Use up the Veggies Pasta

It all comes down to using what you like when preparing a meal - the same as clothes shopping and house decorating.  Forcing something simply won't work because it won't be used, worn or eaten.  Given in to trends or adding exotics can backfire as well.  I try to accommodate the tastes of the four palettes that live here, but sometimes, I just give in to what I like when preparing dinner.  I have learned that they will like it or leave it.  Unfortunately, sometimes I buy things, like eggplant and then I think because I know the others do not like it I let it sit until it is almost too late.  In this case, I performed the eggplant rescue just in time on a weeknight when I barely felt like cooking.

I cubed the eggplant with skins on and sauteed in a splash of olive oil.

Some garlic, salt and pepper.  This cook's little black dress.

Then wilt in the spinach that can also turn quicker than used if I am not careful.  Spinach can be a classic cardigan - always in style.  When my sons were young and curious about what they were eating, I made a spinach and rice soup but told them the greens were "soup vegetable" to prevent them from forming a bias.  

I dice a tomato that I add after the mixture is removed from the heat.

Drain the pasta and stir everything together with another drizzle of olive oil.  Looking back, I could have added some onion and a splash of balsamic.  However, it was still fabulous.

I was the only one who ate this amazing dish.  I brought left-overs to work the next day for lunch.  The Mr. had the same pasta for dinner but with jarred sauce.  I certainly feel mine was the better choice.  Sometimes even foodies make mistakes, in the same way celebrities are shown in magazines with the caption, "What was she thinking?" or innocent pedestrians with a black rectangular bar over their eyes while wearing an outrageous garment.  Sometimes we are simply Fed Well.

A Sweet Retreat Cafe in Pine Bush, NY

I have driven past A Sweet Retreat Cafe at least once a week since they opened last year and have been meaning to, wanting to go until finally I met a friend for lunch and now I am looking forward to my next visit!

The business is quite easy to locate and it was no problem to park nearby.  In fact, my friend parked directly in front of the building.

For those unfamiliar with Pine Bush, New York, it is known for people who have experienced UFO sightings.  This April 27 will mark the 3rd annual UFO Festival and Parade.  Some activities include a parade down Main Street and car show.  Many businesses have their windows painted with alien themes to honor the festivities.

What can make an alien seem any more friendly than holding a cupcake?

The Cafe is busy with only two available tables remaining, but we are lucky to have one by a window.  I want to look at everything, catch up with my friend and try to decide on my order all at the same time.  

I decided a few years ago that most restaurants have a signature dish, the one they are known for, proud of and feels best represents them and so I try to look for it or an appealing special.  The problem, all of the specials sounded fabulous - spinach tortellini soup, a selection of quiches, a salad with bacon wrapped asparagus or an open face chicken sandwich.

I decided on "Our Signature Sandwich."

Guests may decide on the bread, but I went with Gerri's recommendation of the ciabatta.  The creamy mozzarella is handmade by the owner's husband.  The pesto was light and flavorful and of course roasted red peppers were delicious, adding color and texture.

My friend ordered the special salad and I think I had to wipe a bit of drool away when I saw those bacon wrapped asparagus spears.  Yes, I can tell you she enjoyed them down to the last bite.

By the way, I eventually decided on the unsweetened black tea.  When I ate my entire sandwich (which I only intended to eat half off since I am nursing a cold),  I had been trying to nonchalantly take photos from my seat, but I can no longer sit still and want to look at everything - the walls, the dessert case, the little gift shop area and so I grab my cell phone and begin to click.

I wonder what influenced the use of some of the meaningful signs... were they purposefully selected with the Cafe in mind, were they gifts, a combination?

I confess, I never really had a sweet tooth until maybe the last five years or so.  Growing up I would always choose a salty snack over chocolate and even today it can sometimes be a coin toss.  But, if I want chocolate no substitutes can be made.

So many details, so many things to look at and admire.  Cute cafe chair cushions (say that a few times fast).

THE Dessert Case - please pause for a moment, take a breath and we will relive the journey together....

An oatmeal chocolate chip and chocolate confection - 

Cupcakes, of course.

Nothing goes better with a dessert in my world than a steaming hot cup of tea.  It is comforting to the soul, soothing, healing and just my favorite.

Every display is eye catching.  A simple rack of teacups has me mesmerized.

The gift shop area includes hand made soaps.

