It’s a big week of holiday specials on Cape Ann TV featuring Bruce Tarr’s Toy Drive, Holiday Delights, Local Music Seen Christmas special, Cape Ann Symphony Holiday Pops Concert, Church services, plus many other holiday events — and of course lots of football! Get the schedule here — and check out Cape Ann TV’s young Santa guiding his sleigh through the night sky below:
Unitarian Universalist Church Farmer’s Market
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You Gotta Love The Snowman
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Live Shopping: It’s the Farmer’s Market!
If you need some amazing local hand made gifts, snacks, desserts, pastas, honey, guacamole, soups, local veggies, breads, books, and crafts, then get your ass down here! You have until 12 noon to get to the Unitarian Universalist Church downtown. Make it happen!
A view from the stage, where you’ll find Sista And her books, along w GMG gear!
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Spinach Risotto
Spinach Risotto, a perfect dish to serve on cold winter nights. Risotto is one of the items that can always be found in my pantry. I reach for it often during busy holiday seasons. Risotto is easy to prepare, makes a hearty meal on its own, and can be served as a side dish to almost any meal.
Spinach Risotto
Ingredients
2 tablespoon salted butter
¼ cup olive oil; plus 2 tablespoons
¾ cup yellow onion diced
1½ cups Arborio Rice
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
½ cup Pecorino Romano Cheese
8 cups whole fresh spinach leaves with stems
1 large garlic clove finely grated
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Step by Step
1 Placed spinach in large colander; rinse under cold water; roughly chop; reserve
2 Heat ¼ cup olive oil in medium sauce pan over high heat; add diced onion; sauté 1 minute
3 Add Arborio Rice and salt; cook 2 minutes; stir often; reduce heat to medium/high
4 Stir in 1 cup chicken broth continue cooking; stirring often, until liquid is 75% absorbed
5 Continue adding 1 cup broth at a time; until all 4 cups are added and absorbed; Note: this process should take approximately 20 minutes
6 Stir 2 cup water into al dente Risotto; stir; cook until 75% absorbed
7 Add finely grated garlic and roughly chopped spinach; mix well cook 2 minute; stir often
8 Mix in cheese; top with freshly ground pepper; drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil
Note: This creamy rich Risotto is hearty and tasty enough to serve as a meal on its own and makes a perfect side dish anytime of year!
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Maybe a Thaw
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David Collins Has Some Nice Things To Say and Miss Friend’s Class 1950-1951
Hey, Joey,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I read it almost daily and like that it keeps me up on what’s happening in my old hometown.
I grew up just over the Cut Bridge, on Stage Fort Avenue, in the 1940’s and 50’s. My family moved to Connecticut the week I turned 16 because my father’s job as a buyer at LePage’s was phased out in one of the take-overs in the early 60’s.
I taught school in Connecticut and have now retired to Florida. However, as other writers to your column have said, you may leave Gloucester but Gloucester never leaves your heart.
You had a picture recently of your mother and her friends at a gathering. I am sending along a picture from a gathering in 1950-1951 which may have your father or perhaps an uncle in it.
It is of my kindergarten class at Miss Georgia Friend’s house on Riggs Street. She ran the school (back when kindergartens were not a part of the public school system). Mrs. Grace Andrews was also a teacher there. I believe Mrs. Andrews’ daughter was the Elizabeth Andrews Godfrey whose passing was mentioned in the Gloucester obituaries earlier this month.
Both Miss Friend and Mrs. Andrews were related to each of my parents whose families had been from the Cape Ann area for generations.
On the backside of the photo are listed many of the kids in the picture. I am the first boy standing on the left (#1). My mother was usually amazing with names and spelling but seems not to have known a couple and had trouble spelling some, among them Ciarametaro and Ciaramitaro.
All these years later I am afraid I remember only a couple of the others in the photo. For certain I remember Diana Bell (#9) who went with me through almost all the school years from West Parish to GHS and was at the Universalist Church Sunday School with me for a while, too.
I also remember John Ciarametaro (#6) and Mary Ciaramitaro (#2), if these are the people of that name who were in the GHS class of 1963, the class I would have graduated with had we not moved at the end of my sophomore year.
