A Tour of the Winery - Basha Kill Vineyards

http://www.bashakillvineyards.com/

First, I must confess I only know one thing about wine and that is red gives me a headache.  As far as alcohol in general, I know 2 things; I am a lightweight and generally one glass of anything is more than enough and I prefer sweetish, fruity cocktails with a Cosmopolitan being my favorite.  So when I ran into a friend who suggested we meet at a fairly new local winery, I was hesitant.  Would I enjoy it? 

"Well," she said, "they also have live music on the weekends.  People bring their own snacks and just kind of hang out," she assured me.

Low key, low cost, low risk, I'm in.

Besides, my other choice was to stay home on a beautifully sunny Sunday afternoon.  Nah.

I arrived a little early for our meeting time so I could take a few photos of the layout.

What a serene view under the shade, the sprinkling water from the fountain splashing on the pond,

the netted vines, basking in the sun.

Inside, a few interesting pieces of wall art and the announcement of Cave Tours?  Hmmm.

Back under the shade waiting for the 3:00 tour to begin.

Owner Paul Deninno greets visitors at the Cave door and welcomes us inside for a bit of information about the winery.

The room is cool and cave-like and Paul patiently takes questions from individuals in the group, including me, following his presentation.  When I explain my lack of knowledge and preference for sweeter drinks the Osprey or Barn Owl whites are recommended.

After tasting both, I purchase a glass of the Osprey.  It is somehow more delicate to me and though I simply don't speak wine, I can tell it is clearly sweeter and lighter feeling than the Barn Owl.  Plus, what cool names for wine.

I love the little details, the bottle label art, the glasses...

Soon my friend and her family arrive and she makes me a lovely snack plate which includes stone wheat crackers, white cheddar, pretzels, a bit of dip and fresh cherry tomatoes.  The salty crunch is perfect for me with the sweet white wine.

The singer was talented and mellow.  Debbie (not sure of last name) is the mother of five sons, performs in a variety of local venues and has a range of song favorites including Janis Joplin's Bobby McGee.  I recommend the Basha Kill Winery for groups of friends and family on a weekend afternoon.  Visitors bring their own snacks and lounge either under the pavilion or the shade at picnic and cafe tables.  A casual and inviting way to spend some time, learn a little about wine and purchase a glass or bottle(s).  Thank you to my friend for opening my world just a little bit and allowing me to feel that much more Fed Well.

A Farm Stand, A Car Cruise & Apple Pie Jam

http://www.facebook.com/wintertonfarms

A selection of gourds on mini-hay bales a sure sign the weather will soon be crossing the bridge from summer to fall.  This selection includes a gourd that has been stained, ones that may be used for birdhouses and an apple gourd.

The jewel look of cherry or grape tomatoes to me are the most visually appealing and I can always imagine biting into them and having their sun ripened flavor simply burst on the tongue.

Magical beans, purple beans and traditional greens...

additional varieties of tomatoes truly meets the demand of something for everyone,

and unique produce that is simply picture perfect,

peppers and eggplants,

and a new favorite, the sun jewel melon.

A selection of jams including tonight's sample flavor all the way to the left, apple pie jam!  I'm not normally a huge fan of jam, but after having a small spoonful on a cracker and talking over what else this lovely product may be served with, I make a purchase.

I was told I may use the jam where ever I may normally use butter on foods like toast, waffles or pancakes as well as an ice cream topping.  While I seriously considered buying some soft-serve vanilla custard immediately and creating a reverse apple pie a la mode, I save my cute mini jar for the following morning at work when I join my co-workers for the breakfast train to the cafeteria.  We line up and walk together to share a few stories over the first meal of the day.  I share my apple pie jam and 2 of us enjoy it over pancakes.  Perfect!

The car cruise is held Wednesdays at Memory Lane Ice Cream Stand off of Winterton Road in Bloomingburg.  Winterton Farms sets up a lovely display of the freshest produce available for purchase.  Spend a little time with your neighbors, walk around and look at the classic cars, sit under the pavilion with an ice cream and bring home a variety of fruits, vegetables, honey and jams.  These are the moments in which you will feel Fed Well.

