Celebrating 28 years of service At The American Meteorologist Society Mardi Gras Style! Please help me wish my father in-law Barry C. Mohan a Happy Retirement! Sent from Xfinity Mobile App
Author: Sista Felicia
The Gift That Keeps On Giving…
The One & Only GMG contributor Donna Ardizzoni is this weeks GMG Cook!
Donna writes~ Hi Felicia, hope you are well. Last night I cooked your lentil Soup, so
good and easy to make thanks to your recipe from the book.
Thanks and
take care
Xxxxoo
Donna
Sista Felicia~ Donna, it looks amazing. Perfecto! Watch out Rick…Looks like Donna is cooking her way through “Gifts Of Gold.” You my be growing a few pant sizes bigger by the time she reaches the end of the book!
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Sweet Happenings At Appleton Farms
Over the years I have spent many hours picking fresh produce with my twins and nieces in the expansive fields at Appleton Farms. Our weekly trips could best be described as mini adventures. Each week we began in the barn, reading the current weeks list of allotted share items, before heading out into the fields with our baskets, clippers, and containers. Sharing stories and memories from my childhood in my grandparents garden with the kids while picking our share, was something the kids quickly became accustomed to. They often requested their favorite stories to be retold, and we often talked about recipes that could be prepared by using the items surrounding us in the fields, planning out our snacks and meals for the week throughout the seasons was something we all enjoyed doing.
Many photos of Appleton Farms gorgeous scenic settings are featured in my cookbook “Gifts Of Gold” surrounding the pages of a story I share that is very dear to my heart. Last week during a meeting at the Reservation, I was excited to learned that Appleton Farms will be hosting numerous opportunities for share holders and the general public to visit the Reservation throughout this upcoming season.
I’m thrilled to announce that I will be hosting cooking demonstrations, using freshly picked produce from the fields of Appleton in their barn throughout the 2014 season. GMG will be sharing their events and news throughout 2014 season under Sista’s Dish weekly. This week their season will kick off with all things Maple Sugar! The events are listed below, and they sound amazing for all ages!
How Sweet it Is!
Discover a New England Tradition as
Appleton Farms Hosts a Suite of Maple Sugaring Happenings this March
Ipswich, MA – February 21, 2014 – The Trustees of Reservations invites the community to visit Appleton Farms in Ipswich this March to enjoy the sweet New England tradition of maple sugaring. Last winter marked the first season America’s oldest working farm added a sugaring operation to their already extensive farming list, which also includes an active vegetable CSA, a livestock operation with dairy and beef cows and laying hens, an onsite creamery, and haying and composting.
“Maple sugaring is a good fit for Appleton Farms as the 1,000 acre property boasts large sugar maple trees easily accessed by our farm roads, making for easier sap collection,” says Appleton Farms Superintendent Mark Bailey. “Thanks to some retired maple sugarer’s equipment, including taps and buckets and a wood-fired evaporator, we were able to retrofit the old garage as the new sugar shack. And, the farm woodlands provide plenty of downed wood for fueling the evaporator fire.”
The 2013 sugaring season proved worthy. Thanks to some hard work, community support, and a little help from Mother Nature, the farm produced and sold in their dairy store more than 35 gallons of finished maple syrup product. With their first successful season now under their belt, the farm is opening its sugar shack doors to the public this March to enjoy a variety of sugaring programs and events including:
Saturdays at the Sugar Shack
Saturday, March 1 & March 8 | 11AM-3PM
Drop-by and visit the sugar shack at Appleton Farms and experience the sights and smells of this historic New England tradition. Take a walk to see our beautiful, maple-lined avenues and help collect sap and then learn how it becomes delicious maple syrup. For more information visit: www.thetrustees.org/appletonfarms or call 978.356.5728. FREE and open to the public.
Tap to Table with Appleton Cooks!
Saturday, March 8, 3 – 5:30 & Wednesday, March 12, 10 – 12:30pm
Appleton Farms keeps a very special New England tradition alive by tapping Appleton Farms’ beautiful maple trees and producing wood-fired, small-batch maple syrup. In this Appleton Cooks! workshop, participants will enjoy a leisurely walk around the farmstead to see how sap is harvested and collected as well as tour the sugar shack to see (and smell!) the transformation of sap to syrup. Participants will gather in the farm kitchen for the second half of the workshop with Chef Carolyn Grieco to make delectable maple syrup treats including maple mustard vinaigrette, butter braised sweet potatoes, and upside down maple pear pancakes. Register online www.thetrustees.org/appletoncooks or call 978.356.5728 x12. Trustees Members: $60. Nonmembers: $65.
First Annual Appleton Farms Maple Festival! Saturday, March 15 | 10AM – 2PM
Discover the process of maple sugaring, from tap to table, as you tour Appleton Farms sugar maple stands and sugar shack. This community-friendly event includes activities fun for all ages including:
§ Tree Exploration & Sap Tasting: Learn about the natural history of maple trees as you explore the farm’s maple sugaring operation. Sample the sweet sap, straight from the tap!
§ Syrup Tastebud Test: Sample different syrups and see you can tell the “real thing” from imitation.
