Mad for Mint

A few summers ago, I discovered that we had a plethora of mint growing amongst our hosta plants in the backyard.  A friend was quick to point out that it was probably our neighbor's and seeing that mint spreads like wild fire, it made its' way under the fence onto our property.  I was thrilled at the prospect of simply stepping outside and picking a fresh sprig to compliment my iced tea, particularly when entertaining.  Alas, this year the mint has spread so much that now I've been informed that I need to cut it back.  I will get around to that but in the meantime I have decided to take advantage of the abundance we have of this fragrant and healing herb and rifle through recipes to make the most of it.  Of course, mint juleps are a must and so I have relied upon this trusty concoction.  In addition, I found these unconventional ideas while thumbing through the August issue of Better Homes and Garden.  One was for a caprese salad that swapped out basil for mint and tomatoes for sweet peaches.  The other was a new twist on pesto.  Simply puree a handful of mint and cilantro with 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/3 cup of olive oil and a dash of sea salt. I served it with crostini and it was a huge hit.  Bon Appetit!

A Magnificent Mistake

Recently, I was surprised to learn that the invention of the chocolate chip cookie was actually the result of a missing ingredient.  Say it isn't so.  How could it be that a cookie that is slightly crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside is anything less than perfect?  As hard as it is to believe, chocolate chip cookies did not exist before 1930.  That is, until a woman (or should I say culinary genius) by the name of Ruth Graves Wakefield set out to make a batch of her trusty Butter Do Drop Cookies only to discover that she was missing baker's chocolate.  Ruth and her husband, Kenneth, were the owners of the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts.  Ruth prepared meals for her guests and had gained notoriety for her desserts.  When she found herself without the needed ingredient, Ruth improvised by using a semi-sweet chocolate bar cut up into bits.  This seemed like a suitable substitute until she discovered that the chopped up chocolate did not melt completely.  It only softened and hence, the chocolate chip cookie was born.  The chocolate bar had been a gift from Andrew Nestle of the Nestle Chocolate Company.  As the Toll House recipe became more and more popular, sales of the Nestle semi-sweet chocolate bar increased.  Eventually, Andrew Nestle and Ruth Wakefield entered into an arrangement.  Nestle would print the recipe on their packaging and Ruth would receive a lifetime supply of Nestle chocolate.  Talk about sweetening the deal!

I have experimented with my fair share of chocolate chip cookie recipes but I have found this one to be the best.  The key to a successful batch of cookies is to make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature.  Oh, and let's not forget that warm cookies must be accompanied by a tall glass of ice-cold milk.  If you're like me, you may even take it to the next level and dunk your cookie into your frosty white beverage, combining the two to create a deliciously drenched invention.  Some like to call it the dessert "ying and yang,"

All American

Top: Converse/ Shorts: American Eagle/  Bag: J,Crew/ Flip-flops: Old Navy (similar)/ Cuff: Kayce Hughes (similar)/ Sunglasses: Michael Kors (similar)/ Tank: J.Crew

After enjoying an ideal summer dinner consisting of hot dogs, fresh corn on the cob and watermelon, we decided to head out to the beach to catch this evening's sunset.  Knowing that it tends to get windy down by the water, I automatically grabbed a white button down shirt on my way out the door.  Paired with my favorite denim cut-offs, this is my ultimate go to outfit.  It doesn't get any more American than the classic combination of a white tee and broken in jeans.  I think Ralph Lauren would concur.  To me, this effortless ensemble defines casual perfection...and yes, there is such a thing.  Trends may come and go but a white top and denim bottoms will consistently signify authentic Americana style at its' best.

