Tag Archives: Travel

A New England Christmas Pagaent

15 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by in Epicurean, Fannie Farmer, Holidays, Massachusetts, Pizza, Travel

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Decked for the Holidays in New England

Some things in New England go beyond enchanting — a church at night with its steeple aglow reaching toward the heavens, the beach and mountains all within easy driving distance and, most especially, Christmas when houses come alive with the sparkle of a candle and wreaths decked out in big red bows, often times both adorning the windows.  This past weekend was spent in Harvard, Mass.   Settled in 1658, this community of 7000 possesses all the charm one would expect of a New England town.  There’s a general store (yes, one general store and that’s about it); the town square is flanked by two churches — one at each end; and ‘Lover’s Lane’ is quite literally off of the town square. 

We made the pilgrimage up North to see our nieces — India and Sophie — in the town’s Christmas pageant.  A gift from the town’s children, the story of Christ’s birth was brought to life through song and scripture readings.  The simple set was adorned with ~ 30 actors, ranging in age from a few months to 16-17 years, whose costumes mimicked the wardrobe of the period, and a choir whose well-trained voices brought us back to Christmas’ of old.   Tony, the musician of the family, was especially impressed by the second ‘We Three Kings’ soloist.  With an angelic voice, this girl graced us with amazing delivery of intonation and pitch that embodied the spirit of the play.  Afterward, candles were handed out and we, along with scores of Harvard’s residents, strolled down the common for the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.  

Weldon, Fannie Farmer's House in Harvard, MA

In a town Fannie Farmer wanted to live in (she was building a house, ‘Weldon’ named after the culinary saying ‘well done’, but wound up sick and dead before it was finished), epicurean delights were a plenty.  Tony made pizza (in an electric oven none-the-less), we had a wonderful chocolate cake for my sister’s birthday, and lady bug cupcakes compliments of Sophie.  After the pageant hot cocoa was whipped up while burgers and dogs were quickly barbecued for the kids.   My sister, Alice, has a dining room great for socializing, so much time was spent around the table, a table used on the farm by my father’s family, talking, laughing and explaining to the New Englanders that there is a difference between Stromboli and Calzone.

We left Harvard venturing out to Route 2, aka the Mohawk Trail, for a casual ride home.  A four-lane road, lined with evergreens and birch trees, the drive was beautiful, enhanced by the remants of a soft snow fall that magically capped off the landscape.   There’s not much on Route 2 itself, but there are quite a few things just off the beaten path, in Orange — home to the US’ first automobile factory; Turner’s Falls, a national registered historic district; and Greenfield, with its mountain and Poet’s Tower.   

Wolfies, South Deerfield, MA

Arriving in Deerfield and needing to dine, we resisted the urge to do the touristy thing, Chandler’s Restaurant at the Yankee Candle store, and opted to go to a cozy little restaurant in town, Wolfies.   The menu, prominently featuring the restaurant’s logo, a wolf in overalls, cookbook in one hand, cleaver in the other, featured such items as the King Philip and Arrow Head sandwiches, roast beef and rib eye, respectively.  Typical pub fare, my burger, the Wolfie Burger, was delicious and Tony was impressed with the Roast Beef Club.  The waitress, Teresa, was warm and friendly while running from table to table, making sure everyone was happy with their meal.

We ended the weekend having dinner with our good friend Manny C.  He’s promised to give me some tutorials on cooking — he’s an amazing cook, Portuguese his specialty — and may even appear in a video or two (he doesn’t know that yet).  At any rate, we’ll be going to his house over the weekend so he and Tony can stuff sausages…a direct product of the pig that they killed last week.

Random Musings for the Weekend…

04 Sunday Dec 2011

Posted by in Connecticut, Cookies, Cooking Schools, Holidays, Massachusetts, Recipes, Travel, Vegetables

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Procrastination. So much to do and this the only weekend we have to do it, We’ve been decking the halls, only using real greenery, and attacking the Christmas Cards all weekend…laundry be damned!  If time allots, I’ll make cookies for Tony’s students. However, the recipe I use, the famous Stifter Monster Cookies, makes a boat load of cookies and even when making half a batch you’re still baking 2 – 3 hours later. Also will be attempting to finish bunch of things that absolutely must be done — switching the clothes, winterizing the back yard, etc. While I continue hiding from the inevitable, a few thoughts:
Route 2, Massachusetts

The Mohawk Trail

The Mohawk Trail: Next weekend we’re going to Massachusetts to see our nieces in a Christmas Pageant (unbeknownst to my sister.  Note to self, must tell her…). Figured we could do a leisurely drive home along Route 2, aka the Mohawk Trail, with a stop for shopping/lunch in Deerfield. As we frequent New England on a somewhat regular basis, we tend to do ‘hit and runs’. Especially this spring, my driving has always been geared toward ‘how can I get to where I need to go the quickest and with the least amount of headaches.’ As things have quieted down, we’ve begun taking leisurely rides home, usually stopping at least once or twice along the way. In September, as we were coming home from the Cape, we stopped in Groton, Connecticut, just south of Mystic, at the Submarine Force Library and museum.  Personally, my interest was less than enthusiastic, but Tony was thrilled. And, thankfully, his enthusiasm was contagious. Apparently, there’s a replica turtle thing there and we were able to board the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered sub that, back in 1958, crossed the North Pole, the first ship to do so. 

