tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80374154926186116752024-02-07T01:05:23.394-05:00Garden State On A PlateSERVING UP A JERSEY-CENTRIC VIEW OF FOOD & FUNJo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-59902327921495595902012-01-19T22:40:00.000-05:002012-01-19T22:40:40.268-05:00Resolutions for Foodies<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIN_BCW4gfHgg9WWUUEE84TeOlMRgZwQL70zXwrorvpw8at0K4t98TIBPbee2gLLNnjNA1KnZG_n6XHoFAZw3YKQO56mRA-KfTI9I09KTfce_1LzfQtCZDT1VgR2VzIzdxPcj7Lcg96r8/s1600/100_1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIN_BCW4gfHgg9WWUUEE84TeOlMRgZwQL70zXwrorvpw8at0K4t98TIBPbee2gLLNnjNA1KnZG_n6XHoFAZw3YKQO56mRA-KfTI9I09KTfce_1LzfQtCZDT1VgR2VzIzdxPcj7Lcg96r8/s400/100_1247.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As advertised, Trenton style Tomato Pies served up in Titusville</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t’s that time of year again. Gym memberships surge and diet books fly off the shelves as holiday indulgengces have us committing to resolutions of losing pounds and running half-marathons. While we admit these are worthy goals, we decided to create our own list of resolutions that require a little less willpower. In fact, it’s more of a 2012 “to do” list for Mercer County foodies. We start with a health- oriented resolution, but the bulk of our suggestions fall squarely into the “indulgence” category. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry Grove Farm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerr's Fresh Peas from Pennington Farmer's Market</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Support Your Local Farmer</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you haven’t taken advantage of the number of local farm and farmer’s markets that have cropped up across the county, make a point to do so this year. A great option for anyone interested in keeping fresh produce on the table throughout the season is to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) cooperative. CSA members purchase a share (a full season’s worth of produce) in advance, then enjoy freshly harvested produce weekly throughout the season. <b><a href="http://www.honeybrookorganicfarm.com/">Honey Brook Organic Farm</a></b> in Pennington and<b> <a href="http://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/">Cherry Grove Organic Farm</a></b> in Lawrenceville are two successful CSA farms. There are various options for share sizes and pick-up locations, and some CSAs include pick-your own privileges for certain crops such as strawberries, peas and flowers. If interested you need to act quickly as shares often sell-out long before the first crop is harvested.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locally Sourced Ingredients star in the cuisine offered at<br />
Chamber's Walk Cafe</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Support the Local Restaurants that Support Your Local Farmers</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It may seem like an easy lift, but using local sources to produce a menu usually requires more time, effort and money by chefs and restauranteurs than purchasing through regional and national vendors. The local market’s variability alone demands more creativity and spontaneity. However, the results are extremely beneficial for the farmers, chefs and, of course, the restaurant patrons. Several restaurants that have committed to local sourcing also happen to provide some of the best dining in the area. Our favorites include: <b><a href="http://www.chamberswalk.com/">Chambers Walk</a></b>, in Lawrenceville; <b><a href="http://www.brothersmoon.com/">The Brothers Moon</a></b>, in Hopewell; <b><a href="http://bluepoint.jmgroupprinceton.com/">Blue Point Grill</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.mediterrarestaurant.com/">Mediterra</a> </b>and <b><a href="http://www.elementsprinceton.com/">elements</a></b>, in Princeton; <b><a href="http://www.enoterra.com/">Eno Terra</a></b>, just over the border in Kingston and<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1982482154"> </a><b><a href="http://www.hamiltonsgrillroom.com/">Hamilton’s Grille Room</a>,</b> just up the river in Lambertville.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalbi, marinated & grilled ribs from Hon Sushi</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Expand your Culinary Horizons</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are fortunate in Mercer County to have such a rich variety of ethnic foods in our neighborhoods. Most of us are well aware of the abundance of restaurants serving popular cuisines such as Italian, Chinese and Japanese. But it’s also nice to find ethnic restaurants offering cuisines less common in the county. One example is <b><a href="http://www.honsushi.com/">Hon Sushi</a></b> in Lawrence, which serves Korean food, a rare find in Mercer. Equally rare, is finding a non-diner restaurant offering authentic Greek dishes. For that reason, <b><a href="http://www.mikonosrestaurant.com/">Mikonos </a></b>in Ewing is a welcome addition to the dining landscape. Craving Chicken Paprikas? A visit Eastern European specialists <b>Barbara’s Hungarian Restaurant</b> in Ewing or the long established <b><a href="http://www.bluedanuberestaurant.net/">Blue Danube</a></b> in Trenton should suffice.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real thing from Papa's Tomato Pies of Trenton</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Skip the Chain Restaurants & Choose a Local Alternative</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The corporate restaurant world has attempted to nationalize our favorite foods, with some efforts more successful than others. The next time you’re in the market for an American favorite, we suggest you skip the mass produced options and choose a local establishment serving the real deal.<b> </b>Following are a few suggestions to get you started.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Burgers: </b>The burgers at <b>Rossi’s Bar & Grill</b> in Trenton are not likely to be duplicated at a drive-through. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Seafood:</b> In Princeton, the <b><a href="http://bluepoint.jmgroupprinceton.com/">Blue Point Grill</a></b> offers the best selection (i.e., nine varieties of oysters) of the freshest seafood available, all expertly prepared. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tomato or Pizza</b>: We will miss <b>DeLorenzo’s</b> on Hudson Street, but are grateful that the tradition continues at their Robbinsville location. Meanwhile, the equally magnificent <b><a href="http://www.papastomatopies.com/">Papa’s Tomato Pies</a></b> will ensure great pies will continue to be made in Trenton. For those north and west of the city, roadside gem <b><a href="http://www.itsnuttsrestaurant.com/">It’s Nutts</a> </b>in Titusville serves an outstanding Trenton-style tomato pie.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Mexican: </b>Previously located in Trenton, <b>Tortugas Mexican Grill</b> has found a new home in Hamilton to serve their fresh-made fare from south of the border.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Bread</b> - the chocolate croissants at <b><a href="http://terramomo.com/rest_witherspoonbreadcompany.php">Witherspoon Bread Company</a> </b>are worth feeding the pesky quarter-munching meters in Princeton. The bakery offers a variety of artisan and specialty breads daily.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ice Cream/Gelato:</b> Princeton’s <b><a href="http://www.thebentspoon.net/">Bent Spoon</a></b> has taken the concept of fresh, original ingredients to new heights. They aren’t the only shop making their own ice cream, but they are the best and most adventurous.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don’t Save the Best for Last (even though we did)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you’ve already dined at <b><a href="http://www.elementsprinceton.com/">elements</a> </b>in Princeton, we don’t have to remind you to return, we’re quite certain you’ve come to that conclusion on your own. For those who have not, we urge you to mark your calendars and confirm your reservations. It is rare that a celebrated dining establishment with a highly touted chef ‘on-the-cusp-of-super-stardom’ lives up to its reputation.<b> </b>Chef Scott Anderson, whose accolades include being named one of Esquire Magazine’s Best New Chefs of 2011, marries taste and texture to produce food that can be simple yet complex, and always thought provoking. The fine service matches the food; there may be no better trained, nor more accommodating, front of house staff in the state. There is a price to pay for such excellence, but we find it worth every penny.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Details for our suggestions are listed below. Join the conversation and add your suggestions and favorites that belong on 2012's list of must-vistis.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.honeybrookorganicfarm.com/">Honey Brook Organic Farm</a></b>, 260 Wargo Rd., Pennington, 609-737-8899, honeybrookorganicfarm.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/">Cherry Grove Organic Farm</a></b>, 11 Carter Rd., Princeton, 609-306-5139</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.chamberswalk.com/">Chambers Walk</a></b>, 2667 Main St., Lawrenceville, 609-896-5995, chamberswalk.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.brothersmoon.com/">The Brothers Moon</a>, </b>7 West Broad St., Hopewell, 609-333-1330, brothersmoon.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://bluepoint.jmgroupprinceton.com/">Blue Point Grill</a></b>, 258 Nassau St., Princeton, 609-921-1211, bluepoint.jmgroupprinceton.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.mediterrarestaurant.com/">Mediterra Restaurant and Taverna</a></b>, 29 Hullfish St., Princeton, 609-683-9680, mediterrarestaurant.com</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><a href="http://www.elementsprinceton.com/">elements</a></b>, </span>163 Bayard Lane, Princeton, <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">609 924-0078, elementsprinceton.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.enoterra.com/">Eno Terra</a></b>, 4484 Old Lincoln Highway, Kingston, 609-497-1777, enoterra.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.hamiltonsgrillroom.com/">Hamilton’s Grill Room</a></b>, 8 Coryell St., Lambertville, 609-397-4343, hamiltonsgrillroom.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.honsushi.com/">Hon Sushi</a></b>, 3349 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, 609-269-5800, honsushi.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.mikonosrestaurant.com/">Mikonos Restaurant</a></b>, 50 Scotch Rd., Ewing, 609-883-9333</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Barbara’s Hungarian Restaurant</b>, 1400 Parkway Ave., Ewing, 609-882-5500</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.bluedanuberestaurant.net/">Blue Danube</a></b>, 538 Adeline St. Trenton, 609-393-6133, bluedanuberestaurant.com</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Rossi’s Bar & Grill,</b> </span>501 Morris Ave., Trenton, <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">609 394-9089, rossiburger.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>DeLorenzo’s Tomato Pies, </b>2350 US Hwy 33, Robbinsville, 609-341-8480, delorenzostomatopies.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.papastomatopies.com/">Papa’s Tomato Pies</a></b>, 804 Chambers Street, Trenton, 609-392-0359, papastomatopies.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.itsnuttsrestaurant.com/">It’s Nutts</a></b>, 1382 River Road, Titusville, 609-737-0505, itsnuttsrestaurant.com</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Tortugas Mexican Grill</b>, 1280 US Hwy 33, Hamilton, 609-838-9962, </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://terramomo.com/rest_witherspoonbreadcompany.php">Witherspoon Bread Company</a></b> 74 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, 609-688-0188, </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.thebentspoon.net/">The Bent Spoon</a>, </b>35 Palmer Sq. West, Princeton, 609-924-2368, thebentspoon.net</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A version of this article was originally published in </span><a href="http://www.mercercountywoman.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mercer County Woman Newspaper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></a></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-46771527048364918202011-09-10T17:07:00.000-04:002011-09-10T17:19:57.858-04:00Chocolate Wacki Cake - A Family Tradition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>W</b></span>hen my friend Gloria mentioned to me that her son Michael had asked her to make a Wacki Cake for his upcoming birthday, I was intrigued. What is a Wacki Cake? When I asked her to tell me, Gloria started listing the ingredients. But, somewhere between the six tablespoons of cocoa and the two tablespoons of vinegar (the wacki part), she took a detour and began to tell the story of the origins of the cake.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Gloria was about eight years old she would walk to school every day with her friend, Betsy. One morning, when Gloria went to Betsy's house before school, Betsy's mother was wrapping a piece of cake for Betsy's lunch bag. When Gloria asked her mom what kind of cake was going to be Betsy's dessert that day, Mrs. Thatcher said, "oh, that's wacki cake" then sliced and wrapped a piece for Gloria. Gloria loved the cake, and begged her mother to get the recipe, which she did. Wacki Cake then became a favorite family tradition, which Gloria passed along to her own children, Lauren and Michael.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gloria has baked many a Wacki Cake over the years, occasionally substituting chocolate whipped cream frosting for the original vanilla, but always stayed true to the cake recipe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gloria's story really got me thinking about my own childhood favorites. As an adult looking back, I think that those home-baked treats we loved as children had little to do with how they tasted, and much more to do with the memories that surrounded them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All these years later, I can almost taste my mother's egg bread right out of the oven, almost too hot to eat, slathered with butter and my mother warning us to "let the bread cool before you slice it" -- which of course we ignored. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So the next time your children ask you to make a special cake, remember . . . you're not just baking a cake -- you're baking a memory. Just ask Gloria's son Michael, now 29 years old.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Submitted by Sharon</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WACKI CAKE</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For the cake:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3 cups flour</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 cups sugar</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6 tbsp. cocoa</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tsp. salt</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 tsp. baking soda</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10 tbsp. shortening</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 tbsp. vinegar</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 cups cold water</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 tsp. vanilla</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 325</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">°</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Grease & flour a 13" x 9" pan</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mix together dry ingredients in large bowl of electric mixer. Add remaining ingredients and beat until combined.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bake for approximately 30 minutes. Cake is done when toothpick comes out clean.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For the icing:</span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 cup milk</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 (heaping) tbsp. flour</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 stick butter (at room temperature)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">½ cup crisco</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 cup sugar</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tsp. vanilla</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In a small saucepan combine milk and flour over medium heat until thickened slightly. Cool completely.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beat together butter & crisco. Gradually add sugar and beat until well combined. Add vanilla and cooled flour mixture until just combined.