So, Joey, I was just wondering if any of your family is pictured. Also, if perhaps the Joseph Frontiero (#18) is related to Paul?
Again, I really appreciate the effort you and the others put into Good Morning Gloucester.
Thanks,
David Collins
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Wicked Tuna Season Three Trailer Just Released!
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Community Photos 12/21/13
From the other side of the bridge.
The first x-c skiing at the Grassrides in Hamilton. Happy day!
From Nancy Dudley, Essex
Men’s night from Len Burgess-
Yesterday it seemed that all of East Gloucester was dressed in blue and white!
Best-Janet Rice
Janet Rice
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Grace Center hosts open house
Hi Joey,
December 19, 2013
Grace Center hosts open house
A $150,000 donation by Mr. Ralph E. Bates of Manchester, Ma., to the Church-based Grace Center of Gloucester, Ma.
Photos by Joe Perry & Herb Wennerberg
Thanks,
Herb
See Link & Pix
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Cape Ann Farmers Market to Host the Winter Solstice Market Saturday Morning!
What: A special indoor farmers market for holiday shopping
Where: Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, at the corner of Middle and Church Streets
When: December 21th, 2013
Time: 9 am – 12 Noon
Event: Winter Solstice Market.
The Cape Ann Farmers Market will hold a special indoor market for holiday shopping. The market will feature local produce, meat and poultry, crafts, baked goods, pickles, preserves, herbal products, candles, smoked fish, Trupiano sausage, honey, soup, guacamole, pasta, dog treats and more. Gifts for giving and food for the feast will be on sale from local vendors.
The Cape Ann Farmers Market is an independent non-profit, mission-based organization, started by and for the community of Cape Ann, and sustained with one part-time paid employee. It is funded by vendor fees, memberships, donations, and grants. To help underwrite expenses for the Winter Solstice Market, the Cape Ann Farmers Market will sell gently used cookbooks along with Farmer Market merchandise, such as tote bags, t-shirts, and private label organic coffee. Special membership packages will be available, which make great gifts, as do raffle baskets, which will include food and merchandise from Market vendors and area restaurants.
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Kudos To David Brooks, Bex Borden The Staff and Kids At The Hive
If you don’t know by now that The Hive is just an incredible gift to our community and positive force than you just aren’t living breathing and opening your eyes enough to realize what positive juju is being pumped out there daily.
It’s a testament to Founder David Brooks, his staff and the teens that make the place hum.
Thank you for this gift.
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Beautiful Morning After Snowfall in East Gloucester Square
Beacon Marine Basin ~ Click photos to view full size
Wednesday morning East Gloucester was especially beautiful although, is anywhere not magically beautiful after a new fallen snow? While photographing around the neighborhood, I nearly ran into Frieda on her way into her shop, Again and Again (with lots of terrific gift items for last minute shoppers). After photographing down by the North Shore Art Association I stopped in to say hello to Frieda and Beth at Again and Again (see yesterday’s post).
Leaving the shop, and while admiring Duckworth’s wreath and lovely holiday decor, I met Ken Duckworth outside his bistro. We had a friendly chat and I was reminded of what a fabulous neighborhood is ours. At that moment I was thinking not of the beauty that surrounds, but of our wonderful neighbors.
Maritime Center from Smith’s Cove
Duckworth’s in the Snow
Dinner at Duckworth’s Bistrot anytime of the year, but most especially during the holidays, is always a very special treat. Plan to go soon for your Duckworth’s fix because I believe they close for several weeks during. January.
Snowy Morning East Main Street
Glitter Pine Cones
Duckworth’s Wreath
This is the first little batch of photos after Tuesday’s snowfall. I don’t like to post too many full-size photos in the same post because it bumps my fellow contributors too far down the page. I’ll post more from Wednesday morning’s after snowfall tomorrow.
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5 Days til Christmas Song ~ “Pretty Paper
Submitted by GMG FOB Jeff. I was familiar with Roy Orbison’s version Of “Pretty Paper” but had never heard Willie Nelson’s. Thank you Jeff for your sharing!
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Fish on Fridays
The Fish on Fridays series is a collaboration between Gloucester photographers Kathy Chapman and Marty Luster. Look for various aspects of Gloucester’s centuries-old fishing industry highlighted here on Fridays.