Catch Up Dinner at the Mountain View

Lady Friends.

I used to think it was hard to have a lot of female friends, but with time, age, experience and the cruel lessons of life, I am learning they are the most important.

Please don't misunderstand, this is not about having a vast number of women that sit on a shelf like a collection.  This is about interacting, learning, sharing points of view, listening, laughing and having a real relationship.  A relationship that may flow fast and furious over the rough spots, maintain a calm and steady stream or suffer from drought until the rain falls again.  A relationship, a friendship, is about what each person brings to it, takes from it and feeds it.  Ah, feeding...that is something I am more comfortable sharing about.

To start, a creamy and satisfying turkey and rice soup.  The calendar may say August, but some nights simply cry out for the comfort of soup and when catching up with someone you haven't seen in quite some time, the gentle reassurance of soup is calming and familiar.

An appetizer for a main course is a favorite of mine for two reasons; I can't always finish the large portion of an entree (and I'd rather leave a little room for a sweet finish) and it seems to generally work out to be a smidge cheaper in the long run even with the addition of a dessert.  The mussels in a creamy butter sauce are succulent, meaty and tender.  A gentle squeeze of the lemon juice gives just enough zing to the rich dish.

Yes, I even eat the greens on the plate.  I don't like unnecessary garnish but love when it serves a flavorful purpose.

Catching up unfolds slowly and naturally like a content toddler from a nap.  Stretching and blinking to life, the topics of conversation range from books to travel, family, and relationships.  I listen attentively to both what is said and the details that I am allowed to fill in on my own.  In some ways I want to capture the descriptions, what made us laugh, and what made us each pause and allow the other's pain to really penetrate the soul.  Joy and sorrow - a classic pairing.

For dessert another classic, but with a twist.  Warmed apple pie with walnuts, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and caramel sauce.  Oh, my. 

I know my stomach has reached its limit but my tongue argues, "But it is so delicious!  We can't stop now!"

More stories, the meal comes to an end, we hug good-bye and I still have words left swirling in my soul, waiting to settle.  Lady friends ensure you are Fed Well.

Pine Bush Farmers Market & The PERFECT Tomato Sandwich

Shopping at the Farmers Market.  Should one bring a list?  Well, I think it's best to simply walk through and browse every stand for what is fresh and design the week's menu from the ripe offerings.

After all, what doesn't pair beautifully with corn?

Take a moment to enjoy the surroundings as well.  Pine Bush also offers free musical entertainment to enhance the experience and really make you feel like you are part of a community event rather than just shopping.  Although shopping for food, to me, is far more exciting than being trapped in a mall with crazed back-to-school frenzied families.

The colors, the smells, the feel of freshness...

and wondering what can I create with those ingredients?  How can they best be prepared?

For me, I even enjoy the displays - more so than a commercial retail window.

It is the "Tomato Me Crazy" event and these jewels are simply begging to be bought.

Ribbony edges on vibrant greens can make one block out any worries about Fall styles.  Who cares if hem lines for skirts will be long or short?

The classic squash and zucchini...

At home, I have 6 - 8 ripe tomatoes of my own that I can't wait to pair with... well, now, my perfect tomato sandwich is quite simple - a smear of mayonnaise that will mix with the fruit juices to create a drippy pink sauce, a sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper, today's only question is what the vehicle will be.  I select a half dozen rolls from Herman's Erie House stand - 3 herb and 3 classic.  I confess, I would have settled for squishy white bread as well, but the crusty rolls were quite superior.  Freshly and locally Fed Well.

Bacon Turkey Avocado Wheat Wrap - ah, but with...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airmont-Diner/154262777917451

So, not an official website for the diner, but it's something...

Joined by 3 co-workers, we decide on the Airmont Diner.  I LOVE diners!  Breakfast at all hours, maybe a cup of soup and a slice of pie, whatever you want, however you want it.  And, diners always have menus the size of a novel, serving sizes that would make Fred Flintstone happy and a fabulous array of characters for customers.  Today was no exception.

