I’ve been side-tracked more ways than I care to think about. The tree has taken a year and a day to buy, ‘install’, decorate, and get in its final place. Oh, and I use decorate sparingly; once the tree was installed, I started hanging lights, as you’re supposed to, only to discover I didn’t have enough. Deep Sigh…
I’ve purchased the remaining lights, finished the decorations as best I could and have since continued on with my life. So, things are good. But there’s still so much to do; another deep sigh. I’m making Peter for Christmas…err, I’m making rabbit (a post will definitely follow as this is not my forte and I feel that everybody, and their brother, should learn from my experiences). And, I really would like to find the recipe I used the first time I threw Peter over the fire as it was good.
While that may not happen, I will find a recipe (and order the bunny himself) and get all subsequent ‘doings’ in order.
I’m signing off for the evening as they advise that one shouldn’t blog while drinking and I’m beginning to believe them. That said, reports and postings will be more frequent, and interesting, as we move forward.
As always, I wish you and your family, a merry Christmas and the most wonderful of holidays, smooth sailings, and the happiest of new years.
I’ve been to Lights in the Parkway in Allentown, PA and the Christmas Light Show and Village at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, NJ. Both were pretty fantastic (albeit, I enjoyed the Allentown lights better as you literally drove through a park). I almost went to Bright Nights Springfield (MA) over Thanksgiving, but, unfortunately, time was not on our side.
Waiting to be Lit Up in Hershey, PA
With the days winding down, I am hoping that you’re able to take some time to enjoy the season. And, if that happens to be in the evening consider taking a road trip to your local “light shows.” The roster of displays I’m most familiar with is limited, so I did some legwork and gathered some favorite picks up and down the east coast as culled by people more intimately knowledgeable on the subject than myself:
Eastern PA – The folks over at The Patch identify their Top 5 light displays in the easterly part of the state. While Mommy Poppins (I love Mommy Poppins; even if you don’t have kids, she does a fabulous job curating what’s going on — for young and old alike — in the NJ area and often includes neighboring states!) details out more than 15 shows in the greater Philly area, including the burbs
Hudson Valley, NY – Our friends at Hudson Valley Magazine have gathered 12 light shows ranging from a tree lighting in Nyack to a show in Newburgh that has dancing arches.
Maryland – Chesapeake Family lists out tree lighting ceremonies and on-going displays throughout the month. Most of the ceremonies have taken place, but the static displays are still going on.
New England – Yankee Magazine details out some of the best light shows in New England. For state-specific shows, visit: Kicks 1055 for CT (good ol’ Mommy Poppins also has a list); our friends at Visit Maine present 20 sites throughout the state; in NH, the writers at NH Magazine give their selections for the best; the folks at The Globe have chosen 10 displays from MA, including Bright Nights; and WPRI Channel 12 in RI serves up their choices for the best shows in the state. I’ve left Vermont off as that turned into an expedition of hunting and pecking and, like the writers at Yankee Magazine, I’m left scratching my head.
New York – Of course the City is all all aglow this time of year (more so than usual) and has some fantastic displays as described in Time Out NY (again, Ms. Poppins also has a listing for NYC). For those North of the city, New York Upstate details list out some offerings.
This list is by no means exhaustive, just some thought starters for those of you looking to fill time between now and the new year. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or are traveling outside the Northeast, Travel + Leisure has a list of Christmas light shows in every state.
It’s time for to start thinking about turning out the lights here at Casa Rivera; and, with that, I’m wishing you all safe travels, smooth sailings and, of course, bon appetite.
As I was saying, there really is a day for everything; apparently, for cookies, it’s an entire week. Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest are laden with posts about #NationalCookieWeek and the hundred upon hundreds of recipes are mind boggling.
The Fruit of My Labor
While technically I’m probably done baking, I have this nagging feeling I didn’t make enough cookies. This is a feeling I’m well used to as it occurs most every year. Last year, that was an unnervingly accurate feeling. Recovering from an operation, my heart wasn’t really into the whole Christmas season and I thought I could get away making the bear minimum amount of cookies needed. Big mistake as that was never really enough. Inevitably, every few days, I found myself making more and more cookies. I wasn’t a happy camper.
In an effort to alleviate that nagging feeling, this evening I made what should be the last batch of cookies this year — gingersnaps. Out of the oven, they’re OK; give them a few days and #todiefor!
