FYI: Tomatillos

Sometimes I am intimated by new foods. How do you know it is ripe? Do you peel it or keep the skin on? Well, I've seen recipes for tomatillos but I have skipped them. The recipes said to husk them. When I think of husking, I'm thinking corn. Tomatillos look nothing like corn. At the farm, they educated me about tomatillos. I explained it to my sister since she picks up a share too. Then I figured maybe more people are like me and just need a little more information. 

 Ripe: When the paper thin coating is peeling, then the tomatillos is ripe. It is nice since you can see the fruit inside the wrapping. The fruit should be firm and bright green.

Prep: Peel off any paper thin coating and rinse. The fruit is sticky. I noticed the fruit was less sticky where the paper thin coating (husk) had peeled up. The paper thin coating is not edible.

Tomatillos can be eaten raw or cooked.They are very tart. They can be stored on the counter but will last longer if they are refrigerated. The fruit can be frozen. The inside of the tomatillos reminded me of a fig. It does not taste anything like a fig.

Four Chips Cookies

Alright when I see a delicious cookie recipe, I figured I must try it out. I don't care if it is another chocolate chip cookie. My family encourage me to make them too so they can try them out. Now, I had some many different baking chips already in my cabinet that I figured another reason to try out this recipe. These cookies are good. It does make a lot of dough so I froze half of the recipe. I scooped out the batter and placed loosely covered in the freezer for 20 minutes. Then I transferred the dough to a storage bag and placed in the freezer. I told my daughter when she has a sweet tooth, she should bake up some of the dough. She told me that she was glad that she still had her sweet tooth and she was never going to pull that tooth out.

Four Chips Cookies
40 Tbsp (5 sticks) of unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
5 eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
6 cups flour
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until incorporated.
3. Add the baking soda, salt, and flour. Mix until incorporated.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and the white chocolate chips. 
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Scoop the chilled batter onto the baking sheet. Space the cookies about 3 inches apart. 
9. Bake the cookies for at least 10 minutes and the edges are golden brown. The center should be almost set.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. 
11. Transfer the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe adapted from Cookies and Cups.

One year ago..................................I made PB Layer Bars.
Two years ago................................I made Wheat Blueberry Muffins. 

Did you already know.........................
-In 1927, the Ritz-Carlton opened their first hotel in Boston.
-When the hotel opened, the room rate was $15 a night.
-Until 1970, women had to be escorted to enter the Ritz Bar.

Basil and Tomato Chicken with pasta

I am holding onto summer as long as I can. Yes, I know the kids are back to school. Yes, I have spotted some red leaves outside. Yes, all the signs are here that summer is leaving. So, I had to make a dish with basil and tomatoes. I really liked it. The meal didn't seem heavy and it was full of flavor. I think summer should not be in a rush to leave.

Basil and Tomato Chicken with Pasta
1/2 box of a 1 lb. box of pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 boneless chicken breast
salt and pepper
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup basil 
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp heavy cream
Garnish: Parmigiano cheese and basil

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to directions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper
4. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes.
5. Turn the chicken over in the skillet.
6. Add the tomatoes, basil, and garlic.
7. Allow to cook for 4 minutes.
8. Add the chicken broth and butter.
9. Place the cover on the chicken and allow to simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
10. Add the heavy cream and stir.
11. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate.
12. Add the pasta to the skillet and mix.
13. Serve the pasta with the sauce and top with the chicken. 

Recipe adapted from Menu Musings. 

One year ago..........................I made Peaches and Cream Cake.
Two years ago........................I made Mussels.
Three years ago......................I made Streusel Cake.

Did you already know................
-Basil is in the mint family.
-Basil is native to Asia but may have originated from India.
-Another name for basil is Saint Joseph's wort.

Almond ChocolateTart

Since I was visiting the Old Port, my daughter asked me to buy this dessert for her. However when I went to the bakery, I was told it was out of season. So, I thought I could get out of it that easy. I said to my daughter, "Sorry Sweetie but they didn't have any until this Fall." Well, my daughter than suggested for me to make it. Reluctantly, I told her I would. It is very good. To me, I love anything with chocolate and nuts. It is a very rich dessert.

