I miss traveling. The anticipation when planning a trip, foreign foods, experiencing new places, meeting people around the world. I miss it all. Undoubtedly, you do too. While countries outside the United States may be closed for now, we can still create our own foreign getaway at home. A few years ago I spent the summer in Paris. The City of Light is known for its fashion, cosmopolitan vibrancy, and delicious food! While there, I learned how the Parisians entertain. It’s easy! So, if we can’t go to Paris, let’s bring Paris to us! Call a few friends to join you for a Parisian evening. There are a few basic customs and items you’ll need to add oh la la to your fun party! I’ve included links to help you find pieces that will make your gathering truly French. Here are tips on how you can host a French themed dinner party! Dinner Party Ambiance ~ Lighting, Music and Flowers The French are masters of presentation. They take a simple gesture and make it spectacular. Candlelight is a must on any table. Turn down the lights and place a few candles down the center. Voluspa suede blanc candle ~This beauty has a subtle scent and gorgeous packaging. Burn time is 100 hours, so you’ll have it for many different occasions. Voluspa Goji & Taracco candle in a red jar ~The crimson color will add a pop of color to your table. Taper candle holder set ~A classic set of white taper candleholders are truly elegant. Music playing softly in the background sets the mood at a dinner party. Whether you use a streaming audio service or old fashion CD’s, choose a genre that evokes an evening in Paris. Two of my favorite are: Karrin Allyson ~ From Paris to Rio ~Multilingual
I miss traveling. The anticipation when planning a trip, foreign foods, experiencing new places, meeting people around the world. I miss it all. Undoubtedly, you do too. While countries outside the United States may be closed for now, we can still create our own foreign getaway at home. A few years ago I spent the
Irish brown soda bread is served in homes and restaurants throughout Ireland. Its rustic, nutty flavor are the perfect addition to a meal. This bread is savory, not sweet. Traditionally served warm with salted butter alongside hearty stews, citrus jellies on top are another favorite spread for breakfast with a pot of tea. Most families have their own Irish brown soda bread recipe passed down through the generations. It's an integral part of daily life. Baking techniques vary. Northern Ireland regions divide the dough into quarters and cook the sections on a griddle. The south's Republic of Ireland bakes loaves in a round pan and cuts a cross on top of the dough prior to placing it in the oven. Modern versions of the staple include raisins, seeds, honey, even Guinness. But the classic Irish brown soda bread sticks to the basics such as the following recipe. Enjoy! Ingredients: ● 2 cups whole wheat flour ● 1 cup bran flour ● 1/4 cup wheat germ (the center of the wheat kernel) ● 1 cup All-purpose flour ● 2 tsp. sugar ● 1 tsp. salt ● 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda ● 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder ● 2 cups buttermilk Recipe & Preparation: 1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2) Combine the whole wheat flour, bran flour, and wheat germ. 3) Add the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir all the ingredients together. 4) Pour in the buttermilk. Mix together with a spoon until the buttermilk is worked in and the flour has absorbed all the liquid. It will have a craggy texture. 5) Put the dough on a board. Not all cutting boards are created equal. Bamboo boards are durable, lightweight and most don't have added dyes or stains. Here is a good quality board: https://amzn.to/3yJqw7z
Irish brown soda bread is served in homes and restaurants throughout Ireland. Its rustic, nutty flavor are the perfect addition to a meal. This bread is savory, not sweet. Traditionally served warm with salted butter alongside hearty stews, citrus jellies on top are another favorite spread for breakfast with a pot of tea. Most families
Irish stew is native to Ireland and considered their national dish. There are numerous variations of the stew. Many households use beef for the protein, as well as potatoes, leeks, or cabbage. But, traditional Irish stew is made with lamb and root vegetables. In the Irish language the stew is called stobhach gaelach. Once a necessity during the early 19th century's economic turmoil, the attainable ingredients allowed impoverished families to survive on the stew. Today it's thought of as a comfort food. With its hearty fixin's, Irish stew is the perfect dish to cook during chilly months. Here is the recipe. Enjoy! Ingredients: ● 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil ● 4 1/2 pounds of lamb shoulder chops, 1” - 1 1/2” thick ● Salt + pepper ● 3 large onions, chopped ● 4 Tablespoons All-purpose flour ● 3 cups water ● 1 teaspoon dried thyme ● 1/2 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4” pieces ● 1 purple top turnip, peeled, stem end cut off. Cut turnip into 1” cubes ● 1/4 cup fresh minced parsley Recipe & Preparation: 1) In a Dutch oven put 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil. Turn to medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it. If you don't have a Dutch oven, it is worthwhile to purchase one. I love mine and use it a lot for cooking soups, sauces, stews, browning chicken, etc. Here is a good one you'll use for many years: https://amzn.to/4083Ycc 2) Cut lamb shoulder chops into 1 1/2” chunks. Season the meat with salt and pepper. 3) Cook the lamb in the Dutch oven in 2 batches. Cook the first side of meat about 2 minutes, until it begins to brown. Turn the pieces over and cook for about another 5 minutes. 4) After the lamb pieces are cooked, take them out and put