The USS Nautilus

The USS Nautilus

 

2012 To Dos: I’ve committed to do numerous epicurean things in 2012 and will compile a list, at some point soon, to share. The good thing is that I’ve started researching some of my ‘to dos,’ (did you know there’s a cooking school in Cresskill, NJ?) and am plotting out how I’ll spend Q1 of 2012 taking classes and traveling the Northeast, visiting friends and family and enjoying the fare along the way. I guess my only concern about this is that I’ve always wanted to take technique classes, as it takes me about a 1/2 hour to cut an onion, prior to taking formal cooking classes. Apparently, the two will be inter-mingled and I’ll keep you update on how that’s works out.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted Butternut Squash from Simple Speedy Snacks

Recipes: A quick survey of my reader revealed that recipes would be welcome. In 2012, I vow to post recipes, from cookbooks on the shelf, to the family trove of recipes to recipes I find from fellow bloggers and classes I may take along the way.  Actually found a really nice, fall recipe for roasted butternut squash from Simply Speedy Snacks and am excited to try it over my extended holiday at the end of the month.

If eggnog weren’t completely gross, I would have stocked up for the ‘deck the halls’ weekend. But, alas, we found other liberations that helped us us out along the way.  We’ve been local this weekend, enjoying each other’s company and taking care of Christmas business (for the record, our tree, tiny though it may be, fell over on me last evening). Next up, researching and organizing 2012 cooking classes,epicurean adventures, and unknown areas to explore throughout the year. We’ll keep you updated on our adventures and promise to, soon, very soon, start posting recipes.

Thanksgiving in Connecticut…

28 Monday Nov 2011

Posted by in Connecticut, Holidays, Pie, Travel

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No, it wasn’t Christmas, but Thanksgiving in Connecticut was lovely and relaxing.    Higganum is roughly the size of Paramus NJ or that of the town I grew up in, Natick, Mass.  However, the populations of each are ~ 5,000, ~ 36,000 and ~ 33,000, respectively.  For perspective’s sake, the town we currently live in is ~ 75% smaller, 2.3 square miles, than those towns, with a population of ~ 25,000.  Yes, we’re rather close in Lodi.

The Connecticut River Museum located in Essex, CT

Higganum, which lies on the Connecticut River, is a ‘village’ in Haddam just south of Middletown and is considered mid-state.  As I thought the town was smack dab in the middle of nowhere, I was pleasantly surprised to find it a 20 minute ride to the ocean.

The timing of our arrival and that of the bird’s cooking clashed and we made our entrance just ahead of dinner which was excellent and had some new twists on classic Thanksgiving fare.  Dessert was yummy and my pie a success.  Other sweet delights included pumpkin and pecan pies, the pecan was fantastic, and a chocolate cream pie, which came to the festivities from Middletown, CT, via Massachusetts.

 

Contemplating the next great shot.

On Friday, we ventured to the Florence Griswold Museum, the ‘home of American Impressionism,’ in Old Lyme and then went to the beach for lunch.  The Museum was decked out for Christmas and had an exhibit from post-Depression era photographer, Walker Evans. 

Not knowing the name, I was pleasantly surprised to recognize numerous images.

The remainder of the grounds included a main house, barn, and gardens that meander along the Lieutenant River.  Loving historical homes and period furniture, I went to the house and was taken aback by the abrasive and somewhat militant little old lady giving the ‘tour’ (come on, there are 4 rooms and you can’t really go into 3 of them).    Interestingly, the main floor features a series of ~ 40 ‘painted panels’ on various doors and in the dining room.  Painted throughout the early 1900s, Old Lyme Art Colony members began decorating select panels and it was considered an honor to be chosen to paint a panel.   

The Hot Air Club

It could be argued that, without knowing it, these artists were living an epicurean lifestyle.  It was not uncommon for new comers to be welcomed into the dining room with a flurry of activity as chairs were shuffled to make room at the table.  And, on summer evenings, the artists would escape the heat of the house by dining on the side porch.  What started with a handful of bachelors, ‘jackets removed and sleeves rolled up’, the entire community eventually joined the group.  Soon, they named themselves the ‘Hot Air Club’ for both the weather and the lively conversation that inevitably ensued.

We ended our afternoon at Hammonasset State Park.  I love the beach, especially in the off-season.  We had turkey sandwiches (what could be better than a day after Thanksgiving sandwich?), watched some polar bear fools dive into the ocean (albeit, the water probably wasn’t that cold), and visited the Meigs Point Nature Center, effectively, a tiny building with some indigenous critters on display.

The remainder of the weekend was spent in Lodi, baking and rearranging the living room furniture. More importantly, we finished our annual Christmas letter and began plotting some Connecticut culinary adventures.