Almond Chocolate Tart
One 9 inch tart shell
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups almonds, toasted and finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cups bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
3 Tbsp half and half
garnish: toasted almonds

Directions: 

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt. 
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. 
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped toasted almonds.
4. Stir to combine and set aside to cool.
5. Add the egg and mix well.
6. In a tart pan, line with the tart shell.
7. Pour the almond mixture evenly into the tart shell. 
8. Bake the tart for 20 minutes. Rotate the tart.
9. Bake the tart for another 15 minutes or until golden brown. 
10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
11. Add the chopped chocolate into a small heatproof bowl. Set aside.
12. In a small saucepan, heat the half and half to a boil. 
13. Pour the heated half and half over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth.
14. Pour the ganache evenly over the almond tart.
15. Garnish with the additional toasted almonds.

Recipe adapted from the Standard Baking Co. Pastries Cookbook.

One year ago............................I made Corn Salsa.
Two years ago..........................I made PB Brownies.

Did you already know.......................
-The Old Port is located in Portland, Maine by the waterfront.
-The Old Port has cobbled streets and historic, brick buildings.
-In the Old Port, there are an assortment of stores, restaurants, and cruises.

Blueberry Granola

I love granola but I really hate spending the money for it at the store. If is so easy to make that I just need to do it. Since I love blueberries, it was my dry fruit of choice. The best part of making granola is that it will last for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container.

Blueberry Granola
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup dried blueberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. 
3. In a large saucepan, add the oil, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt.
4. Stir the mixture and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Its about 3 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the oats and almonds.
6. Pour the warm honey mixture into the oat mixture. Stir until combined.
7. Gently fold in the dried blueberries. 
8. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10 minutes. Stir.
10. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the granola is a deep golden brown.

Recipe adapted from The Pastry Queen cookbook.

One year ago........................I made Green Smoothie.
Two years ago......................I made Chocolate Caramel Shortbread.
Three years ago...................I made Vanilla Cake. 

Did you already know...................
-In 1863, Dr. James C. Jackson created granula made with graham flour.
-In 1874, Dr. John Kellogg created a recipe and called it granula. 
-Dr. Jackson sued the company and Kellogg changed the name to granola.

Mabel Sandwich

Lately, my children's favorite show is Gravity Falls. They seem to be watching it a lot. Alright, I will admit I watch it too but only sometimes. I think it's cute. Well, the kids wanted me to attempt another character sandwich. We picked Mabel from Gravity Falls. I planned it out.

The kids are really great. They told me I did a good job. My daughter helped create the nose out of bread. My son helped place the caraway seeds for the braces. My husband told me that she looked like a troll. I think it was her nose. The thing with food art is once my son gets a hold of it then the art is gone. I shouldn't have placed her on top of his sandwich.

One year ago..........................I made Vanilla Cupcakes.
Two years ago.......................I made Shortbread Cookies.

Did you already know.............
-The creator Alex Hirsch is the voice for Great Uncle Stan. 
-Mabel's brother Dipper is voiced by Jason Ritter.
-Jason Ritter's father is John Ritter of Three's Company.

Travel: Portland Art Museum

We thought our kids need a little culture. We thought our kids were mature enough for art with nudity. We learned a little lesson as parents. Don't bring a group of hungry kids to the art museum.

We even tried to play games like life imitating art. It worked for a short time. We tried asking what they liked about the piece of art. Sometimes they answered and other times they moved onto the next piece of art. The kids weren't impressed by any famous artist. Where were the art pieces of animals?

The museum has several floors. There are many oil on canvas pieces of art. The museum has pieces of art ranging from Picasso to Monet to Homer to Renoir and many others. I wish I had even an ounce of talent I saw at the museum.

When we were there, the museum had a Richard Estes exhibit on display. His painting looked just like photographs. I felt like I visited New York City, Maine, Italy, Paris, and England within minutes through his art. No photographs are allowed in the exhibit area. Some areas of the museum does allow cameras but no flash.

