Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Today I am traveling to the west coast to visit my daughter Meghan and her boyfriend Mark.  I haven't seen them since just after Christmas so I am very much looking forward to this trip.  The fact that they are in Long Beach, California is just a bonus! 

Getting ready to go away, in itself, makes one deserving of a vacation!  All week at work I slowly eliminated tasks and items from my desk so that by the time I left yesterday, anyone can sit at my now-anonymous desk and tell themself, "Wow, what an orderly desk this woman has!" I don't mind if people have the wrong impression of me!  There's something about an empty desk that invites me back to work with so much more hospitality than a desk piled high.  So, desk and work-related tasks, done.  After leaving work yesterday I took time to enjoy my great-neice Alexis's first birthday party.  She is adorable, my sister Patsy's little granddaughter, her feminine energy so new and welcome after Patsy and her husband Britt happily raised three sons and also have two grandsons.  Alexis is just walking, has a crop of light brown  hair, and a smile that knocks your socks off. 

Katie, Henry, and I stayed at the party but made an early exit -- I had baking to accomplish.  Henry could have stayed all night.  He loved the bouncy-bounce house and, little aquatic child that he is, the pool. 

But there was work to do.  My friend Judy's little granddaughter Adeley is being baptised this weekend, and I promised her a cake with my "old recipe" cake before I left on my trip.  She wanted a simple cake without a lot of color, and I think she'll be happy with it.  It's a black-and-white marble cake with buttercream frosting.  I don't usually eat my own cakes, but this combination is one that calls my name!

So now, I'm getting ready to pack my little back with not-too-much stuff (I tend toward over-packing).  I'll jump in the shower, and at 12:45, I'll be westward-bound to spend a few days with Meghan.  After getting ready to go, I'm looking forward to doing nothing but read on the plane.  Once there, I'm not sure whether I'll be blogging or not.   I'd love to see the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and whatever else Long Beach has to offer during my short stay, so I may be out and about.  It doesn't matter what we do.  As long as I get to spend time with my kid, I'm happy!

Family Party: Sunshine, Cake, and Little Kids

Memorial Day weekend was very busy and one highlight was the Sunday party my sister-in-law Lynn and her husband Rod had for their newest grandson, Carriag, and his parents Rod and Emily.  Carriag is two months old and was born in Chicago.  They were barely home from the hospital when they packed up everything and moved to their new home in Ohio, one that Rod bought on his own (Emily had only seen photos!).  Em was happy though, and praised Rod's house-shopping skills! 

The party was planned for a while.  My contribution was the cake.  Rod is a devoted Mets fan.  Grandma Lynn asked if I could make a cake to welcome the baby, something with Mets colors and images of baby feet.  I went one better.  I looked up the Mets insignia on-line and pretty much duplicated it in frosting, using Carriag's name where "Mets" would normally go.  I actually loved this cake when it was done, and it was not a sure thing, at all.  I had reservations about using navy blue and orange, didn't think it would feel like a baby cake.  I was wrong.  It worked out well.

The party to welcome Carriag was filled with happiness.  There was a lot of great food, many friends and relatives, and lots of little kids (Henry, above, rockin' the kiddie pool). Our Eddy matriarch, Mary Lou, was there overseeing all that started with her family of seven boys.  It's now grown to a huge generational gathering of five of her seven sons (sadly, she lost two), their children, and their children's children. I once said to her, "See what you started?!" and she responded, with a smile, saying something about what she had "wrought."  She's a smart woman (her high school class's Valedictorian), in her 80s, and has had more than her share of sad times, but you  never see that.  You see a woman who looks out over her small dynasty with a knowing and satisfied smile, aware enough of what her children and grandchildren are up to, and wondering how in the world to keep track of so many great-grandchildren (numbers 16 and 17 due soon -- including Henry's little brother in October).  Eventhough her son and I were divorced years ago, she is precious to me, and I am grateful she has continued to keep room for me in her life. 

Sunday was a beautiful day for a party.  The sun was shining.  The kids really enjoyed each other, especially time spent in the pool.  Dads had a great time, too (Bill with Henry, left). It was one of 'those' days that stays with you, long after it's over.  Days later, I find myself returning to the conversations, the food, and the activity of that day.  Just loved it.


