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.

www.etsy.com/shop/SVintageCollection

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.