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2a37; font-family: Myriad, Helvetica, Tahoma, Arial, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Shruti; font-size: medium;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Shruti; font-size: medium;"></span><span style="font-family: Shruti; font-size: medium;"></span>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-44551733020764141612011-07-30T09:44:00.004-04:002011-08-02T11:41:56.294-04:00Finkrals' Fish Chowder: Simple & Delicious<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYhLwtnTTn2LPtf8NtcyxV7dSPfMIFeAlNTOtld7cnlejDg5uSFw8AmdQwMZgJGca-5P94pZYvx2Mbvn5dMEn6TlGnqv39zzysP1BCWT3HVBY2QhQpDBBoBwWQckf9WsZZmfpGKNp34o/s1600/IMG_4957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYhLwtnTTn2LPtf8NtcyxV7dSPfMIFeAlNTOtld7cnlejDg5uSFw8AmdQwMZgJGca-5P94pZYvx2Mbvn5dMEn6TlGnqv39zzysP1BCWT3HVBY2QhQpDBBoBwWQckf9WsZZmfpGKNp34o/s640/IMG_4957.jpg" width="480px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our guest chef, Linda Finkral of Lambertville, NJ</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> assembles </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the ingredients for her favorite Fish Chowder recipe.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>O</b></span>ne of the reasons that we decided to start a food blog was our belief in, and understanding of, the influence and importance of our food culture in shaping our lives. Food, and more specifically our Italian American cuisine, was at the center of every personal or family milestone: we celebrated with feasts during good times such as birthday, weddings and holidays; consoled our neighbors during times of mourning with deliveries of lasagna; and comforted an ailing child with pastini soup. Understanding our food culture is a way of understanding our own personal history. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only do we enjoy sharing our history with others, we love learning more about the food culture of our friends and fellow foodies. So when our friend Linda agreed to share her popular Fish Chowder recipe, I asked her to include a little history along with the ingredients and "how to" steps. When the recipe arrived, it included Linda's unique perspective of someone who grew up on a farm in land-locked Iowa and became (along with other family members) what she calls "water seekers" - lured to life along riverbanks and shores."</span></span></div><blockquote><div style="color: #1d2a36; font: 12px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> have been cooking since I was five years old on a farm in Iowa. I have 10 siblings and we had farm hands who lived there and we cooked for everyone. I did not know fish was available in anything but a frozen block until I left home .</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2a37;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fish in Iowa came in frozen blocks and it was mystery fish. To this day I do not know what kind of fish it was. Not a surprise when you know my mother always called both pork and beef roasts "roasts", never describing which one it was, pork or beef. It was after I left home that I had this awakening that her "roasts" were from two entirely different animals.</span></span></i></span></div></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2a37;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We had tuna fish casserole, or "block of fish" on Friday and always McDonald's fish sandwiches if we were away from home. That </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d2a36; font-family: Verdana;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">was the only seafood we had</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. </span> </span></i></span></blockquote><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Linda didn't encounter "real" seafood until after moving to Connecticut and attending a "Lobster Night" at a local restaurant. The "2 for $10" meal was a revelation. Currently Linda has homes in both the river town of Lambertville, NJ and Eastham on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0SwdpNB3GS83b1kLnqIEAkZWWC0dBUKH-NfIa3yuIG0_ZJ7sHeueCYMpnXdoA0DuvkkiJiT0oALQzu0pEo7v0stwabm4M-cG5ACpwrfwlFe0XOZL9eqHL2xlYYHjrC-WC_xx-koK4J8/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0SwdpNB3GS83b1kLnqIEAkZWWC0dBUKH-NfIa3yuIG0_ZJ7sHeueCYMpnXdoA0DuvkkiJiT0oALQzu0pEo7v0stwabm4M-cG5ACpwrfwlFe0XOZL9eqHL2xlYYHjrC-WC_xx-koK4J8/s400/IMG_4959.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When at her vacation home on Cape Cod, Linda often sources <br />
fresh fish directly from the docks, and digs for her own clams. <br />
(She's licensed in Mass.) </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Access to high quality fresh fish is paramount to creating great chowder. When in Jersey, Linda purchases her seafood from <a href="http://www.shoprite.com/pd/ShopRite-of-Flemington/92CC332">ShopRite</a> in Flemington, NJ, where she often finds excellent deals on lobsters. <a href="http://friendlyfishermaneastham.com/friendlyfisherman/Friendly_Fisherman_Restaurant_%26_Fish_Market_-_Eastham_Cape_Cod.html">The Friendly Fisherman</a> in Eastham is her go-to place when on the Cape. On occasion she arrives before the fish, and waits for the boats to arrive with their catch. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lobster is often the centerpiece of the extensive entertaining Linda does at the Cape. So much so, that she purchases direct from a wholesaler. A license to clam allows for a hands-on approach to sourcing her her ingredients. </span></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a2a37; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></span></i></span><br />
<div style="color: #1a2a37; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I dig claims pretty much every week. I get steamers, quahogs and little necks on the bay beach a few steps from our house. I also go to the ocean side to dig clams and mussels. I make clam chowder that is full of fresh clams and real cream. I strain the clam juice through a cheese cloth to make sure there is no sand in my chowder. I freeze clams and clam juice to use in the winter. </span></span></span></i></div></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As mentioned earlier, Linda is not the only family member to enjoy life near the water. </span></span><br />
<blockquote><div style="color: #1a2a37; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="color: #1a2a37; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have a sister who lives on the water in St. Pete's Beach, Florida, one on a lake in the Ozarks, Missouri, one on a lake in Minnesota, one has a beach house in Corrona Del Mar, California, one lives on a river in Stillwater, Minnesota. I also have a brother who has a house on a lake in Spirit Lake, Iowa. My son has a house across the street from us here on the Cape (he lives in Chapel Hill, NC) and my daughter has a house in Nantucket (she lives in Mexico). So we are all water seekers. It is in our genes.</span></span></i></div><div style="color: #1a2a37; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i></div></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Linda states that this Fish Chowder, a combination of a few recipes, is the best she has ever made and a staple of many gatherings of family and friends. She uses large (21-25 count) shrimp that she often cuts in half and recommends a rough cut on the vegetables.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you Linda for a delightful family "food" story and a great recipe. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqKER7C3PEbFcaaRRIxvEfXvSxk8ZG_1tl4VaanXotXARlyxn8swe8jnwGiQrja-9o5zn6tRWmvfVtoa7eWEtQNfTj8bFcy_Tk6c2ogs9PNaSDg1fHZf8dxQqZtFutQVBLTDmzWhV6NE/s1600/IMG_4967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqKER7C3PEbFcaaRRIxvEfXvSxk8ZG_1tl4VaanXotXARlyxn8swe8jnwGiQrja-9o5zn6tRWmvfVtoa7eWEtQNfTj8bFcy_Tk6c2ogs9PNaSDg1fHZf8dxQqZtFutQVBLTDmzWhV6NE/s400/IMG_4967.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This creamy chowder is a sure-bet crowd-pleaser.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Finkrals' Fish Chowder</u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8 slices bacon</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 Tbs butter</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3 large onions</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3 stalks celery</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5 cloves garlic</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 large potatoes (rough chop)</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 Tb. chicken bouillon</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2-- 13 oz cans evaporated milk</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 cups half and half</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 TBS Worcestershire sauce</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 TB salt</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 tsp white pepper</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">½ tsp Tabasco sauce</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1.5 lbs cod cut in small pieces</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 lb shrimp- cut in half depending on size (21-25 count)</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Verdana; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">½ lb scallops (cut smaller if necessary.)</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Comic Sans MS; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Comic Sans MS; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Comic Sans MS; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cook bacon until very crisp. Leave 3 TBS bacon grease in pan. Add butter and sauté onions, and celery. Add garlic and cook until celery is soft. Add potatoes and enough water to cover. Stir in chicken bouillon. Cook until potatoes are done and most of the water is gone. Leave the lid off. You have to watch them at the end when the water gets lower.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Comic Sans MS; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Comic Sans MS; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Comic Sans MS; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add the rest of the ingredients and cook just below boiling point for about 5 to 10 minutes. Do not over cook the seafood. Do not let it boil. Cool and refrigerate overnight or serve immediately.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 14px Comic Sans MS; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-3092486301838546972011-07-11T23:39:00.008-04:002011-07-20T18:35:13.763-04:00Our Favorite Al Fresco Dining Spots In Mercer County<div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96lL1g0gOW7PlnZliuP0qAAMV9wRMwL9zlQfKoiBORf07Bf0ZvHOkkt3Uf3ud73CpCaE5SHoma_gqB1wQJz2dJJ4gpzsNpzYe5ZfkOjOhMpX4y8Wb97krS2_fXBUmJHu_NjU-Q4O_qjE/s1600/Rats+Patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96lL1g0gOW7PlnZliuP0qAAMV9wRMwL9zlQfKoiBORf07Bf0ZvHOkkt3Uf3ud73CpCaE5SHoma_gqB1wQJz2dJJ4gpzsNpzYe5ZfkOjOhMpX4y8Wb97krS2_fXBUmJHu_NjU-Q4O_qjE/s400/Rats+Patio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 10.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The patio at Rat's in Hamilton Township makes diners feel as </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">though they've stepped into an impressionist painting. </span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">P</span></i><span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">hoto by David W. Steele, courtesy of Rat's</span></i></span></div></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">t’s no secret that Mercer restaurant goers love their al fresco dining. Whether its sidewalk bistro tables a mere feet from tailpipes coughing exhaust, or lushly landscaped patios tucked away amongst the trees, the demand for outdoor seating certainly exceeds the current supply. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUxHKHmUTBSZ2oyayoAjErEMG2dD8rFUngAuoFEqch4XAJAT19o_GN8qANsgDLlwd2WOlT0sXETOvbF4taiNk1geAHk0b8wk0njY2eSTzfh3jNdKyWPlCzZ_kghqpqrlleSmH2lAdC6Q/s1600/100_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUxHKHmUTBSZ2oyayoAjErEMG2dD8rFUngAuoFEqch4XAJAT19o_GN8qANsgDLlwd2WOlT0sXETOvbF4taiNk1geAHk0b8wk0njY2eSTzfh3jNdKyWPlCzZ_kghqpqrlleSmH2lAdC6Q/s320/100_1307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 13.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mediterra in Princeton.</span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">P</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">hoto by GSOAP</span></i></div></td></tr>
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</span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We’ve surveyed Mercer’s options and selected a few restaurants that offer their customers a choice of inside, or out. While the outdoor décor may vary amongst the dining spots on our list, what they all have in common is the quality of their kitchens. Simply put, we would be just as likely to reserve a table inside during the chill of December, as outside on a humidity free evening in July. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bhDuGbFRVa2X8ntddjG3dk5ywMQx7oPLhQFPBAdLcDujX1WamnjYKIa4XH2GR7JOsu-hLOIk6Otu8-MXs2_F7uK35BTqjdPqd1b3vDfrwcRyDGryeJGv1Cjs_iWMJK8Tdw0W_PHCi64/s1600/IMG_0199-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bhDuGbFRVa2X8ntddjG3dk5ywMQx7oPLhQFPBAdLcDujX1WamnjYKIa4XH2GR7JOsu-hLOIk6Otu8-MXs2_F7uK35BTqjdPqd1b3vDfrwcRyDGryeJGv1Cjs_iWMJK8Tdw0W_PHCi64/s320/IMG_0199-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 13.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great people watching is on the menu at </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Witherspoon Grill in Princeton.</span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of Witherspoon Grill.</span></i></div></td></tr>
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We’ve limited our list to Mercer restaurants that offer an ambience beyond simple sidewalk seating. Therefore our apologies to these fine establishments: <a href="http://www.chamberswalk.com/">Chamber’s Walk Café</a> and <a href="http://www.acaciacuisine.com/">Acacia</a> along Lawrenceville’s restaurant row on Rt. 206; Princeton’s seafood standout <a href="http://bluepoint.jmgroupprinceton.com/">Blue Point Grill</a>; and to a restaurant that could be credited as the catalyst for turning tiny Hopewell Borough into a culinary destination, <a href="http://www.brothersmoon.com/">The Brothers Moon.</a></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrQdZ2rS7dVxgCbgCy1F0zhD6j5GMVFlwFidCX_WEiBBTcUghNZLIQoPOyMbOcFSiiitW6mbc_uunl6Nos54dpI9_euOr2HAS0eroTrLUNpx_logahdGYKb5BCw4BpHKp1T7RnARfkYs/s1600/Za+Garden+65-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrQdZ2rS7dVxgCbgCy1F0zhD6j5GMVFlwFidCX_WEiBBTcUghNZLIQoPOyMbOcFSiiitW6mbc_uunl6Nos54dpI9_euOr2HAS0eroTrLUNpx_logahdGYKb5BCw4BpHKp1T7RnARfkYs/s400/Za+Garden+65-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 13.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Patio dining at Za Restaurant in Pennington</span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo courtesy of Za.</i></span></div></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Feel free to add your suggestions for outdoor dining in the comment section. We will also be adding to our list as we discover new restaurants.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.groundsforsculpture.org/RatsRestaurant/index.html">Rat’s</a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619 609-584-7800</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="color: #001592; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: underline;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.groundsforsculpture.org/RatsRestaurant/index.html</span></span></i></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Try as you might, you will not find a more lovely setting for outdoor dining than Rat’s patio overlooking Seward Johnson’s art venue Grounds For Sculpture. While the scenic view may evoke 19</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> century impressionist paintings, the cuisine is decidedly present day. Currently managed by Philadelphia’ Stephen Starr Events, Rat’s is offering Tuesday through Friday happy hour from 4PM to 7PM with reduced price drinks and specialty appetizers, including a rare, south of the Canadian border version of Poutine (French fries, gravy and gruyere). </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.zarestaurants.com/">ZA Restaurant</a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">147 West Delaware Ave., Pennington, NJ 08534 609-737-4400</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_104246003"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> w</span></a></span></i></span><span style="color: #001592; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://ww.zarestaurants.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ww.zarestaurants.com</span></a></span></i></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Za, which describes itself accurately as “cross cultural comfort cuisine,” offers 48 seats nestled in a wisteria-trellised garden with ceiling fans, French styled bistro chairs and small water fountain. The eclectic menu of French Culinary Institute trained chef and owner Mark Valenza includes appetizers Smoked Paprika Hummus and Sweet and Spicy Crab Cakes, and entrees such as gluten free items Sesame Tuna Royale and Chateaubriand. BYOB-beer, wine and sparkling wine.