Cape Cod Rock Hopper

Cape Cod Windmills & an Ocean's Spray

        This weeks memory can turn out to be family fun one. Do you know were to find the Cape Cod Windmills? (Before we go any further, please no CapeWind issues here as I wish not to debate our present day WindMill issues here at this time.)  First lets start with the fascination of Windmills in and of themselves. These big round or octagon shaped buildings with huge paddles covered with a cloth to catch the wind to render some kind of service. The designs are unique in that the buildings top could be rotated so that the blades could face the wind and be used to it maximum capacity. The energy harvested by the rotating blades helped to make chores and jobs much easier and were much cheaper to operate then by animal power. So what did some of these Windmills serve purpose doing. Most were used for grinding corn and grains. However others were used for pumping water in and out of the salt ponds while still others were used in drawing water and irrigation. Even down the road there have been reports of old time windmills helping to produce electricity. Over the Centuries windmills were very important to the economy of the Cape Cod region and as the times prospered so did the mills with at one point over 1000 dotting the coast line of the Cape. Surprising though that once the Windmills had run there course and most were gone that there was not much use for them until in the early 1900s when the price of grains went through the roof many Windmills were put back into use for short time. Amazing how economics can old world technology back into good uses.
      Anyway it is fun to drive around the Cape and take in all the windmills that have been preserved for both the historic backgrounds that they hold as well as for the sheer enjoyment of admiring the work they could and can still do today. The question at this point is how many Windmills are there around the Cape today and are there any important ones now gone that we should remember. So if nothing else here is what I could find both ones I have been to and seen and experienced personally and some I need to go see,,,
     --  Jonathan Young Mill        -  Orleans                   6A & Cove Rd
     --  Eastham Windmill             -  Eastham                 Samoset Rd just west off of Rt 6
     --  Old Grist Mill                       -  Chatham                Old Mill Dr
     --  Higgins Farm Windmill   -  Brewster                 6A - Drummer Boy Park
     --  Aptucxet Windmill             -  Bourne                    Keene St
     --  Judah Baker Windmill      -  South Yarmouth   River St
     --  Old East Windmill              -  Sandwich               Grove St - Heritage Plantation
     --  The Old Mill                          -  Nantucket              South Mill St & Upper York

      I am sure there are more that I am missing, if you know of them add them to the list. Check out Wikipedia and do your own internet search then go investigating. Windmills are still very interesting and beautiful buildings and historically very much a part of Cape Cod. And until, If someone would please leave the lamp in the light house lit till I can find my way back. Have a great day and make a great memory while on Cape Cod
       
      Cocktail time on the recipe charts. I am surprised that I had not heard of this recipe before as it looks to have been made just with a summer Cape day in mind. So give it a twirl and swirl and as always drink responsibly.
      
      Recipe of the week: Ocean's Spray

•       1 1/2   oz      Captain Morgan Parrot Bay mango rum
•       1 1/2   oz      cranberry juice (guess the brand of choice here)
•          3/4   oz      Mountain Dew citrus soda.

       Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and strain into a glass.

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A Memory of Mom and the Cape & Lemon Squares

