy. Please call the Refuge at 302-684-8419 for more info. Or, check http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Prime_Hook/about.html.
The Refuge is a 10,144 acre tract of land officially established in 1963 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act. It is located on the west shore of the Delaware Bay, approx. 22 miles southeast of Dover. It is an important stopover site for migratory birds as they travel up and down the Atlantic Flyway.
THE LEWES PUBLIC LIBRARY, located at 11 Adams Avenue in Lewes. Tel. 302-645-2733. Website? http://www.leweslibrary.org. Some very interesting events coming up!!
INTRODUCTION TO GENEALOGY SERIES – Free and beginning on January 23rd at 2 p.m. The Sussex County Genealogy Society will offer this 4-part series on strategies, techniques, and ideas to help individuals searching for member of their family tree. It will start on that Thursday, 1/23 and run each Thursday until Thursday, 2/13. You are required to register online or by calling the library at 302-645-2733.
FAMILY GAME NIGHT – Saturday, January 25th at 6 p.m. Take the whole family for a night of board games and free refreshments at the Library.
IS SMALL BUSINESS RIGHT FOR YOU? – Things a potential entrepeneur should consider. This is a free workshop on Tuesday, 1/28 at 7:30 p.m. To register and for more info., please contact Hope Ellsworth at the Job Center at Delaware Libraries, Tel. 302-222-3618 or hope.ellsworth@lib.de.us.
MYSTERY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP – “It’s a Mystery to Me!” – A new book discussion group for mystery lovers will begin meeting at the Library on Thursday, 2/13 at 10:30 a.m. Copies of the first book, What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman are available to check out at the Library’s Circulation Desk. This group will meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month and participants will discuss a selected mystery book. Open to all.
COOKING CLASSES IN FEBRUARY WITH CHEF ANGELA MERSHON – Enjoy learning some quick and simple solutions to cooking meals you thought were only available in a arestaurant . In the comfort of the Blue Water House kitchen, you can relax and socialize with new friends while learning and dining on delicious food that you will know how to easily make in your own kitchen. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. at Blue Water House on 407 East Market St. Participants will receive the meal, recipes, and printed info. to take home.
Class size limit to 10 people. Please sign up at the Library by 7 p.m. on the Monday before the class. Fees are $10 to $20 depending on the cost of ingredients and are due when signing up. Classes will be held on February 4th, 11th and 25th.
Have a good one!!
January 14th, 2014
The Delaware Beaches are a culinary destination!! We have all the necessary ingedients to make cooking a success…we just need the chefs that can lead us on that path. Here are some of the cooking classes and demos that are coming up. If you are wintering in Coastal Delaware, check them out.
This post is all about cooking….I mean learning to cook. “If a pot is cooking, the friendship will stay warm.”
NAGE – This is a very popular restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, located at 19730 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). Tel. 302-226-2037. Website? http://www.nagerb.com. Click on Cooking Classes. The following classes are on the schedule: They begin at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Healthy Cooking Class on January 25th.
Slow Cooking Class on February 15th.
Low Country Cooking Class on March 15th
Nage Classics Cooking Class on April 12th
BIG FISH GRILL – Located at 4117 Highway One. Tel. 302-227-9007. Website? http://www.bigfishgrill.com/classes-a-events.html. I have attended one of these classes and they are so much fun. The classes feature menu items from Big Fish and Summerhouse. Be prepared to participate. Don’t be afraid. Attending this class will give you the opportunity of seeing what Big Fish looks like from behind the scenes. There will be a whole fish cutting demonstration, as well. The classes are $75 and you must register in advance. Time? 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Special requests are accepted. Group/theme/private classes are available.
The doors will open at 9:45 a.m., giving you the chance to have coffee and to meet the chef.
January 18th, February 1st and 15th, March 1st, 15th and 29th, April 12th and 26th, and last one will be on May 3rd.
STINGRAY SUSHI BAR & ASIAN LATINO GRILL – Located at 59 Lake Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-6476. Website? http://www.stingrayrestaurant.com. Learn How to Roll Sushi!! $45 per person. For tickets and more info., please visit the website. Classes will be from Noon until 2 p.m.
February 23rd, April 27th, and May 18th.
ABRA…CA…DINNER!! – Chef Kris will be holding these classes in her own kitchen. Size of classes range from 6 to 8 students, depending on the topic. Each hands-on class will last 90 minutes to 2 hours. The cost is $55 per class, special topics will require an add-on charge. Driving directions and anything may need to bring along will be sent to you by email ahead of each class.
For further info., please call Chef Kris at 302-228-6125 or email her at chef@abracadinner.com. Website? http://www.abracadinner.com/classes.html. Purchase 4 classes and receive a complimentary fifth class, valid for use within 6 months, where space permits.
January 25th – Soups for You!
February 1st – Chili Duet with World’s Best Cornbread
February 8th – Cooking Under Pressure
February 22nd – One Pot Wonders
March 15th – Roll’em Up
March 22nd – Apps in a Snap!
April 5th – Eating the Rainbow
April 12th – Let’s Slaw Down!
May 3rd – Viva Italy!
REHOBOTH BEACH MUSEUM -SOUPER SATURDAY on February 1st at 4 p.m. with Denise Clemons, Cape Gazette columinst of Cape Flavors will present 2 prepared delectable soups and will stage a demonstration of a third. For fun and for better tasting the Museum is suggestion you BYOS (bring your own spoon). Admission is free, just bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank of Delaware. The Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-227-7310. Website? http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
FOOD-LORE – The Museum presents Ed Okonowicz Folklorist and Storyteller on February 7th and 7 p.m. The discussion, Food-lore, from scrapple (my favorite) to muskrat shares proof of what we eat tells much about our regional identity as well as, our family history. Mr. Okonowicz offers an insight to Delaware’s food lore in a power-point presentation and conversation with his audience.
