A Whole Lot of Air Travel

As I am sitting here in Phoenix at 5:00 AM, wide awake from traveling from the Eastern Standard Time zone, I asked myself how many flights have I been on this year?  I counted 21 with 4 more left to go this year.  That's a whole lot of air travel.

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So I started thinking about when I most enjoyed going to the airport and I remember back to the late 80's early 90's when Beth, Danny and I would have airport field trips.  They were young children and a trip to the airport was fun.  We couldn't afford to fly anywhere but you don't need a lot of cash to have a great time.

First we would drive to the long term parking.  That would guarantee a free shuttle bus ride to the airport.  We would marvel at the ticket booths, uniformed staff and all of the shops.  Then the kids and I would get to take the escalators to the main floor and we hopped the train to the gates.  There were moving sidewalks, people hurrying to their gates - so much to see.  We would look at the screens and all of the places that people were going.  The flight attendants and pilots in uniform were also intriguing to young children.  There were different size planes and we would watch them take off and land.  We would talk about what we would see if we were on those planes and where they would land. Sometimes we were lucky and we could get a pair of the junior flight attendant wings. The last stop would be lunch at one of the restaurants and then we headed back home.  It was a very inexpensive day trip, learning experience and a lot of fun.  Unfortunately with security measures it is no longer an option for young children.

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The featured brooch and bangle reminds me of blue skies and flight.  As to the recipe it's a stretch but I thought about the nuts you used to get on flights (I haven't seen any lately) and wanted to add a recipe for glazed spiced nuts.  I love to put these on salads.  One of our favorite salads is romaine lettuce, slightly roasted sliced pears, blue cheese, spiced nuts with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top.

This recipe is from one of my favorite resources http://www.marthastewart.com/349611/spiced-nuts.  Jeff and I always joke around when I get ready to experiment with a new recipe as I will say, "I wonder what Martha has to say?

I would probably substitute cinnamon instead of allspice.

Ingredients

1 large egg white

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 3/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper

2 1/2 cups pecan halves, or assorted nuts, such as cashews, walnuts, or almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Beat egg white until soft and foamy. Combine all remaining ingredients except pecans; whisk into egg white. Stir in pecans until well coated; spread mixture in single layer onto an ungreased baking pan.

Bake pecans for 15 minutes, then remove from oven. Using a metal spatula, toss, stir, and separate nuts. Reduce oven to 250 degrees and return nuts to bake until medium brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven; toss, and stir again. Place baking pan on wire rack to cool (they will crisp as they cool). Break up any that stick together.

Fall is Nature's Canvas

Portage Lakes - foggy Fall morning

Fall is a most beautiful season.  Watching the trees turn colors is a different painting every day.  The shapes of the leaves and colors lend to a magnificent vision against a blue sky backdrop.

I love everything about Fall (except raking leaves of course).  The smell of the air, the cool nights and mornings when I get to wear a soft warm sweater and the crunch of the leaves under my feet.  I love riding my bike on the trails in the Fall.

Some special memories of my Fall childhood growing up in Auburn, New York on the Finger Lakes

• The migration of the geese - watching the V formations and hearing them honk
• Making piles of leaves and jumping in them on the playground at Herman Avenue School
• Watching the sunsets move further south on the lakes
• The Flaherty kids (there were a bunch of them) and I would rake leaf pile outlines that we pretended were houses and play for hours
• Apple picking from the green apple tree in our yard.  My mom, sister and I would make homemade applesauce and pies
• Going to Hislop's and picking out my fall school clothes
• Collecting different leaves and putting them between wax paper (we would iron them) to save or take to school
• AHS football games and heading to Eddie's after the game
• Halloween - picking out and carving the pumpkins and planning our Halloween costumes
• Herman Avenue parade where we would parade around the school in our Halloween costumes
• Apple cider
• Maple sugar candy at the Trading Post

Maple Leaf bracelet for sale

Then I grew up and shared these memories and more with my children in Cincinnati

• Going to the pumpkin patch and riding the hay wagon
• Graeters pumpkin ice-cream
• Making our Halloween costumes
• Walking up to the haunted house in our Northside neighborhood and the kids trying to decide if this year they could make it all the way in
• Miami bike trail - stopping to see the chimpanzee on the trail along with the reward of Hawaiian ice after our ride
• Baking pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips
• Roasting pumpkin seeds - and trying different seasonings - garlic - sugar and cinnamon
• Stocking the bird feeder with seed to attract all the colorful birds

I have included a chili recipe.  Please forgive the measurements as it is my own and I don't measure.  I also try to use my garden produce.