      With winter starting to pokes its head back into our area and temperatures are dropping what a better way to warm the time away then remember warm thoughts of Cape Cod. My Mother was a wonderful seamstress and could make just about anything that was put her way. I've noted in the past about the suites that she made for Dad and I. But one of the memories that stands out in my mind is of Mom standing in front of the Church on the step in her white summer sun dress that she made. I can remember one of the pictures that I have buried somewhere of Mom in her dress and Dad in his white suit. It is such a classic picture of the two of them at church on vacation. But Mom made many of her cloths especially her dresses and skirts and was so good at it that many never knew they were not high end cloths.
      One of the other things that Mom would make for Dad and I were Ties, Although Dad would wear one just about every day into the office at the church, vacation was a time that we didn't think to much of them. However  whenever Dad or I had a suit on , and that meant Sunday morning church, on went the ties. Now ties in our house did not mean dull boring ties. In fact with a Mother that could sow as well as Mom could we had some of the hottest ties around. Remember we started going to the Cape in the mid 60's and bold and loud did not stop when the 70's came along. Although Dad and I always were dressed well our ties were sometimes our statement. Dad and I would get the new ties for vacation that were bright with big flowers and wide. I mean the wide enough to be used as a bib in some cases. I still have a couple of these of these ties up in my closet, not the widest of wides but they are still bright. The one has a hot pink and white flower pattern with light gray background. Put this with a white suit and trust me you could be used as a beacon your self on a cloudy day. I finally a couple years ago had to go through my ties and get rid of some and another was a patriotic tie that Mom made us in 1976 when all the bi-centennial stuff was going on. Again Dad and I where the talk of the church with the hippest ties for the times. Mom always kept us "in" style and sometime even a head of the times in style, and Dad and I was always appreciative of what Mom did for us.
      Mom has been gone nearly 22 years now am there are still moments that really hit hard in missing her. One of those is when I remember how much she did for Dad and I. Not only the routine daily Mother and wife stuff, but the special stuff that most other Mothers could never do, from sowing, to cooking, managing the household finances. Her scrimping and saving in every daily area allowed us to be able to go to the Cape on vacations. So here is to you Mom, 22 years later,, but still very thankful for what you did for us to allow us to look good, eat hardily and vacation with the best........ If someone would, please leave the lamp in the light house lit till I can find my way back, Have a great day and make a great memory while on Cape Cod
      Well we have finally gotten to week 4, what some would say is the whole reason we eat through the first 3 weeks. Some would say that we should start our dinners with this and work our way backwards and if there is any room left for the healthy stuff then that is what we must need, cause we all now if it really tastes this good then it must not be good for you and we should get that our of the road first. But this year these desserts are good just about anytime of the day and are usually quick and easy and good to have around for small snack at any time or a very nice dessert. So on with Square or Bar Cookies...
       This weeks recipe is: Lemon Squares

•        1      cup      flour
•        1/2   cup      butter
•        1/4   cup      confectioners sugar
•        2      tbls.     lemon juice
•        2                   eggs
•        1      cup      white sugar
•        1/2   tsp.      baking powder
•        1/4   tsp.      salt

      Measure flour by dipping method of sifting (one scoop at a time through sifter) Blend flour, butter and confectioners sugar thoroughly. Press evenly in square 8 x 8 x 2 baking pan. Bake for 20 min. in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. Beat  the rest of the ingredients together. Pour over crust and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. (But please do not over bake.) Let cool and cut into squares and serve with a lemon twist and or a mint leaf.

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Cabin Fever Ideas & SouthWestern Bunch Casserole

      First of all congratulations to the new Senator, Scott Brown. I am sure that my dear friend from long gone years in Hyannis Mr. Al C. is rolling in his grave to think that a Republican would ever sit in that seat, and he was as staunch Republican as my dear Dad is Staunch Democrat. Although he hoped an prayed to see the day he never did, but he always respected the office no matter who was in the seat.
    Ok, as we are stuck in the middle of winter with cold damp dreary weather all around and cabin fever about to drive us nuts what can bring us a smile and hope that spring and summer will really return to us sooner then later. Well I think my Niece's daughters had an idea the other day and that was as soon as the temperatures rose a little above the 40 degree mark they went and got their bathing suits on and wanted to go out to the pool. Well my Niece didn't fight it, it was a sunny day and hey sometimes its better to roll with an idea then fight it. No they did not actually fill the pool, but they did get the hose out and for a few minutes enjoyed a cheerful happy moment hoping that warmer days will be just around the corner when bathing suits are more the normally daily attire then heavy jackets, boots and gloves. I also saw the pictures of the kids in Falmouth going for a Polar Bear swim for a fund raiser, but hey sometimes you have to take drastic measures. I remember as a kid myself every now and then getting out the bathing suit in the middle of winter and putting it on. Why? was I completely nuts, will my family today would say that is part of my problem right there, but NO. Kids sometimes have right. We need to let ourselves go and have some fun every now and then. For those on the Cape find a good pool to  go jump in. If you are in an area outside of the Cape and snowbound or just cold weather bound, turn up the heat, get out the towel and get break out the pictures of your vacation to the Cape over the past couple of years, and have a beach party. Take some hints from kids who just want to have some fun in looking forward to summer. Remember being adults does not have to mean being stuffy all the time.
    Now if your really fortunate and you can do a road trip to the Cape, WOW, winter at the Cape. Ok so I have never been to the Cape with snow on the ground, but I watch what is going on and I read what is happening and who said the Cape does not have things to offer. Ok so all the thin blooded snow birds have gone south, or out west, and maybe when I am their age I will be either be heading that direction or wishing I had to the money to escape for a bit. But look around, if the snow is on the ground there is wonderful sledding on the dunes. There is snow shoeing or cross country skiing on some of the nature trails that are available on the Cape. More and more shops are staying open year round. There are bird watching events that have been going on and light house tours. I could list more but check out our own CCToday Calendar of Events. Just think you are missing most of the tourist as well and even if you don't want to put on the bathing suit and take a dip in the old cold Cape Cod Bay, there is still plenty of romance to be had just walking a winter beach or watching the sun set no matter what time of year it is.
    So have some fun with your cabin fever, put on a bathing suit and turn on a sun lamp and get out the pictures and even though the weather might be frightful outside it can be oh so delightful looking forward to making new memories on your next visit to wonderful Cape Cod, no matter what time of year it is... And until that time someone please keep the lamp in the light house lit till I can find my way back,,, to ole Cape Cod.
    
