One thing this pandemic did not take from us was that we still were able to get together. Some had a small gathering like I did while others were Zooming or Face Timing. We all had smiles on our faces. There were so many decorations, lights and all.
In Southern Delaware homes had beautiful Christmas lights. Whites, blues, and combinations thereof. I have been driving after sunset and checking the neighborhoods.
Cooking has become a passion of many. There are so many photos being passed around of the food at everyone’s table.
Some years ago I would celebrate dinner on Christmas Eve but lately I enjoy it more on Christmas Day with my guests coming around 6 p.m.
I made my Puertorican Coquito which is the traditional eggnog of Puerto Rico. It is not thick but it is truly delicious. It is usually made this time of the year and given to family and friends.
Most years I have a standing rib roast. I have also had a whole filet, as well. This year another gorgeous rib roast from Hickmans located on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach was a winner. So much so I fogot to take photos of the side dishes. They were simple but complemented this gorgeous prime rib. Starting with a Caesar Salad made by TC who makes the best. A spinach gratin, mashed potatoes adding Crema, and broiled grape tomatoes with a hint of homemade pesto.
Lucky that we all liked our meat rare.
Rib roasts look intimidating but they are really not hard to cook. If you have someone like TC who knows his way around the kitchen then what’s to worry. Me? I have not had an oven since October so him cooking was perfect. These were 5 ribs which left us with leftovers which is exactly what we wanted.
A successful dinner party is priceless when the food is as delicious as this. It is also successful when your dinner guests bring to the table laughter, good conversation and an acknowledgement that friendships are so important.
Not one pie but 3 pies. Once again since I did not have an oven my pies were courtesy of Pasqualini’s located at 375 Atlantic Ave. in Rehoboth Beach.
The first pie on the left was a mixed berry pie. Here is a close up.
The second pie was requested. It is a mincemeat pie. These pies were first served in the early middle ages, filled with a mixture of finely minced meat, chopped fruit and a preserving liquid. No meat is in the pie anymore. Lots of raisins and pretty good it was.
I like cherry pies so that is probably why the third pie was cherry.
Coffee, party crackers, Coquito and more laughter. I think we all had fun. The holidays come and go so quickly. With our smaller group this year we were able to spend quality time at the dinner table which to me is the center for family and friends.
From this post I will be sharing my food photos, as well on social media. Why not? It really was a delicious meal.
New Year’s? I have no idea what we will be fixing. I find that Thanksgiving is abundance, Christmas is more subdued and New Year’s could be a fun menu. Stay tuned.
Happy New Year. Wishing you the best for 2021. Health, Happiness, and Acceptance.
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A simple mantle, a hot fire, Christmas is just a few days ahead. Growing up in Puerto Rico the weather is constantly warm. It does have a cooler season from January until the beginning of March. Best time to visit.
Holidays in Puerto Rico are very long. They last until mid January, when other festivals will also take place. It is like anything, it is not the same way now. In my youth there were great family parties during Christmas and then during Three Kings Day or El Dia de Los Reyes there were roasted pigs, blood sausage, which by the way are the best, tripe and all those things someone other than a foodie would think is so foreign. A Spanish island full of history and tradition. Three Kings Day is the Epiphany. Very Catholic too.
Pasteles are typically eaten during the Holiday Season. My grandmother Juanita made the best. Very labor intensive. They almost look like a tamal. Made out of plantains with and an adobo stuffing, olives, chickpeas, raisins, chicken, pork or beef, then wrapped in banana leaves. They are also made out of yuca, a root vegetable.
The photo above shows the ones I had flown from Orlando, Florida for my Three Kings Day dinner where my friends tasted them among other things like fried plantains called tostones.
Getting to the purpose of my post is the Coquito or Puertorican Eggnog. They said the Spanish invented it. Who knows. It is indigenous to the island, though. Everyone has a recipe, adding a little bit of this or a little bit of that. Rum being a main ingredient for sure. I love drinking it in a small aperitif glass.
The glasses here were my grandmother’s Palmira Pereyo Lopez. I love them and they are perfect for my Coquito. I used the Barcardi Gold Rum. I almost forgot, but you fill the empty rum bottle and give it as presents.
