March 21st, 2016
It has been a while since I have posted a recipe for Meatless Monday. This is a “global movement, created in 2003 by Sid Lerner in association with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health”. It is a way to eat just one day a week free of meat….go vegetarian for just that one day will help in our overall health. For more information, and recipes, as well, please visit http://www.meatlessmonday.com.
I had a couple of good size eggplants and decided that today, being Monday, I would use them to make Eggplant Parm. I have made this dish so many times, and every time I either add something or delete something. I always make recipes my own. So should you, it is fun to experiment.
2 medium to large eggplants
3 eggs
Oil for frying
Italian Breadcrumbs (If manking it gluten free, please make sure you buy some of the many available breadcrumbs that are gluten free.)
Spaghetti Sauce (I tried Mia’s Kitchen Bistro Marinara from Safeway and it is all natural and gluten free, made in Sonoma, California.)
Mozzarella Cheese (I used the already shredded cheese, but you can shred your own if you are eating gluten free. Make sure to read the labels.
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese. I grated it myself, which is great if you are eating gluten free. The packaged cheeses already grated might have an additive that contains gluten.
Basil
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees
Slightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Put about a cup of the spaghetti sauce and spread.
Cut the eggplant in round slices. I do not peel the eggplant. I think the skin looks great and it is where your vitamins are, as well.
In a shallow bowl cracked the eggs and mix. In a plate put the Italian breadcrumbs.
In a large frying pan put enough vegetable oil in order to fry the eggplant. It does not have to be too deep.
Dip the eggplants in the eggs and then dip in the Italian breadcrumbs.
Fry them until lightly brown. I usually get them out and let them sit on paper towels, but you can just transfer them directly to the prepared baking dish, as well.
Arrange them on the baking dish as you wish. You will be making two layers.
Spread spaghetti sauce on them and also half of the mozzarella. Repeat the process and at this point you will also sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Sprinkle some Basil for color too. Then to the oven.
Bake for about 45 minutes or so until they look like this…….
This dish has so much color….it should also be the center of attention on your plate. A green salad or green veggie is all you need.
For dessert, well, it is that time of the year when you just have to think that summer is around the corner but if you feel like living dangerously, well, go ahead and maybe go visit Edie Bees on Second Street in Lewes, Delaware, and grab something sweet and sinfully delish.
February 24th, 2016
My friends, Cindi and Jody, on their first trip to Puerto Rico, found the island very charming. When you visit with a local you get a different perspective. The people, the island, the food take a different meaning. So, this was our second day in Puerto Rico. We stayed in the areas of Old San Juan, Condado, and the northeastern side of the island.
 Luquillo Beach On this Thursday, we took off for the area of Luquillo Beach. It was around 1 p.m. when we stopped to eat at La Parrilla. La Parrilla is #2 Kiosk out of about 60 that have been in this stretch of Luquillo Beach, right next to the famous Balneario Monserrate. They have been there as long as I can remember. They have also evolved, keeping their very relaxed open air dining. Some have seating, others you just stand and eat local Crab Tacos, Alcapurrias, Pastelillos and all that wonderful grub that you don’t eat on a daily basis.
We were on the look out for Caribbean lobsters. You know, when I lived in Puerto Rico I thought the local lobster was the best. Living in Delaware…I totally love the Maine lobster. But this particular search for a grilled lobster had me excited about tasting again that sweet local PR lobster.
So we picked our 5 pound lobster right from the tank. Here we were.
 
Okay once that was done, a little Sangria for the group. What a job!!
Our open air seating was perfect. If you look closely you can see Jody, Cindi, and my cousin, Sonia, on the right hand side.
We ordered the Sample Boricua for a little tasting. Filled potatoes, mini piononos, corn sticks, and fried Puertorican cheese. Knowing we were having a full lunch we had a light breakfast. You have to plan when eating in PR.
That 5 lb lobster was to be shared. We ordered Puertorican rice and beans and the tostones, also known as fried plantains. The grilled flavor was so distinct and as you can see we loved it all.
Why dessert was ordered, I don’t know. We were completely satisfied but a sweet ending of not 3 Leches Cake but 4 Leches Cake was a must. It is vey Spanish and usually served at all restaurants. Sweet, delicious and very fattening.
The Luquillo Beach Kiosks are great because you have options, even though a lot serve the same local food. Some families have owned their kiosk for so many years. At night you may find some offering local music entertaining and during the week-ends they are very crowded.