    Recipe of the week; This is one is actually from my side of the family and not my own, so it must be good. So giving credit to where it is due this comes from the younger of my two OLDER sisters. Look a good brother I always talk the chance to point it out that I am the youngest of the siblings. Anyway we have come to like this one very much and hope you find it tasty as well.
    This months Main Event Recipe; SouthWestern Bunch Casserole

•         8        oz         SouthWestern style refrigerated has browns
•         1/4    cup       green onions (use all of them tops & bottoms)
•         1        cup       taco or nacho or mexican shredded cheese (or a combination of)
•         2        cans     Mexican style corn, drained (16 oz cans)
•         6                      eggs
•         1        cup        milk
•         1/4    tsp.       seasoned salt
•         1/2    tsp.       black pepper

        

    Spread potatoes in a 8 x 11 baking dish (sprayed with non stick spray). Sprinkle onions over top of potatoes, next sprinkle cheese over top onions, followed by the corn. Beat the eggs with the milk, then add the seasonings at then end and mix well. Pour milk mixture over potatoes mixture in baking dish. Bake in 350 preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until the center is set.  (serves 8)          

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Looking through the Cape Snow & Apricot Surprise

      I don't know why especially this time of year trying to come up with story or tidbit or whatnot is so hard. I'm not sure if it's the cold that has set into the brain and frozen all the warm molecules or what. I love the snow and we have had our fair share of it as well here in the Mid-west but the wind whipping cross the open farm fields is what gets me. So what does this have to do with the Cape you might ask, well for one my family has been after me for years as I have longed to move and asked me, what in the world do I want with the Cape in the winter. The wind can come blowing off the Cape Cod Bay with the tenacity of a frozen slushy in the face or you can get those horrific Nor'Easterns that can reck havoc on the outer shores of Chatham and up the coast of Truro. But all you have to do is look a those winter pictures of Sandwich with the Dexter's Grist Mill covered with snow and pond partially frozen, or the church across the street, tell me what else could be so quaint and so New Englandy, (ok so I made that word up but hey it works for me). Looking at these picture just brings back floods of warm summer sunny days walking around the town and soaking up the history. Or what about the pictures of Falmouth with snow on the Town Green, with churches on either side or the shops down Main Street. Or take a slide down to Nobska and how beautiful the lighthouse is all lit up in the snow. Yes I've been called weird before but that's me. As you stand at the base of the lighthouse I can imagine the warm air of summer blowing in from across the Nantucket Sound as vacationers are coming across from Martha's Vineyard on the ferry. And what about Chatham, have you seen those pictures with the snow all up and down Main Street, covering the roofs of the buildings making them look like gingerbread houses with white icing. All I can think about is the good Olive Oil shop we found there last summer and hoping they make it so I can go back this year, and the wonderful aroma of Chocolate pouring out onto the sidewalk from the Chatham Candy Manor.
    Yes winter can be unpleasant sometimes, it doesn't matter if you in the Mid-West or on the East Coast shores of Cape Cod. But when you look at these pictures what do you remember, what do you see in your mind, what smells evoke your delight, that is, what is remembered. While the snow is falling outside I watch a show about Lobster salad and remembering the Lobster roll dinner at the church in Chatham and having to call my Dad and rub it in that I just polished a wonderful delicious delight away. But with winter comes change and with change comes renewal and eventually spring time, and the return of warmer weather and glistening sunshine...... Ok back to reality, today its cold, and snowy and blowing, and,,, come on give it a try, look around, look at all the pictures that are coming in from the Cape, what do you remember, what stirs your memories. Look past the cold, cause this too shall pass and all will be back to hot summer days spent laying on sandy beaches and swimming in warm Nantucket waters.... Feels warmer already.
    Someone keep the lamp in the lighthouse lit till I can make it back to the Cape and remember, the Cape can be a beautiful place in the winter if you just give it a chance.
    Ok so the challenge this year I think is going to be the side dish. What do you do with casseroles and stews. Most the time they already have some kind of vegetable in it and adding another "hearty" dish is not needed. So we will attempt to do some kind of light dish or salad that will complement the coming main dish or as least be something that is light and a surprise to the palette that goes well with the meal but is not overpowering.  So with all that here we go with the first,
   