Irish stew is native to Ireland and considered their national dish. There are numerous variations of the stew. Many households use beef for the protein, as well as potatoes, leeks, or cabbage. But, traditional Irish stew is made with lamb and root vegetables. In the Irish language the stew is called stobhach gaelach. Once a
During COVID-19 when families around the globe are isolated, meals provide needed solace. Gathering for dinner is the great equalizer, and shows how similar we all are. Preparing food together draws us closer. This is a time to collectively cook global recipes which transcend borders and unify humanity. While traveling isn't possible now, experimenting with new global recipes is. Here's one of the global recipes to cook while in quarantine! White Chicken Enchiladas This oh so decadent enchilada recipe is popular with my husband’s Mexican family. It's exactly what is needed in times like these! 2 Tbs. Butter 2 onions, large & sliced thin 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced 6 oz. cream cheese, diced 2 cups Jack cheese, shredded 1/2 cup pimentos, chopped 2/3 cup whipping cream 12 corn tortillas 2 cups corn oil Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large pan, cook onions in butter until soft (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat. Add chicken, pimento, and cream cheese. Mix with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Heat corn oil in a skillet. Dip each corn tortilla in hot oil until it begins to blister and become limp. Take out of oil and place on plate with paper towels to drain. Repeat with all 12 tortillas. When tortillas are cool to the touch, spoon a 1/3 cup of chicken mixture onto a tortilla and roll. Set it seam side down in a 9” x 13” baking dish. Repeat with all 12 tortillas. After filling, rolling and placing all tortillas in the baking dish, spoon whipping cream over the enchiladas. Then sprinkle with the Jack cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Serves six.
During COVID-19 when families around the globe are isolated, meals provide needed solace. Gathering for dinner is the great equalizer, and shows how similar we all are. Preparing food together draws us closer. This is a time to collectively cook global recipes which transcend borders and unify humanity. While traveling isn’t possible now, experimenting with new
The Lunar New Year is Sunday, January 22nd. The holiday is determined by a traditional Chinese calendar, which is based on the moon’s cycle and the Earth’s course around the sun. It falls on the second new moon after winter solstice. Each Lunar New Year is associated with an animal; 2023 is the year of the rabbit. Just as we do in America, people in China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore and other countries celebrate their new year with favorite foods. Most importantly, many dishes are thought to bring good fortune, prosperity, and health in the year ahead. Over the years, I’ve hosted dozens of foreign exchange students from the Orient. Each taught me techniques for preparing foods from their homeland. I’m astonished how a few ingredients mingled in a pan result in such flavorful dishes. While the following recipes will adorn new year’s tables, they can be eaten year round. So grab your wok and let’s get cooking! Here are five, simple Lunar New Year recipes! Stir-Fried Lettuce Lettuce is a popular vegetable for Chinese New Year. The Cantonese word for lettuce sounds like “rising fortune.” For this reason it’s a must have at holiday feasts. Ingredients: 1 head iceberg lettuce 2 teaspoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon sugar ground pepper to taste 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 slice ginger (1/8” thick, smashed with the side of a knife) 1 clove of garlic (chopped) Recipe & preparation: Take the lettuce and firmly hit it on the counter, core side down. Turn over and remove the loosened core. Remove the outer layer and any discolored leaves of the lettuce. Discard. Tear the lettuce with your hands into large 4”- 5” pieces. Place the lettuce in a large bowl of very
The Lunar New Year is Sunday, January 22nd. The holiday is determined by a traditional Chinese calendar, which is based on the moon’s cycle and the Earth’s course around the sun. It falls on the second new moon after winter solstice. Each Lunar New Year is associated with an animal; 2023 is the year of