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mediterrarestaurant.com/">MEDITERRA restaurant and taverna</a></span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">29 Hulfish St. Princeton, NJ 08542 609-252-9680</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #001592; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: underline;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mediterrarestaurant.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">www.mediterrarestaurant.com</span></a></span></i></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They had us at the fountain. Yes, the plumes of water spouting from the circular fountain that anchors the plaza on Hulfish Street and welcomes patrons to Mediterra restaurant is the star of the patio. While reservations are accepted for indoors, it’s first-come, first-serve for the 75 seats outside. One of several establishments under the highly regarded Terra Momo Restaurant Group, Medittera draws inspiration from the cuisines of the 21 countries surrounding the Mediterranean as evidenced by Roasted Butternut Squash & Arugula Risotto and Pork Saltimbocca. Pasta Night on Wednesdays and “dinner and a movie” specials on July 19</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and August 16th (in conjunction with the nearby Princeton Public Library) are currently offered.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.witherspoongrill.com/">Witherspoon Grill</a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>57 Witherspoon St., Princeton, NJ 08542 609-924-6011</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="color: #001592; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.witherspoongrill.com/"><i>www.witherspoongrill.com</i></a></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Located at the rear of Hind Plaza with its neighbor the Princeton Public Library, Witherspoon Grill wins first place in the people watching sweepstakes, and although we’re concentrating on outdoor spaces, we would be remiss if we neglected to mention the fabulous indoor design of the bar and restaurant inside. This classic American steakhouse serves fine, aged Prime Angus beef that reminds us with every bite that we ordinary consumers simply don’t have access to the best meats on the market. There are 46 additional seats for dinner out front. A side patio, which handles overflow outdoor seating during lunch, is staffed with a cocktail server on Friday and Saturday evenings for drinks and appetizers.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pauliesannarose.com/">Paulie’s Anna Rose</a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">234 West Upper Ferry Rd. Ewing, NJ 08628 609-882-1150</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="color: #001592; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: underline;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.pauliesannarose.com/">www.pauliesannarose.com</a></span></span></i></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sitting at one of the umbrella tables on the front patio of Paulie’s Anna Rose is a little like dining at a romantic Victorian “summer cottage” in Newport. Although it faces the road, its elevation and distance from the curb keeps any disturbance from passing cars to a minimum. The menu is standard, Italian-American fare well prepared. Make sure you get on their email list as they may be the most prolific direct to consumer coupon distributor, and the deals are great. They also offer weekday happy hour with complimentary pasta station.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Eleven Front Bar & Grill</span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">11 W. Front St., Trenton, NJ 609-392-6900.</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The newest bright light in the evolving dining scene in Trenton. This family owned restaurant in downtown Trenton is quickly becoming the place to be seen (and overheard). Though not a concern for evenings, the covered, well designed, outdoor seating area of blonde concrete and tall white fencing is somewhat stark during harsh sunlight. Some added greenery (which we will assume is on order considering the thoughtful design of the interior) will help. The kitchen does justice to their “passed down through generations” signature tomato sauce by serving just the right amount (no soup please) over piping hot, perfectly cooked, al dente pasta. Hold off on the salt, pepper and cheese, as the dish is precisely seasoned when it arrives.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_834823015">Main Street Euro-American Bistro & Bar</a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mainstreetprinceton.com/">Clocktower Cabana Patio Bar</a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">301 North Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ 08540 609-921-2779</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="color: #001592; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; text-decoration: underline;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.mainstreetprinceton.com/">www.mainstreetprinceton.com</a></span></span></i></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Main Street offers one of the largest and most spacious outdoor dining options in the area. Carved out of the central courtyard of the rectangular shaped Princeton Shopping Center, the dual purposed space includes Main Street Bistro’s recently renovated terrace with umbrella tables and the adjacent Clcoktower Cabana bar with lounge seating. Well-known for years as a top notch corporate and social caterer, Main Street’s blend of classic bistro dishes, (Mac’N Triple Cheese) and current flavor trends (Moroccan Lamb Sliders) earned it a selection on Bon Appetite Magazine’s list of “America’s Best Neighborhood Restaurants.”</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.camilloscafe.net/">Camillo’s Cafe</a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Princeton Shopping Center, 201 N.Harrison St., Princeton, NJ 08540 609-252-0608</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.camilloscafe.net/">www.camilloscafe.net</a></span></span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also located in the Princeton Shopping Center, a mere stone’s throw away from Main Street’s Clocktower Cabana, this charming Italian-American trattoria leans more toward Italian than the American side of their culinary equation. And that’s fine with us. It is nearly impossible to walk past the restaurant without stopping to read the menu, and if you do, be prepared to stay a while as items such as Papparadelle with Sausage Ragout, Pecorino and Truffle Oil and Branzino Braverese are hard to resist.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(A version of this article was originally published in the July/August issue of Mercer's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.mercercountywoman.com/MCW_Jul_AUG_11.pdf">County Woman Newspaper</a>. Copies of the newspaper are free and available at sites throughout Mercer County.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 15.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 11.0px;"><br />
</div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-43669844275564302532011-06-20T22:28:00.002-04:002011-06-20T22:31:26.027-04:00UPDATE: Market Roost Fine Catering, Restaurant & Gift Gallery, Banana Rum Cupcake Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h9_tWaf-J2BFn_k03XVAizr8NX3vJUoUFEcu2cju8d5Yk-4DcuLrsSL7Gh3tq6XovnPZ3xgd7yD_uToQhtj5Rpveyzs6x7tmKxAy8Bpx5iuiPXEnGIYw4g0DFDNuXF2WWo63O5MqNnE/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h9_tWaf-J2BFn_k03XVAizr8NX3vJUoUFEcu2cju8d5Yk-4DcuLrsSL7Gh3tq6XovnPZ3xgd7yD_uToQhtj5Rpveyzs6x7tmKxAy8Bpx5iuiPXEnGIYw4g0DFDNuXF2WWo63O5MqNnE/s400/photo.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>W</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hen we first wrote about the Market Roost in Flemington, NJ, we did not include this recipe for Banana Rum Cupcakes. Thanks are in order to Carol Todd, proprietor and pastry chef, for sharing her recipe for what Sharon and I consider one of the best cupcakes we've ever had. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hope you enjoy the finished product as much as we did. Of course if you don't have the time to bake, or are reluctant to turn on the oven during the summer months, you can always stop by the Market Roost and pick up a few of the original little cakes. However, Carol assures us that this recipe can be mastered by the home baker.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can read our original post about the wonderful food served at the Market Roost<a href="http://gardenstateonaplate.blogspot.com/2011/05/market-roost-fine-catering-restaurant.html"> here.</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 14px;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://gardenstateonaplate.blogspot.com/2011/05/market-roost-fine-catering-restaurant.html"></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 14px;"><b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BANANA CUPCAKES WITH RUM CREAM CHEESE ICING</span></u></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><b></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 X’S (YIELDS APPROX. 18 CUPCAKES) </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 ½ CUPS AP FLOUR </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 T BAKING POWDER </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 tsp BAKING SODA </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">½ tsp SALT </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6 SMALL BANANAS </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 CUP SOUR CREAM </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 T VANILLA EXTRACT </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 ½ CUPS SUGAR </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8 OZ UNSALTED BUTTER (ROOM TEMP) </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 LARGE EGGS </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 EGG YOLKS </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">DIRECTIONS…. </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. COMBINE IN BOWL – SIFTED FLOUR, BAKING POWDER, BAKING </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">SODA & SALT – HAND WHISK TO BLEND </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. IN SEPARATE BOWL - MASH BANANA WITH FORK, ADD SOUR </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">CREAM & VANILLA </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. IN MIXER BOWL – </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">BEAT SUGAR & BUTTER UNTIL LIGHT & FLUFFY </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ADD EGG & EGG YOLK UNTIL BLENDED </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. ADD FLOUR MIXTURE ALTERNATING WITH SOUR CREAM </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">MIXTURE, BEATING AFTER EACH ADDITION </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5. SCOOP MIXTURE INTO PAPER LINED MUFFIN BAKING PAN </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6. BAKE IN PREHEATED 350º OVEN FOR APPROX 20 MIN TIL DONE </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">IN CENTER </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">7. ICE WHEN COOLED WITH YOUR FAVORITE CREAM CHEESE </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ICING WITH ADDITION OF YOUR FAVORITE DARK RUM TO TASTE </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8. GARNISH WITH FRESH SLICE OF BANANA AND CANDIED </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ORANGE OR GINGER </span></span></b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px;"></span></b></div><b></b><br />
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<b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Recipe courtesy of Carol Todd,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.marketroost.com/">Market Roost Fine Catering, Restaurant and Gift Gallery</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">65 Main Street</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Flemington, NJ 08822</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Closed Monday & Tuesday</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Wednesday, 10:30 am -5 pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thursday & Friday, 10:30 am - 4 pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sunday Brunch, 9:30am - 2pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sunday full menu 2pm - 3:30pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dinner served Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 5:30pm - 9pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">908-788-4949</span></div></b><br />
<div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Please feel free to share your thoughts on the recipe, or offer one of your own.</span></span></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-25187934666486821462011-06-08T23:56:00.003-04:002011-06-09T08:45:50.322-04:00TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FARMERS’ MARKET SHOPPING<div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1119098262"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxiM-O0sYo90jUZ1UUiK6ad3KgL7J33yHoCUbn3QkJGG4fys0Eha_a5GFes3T-sAjqGfWLVqB6JExB41GIB3dAsWbZP_sIUsBG3TUgQz1VgshQeF8UKIV-xbTdffya4MmfCf8A0G9_ng/s400/IMG_0069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Photos and information about some of our favorite </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mercer County area markets can be found <a href="http://gardenstateonaplate.blogspot.com/p/mercer-county-farm-stores-and-farmers.html">HERE</a>.)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span>t wasn’t that long ago that New Jersey’s farming industry was in danger of following drive-in movie theaters into extinction as suburban sprawl gobbled up farms at an alarming rate. Fortunately, federal, state and county officials had the foresight to pursue farmland preservation efforts that not only stemmed the loss of existing farms but offered new opportunities for those interested in organic and sustainable farming practices.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjL6WvfRQrygs28U1O3YB6E7SXO7_bw2oc7CN17HusxUJH_wEfPtaJj5JTqyaQqRwfuZTdLyUKHVS2-VSuuPPrjE7s1UIeAJod_qAN4BDm8J9ZbBXg0Fd8HUzk5gbtBrXyBg8UzYHiTw/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjL6WvfRQrygs28U1O3YB6E7SXO7_bw2oc7CN17HusxUJH_wEfPtaJj5JTqyaQqRwfuZTdLyUKHVS2-VSuuPPrjE7s1UIeAJod_qAN4BDm8J9ZbBXg0Fd8HUzk5gbtBrXyBg8UzYHiTw/s400/IMG_0230.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Metropolitan Seafood at the Stockton Farmers Market, Stockton, NJ</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Community farmers’ markets, roadside farm stands as well as farms with stores on property can be found across Mercer County. From the year-round offerings at the sprawling Trenton Farmers Market in Trenton to the tiny roadside stands that dot the hills of Hopewell Township, opportunities to buy fresh, locally-grown and produced products are plentiful.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GXjzqjOgY2dYndJbqQ-pdxcg84PfiLEX_1D1m8upfe1MC2y_Q5JrEnI1dCIWSaX3RFRpbejmN_hYEUqVpaHPypIaEF_QVROLoXrYll40BHvTlYSyYoIHFFwLhhDxrz4QfHxHiTtGWrI/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GXjzqjOgY2dYndJbqQ-pdxcg84PfiLEX_1D1m8upfe1MC2y_Q5JrEnI1dCIWSaX3RFRpbejmN_hYEUqVpaHPypIaEF_QVROLoXrYll40BHvTlYSyYoIHFFwLhhDxrz4QfHxHiTtGWrI/s400/IMG_0039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whey fed, Nitrate free Pork and . . .</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKRoQ2o5A2SAZSM4-hzoiyVa7dextsgNApK5J20Am_lhv7lDsbQ1zqDjASTti3hA4CIT9yCU0SFTdtI3XlnXYb2qdc3DeW0COTCsqLhix5Yw45ph1s-__8yJzrjcuyGQpTR0jPwlU8Zs/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKRoQ2o5A2SAZSM4-hzoiyVa7dextsgNApK5J20Am_lhv7lDsbQ1zqDjASTti3hA4CIT9yCU0SFTdtI3XlnXYb2qdc3DeW0COTCsqLhix5Yw45ph1s-__8yJzrjcuyGQpTR0jPwlU8Zs/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Raw Milk Cheeses at Cherry Grove Farm Market, <br />