    Side recipe of the month: Apricot Surprise

•     1       cup         sugar
•     2       cans      crushed pineapple (16 ounce cans)
•     1/2   cup        water
•     6       oz          apricot gelatin (1 - 6 oz box)
•     8       oz          cream cheese (1 - 8 oz pkg)
•     1/2   cup        celery, chopped fine
•     9       oz           whipped topping (1 - 9 oz container)

    Heat sugar, pineapple and water. Remove from heat. Add gelatin and cool. Mash cream cheese into small bits and mix with gelatin liquid and mix in celery.  Refrigerate and when gelatin starts to thicken add whipped topping. Pour into 9 x 13 inch pan, refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares and serve on bed of lettuce.

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Thinking Cocktails & an Absolute Vacation

Well first week of the month will be cocktail recipe again, no need to change a format that is working. I went back and forth on the theme, do I try something new, do I stay with a common ingredient. So after a couple hours searching, and researching, making a list and checking it twice,, (oh wait a minute that was another story). Anyway I got everything just about finished and went this is just not working, and I started to think. This is about Cape Cod, this is about things that the Cape is known for. What better then Cranberries,,,,, but wait a minute,, didn't we do this theme already? Ok, like 2 years ago, so just how many recipes can there be for cocktails using Cranberries and/or Cranberry Juice. Well back to the internet I go for a little more searching and research. Ya ya ya, some of you our there are already thinking my research included consumption right? Well think again, nada, nope, not one while on the job and carrying out my task of putting together this stellar cocktail theme. Now mind you I am not a tea totaller, however I don't have the money waste on alcohol either. So I enjoy researching fun new recipes to try either at home or every now and then when we go out for a nice dinner every now. So the common ingredient is in place, but hey after looking at all these names I figured I could do one better and even go with names that could go for things on or around the Cape. So we have Cranberry Juice cocktails with Cape and Beachy themes, but just note, you will not find a Cape Codder on this list at all this year. However who knows, some year we might just find a whole year of them as there are so many variations, it was almost mind boggling. But we will save those for a later time.

