10 Things you simply must have for outdoor dining this winter

For those of us in chillier parts still wishing to have some semblance of a social life, safely and support our local restaurants, dining out is our only option, which as we head into the coldest months of the year can be challenging. But I have some great ideas to help keep you warm as you dine in the great outdoors this winter!

But get this, outdoor dining isn’t a new thing!

Europeans have been enjoying it forever… as have skiers.

Of course a bucolic, snow-covered landscape thick with white peaks and bright blue skies are just a dream for most of us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves and have FUN!

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I mean, we should be looking at outdoor dining as a GOOD thing… instead of looking at indoor dining as something we can’t do, let’s change the narrative and look at OUTDOOR dining as something we CAN DO… and HAVE FUN doing!

But first we need to be prepared and take the necessary steps to stay warm and cozy.

Obviously a warm winter coat is imperative. I’m not suggesting you invest your life savings and go all Canada Goose, but if this is just a drop in your bucket, by all means, DO! If there’s a winter to stay warm, this is it! And perhaps this investment will inspire you to spend more time outside… but if your pockets are more like mine, there are plenty of other super warm options at a fraction of the cost. I happen to LOVE my Northface down coat. While it’s not runway worthy, it’s stylish enough for me, and long enough to cover most of me. And is it ever warm!

Hats are a must. Scarves won’t really work… at least for me they won’t. I know it would end up wearing half my meal! But fingerless gloves are a resounding YES as is a rechargeable electric hand-warmer. Not sure about that? Then get yourself a healthy supply of disposable hand-warmers that you can place inside your fingerless gloves, and inside your boots to keep your toes toasty toasty toasty! Another way to keep those tootsies warm is to make sure you have a great pair of thermal socks…

Sure you can always wear ski or snowboarding pants, but you may find them a tad bulky. I’m a leggings girl and always have been so when I learned about these fleece lined leggings I was SOLD! Think stylish and chic, but yet as comfortable as your softest PJs. Amazing!

Staying warm outside while being relatively inactive is challenging for me. You see, I am always cold… except for the random hot flash that strongholds me out of the blue. Luckily, this has not happened while I’ve been outdoors, wrapped up like a burrito… yet!

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Hopefully you’ll be seated near a fire-pit or heat lamp, but here’s one more thing (such a brilliant thing it is too!) to keep your warm… How about a technology-heated cushion… Yes, it’s a thing! Really!

So let’s have fun this winter, let’s get out and enjoy the outside and everything it offers, including our restaurants!

Celebrating Memorial Day during the Corona Era

What are your plans this summer?

Are you traveling or staying put for the meantime?
There’s some good news. As the states start to open up - they’re now all fully or partially open - people are starting to travel again. Air travel saw its best day on Wednesday since everything shut down. All airlines and airports are now enforcing their rules and guidelines (so be sure to check those out.) With gas prices and traffic at an all-time low this is a terrific time to take to the road. However, if traveling to another state you should expect to be asked to self quarantine for 14 days. So you’ll have to decide if the travel will be worth it… for now.

We strongly encourage you to look into all the activities within your state. This is a great time for a shorter road trip. Discover new outdoor dining spots and hiking trails. Or just stay put and enjoy everything your local community has to offer.

Whether your state is fully opened or partially opened, Memorial Day weekend will look a little different this year, and maybe for the next couple of years. While parades and large group settings need to be put on pause for a while, this doesn’t mean that we have to put our lives on pause. So let’s get out there and celebrate! We can still have fun in small groups, surrounded by our closest friends.

It's time to sweep off our porches, decks and balconies, clean off lawn chairs and deck furniture, bring out the hammocks, open our pools up and look forward to some nice relaxation in the summer sun. It's time to make lemonade and iced tea and sip it slowly beneath the warm sun, perhaps while reading the morning newspaper on a hammock in the cool shade of a tall Oak tree. Has your beach opened up? Grab your chair, sunscreen and a great summer read.

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Ok, so we can all agree that 2020 is turning out to be the most bizarre year. We’ve faced many challenges and adversities, but we still have so much to be grateful for. While we have no idea what the future will hold for us, there are going to be plenty of good times are ahead of us, they’ll just look a little different from those of the past. So as we start to embrace Summertime with open arms let's remember those Heroes who have paid a dear price for our freedom, and this year, let’s all celebrate those who have fought for us in our hospitals, and our new front lines. We are forever indebted to them.