Lawrenceville, NJ Check out their cheese making process </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/our-farm/inside-the-cheese-facility/">HERE</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Shopping locally has the added benefits of allowing us to discover new varieties of common items, to experience the full flavor of sugar filled fruits picked ripe for immediate consumption and to contribute to our environment by reducing our carbon footprint and supporting sustainability. Following are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip to our local farms and markets. Additional photographs and a list of local markets can be found <a href="http://gardenstateonaplate.blogspot.com/p/mercer-county-farm-stores-and-farmers.html">here</a>.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Be Prepared</b> </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Carry cash, many vendors do not accept checks or credit cards. Do bring along bags and containers to carry your purchases home; don’t bring your dog or other animals if visiting a farm. A cooler in the trunk will keep items fresh on hot days or when other errands may delay refrigerating purchases. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Consider the Elements</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and insect repellant are recommended basics. Proper footwear is a must, especially if you plan to spend some time in the “pick your own” farm fields. The sun may be shining on the day you visit a farm, but a heavy rain the day prior may provide for wet, messy grounds underfoot.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Po89oOsvuHHTneNC7b5eApUvZEIq2GFqYOfMKDJijWS19ekIju8Zcifo-lI_QTiJRQnULhwp3dVdffZG6aszZDMbtpvYlTcXHvqLcYY5hckDdNYTUDIO63ZR5WBInGps6dUxapsVHnk/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Po89oOsvuHHTneNC7b5eApUvZEIq2GFqYOfMKDJijWS19ekIju8Zcifo-lI_QTiJRQnULhwp3dVdffZG6aszZDMbtpvYlTcXHvqLcYY5hckDdNYTUDIO63ZR5WBInGps6dUxapsVHnk/s400/IMG_0074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Watch the Calendar</b></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pick-up a harvest calendar. The NJ Department of Agriculture has an online guide at </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">http://www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/searches/availability.htm</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Many farms and markets produce their own versions of what they anticipate to harvest and when. Still, the best way to keep up with the harvest during the season is to simply ask the farmers and vendors what they anticipate bringing to market.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAAVUCebo1D4uF6cVQfgvkTMF7m4JbyGPwDGq0XBxTbEG0pYyiv4UzE6Et9LP5dcIUkPhnXBfyUtVgsMcBFa2SchcEufiRrAf1QKaMGTzseIHdzpalsUvEGRvzJwWzY1L-vbryXyUx28/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAAVUCebo1D4uF6cVQfgvkTMF7m4JbyGPwDGq0XBxTbEG0pYyiv4UzE6Et9LP5dcIUkPhnXBfyUtVgsMcBFa2SchcEufiRrAf1QKaMGTzseIHdzpalsUvEGRvzJwWzY1L-vbryXyUx28/s400/IMG_0246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Highland Gourmet Market at Stockton Farmers Market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Shop for Value not Price</b></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is not uncommon during the height of their harvest to find conventional or organic fruits, vegetables and flowers priced at or below their supermarket equivalents. However, that is not always the case. Remember that you are paying for the freshest, healthiest and best tasting products available; each purchase supports local farmers and contributes to a sustainable food system. To reduce your costs, try shopping shortly before closing time when some suppliers may slash prices. Consider buying meats in volume by ordering whole animals or ½ and ¼ shares. Ask friends with similar culinary interests to split the shares with you.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Learn the Labels</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Below are a few general terms you’ll encounter during shopping, but don’t be afraid to ask for more details. We’ve always found our local farmers and producers proud of the work they do and happy to answer questions about their farming practices.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqjJH4kuZN43tO7x-HJrOJ9fAZrUPdxeCR6ilRjQ0XF003ZphHtabVOR6IYkuyQLIWiIIi053QiKLh9DOOOs-bQQusO1XshIh2eeUshvUDIDl2UCezmaJhrdKGP9RlN38o5X2kLxGJ7k/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqjJH4kuZN43tO7x-HJrOJ9fAZrUPdxeCR6ilRjQ0XF003ZphHtabVOR6IYkuyQLIWiIIi053QiKLh9DOOOs-bQQusO1XshIh2eeUshvUDIDl2UCezmaJhrdKGP9RlN38o5X2kLxGJ7k/s400/IMG_0242.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Certified Organic Gravity Hill Farm at Stockton Farmers Market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Organic</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - according to the NJ Department of Agriculture, organic is a term referring to agricultural management procedures that “enhance the ecological balance of natural systems” and whose primary goal “is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people." Farms must meet certain criteria to gain state certification allowing them to advertise their products as Certified Organic.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY31iU9r3_vkgj_LXif-hTHJSV2uvJ4bhZb8fmDJS8J3IbEhWMMjBpfE6qZfuu58AOJZf-ePMa9ZiqOPI9MUTXdwOEIGgQbYGuxIFWdK6Rt41iih4xFDote8klQJB0KJpOGhHNgvafyE/s1600/100_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY31iU9r3_vkgj_LXif-hTHJSV2uvJ4bhZb8fmDJS8J3IbEhWMMjBpfE6qZfuu58AOJZf-ePMa9ZiqOPI9MUTXdwOEIGgQbYGuxIFWdK6Rt41iih4xFDote8klQJB0KJpOGhHNgvafyE/s400/100_1234.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chickadee Creek Farm at Pennington Farmers Market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>CSA</b> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">– stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA members can purchase shares that allow them access to the farms’ harvests throughout the season. Mercer County has three CSAs: <a href="http://www.honeybrookorganicfarm.com/">Honey Brook Farm</a> in Pennington; <a href="http://www.cherrygrovefarm.com/">Cherry Grove Farm</a> in Lawrenceville; and, Naturally Grown in Pennington. To find out more about these and other CSAs nearby, visit </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.localharvest.org/csa</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfIVqC9UOwu3nNB8cGgo-pUl7BXkicdHwwAlmgSq50O1sl-40H-0WEmFh0-vATCxpDkLekngmDpxYzlW8jM-0mXFtcqG9p4iFcoMWf7dcOvBa4sUXRwmb9H0OExXiTWyx_vXAJU-exuA/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfIVqC9UOwu3nNB8cGgo-pUl7BXkicdHwwAlmgSq50O1sl-40H-0WEmFh0-vATCxpDkLekngmDpxYzlW8jM-0mXFtcqG9p4iFcoMWf7dcOvBa4sUXRwmb9H0OExXiTWyx_vXAJU-exuA/s400/IMG_0044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville, NJ</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHSWMXhV_13OQu-oqpOdXD28HJLJro8ZIpMs3zIiUaqfjg_xy2-v8ppwUCJpOas43409E82RFp-rbNd55CRxmSeAY-xkO_zFEKY_Mm3RpiKmfYoITFisWUqqmSk189clo6HbZxCm_WHQ/s1600/IMG_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHSWMXhV_13OQu-oqpOdXD28HJLJro8ZIpMs3zIiUaqfjg_xy2-v8ppwUCJpOas43409E82RFp-rbNd55CRxmSeAY-xkO_zFEKY_Mm3RpiKmfYoITFisWUqqmSk189clo6HbZxCm_WHQ/s400/IMG_0216.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Grass Fed</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> – refers to animals fed a diet of natural grasses only, not supplanted with grains or animal by-products. Natural grass-fed meats produced at farms such as Beechtree in Hopewell and Cherry Grove in Lawrence are often leaner than organic grain-fed meats found in supermarkets. For more details on the benefits of grass-fed farming and products, we recommend the website </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.eatwild.com</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Jersey Fresh</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> – started as a marketing plan in the 1980’s, this label identifies growers registered with the state’s Quality Grading Program and licensed to use the Jersey Fresh logo. A recent expansion of this concept allows food processors authorized by the same grading system to use the “Made with Jersey Fresh” label on their packaging.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">***</span></span></div></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you have a favorite farm or market you think we should visit, leave a comment with your recommendations. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: 10.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><br />
</u></span></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;">(A version of this article was originally published in Mercer County Woman Newspaper)</div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><br />
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</div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-89925640795981141282011-05-30T18:27:00.005-04:002011-06-03T16:16:26.615-04:00HON SUSHI - A rare opportunity to enjoy traditional Korean cuisine in Mercer County <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1KBAEVtcJk1rbBql4U5zjzyS-Fm9F3Smwz-C9ErGqg7J7dypCMbVpzVU_7Uu9TvU475om9FXK_7y_zpyO2GYN-036PKvHiG12RKkvy1bG-i6OZuwB3cPY__bHujO3pwjDM96VRTUEw/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1KBAEVtcJk1rbBql4U5zjzyS-Fm9F3Smwz-C9ErGqg7J7dypCMbVpzVU_7Uu9TvU475om9FXK_7y_zpyO2GYN-036PKvHiG12RKkvy1bG-i6OZuwB3cPY__bHujO3pwjDM96VRTUEw/s400/IMG_0322.JPG" width="400px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 10px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">DOLSOT BIBIMBOP 돌솥비빔밥 (14.95) </span></span></div><div style="font: 8px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">bibimbop in hot stone bowl) </span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hose of us living in central Jersey have to admit we are rather spoiled by the variety of dining options within easy commute. So much so, that it’s easy to forget that one segment of Asian cuisine is under-represented in our area: Korean. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Zc4cbpYQVldB3jHT9ZtyBYGFofnMkI-ACksE9u8xf2_Ov54zmHShBhQ4wdRLtTPpG45ToFxefCOI1_2YcxeGYYN5ZvMqt1eOo-RFeSTG4UrrkXQlqXA4Ka2mC66_xX5DFKRFabYMBCU/s1600/IMG_0317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="202px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Zc4cbpYQVldB3jHT9ZtyBYGFofnMkI-ACksE9u8xf2_Ov54zmHShBhQ4wdRLtTPpG45ToFxefCOI1_2YcxeGYYN5ZvMqt1eOo-RFeSTG4UrrkXQlqXA4Ka2mC66_xX5DFKRFabYMBCU/s320/IMG_0317.jpg" width="320px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 10px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">HARU MAKI (6.95) </span></span></div><div style="font: 10px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This Japanese Spring Roll was a tasty appetizer</span></span></div></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was recently invited to join several other food writers and bloggers for a tasting at </span><a href="http://www.honsushi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hon Sushi</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, a Korean and Japanese restaurant located in the Mercer Mall Shopping center. It was there, while enjoying the hospitality of owners John & Kim Lim and the company of fellow scribes, that I learned that there are only a handful of restaurants serving Korean fare in Mercer County. That may explain my inexperience and confessed lack of knowledge regarding Korean food. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcw1MARfmUqtU0BbdvnjFitYjtYgcnUXPbbWbZZEcln7gWBJknrow4sZtxgoDNMVlFWK96UMnAcW0d8b9bBbF01cXRr5QeuoQvxfUdsQetTV1ZhoAdA1FpdviIcCeUlB7VvZh-s25vZY/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcw1MARfmUqtU0BbdvnjFitYjtYgcnUXPbbWbZZEcln7gWBJknrow4sZtxgoDNMVlFWK96UMnAcW0d8b9bBbF01cXRr5QeuoQvxfUdsQetTV1ZhoAdA1FpdviIcCeUlB7VvZh-s25vZY/s320/IMG_0321.JPG" width="320px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 10px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"></div><div style="font: 10px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">JOBCHAE 잡채 (15.95) </span></span></div><div style="font: 8px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(vermicelli noodle w/ assorted veggies & beef) </span></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fortunately restaurant manger Tony Kay was on hand to explain some of the offerings. Such as the Dolsot Bibimbop in the video below, which finishes cooking while being stirred in the hot stone bowl serving bowl.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZteRUeT3aio?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What I do know about Korean food is that it’s emphasis on vegetable and cooking techniques makes it one of the world’s healthier cuisines. According to Tony, what sets Hon Sushi apart from similar restaurants is its “consistency, authenticity and quality, fresh ingredients.” </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<div style="font: 10px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My favorite dish of the night: KALBI 갈비 (22.95)</span></span></div></div><div style="font: 8px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">marinated & grilled beef ribs w/ garlic sauce) </span></span></div></div></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The restaurant makes it own Kimchi, the traditional spicy cabbage dish, which Tony and others at my table, claimed is often store bought for convenience. In addition to sampling several dishes, we were entertained with this dramatic presentation:</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Beautifully designed with generously spaced wood grained tables and sleek lines, Hon Sushi is a perfect “date” restaurant. Open for just two years, it has established a loyal following, including a number of managers from nearby pharmaceutical companies Taiho and Otsuka. The owners are hoping to expand that base with activities such as this tasting. The consensus from our group was that we would definitely return.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All of our meals and beverages (non alcoholic) were complimentary. The menu prices range from moderate to slightly expensive. The few higher priced items that we tasted were generous enough portions for sharing. The restaurant is BYOB and they will chill your wine or beer and warm your Sake. The restaurant will accommodate special restrictions such as gluten free diets and, in my case, a shellfish allergy. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t0phtYE7-LmNuXzP4emhxJVD05js5SFfULNpjjhVvpYY7RyK2D7vwuIikNZA_LkVqrg71RO4R745PblUszLOurCkQWkW-7nrmDL2ve-8mHr9D4TZk_G1uqx0pf93N47RrQFun87BxOU/s1600/IMG_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t0phtYE7-LmNuXzP4emhxJVD05js5SFfULNpjjhVvpYY7RyK2D7vwuIikNZA_LkVqrg71RO4R745PblUszLOurCkQWkW-7nrmDL2ve-8mHr9D4TZk_G1uqx0pf93N47RrQFun87BxOU/s320/IMG_0315.jpg" width="214px" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Bubble" Tea, made with tapioca, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sweetbut delicious. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.honsushi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hon Sushi</span></a></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3349 Brunswick Pike, just off Route 1 South</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lawrenceville, NJ </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">609-269-5800</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #000099; font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.hosushi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">www.HOSUSHI.com</span></span></a></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thanks go out to PR specialist Katie DeVito for arranging the event, to the Lims for hosting, and to the bloggers and foodies for their excellent company. An extra special thank you to my friends at <a href="http://theblogthatatenewjersey.blogspot.com/">The Blog that Ate New Jersey</a> who recommended my invite to Katie. You can read her excellent version of the evening <a href="http://theblogthatatenewjersey.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I would love to read comments from those that have been there, or from Japanese and Korean food lovers.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-35816084979238420452011-05-07T13:15:00.007-04:002011-05-11T16:17:22.935-04:00Market Roost Fine Catering, Restaurant & Gift Gallery, Flemington, NJ: Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLQe1GS19p-6dTgII9RbiSIZFieaAP4Nd3owvxNlijmiiKoxrvGEkjvFKprfB-TeEN86eBp52bS_OOUzHz8-tkTH7ccOyPIlXFCtNAx7pCvoV52BvOQbdUYt_zttq242-as5Hd3C7M_8/s1600/100_1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLQe1GS19p-6dTgII9RbiSIZFieaAP4Nd3owvxNlijmiiKoxrvGEkjvFKprfB-TeEN86eBp52bS_OOUzHz8-tkTH7ccOyPIlXFCtNAx7pCvoV52BvOQbdUYt_zttq242-as5Hd3C7M_8/s400/100_1123.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8O4nhOADPuu9YJXL3qiMwMeoi_e5zkAFktO3qxJGlK4kxfzu-s5ghgmta2U9_9h3w6GS6U7GaP6k-LCcpNg15Iu6ihwGJxLM0lvn2fwL_JKE4lnksQ4mDpAFNel3UBSZoQUqxQdgfTLI/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span> </a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">s enjoyable as discovering and writing about new cafes and restaurants may be, I find it even more satisfying to write about places and people that have established themselves as centers of excellence. By maintaining quality and innovation across the years, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.marketroost.com/">Market Roost Fine Catering, Restaurant & Gift</a> Gallery</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> in Flemington, NJ is just such an institution.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyjaosqZ8h6k1No3ukyB4eGcJz1K7NRGnN7wMkpt1fBp24mqeg53rCzzdiR5gEm5kcLR_rP8iCeh0shgNdOzcf7l3VhrFsfLfyaGiRvmsEC8yRZ74XvrLp1KQlEZFVvwZ2h2r1QYz2ok/s1600/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyjaosqZ8h6k1No3ukyB4eGcJz1K7NRGnN7wMkpt1fBp24mqeg53rCzzdiR5gEm5kcLR_rP8iCeh0shgNdOzcf7l3VhrFsfLfyaGiRvmsEC8yRZ74XvrLp1KQlEZFVvwZ2h2r1QYz2ok/s320/photo-4.