On a last note about this subject to mention,, a few of my favorite things,, Ok ok,, note,, song few of my,, I know, leave what belongs in the movies in the movies and stick to the blog thing, Cranberry related drinks that are either made on the Cape or near by that I enjoy. First, is a wonderful new drink that I just purchased last year for the first time and yummmm-o (sorry). But it is good, Triple Eight Cranberry Vodka, produced right out on good old Nantucket Island. First I have the saying that to make something taste better, just add Vodka,, now add Cranberries to it, and we are talk something really good to drink. Either using it as a mixer or over the rocks, it has a mild cranberry flavor that has just a wonderful taste to it, the only bad part about it is it is not available in Ohio, probably a good thing for my wallet. Second is Truro Vineyards Cranberry Wine, that comes in a beautiful light house bottle. I first became acquainted with Cranberry Wines in Plymouth and Commonwealth Winery. But soon afterwards David Tower went out of business leaving my pallet on a quest to find good Cranberry Wines, and Truro does produce a mighty fine wine. By the way if you are up in Truro go check out the vineyard and shop, as they have a really nice set up, up there. Third is stretching it a bit but is one of my all time favor beers, and that would be Samuel Adams seasonal Cranberry Lambic beer. You had better like cranberries and it is not a light beer, but oh it is so so good.

Well you have gotten a little insight my planning for this coming year on the cocktail scene. Yes I take time to research, I try to make it as relevant as possible to the theme all things Cape Cod but most of all try to get some drinks that are fun to make and try that we would not normally find otherwise. Well for now that's it, as always someone please keep the lamp in the light house lit till so I can find my way back, and if someone thinks about it, leave me a Cranberry Vodka shooter on the night stand as a nice night cap. As always please enjoy but please drink responsibly.

This weeks recipe could not be more perfectly named for how I feel my time is while I am on the Cape, it is an:

Absolute Vacation

•         1 oz      Absolute vodka
•         1 oz      cranberry juice
•         1 oz      orange juice
•         1 oz      pineapple juice

Put all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake well. Pour into glass over ice. Garnish is a couple of cranberries.

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Hello New Year & Puppy Chow

Well tis the time of year that we say our goodbyes to the old year and welcome in the new year. We look back to what went well and try to carry that on, and if we found anything that just didn't work try to leave it behind and not duplicate in any near future. For some its a time for making new resolutions, but for most they will never make it past the first week of the year. For others of us, we gave up new years resolutions long ago, knowing we either could never live up to our own expectations of wishful thinking or just realize that even the best of intentions sometimes just don't pan out.

So with that as I look back through this past year what went well for me? Well if nothing else the consistency of being here week after week, and even more is you folks reading what I have to offer. Another is the help of my wife in searching out cookie recipes. So if she will not mind as we take on a new direction in desserts this year hopefully she will continue to help. Third is my love for the Cape, this of course depends on who you talk to if it is good or not, as I still drive some if not most in my family nuts on my obsessiveness over all things Cape Cod. Fourth I would be remiss if I was not thankful for a job, a roof over my head and  cloths on my back, this is good, even if the job and roof are not always in the location that really want, it is more then a lot of people have right now.

Looking towards next year what can we look forward to in this thing call Cape Cod Rockhopper's Memories. First I will continue to try to come up with new stories and memories from years gone bye. Second you will continue to get travel tips, from a family view as well as a couples view as we have been on both sides of that fence. Third, the recipes will continue to be there, a cocktail week one (still not sure of the theme for this year). Next side dish for week two (always something to complement the main dish). Speaking of main dishes week three ( this year a break from the seafood, we will be doing soups, stews and chowders. However don't be looking for any clam chowder from my wife, that is still a closely guarded secret she is not evening letting me get my hands on.) Week four will be dessert week, this year will be bar cookies or sheet cookies and maybe even a brownie or two recipe.) On those occasional five week months as it has been it will just a the usual potpourri of whatever I feel like.

There you go, the line up for the coming year, a little old, a little new, a few tips and some good grub. And again there may be a week or so that something prevents me from giving you a story however to the best of my abilities you will always have a recipe. So here is to looking forward, and as always I just ask someone to keep the lamp in the light house lit till I can find my way back again, hopefully sooner then later.

Last recipe of the year is a straight up fun one for you and the kids, and when the spouse or significant other finds it out you will have to make a second batch for the rest of you. This one came from my wife's child care years at the church for our choir from one of the parents kids she was watching. There have been a view variation on this one but we like this one the best. So get the kids to give you hand and enjoy this snack treat.