There were many different marble pieces and sculptures.

Yes, I may have been in the military but it is clear my kids haven't been. My nieces was the only one to salute President Grant with the correct hand. I think our President would have kicked my kids out of the military especially my son. Do you see his tongue?

Did you already know.....................
-In 1911, the Portland Museum of Art opened in the McLellan Mansion.
-The museum has since expanded and now McLellan Mansion is located at the back of the museum.
-The museum has many significant art pieces of Winslow Homer.

Blackberry Scones

We talked the kids into picking us some blackberries. My niece gave me a sandwich bag full. Then my daughter made the mistake of handing her bag to me so I combined them. She was not happy with me but I gave her the promise of scones. Now, I know she loved the scones but my son normally isn't a muffin/scone type of guy. He kept hounding me for more. I guess he really likes blackberries. These are really good.

Blackberry Scones
1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp sugar for the blackberries and additional for the top
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1¼ cups blackberries
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 cup milk
1 Tbsp heavy cream


Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
3. In a small bowl, toss the blackberries and 1 Tbsp of sugar. Set aside.
4. In a food processor, combine lemon zest, flour, ½ cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pulse about 5 times.
5. Add the butter and pulse about 8-10 times until it looks like course crumbs.
6. Add the egg, egg yolk, and milk to the flour mixture. Pulse about 10 times.
7. Generously flour working surface.
8. Add the dough to the flour working surface and form a ball.
9. Using a 2½ inch round biscuit cutter, scoop some dough into the cutter to form a 1 inch scone.
10. Repeat with the remaining dough about 3 inches apart.
11. Brush the heavy cream on top of the scones and sprinkle with sugar.
12. Bake the scones for about 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown.

Recipe adapted from here.  

One year ago................................I made Green beans with onions.
Two years ago..............................I made Asian Chicken Wrap.

Yes, I eat my scones with jam.

Did you already know..................
-Blackberries are also known as bramble because of the thorny stems.
-The plant of the blackberry is called the cane.
-A red blackberry will have the distinguishing white core and will not be hollow inside like a raspberry.

Eggplant Parmesan

Every time we eat at Olive Garden, I order Eggplant Parmesan. My husband does think I'm crazy. My kids have tried it and like it but they always order something else. Well, I have been receiving eggplant from my farm share lately so I decided to try making it for the kids. My son even at the leftovers the next day. I really liked this recipe a lot. I really can't think of a better way to use up my eggplant.

My poor lonely eggplant! 

Eggplant Parmesan
2 medium eggplants, peeled and cut in 1/2 inch slices
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup flour
4 tsp olive oil, divided
1 cup milk
2 tsp butter
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 tsp oregano 
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1jar of marinara sauce
 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, slice into thick pieces

Directions:

1. In a colander, place the sliced eggplants.
2. Sprinkle the eggplant with salt and allow to sit for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
4. Rinse and pat dry.
5. On a plate, sprinkle the flour. Set aside.
6. In a bowl, mix 2 tsp olive oil with the milk. Set aside. 
7. On a plate, combine the bread crumbs with the oregano and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
8. In a large baking dish, pour the marinara sauce. Set aside.
9. Dip the eggplant into the flour mixture. Shake any excess flour off.
10. Dip the eggplant into the milk mixture.
11. Dip the eggplant into the bread crumbs to coat. 
12. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
13. Add the olive oil and 2 tsp butter.
14. Add the coated eggplant and cook until golden brown.
15. Place the golden eggplant into the baking dish. 
16. Top the eggplant with slices of mozzarella cheese. 
17. Bake the eggplant for 10 minutes. 
18. Top with some of the marinara sauce before serving. 

Recipe adapted from Recipelion.

One year ago...............................I made Lemon Bars.
Two years ago.............................I made PB American Beauty Cake.

Did you already know......................
-Eggplant is classified as a fruit.
-Eggplant does contain small traces of nicotine.
-In ancient Asia, some aristocratic would dye their teeth black by using the skin of eggplant. (It is said to prevent tooth decay.)

