30 Year Reunion with Fireworks & Apple Crisp

So, my 30 year high school reunion was this summer. I was thinking I would go, then I was thinking, no way I am going, and then I finally went. It is so funny how we all view ourselves in high school. I think all of us feel that maybe we didn't fit in so well, maybe no one really knew us at all, and maybe no one will even recognize us when we do show up, but thankfully, this is very far from the truth. Our reunion was perfect. We were each given a name tag with our pictures from the 1980 high school yearbook on it, and everyone recognized everybody. The night was complete with good food, music, drink and even fireworks! I am so very happy that I went. What a blessing to see everyone again, all grown up and settled in their lives. If you haven't given yourself this opportunity, and you have the chance, show up, stand tall and prepare yourself for laughter. There is simply nothing like visiting the past with those that knew you way back when. While you are thinking of all of those great high school memories, you can put together this apple crisp in a few minutes, and enjoy the wonderful smells coming from the oven. Bon Appetite ( I am taking French class :))
Apple Crisp - peel & slice 8 - 10 apples (green are better) and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. In a food processor pulse 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar & 3 tablespoons of butter. Butter a caserole dish and throw in apples, put sprinkle topping on top and bake @ 350 for 30 minutes.

Cooling Off w/Sparkling Peach Sangria

Well, July just whizzed by in all of it's blazing glory! The heat wave this year in Baltimore has been brutal, but with the pool, the beach and a boat, it provided a lot of fun in the sun. The key to enjoying the seasons is to embrace the gifts of each one, and in July, it is my time to move FAST. I soak up all that the summer sun has to offer (with lots of sunscreen), so that when September's cool fall air sets in, I am ready to succumb. Eating alfresco is the only way to go in the Summer. After all, is there anything better than creating a carefree meal and enjoying it in the great outdoors? These little things that we find special, are our true joys in life. For me, it is the smell of the summer air, my herb garden, the ceiling fan whirring around over the outdoor dining table on my covered porch, and watching all of the wildlife play in my backyard as I enjoy a light meal. I hope everyone appreciated July. I wish all of you the great joys of summer fun, but for those of you who may need some cooling down, this summer cocktail can do the trick. I made a large pitcher for an evening boat ride, and it sure hit the mark!
Sparkling Peach Sangria:
4 ripe peaches peeled and sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup peach schnapps
2 bottles cold champagne
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves.
Pour over ice and say mmmmmmmm.

Sunny Beach Days w/ Triple Berry Crisp

This weekend was filled with sunny days at the Ocean and the laughter of some of my favorite little people - my neice and nephews ages 5 to 11. I was kept busy playing in the waves and running along the shore, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my time. My youngest daughter came along, but opted to hang out with her friends a few blocks up (she is 17, need I say more?). After a few hours on the beach, I asked my niece if I should retrieve her older cousin so she could have another girl to play with, and it was then that I received the best compliment EVER. "Aunt Terri", she said "It doesn't matter. You're just like her and I can just play with you." Too cool. I cannot tell you how much her statement meant to me, but I will share this. One of my many goals for the second half of my life is to remember how to play. I embarked on a lot of adventures and tested my own comfort zones in order to let go of those serious tendencies that we all aquire through our trials and tribulations, and in this little girls response, I found that I had reached my goal! So, since I am very busy playing hard this summer, and I do not have a lot of time to spend in my kitchen (but love a good dessert), I have created this easy recipe for a sweet summer treat. Enjoy your summer days, and remember to PLAY!
Take 3 cups of your favorite fresh berries (I used Strawberries, Rasberries, and Blueberries), add sugar to taste (3 tblsp for mine) and place in small baking dish (2qt or less)
Put 1 cup organic flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 cup butter in food processor and pulse.
Place over berries. Bake at 350 for 25 min. Remove and press down top of crust so that the juice seeps through the top all over. Place back in oven for 5 min. Put it over ice cream (or a frozen whipped banana). Yummy!