What does summer mean to you?

These may not be the easy, breezy, carefree days we once knew, but let’s all vow to make the best of what we do have!

To me, summer is about long lazy days and swimming in lakes, pools and oceans. It’s about letting kids play outside until late at night as the sun sets past their bedtimes. We fondly remember those endless days that seem to blurr together. Running in the rain without rain gear, splashing in the puddles, chasing fireflies, building campfires and making s'mores. These are the things that make summertime so special. Summer is about creating memories that will last a lifetime. And while our summer will be different this year, there’s no reason why we can’t

Below are some links to help celebrate the weekend. Some of us will be getting some rain, but we won’t let that ruin our virtual parades. Have an indoor party, and what’s a party without cake? We love this gorgeous flag cake.

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American Flag Cake

2-3 cups of blueberries, washed
4-6 cups of strawberries, washed and sliced
1 container of Cool Whip or your favorite vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
Sparklers

Take your Cool Whip or ice cream out of the freezer to soften
Using a springform pan arrange your fruit and ice cream/whipped cream in layers as seen in the image above left.
Place in freezer to set. 3 hours minimum.
Remove from freezer 15 minutes prior to cutting and serving

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Click on the links below for some other Memorial Day Weekend and Summer fun inspiration!

Memorial Day Desserts

Decorating with the American Flag

Gazpacho Recipes

Eating like you live in New England

Watermelon Recipes

Simple Summer Party Food

A banana bread of pandemic proportions!

There’s banana bread and then there’s BANANA BREAD.
Because banana bread is trending we just had to jump in.
This is the best yet. I promise you.
Once you make this recipe you won’t be able to go back!
You’re welcome ;)

A banana bread of pandemic proportions!

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, room temperature
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1/2 cup sour cream (Plain or Greek yogurt works too)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups cake flour (all purpose works too)
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup toasted, chopped walnuts (optional - we didn’t use them for this recipe)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

• Lightly grease a 9 1/4 by 5 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch loaf pan with 1 teaspoon of the butter. (I used Pam)

• Mash together the sour cream, eggs and vanilla - can be done by hand or in a bowl with an electric mixer.

• Sift the cake flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fixed with a whisk attachment.

• Add the butter and mix on medium-low speed until blended, about 30 seconds.

• Add the banana mixture in 3 batches, scraping the sides of the bowl and mixing on medium speed between each addition. (I did not add it in 3 batches) Fold in the nuts.

• Pour into the loaf pan.

• Bake until lightly browned and bread bounces back to the touch, about 1 hour 10 minutes.

• Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire rack to cool completely.

For muffins line 18 muffin tins with muffin/cupcake wrappers and bake for 25-30 minutes.

A banana bread of pandemic proportions!

A banana bread of pandemic proportions!

46 Fun things for everyone to this summer (in spite of covid 19!)

We’re all bored in the house, in the house bored and as the weather gets nicer we are getting more restless and more anxious. Many of the things we had hoped to do this summer will have to wait. But, with enough creativity, there is a lot we can do! Below enjoy some of my ideas and things that I have had fun doing with my own children over the years.

1. Reverse Tie Dye

Tie dye is all the rage, but what about reverse tie dye? I had fun with this when my youngest was young. So many of his Polo shirts were coming home stained and not wanting to toss them I decided to have a little fun. We LOVED the results. This can be done with sheets, pillow cases, cloth napkins, jeans… anything really. The sky’s the limit! (Apologies - the photos below are 11 years old!) Directions and original blog post here.

2. Make Collages

We love to collage. Even now that the kids are nearly fully grown. Of, course they’ve changed in style over the years, but they’re always fun and you don’t have to be artistic for them to come out beautifully!
We have these for the very young, and you can incorporate them with a story. They’ll also LOVE these using cut out construction paper and recycled popsicle sticks.

Years ago I took the kids to The Eric Carle museum in Massachusetts and it happened to be the Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 40th Birthday. We did all sorts of Carle-inspired collages. They’re super easy to do at home! Why not collage with newspaper or even wrapping paper?!

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3. Make your own ice cream! We’ve had such fun over the years with our YayLabs ice cream ball. Want something to do the work for you? Cuisinart’s ice cream maker will not disappoint! Here’s a link to some great ice cream recipes and ideas. (See below)

4. Have a picnic at home - We love making cheese and charcuterie platters for our at home picnics. See below.

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5. Make s’mores without a fire pit

We’ve had so much fun doing this in our screened in porch on rainy 4th of Julys. All you need are sterno cans, sticks, marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. Or totally kick up your smores game with other goodies such as Nutella and peanut butter.

