I was just reading the two newspapers we have delivered to our home each morning - The Star Ledger and the New York Times. On Wednesdays I always turn to the food "sections" first. As I was perusing through a few thoughts came in to my mind, not original by any means, but, and I hate to use this overused phraseology - food for thought. On the one hand I wondered why the Star Ledger has all but abandoned its coverage of the food world. Is this … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2012
Necessity is The Mother of Substitution
This morning made me think of the children's book, "Make Way for Ducklings". That said..... Well, having just celebrated Mother's Day, early this morning I found myself recalling a couple of sayings my Mom used to repeat over and over. Sometimes it is scary to find yourself saying the things your Mother said, especially when you get to my age. You begin to wonder, am I turning into her? Not that that is a bad thing in my case.....my mother … [Read more...]
A Little Taste of Serendipity in Georgetown
I have always gotten a little kick out of the word "serendipity" but been hard pressed to use it or recall many truly serendipitous moments in my life. Saturday I believe, gave me a little taste for its real meaning. I awoke at about 5:50 and, not wanting to wake Ryan, got up and had coffee, scanned the newspaper and left the hotel for the usual morning walk up to the University. Normally, I am with my husband who likes to recount his own … [Read more...]
Recipe for a Perfect Day
Today could make it to the top 10 of days of the year. Two things make it this way - First, it is 7:12 am and the sun is shining, the air is crisp and the view outside my kitchen is glorious. Lots of things in my garden are about to bloom - the peonies, the roses mostly. This is such an encouragement. My window boxes are ready for an update and this will be a good project for next week. Their earliest planting of ranunculus, pansies, mint and … [Read more...]
Bearded Iris, An Impromtu Visit to Balthazar Bakery
There - that's better - a shot outside my kitchen door this morning! Big difference from yesterday! One of my favorite plants of Spring is the bearded iris. I think of them as delicate yet regal. When I was young, my Dad admired them too and he kept them in our yard in a range of shades of lavender/lilac/violet. He really focused on vegetable gardening and the design of the garden as opposed to flower gardens, per se. I do … [Read more...]
Crabmeat Frittata
1 large shallot 1 red bell pepper, small dice or julienne 3 tblsp extra virgin olive oil 8 eggs 1 cup shredded gruyere 1 8 oz container fresh lump crabmeat 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning 1/2 - 3/4 cup mixed fresh herbs, chopped Preheat oven to 375F. In an oven-proof saute pan (10") saute shallot and red pepper until tender, … [Read more...]
Heart and Soul of a Baker, Crabmeat Frittata
Today is my maternal grandmother, Antonina (Minnie) Butera Gallipoli's birthday. "Nonnie" was a formidable woman - you didn't mess around with her! She could be stern, there was no denying her intelligence, she was a very good cook and she made a great loaf of bread, nothing fancy, just great. I can see her in her heather grey and blue plaid woolen skirt and a blouse. She died when she was 93 years old. For many reasons I can only hope to … [Read more...]
I Really Don’t Want Clouds At All……Sorry, Joni
I am a big fan of Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins and Joan Baez. This was just about as crazy as I got in my teenage years. Not too exciting, but the music was totally great. I thought of Joni Mitchell this morning and felt I should re-work a little of her lyrics. Cumulus are ok, I guess. Well, needless to say, the weather has been crossed off my list when it comes to inspiration-providing criteria again for this week. Just in case you have … [Read more...]
Food Media and Why I love Julia Child
Here are two pictures from my yard - the rose was taken on Friday when the approximately ONE hour of sun was out. The stock and petunias shot was taken a couple of weeks ago when I put them in a planter. I love stock and its lovely fragrance. A few years back we used this very effectively in wedding centerpieces, in special order Guy Wolff pots, for a family wedding at our home in Orleans, MA. Today I am off to the Farm in Green Village to … [Read more...]
Quick Marinara Sauce
QUICK MARINARA SAUCE 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes - (Muir Glen) 2 tblsp extra virgin olive oil 2 lg cloves garlic, minced 1 tblsp sugar 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade(ed?) In a large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until translucent - do not allow to brown. Add tomatoes, sugar, 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper (or to taste) and stir. … [Read more...]