KISS - Keep it Simple w/Whipped Frozen Bananas

I had the pleasure of spending the day with a very special young lady a few days ago. The wisdom of this little five year old is vast, and like many children, she says the most extraordinary things quite simply. It is endearing - to say the least. After watching her jump on a trampoline, in the hot sun, for an extremely long time, without losing any energy whatsoever, I, who was sitting in the chair under the apple tree, decided that it was just too hot and we should go back to the pool. When I explained, to this little wonder, that I was getting a little stinky in the hot sun, while just sitting there and sweating, her response was the following: "Well, just don't smell your armpits." She never stopped jumping and she didn't miss a beat. Of course, I laughed, but then I thought a little about what she said, and how profound her statement really was. How would her cavalier attitude handle the oil spill in the Gulf? I expect she would say "Well jeeze. Don't do that anymore." And when explained that we need the oil, she would probably respond, "Just use something else." It is in the wisdom of the young, before we have the chance to mold and make, that the most simplistic truths are stored, and if we all could just get back to that place that resides within us, I am quite sure that we would surprise ourselves with just how wonderful our lives, and the world as a whole, are. All of the problems, that we sometimes feel our insurmountable, would probably look more like a mole hill after all. With that said, I would like to share a lovely little treat with you that I discovered in Rehoboth Beach. It turns out that frozen bananas, when whipped, are extremely smooth and creamy, and maintain the same texture of frozen yogurt.
So, for all of those lactose intollerant, or those who may be watching calories, or those who want a truly healthy treat - treat yourself to this. Take 1 whole, very ripe, banana and freeze it. Plop it into your food processor and let it spin. You will need to scrape down the sides. When the mixture looks just like frozen yogurt you are done. I top mine with Maggie Moo (an organic chocolate syrup) and 1/2 tsp. of heated natural peanut butter (micro 30 secs.) and let me tell you - simple and yummy! Have a great simple day and enjoy Summer!

Life is Sweet with Sweet Mint Tea

Okay so I know I have been away from writing in this blog much longer than expected, but the beach can do that to you - just take you away from things. I had a lovely trip in Rehoboth at a little cottage that was a cross between NYC (inside) and Key West (outside garden) that was located in the center of town. I started my days at a little shop called Grubs, where locals and tourists alike can get fresh coffee and pastries, as well as lots of yummy organic options, and then I would take a long walk on the beach. Even though my trip was perfect, it was cut a little short when I received a call from my oldest daughter Stevie. She had just been booked on her first movie and was moving from NYC to CT to start shooting immediately, so back to B'More and then to NYC. It is all good. Stevie is in CT having the time of her life, the Hubby and I got to see Nathan Lane in The Adams Family, and after an exhausting but wonderful whirlwind of a time, I am now basking in my sweet life and making a fresh pot of my favorite summertime drink - Sweet Mint Tea. I started brewing this when I first moved to my home and I found fresh mint growing around my 1849 barnhouse. The mint was (and still is) in better condition than this old building, but it remains one of my favorite spots. I fell in love with the old barnhouse, so I have never restored it in fear that I could alter it too much. Even so, without a coat of paint this year to hold it together, the whole thing could fall down! Anyway, summer always reminds me of this Sweet Mint Tea and the recipe follows:

Place 4 tea bags (I use Lipton) in a 6 qt pot filled with water
Place 10 fresh mint leaves in and bring to a boil
Just as mixture begins to boil, turn down heat to a simmer
Simmer for 5 min. and remove from heat
Add 1/2 - 3/4 Cup of sugar (depending upon how sweet you like it)
Remove tea bags and mint leaves with slotted spoon
Pour mixture in a gallon plastic pitcher after cooling and add fresh water to the top of the rim.
Put on the lid and shake to mix. Put 10 more fresh leaves in the top of the pitcher. Cool.
Pour over ice and enjoy!

Leaving for the Beach w/Lemon Pudding

What is it that lures us back to our favorite ocean spot each year? For me, it is all about the senses - the smell and the feel of that warm ocean salt air on my face - the wind blowing through my hair - the feel of the warm sand squishing through my toes. Ahhhh. There is simply nothing like it, and lucky me, I leave today. I will spend the weekend with my daughter and husband in Rehoboth, and then bid them goodbye for the rest of the week, as I continue to enjoy the ocean in solitude and reflection. I have a lot to reflect about this week because upon my return, I will graduate with my AA Degree from CCBC of MD. This may not sound like a very big deal to some of you, but for me, it is a very big stepping stone towards my future. You see, I decided to go to college at the ripe old age of 45. It was not easy to step into a classroom with kids younger than my own, and take orders. I had just sold a car-dealership with my husband where I served as CFO and GM. The experience was truly humbling. But, what a journey I have had! Now I am on my way to starting my BA at UMBC with scholarships in hand, and I could not be happier about my decision to begin again. Remember those comfort zones I talked about a few days ago? Yeah, well this was WAY out of my comfort zone! Anyway, before I leave for my retreat to the beach, I will gobble up the last of the wonderful dessert I made last night. The recipe follows:
Take 3 lemons and finely grate rind into large bowl
add 1 cup of sugar
2 tblsp of lemon juice
3 tblsp of flour
1 egg yolk
1 cup of milk
Beat 2 egg whites at high speed until peaks form.
Fold into bowl
Butter 6 small ramkins
Pour in and bake on 350 in water bath 1/2 full to rim for 30 min. YUMMY :)

