They are starting to pop up on porches and windows all over the tri-state area. Large tubs of them are also making their annual appearance at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Pumpkins! Aside from buying one to make a traditional jack-o-lantern for the Halloween season, is there anything else you can do with them? Of course there is. Now, I know it’s very easy to just buy a can of pumpkin puree for your pies or baking at…
I spoke a little bit last week about seasonal eating. In keeping with that theme, here is a list of seasonal vegetables for autumn that you should be including in your menu planning. They are at their best flavor (and best value) now at your grocery store of farmer’s market. Beets – Yes, beets (no, not those God-awful ones your Grandma made you eat during the holidays). Slice these, roast them, and add them to salad greens, topping them with…
Today I want to introduce a concept to you that you’ve probably read about, but don’t consciously think too much about – and you really should. Seasonal eating. What is seasonal eating? Well, it’s creating and eating meals based around the fruits and vegetables that are “in season” where you live. To put it even more simply, you eat things that you would grow or find in your garden or at your local farmer’s market at specific times of the…
Looking for a frightfully good time this Halloween season? Listed below are five haunted attractions looking to “scare up” some business in the tri-state region this year. Haunted hayrides, corn mazes, forest walks, or traditional haunted houses – there are plenty of ghastly delights available. Call ahead or check the various websites to ensure that the attraction is age-appropriate for your younger ghosts and goblins to attend. You won’t see me at any of these screamers, but have yourself a…
I had the pleasure of attending my class reunion recently (I won’t say what year it was, but it rhymes with “dirty worst”), and in a conversation with one of my old school pals, he revealed that he was deeply shaken by the recent death of a classmate. In fact he had become so depressed that he wanted to sell all of his possessions and do one single thing. Travel. He wanted to see the world. To experience the sights…
Finally, my favorite month of the year is upon us! Ahhh, October, I do love thee. Cooler weather, changing leaves, and fall foods abound. One of my favorite seasonal condiments/spreads at this time of year is apple butter. So what is apple butter? Well, it’s kind of like a jam or jelly, made by stewing down apples, apple cider, sugar, and spices until it becomes a golden brown, smooth, and buttery consistency. Slap a swath of it on your morning…
Fall is the perfect time of year to take a short “getaway” vacation. Whether it be a weekend or just for a day or two during the week, a few days away from work and home can relax and rejuvenate even the most stressed out soul. At this time of the year, there are few better places I can think of to relax and unwind than the Savage River Lodge (near Frostburg, MD). Just getting there is therapeutic. You leave…
Now that the summer weather has officially “broken” into cooler fall temperatures, there are many seasonal things I look forward to at this time of year, like sleeping with the windows open to catch the cool night air, listening to the leaves crunch under my feet as I walk, sweatshirts, and in the kitchen – roasted vegetables. Almost any vegetable will do (although “root” vegetables work best), and it’s so easy. First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Chop up…
Autumn officially began on September 22nd. The sun is arcing lower across the sky every day. Soon, the evenings will be cool, the mornings crisp, and the trees will respond with their annual show of beautiful fall color. But when will that perfect weekend be to take a drive to see it all? Fear not, dear friends – for I am here to help. The internet is a glorious place, full of all kinds of useful information. Believe it or…
As someone who loves to cook, I love to putz around in a well-stocked kitchen shop. I never know what new tool or utensil will catch my eye and have me longing for yet another addition to my kitchen arsenal. Now, I’ve found a new spot to get lost in for hours and dream of culinary possibilities. The Kitchen Shoppe in Carlisle, PA. Located just off of Exit 52 from I-81 (about 20 minutes from Harrisburg), this unique store has…