Lake Placid Where Winter Lingers

While some of the country is bustling with the buds of spring winter lingers in Lake Placid.  It was a lovely time we spent part of last weekend.  Jim and I had a nice dinner then walked back to our hotel amidst snow falling down on us, with views of mountains encasing us, and with the smell of burning wood surrounding us.  We enjoyed sitting by the fire where we warmed up.  Alas, spring is just around the corner, even for these parts, and warmer weather will soon find it's way.  All the best and warmth to you wherever you may be.

Family Fun in NYC

Happy Easter

Gravy NY

 New NYC restaurant, Gravy, featured in NYtimes today ....enjoy some southern staples, as Ina Garten would say, "With the volume turned up!" If you live in NYC make a reservation and if you're planning a trip include this in your must eats! 

• Website: http://www.gravyny.com
• Email: info@gravyny.com
• Phone: (212) 600-2105

Twiced Baked Mushroom Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 russet potatoes
• 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 8 ounces small mushrooms, such as cremini or button, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 1 1/2 sticks of butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


Using the tines of a fork, prick the skins of the potatoes all over and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours until tender and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool until warm enough to handle, about 20 minutes.

While the potatoes are cooling, in a medium skillet, heat 4 tbs of butter oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are golden and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes. Put the mixture into a medium bowl. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and, using a small spoon, scoop out all but 1/4-inch of the flesh. Add the potato flesh to the mushroom mixture. Add 4 tbs of melted butter, oregano, and 1 cup of the cheese. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.


Arrange the potato halves, cut side up on the baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, brush both sides of the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and season the inside with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon the mushrooms mixture into each potato half. Arrange 1 half-piece of prosciutto on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Bo and Tessie's First Subway Ride.....

Wished I could show you the video with the wonderful Hispanic performers to the left of me, alas the video is in HD, and is hard to upload - but just picture it - great subway times!

A couple of Easter things I put out today.  

This basket is one my great-grandmother gave me - precious - 

love it and love her...so much!

In preparation for Palm Sunday next week I've been thinking of those years ago when Jesus entered into Jerusalem in preparation for what was to pass.....

"Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:
      'Hosanna!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’"

Mark 11:9

 New King James

The Jewish holiday Purim just passed commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish  people in the ancient Persian Empire from destruction in the wake of a plot by Haman, adviser to Esther's husband, Ahasuerus, a story recorded in the Bible in the book of Esther.  I've been meditating on this verse of what Esther's uncle Mordecai had sent to her - a message sent from the Lord....

"For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief 
and deliverance will arise for the Jews from 
another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. 
Yet who knows whether you have come to
the kingdom for such a time as this?” 

Esther 4:14

New King James Version

Getting Ready For Easter

Discoveries

Last month my mom, dad, and sister Melissa came to visit us.  Saturday we ended up in Greenwich Village.  We popped in at One If By Land Two If By Sea, they let us look around even though they weren't serving lunch.  My mom and dad have always enjoyed having dinner there.  A neat discovery for Jim and I to try later.  We continued walking around the area until we discovered "The Lion" where we enjoyed a wonderful Saturday brunch.  Legend has it that this is where Barbara Streisand was discovered in 1960 as she was working as a singer there.  After lunch we headed over to SoHo.  We had a great such a great time having them visit, and look forward to when they come back. 

Fun making and hearing about discoveries in the big apple.  Just the other day we discovered Belvedere Castle is practically in our back yard.  The saying we've been told is your apartment is your bedroom and the city is your living room. 

Out And About

A couple weeks ago I was craving fish and chips so I sought out to find one of the best places for fish and chips.  Well, I think I done it, A Salt and Battery.  It's very small, expect a wait, and possibly no table, but you can do like we did and request the VIP seat where they turn the side table by the register into a couple of seats.  Not a place for a large crowd, but a place for you to get some good fish and chips which is exactly what I was wanting.

Today I had an audition that was near Katz Deli so we thought we'd check out the famous place for reuben sandwiches and just famous place in general.  We waited in line twice.  Yes, twice.  I got overwhelmed the first time and wasn't quite sure if I was ready to push my way through the crowds of people and be aggressive to get a table especially when I didn't have a big plate of food in my hands.  Well, I got prepared and came back for a second take - was aggressive about getting a table and got one and made a couple of friends a long the way.  I shared the table with a group who ended up wanting my autograph thinking they'd end up seeing my name in lights someday.  I was flattered, of course, and enjoyed their company.  Gave my first NYC autograph in a place that's seen anyone and everyone.  All in all an experience.  Glad I gave it a second chance.  Expensive for a sandwich, although a good and big sandwich, you're paying for a staple NYC deli experience - Katz Deli.

Sullivan St Bakery Fundraiser for Japan

Since Friday, March 11, 2011 when a massive 8.9-magnitude earth quake hit northeast Japan they have been ever present in the worlds news and thoughts.  I have a dear life long friend living in Japan who's husband is helping with aiding in the disaster.  I'm glad to hear of a strong support system and that they are staying positive amidst a difficult situation.  Others are once again coming together in effort to send our support and help.  Tomorrow Sullivan St Bakery in NYC will be giving half it's proceeds to the Red Cross for disaster relief to Japan.   I have referenced Sullivan Street Bakery on this blog in the past.  We use his book "my bread" in our cooking often. 