Photo © Kathy Chapman 2013
http://www.kathychapman.com
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Remember to shop local
Our wonderful shops here on Cape Ann are terrific. Do your shopping and last minute shopping right here. Here are couple of pictures of some great gifts.
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Rubber Duck’s Christmas Card
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Coconuts Favorite Italian Dog Cookies
I hope you didn’t think I was leaving out our beloved family dogs this seasons. Coconut AKA our family dog, loves a good cookie! A few years ago I searched for a dog cookies recipe that would please Coconuts Palate. After trying several online recipes, that she turned her nose up to, I decided to create my own, and included some of Coconut’s most favorite foods and flavors, Cheese, Chicken, and Italian seasonings. She absolutely loves them and I have to quickly slip them into her airtight cookie jar to stop her from begging for more….I swear she is human…like us one cookie at a time is never enough! If you have a beloved pet in your home or family I highly recommend this recipe.
Italian Dog Cookies
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup brewers yeast or natural yeast ( can be purchased at Common Crow in Gloucester)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon garlic finely minced (****optional, can be omitted from recipe)
1 cup store-bought chicken broth plus 1/4 cup for basting
step-by-step
1 combine oil, chicken broth and garlic in mixing bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment; mix on low speed 30 seconds
2 sift flour into large mixing bowl; add wheat germ brewers yeast, kosher salt, Italian seasoning and freshly grated Parmesan cheese; mix my hand
3 working in small batches add dry ingredients to oil mixture; mix on medium/low speed until dough ball forms
4 cut dough ball in half; roll one half ¼ inch thick on lightly floured work surface
5 using dog bone shaped cookie cutters cut several cookies; transfer cut treats onto parchment lined cookie sheet; repeat with remaining dough
6 bake 10 minutes in preheated 400 degree oven; brush each cookie with chicken broth
7 return cookie sheet to oven; bake 10 additional minutes until golden; cool 1 hour before serving
Stack and wrap 3-4 cookies using decorative ribbon
To make Dog Cookie Ornaments~ make a small opening at one end of cookie before baking ( I use a metal pastry tip)
Coconut and I made a special Boxwood Tree adorned with her favorite Italian Dog Cookies for her Groomer Julie at K-9Cuts.
Coconut Woof’s You all A very Happy Holiday!
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Only a few hours left to get discounted tickets to Cape Ann Solstice
Advanced tickets are $20 General Admission ($15 under 12 or over 65). Pews are still available (online only) $195 side pew seats 10 adults, $225 center pew seats 12 adults.
You can get advanced tickets online here, or the Winter Solstice Farmers Market at the UU Church (10 Church Street) from 9AM – Noon, or at Liquor Locker 287 Main St.
After the Farmers Market closes tomorrow at noon, all tickets are $25 for all ages. We’ll open up the box office at 4pm at the UU Church (cash only please). Doors open at 7pm.
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The best radio Christmas shows you’ll hear this year ~ SUN 12/22 @9AM & 7PM on 104.9
We’ve pointed out before that North Shore 104.9 host Aurelia Nelson frequently features local talent on her show, “Curtain Up” (see examples here). This Sunday 12/22 she pulls out all the stops with her hyper-local Christmas show featuring some of Cape Ann’s top talent performing a Christmas repertoire that rivals what you’d hear on a big city radio show!
You’ll hear Dan King’s wonderful new Christmas song “Handmade With Love (Present)” featuring Charlee Bianchini, “I wish I Could Fly” written by Allen Estes & Fly Amero, new songs by Bryan Alex, John Stevens and Angie Miller (Beverly’s own Idol finalist) and selections by the Beantown Swing Orchestra.
We know you’ll be at Gloucester’s UU Church on Saturday night, where you can see many of these stars LIVE — and we promise the show will be over in plenty of time for you to get a good night’s sleep and get up by 9am for Curtain Up on North Shore 104.9.
Then on Sunday night at 7pm, you can hear a real radio play, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” This is a rare experience you simply can’t get any other way. Build a fire, sit together as a family in the living room, tune the radio to 104.9, chill in a comfy chair, close your eyes and lose yourself in this classic story. When’s the last time you heard a radio play?
Good Morning Gloucester 