Photos:  Me

One year ago today: It's Raining Cakes!

Good Morning Sunshine and Perfect Poached Eggs

The sun rose this morning and welcomed me awake through the blinds in my bedroom, shining brightly between the slats of the window shade.   It's such a natural way to wake up, so I quickly turned off the harsh and annoying alarm on my cell phone (that's my alarm now) before it had a chance to go off and ruin the sweet silence of this morning's solar wake up call.

Looking at that little ball of sunshine, I immediately thought, "poached eggs."  My mother loved poached eggs, and I am a fan as well, having been on a poached egg kick lately.  In the exercise study I'm in, I've learned that other forms of cooking eggs actually change their chemistry, rendering them less nutritionally sound, especially fried but even scrambled. Hard boiled or poached are great ways to eat eggs.  I used to have one of those handy-dandy poaching pots.  Not using it.  After previous failed attempts at the "au natural" method, last week I took a deep breath and decided "I can do this!".  I went old school and poached like the pioneers of poaching:  swirling simmering water with a little salt and a teaspoon of vinegar (which keeps the whites intact), carefully transferring the egg from a little cup into the hot water, turning off the heat, covering the pot, and walking away for exactly three minutes.  Gently drained by slotted spoon, the eggs were then ready to crown my toasted whole-wheat english muffin.  And I have to tell you, they were luxurious! 

So here's the recipe:

PERFECT POACHED EGGS

Spray the bottom of sauce pan or sautee pan with a little bit of cooking spray which will keep the eggs from sticking.  Fill pan 3" deep with water.  Add 1 teaspoon vinegar and a few pinches of salt.  Cover and bring to a simmering boil.

Crack eggs into small cups (I use a little pyrex dish).  Swirl the water with a wooden spoon.  Gently lower edge of cup into water and release egg.  You can fit a few into the pan so make as many as you need, two or three, or if you're using a larger pan, more.  Cover the pan, turn off the heat, set the timer for 3 minutes, and walk away.   At three minutes, using a slotted spoon, gently drain and place on toasted and lightly buttered bread or English muffin.

One year ago today:  Bitchin' Bette's Blueberry Pie 
One year ago yesterday: Carrot Cup Cakes

Photo credit (eggs): http://whatscookingamerica.net/Eggs/PoachEgg2.jpg
Window photo: me

Memorial Day 2010

This morning started out with an unexpected twist.  I couldn't get in to the Skidmore gym, which was supposed to be open despite the fact that the college is closed for the day.  So, plan B. I decided to drive over to the Saratoga Spa State Park and walk the loop that encirlces the Avenue of the Pines and the Gideon Putnam Hotel.  I parked in the hotel parking lot and, for the heck of it, decided to bring my camera along for the walk.  I thought I might see some pretty flowers to try the macro setting on, or some squirrels playing, who knows...  Anyway, the light was just beautiful this morning.  I walked at a quick pace (I thought, until I heard "behind  you" by a woman who quickly left me in her dust) but stopped every now and then when I was inspired to shoot. 

The walk along the Avenue was just beautiful.  The sun was pouring through the pines in ribbons of light, and I realized how glad I was that the gym doors were locked this morning.  I heard a lot of barking as I rounded the South Broadway end of the paved walkway, and wondered if I was coming upon a dog show.  Nope.  Today it was X-games for dogs.  There were many breeds, but Border Collies seemed to be cleaning up.  Vans were lined all along the walkway, all the doors open, as dogs waited in crates for their turn to compete. 

Headed back toward the Gideon Putnam Hotel, along the old Avenue of the Pines, couples on bikes passed by.  I think the hotel must rent out bikes because there were many.  I stopped to admire the golf course, and further up I was reminded of one of my first jobs as I passed the entrance to the Saratoga Tree Nursery.  I spent one spring break there pulling up and bundling pine tree yearlings.  It was as close to working in the fields as I ever want to get (probably because of that unfortunate fall off the back of a pick-up onto the gravel road).  Not my fondest memory. 