Linda's chili

1 ear of corn

1 onion

Several tomatoes from the garden (peeled and chopped) or a can or two

1 package of italian sausage

l pound of ground turkey

Several garlic cloves

Black beans (I like the dry ones that I have soaked but in a hurry 1 can will do)

Red Kidney beans

Hot peppers

Assorted seasonings - cumin, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper - to taste

Roast the corn on the grill or take the kernels off and roast the kernels in a skillet. Set aside.  Cook the onion chopped, peppers chopped and garlic minced in a small bit of olive oil.  Set aside.  Cut the italian sausage in small pieces and cook the sausage and ground turkey - drain.

Add everything in a dutch oven or large heavy pot and cook for several hours on top of low heat.  You can also put this in a slow cooker.

Serve alone with cornbread or on top of cooked spaghetti (Cincinnati style) with grated cheddar cheese.

View our Fall Collection at our website at www.svintagecollection.com or shop at our store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SVintageCollection.  All of our items are vintage - one of a kind.

Living Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Grand Canyon Campsite

I love going to the spa, staying in 4 star hotels and being pampered.  When my brother and his wife asked us to go on a 12 day rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, how do you say no when your husband says, "I wanted to do this all my life"?

So I very reluctantly agreed to go.  

Waterfall shower

I was way outside my comfort zone:

•               100 degree plus temperatures

•               50 degree muddy river water

•               Tent camping every night

•               No showers - no bathrooms

•               Scorpions, Lizards, Red Ants that bite

•               Big Rapids

•               No cell phones, text messages or e-mail

I survived a hike that included a ledge that was no more than 12 inches wide that was 600 feet up - no safety ropes, I was just trying to find handholds in the rock.  I washed my clothes in cold muddy water, I survived a frightening rain, thunder and lightening storm in a tent; all while worrying about a flash flood.

Looking for Rapids

But you know what?

 I saw so many stars that I couldn't even identify the Big Dipper.  I saw the Milky Way.

I saw gorgeous bright blue waterfalls, beautiful rock formations, and incredible scenery.  I hiked to places that you can’t duplicate anywhere else. 

I flew out by helicopter to a ranch 100 miles away from anywhere.

I ate wonderful meals prepared by our crew including a complete turkey dinner, salmon, steaks, pork chops, coconut chicken curry and fantastic sides and desserts.

I spent uninterrupted quality time with my husband – allowing us to rediscover our relationship.

And best of all …… I survived and thrived!

Colors of the Grand Canyon for sale at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SVintageCollection

Make sure every once in awhile to explore that region outside your own comfort zone.  You may find something incredible.

Dutch Oven Campfire Peach Cobbler

• Time 40 minutes
• Serves 10

Ingredients

---

• 6 jumbo cans of sliced peaches in heavy syrup; drain only 3 cans
• 2 boxes of white or vanilla cake mix
• 1 stick of butter

How to make it

---

• A cast Iron dutch oven is ESSENTIAL for this recipe, nothing else works.
• Layer 1: Drain 3 cans of peaches and put in cast iron dutch oven
• Add 3 more cans of peaches, do not drain liquid, to the dutch oven
• Layer 2: Pour both boxes of cake mix over the top of peaches (do not stir)
• Layer 3: Slice up one stick of butter into little pats and drop all over the top of cake mix
• Put the lid on the dutch oven and put in the campfire, near hot coals, not on the hot coals.
• Place hot coals on top of the dutch oven lid. VERY IMPORTANT.
• In about 20 minutes, give the dutch oven a 180 degree turn, to insure an even bake.
• In about 20 more minutes, check under the lid.
• Dessert is finished when peaches are soft and carmelized, juice will really thicken, you will have a hot, bubbly , golden brown, topping.
• Don't let the dutch oven turn all glowy red, it'll burn
• www.grouprecipes.com

Build a reunion and they will come

Some very imaginative people who graduated in the 70's got together one day and decided to build a "mega" reunion.  Why not?  The 70's were a turning point in history - our school was brand new as we were to life.  This group of people worked very hard to get the word out to nine years of graduates, to come and celebrate old friendships, memories and life.