Our dessert is a special sampler.  I am lucky to have the oatmeal chocolate chip not a cookie, not a cupcake and it is delicious.  I appreciate the break from the lush chocolate with the soft oatmeal.

Tea was served in a layered pot.  The bottom layer is the over sized cup.

We talk about life, we smile and greet those we know from the area and spend a minute with one of the Town Police Officers who recognized my friend's car out front.  He wanted to know if one of us could cover a local event since we both write for the local weekly community newspaper.  Hard to believe it is 2013?  Well, small town life isn't all that bad.  Though some couldn't wait to leave when they graduated high school, we stayed, raised our children and are still in nearby towns eating a lovely lunch at A Sweet Retreat Cafe and feeling Fed Well.

Celebrating 83 Years of the Mr.'s Mom

When I was little, I couldn't imagine living until the year 2000.  It seemed so far away and yet, I would only be in my 30's.  My mother-in-law was born in 1930.  Historically speaking, not a fabulous time for our country although the good or bad could be pointed out for each decade, don't you agree?

An informal surprise party was thrown when she turned 80.  Surrounded by friends and family (she has 8 living grandchildren, 1 great grand-daughter at the time and was predeceased by one grandson) and was overwhelmed and brought to tears when she took it all in.  Don't tell her, but I'm hoping we can hold a smaller but upgraded version for her 85th - some place nice perhaps on the Hudson River.

Meanwhile, for 83 I suggested the Mr. and I take her out for dinner.  The gathering grew to include the Mr.'s sister and her family.  Initially, I named a locally owned lobster restaurant, but my MIL was mildly confused and thought I meant the lobster restaurant chain and said, "I have a coupon."  Ok, we can do that instead.  

On the evening of her birthday, one granddaughter bought a beautiful corsage which the birthday girl wore with pride.

We were seated fairly quickly and 2 servers were provided to take care of our party of 9 which later grew to 10 when my younger son finsihed work for the evening.  We ordered 2 appetizers, one lobster pizza and one warm artichoke dip with nacho chips. 

Next were salads.  Yes, about 99% of the time I ask for my salad without dressing.  This has nothing to do with fats or calories, but everything to do with taste.  I want to taste the vegetables in my salad, not a big glop of dressing.  I notice the chain has fancied up their salads by dicing ingredients fairly small.  Neither like nor dislike - just an observation.

My meal.  Yes, it is a horrendous, heaping portion I will never finish in one sitting.  However, it also came at a fairly peak price for a chain dining meal.  This was no $9.95 special.

One family member ordered fish en papillion - fish prepared in parchment paper.  While it appears pretty, she was not happy with the scorched paper or many of the soggy vegetables.  

Notice the change in portion size in the salmon dish below.  While yes, this was less expensive than the first two dishes, it seems a bit less carefully plated and a lot less filling.  What about balance?

Many of the rest of the family ordered mix and match meals commonly referred to as Feasts.  Sort of the same idea as old school Chinese restaurants, selecting one dish from column a and one from b.  The portion size was a bit more fair and consistent.  Have to admit, I had a few of my son's fries.

Did we laugh, yes.  Were we happy to celebrate the Grand Dame's birthday?  Yes.  Did the server's come over with candle lit slice of cake and sing the obligatory song?  Yes.  Did our server take a group photo for me with my phone? Yes.

However, when the bill came, it did not seem to match the quality and amount of food we received.  This is a restaurant that nationally advertises to families and stresses their value.  Not every restaurant deserves a glowing recommendation on the blog and in kindness I will not name them in case ours was a unique bad experience.  We had a lovely time and felt Fed Well, but I for us we see value differently.

Sunday Night Round Up

It has come down to that one night a week when our family of four plus our older son's girlfriend (who is quickly becoming family) can gather for a meal together.  Yes, it happens to be Sunday.  Better for the cook - I can plan a little bit and have a bit of room before everything has to be on the table at the same time and temperature.

To begin, I season 5 chicken breasts with bones and skin. Yes, quite old school.  Salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme into a preheated 375 degree oven.  Walk away from it.

Corn on the cob.  Funny, since they had braces my sons always run a knife down the cob and make a pile of corn on their plate anyway but I can't stand the frozen or canned versions.  It was mere minutes in a stainless steel mixing bowl with a pot lid that perfectly matches so the ears stay steamy and toasty hot.