Recipe of the week; Puppy Chow

•         9         cups      Chex cereal (you choice in flavors)
•         1          cup        chocolate chips
•         1/2      cup        peanut butter
•         1/4      cup        butter
•         1/4      tsp.        vanilla
•         1 1/2   cups      powdered sugar

Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter n high for 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Add cereal and stir till coated with chocolate mixture. Once cereal is well covered, sprinkle with powdered sugar till completely covered. Portion out some for yourself and hide it cause one everyone else tastes this one there will be non left for you.

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Christmas Week & Aunt Susan's Black Walnut Cookies

It’s Christmas week and I wondered just what I should write. I look at the pictures all covered in snow, with visions of summertime dancing in my head. The dunes now all white with winters cruel fright, while memories by gone summer’s heat beaten sand still tickle my feet. The harbor’s now packing up slowly with ice, while I chose to remember the boats that packed it just 4 months ago. The cute little restaurant with good morning breakfasts now looks like a frozen gingerbread house stuck back in a black and white frame. Now Main street in Chatham is piled up high, while cute Christmas lights dance through widows so bright, and not many a persons can be found on the road. Yet it still seems so close that I walked down those streets in shorts and a tee shirt eating ice cream and sweets. Oh where oh where did my summer Cape go, like sugar plums dancing around in my head. I hope all I remember is not just a dream. I can’t help but look at those rough angry seas, and remember just recently how calm they could be. While swimming and play the Nantucket Sound in waters just right for a mid-summers dip. My memories are fading now slowly to white, while snowflakes continue to dance from the skies. But this much I know that all this will not stay, and just down the street and around the next bend. I will find that warm Cape that my brain so remembers. And all will return to a warm summer’s day.

Here’s hoping for a short winter and a quick thaw,, in the meantime someone keep the lamp in the lighthouse lit till I can find my way back. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.        

The recipe of the week comes from the wife's side of the family,, again. This time it is from her Grand Aunt Susan. There are two names for this cookie for the first is called the Pride of Iowa Cookies. However I prefer the other which is Aunt Susan's Black Walnut Cookies. Just for record sake my wife's Aunt Marjorie used this recipe in their church cookbook "A collection of Recipes" Columbus Baptist Temple 2003, Columbus, Ohio. Since this is Christmas week, will not bore you with anything more.

Recipe: Aunt Susan's Black Walnut Cookies

•         1    cup    brown sugar
•         1    cup    white sugar   
•         1    cup    shortening
•         2               eggs
•         2    cups  flour
•         1/2 tsp.   salt
•         1    tsp.    soda
•         1    tsp.    baking powder
•         1    tsp.    vanilla
•         1    cup    coconut
•         2    cup    quick rolled oats
•         1/2 cup    black walnuts

Mix brown and white sugars with shortening, add eggs then mix in flour. Once gently mixed incorporate salt, soda, baking powder, and vanilla. Mix together. finally mix in Coconut, oats and black walnuts. I will be best to do this last step by hand. Once everything is mixed together Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet and flatten with bottom of glass. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes.

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Birthday Disney and Creamy Seafood Stew

Ok folks, now for a little explanation of my absents last week. I can only do this since the GodFather himself took the liberty for one week so am I. Last week was my birthday and the wife and I went and celebrated in Disney. Now in contrast to what the GodFather did in renting a house with other family members, the wife and I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge. My daughter who is a Disney nut, (in a good way) is an expert in knowing how to work the plans to our best advantage. We ended up doing 5 days and 4 nights with the standard meal plan, way plenty of food for the wife and I, and with a hopper pass. The Hopper pass allows you to play in the park that opens early, play in a different park in the afternoon, then go play in another in the evening, especially if one is staying open late. Also the hopper allows you to not have to kill yourself seeing everything at once and to go bad to different parks as they have different parades at different times. And especially this time of year when they have all the Christmas and Holiday specials going on. Disney may be for kids, but it is also for grown ups who just want to have an enjoyable time.

