Thankful Thursday!

Hello! Sorry to be MIA, but I am on vacation! We are at our usual summer spot - Cape Cod! I am very thankful to be able to come to Cape Cod, it is my second home! Enjoy today's images!



From our house to the beach!


One of my spectacular dinners!



One of many local beaches!


Have a wonderful day!

Souper Saturday!

"Chowder breathes reassurance. It steams consolation."
-Clementine Paddleford

Hello! I am pressed for time today, but I wanted to share a great soup recipe. It makes a lot, so have some friends and family over and make it party! Enjoy!


Clam Chowder:
Servings: 15 cups

Ingredients:

* 4 oz pancetta, cubed
* 4 Tbsp butter
* 1/2 cup diced onions
* 1/2 cup diced celery
* 1 cup leeks, diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup flour
* 32 oz. clam juice
* 4 cups heavy cream
* 2 lbs white potatoes, peeled & diced
* 16 oz clam meat
* 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
* 1 Tbsp chopped thyme
* 1 tsp cayenne pepper sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed:

* Stockpot

Directions:

1.) place pancetta & butter to stockpot on medium.
2.) Cook 2-3 min, until pancetta is crispy.
3.) Add onion, celery, leeks & garlic; stir well.
4.) Cook about 5 min, until soft but not browned.
5.) Add flour; stirring until completely blended.
6.) Cook, stirring & scraping bottom of pan every 30 seconds, about 2 min.
7.) Whisk in clam juice and cream.
8.) Add potatoes.
9.) Increase heat to medium-high.
10.) Cook, stirring occasionally, about 10 min, until it comes to a boil.
11.) Reduce heat to medium-low.
12.) Simmer 10-15 min, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender.
13.) Add clam meat, herbs, & pepper sauce.
14.) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
15.) Stir until soup is warmed through, about 3 min.
16.) Ladle soup into warmed bowls.

Thought of the Day:

"Don't look where you fall, but where you slipped."
-African Proverb

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Mangia Monday!

Hello!

I have returned from vacation and now I need a vacation from my vacation!

The piles of laundry are calling me and I am trying to ignore it!

No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one.
-Elbert Hubbard

While I was in Cape Cod my eating habits left much to be desired:
Isn't that what vacations are for?

I am happy to say that I am eager to get back to my normal diet, however, I did enjoy all the seafood I ingested!

Too much work, and no vacation,
Deserves at least a small libation.
So hail!
My friends, and raise your glasses,
Work's the curse of the drinking classes.
-Oscar Wilde


One of my favorite restaurants on the Cape is:


Brewster Fish House

If you ever get a chance to visit, I highly recommend it!

Our dinner on Thursday night consisted of:


* Prosecco, Zonin Brut (1 glass each)

* Baby Arugula and Red Endive Salad:
Seasonal Figs, Toasted Almonds, White Balsamic, Blackberry-Honey Vinaigrette

* ’07 Sauvignon Blanc, Charles Krug – Napa Valley (bottle)

* Grilled Native Lobster:
Tarragon Gnocchi, Summer Pole Beans, Sea Beans, Lemon Verbena Butter (ME)

* Sautéed Chatham Cod and Littlenecks
Yukon Gold Potatoes, Chorizo, Marinated Roasted Red Peppers, Garlic Braised Spinach, Parsley Pistou (DH)

* Brown Sugar Cake:
Peach Confit, Sugared Pecans, Sour Cream Ice Cream, Peach Caramel

* Lavender Almond Milk Flan
Summer Berries, Almond Crumble


While I am on the Cape, I like to splurge and enjoy a cup of Lobster Bisque, at least twice!

Lobster bisque is my FAVORITE food.
However, it is very fattening, so I stay away from it when I am in NY.




I would share my recipe, but it is a FAMILY SECRET!!!!


Have a great day!

Ciao,