Here’s a link to some great S’mores with a Twist recipes.

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6. Have a backyard campout

7. Paint seashells (or rocks or pine cones)

8. Organize a treasure hunt/scavenger hunt - This can be a lot of fun for adults too!

9. Start a journal

10. Start a photo journal - All you need is the camera from your smart phone.

11. Make dill pickles

12. As they open up, visit a new ice cream stand every week

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13. As they open up, discover new lobster roll shacks. Or make your own and have an outdoor picnic or bring them to the beach (if your town permits)

Recipe for New England style Lobster Rolls

4 cups cooked lobster meat, cut into bite-size pieces

1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1 tablespoon chopped celery

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

Dash hot sauce

4 hot dog buns

Assemble all the ingredients together and mix well. Then spoon into hot dog buns. We prefer them slightly toasted.

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14. As they open up visit a vineyard

15. Make Sun tea

16. Search for seashells and seaglass

17. Start a container garden

18. Start a vegetable garden from your kitchen scraps

19. Take a long bike ride

20. Take a hike!

21. Make your own lemonade

22. Make your own limoncello

23. Go berry picking (where and when allowed)

24. Make your own fresh berry jam!

25. Have a water balloon fight!

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26. Watch a summer thunderstorm -

I love nothing more than to sit outside in a screened-in or covered porch or deck and watch the summer sky light up followed by the distant clap of thunder… Bring a sweater, blanket and a glass of wine and enjoy some of nature’s prettiest sights and sounds!

27. Go stargazing

28. Watch the sunrise

29. Make Whipped Coffee

30. Celebrate Christmas in July!

It’s been a crazy year. Why not take out some of your favorite ornaments, play some music and bake up some of your favorite holiday treats. Invite a few friends over and have a Christmas party in July!

31. Create an inspiration board or book -

There’s no time like the present! While we’re no longer sheltering in place, we’re still enjoying a slowed pace. What’s your dream come true? What would you love to do next? Capture it all on a vision board or book. According to the popular book The Secret, "The law of attraction is forming your entire life experience and it is doing that through your thoughts. When you are visualizing, you are emitting a powerful frequency out into the Universe." If it doesn’t work you’ll have something closely resembling a work of art!

32. Perform a random act of kindness

33. Take a hike!

34. Create an obstacle course in your backyard (for kids)

35. Create an obstacle course in your swimming pool (if you’re lucky enough to have one!)

36. Go skinny dipping at midnight!

36. Hang a tire from a large tree branch

37. Find a drive in… This will be the summer of the drive-in for sure!

When the beaches open up…

38. Sip champagne when the sun sets… This is my favorite thing to do!

39. Have an evening picnic - save the cooking and cleaning. Order from your favorite restaurant!

40. Learn how to Kayak

41. Learn how to paddle board

42. Ride the waves on a boogie board

43. Make a sandcastle

44. Make sand candles (this can also be done at home)

45. Make blueberry or strawberry bread

46. For some terrific Covid-safe ideas for things to do in your state visit Only in Your State.com

Oven baked donuts that taste better than fried!

When big sister hits up the Dunkin Donuts drive through for some drinks and donuts for her siblings but her younger brother’s accidentally gets left out (and let’s face it, we’re not troubling an already crazy drive through scene) she offers to bake some for him. It may not have been what he originally asked for but these oven-baked donuts were beyond anything we’ve ever had. And do, without further ado…

You will LOVE these. They’re incredibly soft with a nice buttery and crunchy exterior.

Oven baked cinnamon sugar donuts

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 large egg, at room temperature

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup (60ml) milk (any variety can be used, whole, skim, soy, almond or buttermilk)

1/4 cup (60g) yogurt (any variety of unflavored can be used)

2 Tablespoons butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).

Spray a donut or muffin pan with non-stick spray.

Set aside.

Make the donuts:

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Whisk the egg, brown sugar, milk, and yogurt together until smooth.

Add melted butter and vanilla, whisking until well fully blended.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Your batter will be very thick.

Spoon or pipe your batter into the donut cavities.

If piping (which we recommend): Use a large zipped-top bag for ease. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, approximately 3/4 of the way full. Do not overfill!

Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

Allow to cool and transfer to a wire rack set on a large piece of parchment paper or on a large baking sheet.