Just a couple of highlights to share,  first, the food this year was outstanding. Not that it's ever bad, but there were 2 occasions that we were just in culinary heaven. The first was on my birthday, we had eaten and earlier dinner at one of the restaurants in Animal Kingdom. A very nice dinner in and of itself, however later that evening after walking off that we had consumed the wife and I were getting a bit hungry and wanted a lighter fare for an evening snack and did not want just sweets. So we ended up at the Jiko restaurant in our Hotel, WOW, we were spoiled to no end. The waitress sat us up at the chefs counter were we were entertained by both the chefs, one from Puerto Rico and the other from South Africa. I can not say thank you enough to these guys for making that evening the culinary highlight of our entire trip. The specialty flatbreads were out of the this world, and extras, including a soup and something called Non-bread were something else, and the South African wine,,, ok ok,, my mouth is watering all over again. These guys conversed with us, talking about their backgrounds and then what they were doing, making and just generally conversation that it make for one of the best evenings I could have ever asked for on my birthday. The second highlight was a new place on the Boardwalk called Kouzzina by Cat Cora, and once you eat there you understand why she is an IronChef. Starting with the Kouzzina Sampler with the Hummus and the Olives and the skewers with shrimp and chicken and Tzatziki and grilled pita,, and that was just the appetizer. I followed that up with the Fisherman's Stew and the wife had the Wood Grilled Flank Steak. I also had a Cat Flight of wines, 3 different wine tastings that just went so well with dinner. What a wonderful wonderful evening of eating. What can I say,, this ain't no kids play here, although folks were bringing in there kids, this is true grownup eats. WOW.

Ok one last notation. On thursday we did the hotel hop, going to most of the deluxe resorts to see their Christmas trees and and decorations. We hopped the monorail for one, then the boat for another, then back on the monorail. What a wonderful time of relaxing, not having to rush to a park, not having to be anywhere for anything. Just a relaxing time,

So Disney or the Cape, for couples or families. In both situations the answer is the same,, BOTH. The Cape is great for family time and family get aways, however there is so much that just couples can enjoy just by themselves. Same with Disney, don't think that it is just for kids, if you do, you will deprive yourself from a wonderful experience that you and you significant would enjoy. So for this time, instead of talking about the sun and the fun of the Cape, I had to share my sun and fun at Disney. And until next time,, someone leave the light in the lighthouse lit so I can find my way back to the Cape very soon..

This weeks recipe is my own combination. I have used a couple other recipes for reference then adapted it for our own likings. Since my wife is not a give tomato fan, I can not make a stew or or dish that has a lot if any tomatoes in it. I also need to be careful in that my son loves fish but he is not a big fan of shellfish, strange boy, must be the milkmans, (just kidding). However both my kids over the years have been very willing to try just about anything I put in front of them at least once. This includes new main dishes, vegetables, and fruits. My wife does most of the baking and non of us have could do much complaining on that either.

So when I am looking for recipes I am looking for easy and ingredients that everyone will be able to find something they can like in it.

So with all that, I give you my   version of :  Creamy Seafood Stew

•         3       Tbsp     butter
•         1        small   onion (minced)
•         3/4   cup        celery, chopped
•         1/2    pd        mushrooms, chopped
•         1/2    pd        crab meat, chunked
•         1/2    pd        shrimp, fresh or frozen
•         1/2    pd        scallops,
•         1/2    pd        clams,
•         1/2    pd        white fish, (halibut, flouder, fluke, or cod)
•         2        cups    heavy cream, (for a lighter fair split out with milk)
•         1         tsp      fresh parsley, chopped
•         1/4    cup      chives, chopped
•         1        tsp       Old Bay Seasoning
•         1        tsp       pepper (fresh ground if you have)
•         Dash            cayenne
•         1/3    cup      brandy

Melt butter in a stew pot, add minced onion and sauté about 1-2 minutes. Add celery, and mushrooms and continue to sauté for another few minutes. Next add seafood and cream, Old Bay Seasoning, cayenne, and pepper. Heat, stirring regularly until mixture comes to about a boil and reduce heat, cook till seafood is cooked through, but don't overcook or will become rubbery. Finally add parsley, chives, and brandy right at the end. Service with oyster crackers, or serve with rice or couscous.