What I did enjoy about being out this morning was how friendly people are.  Most said "hello" or "good-morning" with a smile.  Compared to how much of my life is indoors -- at work, at home baking, even inside at the gym -- it just felt good to be outdoors and aware of how beautiful this area of the world is in the summer.  One such friendly walker was someone I recognized, not a friend, but a long-established anchor woman on local TV.  I've seen her out shopping on occasion and she is sometimes bothered by "fans" but today, she beamed a warm and welcoming smile.  I took her picture from behind but decided I wouldn't want anyone to post one of me, so I'm not posting it.

When I left the park, I stopped by St. Peter's Cemetary to visit my parents and to remember my dad for his service in the Army from 1941-1945.  As usual, I had a little conversation with my parents, telling them how much I miss them, how much I admire them and my gratitude for my father's service but more for his unabashed love for his wife and children, and overflowing adoration of his grandchildren.  I told them how much they'd have loved their great-grandchildren.  

 It's always emotional, my visit to the cemetary.  Selfishly, I asked for help with specific life challenges, saying "I know you have connections up there (I guarantee they are "up there").  I left telling them I love them.  The cemetary was really beautiful this morning, with Veterans' flags waving in the bright sunshine.  I'm so glad it is such a lovely day,  and that my camera came along with me.

Easy, No Bake, Ice Cream Sandwich Cake!

The motivation for this recipe comes from my friend Judy Kennedy, who makes a version of this for her family.  This recipe is adapted from Judy's and from Taste of Home.  It's a simple, no-bake, freezer dessert, and perfect for a Memorial Day picnic (as long as you have a freezer nearby!).

ICE CREAM SANDWICH CAKE

19 ice cream sandwiches

1 jar (16 ounces) hot fudge ice cream topping
1-1/2 cups salted peanuts (omit if peanut allergy is a concern) OR cookie/candy topping of your choice
3 Heath candy bars (1.4 ounces each)
2 cartons (8 ounces each) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

Cut one ice cream sandwich in half. Place one whole and one half sandwich along a short side of an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Arrange eight sandwiches in opposite direction in the dish. Remove lid from fudge topping. Microwave 15-30 seconds to warm; stir. Spread one-half of fudge topping over ice cream sandwiches. Spread one container of whipped topping over top.

In a food processor, combine peanuts (or substitute) and candy bars. Cover and pulse until chopped. Sprinkle one-half of mixture over whipped topping layer. Repeat layer of ice cream sandwiches, fudge topping and whipped topping over top of cake. Sprinkle with remaining candy mixture.

Cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer 20 minutes before serving. Cut into squares. Yield: 15 servings.
 


Photo credit: http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps38499_THCS1115476D75.jpg

Memorial Day and Hooray for Summer!

This summer is one very welcome season.  I hear people say that this past winter wasn't "that bad."  Well, if you drive a little Mazda with "specialty" tires and can't make it up an almost 1/8 mile driveway, I beg to differ.  Or, is it that I'm getting older and sprouting some snow-bird like feathers?  That may be.  Either way, bring on the longest days of the year, soaring temperatures, and cool, aquatic refreshment!  I love a beach, a pool, a kiddie pool, even a sprinkler!  I love it all!  I love the familiar scent of Coppertone, an icy slice of watermelon, driving with my sun roof open.  Summer is, simply, the best!

Memorial Day officially launches the summer season in this part of the world.  The calendar may want to wait a few weeks for that summer solstice business, but once Memorial Day hits, to me, it is summer.  Flowers are everywhere, in window boxes, hanging planters, and crocks.  Freshly-mowed lawns provide a scent that even Chanel No. 5 can't compete with.  Baseball games, from Little League to the big leauges, get people outside and rooting for the favorite team.  At day's end, a big orange setting sun reminds me of the old adage "Red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning."  (My mother used to say that!)

When winter takes up a good half of the year, summer is relished.  You notice the aroma of barbequed meat.  Even vegetarians probably can't help but primally notice the irresistible lure of seared beef!  (Sorry to offend, my vegan friends).  The crisp sound of an ear of corn being shucked, and later how delicious it is with butter and a little salt, is almost too much to anticipate!  It cannot be replicated through the rest of the year.  Corn has to be eaten fresh to be fully appreciated.  I love the bread and butter variety, with a mix of white and yellow kernels. 