Please note that La Parrilla is on social media. Their website is http://www.laparrillapr.com.
Second stop was a drive through El Yunque. This is the only tropical rain forest in the national forest system. 29,000 acres, is is one of the most biologically diverse of the national forests. Please call 787-888-1880 for more info. the Forest is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Also, you may visit http://www.elyunque.com.
A stop at La Coca Falls. The temperature already had come down. It can get quite cool and humid as you go up the Forest.
For day trip tours, please visit http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com.
Have a great day…..Next? The Bioluminescent Lagoon in Cabezas de San Juan in Las Croabas.
January 26th, 2016
“There is a difference between dining and eating. Dining is an art. When you eat to get most out of your meal, to please the palate, just as well to satiate the appetite, that my friend is dining.” yuan mei
New year in Rehoboth Beach, looking forward to what our local chefs are going to be bringing to many that visit our beaches and consider themselves foodies. There are plenty of us that live here year round and we love to check out our favorite places on this Second Season. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is a year round resort. You can escape from major cities on the mid Atlantic and be here in just a couple of hours. The beach, the boardwalk are our playgrounds and I do not take it for granted.
Palate opened this past year and I had not had a chance to visit. It has been well accepted. And, it has parking. That, my friends, is the best. If you have visited the Delaware Beaches in the summer you know exactly what I am talking about. Palate is located at The Shops at Seacoast, 19266 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-249-8489. Website? http://www.tastepalate.com
Chefs and owners Gary and Lorraine have a great history. Please visit http://www.tastepalate.com/story
It was December 30th when Cindi and I stopped for a bite to eat. There is a Wine & Beer Bar and an open kitchen.
The dining room is spacious, comfortable and also very comfortable.
Palate is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please check their Sunday menu because it is very good. One more choice in Rehoboth Beach to have breakfast on Sundays.
When you live at the beach your house is usually a popular spot. Don’t want to cook but want to show your guests like you have slaved all day long for them? Palate has a Gourmet to Go station. The menu changes frequently. But it is very easy to do. Just show up, make your selections and go home.
My butternut squash soup was creamy and perfect for the season. That was the soup of the day.
Cindi had the Grain Bowl with organic black Quinoa with lemon and mint, grilled sweet corn, grilled summer squash, pickled string beans and sprouts.
Salmon Cake and Salad. A lighter meal very delicious and completely satisfying.
No dessert….we were trying to be good.
Our service was excellent and friendly. The prices were very reasonable. It was lunch but I shall be back for dinner soon.
Talk to you later….have a good one.
NOTE: Wine Dinner will be February 10th Call 302-249-8483 for reservations. $69 per person, plus gratuity. Check the Facebook Page for more info.
December 20th, 2015
I big shout to Doggies at The Beach for taking such good care of my little Diva, Miss Addy. Doggies at the beach is a 3,500 square foot indoor, cage free doggie day care. It is Miss Addy’s home away from home. While visiting Doggies at the Beach she met Santa. I know what her expression is telling me, but I am glad she went along with the program. Doggies at The Beach is located at 18806 J. Williams Hwy. in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-644-8200. They have 24 hour human supervision and even web cams so that you can follow your precious pooch. Grooming is also available. They are on Facebook, as well. Check them out because they are always hosting events and very much involved in the community. Jim and his staff are very caring and obviously they love dogs!! Please visit http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
This would be a great stocking stuffer for your dog. Your pooch will love these Tail Bangers made with whole wheat flour, rolled oats, eggs, canola oil, fresh ground peanuts, honey, cinnamon, with a vanilla yogurt coating. Tail Bangers are made in Millsboro, Delaware, about 1/2 hour from Rehoboth Beach. The company has gone big, a success story. I have not visited but can’t wait to do so. You can find Tail Bangers at Doggies at The Beach, Candy Kitchen, Pet Stores in the area and even the UPS store at the Safeway Shopping Center. I took them as a gift to my friend’s dog, Dale, in Bluffton, South Carolina and they were a big hit. So, I decided to try them myself. They smell so good. I took a bite and they were not bad at all. After all they are made with all natural ingredients. Tail Bangers is located at 24546 Betts Pond Rd., Millsboro, DE 19956 You can find them on Facebook and Twitter. Website? www.tailbangers.com.