And what a party they threw .....

The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is gorgeous with its spectacular views, sparkling lakes, and beautiful farms.  Over 1500 former AHS graduates came from all over the United States.  They arrived by foot, car, plane, boat and I even saw people paddling in kayaks and canoes.

70's Flower Power

They shared stories of youth, a magical time before mortgages, work and real life problems set in.  They hugged, kissed, danced and sang to live music performed by artists of their generation, ate food of their youth, and cameras were busy snapping photos.

Thank you to all those who made such special memories this weekend.

The recipe below - Macaroni (before the name became fancy and became Pasta) Salad - was similar to what was served at the reunion and a favorite dish from my youth.

Taken from About.com

This macaroni salad is made with hard-cooked eggs, chopped vegetables, and a seasoned mayonnaise dressing. Scroll down to see more macaroni salad recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked macaroni, drained, rinsed, cooled
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
• pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Combine all macaroni salad recipe ingredients, using about 1/3 cup of mayonnaise and stir well. Add a little more mayonnaise, if necessary. Taste and adjust seasonings. Cover and chill for several hours before serving.
Makes about 4 sevings of macaroni salad.

I like to use shell shaped macaroni with a little celery seed.

It's All About Ice-Cream

I admit it.  I am addicted to ice-cream but so is my family.  When we are vacationing together at Cayuga Lake, every night we make a run to Pete's Treats in Union Springs, NY.  We load up my brother's suburban because it seats 10 and more cars follow.  We are a family who shares so we allow tastes of others treats.

It all started back when I was a young child in Auburn, New York with Mister Softee.  I would hear the familiar jingle and beg my mother for a dime so I could have a soft serve cone.


It continued into high school.  After AHS football games we would all head over to a restaurant named Eddies.  There was the infamous pig's dinner ice-cream sundae that was served in a miniature pig's trough.  I can't remember how many scoops it held, but I remember it had chocolate, vanilla, strawberry ice cream with bananas, whip cream and several toppings.  All served with a cherry on top of course. 

My husband recognized this addiction (however he indulges before he goes to bed) and proposed to me by hiding my engagement ring in a little pewter ice-cream bucket.  Smart man - I said yes.


When I mention Opening Day in Cincinnati, people think I mean the first game of the season for the Cincinnati Reds.  Nope, it is when the Dairy Queen in Saint Bernard opens for the season.

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I give directions - take a left at Graeters or it's across the street from Aglamesis Brothers.   All well known Cincinnati ice-cream landmarks.


When at our home in Portage Lakes, Ohio - it's Biggins.  I just wish they would put in a boat dock.


I even dedicated our newest collection to ice-cream "The Ice-Cream Collection" on our website at www.svintagecollection.com. This Whiting and Davis pendant is our chocolate flavor. 


As a kid, mom bought me one of those old fashioned Ice- cream machines.  I still have it.  It's a wooden bucket with a pewter freezer bucket inside.  You add the ingredients in the freezer bucket and fill the wooden bucket with ice and salt and then you get cranking - in about 45 minutes it is done.  I must admit, I like the electric one we have much better.


So in keeping with this hot weather we have had this summer, I have included an ice-cream recipe.  Jeff made this for my birthday next month.  It is delicious and addicting, take it from me, I know my ice-cream.

Strawberry and Balsamic Vinegar Ice-Cream Recipe

Don't let the Vinegar scare you - the results are fabulous.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound strawberries, hulled, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
2 cups whipping cream

DIRECTIONS:

In medium bowl, stir together berries and vinegar. Marinate 30 minutes. 

In small pan, heat sugar and water over low until dissolved, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn heat to high, bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes without stirring. Cool 5 minutes. 

Add berry mixture and syrup to blender. Puree. Press through sieve into storage tub. Stir in cream. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 

Churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions. Freeze until firm.

I just love the 4th of July

From the Sparkler Collection

Okay, I said it, I just plain love and look forward to the 4^th of July holiday.  It’s a big celebration, parades and lots of good food with friends and family.  On July 4^th, 1776 the United States declared its independence and 236 years later we are still celebrating.  To celebrate at our store we are showcasing a sparkler collection online  at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SVintageCollection. 