Daily Delights

Traditionally, summer is perceived as that time of the year when things slow down and life magically becomes uncomplicated.  School and homework are replaced by lazy days at the beach and warm nights spent chasing after fireflies and hunting down the Good Humor truck.  It's great to be a kid, isn't it?  Ironically, for a lot of adults, it is marked by even more scheduled events and commitments.  This summer has been no exception...baseball camp, swim lessons, swim team, and travel baseball.  While I really don't mind shuttling my children around town knowing they are happy and free, I must admit, I do love that time of the day when they are snuggled into bed and my husband and I can enjoy a peaceful moment sipping on our Gimlets out on the deck.  Here are a few more things that recently brought me pleasure in the midst of our daily craziness.  What's on your list?

Loving my new cherry pitter.  You can purchase an even better one here.

This all in one manicure by Sally Hansen leaves me more time to get outside with the kids.  

I gave my daughter's bookcase a face lift with a few coats of mint green paint.  

This line of skin care is paraben free and works great on sensitive skin.

Who doesn't love a bunch of fresh hydrangeas?

My latest obsession is homemade pizza, especially with basil from our garden.

I recently saw the ABT perform Swan Lake at The Met with my mom and Lara...a perfect way to kick off the summer.

Kismet

This past weekend, we were thrilled to celebrate the Fourth of July on Fire Island.  My husband and I had only been there once before twelve years ago.  So, when our magnanimous friends, who recently purchased a summer home in the hamlet of Kismet, invited us to stay for the weekend, we enthusiastically obliged.  It was even more magical than we had remembered.  Everything from the ferry ride to the charming town (the absence of cars immediately transplants you into another world) to the sound of the ocean from our bedroom made for an ideal weekend centered around rest and relaxation.

Streets of Philadelphia

Considering that the Fourth of July is right around the corner, our mini getaway this past weekend to Philadelphia was perfectly timed.  Sans children, we were free to explore museums and dine at ease without the perpetual fear of someone having a meltdown, disapproving glares from fellow tourists and/or diners, and security guards asking us to leave our stroller outside.  Instead, we delighted in our foray into the extraordinary Portrait Gallery housed in the former Second Bank of the United States (a highly recommended collection of prominent historical figures mostly painted by Charles Wilson Peale) as well as our fascinating and inspirational tour of Independence Hall.

Nevertheless, having said that, I must admit that the most memorable part of the weekend was our spontaneous and self-guided walking tour through Philadelphia's famed Society Hill.  Dubbed this name due to the high land it rests upon between the Delaware River and Eighth Street, this residential neighborhood is comprised of handsome brick row houses in the Georgian and Federal architectural styles.  Its' beginnings date back to the late 1700's when a London Development Company by the name of the Society of Free Traders sold building lots to the upper crust.  The result was the construction of these attractive homes and consequently, Society Hill was the place to live in Philadelphia.  It experienced a downturn following the Civil War when many members of the upper class moved out of the area and it remained run down until the 1960's when historic preservationists revitalized the neighborhood...some to their former glory and others with a modern twist.

 

Of course, after a couple of days of sightseeing and walking along cobble stoned streets, we were thrilled to enjoy two deliciously distinct dinners.  The next time you are in Philly, be sure to stop by Cuba Libre and order the spinach and manchego bunuelos as well as the crab ceviche.  Another terrific option is Farmica Restaurant.  We savored a leisurely dinner al fresco.  I recommend starting the evening out with a glass of Rose and the trio of cheeses. As our waiter said, "How can anyone go wrong with that?"

Berry Best

Tis the season to eat berries!  So, when I spotted this simple recipe for three berry focaccia, I was obsessed.  Luckily, it did not disappoint.  I used fresh dough from my local Italian grocer, added berries and sugar and popped it into the oven.  It was such a tremendous hit with my four favorite food critics that I decided to whip one up for my girlfriends one evening.  I must say, it goes just as nicely with a glass of wine as it does with a cup of coffee.  Oh, and did I mention that berries are the ultimate super food?  They possess the highest anti cancer activity as well as help to combat heart attacks, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.  One slice is a mere 124 calories and 3 grams of fat so there's no need to run to the gym after consuming a piece.  Instead, head out to the beach...and pack an extra helping.  Bon Appetit!