Earth Day started in 1970 to shine light on our global impact and raise awareness of environmental conservation. Originally, it was only observed in the United States. But, in 1990, the movement went global with over 140 nations participating. A few facts about Earth Day: — After witnessing a massive oil spill spewing millions of gallons of oil off the coast of Santa Barbara, US Senator Gaylord Nelson organized Earth Day. — The first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970. On that day, 2,000+ colleges and universities, 10,000 public schools, and 20 million citizens participated, about 10% of the US population at the time. — Wanting to help in the initiative, more than 100,000 people rode bikes in China to reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel on Earth Day 2012. — Some countries call it International Mother Earth Day. — Earth Day has a theme song written by an Indian poet. — Due to COVID-19, in 2020 an Earth Day Live event was hosted remotely. Approximately 20 million people worldwide tuned in to the 12-hour broadcast. Worldwide initiatives to clean up neighborhoods, beaches, rivers, and parks span the planet, teaching how environmental conscious is paramount. It doesn't take grand gestures to participate in Earth Day. Clean up trash outside, forgo using unnecessary electronics, or plant a tree. As a traveler, I visit some of the most beautiful natural habitats on earth. I know how precious these places are and the importance of conserving them for future generations to enjoy. Here are 10 photos to inspire you to take care of planet earth. San Blas Islands, Panama Todos Santos, Mexico The Exumas, Bahamas Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Viñales, Cuba Grand Canyon, Arizona Sonoran Desert, Mexico Anza Borrego Desert, California Redwood National Park, California Our environmental awareness helps keep
Earth Day started in 1970 to shine light on our global impact and raise awareness of environmental conservation. Originally, it was only observed in the United States. But, in 1990, the movement went global with over 140 nations participating. A few facts about Earth Day: — After witnessing a massive oil spill spewing millions of
Just in time for summer, the San Diego Zoo opened its new Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Built on the site of the former Children’s Zoo, this three acre interactive exhibit is designed to educate guests of all ages on wildlife conservation. It especially caters to kids, showing them the role they play in creating a world where all life thrives. Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is divided into four zones — Rainforest, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows, and Desert Dunes. Eight buildings and habitats dispersed throughout the zones feature wildlife that live in these ecosystems. Each has unique offerings including water play, a tree house, touch-screen games, and artificial intelligence (AI) to name a few. Here’s what to expect on your visit to Wildlife Explorers Basecamp! Rainforest A 10,000 square-foot building dubbed “Spineless Marvels” houses the fascinating world of invertebrates. Inside, a huge, floor-to-ceiling fiberglass honeycomb signals visitors they’re entering the bee exhibit. Along the wall, glass panes allow a peek into a real-life working beehive. While most of us know one or two bee species, there are in fact over 4,000 different kinds! Spiders, scorpions, leafcutter ants, jungle nymphs, grasshoppers and other insects live here, too. Curators took graphics to the next level with colorful, cartoon murals depicting the role these creatures play in nature. The pièce-de-résistance is on the dome ceiling where an animated meadow is projected with hundreds of fluttering Monarch butterflies and dragonflies. Wild Woods A 20-foot tree stands in the middle of this playground area. Children can run with abandon across a suspension bridge and through a tunnel made of rope, mimicking the nearby squirrel monkeys who swing on ropes and romp in their enclosure. On hot days, the splash-pad complete with waterfall, meandering stream, and water jets offer a respite from the heat. Marsh Meadows The aptly named
Just in time for summer, the San Diego Zoo opened its new Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Built on the site of the former Children’s Zoo, this three acre interactive exhibit is designed to educate guests of all ages on wildlife conservation. It especially caters to kids, showing them the role they play in creating a world
Last week, America’s newest airline — Northern Pacific Airways — put on a fabulous show at the unveiling of their first aircraft, a Boeing 757-200. Press from as far as Great Britain, Barcelona, Hawaii, and New York City flooded the event; many representing aviation media. As we entered the hanger at California’s San Bernardino International Airport, a video of the shiny new bird was projected on the wall, garnering excitement for the unveiling of the actual plane later that evening. Rob McKinney, the airlines CEO, was there for interviews. McKinney has been instrumental in launching and resurrecting numerous airlines in his career. Most recently, Alaska’s RAVN airline in 2020 to which Northern Pacific will join. McKinney touts Northern Pacific as an Alaskan company initially making Anchorage their hub. Starting the end of 2022, flights from East Asia will stop in The Frontier State before continuing on to cities in California, Nevada, New York and Florida. Eventually, Northern Pacific will expand their routes. But for now, with COVID restrictions, the soon to be fleet of eight planes will shuttle between those locations. Within five to seven years they’re hoping to have 50 planes! The Boeing 757-200 narrow-body will have three classes — business, economy plus, and economy — with hopes of filling 180 seats daily between the classes. Unlike traditional loyalty programs which offer points or miles, Northern Pacific will provide the cryptocurrency Fly Coin. Passengers will acquire cryptocurrency they can use to book future flights and eventually Anchorage airport merchants will accept Fly Coin as a form of payment. It’s both exciting and peculiar launching an airline during a pandemic. But then again, should Northern Pacific need to iron out any problems, this will be the time before air travel is in full swing again. https://np.com/