May Japan feel the love, prayers, and support from all over.

Curry Chicken Salad

4 bone in skin on chicken breast
2 cups red seedless grapes
1/2 cup of slivered almonds
1 cup of Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tbs. fresh parsley (optional)
1/2 chopped celery (optional)

Heat chicken in oven for 35 – 45 mins till cooked and tender.  Let cool.  Peel apart chicken and put in a bowl. Put grapes, almonds, mayonnaise, soy sauce, curry powder, salt and pepper in with chicken and mix well. Ready to serve or chill in refrigerator.  Great for lunches during the week or just to have something in the fridge to snack on.

Fun Fashions

This past weekend I reconnected with a friend and visited her store Idiom across from Yale University in New Haven, CT.  It was great to see her again and catch up, also I found some fabulous finds in her cute store.  I got some colorful earrings for spring made by metal monk.  Love a Kristin Ford piece she has, the Loren Hope hoop earrings, Bed Head pajamas, Michael Stars, and more. You can become a fan of Idiom on facebook.

Birthday Risotto

Jim requested mushroom risotto if we didn't go out to eat.  As it so happens he caught whatever bug I caught and wasn't feeling well.  He wanted to come home and have some comfort food.

Mushroom Risotto adapted from Tyler Florence.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 onion, diced, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced, divided
• 1 pound fresh portobello and crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (can use spice from jar)
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon truffle oil
• 1-ounce dried porcini mushrooms, wiped of grit
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese and Parmesan Regiano grated
• Fresh Italian parsley, for garnish

Directions

Pour one cup of broth into a bowl and heat till warm in microwave (30 - 45 sec.).  Put porcini mushrooms in that bowl and cover with saran wrap for 10 mins.  Drain excess water into pot of broth water mixter.

Heat the chicken broth and water in a medium saucepan and keep warm over low heat.


Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 onion and 1 clove garlic, cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh mushrooms, herbs and butter. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned, season with salt and pepper. Drizzle in truffle oil then add the dried porcini mushrooms which were reconstituted in1 cup of warm chicken broth. Season again with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Saute 1 minute then remove from heat and set aside.


Coat a saucepan with remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Saute the remaining 1/2 onion and garlic clove. Add the rice and stir quickly until it is well-coated and opaque, 1 minute. This step cooks the starchy coating and prevents the grains from sticking. Stir in wine and cook until it is nearly all evaporated.

Now, with a ladle, add 1 cup of the warm broth and cook, stirring, until the rice has absorbed the liquid. Add the remaining broth, 1 cup at a time. Continue to cook and stir, allowing the rice to absorb each addition of broth before adding more.

The risotto should be slightly firm and creamy, not mushy. Transfer the mushrooms to the rice mixture. Stir in Parmesan cheese, cook briefly until melted. Serve with Top with Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Birthday Party

Tessie's Birthday

We've been celebrating Tess turning 1 today.  When we were at Canine Style this weekend the manager who knows Tess kindly gave her some special treats.  Boy did she love her very own pink cupcake!  She did share a blue one with her brother which he enjoyed.  She is having a joint birthday party with Jim this weekend - birthday celebrations continue!  Photo of Jim and Tessie this winter I love......

Straight As The Crow Flies

Not too long ago Hoda of Kathie Lee and Hoda mentioned a little know song - "straight as the crow flies."  Kim Richey is talented and her song has heart, soul, a good sound, as well as a good message.  Enjoy!  Thanks Hoda!

Roasting Garlic & Garlic Bread

I love roasting garlic and make garlic butter for my bread.  You can use homemade or store bought bread - baguette, ciabatta  - whatever you like.

First: Take your garlic head and cut off the base or you could cut off the top - either or.
Second: Put your garlic in foil, pour olive oil, and grind salt over it then close the foil around the entire head of garlic.

Third: Turn your oven on 375 (no need to preheat) and put the foil with the garlic in the oven and leave there for 50 mins.

Take out, open, and let cool.  Then squeeze the garlic out in a small dish and add olive oil or melted butter and mix together.  Then take a brush and brush onto your bread.  Top with parmesan or asiago cheese and bake in the oven on 350 for 10 mins.  Goes great with any meal or by itself.

Think Green

Traditional Irish Dinner

 

Jim's Plate 

Corned Beef and Cabbage  

Magical Moments

(photos from a friends Iphone)

 As I looked at my sister on her wedding day I remembered a little girl full of wonder who played dress up and believed in fairytales and magic.  That evening I saw all the magic and wonder of fairytales coming true.  

"All you need is love."

First Lady's $35 Dress

First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on the Today show in February 2011 wearing a $35 dress from H&M.  Great that she demonstrates fashion does not have to break the bank.  She demonstrates that she's still very much a real person, a real wife, a real mom.  While she holds a very respected, important title she also still holds the position of being real.  Many of us, in reality, can't afford to spend more than $35 for a dress.  Her actions reiterate the old truth in which our confidence shouldn't come from what we wear or how much we spend on our things.   What we wear isn't what defines us, but rather what we do with what is given to us is what defines who we are.

"And in my own life, in my own small way, I've tried to give back to this country that has given me so much. That's why I left a job at a law firm for a career in public service, working to empower young people to volunteer in their communities. Because I believe that each of us - no matter what our age or background or walk of life - each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation."  Michelle Obama