As kids, I remember my Cousin Bobby and I experimenting with firecrackers (definitely not a good thing) and twirling sparklers at night trying to write messages as we spun them around.  My Uncle Bart always tried to outdo our neighbor Bud’s display at our cottage on the lake.

Portage Lakes Ohio

This year is extra special because I get to celebrate it twice.  Next weekend  is the big celebration on the Portage Lakes in Ohio – antique boat show on Saturday and a light up the night boat parade Saturday night.  Last year someone had a dragon on their pontoon boat spewing fire.  Sunday is a decorated boat parade and then Sunday night are the fireworks.  There is nothing like watching them overhead from the comfort of your boat.

Lawn Chair Ladies

Wednesday, back in Cincinnati I will attend the infamous Northside Parade, watching the politicians, high school bands, fire trucks  and baton twirlers. We will be treated to the lawn chair ladies who perform with lawn chairs and the men’s drill team (men with real drills).  Yeah, I know you gotta be there.  Northside is an artistic community so there is a lot of really cool floats and costumes.

Gourmet hot dog toppings

So in honor of Independence Day, I am featuring the all American Hot Dog – with topping recipes gourmet style courtesy of Bon Appetit.

Grill your hot dog, put it in a bun and then add one of the following toppings.

Hawaiian - Mango, Papaya, Pineapple, Starfruit and/or guava relish

Hippie - Alfalfa sprouts, sauteed mushrooms and vegan mayo

So Cal - Burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, roasted beets and reduced balsamic vinegar

LA Mexican - bacon and jalapenos

Cobb - Chopped iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, crumbled bacon and blue cheese dressing

Caesar - Grilled Romaine and Caesar dressing

Texas - Barbecue Sauce, cheddar cheese and chopped onions

Reuben - Sauerkraut, melted swiss and russian dressing

Enjoy and be safe

Bikes, Trains, Boats and Automobiles

As you know from my previous blog Festive Flag Day Birthday Celebrations,  I just celebrated my birthday. It was so much fun, I just had to share.  My mom who is the beautiful lady you see on our site, gave me a fabulous family heirloom - a Bakelite Cameo necklace.  What a wonderful gift, and no, you won't see it for sale on our site :-)


There were lots of special greeting on Facebook from friends and family. 

Raspberry Fool

On the Towpath Trail

Our friends Dennis and Jeanne drove from Cincinnati to Akron with a bounty of food and gifts.  They made some wonderful seafood dishes (see the lobster bisque recipe below) and brought gifts from Don Drumm Studio's and Gallery in Akron, Ohio. Jeff gave me some beautiful vintage jewelry and a new camera lens so I can take close up photos of our merchandise. He also made Raspberry Fool and ice-cream.

http://www.marthastewart.com/336871/raspberry-fool

The next day we spent biking the beautiful Ohio Erie Towpath Trail.  This trail follows the old Erie Canal.  After a scenic ride 18 mile bike ride,  we hopped the historic passenger train for an air-conditioned ride home.   What a deal for a $2 ride! We shared some popcorn and rode back in comfort to the train station. http://www.cvsr.com/aboutus.aspx.


Saturday was a trip to Jamies Flea Market http://jamiesfleamarket.com/ in South Amherst, Ohio.  We bought some great finds.  It is definitely a good place for those who like to pick and "junk" it. 


We had a late lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Mallorca in downtown Cleveland.   We shared wonderful Spanish food - paella, seafood stew, mussels and a stuffed salmon.  After we arrived home, we spent the rest of the day boating on the Portage Lakes.  We love cruising the lakes, relaxing and looking at the homes. 


Just when I thought the celebration was over, our son and daughter Beth and Danny pulled up in the driveway Sunday evening.  After Beth pulled an all nighter working in costume on a film in Kentucky and Danny had just finished studying for finals, they drove in a nasty rain storm to surprise me with a delicious homemade dinner, gifts and a DQ cake. 


What a wonderful weekend!  How lucky and fortunate I am to have such special friends and family.  Thank you for making life so special.

Dennis and Jeanne's Lobster Bisque

Festive Flag Day Birthday Celebration

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101549634/
american-rhinestone-flag-vintage-brooch

June 14^th is Flag Day and also my birthday.  When I was young I used to pretend that all of the flags being flown were in honor of my special day.

On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14. Many Americans celebrate Flag Day by displaying the flag in front of homes and businesses. The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

Betsy Ross

What’s the history of the flag? According to American legend, in June 1776, George Washington commissioned Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, to create a flag for the new nation in anticipation of a declaration of its independence.

