Cape Cod Rock Hopper

We ate where..... & Vanilla Sticks

            As many others have done and will continue to do my condolences to the Kennedy family in their loss. Sometimes the greatest respect come for those who you disagree with the most. I may not have agreed with the stands that Senator Kennedy took but I respected him in his approach and his commitment to what he believed in and his love for this great country he so served. I had thought about remembering those discussions with our friends in Hyannis who knew the Kennedy family, but since I have noted that a couple of different times I will just refer you to reading my past stories. But I think there is one story that as shorter and rather cute. My Mother, my Dad and I were in Hyannis doing some shopping. It was getting a little past lunch time and we were looking for a place to eat. We had asked someone and they pointed us to a small fish and chips place on a side street past the railroad station. As we got upto the shop there was a black limo parked outside. We did not think much of it and went on in. The chauffeur was inside eating his lunch. We ordered and sat down to eat. As we where eating the chauffeur finished his, and on his way out the door the owner of the shop called him by name and said "Tell the Senator I said hello, and don't be a such a stranger, and give my regard to Rose as well."  After we finished our lunch, Dad, as he was always good at doing, went up to the counter and inquired. The gentleman behind the counter confirmed that he was Senator Kennedy's chauffeur and that he would stop in at least once a week and even the Senator would stop in from time to time. My Mother always found it interesting that we had eaten where a Senator had eaten on the Cape. My Mother was always tickled by the little things in life, even when it is as simple as where we ate and who also ate at that establishment.
        May we agree to disagree in our passions and our quests, and may we find respect with others when we choose to walk a different paths in life. The Cape has held to this belief for many centuries and it continue this way for generations to come. Someone please keep the lamp in the light house lit so I can find my way back, only dim it for a few days as we pay our respects to the last Senator Kennedy.

        Through the summer I have tried to stay with no bake cookies, but like the weather not all thing turn out as we plan. And since this season has been a little cooler and we are closer to September then going into July or August I am taking the hint from the wife to using this next recipe. She has only been pushing this for the past 3 or 4 months, so I guess its time to use it. Again another hand written recipe on a 3 x 5 card by her mother that was most likely gotten from one of my Father-in-laws patient's or from one of his staff. So on with the show.

        Recipe of the week: Vanilla Sticks

•         4           egg whites
•         1    lb    powdered sugar
•         1    lb    unblanched almonds (approx. 3 cups finally chopped)
•         1            vanilla bean

    1). Grind almonds and vanilla bean into a coarse powder.
    2).  Beat egg whites & powdered sugar for 20 minutes, ( add powdered sugar a little at a time as you beat eggs
    3). Take out about 1/3 & same for icing.
    4). Add vanilla nut powder to remaining egg white mixture.
    5). Shape into bars (or sticks) on a ungreased cookie sheet and "ice" with hold out 1/3 whites & sugar.
    6). Bake in 275-300 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
        (Note the whites & sugar mixture is a meringue that does get baked on the bar/sticks)

    Great for a late summer or early fall light dessert or just a treat for you and the family.