Bake any remaining donut batter then transfer to the wire rack.

Allow donuts to cool.

Donut topping:

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl.

Dip the donuts in the melted butter, then into the cinnamon sugar mixture making sure to coat all sides.

Donuts are best enjoyed right away.

Leftovers will keep well in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. (We think they are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours)

Muffins: You can make this recipe into 8-10 muffins using a muffin pan.

Bake at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar may be used instead for those who prefer.

How to Make a Refreshing Paloma Cocktail, Two Ways

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓟𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓶𝓪 is one of my all-time favorites!

Margarita lovers, we urge you to try the more refreshing Paloma Cocktail. Requiring just three to four simple ingredients, the Paloma could not be easier to make. So you’ll have to tell us, which do you think is better, the Margarita or the Paloma? The answer may very well surprise you!

Paloma Cocktail Recipe #1

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients
1/4 cup juice from a pink Grapefruit (about 1/2 of a grapefruit) plus one slice for garnish
1/4 cup of your favorite agave, silver or reposado tequila
1 handful of ice
Seltzer to taste
Fresh Mint leaves for garnish, optional
Optional, salt for rim
Jalapeño optional

Directions:

In a large glass add the grapefruit juice, tequila, ice and seltzer.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and enjoy!

Paloma Cocktail Recipe #2

4 oz. of your favorite agave, silver or reposado tequila
1/2 oz. lime juice
Grapefruit soda such as Fresca
Grapefruit slice and lime Wedge as garnish
Optional, salt for rim
Jalapeño optional

Directions:
Combine the tequila, lime juice, and salt in a tall glass.
Add ice, top off with grapefruit soda, and stir!

The only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe you will ever need

I have waited 50 years for this this recipe!

These were seriously the best chocolate chip cookies I have EVER eaten.

EVER!

I mean they are that good. THAT GOOD. If your ideal cookie is a cross between crispy and chewy filled with buttery brown sugar and chocolately goodness you need to print out this recipe. This is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe you will EVER need. I can thank my daughter for making these and for TikTok for inspiring her!

These may just make being trapped in the house during Corona Quarantine all worthwhile!

Ingredients for The only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe you will ever need

1 cup of butter
2 Cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda,
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of brown sugar
1/3 cup of granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2 cups of chocolate chips

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Directions for The only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe you will ever need

1. Preheat your oven to 375°

2. Put 1 cup of butter in a saucepan and melt it over medium-high heat, stirring it occasionally until it begins to foam/bubble. Let it set and cool for 10 minutes.

3. Whisk together 2 cups of fall purpose flour , 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon of salt in a bowl

4. Once your browned butter has cooled, pour into a separate bowl from your dry ingredients, add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and beat until incorporated

5. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, beat until it is light and fluffy

6. Incorporate your dry ingredients and make sure to scrape the sides of your bowl

7. Fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips (I did one cup of chocolate chips and one cup of Heath bits)

8. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes (this is a good time to preheat your oven if you forgot to like I did)

9. Scoop onto baking sheet and add a sprinkle of sea salt on top

10. Bake for 9 minutes and enjoy!!!

Blood Orange Jalapeño Margarita Spritzer

I don’t typically drink cocktails at home. They’re usually something I enjoy sparingly when I’m out with friends. But these are unprecedented times and I’ve been enjoying them a couple times a week. I think I’m enjoying making them as much as I am drinking them… and it’s fun to have a 21 year old at home to enjoy them with me!

This is a take on my favorite jalapeño margarita. I wanted to use up a rapidly ripening blood orange and love the flavor and color that it added.

Blood Orange Jalapeño Margarita Spritzer Ingredients

Serves 2 (Cut ingredients in half for single serving)

• 3 ounces silver tequila

• 3 ounces of Stirrings Margarita mixer

  OR
  2 ounces orange liqueur such as Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec
  1 1/2 ounces freshly-squeezed lime juice,
  agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste

• Juice of 1/2 - 1 blood orange, plus peel for garnish

• 4 slices of jalapeño, seeds included

• ice

• 16 ounces of seltzer or club soda

• optional: coarse salt for rimming glasses

Blood Orange Jalapeño Margarita Spritzer Directions

• In 2 large glasses of choice add your liquids (except for seltzer) and jalapeños, muddle well so that the flavors blend nicely.

• Add ice and stir well.

• Add seltzer, to taste

• Garnish with orange peel

• Add salt if desired.