Gingersnaps; Not Monster Cookies
In honor of #NationalCookieWeek, I’m sharing that one staple recipe that receives rave reviews and makes quite literally, hundreds of cookies. I made a 1/2 batch over the weekend and ended up with north of 250 cookies. I was convinced this was a secret family recipe handed down for at least one generation and something that only us Stifter’s knew about; then I got on Pinterest. Apparently, it’s most everyone’s secret family recipe, sigh. With that, I give you the coveted Monster Cookie recipe:
12 Eggs
2 Pounds Brown Sugar
4 Cups Granulated Sugar
1 Tablespoon Vanilla
8 Teaspoons Baking Soda
1 Pound Margarine (I always use butter and I melt it)
3 Pounds Peanut Butter (I get the super chunky)
18 Cups Oatmeal (It doesn’t indicate quick or regular — I use quick)
1 Pound Chocolate Chips
1 Pound M&Ms (if I use peanut M&Ms then I won’t use the super Chunky peanut butter)
1 Tablespoon Corn Syrup
Mix the ingredients in order given. Drop by Tablespoon onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 – 12 minutes. This makes a large, chewy cookie. If you start lifting weights in September, mixing this in December won’t be so painful…oy.
I’m looking forward to the weekend; I’m trying to squeeze in a trip to Sugar Loaf, NY for the town’s annual holiday celebrationon Saturday. Saturday night we’re entertaining friends and on Sunday we’ll be attending a Christmas concert #Fun.
On that #Yummy note, I wish everyone safe travels, smooth sailings and, of course, bon appetite.
My husband and I celebrate and exchange gifts on Little Christmas, the Epiphany, in early January. I balked when Tony first suggested this. However, I quickly discovered: 1. The hassle of running around and buy gifts for the 25th is eliminated, 2. The holiday season is a lot less stressful in general, and 3. We seize upon the post holiday sales, often saving a substantial amount of money. As the clock ticks away, I’ve rounded up some thought provoking and sometimes novel gifts presented by the editors of and writers for some of my favorite sites:
Travel + Leisure – I love Travel + Leisure and worked with them quite frequently in my previous life. Three of their gift picks:
Vietnamese Coffee Kit
Sony Noise Canceling Headphones– Digital Assistant Editor, Richelle Szypulski writes, “Sony’s newest over-ear headphones are so impressively good. They’ve made the latest model lighter and more comfortable to wear and increased the battery life to a whopping 30 hours. But above all, Sony focused on sound and, wow, it is delightfully immersive to listen to music with these on.”
Vietnamese Coffee Pour-Over Kit – Associate Digital Editor Tanner Sanders enthuses over the kit, “This clever little system that’s designed to easily fit in your bag makes a truly wonderful Vietnamese coffee. Even better, the pack comes with enough supplies to make five cups of coffee, making the perfect gift for your coffee-obsessed friends heading out on vacation.”
Tablet Holding Cutting Board –Digital Assistant Editor, Elizabeth Preske, choose this goody, stating, “With this handy kitchen tool, my mom can prop up her iPad and easily follow the directions while she preps her meals. No uncomfortable neck craning or back bending necessary.”
The Planet D – Dave and Deb of The Planet D offer up a Handpressooption, which is probably more up my husband’s alley than the Vietnamese coffee thingy. Unfortunately for him, this list isn’t being developed for him. My picks among the 55 things the dynamic duo suggest:
Warm, Toasty Toes
Travel Towel –Dave and Deb write, “Even if you are staying in a 5-star resort, you often have to bring a towel with you when going on an adventure excursion.Instead of packing the clunky hotel towel, use this microfibre travel towel. It’s good for long multi-day treks or just a day at the beach. Quick dry and odor resistant make it a plus to have in your baggage.”
Compression Socks – Deb, or Dave, wrote about their experience with the socks, “I tried them once a few years ago and they felt like they were squeezing my legs, my latest pair are so cushiony and cozy. The merino wool keeps odors away and they feel comfortable on a flight.” Compression socks intrigue me…hint, hint Tony Rivera.
Town & Country: Writer Caroline Hallemann knows how to pick great gifts and did a solid round up for ‘Jet Setters’
Twill Weekender Bag
Ollo Phototgraphy lens – I’ve often thought of this but have never investigated; you can get a get a set of lens for the iPhone at a pretty reasonable price. As Caroline states, “Help your Instagram-obsessed nephew rack up the likes with a set lenses for his phone which instantly up his photography skills.”