Travel: Botanical Gardens

Before we went to the botanical gardens, I told the kids that I wanted them to learn one new plant's name and be able to describe the plant. During our visit, I would ask them if they had their plant and they told me they did. Not once did I ask my husband if he was going to do the game too. Well, he surprised me. When we were heading home, I asked the kids and they did very good. They named and described a plant for me. Then my husband named at least five plants. I told him I was impressed and he told me it was because he knew I would be asking. Plus he wanted to show up the kids. He won the game since I couldn't have named as many as he did without looking at my photos.

We decided to visit the botanical gardens since I wanted to bring my sister and the girls there. I was lucky to have chaperon my son on a field trip a couple of years ago. My husband had never been either. 

Throughout the gardens, there are these gigantic sculptors. The kids had a little fun with them like this fish attacking my daughter. The kids had fun saving her.

The gardens have paths through the woods which overlook the coast. There is a waterfall and wooden bridges. One of my favorite parts of the botanical gardens is the kids section. The kids sections resemble children's books like Peter Rabbit and stories by Robert McCloskey like Blueberries for Sal. There is a bear cave and a fairy garden for the kids to visit.

The kids can pretend to be part of the children's books like my son dressed up like a fisherman from the book Burt Dow Deep-Water Man.

Of course, the best part is all the beautiful flowers and immaculate landscape. My husband asked if we could have a yard like this place. I wish!

Did you already know........................
-In 2007, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens opened.
-It took over 16 years of preparation to make the botanical gardens.
-The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens comprises of 270 acres of tidal shoreline. 

Ice Cream Cake

My sister loves ice cream cakes. She loves them. Since we celebrated her birthday this weekend, I wanted to post a recipe for her. Yes, I made this dessert for her. Yes, she loved it. The kids loved it. How can one go wrong with ice cream and brownie? She loves Oreos and peanut butter cups so I included them in the dessert for her too. The best thing about making a homemade dessert for someone is that you can make it exactly to the persons liking like this dessert for my sister. I love my sister.

Ice Cream Cake
1 box of brownie mix (plus ingredients for the brownies)
1 container (14.3 oz) of Oreo cookies, fine crumbles
1 quart of peanut butter cup ice cream, softened slightly
20 miniature peanut butter cups, chopped
1 quart of cookies and cream ice cream, softened slightly
2 cups whip cream
Garnish: sprinkles

Directions

1. In a 11x7 baking dish, bake the brownies according to directions. 
2. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
3. Sprinkle half of the Oreo crumbles over the cooled brownies. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, add the peanut butter cup ice cream. 
5. Fold in the chopped miniature peanut butter cups.
6. Evenly spread the ice cream over the Oreo crumbles and brownies.
7. Sprinkle the remaining half of the Oreo crumbles over the peanut butter cup ice cream layer.
8. Evenly spread the cookies and cream ice cream over the Oreo crumble and peanut butter cup ice cream layer.
9. Evenly spread the whip cream over the top of the ice cream cake.
10. Garnish the top with sprinkles.
11. Cover tightly and place in freezer for several hours and the cake is frozen before serving.
12. (Run a sharp knife under hot water before slicing to make it easier.)

Recipe adapted from Cookies and Cups. 

One year ago...........I made Ladybug cupcakes.
Two years ago.........I made Stracciatella Cookie Dough Ice Cream.

Did you already know..........
-President George Washington enjoyed ice cream at Mt. Vernon.
-The Library of Congress a recipe written by Thomas Jefferson for ice cream.
-First Lady Dolly Madison served oyster ice cream.

Spumoni

Have you ever had spumoni ice cream? It is three ice creams to make one great dessert. My friend told me how to make this dessert. It is like Neapolitan ice cream but with cherry, pistachio, and chocolate ice cream. The ice cream has candied cherries with nuts throughout it. It is easier to make this dessert with ice cream slightly softened or freshly homemade. This is the perfect dessert to serve on a hot day.