Prefer it less spicy or no spice at all? Omit the Jalapeno and garnish with mint, lemon or lime

Lemon, Honey, Turmeric & Ginger Tea

Whether you’re looking to detox, want a coffee substitute or looking for something to keep you from constantly reaching for the fridge, honey, lemon ginger tea is my answer to everything. It’s healthy, soothing and right now it’s a guiltless source of comfort. It’s terrific hot or chilled over ice. Don’t like turmeric? Leave it out. Want it minty? Add some fresh mint leaves. Lavender is a nice refreshing twist. Want it stronger? Add more ginger? Too strong? Add more water. This recipe is a general guideline but go ahead and make it to suit your preferences.

The turmeric is optional and you can substitute the honey for sugar, splenda or stevia. I love this tea both hot and cold served with ice.

Lemon, Honey, Turmeric & Ginger Tea

Lemon, Honey, Turmeric & Ginger Tea Ingredients:

Per serving

1 inch of peeled grated ginger
1 tbs honey
1/2 lemon
16 ounces of water

I like to make this in batches and keep a couple of bottles on hand to enjoy hot or cold.

Large batch recipe:

8 cups of water
2 lemons juiced (add zest if desired)
4 tbsp honey
8 inches of ginger, peeled and grated

Lemon, Honey, Turmeric & Ginger Tea

Lemon, Honey, Turmeric & Ginger Tea Directions:

If you have a micro planer or a zester I recommend you use them. The zested ginger yields a stronger flavor. If you have neither, you can slice the ginger thinly. I estimate about an inch per cup. If this is too strong you can always add more water once the tea has been made.

• In a large pot or saucepan, add your water, ginger, and lemon. use one cup of water per serving).

• Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, for anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. The stronger you want your tea the longer you’ll want to steep it. My suggestion is to go strong and then dilute if necessary.

Pour the tea through a fine sieve to catch the ginger and lemon pulp.
Add a dash or two of turmeric - It will turn your beverage into a fun bright yellow color. Add a wedge of lemon and add more honey or sweetener if desired.

Try these options:
Add some fresh mint leaves and muddle for a nice minty flavor or add some fresh lavender. I love the way the lavender adds an unexpected complementary flavor. And the leaves look fo pretty.

Lemon, Honey, Turmeric & Ginger Tea

Lemon, Honey, Turmeric & Ginger Tea

Corona Cocktail Hour: The Impossible Negroni

The Impossible Negroni

The Negroni is a popular Italian cocktail, that has seen a newfound popularity over the past couple of years. This bitter, herbal drink is made from equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari, served over ice and garnished with an orange peel. Properly made the Negroni is stirred, not shaken, and built over ice in an old fashioned or ‘rocks’ glass. My version differs slightly in that I had no vermouth so I substituted the Lillet.

About the ingredients

About Campari

Campari is a spirit comprised of a blend of complex flavors, the most prominent from the bittersweet orange, with notes of cherry, clove, and cinnamon. While it’s taste and smell is a lot like Aperol, Aperol has an alcohol content of 11%—less than half that of Campari and Aperol is less bitter in taste.

About Lillet

Lillet is a French wine-based aperitif from Podensac. It is a blend of 85% Bordeaux region wines and 15% macerated liqueurs, mostly citrus liqueurs. The mix is then stirred in oak vats until blended. The Bordeaux-based French aperitif Lillet is often categorized with vermouth. Although it is very much a category of its own, it does behave like a sweet vermouth.

About Hendrick’s Gin

Hendrick’s is one of my favorite gins. It’s unusual in that it’s created from eleven different botanicals which include infusions of rose & cucumber resulting in an exquisitely balanced gin.

How to create The Impossible Negroni

If you don’t have Lillet or Hendrick’s in the house you can substitute the gin and vermouth for the Lillet. The Campari, however, is a must, and the essential component to the Negroni.

Serves 2

2 oz Vermouth or Lillet
2 oz Gin

2 oz gin

2 peels of orange (Lemon can be substituted)
In a large class or shaker

Fill a large glass or shaker with ice and equal parts of the campari, gin and Lillet (vermouth) and stir well.
Pour into 2 double old fashioned (lowball) cocktail glasses filled with ice cubes.
Garnish with orange peel and serve.

Corona Cocktail Hour: The Impossible Negroni

Corona Cocktail Hour: The Impossible Negroni

Cheers!