Random Musings for a Friday Night…

26 Saturday Nov 2011

Posted by in Friday Night, Holidays, Pie

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While tired, I’m completely content.  Thanksgiving was spent in Connecticut, Higganum to be precise, which is an idyllic New England town; coupled with perfect fall weather, the day was amazing and well needed for the family.  Dinner was splendid and it was great spending time with family and friends in a warm, inviting setting.  Today, another perfect fall day, was spent at the Florence Griswold Museum and Hammonasset State Park (details to follow over the coming days) on the beach.  The holidays, and Thanksgiving in particular, should be spent with good friends and family and I’m fortunate to have been with both this week.  

As I embark upon the second half of the weekend, which, hopefully, will be as enjoyable as the first half, a few thoughts:

Still not afraid of the crust:   As I suspected, the pie was great.  While visually not eye pleasing, rustic was the term being thrown about, everyone enjoyed it.  When baking, I try to use fresh ingredients and am a firm believer in grating my spices as needed so the pie had freshly grated cinnamon and nutmeg and, even, three types of apples (rule of thumb is to use at least two).  I’m also a firm believer in doing something with the crust, whether it be an egg wash or sprinkling sugar on top; the crust does need its own tender loving care to give it that something special.

There are hidden gems everywhere:  Old Lyme, CT, where the Museum is located, is a vibrant, historic arts destination where city folk of yester year, from New York and Boston, would flock to.  It’s amazing to think of all the hidden cultural gems that abound in the Northeast.  Connecticut has a well-known antiques trail and, today, I noticed a sign for the Connecticut wine trail; Route 2 in Massachusetts is sprinkled with cultural, historical, and outdoorsy activities; and Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are teeming with equally intriguing towns.  I’m committed, in 2012, to do more exploring of such destinations and vow to bring to you my discoveries along the way.

Plan with the sun in mind:  Traveling frequently by car between the Cape, my siblings throughout New England and my personal homestead in New Jersey, I always try to factor in the setting sun.  Few things are as annoying as driving into a blazing sun, setting oh so slowly into the horizon.  I tend to take Route 84, albeit not today, and if you don’t time it right, you spend a good hour, hour and a half, driving with the setting sun in your eyes.  The whole process is rather tiring and can turn an otherwise pleasant drive into a pain in the arse; thus, I always advise those driving to keep such things in mind.

Always have a treat on hand:  Growing up, we always had something stashed in the freezer in case someone popped in (this proved to be most helpful for my mother and Mims and has saved me on a few occasions).  Mims, and mom, always had fudge, quick breads and inevitably, a Pepperidge Farm cake or two at the ready.  I’m not as diligent throughout the year, but come fall, I’m steadfast in doing a bit of freezer friendly baking for the holidays.  Last week, I made biscotti from Ruth Reichl’s The Gourmet Cookbook and froze them in serving sized containers.  Have already taken two containers out as a quick little desert for guests.

Cinnamon Girl:  I’m a big fan of Maker’s Mark and make my own little concoction (as far as I’m aware no one else has come up with this).  Essentially, I do a Maker’s and seltzer and add cinnamon.  It’s a very simple way to get a bit of additional spice into one’s life.

Am doing some local New Jersey things for the remainder of the weekend.  My father is visiting and, I believe, we’ll either be going to Thomas Edison’s House or a farm in the Hudson Valley and, am inclined to say, we may even kill a chicken for brunch on Sunday.  Perhaps we’ll enlist the help of a few friends, one of whom, Manny, is Portuguese and an absolutely amazing cook.   Will fill you in on the details over the coming days.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

18 Friday Nov 2011

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It is the most wonderful time of the year…for baking!  I’m a baker, albeit an amateur baker; but, none the less, I’ve always enjoyed baking.  Is it because it brings back fond memories of helping my Grandmother, Mims, when I was a kid, the wonderful aromas baking fills the house with, or because I find comfort in the simple pleasure of baking and watching those I love enjoy the fruits of my labor?  Not quite sure and not really interested in pondering it (at this moment), but I do love baking.

There’s a certain je ne sais qoui about growing up in New England and the various epicurean pleasures that abound.  Chowdah made with cream, the wonderful scent and even better taste of an apple crisp coming out of the oven on a chilly fall day, clam bakes by the ocean.  The food is delightful and the entire region is right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.  Warm, inviting, harking back to a simpler time and place; capturing this feeling and offering it to those I love has, over the years, become my mission.

And, today, I begin to share this with all.  Why Nor’east?  Well, because I’m now a Jersey girl (must be read in a obnoxious tone…Jerzee).   And I’ve grown to love…ekks, that may be a slight exaggeration, the area.  Why Epicurean?  Well, I’d like to enhance my skills as a baker and perhaps figure a thing or two out about cooking.  So, I’ll be traveling the Northeast, taking baking and cooking classes, visiting culinary artisans, sampling local fare; and will bring my discoveries here to entertain, educate and delight readers of all ages.

So, I invite you to join me.  Come to a class with me, share recipes (I get a kick out of old family recipes and trying to recreate them), tell me about your journeys and epicurean discoveries along the way.  Most importantly, I hope you enjoy the journey I take you on.