We were greeted by a highly excited host who led us to a booth near gentlemen thoroughly discussing politics and though one Republican and one Democrat each felt free to share their views, one happened to be a little louder than the other.  I worried one of my table mates might just shout out, "Keep the government away from my vagina and out of my uterus!"  Yikes.

The man in the Hawaiian shirt and the lady with the very large, very round glasses who raced in and parked her walker partially blocking our exit, and though they were not together, both caught my eye.

After quite a bit of menu review we are ready to order.  One western omelet, two eggplant wraps and one special wrap - bacon, turkey and avocado.  While the eggplant wraps were not a success, I was beyond happy with the special.  How can bacon ever be wrong?  And my favorite side at a diner (sometimes even with eggs) - crispy, salty, french fries.  Oh, heaven!

Diners are classic venues in which to be Fed Well and strongly supported by coworkers everywhere!

The Birthday Series Continues - Tacos & Margaritas

A newish tradition is selecting an adult beverage to compliment holiday or celebratory meals.  My sister did a wonderful job hosting, planning and preparing with our mother a fabulous Birthday dinner for me complete with strawberry margaritas. 

I was able to watch her new margarita machine at work.  How fancy!  Ice is loaded into the top which is then crushed just so before dropping into the pitcher with mix and tequila.  Press a button, wait, pour and sip!

For those who have met me, I am quite a light-weight when it comes to alcohol consumption.  I limit myself to only 2 of my favorite cocktail, the Cosmopolitan, and even then I sometimes have a hang over.

For my Birthday dinner - 3, yes three, strawberry margaritas.  My son was my designated driver.

A lovely pitcher of iced tea was also on hand!

To start the munching, 2 different chips served with either a warm dip or salsa (or both if you like).

For the main event, a lovely taco buffet with warm hard and soft shells, lettuce,

cheese,

flavored beef, fresh tomatoes, sour cream, and more salsa.

My favorite way to indulge is to simply toss everything together on a plate as a salad. 

Once the table was cleared, a traditional ice cream cake, the kind with mystery blue goo and chocolate crumbles between layers was customized with hard sugar decorations.  What could be sweeter? 

Rounding out the festivities were a colorful bouquet from my favorite 9 and 11 year old nephews, tulip paper wrapped gifts and a golden gift bag.  Love.

Following tradition, a song, lit candles that were blown out with a wish in my heart.

It was a beautiful birthday.  I am Fed Well by my lovely sister and our family.  I feel pretty fabulous for 45!

The Birthday Series Part I: Dual Birthday Lunch at Work with a Side of Co-Worker 25th Anniversary

Birthdays in the workplace - so many things can go wrong.  In the past in my department people's feelings have been hurt if their birthday falls on a weekend or somehow isn't acknowledged in exactly the same fashion as everyone else.  Yes, seriously.

So to alleviate the pain, we have implemented this year a sort of self-serve celebration responsibility.  If it is your birthday, you decide how and when to celebrate.  If you want to bring in a snack, great.  Some people have brought in bagels and other's a store bought cake.  It is all lovely.

A co-worker and I happen to have the days of our birth separated by only 24 hours and so I suggested we combine financial resources and offer a pizza party.  Here is a look at the results:

Classic Sausage

Black Olive

Mushroom

and my absolute favorite, plain cheese!

Two managers seemed to disappear immediately after eating and though we thought it a little strange, we reasoned they may have a meeting to go to or other work related need to be away from our fascinating lunch.  (Conversation covered favorite birthdays and most obscure pets - winners are the woman who skydived to celebrate 50 and those who have or want to own pigs as pets.)

The ladies returned a short while later bearing gifts of ice cream bars to celebrate one woman's 25th anniversary with the company.  25 years!  She typically does not enjoy being the center of attention and so while you may think frozen treat a bit cheap or lack luster, really it is about customizing the level of party to meet that of the desires of the honoree.

None of us complained as we happily ate the decadent and unexpected surprise!

And for those who chose to eat healthier (and for those who were too full from pizza to even consider an ice cream - though I can't imagine it) - a heart shaped dish of cherries!

Happy Birthday to Debi and I.  For me, the partying has just begun...