§ Maple Syrup Treats: Enjoy tasty maple syrup treats made in the Appleton Cooks! kitchen including pancake bites, maple yogurt, and more.
§ Sugar Shack Tours: Meet the maple sugarers, tour the sugar shack, learn about the evaporation process, and more!
For more information email afeducator@ttor.org or call 978.356.5728 x18. Members: Adult $10; Child (age 3-12) $5. Nonmembers: Adult $12; Child (age 3-12) $6. Children under 3 are welcome free of charge.
Appleton Farms is located at 219 County Road/Route 1A, Ipswich, MA. For general farm information visit www.thetrustees.org/appletonfarms or call 978.356.5728.
The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) “hold in trust” and care for properties, or “reservations,” of scenic, cultural, and natural significance for the general public to enjoy. Founded by open space visionary Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees are the nation’s oldest, statewide land trust, one of Massachusetts’ largest conservation organizations and an established leader in the conservation and preservation movement nationally and internationally. Supported by more than 100,000 members, donors, and thousands of volunteers, The Trustees own and manage 112 spectacular reservations – 20 of which are located on Boston’s North Shore – including working farms, historic homesteads and gardens, community parks, barrier beaches and mountain vistas – located on more than 26,000 acres. In addition, The Trustees work closely with permanent affiliates including Boston Natural Areas Network and the Hilltown Land Trust, well as hundreds of community partners to preserve and protect special places and provide year-round programs for all ages. Visit www.thetrustees.org.
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Zucchini Fries
Zucchini Fries ~Make a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish to any meal. They are a great way to sneak vegetables onto the kids dinner plate! Click see more for recipe details and more photos Continue reading “Zucchini Fries”
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Sunday Dinner @ Passports
No Sunday Dinner being served in Sista’s Kitchen today….Enjoying a delicious meal meal at Passports after The Last Winter Dance Performance at The Governors Academy! Sent from Xfinity Mobile App
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Cousin Lynanne’s Masterpiece For The Governors Academy Dance Company
Whenever their is a special occasion in the family, we all call cousin Lynanne to create a special masterpiece for the celebration. She has an incredible talented, unlike anyone I know, and is truly an artist in the kitchen. Look what she created for my daughter Amanda and her dance mates at the Governors Academy for their Winter Dance Performance weekend Celebration!
Thank you Lynanne…The Dance Company is going to love it!
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Parmesan Potatoes
Parmesan Potatoes~ One of my son BJ’s most favorite side dishes! He would happily eat these potatoes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. BJ requested them last night as a side dish for he and his friend Williams’ Fried Muddica Chicken, Zucchini fries, and Parmesan potato dinner.
Dinner…Before 2 teenage boys stuck a fork in it….
And …
I think it’s safe to say they enjoyed their dinner! For Step-by-Step recipe details click see more Continue reading “Parmesan Potatoes”
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Coconuts Shout Out To SeaPort Veterinary Hospital
Yesterday my son BJ and I snapped a few photos during Coconuts, annual checkup with Dr. Ray Cahill at SeaPort Veterinary Hospital located at 100 Eastern Ave, Gloucester. Dr.Cahill and his staff are wonderful. They specialize in getting to know their pet patients, just as well as the owners who care for them. Our Coconut is a pure breed Conton de Tulear. The Cottons de Tulear is a rear breed that is known to be loyal, happy, playful, affectionate, obedient, and healthy. Dr. Cahill has been treating Coconut for the past few years and is well aware of her temperament and personality. He lovely settles her nerves before he starts her exam, with his clam and gentle ways gaining Coconuts trust allowing him to give her a thorough exam at each visit.
Thank You Dr. Ray Cahill and Staff for the excellent care you give to our beloved Coconut!
For more details about Seaport Veterinary Hospital visit their website below
http://seaportvet.com/services/provided/
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Live From Passports
Walked in on the meeting of the minds planning Passports next Wine Dinner Scheduled For March 27 @ 7:00 call 978-281-3680 for details!
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Blood Orange Cocktail and Blood Orange Infused Water Beverage
The white snow blanketing our surroundings this winter for me, was pretty up until snow storm #5. Yesterday for a split second while shopping in the produce section at the market, I caught myself daydreaming as if I were on a tropical island surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant colored flowers and aromatic fruit trees. A split second latter I disappointedly returned back to winter’s reality pushing my cart wearing my new wrist warmers and wool hat. After enjoying that daydream, I decided to shopping a little slower taking a few extra moments to soak in the beautiful colors lining the aisle surrounding me. The colorful fruits and vegetables appeared to be extra pretty yesterday. They brighten my day and inspired me to create a few recipes last night using Blood Oranges. I greeted my husband at the door last night with this “Stay-cation” Blood Orange Cocktail, click see more for three new recipes inspired by yesterdays shopping experience.
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Fried Dough
Fried Dough
Yes were currently smack dab in the middle of school vacation week, the cupboard shelves are nearly empty, and so are our wallets. With all good snacks gone, are you in search of an inexpensive treat that’s mouthwatering and sinfully delicious? One that can get you through the rest of vacation week without breaking the bank?