Another great stocking stuffer for those that love to cook and for your favorite foodies are these Sea Salts made right here on the coast by SoDel Concepts. There is the Bay Spice, the Summer Lemon Zest, and the Black Pepper Fennel. You can get these salts at any of SoDel Concepts Restaurants from Lewes to Fenwick Island. For the locations of the restaurants, please visit http://www.sodelconcepts.com.
Another perfect gift….a book, the perfect companion. Truddi Chase was from Maryland. Her story was made into a movie years ago, base on her first book When Rabbit Howls. The movie was called Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase. It was an autobiography about her experiences after being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. Truddi was interviewed by Oprah. Her story is a fascinating one of survival after been sexually abuse from age two. She coped by developing 92 personalities. She never integrated them so she lived with them all of her life until she died in 2010. Her second book has just come out thanks to her daughter, Kari, who lives in Lewes. This second book is more whimsical. All art work is by Truddi and the different personalities. The name of the book is The Creature of Habit. You can get it at http://www.truddichase.com
Or, you may also get it at http://www.amazon.com.
Have a good one!! TTYL
December 3rd, 2015
Saturday, December 5th the Holiday Season will begin in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Known as The Quiet Resort, Bethany Beach does get a little quiet in the winter but plenty of the merchants are open during the week-ends. Not wanting to stay behind other Delaware Beach resorts, Bethany puts a good show for the Holidays.
On Saturday make plans to be there by 1 p.m. when free events will be happening: Photos with Santa….he will be arriving at 1:15 p.m., Letters to Santa, Horse-drawn carriage rides, trolley rides, face painting, hot cocoa and cookies and music!!
Help Bethany Beach start a new tradition when at 6 p.m. the Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on the Boardwalk by the Bandstand.
Gather with friends and family and help light the “Tree of Warmth”, and sing along to a performance by the Lord Baltimore Children’s Choir.
Everyone is encouranged to bring hats, gloves, scarves and canned goods as a donation to area charities.
Please have in mind that every Saturday in December prior to Christmas, there will be caroling arond the “Tree of Warmth” on the Bandstand to end the day. Stores will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Please check the schedule of events for the Holiday Season in Bethany Beach at http://www.townofbethanybeach.com
Merry Christmas!!
November 9th, 2015
All summer long the road stand markets keep us well nourished. Full of local vegetables and fruits. It does not get any better. Now we are into November and it is getting a bit chilly. So, yesterday I went by Brittingham’ Produce, located at Route 5 in Milton, Delaware. Tel. 302-684-4232
Unfotunately, this past week-end was the last one. Next year around June they will open once again. The vegetables looked gorgeous and it is a season for turnips. They are wonderful when roasted.
Their apples were from T.S. Farms in Bridgeville. Brittingham’s Produce is picked daily.
Please visit dda.delaware.gov.
In this website you can find over 80 farm stands and markets in Delaware; Christmas Tree Farms, Creameries, U-Pick Farms, On-Farm Markets, Garden Centers and even Horse Racing. Or, there is a free APP for your smart phone. To get it visit http://www.apps.delaware.gov
For a great recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Corn, Red Onions & Cranberries please click on May 15, 2015 on this website, AboutMyBeaches. Just first click on May of 2015 and scroll down to the 15th. It is great.
Have a good one!!
November 3rd, 2015
“A retaurant is a fantasy-a kind of living fantasy in which diners are the most important members of the cast.” warner leroy
Crust & Craft opened in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, about 4 weeks ago. Pretty impressive to see this locale transform itself into a really nice looking place. And, the food, pretty awesome, as well. The address is 18701 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-313-5029 Website? http://www.crustandcraftde.com.
You can find Crust & Craft on Facebook! Please note that it will be opening this week-end for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.
My friend, Cathy and I arrived very early. By the time we left every seat on the house was taken with the exception of one table.
Some pizzas were coming out of their oven….you can customize your pizzas!!
The menu is divided into Hearth…Bruschetta. Then, Ocean which are starters from the sea. Continuing with Earth which are seasonable veggies. Fire means 12″ wood-fire pizza and finally Stone which is their housemade pasta.
Our strategy was to order more than a few dishes tapas style.
From the Hearth we ordered the Roasted Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, Pecorino, and Balsamic. I don’t know what it was but the combination of the roasted squash and the rest of the ingredients on that toasted bread was perfect.