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Co-owner and pastry chef Carol Todd displays her house-made croissants.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For thirty years, Carol and Norman Todd have produced elegant, delicious menus at their charming and eclectic storefront cafe and gift shop in Flemington, NJ.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Norman, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, blends traditional and classic cuisine with current trends to provide a menu with broad appeal. Carol uses her 25 years of experience as a pastry chef to keep the cases filled with some of the finest baked goods we've tasted: flaky croissants, dense and crumbly scones, cakes and pies of all flavors and possibly the best cupcake we've ever had. (See Note Below). </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is not surprising that they have won accolades for their Sunday Brunch, including a 2007 listing in New Jersey Monthly as "Best Brunch in New Jersey."</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h9_tWaf-J2BFn_k03XVAizr8NX3vJUoUFEcu2cju8d5Yk-4DcuLrsSL7Gh3tq6XovnPZ3xgd7yD_uToQhtj5Rpveyzs6x7tmKxAy8Bpx5iuiPXEnGIYw4g0DFDNuXF2WWo63O5MqNnE/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h9_tWaf-J2BFn_k03XVAizr8NX3vJUoUFEcu2cju8d5Yk-4DcuLrsSL7Gh3tq6XovnPZ3xgd7yD_uToQhtj5Rpveyzs6x7tmKxAy8Bpx5iuiPXEnGIYw4g0DFDNuXF2WWo63O5MqNnE/s320/photo.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Rum Cupcake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The glow of the Market Roost's canopy promised an oasis of comfort on a recent rainy and chilly Friday night. We were not disappointed. A gift shop, walk-up counter with take-out entrees, salads, and baked goods as well as a seating area for dining-in, all share space to create the Market Roost. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, the seating area is transformed into fine-dining table service. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau8RTgpqnX_xdPJTYpRIoMWsI1HQcayqL45Da_FHYIZCx6E256vISE6SxSQe5pJLdBepJdXaGQP6lb7lW_84ZWU8wsQAslZpR9rZubbg9Bks6ApMl0tHVXt77eN8tHCMnLKTWKyqdh5M/s1600/photo-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau8RTgpqnX_xdPJTYpRIoMWsI1HQcayqL45Da_FHYIZCx6E256vISE6SxSQe5pJLdBepJdXaGQP6lb7lW_84ZWU8wsQAslZpR9rZubbg9Bks6ApMl0tHVXt77eN8tHCMnLKTWKyqdh5M/s320/photo-5.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market Roost Cookies </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The retail displays and decor actually add to the charm of the casual setting. In fact, in between courses we surveyed some of the artisan jewelry and tableware for future purchases.</span></span><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l94nOkCBHNdz3sabNktzsTQeCTShPAMQeGVTUfQpFEzHQ6hBTtFhT8xzt9wlRbHmWwal77AQ8uwZQuzaWQOyn5UVG059lGFwDuLXQlYt7fmNeRVa_Ussotxh_LpF9n9vzljUuqD0y1A/s1600/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l94nOkCBHNdz3sabNktzsTQeCTShPAMQeGVTUfQpFEzHQ6hBTtFhT8xzt9wlRbHmWwal77AQ8uwZQuzaWQOyn5UVG059lGFwDuLXQlYt7fmNeRVa_Ussotxh_LpF9n9vzljUuqD0y1A/s320/photo-1.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field Grown Tasting Lettuce Assortment with fruits,<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> honeyed walnuts, candied ginger &n Asian Vinaigrette</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chef Norman takes advantage of local purveyors as often as possible and takes care to use the finest ingredients to assemble his dishes.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The night we dined, Norwegian Salmon on a stick with Cippolini Onions and Lemon Dill Dip was a particular favorite. Cippolinis may be the perfect onion, and their sweetness matched the salmon wonderfully without the added bite of standard onions. Perfectly cooked filet mignon and crab cakes with generous lumps of crab were also well executed. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54XKhvvyalOWbYAq2m9wqXHemoi296mfilBNZScU9zQ1hghLdbMMNj4zOYdKzyFLM6AnDwrhBFZRjxOkaKsWcIawX3Ye2YJHwNYlOS7F8Oc0ZCkHtWWhtKcOvF7nAj6dvYzFXlwzef9k/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54XKhvvyalOWbYAq2m9wqXHemoi296mfilBNZScU9zQ1hghLdbMMNj4zOYdKzyFLM6AnDwrhBFZRjxOkaKsWcIawX3Ye2YJHwNYlOS7F8Oc0ZCkHtWWhtKcOvF7nAj6dvYzFXlwzef9k/s320/photo-3.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filet Mignon with chardonnay demi,<br />
caramelized onions & blue cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In addition to providing an excellent spot for late morning breakfasts, lunch, brunch, afternoon teas and weekend dinners, Market Roost is also the base of a thriving, full service catering operation for corporate and social events of all sizes. The same care and attention that Carol and Norman bring to the cafe and gift shop are sure to provide memorable, well designed events.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Flemington, which has lost some of its better dining establishments, is fortunate to have The Market Roost maintaining its standards and remaining a destination for food lovers looking for casual and fine dining options. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As for that cupcake. We believed that the Banana Rum Cupcake was so good that it deserved its own post. Carol has been kind enough to provide the recipe and we will be trying it and posting our results very soon.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The details:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.marketroost.com/">Market Roost Fine Catering, Restaurant & Gift Gallery</a></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jdevAw2s4rFeYu0eV0eWUPOiC2_7eh1Bu5s00OPInv49iETtLQVn4L2pCr5dethG68GxrhWbGnXhMAtJ6JmIcNw1Ypy975nhas2LkyXS8fmW_EAeJqd85lRUi9Du6apjTRVUbc39uso/s320/MRHEADERHOURS-header2009yellow.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">65 Main Street</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Flemington, NJ 08822</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Closed Monday & Tuesday</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wednesday, 10:30 am -5 pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thursday & Friday, 10:30 am - 4 pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sunday Brunch, 9:30am - 2pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sunday full menu 2pm - 3:30pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dinner served Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 5:30pm - 9pm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">908-788-4949</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br />
</span></span></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-10890037686813255102011-04-22T11:06:00.003-04:002011-04-22T21:35:11.761-04:00Quick and Easy Strawberry Tiramisu<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvj3AmMNQNP6Fqx8tnDnJ9Lffg009UD66Gj1598Nnj2CCem8mcCpqlblIjzCeYMvdAms2UyRl4lFsQ5Geezk3fQ1ilkNB1oJU8Pa4ABjVZt6lIsX9lvgQ1gu9AJZLFad9ZKGyqkqhbeqA/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvj3AmMNQNP6Fqx8tnDnJ9Lffg009UD66Gj1598Nnj2CCem8mcCpqlblIjzCeYMvdAms2UyRl4lFsQ5Geezk3fQ1ilkNB1oJU8Pa4ABjVZt6lIsX9lvgQ1gu9AJZLFad9ZKGyqkqhbeqA/s400/IMG_0098.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great use of local, fresh strawberries that will<br />
soon be available for picking at our local farms.<br />
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</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">W</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ith the Spring holiday and graduation season in full gear and the invitations for house parties increasing, many of us will be accepting invitations with this common closing comment: </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll bring dessert. </span></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i></i>If you don't bake very often you may be tempted (as I often am) to go for a store-bought solution. But you must agree, while store purchased goodies are certainly appreciated, there is something truly special and personal about home made creations. They are not just gifts of food, but of a person's time, and are as fun to give as to receive.</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Strawberry Tiramisu recipe is easy and pretty enough to make even a novice like me look like a pro. If you make this in a rectangular baking dish, we recommend presenting this in a slightly larger flat basket lined with colorful kale and garnished with long stemmed strawberries. For a more personal touch, make your own version of strawberry jam or compote.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(click "read more" for recipe and to continue reading this post)</span></i> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 cups strawberry preserves*</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup plus 4 Tablespoons Cointreau or other orange liqueur</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup fresh orange juice</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 pound mascarpone cheese (at room temperature)</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/3 cups chilled heavy cream</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/3 cup granulated sugar</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">50 (approximately) crisp ladyfingers (or Savoiardi)</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 pounds fresh strawberries hulled and sliced</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a sauce pan, stir strawberry preserves over medium low heat for 10 minutes. Off the heat, add 1/2 cup Cointreau and orange juice and whisk to incorporate. Set aside. Place mascarpone cheese and 2 Tablespoons Cointreau in large bowl; fold just to blend and set aside. In electric mixer, beat cream, sugar, vanilla and remaining 2 Tablespoons Cointreau to soft peaks. Stir 1/4 of whipped cream mixture into mascarpone mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining whipped cream.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spread 3/4 cup preserve mixture over bottom of 3 quart oblong serving dish or 13 x 9 x 2 inch glass baking dish. Arrange enough ladyfingers over preserve mixture to cover bottom of dish. Spoon 3/4 cup preserve mixture over ladyfingers then spread 2 1/2 cup mascarpone mixture over. Arrange sliced strawberries over mascarpone mixture. Repeat layering with remaining ladyfingers, preserve mixture and mascarpone mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makes 8 large servings</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adapted by oldest sister Sharon** from Giada De Laurentiis’ recipe in Bon Appetit</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*We noticed that the sugar content of the jam has a direct effect on the sweetness of the tiramisu, so consider this when choosing products. To cut sugar, reduce the amount of jam and mix in blended fresh strawberries.</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**For the record: Oldest sister Sharon and mom are the bakers in the family. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this tiramisu, or ideas for easy desserts for the baking challenged among us</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div></span></div></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-5735571527847697382011-04-13T10:00:00.005-04:002011-04-22T21:38:48.313-04:00PEACE VALLEY LAVENDER FARM – Bucks County, PA, provides the special ingredient in Grilled Salmon with Lavender and Honey Lavender Ice Cream<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9sxnpr3pgCx4SsmkM4Z8pAar-Ysx5qAMoZVj7ute16Q4VTLpwrMxHClq8RBWyPzWMluikEXj2hbhElqC0hEVfaGquzS0ZR3NGzHW7dM5bbZmHPsOdCNQeLBEoGaUP41BQ0Ji5vpP5pA/s1600/Peace+Valley+Farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9sxnpr3pgCx4SsmkM4Z8pAar-Ysx5qAMoZVj7ute16Q4VTLpwrMxHClq8RBWyPzWMluikEXj2hbhElqC0hEVfaGquzS0ZR3NGzHW7dM5bbZmHPsOdCNQeLBEoGaUP41BQ0Ji5vpP5pA/s400/Peace+Valley+Farm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfectly named Peace Valley Lavender Farm<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">was quite intrigued when my sister first told me about a farm in Doylestown, PA that grew and harvested lavender. Even with expectations high considering the farms name and my sister’s gushing description, I still had one of those “oh my” moments once we reached our destination. I can’t imagine a more appropriately named location than Peace Valley Lavender Farm. </span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48qtdggFP1fqbQGPTTJckmHrHQSVRiCMRnIFTyevFYtE5l6-zJo5aYbanQEW2FYPLGLYTlfZ1_RvZpsRzBDpQy7Bg7iCaudgNiB-4mCZYb5tVBWqbFgTkFhgztPJPpDdu80m5DnSbqUM/s1600/100_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48qtdggFP1fqbQGPTTJckmHrHQSVRiCMRnIFTyevFYtE5l6-zJo5aYbanQEW2FYPLGLYTlfZ1_RvZpsRzBDpQy7Bg7iCaudgNiB-4mCZYb5tVBWqbFgTkFhgztPJPpDdu80m5DnSbqUM/s320/100_1070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The farm is perched on a hill, with fields of blue-violet blossoms carpeting a view of a rolling countryside that includes Peace Valley Park and Lake Galena. </span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">During our visit Patti Lyons, who is co-owner with her husband George, explained that they harvest several varieties of lavender used for products made in the farm's workshop. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A quaint and well appointed gift shop on the premises provides a selection of products for bath & body, as well as floral arrangements and home decor products. Gift baskets on display during our visit seemed like perfect mother’s day gifts. For more information regarding the farm and their wide selection of products, visit their website </span><a href="http://www.peacevalleylavender.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDM7g69NJb_Oov8ZOtCXKa1V0HI6VM4JlWCUjHdOXl5fs-8xVgejHEguUTCokVe6mQQrApc1PG7RXSOCjHBdeNmGfy7Ge_c7O1X8f4FFjRuuRypAgEtcsmTdGbpe_Zy8HoCI2IAqerIxY/s1600/100_1095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDM7g69NJb_Oov8ZOtCXKa1V0HI6VM4JlWCUjHdOXl5fs-8xVgejHEguUTCokVe6mQQrApc1PG7RXSOCjHBdeNmGfy7Ge_c7O1X8f4FFjRuuRypAgEtcsmTdGbpe_Zy8HoCI2IAqerIxY/s320/100_1095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 8px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For those, like us, interested in the culinary applications of lavender, the shop sells lavender infused honey (8 oz. $6), Organic Dark Chocolate Bar with lavender ($3) and organic culinary lavender (5oz $6). Recipe cards </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">with a small packet of product attached</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, such as the one we used to make the cookies above, are available for those wanting to try a sample ($2). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(click "read more" for recipes, photos and to continue reading this post)</i></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lyons recommends a mid-late June visit to view the farm during the height of the lavender blooming season. However we can assure you, anytime, is a good time to visit Peace Valley Lavender Farm.</span></span><br />