Glorious Summer and Fresh Basil w/Mozzerella

One of the many things that I love about the warmer weather, is the ability to go just outside my door, pick something, and then make a dish that is simple and spendid. Fresh Basil is simply the best. Pestos, Salads, Tomatoe Sauce, Pizza, and countless other dishes can be made quickly for a perfect evening meal. Tonight the In-Laws are coming. Home for the summer and fresh from DelRay Beach, FL, they will spend the evening with us and share a fresh meal from the garden. Luckily for me, they are not too hard too please when it comes to the dinner menu. So the object here, is to keep it simple. I am looking forward to serving a simple Italian meal with a nice bottle of red, and you can too:

Fresh Tomatoes w/Basil and Fresh Mozzerella - Just like it sounds. Slice the tomatoes, slice the cheese and lay on top. Place one fresh leaf of basil on each. Drizzle w/Balsamic Vinegar and a little olive oil. Salt and Pepper to taste.

Fresh Tomatoe Basil Sauce w/Meat Balls - Chop 1/2 lg. yellow onion and 2 garlic cloves and place in large pot w/1/4 cup olive oil. Saute on med heat. Pulse 2 lg cans of organic tomatoes and pour into pan. Add fresh Basil. Add 2 tsp Sugar. Cover and put on simmer. That is your sauce.

Meat Balls - Mix 1 lb of organic ground beef (or turkey), 1 egg, other half of chopped onion, 1 clove of garlic, 1/4 cup Organic Italian Bread Crumbs, salt and pepper. Make 1 1/2 inch meat balls. Saute in a little olive oil, turning until brown on all sides. Place in sauce. Let simmer all day if you like (I do).
Serve w/ Garlic Bread and Enjoy your dinner!!!!!!!

Friends, Laughter, and Lemon Margaritas

May 26, 2010 - Sometimes the best laid plans just get better. I went Kayaking on the river yesterday with a very old friend. This girl and I met in the seventh grade when she decided to "beat me up". She didn't and we became fast friends instead. We have had countless hysterical times together and have weathered the best and the worst of those times. On this day, the sky was blue, the water was clean, the sun was shining and all seemed perfect for a lovely kayak ride. We would get our exercise and catch-up with our girl talk, however, fate had other plans. Once we were positioned in our boats, my friend noticed that her rudder was not working properly. No problem, I fixed it by tying it back on - problem was...there was a hole, and the boat was taking on water. Thankfully, one of us, (the smarter one), had brought along her life jacket, even though she was given that look. You know the one. The "boy are you a little sissy girl" look. Anyway, it took us a while to notice that her boat was sinking - because of the girl talk and all. Once she fell in, we noticed. A flip-flop was left floating, but the boat and my friend were kind of sinking, and I was kind of laughing (maybe a little too much). After my friend sent me on a wild goose chase looking for her other flip-flop, which ended up being under her bottom the whole time, we both were safely at the pier and began to emerge from the boats. I stepped on the ladder and began to climb up the pier, when it collapsed and landed me back into the river! Now who do you think was lauging (maybe a little too much)?
We then did what any good friends would do, we went back to her house to make Margaritas and sit by the pool. No Margarita mix. Do you really think this was going to stop us? The finished product was a success and the recipe is here for you to enjoy:
Mix 1/4 cup of sugar into 1 1/2 cups of warm water and place in Microwave for 1 min. Get your shaker and put in some ice. Add 3 shots of Really good Tequilia
2 shots of Triple Sec and 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Pour in your simple syrup. Now shake it like you are in your 20's and on the dance floor. Drink and Laugh with your friend. :)