The Ocean brought us Wood Roasted Octopus, Olives, Potato, Oregano, Jalapeno, Lemon Maionese. The octopus was tender and had a definite wood roasted flavor.
Earth…the Beets, Ricotta, Greens, Poppy Seeds, and a Lemon Vinaigrette. Loved it! The Lemon Vinaigrette gave it a bit of a tangy taste.
Stone…The Pumpkin Zucca, Mushroom, Squash, Sage, Brown Butter, Peccorino, Pumpkin Seed….This dish was excellent. The pasta absorbed the pumpkin flavor. It was one of my favorites of the evening.
Of course we did not need any dessert but we did have it….Choco Tacos made out of Pizzelle, Mascarpone Semifredo, and Nutella…..Decadent, so much so that Cathy and I took off for the Rehoboth Boardwalk to walk off this one.
 
I would like to thank our server, Brittany, for taking care of us in such a speedy way. Her recommendations were on target. Loved everything we ordered.
I almost forgot to tell you that Crust & Craft partners with local farmers and craft beer artisans….Congratulations and wish you much success. We will be back!! Have to try the pizza.
See you soon!
 A Little Bit of This A Little Bit of That
October 21st, 2015
Pumpkins, skeletons, tombstones, spiders and cobwebs. It is a Sea Witch Week End and the Delaware Beaches…Are there real ghosts and gobblins? The costumes tell a story. It will be a fun week-end at the beach!
So, what is going on?
Friday, October 23rd – A PINK AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, This is a fundraising event for Cancer Support Community Delaware and Delaware Hospice. Location? Rehoboth Beach Country Club on 221 West Side Drive in Rehoboth Beach. 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Luncheon, Fabulous Fashion Show, Chinese Auction and One-of-a-Kind Accessory Shop! Tickets are $40 per person. Lunch choices: Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken or Spinach Quiche with Side Salad.
No on line reservations at the moment, so please call 302-645-9150 to reserve a spot. To know about Cancer Support Community Delaware, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 23rd, October 24th and October 25th – 27th CHILDRENS FANTASY TRAIL from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cape Henlopen State Park. Wear your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. $5 per person, adults and children.
Friday, October 23rd – 2nd ANNUAL ZOMBIE WALK AND APOCALYSE BALL – In Milton, Delaware. It is hosted by Po’ Boys and the Milton Theatre. The event will begin at 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. For tickets, please call 302-684-3038.
6 p.m. – Pig Roast at Po’ Boys.
8 p.m. – Zombie Walk from Po’ Boys to the Milton Theatre.
8 p.m. Apocalypse Ball at the Theatre
This event is a fundraising event for Casa San Francisco.
Saturday, October 24th – SPOOKY ON SATURDAY WALKING AND LANTERN TOUR – 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The area around the Lewes Ferry Terminal is reported to be one of the most haunted locations in Delaware with one of the largest unknown sailors’ and seaman’s burial grounds on the east coast. Travel on board the “spooky” shuttle to the heart of Historic Lewes to view Saint Peter’s Churchyard home to three centuries of burials.
 
An apparition or 2 may travel with you. Hear Captain James Drew’s tragic tale of a ship lost at sea. Supposedly filled with gold. Listen to the woeful tale of a “misprinted” gravestone.
A historic guide, aided by lantern light will accompany groups through the candlelit Burton Ingram House Circa 1785 where voices of the past may still echo.
Tickets must be purchased by Friday, October 23rd by 3:30 p.m. via Credit Card by calling the Lewes Historical Society’s Main Office at 302-645-7670. Or in person at the Hiram Rodney House Administrative Office at 110 Shipcarpenter Street in Lewes.
Cost is $20.00 per person.
This tour is not recommended for children below the age of 12. The spooky shuttle departs and returns from the Lewes Ferry Terminal.
27th ANNUAL SEA WITCH HALLOWEEN & FIDDLER’S FESTIVAL! – FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, 10/23, 10/24 AND 10/25 – For full schedule, please visit http://www.beach-fun.com/sea-witch-halloween-fiddlers-festival.html.
You really need to look at the schedule…it is too extensive to put here. But, one of my favorite parades will be taking place on Sunday at 3 p.m. on the Boardwalk. It is the Pets on Parade. It is so much fun and one of the most popular events of the whole week-end. Hope to see you there.
Have a good one!!
 
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