This recipe I have comes out delicious. I even got glass bottles to give some away. So this is how it goes:
Mi Coquito Navideno
4 cans (12 ounces each) of evaporated milk
1 can of condensed milk
2 cans (15 ounces each) of coconut cream, not coconut water
2 teaspoons of Vanilla
2 teaspoons of Cinnamon
6 egg yolks
1 bottle of rum (750ml) I used Bacardi Gold
a cap of Brandy or more
Beat by hand the 6 egg yolks in a small container
Blend separately the following in a large container 1 can of the evaporated milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Add the beaten egg yolks, the rest of the evaporated milk, the condensed milk, the coconut cream and the Brandy.
Then the whole bottle of rum. Mix well.
NOTE: Some time the Coconut Cream has separated. Mix it well. If the Coquito is lumpy use a sieve and put through the whole mixture.
The Coquito is not thick. It does get a little thicker when refrigerated.
Drinking it cold is the way to enjoy it. It can last in the refrigerator for some time because all the rum it has. It won’t last long though.
Anyway, play with it and make it your own.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Feliz Navidad.
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Taking advantage of one glorious Sunday, probably the nicest day in the next coming week, as rain, and even some snow are in the forecast.
Lewes is totally decorated for the holidays. Being that it is a balmy weekend, so many people are visiting the Delaware Beaches taking also advantage of outlet shopping with tax free shopping as well.
Me? I have been enjoying those blue skies and thanking that living at the beaches is not to be taken for granted.
Harbour opened at 134 West Market Street in Lewes, DE year. They are now serving lunch from 11:30 until 2:00 p.m. with Happy Hour, Food and Drink Specials from 3 until 5 p.m. Dinner takes place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Opens from Wednesday until Sunday. Reservations are required by phone at this time by calling 302-200-9522. Check out their website at http://www.harbourlewes.com
We arrived with no reservations at around 1:30 p.m. and were lucky to see that a couple was leaving the perfect table under the awning with beautiful view of the canal.
The restaurant is quaint. Has a private room for your special events, a nice bar and two indoor dining rooms.
A couple of Bloody Marys on this pretty Sunday. Checking out the menu. More than a few specials, as well.
I ordered their Farmers Market Salad to be topped with salmon. It is a simple salad, dressed lightly but the salmon is what makes it special. It is so delicious. Try it next time. Very much recommended.
Do you like Fish & Chips? A very good one it is served here at Harbour. It is craft beer battered Virginia Founder. Lightly fried and full of flavor too. Fries, coleslaw and a remoulade sauce on the side.
You love sitting outside even when chilly? Harbour also has heaters even though today was just perfect weather.
Hope your weekend was awesome. And, please continue to read my posts. Thanks.
Until then, I remain….
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Full of atmosphere, Eden is located in the trendy street called Baltimore Ave., in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. 23 Baltimore Ave. to be exact, in the beach block.
Last night this was a destination for us. How surprising to see Rehoboth Beach full of cars. It is a balmy weekend in Southern Delaware, and the beaches, tax free shopping and a foodie paradise are part of the charm of what many call the Nation’s Summer Capital. The town is fully decorated for the Christmas Holiday. It usually is but this year both, commercial businesses and homes have gone all out. Saying goodbye to 2020 in a big way.
Eden has Happy Hour every day, and specials too. Wine diners and professional service is always a plus. Their tel. is 302-227-3330 and their website is http://www.edenrestaurant.com.
Love their Grilled Caesar Salad with a sun dried tomato/olive tapenade and pecorino romano. I always order it and it never disappoints.
I don’t think you see Antelope in the many restaurants in Rehoboth Beach. It is always on their menu. Last night was my choice. I chose not to get the sweet potato mashers so only bacon roasted Brussels sprouts for me. The antelope tenderloin was cooked medium rare and topped with a berry/red wine reduction. Full of flavor and tender.
This meat comes Broken Arrow Ranch in Texas. They are milder tasting compared to the ones farther north. I found out that Texas antelope is more tender because they do not confront the same predatory threats on the ranch.
The daily fish special was the Rockfish on top of pasta and veggies. Well received. This is a local fish and it is also very mild. Looks amazing, don’t you think?
No dessert because watching what you eat at this time of the year is a must.
Have a beautiful weekend.
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