Spumoni 
1 pint of chocolate ice cream
1/2 cup hazelnuts, roasted
1 pint of cherry ice cream
1/2 cup candied cherries
1 pint of pistachio ice cream
1/2 cup pistachio, roasted

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate ice cream with the hazelnuts.
2. Evenly spread the ice cream into a 13x10 baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, mix the pistachio ice cream with the roasted pistachio.
4. Evenly spread on top of the chocolate ice cream layer.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cherry ice cream with the candied cherries.
6. Evenly spread the cherry ice cram over the pistachio ice cream layer.
7. Place plastic wrap on top of the ice cream and wrap well.
8. Wrap a second time with aluminum foil.
9. Place in the freezer.
10. Serve once the ice cream has refrozen overnight.
11. Serve in slices. 

One year ago...................................................Sunflower frosting.
Two years ago................................................Peach and Pluot Cobbler.

Did you already know....................................
-Spumoni originates from Italy.
-Vanilla ice cream can be substituted for the chocolate layer.
-Sometimes whip cream is folded into the ice cream.

Travel: Fort Knox

All summer, we had plans to visit Fort Knox but something would happen. A child would be in trouble. Another child was sick. The weather was a contributor to not heading up. Sometimes the beach was the trump card. Two of my Uncles from Mississippi even made it to Fort Knox before we did. Well, we finally did it. We made it to Fort Knox. The kids thought it was great with the labyrinth of tunnels. There were many places inside the fort that were dark so we had flashlights. We have plenty of pictures of the kids behind bars-it is a fort after all. 

The kids on a cannon. Blast off!

The kids climbed on everything. My sister and I were more tame. Maybe it was because we were worn out from all the stairs the kids insisted we climb. If a stairway lead to a dark place, we were there. Of course, we scared each other many times.

The kids acting sick at the old ambulance.

Also, all the kids had a partner. My sister so kindly volunteered to be my partner. At the end of our visit, my sister left me alone with the kids for a short time. Of course, I had more stairs to climb to head down to the water. I told my sister that I know she went to the car for a nap. 

The kids getting ready to conquer the fort!

We were lucky since it was a beautiful day. The sun was warm and the tunnels were cool. Most of the tunnels were dry. There were a few places water dripped down through the tunnels due to raining earlier in the day.

Let me help you up, partner!

Throughout the fort, there are cannons which the kids pretended to fire. Also, there are educational signs to learn more of the history of the fort but the kids were busy running through the tunnels. Inside the fort, the tunnels lead in one big circle.

Fort Knox has an entrance fee unless you have the State of Maine park pass or are a disabled Veteran. There is a gift shop but no dining facilities. We brought a lunch and had a picnic on the grounds. The fort does have an observatory but we skipped it since there was more than plenty for us to see.

Did you already know..........................
-In 1844, Fort Knox was established on the Penobscot River in Maine.
-Due to the British successfully invading the area twice, the Fort was built to protect the coastline. The Fort has never been attacked. 
-Fort Knox is named for the First Secretary of War: Major General Henry Knox.

Tarragon Chicken

I am always trying new chicken recipes. My husband likes chicken a lot plus it is normally an easy meal to make. Now, I do not cook with tarragon a lot but I figured I would try this recipe. I think its funny that I do not like licorice but I like tarragon. This chicken was so good. My husband loved it. I mean loved it. Sometimes it seems hard to impress my husband with my cooking but this meal did it. Of course, he didn't eat any of the green beans I served with the meal but he ate everything else. This recipe really is a keeper.

Tarragon Chicken
4 chicken breast
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic
2 tsp tarragon
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp butter
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a storage bag, combine the chicken breast, lemon juice, garlic, and tarragon.
Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 
In a large skillet, heat the oil and the butter over medium heat.
Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the chicken and marinate to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes. 
Turn the chicken over and cook for 1 minute.
Add the heavy cream  with salt and pepper.
Simmer the chicken and cook until fully cooked.
 
Adapted from 200 Meals for Two cookbook.

One year ago.......................I made Taco Quesadillas.
Two years ago.....................I made Chicken Sandwiches.

Did you already know..........
-Tarragon has a reminiscent of anise or licorice flavor.
-Only the leaves of tarragon are edible.
-Typically, the French tarragon is used in cooking.