Last week, America’s newest airline — Northern Pacific Airways — put on a fabulous show at the unveiling of their first aircraft, a Boeing 757-200. Press from as far as Great Britain, Barcelona, Hawaii, and New York City flooded the event; many representing aviation media. As we entered the hanger at California’s San Bernardino International
Spring has sprung. After a long, sheltered winter, it’s time to get outdoors, freshen our homes, and shed our winter coats. This year especially, spring has a heightened sensed of renewal. With COVID vaccinations accelerating, we’ll be able to throw open our doors and spend time with friends and family. As the days grow longer, we’ll hang out at the beach and have meals around the picnic table with fresh produce on the menu. Embrace the season and its blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and singing birds. Here are tips to usher in spring! Plant Herbs & Vegetables There’s nothing like fresh vegetables and herbs straight from the earth. It’s simple to grow your own. Starting from seed is the most fun and cost effective option. You can grow spring veggies and herbs in pots or in the ground. Both work great! Botanical Interests, a USA based seed company, offers non-GMO, organic seeds. Their veggie collection has ten packets delivered in a gift box tied with a bow. Pretty! You’ll be eating these goodies all summer. It includes: Heirloom Organic Bush Bean "Blue Lake 274" or “Contender.” Heirloom Organic Broccoli "Di Cicco.” Heirloom Organic Carrot "Red Cored Chantenay" or "Scarlet Nantes.” Sweet Corn "True Gold.” Heirloom Organic Cucumber "Spacemaster" or “Marketmore.” Organic Pea "Sugar Snap.” Heirloom Organic Radish "Cherry Belle.” Heirloom Organic Summer Squash "Black Beauty Zucchini.” Tomato Bush Roma “Supremo.” Heirloom Organic Tomato Pole "Black Krim.” Click here to order. Growing herbs is a great addition to your produce garden. A ten packet collection of Botanical Interests’ non-GMO seeds (also in a gift box tied with a bow ????) includes: Heirloom Organic Basil "Italian Genovese.” Heirloom Organic Chives “Common.” Heirloom Organic Cilantro "Long Standing.” Dill “Tetra.” Heirloom Organic Lemon Balm. Heirloom Marjoram. Heirloom Organic
Spring has sprung. After a long, sheltered winter, it’s time to get outdoors, freshen our homes, and shed our winter coats. This year especially, spring has a heightened sensed of renewal. With COVID vaccinations accelerating, we’ll be able to throw open our doors and spend time with friends and family. As the days grow
Today, March 2nd, is Read Across America day — the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The purpose is to excite children and adults about this waning pastime. People from all walks of life engage with their community, spurring on enthusiasm to get lost in the pages of a good book. This day resonates with many people, myself included. As a journalist, I spend a large portion of my day with the written word. Afterwards, I want to veg out in front of the TV. But, then I remember the pleasure of a good novel. Books teach us, open our eyes, make us laugh, let us escape, and expand our minds. In honor of Read Across America day, here are a few of my favorite books I think you’ll enjoy. Their genres run the gamut. Many have stood the test of time and are still relevant today. A few you’ll want to purchase, allowing you to reference them anytime. Here are 10 favorite books for Read Across America Day! Winterdance I read this book prior to an Alaskan Iditarod vacation. But that needn’t be a prerequisite to thoroughly enjoy Gary Paulsen’s adventure. The escapades of Paulsen and his lovable team of misfit mutts will make you belly laugh! Their collective lack of wilderness knowledge results in a roller coaster of emotions during the 17-day, 1,180 mile Alaskan Iditarod race. This is a book you'll read more than once. Click here to purchase: https://amzn.to/3uh79z9 What Should I Do With My Life? At the age of 41 I made a career change. After years working in advertising, I segued my skills of writing press releases into writing travel articles, and never looked back. But, it wasn’t without a bit of angst. Given the current employment climate, many of you may be wanting to make
Today, March 2nd, is Read Across America day — the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The purpose is to excite children and adults about this waning pastime. People from all walks of life engage with their community, spurring on enthusiasm to get lost in the pages of a good book. This day resonates with many