Mini Jewelry Case– OK, I like it because it’s cute. Caroline feels that you could “Help your less-than-organized mother secure her earrings, necklaces, and rings for travel in a chic croc-embossed leather jewelry case from Cuyana.” The case is Cuyana’s coveted jewelry case, redesigned. It has a soft felted pouch with satin drawstring ribbons at the interior to store your littlest luxuries. It also features the same belt detail for securing earrings and rings with ease.
Twill Weekender – This is so tempting and appears to be a useful size for that last minute weekend get-away. Caroline agrees, “Have a friend who is always planning weekend getaways? Consider gifting them this simple-yet-sturdy weekender that doesn’t break the bank.”
Good Housekeeping: Good Housekeeping’s gift guide is culled from interviews with avid travelers, people always on the go. Writer Lindsey Murray goes so far as to state, “Going on a trip is a gift in itself, but certain add-ons can make the journey even more enjoyable.” Three clever gift ideas I never would have thought of include:
Fire TV Stick
FireTV Stick “Nearly every hotel has a TV, but what happens when you want to watch your favorite streaming service? Just plug in this tiny device and, bam, it’s just like you’re at home!” — Nate H., 32, has traveled to 43 countries in the last year
JBL Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – “I always travel with a small bluetooth speaker. It hangs in my shower when I’mat home, but on the road, it is my portable entertainment system. I can hang it in a hotel shower, on a backpack, or under a beach umbrella and play music, podcasts, or sound for a movie.” — Jay W., 40, world tour manager who has traveled to 42 countries
Audible Credits – “My absolute favorite travel-related gift is an Audible credit. When traveling it’s often hard to know how strong your cell service will be or if Wi-Fi will be available. Being able to download audio books directly to your device means you aren’t dependent on service for your on-the-go entertainment.” — Veronica H., age 32
We’re staring 2019 in the face; before we get there, however, I’ll post more gift ideas – next up for the epicurean in our life. Until then, I wish you all safe travels,smooth sailings, and, of course, bon appetite.
According to Food & Wine, today is (ok, at this juncture, technically, it should be ‘yesterday was’) #NationalFrenchToastDay; who knew — I swear, there’s a day for everything. I never enjoyed waffles growing up, they reminded me of eating soggy sponges. And, the way they were prepared in the Stifter household, they kind of were. It wasn’t until later in life that my mother became creative with her French Toast. Can’t really blame her, she did have 5 kids to raise and worked full time — if I were her, I don’t think I’d have put too much creativity into my french toast.
Fast forward some 20 odd years (gee, just 20 you wonder, how can she be so pithy at such a young age?!?) and I’ve grown to love French Toast. It started after I met my husband who himself makes a mighty fine Toast of French. In our younger days, we would frequent a local diner called Rosee’s. Rosee’s was located in a former gas station and had kitschy items on the menu like gas pedal meatballs and windshield wiper hot dogs. Paola, the owner/chef, made fantastic French Toast — her secret ingredients a dash of cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg — that was absolutely divine.
Very Best Baking’s (aka Libby’s) Pumpkin Cookies
While Food & Wine’s Instagram account specifically calls out the day, I wasn’t able to grab the link to its ‘8 creative takes on French Toast’ post. Their Pinterest site doesn’t specifically pay homage to the day, but a simple search for French Toast served up a bevy of recipes. My favorite, and one that is great for a brunch, can be found in the trusty Gourmet Cookbook (same one that my biscotti is from): a french toast creme brulee. #SoGood.
It’s now after midnight and I’ve missed French Toast Day 😦 (I should really post during the day time, perhaps that would help expand my roster of Western followers). I’m making cookies and have a good cadence going on so that I’m able to whack out a graph in between baking cycles. Tomorrow, we’re off to Nyack, NY which is a fabulous town along the Hudson, it’s actually nestled right next to the Tappan Zee Bridge. We’ll walk the downtown area and attend its annual tree lighting ceremony. Really, what’s a Christmas without going to some sort of tree lighting — whether a big city like DC or NYC or a small town, like Mystic, CT, where Santa arrives on a boat, #fun, or Harvard, MA, a quintessential New England town.
Ah, only a few more trays of cookies to go — for tonight that is, tomorrow is biscotti day. I’m wishing all of you a wonderful weekend, safe travels and, of course, bon appetite!
Nor'east Epicurean 