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<div style="font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Grilled Salmon with Lavender</span></b></span></div></div><div style="font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Recipe provided by Peace Valley Lavender Farm)</span></i></span></div></div></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQbyHjwx_Ojhxp55zL_pAOuZpyaQsmlit9ZvMD2BVeUkM1acp-s74P9j1Wvy9kSi5ltuCRaFmFnaEjxp2hlPZ3P1nI2DwOV80WvHVzaaIX9rJjsK7cNZhjBLLLfBFtoHgBRmibgbYgRY/s320/0411012224.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In my version, I pan-seared the salmon.*</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 pounds Salmon Filet</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4 Tbsp Honey</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">½ tsp Lavender Flowers, crushed with mortar and pestle</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">¼ Cup White Wine</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 Tbsp Tamarind Paste (or Worcestershire Sauce)</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 tsp Lemon Juice</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mix all ingredients (except Salmon) in saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a wire whisk at all times until ingredients are reduced by one-third to create a sauce. Allow sauce to cool slightly then brush on salmon filet.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Grill salmon, basting with sauce occasionally, setting some aside to top when served.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Salmon is cooked when fish flakes with a fork.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To bake salmon, preheat oven to 350. Cover salmon with sauce, setting some aside to pour on salmon before serving. Bake for 10 minutes or until salmon flakes with a fork, basting occasionally.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">* I recommend reducing the amount of honey by half if pan searing fish.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhK7KITUKwUp6dXA9NYg-Xa2xwWP2c2ge8jhJHqpB2XH_Cwpb8cXVwtwlFE4tdTj2nruW-lEOTJQ3Pjelh7NE5UoGq-WPLb6LY1kNTFYiTECma6MYDBU0QMwY5KtoJbn6p-kRkF8W3D8/s1600/100_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhK7KITUKwUp6dXA9NYg-Xa2xwWP2c2ge8jhJHqpB2XH_Cwpb8cXVwtwlFE4tdTj2nruW-lEOTJQ3Pjelh7NE5UoGq-WPLb6LY1kNTFYiTECma6MYDBU0QMwY5KtoJbn6p-kRkF8W3D8/s320/100_1120.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lavender–Honey Ice Cream</span></b></span></div></div><div style="font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">recipe from The Best of Ice Cream A Cookbook by Beverly Cox & Malvina C. Kinard </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">USA 1994 by Collins Publishers San Francisco</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span></span></div></div><div style="font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"></div></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 Cups whole milk</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">½ cup honey</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 to 1 ½ tsps dried lavender blossoms</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4 thin strips each orange and lemon zest</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6 large egg yolks</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">½ cup sugar</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/8 tsps salt</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 cups heavy cream, chilled</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 tsp pure vanilla extract</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, honey, lavender, and zests. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the honey. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve set over a medium bowl and set aside.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the top of double boiler or a medium stainless steel bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar and salt for 3-4 minutes, or until pale yellow. Gradually whisk in the mil mixture. Place the top of the double boiler or the bowl over a pan of simmering (not boiling) water and cook, stirring constantly, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the custard thickens enough to coat the pack of a spoon. Remove the custard from the water and stir in the cream, lemon juice, and vanilla.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12px Times New Roman; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chill the mixture for 30 minutes, then pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Makes about 1 ½ quarts.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">More recipes are available on the farm </span><a href="http://www.peacevalleylavender.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">website</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<div style="font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Peace Valley Lavender Farm</span></span></div></div><div style="font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">802 New Galena Road</span></span></div></div><div style="font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Doylestown, PA 18901</span></span></div></div><div style="font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">215-249-8462</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thurs. - Sat., 10AM - 5PM</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sun. - 12PM - 5PM</span></span></div></div><div style="color: blue; font: 12px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.peacevalleylavender.com/">http://www.peacevalleylavender.com</a></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-1518899271067109692011-04-06T18:17:00.000-04:002011-04-06T18:17:07.251-04:00Update: MIKONOS Restaurant in Ewing, NJ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9-TBAsGDL9PERxLG59uAPkRKwdLM5CKl1pJfbr7J3HQ9O5I6fSvq1q2Au5UJdP9j2WXqLdd-qDPSUTTCmcUMH4_WA5MlLYNfrNpmb-SGb1_wYFzdUYhLQdErnyG5xuDGACyKjVdLros/s1600/EPSON002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9-TBAsGDL9PERxLG59uAPkRKwdLM5CKl1pJfbr7J3HQ9O5I6fSvq1q2Au5UJdP9j2WXqLdd-qDPSUTTCmcUMH4_WA5MlLYNfrNpmb-SGb1_wYFzdUYhLQdErnyG5xuDGACyKjVdLros/s320/EPSON002.JPG" width="235" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t seems alot of people are searching the web for MIKONOS Restaurant in Ewing. We know this because most of those Googlers are winding up at our little site here.</span></span></div></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Last week we mentioned in a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://gardenstateonaplate.blogspot.com/2011/04/side-dish-what-were-reading-eating-and.html">Side Dish</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> post that we stopped by a new restaurant, Mikonos in Ewing. We mentioned that they were brand spanking new and still working out kinks, but were overwhelmed - in a good way - with new customers who simply saw the Grand Opening sign and ventured into the restaurant.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The restaurant does not have a website yet, so this blog is where those seachers land. With that in mind, we've added some information for those of you looking for MIKONOS.</span><br />
<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> One reason that may be fueling the public attention is that the restaurant had been undergoing renovations for months, and area residents have been teased with the prospect of a new dining spot during that entire time, myself included.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I stopped in Mikonos again and hopefully we will soon be doing a feature </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here. In the interim, information is available on the front of the scanned takeout menu above. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If you go, or oder takeout, remember they are in the early stages of operation and didn't expect to be so busy. I have to admit, I enjoyed the souvlaki very much. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7PGhT83qSbV1Hf4jBukg4J7h_zwvo1FOACSE8phMT3DeEzR2QwOku16gfvcY6OviiVo8LDzmGYLuiH6zLSJtLmBuTE6Q3ytP_C8N0OzsW7VehSHl6YIVfJPrlqGhgUDd6uw-cnuo7jg/s1600/EPSON003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7PGhT83qSbV1Hf4jBukg4J7h_zwvo1FOACSE8phMT3DeEzR2QwOku16gfvcY6OviiVo8LDzmGYLuiH6zLSJtLmBuTE6Q3ytP_C8N0OzsW7VehSHl6YIVfJPrlqGhgUDd6uw-cnuo7jg/s320/EPSON003.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Contact information and a note from the back of the menu:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">MIKONOS Restaurant </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">50 Scotch Road</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ewing, NJ 08618</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">609-883-9333</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">fax: 609-883-9332</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-76497626936635373492011-04-03T00:26:00.002-04:002011-04-04T01:14:18.951-04:00Side Dish - what we're reading, eating and talking about . . . Gourmet Books, André's Wine & Cheese Shop and Bravo TV's Top Chef.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAISAjfiQip2R89Y7LcKvsxHFTZgUWBeOCG19Ge2K_6v_sZX2_DBXMMRWZqw_29nfdONunVAAEVoTUJ_Wdvr8RyS_mtlW6OY4TpbtC4RAqY6aedmgmhgIGUqI2RHP4GbNzsgiWmk_9Io/s1600/100_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAISAjfiQip2R89Y7LcKvsxHFTZgUWBeOCG19Ge2K_6v_sZX2_DBXMMRWZqw_29nfdONunVAAEVoTUJ_Wdvr8RyS_mtlW6OY4TpbtC4RAqY6aedmgmhgIGUqI2RHP4GbNzsgiWmk_9Io/s400/100_1063.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Andre's Wine & Cheese Shop's </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sweet Pita Pie:</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Fig jam, goat cheese, salami, sundried tomatoes</span> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">U</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sed book shops are a great place to pick up cookbooks for a fraction of their original cost. We came across a shop in Doylestown, PA, <a href="http://doylestownusedbooks.com/site/page1.aspx">Central Books</a> at 35 West State Street, that had a nice selection of relatively new cook books in excellent condition. I picked up a 1994 edition of Gourmet’s America published by Condé Nast Books. It was a bittersweet pick-up as it reminded me of how much I miss receiving the now deceased monthly edition of Gourmet Magazine. The <a href="http://www.gourmet.com/">website version </a>is certainly worthy of its namesake print predecessor for content, but it lacks the tactile pleasure of the published version. I was shocked when I first heard of Gourmet’s demise and couldn’t understand the basis of Condé Nast’s decision to cease publication. At the time, Vikram Doctor wrote an excellent piece in the Economic Times breaking down the breakdown of the Ruth Reichl edited Gourmet. It’s still available online <a href="http://tinyurl.com/3aupgpl">here</a> and is a good read for anyone interested in the state of food journalism . . . <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b>hile in Doylestown and </span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">upon recommendation from our friends at Central Books, </span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">we stopped for a bite to eat at <a href="http://www.andreswineandcheese.com/">André’s Wine & Cheese Shop</a> (22 South Main) . It was our first time at Andrés and we will definitely be back. The selection of imported cheese was excellent and we found the cozy atmosphere quite charming . . . <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">F</span></b>inally, it’s not often that a cooking show makes you cry. But as we watched the finale of <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef">BravoTV’s Top Chef All Stars</a> , it was hard not to tear up at the emotional finale last week while watching Michael Isabella and Richard Blais bare their creative culinary souls and put it all on the line in their head to head battle. That such a long competition could be decided by such a small margin was extraordinary; it was not unlike watching two great marathoners simultaneously lean for the tape. As devoted followers of the show we have declared this the best season yet. According to the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/3vsa4tp">ratings,</a> we were not alone in our opinion.</span></span></span></b></span></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-44027966056506259702011-04-01T23:58:00.001-04:002011-04-06T17:03:28.600-04:00Side Dish - what we're reading, eating and talking about . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gNfvPdJJQCcD6M5e3djpGLEfrrzMpPCO4vKIm-t4K4MZlUxG9GNHhtx92TDXI_sjdy0mzGtt9Kb9YZtrVokEmvnwmfhBtU5R0xn6XN8xdEeQISBzFqyk7aB080BiIXtxieaaa-wIh1k/s320/ediblejersey.jpg" width="246" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">f</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you have even a modest interest in the Garden State’s fresh, organic or local sourcing food scene, you should be reading <i><a href="http://www.ediblecommunities.com/jersey/">edible Jersey</a></i>. I devour every beautifully photographed and well written issue. Both the print and online magazine are filled with resources for farm to table shopping and special events. Even the advertisements are must reads, for</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> an introduction to new places or a reminder to make a return visit to a few old favorites . . . <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">K</span></b>udus to our friends John and Lisa at the wonderful blog <a href="http://www.eatinginsjersey.com/">Eating in South Jersey</a>, they received a mention in<a href="http://njmonthly.com/articles/best-of-Jersey/best-blogs.html"> New Jersey Monthly's Best of NJ Issue</a> . . . <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Y</span></b>esterday I stopped by a new Greek restaurant, Mikonos in Ewing, NJ, basically on a whim. I found the owner beside himself. He was positioned for a slow, soft opening and he and his team were not ready for the sheer volume of diners that lined up for lunch and streamed in for dinner. He was shocked at the traffic generated by simply hanging a "Grand Opening" sign out front. Not that he was complaining, he smiled as he admitted it was a nice problem to have. This got me to thinking, we often read about the 60% failure rate of new restaurants, but how many properly planned, financed, managed and marketed restaurants serving great food and offering excellent service succeed? Who keeps <i>that</i> stat? . . .</span></span><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">P</span></b>icked up these sweet little brussel </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sprouts Wednesday </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Uc2TuLFbq9Bb5tALfY3xIgLYT1-uRQ3dMNgM7H8b12JV8GZ5L5tk0dl-I325WmVj57NBHUe0igVRjZhBNOOb7qp110alpeqFdY1BxnBPBfLXYz4PTNGbaNk0cPFKcrlv_3d792Hes-k/s1600/100_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Uc2TuLFbq9Bb5tALfY3xIgLYT1-uRQ3dMNgM7H8b12JV8GZ5L5tk0dl-I325WmVj57NBHUe0igVRjZhBNOOb7qp110alpeqFdY1BxnBPBfLXYz4PTNGbaNk0cPFKcrlv_3d792Hes-k/s320/100_1055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">they made a lovely companion to an Angus T-bone. Onion, olive oil, butter, salt & pepper were the only other ingredients needed to create this . . .</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc96Xoh_DZI-c9OUFZX9qYBh61XUst7wBwKhalcOksOTZ42gvt11d72nbN3tSypJr4pHxUi2WapHxT-8K3-Z-0hyphenhyphenQX6qhtK6JXeOLS5Adi3Q_pV9pz1i5lRDFddMIa7P1WOdOkCNWvqA/s1600/100_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc96Xoh_DZI-c9OUFZX9qYBh61XUst7wBwKhalcOksOTZ42gvt11d72nbN3tSypJr4pHxUi2WapHxT-8K3-Z-0hyphenhyphenQX6qhtK6JXeOLS5Adi3Q_pV9pz1i5lRDFddMIa7P1WOdOkCNWvqA/s320/100_1060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>t’s April 1st, which means <i>goodbye</i> to: snow (we hope), green beer and too-short days and <i>hello</i> to: daffadils and asparagus- evidence that the growing season has begun, the opening of seasonal <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/searches/urban.htm">Community Farmer’s Markets</a> and the swapping of treadmills and stationary bikes for outdoor tracks and pavement.</span></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-87445056584771952902011-03-31T20:41:00.001-04:002011-04-01T08:14:07.642-04:00Italian with a Hint of Spain: Villaggio Restaurant & Brick Oven Pizza- Manahawkin, NJ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2UEM4tcKj0xE1vvx8pNpTXTkUdiJSg8SF0JZDypJKFPaCHkUpGeLtEhomGxbZRUWjm8W_ZK8mWRsfXHXp0GS7fUxovGz9eaPLpBNrPhJgLXSzzXWW9M6WS-wytLq1FmGUfQ0Cekxc6w/s1600/100_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2UEM4tcKj0xE1vvx8pNpTXTkUdiJSg8SF0JZDypJKFPaCHkUpGeLtEhomGxbZRUWjm8W_ZK8mWRsfXHXp0GS7fUxovGz9eaPLpBNrPhJgLXSzzXWW9M6WS-wytLq1FmGUfQ0Cekxc6w/s400/100_0827.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The owner's Spanish roots explain </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this popular menu item:Spanish Paella</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t's a well known fact that the best way to ensure eating well while on vacation is to learn where the locals dine. If you were to poll the residents in and around the coastal town of Manahawkin for excellent</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Italian-American restaurants, chances are Villaggio will be at the top of many lists.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEX5lFKgQzHeeV6NXR_5p4EwvBTiG705XKboqv1LVulngzhjQjXyvK6T9sAjidexmw_XGMHx94frAjrh0SZethJLIhVmWD3iiMROcBb8lgJFD2DBJUnRBjUncsAJ-Bq70RDo0xyw52u0/s1600/100_0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEX5lFKgQzHeeV6NXR_5p4EwvBTiG705XKboqv1LVulngzhjQjXyvK6T9sAjidexmw_XGMHx94frAjrh0SZethJLIhVmWD3iiMROcBb8lgJFD2DBJUnRBjUncsAJ-Bq70RDo0xyw52u0/s320/100_0820.JPG" width="179" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Since opening in May 2008, this BYOB restaurant located "off-island" just a short hop from Route 72 has become a popular destination for both year-round and summer residents. In fact, while many are fighting traffic driving over the bridge to dine on the island, our friends are traveling west from Harvey Cedars and Barnegat Light to dig into Chicken Valdestona (stuffed with bufala mozzarella, proscuitto </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and fresh basil, $14.95) and Spanish Paella (half lobster, shrimp, scallops mussels, clams, saffron rice and sweet peas, $20.95).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Chef Carlos and his staff, working in full view of diners from an open kitchen, serve up traditional and contemporary Italian dishes as well as bubbling hot, crispy-crusted pizzas and nightly specials. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A few Spanish selections, including Spanish Paella from a personal recipe courtesy of owner Maria Devalorous, add to the menu's diversity.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In addition to bringing her Spanish touch to the menu, Maria maintains a dynamic presence in the dining room, working non-stop greeting visitors and ensuring that the front of house guest experience matches the quality food produced in the kitchen.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn1CqtWHLqGki8YFZW2InD5tmLX8PXkQpln-ytiN35eE1SvDfWp1hELEpNGE7lSALtjdx-P6Dk-P3rigqR7hO9CFObExOyjdwDi6yuN5-nRcPLNB0Rz_QQtdgu1ZTmWHoPJiNHmdC0zM/s1600/100_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn1CqtWHLqGki8YFZW2InD5tmLX8PXkQpln-ytiN35eE1SvDfWp1hELEpNGE7lSALtjdx-P6Dk-P3rigqR7hO9CFObExOyjdwDi6yuN5-nRcPLNB0Rz_QQtdgu1ZTmWHoPJiNHmdC0zM/s400/100_0821.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tables with a clear view of the kitchen are popular <br />