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Sweet Potato Pie & Nothing Else

This week is my birthday, in fact today the 9th and Im out making merry and frankly I really don't care this week about my blog as I am celebrating my 49th year. The end of the first 1/2 century of living and just being a royal pain in the nuggies. The only problem is that I feel that I have more nuggies to dish out and there are still those that I need to continue to be a royal pain to.. So pardon the attitude while Im out parting and I will be back next week. But as I promised, you will get a recipe, so enjoy, can you guess where this one came from, another one from my wife's Mother's collection.

Recipe of the week:  Sweet Potato Pie

•        2       cups           Mashed sweet potatoes
•        3      eggs
•        4       Tbsp           margarine melted
•        1       cup              sugar
  
•        1       tsp.              vanilla
•        1       tsp               nutmeg    
•        1       Tbsp.          lemon juice
•    1/2     cup            "Good" Bourbon

Beat Eggs into mashed sweet potatoes. Next mix in rest of ingredients until all are well incorporated. Pour into a pie shell and bake at 325 for 45 minutes.

(I think I should have rewritten this to read 1 cup of Bourbon separate into two 1/2 cup portions. 1 portion for the pie, and 1 portion for the cook)

(remember: when using spirits and wine in cooking, if you wouldn't drink it normally

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December Brings Cape Memories & 3 Swedish Fish

All I can think about going into this December is the smell of a wonderful Christmas Pine tree. Ok Im cheating on this one, like I have not mentioned it before. One of the most memorable things about going to the Cape are the signs and smells that tell us that we are getting close. One of the first things that is noticeable if the smell of the pine trees, that wonderful fresh smell of pine. I don't know what if it is just the concentration of the pines or the type of pines that are in the southern coastal Massachusetts area or what, but the further south and west you go the strong scent of pine quickly leaves and you are left with a more earthy smell in the air then that of fresh pine. The other sign and scent that is noticeable is the salt air. For those that live on the Cape or near the coast, after a while you just grown use to the smell just being there. But for those us who live so far away and have more city smells or "farm" smells, the salt air is very refreshing and very distinct.

One of the other memories that we have of the Cape are the specialty Christmas shops. Traveling up and down 6A we have found many shops that seem to specialize in Christmas. One that will always be a memory is a little Christmas shop between West Barnstable and East Sandwich on the south side of 6A. It looks like a house that an elf would live in and the door is so short that at 5'9" even I have to duck or I will hit my head getting in. But once inside it is jammed packed with all kinds of Christmas tree ornaments and Advent calendars. It has been a treat to go in year after year and see what is new and see what we can add to our growing collection of Christmas goodies. Down the road in Brewster are more shops that  including Linda's that you can always find something Christmasy and then the Strawberry Patch is another that has ornaments and other goodies the filled with the Christmas spirit.

So when it comes to December and the air turns colder with winds start to bit, there are plenty of things to remind me of the Cape. So if you don't live on the Cape share your own memories of things that bring joy into your home of the Cape through your visits. And if you live on the Cape take the time to remember the things that make the Cape such a wonderful place to be that not many others will get that chance to experience year round. And in the mean time, someone please keep the lamp in the light house lit till I can find my way back.   

This weeks recipe has turned out to be more like 3 recipes instead of one. Why? Well it seems that there are more varieties of fish that swim to the beat of a  Swedish drum then there are actual fish that swim in Sweden. I think I looked at least 12 to 15 recipes and Im not sure I found two exactly the same. Close but no two alike, kinda like snow flakes. So figuring its December and we all will need a shot or two sometime through the season, especially dealing with,, oh I mean entertaining the in-laws and out-laws, you might want to give all three of these a try. Enjoy and please drink responsively.

    Recipes of the week: Swedish Fish Cocktail Shots,

    Swedish Fish 1                                  Swedish Fish  2                              Swedish Fish 3

    1 oz        Peach Schnapps                   1 oz     Vodka                                       1 oz       triple sec
    1 oz        Blackberry Schnapps        2 oz     Blackberry Schnapps         1 oz      Blackberry Schnapps
    splash Cranberry Juice                    splash Cranberry Juice                  splash Cranberry Juice

All recipes are poured into a shot glass (or double shot) and float a Swedish Fish Candy in the bottom of each one.

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