By request from my older son, a cucumber salad.  For us it means making fancy peel marks (skipping space in between) the cucumber then slicing almost paper thin.  I take the time to assemble the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and giving myself room to stir.  A pinch of salt, pepper and dill, and a conservative spoon of mayonnaise.  I know many are tempted to splash vinegar, but I do not.  Combine and transfer to a serving bowl.

Younger son loves bruschetta!  Loves it!  I diced four tomatoes, a fist full of parsley, a few garlic cloves, salt and pepper.  That's it.  Served with broiled Italian bread slices.

No fresh fruit in the house today, but a can of sliced pineapple rings were a nice sweet finish.

We talked about, scalloped potatoes among other things.  Do you make them?  How? 

Fed Well and together on a Sunday night.  What more could you ask for in life?

Spinach Stuffed Shells

At times a family meal in the middle of the week is a struggle.  Whether I have forgotten to plan ahead, defrost protein, think of a menu, or am simply too tired, it still generally falls to me to provide a yummy dinner.  Yes, yummy.

I love pasta.  Love it.  I could eat a different pasta dish most nights of the week.  My family does not share my enthusiasm and mostly simply tolerates pasta once in awhile and usually at least one member will sigh.  I ignore it.

A few exceptions are baked ziti or if pasta plays a small supporting role.  Since baked ziti is acceptable, I decided to try sneaking in stuffed shells.  The catch?  The shells in the pan to the farthest right are also stuffed with spinach.  Popeye approved!

While I understand many would prefer the shells be saturated with sauce, I offer additional sauce on the side.  I like my cheese on the white string side rather than broiled brown.

The skeptics were pleased.  My older son, the Paleo diet fan, would normally walk away from this meal, but admitted to having 6 cheesy shells.  My younger son, who limits lactose, watched as I mixed the ricotta, mozzarella with fresh parsley and chopped garlic in a large bowl before spooning it into the shells and he was happy with the results.  The Mr. was quietly happy.  The meal was served with crusty yet squishy Italian bread with soft butter.  We are Fed Well with pasta!

Chinese Food at Home + Art in Beacon = Colorful Date

Some weeks and weekends are simply jam packed with activities, places to go and people to see.  This past weekend was literally one thing after another with little room for down time.  Saturday was filled for me with two interviews, covering a local event and taking a quick photo to be included in a community news piece.  PLUS, I wanted to go to an art exhibit opening.  Take out is required for a bit of balance.

For me, the Shrimp Chop Suey is perfect.  I love the crisp veggies, a slightly garlic sauce and ordering dishes with shrimp has become a standard routine in Chinese fare for me.  I've never been a huge fan of fried rice, though this particular take out spot offers a flavorful variety of House Special fried rice which includes of course shrimp.

As readers know, for the Mr. it is all about chicken.  Tonight's choice is Sesame Chicken combination platter which includes fried rice and a crispy eggroll.  He is a happy man.

On to Dream in Plastic in Beacon, NY for Brain Bugs & Robot Hugs by Jessica Schrufer.  Here is a peek at her work:

I especially love her robots and when she creates pieces based on classic monsters like Frankenstein's bride.

A number of pieces were sold quite quickly including the one above.

I have commissioned this lovely young artist to create the Mr. and I as robots.  I adore the piece above and wonder how we will be represented?  How does she see us?  Can't wait.

Dream in Plastic is also going to be opening their own bakery.  As part of the art exhibit opening, a few sweet treats were offered to guests (fudge compliments of the artist, Jessica Schrufer).

When is Nutella ever wrong as an ingredient in confectionery perfection?

We shop the store and buy a few pairs of quirky socks for our sons and 2 nephews.  Of course a cheeseburger in profile is the perfect design for a pair of knee-high's - don't you agree?

Click here for the sock selection at Dream in Plastic

Some other inventory that caught our eyes:

and a greeting card that seems to have been written by me:

The crowd ebbs and flows and before we know it, we are on the sidewalk and heading off to other galleries including Hudson Beach Glass and River Winds Gallery.  I have set the River Winds Gallery link to the work of photographer Linda Hubbard which I most admired.  Here is an example:

The Gallery was also celebrating an opening night and had a few nibbles for guests:

and while we did not sample the offerings, we noticed a few other visitors had wandered over from Dream in Plastic and were enjoying the cheese and crackers.

Street musicians play for an eclectic blend of passersby from young families to hipsters to those of us sliding into middle age (is that really who I am?).

For me, it was the perfect date night.  Good food, art, a bit of walking around, and we are together.  We are Fed Well.