with families - lots of action to keep the kids entertained.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Villaggio, which means "little village" in Italian, lives up to its name. The dark interior decor with walls of countryside murals, Juliet balconies and tiny lights twinkling from the high ceiling is meant to convey the sense of dining under the stars in a classic Italian village. According to the restaurant's manager, Wes, it is not unusual for the 134 seat restaurant to serve well over 500 diners on a weekend night in season. A sixty-seat private dining room is available for private parties and they have also branched out into off-premise catering.</span></div><div><div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqg1c9VWdUwy4WmMbjH15koTkO4U2oyaUJeaUIs8Qy3mhT74_khOPYTeO7C0jpX-wqg8NG0iJc8hYGqTQqg1D8t53DU9pJMUfuMNy_KKAHYi4UnR-SxBa4FnzM1ASaEsBiExpwy_Sj84/s1600/100_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqg1c9VWdUwy4WmMbjH15koTkO4U2oyaUJeaUIs8Qy3mhT74_khOPYTeO7C0jpX-wqg8NG0iJc8hYGqTQqg1D8t53DU9pJMUfuMNy_KKAHYi4UnR-SxBa4FnzM1ASaEsBiExpwy_Sj84/s200/100_0819.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pergala table is often requested </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So if you are one of the 100,000 or so visitors who will be heading toward Long Beach Island this summer, you'll want to add Villaggio Restaurant & Brick Oven Pizza to your list of family dining options. If you go, stop back in here and let us know your thoughts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Villaggio Restaurant & Brick Oven Pizza</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">100 McKinley Avenue</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Manahawkin, NJ </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">609-978-9899</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.villaggiomanahawkin.com/">www.villaggiomanahawkin.com</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Open Tuesday - Sunday for lunch and dinner, but please check with restaurant for seasonal hours.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Closed Mondays - (except available for private parties of 80 or more). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-81858419482801422102011-03-21T17:45:00.000-04:002011-03-21T17:45:24.434-04:00Second Annual New Hope & Lambertville Restaurant Week<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj49KjmmvTGNh8huiJY8HF-agifByUDxJcDSOt2FbZWBkSzLegUZJnpCGILzX08Un_J6NhPKc26WnIiqYgDNK3fiMF425BqhyAIp3qXEV380kNUk9TVAsKYu4UqCjo_N4nDGAoDr9GXJ4/s1600/100_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj49KjmmvTGNh8huiJY8HF-agifByUDxJcDSOt2FbZWBkSzLegUZJnpCGILzX08Un_J6NhPKc26WnIiqYgDNK3fiMF425BqhyAIp3qXEV380kNUk9TVAsKYu4UqCjo_N4nDGAoDr9GXJ4/s320/100_0813.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick's Italian Restaurant in Lambertiville is offering a $19.95, three course menu.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">F</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or those of us fortunate enough to live in or near the popular dining destinations that straddle the Delaware River : New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ, every week could be considered "restaurant week." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> But the New Hope Chamber of Commerce and the restaurant community have given all of us added incentive to visit old (and discover new) favorite dining spots by offering $29.95 (fine) or $19.95 (casual) prix fixe menus. Marsha Brown, Hamilton Grill, Anton's at the Swan and The Inn at Phillip's Mill are among the list of fine dining establishments participating. For more information click </span></span><a href="http://www.newhopechamber.com/restaurant-week"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to go to the New Hope Chamber of Commerce website.</span></span>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-19482353817711628702010-12-15T22:50:00.004-05:002010-12-18T17:31:33.408-05:00Garden State in a Basket<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAHJczZzhR_1ZPRuIHPuCb_cQi4vWaRJt9MjdL0wzMunNFKGFPEyozJcvs2b2rOrIYe6Mi6LXMOv-piNOxg18CPRM2gNDdqElCa4hLjz-CEI9n2URFSPrQMVR4VUJ42LVtxPAaNPbzfc/s1600/basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAHJczZzhR_1ZPRuIHPuCb_cQi4vWaRJt9MjdL0wzMunNFKGFPEyozJcvs2b2rOrIYe6Mi6LXMOv-piNOxg18CPRM2gNDdqElCa4hLjz-CEI9n2URFSPrQMVR4VUJ42LVtxPAaNPbzfc/s320/basket.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">GSOP recently donated a basket filled with NJ produced </span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">food items and books for a charity silent auction.</span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="font: 19.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 29px/normal Times; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O</span></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ne of the best ways to advocate for New Jersey as a perfect state for foodies is to share its bounty with others. With that concept in mind, the bloggers here at Garden State on A Plate recently donated the basket pictured above for the Fourth Annual Mercer County Sports & Entertainment Commission's Luncheon and fundraiser. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In addition to good eats, we included a few publications we felt were good reads and would be beneficial to both those well versed in Jersey's food resources, as well as others new to the state. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The most surprising aspect of our efforts was just how easy it was to fill a really big basket with wonderful local products. All of the food products were purchased within a few miles of our central New Jersey homes at three locations: </span></span><a href="http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/princeton/catering/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whole Foods Market </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and </span></span><a href="http://www.terhuneorchards.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Terhune Orchards</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> in Princeton and </span></span><a href="http://www.thetrentonfarmersmarket.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Trenton Farmers Market </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in Lawrence Township. Most of the products are also available at neighborhood stores and supermarkets. The hardest part? Leaving so many great local items out of the basket. We easily could have filled several baskets with completely different products. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here is an item list with links (when available) for more information on these local gems:</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 15.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Food & Beverage Items:</span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Bottle of 2009 Revolutionary Red Wine from Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes, NJ </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.unionvillevineyards.com/sites/courses/layout.asp?id=825&page=45606"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.unionvillevineyards.com</span></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cookies and Apples from Terhune Orchards, Lawrenceville, </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.terhuneorchards.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.terhuneorchards.com</span></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Farmer Steve’s Popcorn, from Amwell Valley Organic Grains, Ringoes, NJ, </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.farmersteve.com/">www.farmersteve.com</a> </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cocoa Bee Artisanal Chocolates from Donna & Company/Artisanal Chocolates, Cranford, NJ, </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.shopdonna.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.shopdonna.com</span></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jersey Fresh Honey from Stiles Apiaries, Fords, NJ </span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(732) 661-0700</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jersey Blues all Natural Blueberry Iced Tea, Whitesbog Village, NJ, </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blueberryhealth.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.blueberryhealth.com</span></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Muirhead Apple Cranberry Chutney, Ringoes, NJ </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.muirheadfoods.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.muirheadfoods.com</span></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FunniBonz Barbecue Sauce, West Windsor, NJ, </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://funnibonz.com/cart/">www.FunniBonz.com</a></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 Monkeys Mustard, </span></span><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.3Monkeysmustard.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.3Monkeysmustard.com</span></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Severino Homemade Pasta, Westmont, NJ, </span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_791513455"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></a><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.severinopasta.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.severinopasta.com</span></span></a></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fattoria Fresc</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a-Jersey Fresh Crushed Tomatoes, Williamstown, NJ</span></span></li>
</ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Non-food Items</span></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$25.00 Gift Certificate to Hamilton’s Grill Room in Lambertville, NJ, <a href="http://www.hamiltonsgrillroom.com/">http://www.hamiltonsgrillroom.com/ </a></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$25.00 Gift Certificate to The Ferry House in Princeton, <a href="NJhttp://www.theferryhouse.com/">NJhttp://www.theferryhouse.com/</a></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Book: Zagat 2010/2011 NJ Restaurant Guide</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Book: Food Lovers Guide to New Jersey, by Peter Genovese</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Book: The Farm Markets of Central New Jersey, published by the Garden Club of Princeton</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Copy of Edible Jersey Magazine</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Copy of <a href="http://njmonthly.com/">NJ Monthly Magazine </a>-</span></span></li>
</ol><br />
</span></div><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-5980982007551606462010-12-01T21:54:00.012-05:002010-12-12T20:25:39.195-05:00Chicken Croquettes-70 years later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaM4wPzE2FmDvDqswjHeEk4jLm7TJZ2LswMdaZ8C_WlYhf2Lsee-cot7Ac-m-89Vah-UQLHZk_OkWH6WvExRpJoqrUWyzlz0KZ_Cq1D9LmiOiA6uPrumspwgLYLd9y7BrT4DnL65g9sLo/s1600/wwII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaM4wPzE2FmDvDqswjHeEk4jLm7TJZ2LswMdaZ8C_WlYhf2Lsee-cot7Ac-m-89Vah-UQLHZk_OkWH6WvExRpJoqrUWyzlz0KZ_Cq1D9LmiOiA6uPrumspwgLYLd9y7BrT4DnL65g9sLo/s400/wwII.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A World War II era cookbook included a recipe for<br />
the diner menu staple: Chicken Croquettes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hen my sister Sharon first told me she was making chicken croquettes my biggest concern was that she expected me to eat them. She had found </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">an old war-time "patriotic"cookbook at a yard sale and w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e thought it would be fun to pick a recipe and see how well it held up as an original, or if it inspired a modern version. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> "Chicken Croquettes? Are you joking?" I blurted when she told me of her selection.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> For many of us of a certain age, chicken croquettes conjure up images of crusty, paste-colored little pyramids dished out by snarly shcool cafeteria ladies; a food better suited for punishment than nourishment. An unruly lunch crowd on Monday? Chicken croquettes for sure on Tuesday. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Interestingly enough my sister, who had dined in the same cafeterias and in as many diners as I have, claimed she had never eaten them, didn't even know what they looked like.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> "I think they sound good," she said and began listing the ingredients, "chicken, mayonnaise . . ."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I refused to give. "Fried chicken salad, yum." </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> She then made an insincere offer to make something else or yield the choice to me, which she knew I would refuse. It became clear that she had taken a liking to the croquette concept and was determined to prove me wrong. Somehow it had become a matter of pride. Chicken croquettes then, full steam ahead.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here's the video of our experiment:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzh1K-8Ad3hpQFkYQZrCU5wWx99zVcmD1_QEHhVNxwHabXpmQpGfRbb35eDJLqKhLFP9PJpFTKNhebwhypvmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Undeterred by the visual confirmation of my "fried chicken salad" Sharon soldiered on. We never actually witness anyone eating the resulting croquettes (apparently the leftovers were taken to work as lunch the next day by her husband, Bob) and will have to take her word that they were "quite good." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8JRGx5MO-cl_PBTymCgQVIJ7Kd58Fu0ghNRMgyFEz2PqSAEytyXjPVOEWxRv2decBP6aqnNsXXDdBOjTnbTl_tYpxuUyuRdklBNsPCwxxX5GhtGLPJTcTI0jOUHrEScDA3lEHPhsp04/s200/100_0875.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These local diner croquettes were of the<br />
high school cafeteria variety</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sharon recommend serving them with a dipping sauce such as dijonnaise or a sweet and sour barbecue sauce. I do know this, they had to be better than the towers of sawdust and chicken (see photo at right) served at a local diner which shall remain nameless. I brought these home to my mom , who thought Chicken Croquettes were exotic and French when she ordered them as a child at Horn & Hardarts in New York. Her verdict on our modern diner version: </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let the croquettes, croak.</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Click on "read more" for recipe and photo</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the truly brave among you, here's the recipe from <i>The Modern Hostess Cook Book - Patriotic Edition</i>, published by Dell and sold for 10 cents in 1942:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup Mayonnaise 2 tablespoons water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups chopped cooked chicken</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 teaspoon sugar 1 cup fine breadcrumbs or rice</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon grated onion fine crumbs for coating</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Combine Mayonnaise and seasoning in a bowl. Gradually stir in water. Add chicken and soft bread crumbs (or rice), mix with a fork until thoroughly blended. Let stand 5 minutes. Shape into croquettes and roll in dry crumbs until evenly coated. Line an ungreased baking sheet with brown paper, Place croquettes on this, 1/2 inch apart. Bake in very hot oven (450F) 15-20 minutes or until browned, serves 5 or 6.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5VG8AaPZXVoexAM-yp7bx8Z9w_-ytk8B1dszSCiSUxE8Jzl5E0T8CrJ9giJbpQywM7gQr6jTNKKD0eyXWBbzcRaatg69QRd1WKuECjSJqEtEIvOJprZ1ZbvFbbVJnZIFLP0OkgRpVso/s1600/Chicken+Croquettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5VG8AaPZXVoexAM-yp7bx8Z9w_-ytk8B1dszSCiSUxE8Jzl5E0T8CrJ9giJbpQywM7gQr6jTNKKD0eyXWBbzcRaatg69QRd1WKuECjSJqEtEIvOJprZ1ZbvFbbVJnZIFLP0OkgRpVso/s320/Chicken+Croquettes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharon's Chicken croquettes (circa 1942)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Any thoughts on the value of Chicken Croquettes, either diner or home prepared? Let us know.</span>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-83576290170688203442010-11-19T21:44:00.000-05:002010-11-19T21:44:28.102-05:00C'est La Vie French Bakery & Cafe - A little bit of Paris on the Delaware<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br />