Going Outside Your Comfort Zone w/Fish Tacos

May 25,2005 - Yesterday I read an article about our comfort zones, and more importantly, what can happen when we step outside of them. Let's face it, we all love our comfort zones, and as we get older - it gets harder to take that brave step forward, but when we get pass the fear, and dare to go where we have never gone before, the magic happens. We can be transformed by the process and introduced to a part of ourselves that has never existed before. This, my friends, is what life is all about. So take yourself to that edge. Dare to do, create and become what you have only imagined in your dreams. You can start by making my fabulously easy Fish Tacos. This recipe is so easy (thought you might need one after that duck) and healthy. First turn on your grill and place two ears of freshly shucked organic corn on high heat. Then take any kind of mild white fish (I used sole) and brush with a little olive oil. Sprinkle on some blackening seasoning and place on grill. Meanwhile, cut up one ripe avacado, 1/2 small onion, 1 jalepeno pepper and 1 large tomatoe. Place in a large bowl and add 1 drained can of organic black beans. Go get your corn. It should be a little blackened by now. Cut off kernels and place in your bowl. Squeeze in 1/2 fresh lime and add some cilantro from that herb garden. Go get your fish and assemble your tacos. I used soft flour-tortillas. No need for cheese because of all the wonderfully fresh flavors, but add if you like. Have a happy, healthy day!

Going Green w/Roasted Rasberry Duck

May 24, 2010 - Hi again. So, I will admit that I have taken my own sweet time to get aboard the organic train! I started out like most people, and began to purchase some organic items - like fresh fruit and such, but that just added to my grocery bill. Here is the thing...when you really get on board, organic becomes cheaper. I know what you are thinking, but it is true. After reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle By Barbara Kingsolver, my thoughts began to change about what going green really means. I started to take a mindful look at the way I purchase, why I purchase, my daily habits and rituals, and realized that a lot of what I spent money on could be eliminated or greatly reduced. Last week, I am proud to say, there was no reason to cart the trash can down to the street. It only had one small bag of trash thanks to my new composte pile! My cleaning products all smell like lavendar! I washed my windows with vinegar, water, and lemon oil! Best of all my grocery bill has gone WAY down. There is simply less waste! Anyway, I am rattling on and on and you probably just want a recipe...so here it is. A wonderful Roasted Rasberry Duck with absolutely NO waste!

1 organic free-range duck - Remove all scrap meats inside and salt cavity with sea-salt. Score the top (I take a sharp knife and make a diamond pattern across the breasts), but you can make any design you like. The object here is to allow the fat to drip off the duck as it bakes, so cut through the fat and skin, but not the meat. Put on rack in baking pan in 300 degree oven. Bake for one hour and then pull out, prick duck skin with fork all over and rotate, turning the duck upside down. Bake for another hour and then repeat 2 more times. Pull out duck after 4 hours and drain duck fat into bowl. Baste with 1/2 cup organic rasberry fruit spread and 1/2 cup organic red wine (boil this to reduce to about 3/4 cup). Put back in oven and change temperature to 425. Bake for 20 min. Pull out duck again, re-glaze duck and put back in oven at 450 degrees. Roast for 10 more minutes. Pull out duck and let rest for 10 min. before serving.
Okay - so about the waste. I saute the Liver in a little butter, chopped onion and a tablespoon of sherry. Process in food-processor and serve on crackers or sliced cucumber. The other gizzards are boiled and fed as a treat for my dogs. The duck fat is saved and used for making the most amazing roasted potatoes EVER! Just cut up some organic potatoes with skins on and steam for a few minutes. Place in a roasting pan with about 1/4 cup of the fat, sea-salt and roast until crispy brown. I put them in with my duck after basting with the rasberry glaze. Be sure to turn them a few times so they can get crispy on all sides. Save the rest of your duck fat to use again later in the fridge.

Lovely Organic Pizza Sauce

May 23, 2010 - Hi! I am so glad that you are visiting my blog. My intention is to share my recipes for healthy living each day in this space. On some days, it may just be a thought or two, and on others you may find organic recipes or some sage advice that I have found helpful, but whatever you find, please know that I welcome your comments and look forward to sharing my daily inspirations with you. Today, on this beautiful, misty Sunday morning, I picked some fresh oregano and basil from my organic herb garden and returned to my kitchen to make some organic pizza sauce. The result was amazing! Place the following in a food processor: 1 can of drained organic tomatoes (save juice for another recipe), a bunch of fresh basil, a bunch of fresh oregano, 2 lg. cloves of garlic, sea-salt, ground-pepper and 1 tsp. of raw sugar. Pulse for 1-2 min. That is it! This recipe is good for at least 3 lg pizzas. I will serve it tonight with a nice salad and a glass of merlot. If you have never attempted to grow your own herbs, please do so! You can purchase an organic plant of basil or oregano at your local Whole Foods store for the same amount of money that it costs for a fresh bunch. Herbs are very hardy and really do not need a lot of mothering, so even if you live in the city, all you need is a sunny window to have fresh herbs always!