Birthdays have always been a big deal at our house.  When I was young my mother would let me invite my whole class to our house for a party.  I remember we would play games, eat refreshments and cake and just have a lot of fun.  

I carried on the tradition with my children.  They would always have a theme party with friends. My niece Sara would usually draw a themed poster and we would decorate and make a cake.  I remember past parties with Teenage Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers and a Pinata filled with candy.  We had pool parties, scavenger hunts, spiderweb games and pin the tail on the donkey.

So in honor of Flag Day and birthdays, this recipe from AllRecipes.com is a flag cake.

Enjoy and remember to display your flag. 

Cincinnati Urban Farm = Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Owasco Lake Farm

Cincinnati Skyline

I have been growing food since I was a little girl.  I remember our garden at our home on Owasco Lake in upstate New York.  Mom gave my sister and I each our own space.  I remember growing cucumbers and marigolds.

I have always grown some sort of food/herbs and basically lived in a city.   Urban farming is defined by Wikipedia as “the practice of cultivating food in a densely populated area."  Cincinnati definitely qualifies for that. 

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So now I am an Urban Farmer.   I like the term better than gardener.

We grow corn, carrots, beets, beans, cucumbers, herbs, tomatoes, eggplants, watermelon, squash, garlic, onions, peas and garlic.  You probably think I have a huge space.  Not really – 10 feet by 10 feet.  We just plant everywhere.   Watermelon grow best by our AC unit.  Herbs and peppers are mixed with flowers.  Peas grow out of an old fountain that is filled with dirt.    We are creative urban farmers.

I have thought about raising chickens, but thought is all it is.  As, I don’t think my dogs would treat them very well and then of course you are committed to take care of them on a regular basis. 

This weekend I made a Strawberry Rhubarb pie, my husband’s favorite.  Topped with Graeter’s ice cream and you have quite the treat. 

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees

Crisco Pie Crust - I make the double crust.  The top crust I cut and do a lattice pattern.

http://www.crisco.com/recipes/details.aspx?RecipeID=1242

Homemade Rhubarb Pie

For the filling - 2 quarts of freshly washed strawberries and 8 to 10 stalks of Rhubarb depending on size.  Slice the Strawberries and cut the rhubarb in small chunks maybe 1/2 inch pieces.  Mix in a bowl with 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons cornstarch and a little lemon zest.   

Put the filling in a pie plate lined with a bottom pie crust.  Cut lattice for the top.  Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes and then turn the oven down to 350 degrees.  Cook for 45 to 60 more minutes until the filling is bubbling and the pie crust is golden brown.

Serve with Graeters vanilla ice cream. 

Memorial Day, S'mores and Summer Fun

Folding the flag at sunset

Memorial Day unofficially marks the start of summer.  Flags are flown.  Gardens are planted. The neighborhood pools open. Delicious food is cooked on the grill for families and friends picnics.  Days are longer. Nights are warm.


My favorite summertime place is our cottage on the east side of Cayuga Lake.  We have a family cottage shared by 4 generations.  This cottage was passed down from my great-grandmother. As kids we would play outside all day.  We would go to the playground, play store with acorns, make door stopper out of bricks that we would color, swim to the raft and just spend hours gazing at the clouds.  At night we are treated to the beautiful sunsets like in the photo.  

Available at www.svintagecollection.com

Some of the pieces from the summer collection remind me of my grandmother's jewelry.  Big chunky beads and flowers.  I know she would have loved the plucky rooster.


A favorite family meal is Cornell Chicken, fresh corn on the cob, salad and salt potatoes.  After a run to Pete's Treat for an ice cream cone, we may have a special night where we start a campfire.  Some may sing or play guitar, but I just like to stare at the dancing fire.  S'Mores, a special family treat are always served.

S'More

Gephart Family S'More Recipe


Ingredients


Regular size marshmallows
Hershey Chocolate Bars
Plain Graham Crackers




Take two graham crackers and put a piece of chocolate on one half. Find a stick - roast two marshmallows over the flame (be careful) - until they are golden brown or burnt depending on your liking.  Make a sandwich with the graham crackers and chocolate.  Put the marshmallows between the sandwich and pull the stick out.  Enjoy.  They are sticky but delicious.