How does a recipe serving 6-8 people for under $5.00 sound to you? I have been asked numerous times by GMG FOB’s to share my quick and easy-go-to recipe for Fried Dough. A treat my family is always excited to enjoy no matter what time day, or night! Click see more for recipe details Continue reading “Fried Dough”
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The Gift That Keeps On Giving
This weeks GMG Cook is Mary McLoud Tucker~ Mary writes, “That is a beautiful Valentine dessert ~ yes ~ dare I say ~ sensual adult dessert. My mind is twirling ~ if I can find that cheese in Annapolis ~ Valentine plans are done <3 Thanks Felicia ~ you served it up!”
Mary, taking the time to snap this photo and send it into GMG made my day! Every photo file I receive and open is a special gift that warms my heart. Thank you ❤
Send us your photo of a Sista Felicia Recipe you make and be the next featured GMG Cook of the week. Photos will be posted under Sista’s Dish~”The Gift That Keeps On Giving” once per week.
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Spicy Italian Sausage Pepper and Onion Bow Tie Pasta
Spicy Italian Sausage Pepper & Onion Bow Tie Pasta
I created this recipe one night while in the middle of making a batch of my homemade sausage. With a kitchen full of hungry family waiting to be fed, and 2 giant bowls of fixed sausage meat waiting to be stuffed into soaking casings, I decided to halt sausage production and feed the family. Using what I had on hand, I threw together this delicious pasta dish in less than 30 minutes and resumed production. Although I may have used my own homemade sausage meat to create this recipe, it can easily be duplicated by using any “Sweet Italian” sausage meat. For those living close to Gloucester, I highly recommend buying Trupiano’s Italian Sausage sold at The Cave on Main Street. The Cave regularly carries Sweet Italian “Trupiano’s Italian Sausage”, and Trupiano’s “Tomato Parsley & Cheese” variety can be specially pre-ordered by calling a few days in advance. Click see more for Joey approved recipe!
Continue reading “Spicy Italian Sausage Pepper and Onion Bow Tie Pasta”
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Heavenly Glazed Donuts
Heavenly Glazed Donuts
A Heavenly Glazed Donut Recipe~A perfect ending to Sista’s Dish Valentines Week Lineup! Click see more… to see how easy it is to prepare “Glazed Donuts” at home in your kitchen! Continue reading “Heavenly Glazed Donuts”
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Italian Popcorn
Kicking off today’s storm with Italian Popcorn, Smoked Kielbasa, and White Wine…Let it snow… Let it snow… Let it snow…Click see more for a step-by-step popcorn recipe Sista Style! Continue reading “Italian Popcorn”
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Are You in The Doghouse Today ?
Audrey’s Flower Shop Is Cranking Out….”I’m In The Doghouse Valentine Flowers” Today …Are you one of them? Are you in the doghouse today?
It was quite a scene at Audrey’s flower shop last night when I stopped by to deliver Valentine Treats to dear friends working in the shop. The store was full of patrons picking up and placing last minute Valentine orders. Their phone was ringing off the hook, while designers were hustling around their stations creatively putting together dozens of gorgeous floral arrangements. My BFF Dee is, Audrey’s customer service/store manager. She remained busy working the phones taking orders, and scheduling Valentine deliveries throughout the North Shore, a task she had been doing all day. Thursday’s predicted snow storm and winter mess literally tried to put a bump in the road for Valentine deliveries on Thursday and Friday. But Dee, known to her friends and coworkers as, ” Ms. Organized,” and “Ms. Get It Done” kept Audrey’s “Operation Valentine”, running smoothly like red velvet frosting the past few days. Today the Audrey’s crew is back at it again, taking special care of all their “In The Doghouse” customers, with~ Forgive Me, I’m late & Love You Valentine Floral Arrangements!
No Confessions needed, call Audrey’s today and get yourself outta the doghouse!
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Live Valentine Night From Seaport Grill
Lots of Valentines Celebrating tonight!
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A Valentines Day Tweet~ Heart For The Backyard Birds
The cold stormy weather is making the birds extra hungry this season. Wednesday morning I noticed the birds had completely devoured the food in the birdfeeder I hug a few weeks ago, leaving the sac and plastic try both completely empty. Luckily I had all the ingredients in the house to make and hang a new Valentine Tweet~Heart shaped Bird feeder embellished with colorful dangling heart adornments and cupids arrow. I am thrilled to report that the birds were happily eating yesterday morning as the storm neared Gloucester.
Wishing everyone a Happy Valentines Day. Enjoy your day!
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Strawberry-Licious White Hot Chocolate
Strawberry-Licious White Hot Chocolate~Todays Third Valentine Recipe!… For Details click see more Continue reading “Strawberry-Licious White Hot Chocolate”
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White Chocolate Spoonful’s of Valentine Love
Todays Second Valentine recipe!
White Chocolate Spoonful’s of Valentine Love~The Perfect Spoon for Hot Chocolate!…
For recipe details Click see more Continue reading “White Chocolate Spoonful’s of Valentine Love”
Good Morning Gloucester 