</span> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Crk-i8MjruZbeuo65ch2m-zkWnXcFJHOlUuYRPNHPw3ygPOfwsnrAzZgnDxwtbYZJ4d9A4sumdlZ1c6BfJml0v0NLjL8LKE4FnbLb4z8isZ-CpNgOwriU39x46fudSO-8FJiSAioM-8/s1600/100_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Crk-i8MjruZbeuo65ch2m-zkWnXcFJHOlUuYRPNHPw3ygPOfwsnrAzZgnDxwtbYZJ4d9A4sumdlZ1c6BfJml0v0NLjL8LKE4FnbLb4z8isZ-CpNgOwriU39x46fudSO-8FJiSAioM-8/s400/100_0869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>’ve never been to Paris. But, C’est La Vie French Bakery in New Hope, Pennsylvania is exactly what I imagine a french patisserie to be.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Situated at the end of a narrow alley off of South Main Street, C’est la Vie is a tiny shop with low ceilings and dark wood walls. This was not my first visit, and each time I walk through the door I’m met with the familiar scent of freshly baked baguettes, fresh brewed coffee and sugary sweets. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I stand in front of the glass enclosed case full of glistening fruit tartelettes, cookies, pastries, millefeuilles and gateau, I feel as though I have entered a fine jewelry shop, browsing for just the right gem in the perfect setting. But these rubies and sapphires were strawberries and blueberries nestled in a topaz crust. They were truly treasures, not to be worn–to be eaten. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hmm...what will it be? The decision would be difficult. After all, I couldn’t afford one of each. (I’m talking about my hips not my pocketbook.) Everything looked so beautiful. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqhnehRa2Vp3dEX3w4Ovza3W-ZDQYJc57JIH2ZLVI_ys0XLsS8TmJ0RsMyEAeeI0D34JR09stK4YhodpiGZMQB2kdlfk09CQft5j7jQ1q1OVoQrEQzS7j9_nM0m39KwelX2omgbEk-1I/s1600/100_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqhnehRa2Vp3dEX3w4Ovza3W-ZDQYJc57JIH2ZLVI_ys0XLsS8TmJ0RsMyEAeeI0D34JR09stK4YhodpiGZMQB2kdlfk09CQft5j7jQ1q1OVoQrEQzS7j9_nM0m39KwelX2omgbEk-1I/s320/100_0872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">I finally choose the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><i>pain </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><i>au</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><i>chocolat</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">. One bite and I know this yummy treat will be worth every extra mile on the treadmill. The pastry is buttery and flaky with just the right amount of dark chocolate. I've chosen well. Next time I’ll try a Napoleon, or an eclair or a chocolate cookie...maybe the quiche...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">The authentic Paris vibe found in both the setting and the pastries is the work of proprietor Joel Vitart. Chef Joel, who learned his trade in Paris, spent years tweaking recipes to replicate the flaky, sweet confections available along the Seine. According to his wife and business partner Jane, Joel believes "when you walk through the doors of C'est La Vie, you're walking into France."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C’est La Vie offers a wide assortment of pastries, cakes, cookies, brioche and breads as well as savory quiches and sandwiches. When weather permits, their river-view patio is a great spot to <i>“manger”</i> and watch night sky sparkle.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C’est la Vie French Bakery is the perfect place to relax, sip cafe au lait, nibble on a Madeleine and pretend to read Proust.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJTwwfXMiq3g7m3Ge5mNHAN8_zcpDPjE2pkqBWN6X9yLM82xy3eR1RZFyNnRpkveGCur7lXwm0ziLWfz7ecUUCau2dTf2xfY8fHBDCV9ObT_hQxUwRCowYsXhxF0fw4ix_DRGDjOVTuo/s1600/100_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJTwwfXMiq3g7m3Ge5mNHAN8_zcpDPjE2pkqBWN6X9yLM82xy3eR1RZFyNnRpkveGCur7lXwm0ziLWfz7ecUUCau2dTf2xfY8fHBDCV9ObT_hQxUwRCowYsXhxF0fw4ix_DRGDjOVTuo/s320/100_0871.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C'est La Vie French Bakery & Cafe</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20 South Main Street</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New Hope, PA 18938</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(215) 862-1956</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tues 7:30am-2pm</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wed&Thurs 7:30am-5pm</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fri.-Sun., 7:30am-6pm</span></span></span><br />
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</span></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8037415492618611675.post-41918135049631133692010-09-04T13:19:00.034-04:002010-09-28T23:32:02.319-04:00A Visit to the Viking Cooking School at Ninety Acres in Peapack-Gladstone, NJ<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRbcZsfK6uawBYCaCuvrYIyzZIdeLRjIuca1-MJ9x7jm221CtuvljOBtq-APdC_nqxU2hDd6viQcimEcFZDS9qq6qQWnJsISAVDwHBP2aYjPt8LDnFX3kLfZ_eKuuNueyo8eGXzPAoLI/s1600/100_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRbcZsfK6uawBYCaCuvrYIyzZIdeLRjIuca1-MJ9x7jm221CtuvljOBtq-APdC_nqxU2hDd6viQcimEcFZDS9qq6qQWnJsISAVDwHBP2aYjPt8LDnFX3kLfZ_eKuuNueyo8eGXzPAoLI/s400/100_0753.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Viking kitchen in its final moments of cleanliness prior to class</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y sister Sharon recently treated me to a night out in Rome for my birthday. Nice sister, huh? Actually, she took me to a cooking class titled “Girls Night Out in Rome” at the recently opened </span><a href="http://www.vikingcookingschool.com/hc-cgi-bin/hc?templ=new_vcs%2Fcalendar.html&store=106"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Viking Cooking School </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">at </span><a href="http://www.ninetyacres.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ninety Acres</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. The much talked about “table-at-the-farm” concept restaurant is located on the grounds of Natirar, a Somerset County estate once owned by the King of Morocco.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDwJcqOztC7p8YPuhGcrj4Yt2osjFcspnxO9V-X2qKUjOXj4vUrUamnLfYb3MHuSjY2vPa5gxhYX3-kt2476hBs_EVs7Mh8PnPP0qQNV5F0AzNgn3F-Ft1JZ3WYk73oj-QUqtxUeEchQ/s1600/100_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDwJcqOztC7p8YPuhGcrj4Yt2osjFcspnxO9V-X2qKUjOXj4vUrUamnLfYb3MHuSjY2vPa5gxhYX3-kt2476hBs_EVs7Mh8PnPP0qQNV5F0AzNgn3F-Ft1JZ3WYk73oj-QUqtxUeEchQ/s400/100_0748.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This renovated Carriage House is home to the<br />
Viking Cooking School at Ninety Acres at Natirar </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 50-minute scenic drive north from our starting base of Pennington was capped by a tree-lined winding entrance drive that skirted past a rambling brook and up an incline before revealing our destination: an exquisitely restored Carriage House shared by the school and restaurant.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVBbsKgJtqA9FZFJGm2GfnyMMYugCkpWLG1WszGOXVldm7vB0Dwz2TPUXbMQ_0Jg7VIyDXTLPNzC2KJiCvegmK2DChI-Ijcvg0KziSQCfBzECsXg6aY29GvV7CmiZqhLUOzLqGlYX6KQ/s1600/100_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVBbsKgJtqA9FZFJGm2GfnyMMYugCkpWLG1WszGOXVldm7vB0Dwz2TPUXbMQ_0Jg7VIyDXTLPNzC2KJiCvegmK2DChI-Ijcvg0KziSQCfBzECsXg6aY29GvV7CmiZqhLUOzLqGlYX6KQ/s200/100_0735.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Outdoor entrance/reception area. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The beauty of the setting can not be overstated. When we proud New Jerseyans defend our state from misguided naysayers by pointing out the state’s many scenic areas, this patch of rolling hills in the middle of “horse country” is exactly what we’re talking about.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The school is housed in what was once the garage section of the carriage house. Warm woods, exposed brick and wall-to-wall multi-paned windows provides a sunlight saturated environment that manages to be both spacious and inviting.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX0oZ2Etgb-_2R34s3bdqNh7qX9x84y5fvo9P7Bw9uxtlMR3mItme4Wl4dVSOj8Q4mDCCrMpT5fQ46qJVy9uCgyBT_0nBWYtTYT4fluZBT-3sVekMyFRcRzGCerK0z65O4ognvLitm4s/s1600/100_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX0oZ2Etgb-_2R34s3bdqNh7qX9x84y5fvo9P7Bw9uxtlMR3mItme4Wl4dVSOj8Q4mDCCrMpT5fQ46qJVy9uCgyBT_0nBWYtTYT4fluZBT-3sVekMyFRcRzGCerK0z65O4ognvLitm4s/s400/100_0767.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The space is anchored by a u-shaped state-of-the art cooking island and teaching station; rolling stainless steel tables can be arranged as needed for students. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we arrived, the staff had already completed our mise en place for the class.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cooking tasks for our Roman holiday included: </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Marinated Red Peppers and Olives</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Basic Pasta dough, Homemade Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">with Tomato-Pancetta Butter</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Veal Scaloppini with Prosciutto and Sage</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Saltimbocca alla Romana)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tartufo (Chocolate Gelato with Cherries Rolled in Chocolate)*</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rossini Cocktails*</span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">* items prepared by Viking staff</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99cNaRDcuR0rNLCrNC3-8Mwq0LIzjv8hN6blHq-4K1gwITMzfBFPwNi2he_f73aZ44i53A6WdlRURIOiOCh1lOA4ULfe0RDbCUmjOOzpZtc4UdpQ9Eve6wI9u9nvGN_mQsohDoFWoSKc/s1600/100_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99cNaRDcuR0rNLCrNC3-8Mwq0LIzjv8hN6blHq-4K1gwITMzfBFPwNi2he_f73aZ44i53A6WdlRURIOiOCh1lOA4ULfe0RDbCUmjOOzpZtc4UdpQ9Eve6wI9u9nvGN_mQsohDoFWoSKc/s320/100_0770.JPG" width="233" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An announcement by our instructor Chef Cathy that her standard rule of “no alcohol until the knives are put away” meant that the Rossini’s would have to wait until after our cooking tasks were completed. From the furrowed brows and mumblings amongst the group, it was clear this rule would not be making it back to many home kitchens for implementation. One aspect of our class that would’ve had unanimous support for transfer home was the concept of kitchen assistants. However impractical, we all agreed that having a smiling helper at the ready to whisk away dirty pans and retrieve ingredients would immediately elevate our cooking skills.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwugCP-_q6j1wAmk1kIDffr8fS0HNXWKyQTSesHPQxHYyybTQNcTTiYl2Ot1mxYUbotQ7UcDP3OPqFBogfbfmHnwyShDVEiMS5F7deBy-jXaxyy5vzNjh-atIP1KO0nmwY3JZW9l-_TE0/s1600/100_0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwugCP-_q6j1wAmk1kIDffr8fS0HNXWKyQTSesHPQxHYyybTQNcTTiYl2Ot1mxYUbotQ7UcDP3OPqFBogfbfmHnwyShDVEiMS5F7deBy-jXaxyy5vzNjh-atIP1KO0nmwY3JZW9l-_TE0/s200/100_0754.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pre-set mise en place</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our class consisted of 12 students divided into two teams of six. This allowed for as much, or as little, individual hands on experience as desired by participants. To be clear, a three hour class in this format is not for those aiming at polishing up their knife skills for an appearance on Top Chef. But it is perfect for exploring something new (homemade ravioli) or revisiting a classic preparation (Saltimbocca) in a relaxed, non-threatening environment, and under the guise of a an experienced chef.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDam-MKvwKYHH81cyT8104Eh1E6L7PpZYGrl9Fs5kyktjGn4G9UUS5Bn2F72nUtYliMV1zVyLpLPVxI8q9AKzynj5XyydGzG2BB1ZpeYoPVlEnzY7RikgjinM4ZhMfzWI_kR6gkguAMCk/s1600/peppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDam-MKvwKYHH81cyT8104Eh1E6L7PpZYGrl9Fs5kyktjGn4G9UUS5Bn2F72nUtYliMV1zVyLpLPVxI8q9AKzynj5XyydGzG2BB1ZpeYoPVlEnzY7RikgjinM4ZhMfzWI_kR6gkguAMCk/s200/peppers.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this case our teacher Chef Cathy boasted an impressive resume which included a four-your degree in Education and a successful stint on Wall Street before a move to the Napa Valley, where she found herself working in a gourmet shop. Honing her skills by taking on multiple responsibilities at the shop, she was able to combine teaching and cooking in a post at the Viking School in California where she taught for 71/2 years. She also ran her own cooking school from home, with over 100 students at home and over the Internet.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cathy’s experience was evident as she proved a steady navigator for cooks of varying expertise and had an innate sense of when flailing amateurs required hands-on help (like when our pasta roller yielded only crumbled bundles of dough) or when verbal advice was sufficient.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA78jMCoXilB1thA6A9oN1Ldb1Xsp65qfIq94_SlL56GjabxtDqEiihHD35iFsIdeEh-tp4AB4A9soNtwHpLvbuYI1WFjWjcYiaEqSJslhyN7dn3r2VqY4cVFJlkDlGK88LQ1yflzkmYg/s1600/100_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA78jMCoXilB1thA6A9oN1Ldb1Xsp65qfIq94_SlL56GjabxtDqEiihHD35iFsIdeEh-tp4AB4A9soNtwHpLvbuYI1WFjWjcYiaEqSJslhyN7dn3r2VqY4cVFJlkDlGK88LQ1yflzkmYg/s200/100_0764.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spinach Ravioli & Veal Saltimbocca</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our menu was enhanced by eggs and produce supplied by a 17-acre farm on the estate. When we realized we needed more sage, one of our assistants simply ran to the garden and retrieved a fist full of the velvety leaves. A question regarding what size eggs we were using prompted an unusual response: whatever size the chickens had laid that morning.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having grown up in a household where fresh pasta was placed on floured sheets for drying, the homemade pasta course was a great reminder of the beauty and simplicity of the process. One small suggestion: the recipes as given needed to be tripled, for those of us not used to recalculating on the fly it could be tricky. My chore was to measure the red pepper flakes, a miss-step there could have been trouble.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUicoQlmbdXHTZ2Yfb-kiYUAGOsIA89vBYb0BPklbDoihXUOkTZ9AYKf4wCjGA7z2tn-QB5oefox-bTzGmletokWlcA1wZaOpMBpdRdrbV1kNqkG-uaaQcEbdaq7nHWiZ6oWcCwpmsW_s/s1600/100_0766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUicoQlmbdXHTZ2Yfb-kiYUAGOsIA89vBYb0BPklbDoihXUOkTZ9AYKf4wCjGA7z2tn-QB5oefox-bTzGmletokWlcA1wZaOpMBpdRdrbV1kNqkG-uaaQcEbdaq7nHWiZ6oWcCwpmsW_s/s200/100_0766.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just prior to final cooking duties, and in a nod to the clock as well as our tired feet, Chef Cathy recommended that the students take a seat while she, the assistants and two volunteers from class completed the meal preparation. Her offer was greeted by a unanimous and grateful YES!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chef Cathy concluded with a review of what we prepared, fielded questions and offered tips on many cooking topics.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNp9dJosxnb-MCFPV6dqHPIfHNTN-tagZyn0GH1TCjukXJM_Gkv6_LTwZSyjMs-xm_ZMLqEc5XiTuPqQvxEPcOfizTNv2nGj54WwH6_pUp7QzeLAdX0E28fYSU6FwkMiCAD0MZ-0-QSkQ/s1600/100_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNp9dJosxnb-MCFPV6dqHPIfHNTN-tagZyn0GH1TCjukXJM_Gkv6_LTwZSyjMs-xm_ZMLqEc5XiTuPqQvxEPcOfizTNv2nGj54WwH6_pUp7QzeLAdX0E28fYSU6FwkMiCAD0MZ-0-QSkQ/s320/100_0765.JPG" width="256" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chef's assistant Tony pours Rossinis</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we proudly consumed the glorious results of our afternoon in the kitchen, I was reminded that the true joy of a great meal, no matter how perfectly prepared, can only be realized when sharing your creations with friends.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The school has a variety of classes available, some for the serious home cook seeking to enhance their skills, and plenty other choices with a more casual approach. An afternoon at the school was a great way to celebrate a birthday and would be a fun option for larger groups.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ninetyacres.com/">Ninety Acres at Natirar</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vikingcookingschool.com/hc-cgi-bin/hc?templ=new_vcs%2Fcalendar.html&store=106">Viking Cooking School</a><br />
2 Main Street<br />
Peapack-Gladstone, NJ 07977<br />
908-901-9500<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jo Ann - www.gardenstateonaplate.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06426945451094364858noreply@blogger.com0