For admission to this event, participants are asked to bring a non-perishable item for the Food Bank of Delaware. Reservations are required by calling 302-227-7310. The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue next to the Visitors Center. Parking is available and the Museum is handicapped accessible.
On March 7th at 7 p.m. the presentation at the Rehoboth Beach Museum will be THE FRENCH CHEF, JULIA CHILD FRENCH CLASSICS. This PBS video will be shown at the Museum. It is unlike anything ever seen on t.v. before. As Julia herself said, “If I can do it, you can do it…Bon appetit!” This video is part of a special collection of six original black and white episodes from the 1960’s.
NORTHEAST SEAFOOD KITCHEN – One of Matt Haley’s restaurants located at 29 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-537-1785. Website? http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com. This will be a cooking demo with Chef Ronnie and Chef Doug. It will be January 22nd from 6 – 7 p.m. The cocktail hour begins at 4:45 p.m. until 6 p.m.
For many the best part of the day is having breakfast. These two chefs will take you on a breakfast journey by demonstrating the art of making House Breakfast Sausage, Biscuits & Gravy, Waffles, Omelets, and Breakfast Cocktail!
For tickets and more info., please call the above mentioned telephone. Or email ronnie@sodelconcepts.com.
 
PAUL CULLEN – A NIGHT IN ITALY – COOKING DEMO, WINE TASTING, CONCERT – Tune Your Palate is the creation of Paul Cullen. He is a consummate performer and has a passion for cooking…Italian traditional cuisine, just like his Grandma taught him. March 2nd at Spice and Tea Exchange in Downtown Rehoboth Beach at 10 Rehoboth Avenue, at 6 p.m….$55. You can purchase your tickets by visiting http://www.paulcullenguitar.com.
And…remember: “A good cook is the peculiar gift of the gods. He must be a perfect creature from the brain to the palate, from the palate to the finger’s end.” walter savage landor
January 14th, 2014
Quiet, sunny, cool….it is winter. Late in the day and a drive around the canal in Lewes, Delaware. The photos speak louder than words. Enjoying the winter in Coastal Delaware!!
Have a good one!!
January 11th, 2014
“One good thing about Music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” bob marley
You should not let a little rain get in the way….You can find live entertainment in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Dewey Beach tonight.
IRISH EYES in Lewes at 213 Anglers Rd. Live music begins at 9 p.m. Tel. 302-645-6888.
BETHANY BLUES LEWES at 18385 Coastal Highway. They call it Hot and Tasty Blues. Ruben Montoya Trio, playing funky blues. Music from Santana, Bill Withers, The Beatles and more. Entertainment begins at 8 p.m.
DOGFISH HEAD at 320 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Adam Ezra Group will begin playing at 10 p.m. Tel. 302-226-2739.
PURPLE PARROT at 134 Rehoboth Avenue with Saturday night Karaoke and on Sunday Tara Austin’s Birdcage Bad Girls. For more info., please call 302-226-1139.
THE POND at First & Rehoboth Avenue. Live music with Ginger tonight and on Sunday Lower Case Blues. More info? Please call 302-227-2234.
SUMMER HOUSE at 228 Rehoboth Avenue will begin DJs and Dancing at 11:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. More info? Please call 302-227-3895.
RIGBY’S BAR & GRILL at 404 Rehoboth Avenue will have Karaoke tonight. More info? Please call 302-227-6080.
VICTORIA’S AT THE BOARDWALK PLAZA, at Ocean Front & Olive Avenue. Tonight is Jeff Irwin & Dr. Bob until 10 p.m. Sunday is Jeff Irwin & Friends from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. during Sunday Jazz Brunch. More info? Please call 302-227-0615.
CASA DILEO at 721 Rehoboth Avenue. Melissa Alesi will be entertaining the customers tonight. More info? 302-226-8660.
THE STARBOARD in Dewey, right on Coastal Highway will have DJ John Hardy entertaining tonight.
Note: If you want to make sure that the above mentioned music venues will have entertainment, please don’t hesitate to call. You know how it is….weather, unexpected situations, etc. etc.
Have a good one!!
January 11th, 2014
My usual suspects and I decided to follow the trail of many who have discovered that a new restaurant has opened in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Fins Ale House & Raw Bar is located at 19269 Coastal Highway, or Rt. 1. Tel. 302-227-3467.
Fins Ale House is the newest sibling of 2 other restaurants in Downtown Rehoboth Beach: Fins Raw Bar located at 243 Rehoboth Avenue, and Claws Seafood House.
The restaurant opens for lunch at 11 a.m. and stays open until 1 a.m. It has plenty of parking and even though parking is pretty much accessible at this time of the year in all Rehoboth Beach…in the summer, it will be a totally different scene. So, keep Fins Ale House in mind when visiting Rehoboth Beach and want fresh seafood, raw bar, American fare and gluten free items. And, for those young ones, there is a kids’ menu, as well.
When we entered the restaurant the feel I got was of a fish house in the south. Open bar, lots of wood…a place where friendly chatter accompanies fresh seafood, and drinks.
There is another dining room adjacent to the bar area if you prefer so.
I love oysters at this time of the year. Cold outside and cold, salty oysters are my favorites. I decided to get one of each to try them. On the board, there were the choices of the day. On my plate and clockwise are the oysters.
We all decided on the House Salad, which by the way, was delicious and refreshing. We are all trying to keep our New Year’s resolutions, if you get my drift.
Debbie had fried oysters on her salad.
Jody had fried shrimp on hers.
And mine was just the plain House Salad.
That’s all we had but we will be back for more….Talk to you later.
 
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