One aspect of summer that I am not too thrilled with is the number of bug bites I have already fallen victim to.  Those no-see-ums have got me good, and my wrists and ankles have taken the brunt of it. If you see me, do not be alarmed.  Yes, they are bites.  No, it is not a pox-upon-me, though it feels like it at night when, in retrospect, I'd be better off wearing socks on my hands to keep from scratching!  If you see me in long sleeves, you'll know why.

I'm hoping to post a number of favorite summer recipes soon, and I'd like to ask you to send me your favorite.  What is it you just want to see on a picnic table in the summer?  What favorite memory do you have of summer time and the food that goes with it?  Let me know, and I'll showcase that recipe for you.  In the meantime, enjoy your weekend. 

And let's take time to remember that Memorial Day is not  just the official start of summer; it is, more importantly, the day to honor Veterans who have served to protect our freedoms.  Among them, I honor my father, Alfred J. (Val) O'Farrell, U.S. Army, who, along with my Uncles Bud McGeehan and Eddie Cella and countless others, served in World War II.  May they rest in honored peace.

One year ago today: http://adirondackbaker.blogspot.com/2009/05/once-in-airport-my-nose-followed.html




Photo credit: http://www.ci.windsor.ca.us/images/pages/N664/American%20Flag.jpg

Hearth and Harvest for Pizza

Last night Katie and Bill were out and about with Henry (looking for AC for their very warm upstairs) and called to see if I wanted to meet them for dinner.  I'd heard that Hearth and Harvest on the very northern tip of Saratoga Lake was a good place to go, so I met them there.  It's on Stafford's Bridge Road, across the bridge from the Skidmore Boat House.

When I pulled up, Bill and Henry had just been down to the water to look at fish.  The restaurant inhabits a very colorful spot, complete with a brightly painted kayak-rental hut.  The restaurant itself is painted in cheerful colors as well, with a lively green exterior (and a nice deck overlooking the docks).  Inside, it is clean and uncluttered, with yellow painted walls and simple wooden tables and chairs, which look like they might be from Ikea, very basic.  There are paintings on the walls of the main dining room, which is at the opposite end of an open room that houses a large pizza oven and the pizza-making station. It makes for interesting viewing while you wait.

The menu offers soups, salads, pizza, beer, wine, and desserts.  Bill and I shared a house salad with chipotle ranch dressing, and it was great.  It had a real kick, and we both liked it alot.  Katie had a house salad with balsamic dressing, and loved it.  She and Bill shared a barbequed chicken pizza, and raved about it.  I ordered a pizza with sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and sausage.  It was also very good.  Henry didn't order a thing, but shared in the abundance of our dinners.  He and I had taken a few walks outside (because he's 2 and doesn't  understand why his apple juice order wasn't delivered immediately!).  We walked to the end of the docks and looked into the water at little sunfish.  We walked over to a glider swing under the trees and hung out there for a while.  We went back toward the water to check out kayaks and he sat in a kid-sized Adirondack Chair.  He was very busy.  We had a long conversation but I don't really know most of what he said.  I just kept saying "That's right.  You're such a smart boy!"

Pizza arrived and we rejoined Katie and Bill.  The pizzas are gorgeous, with crusts that are very, very thin, almost cracker-thin.  The toppings are portioned perfectly -- not too much and certainly not too little.  These are not hearty pizzas.  One large pizza (around $18.00) might feed two people who aren't terribly hungry.  The small pizza ($9 or so) might leave you wanting more.  The price might seem steep to those of us who are used to grabbing a $2.50 slice at other favorite pizza places, but here you are paying for all-organic, wood-fire grilled pizzas, and I think it's worth it once in a while.  If you want a mixed drink, you'll have to wait.  Right now, Hearth and Harvest serves only beer and wine, and soft drinks (and in Henry's case, apple juice). 

One year ago today: http://adirondackbaker.blogspot.com/2009/05/memories-of-strawberry-shortcake.html


Photo credit: http://blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping/files/2009/08/harvest-pizza.jpg