Month: July 2011

Farm Fresh Friday: Mood’s Farm Market

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Have you ever visited a farm early in the day when the sun hasn’t reached its highest heat and the grass is still dewy? 034
A few weeks ago Wendy and I took a visit to Mood’s Farm Market, a place where you can not only buy produce and homemade goods, but also pick your own fruit!

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And you can buy corn, but by all means do not shuck it there!
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Of course there were some essential rules.  And no, this does not mean you get to  pick which rules you want to follow Smile
Before you pick you decide what fruit you will be picking.  There is a list which also includes pricing.  You then pay for a permit to pick in the respective area, purchase a cardboard container and begin!
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We started picking blueberries first.
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If you have never picked blueberries before let me tell you that it is not easy!  I was definitely confused when I thought it would be a simple task.  But there are a lot of berries that aren’t ripe, some that are bruised or wrinkly and others were just downright gross looking!  So you’re trying to be quick but careful at the same time and it winds up taking a lot longer than you’d expect.
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Wendy and I kept asking each other how we were doing and we knew that we were making progress once we weren’t hitting cardboard anymore.  In other words, we had filled the bottom of the box completely and were actually getting somewhere.  This made me laugh as we were picking.  I think we should coin the term “hitting cardboard” don’t you think!?
Next, we headed to pick peaches.

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This might have been the biggest peach I ever saw!

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We were warned that they were extremely ripe and they really were!  Most were so ripe that you’d touch them and they would turn to mush.  And their juices were dripping out of them begging to be eaten.  While it was hard to find some that were okay to take home, the few that we did take were so delicious and sweet.
After we were finished picking our fresh fruit we headed back, paid for our goods and were on our merry way.  In a few short hours we were able to experience what goes into picking fruit and bring home some juicy berries and peaches.  I’d call that a successful summer mornin’.
Enjoy the last weekend of July!

Agiato.

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If I could tell you about only one restaurant in Philadelphia, it would have to be Agiato.
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Located in Manayunk, Agiato takes you to the heart of Italy, where the food is simple, but flavorful and the atmosphere  is quaint, cozy and filled with conversation.
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I have been to Agiato three times and every time I return my experience is consistently outstanding.  Although the menu may be a little difficult to understand at first (most of it is in Italian) the servers go out of their way to explain, translate and suggest what you’re craving. 
And you can navigate the menu any way you like.  Maybe you’ll have a salad and some cheese, some meat and cheese, an appetizer and a sandwich…the options are endless.  There are no rules or expectations when it comes to ordering because you eat how you want to – as little  or as much as you like.
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At first we thought these little morsels were candy? Marshmallows?  But they were actually sugar!
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During this time dining at Agiato we tried nocerella olives with balsamic pistachios.  I loved how simple this appetizer was and yet it was satisfying and fun to eat.  And I didn’t feel stuffed because an appetizer is supposed to be light after all.  Plus, olives are always fun to eat!  And for only $3 you may feel inclined to try several appetizers.
A wide  variety of cheese is also served.  Each cheese is only 1 oz. and served with unlimited bread and honey for dipping.  Cheese + honey = an amazing combination regardless of what cheese you are eating.  And you can create a cheese platter with 1, 3, 5, or 7 cheeses, so the options are unlimited! 
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And you can’t beat unlimited bread.  Especially when it is rustic and  light.  It is easy to eat a ton of it.
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This panini has prosciutto, truffled leeks, and walnut pesto.  The flavor combo is unlike any sandwich I’ve ever had.  It is salty, aromatic and as the warm meat melts in your mouth you get a big crunch from the bread.  It is seriously unreal.  I have also tried the panini that has gruyere, caramelized onions and calabrian chili, which tastes like a french onion soup sandwich!  You really can’t go wrong with any of the paninis. 
There are also salads, assorted meats and tramezzini, which is similar to a tea sandwich with the crust cut off and is a light, delicate sandwich.
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And of course the cappuccino is perfect and the homemade gelato is something to splurge on. 
The experience you will have at this restaurant is unlike any other you have had.  You may go to  Agiato for the food, but the service and atmosphere will make you want to stay – and the return again and again.

I’ve got something to say… Cause It’s Two Cent Tuesday !

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Today’s TCT is the last for the month of July, can you believe it!?
1.) What’s better than a caprese salad in the summer? How about a caprese salad in bread?!
2.) Have you ever considered eating chickpeas as a snack?  Well, I have on many occasions but this recipe shows you how to make them crispy and delicious.
3.) I know you’re craving fruity cocktails this summer and now you can drink them with a little less guilt.
4.) Speaking of drinks, here is a guide on pairing alcohol with mixers.
5.) If you haven’t realized that I love weird and interesting products yet, you will understand why after seeing these.
6.) Here is a great new way to eat baked potatoes! I promise it isn’t boring.
7.) Need something unique to cool you off?  Check out these crazy ice cubes!
8.) I think these ice pops just may be the most picturesque I’ve ever seen.
9.) Please tell me I’m not the only one who tops their pizza with salad?  Oh, you love it too? Well, here is the perfect recipe for you!
10.) I’m definitely going to buy some of these to keep people from eating my food!

 

Hope your day is swell

Smile

Farm Fresh Friday: Nature’s Candy

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If you’ve ever thought that fruit tastes like candy you wouldn’t be far off.
Because The Candy Box not only sells amazing, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, but also fresh, sweet, fruit (and veggies) !
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As you pull up to this cute and quaint candy shop, you can grab some produce all summer long.
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Did you know that Jersey is known for their peaches too?
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It is easy to understand why this little shop is called a box.  The actual store is only the little building on the left.  It’s the kind of place you might just miss while driving by but it would be a shame if you did.
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If you’re ever in town or you are a local reader, make sure you stop in The Candy Box and try their chocolate.  You are definitely in for a treat.  Just make sure you grab some fruit on your way in – it will help balance things out  and I promise it is as sweet as the candy

Tune in for Two Cent Tuesday.

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Hard to believe that we are more than half way through July, isn’t it!?  But don’t worry this week’s TCT will make you forget August is on its way.
1.) Looking for something delicious, ripe and juicy to cool you off? Why not try cantaloupe sorbet?!
2.) Don’t feel like turning the oven on this summer? Try this no cook recipes.
3.) If you think you don’t like meatless burgers, check out this bean burger recipe.
4.) These tasting plates are just what you need for entertaining this summer. Not only will it help you organize for your dinner party but your guests will be impressed with the sleek design.
5.) Want a unique dessert to bring to your next barbeque?  What about this pineapple coconut bread?!
6.) You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make delicious take out at home.
7.)  Were you caught  up in the magic of Harry Potter? Try this recipe for butterbeer!
8.) Tired of plain old jello shots? Try Lisa’s recipe for Orange Creamsicle Jello Shots!
9.) Looking for a delicious brinner recipe? Check this creative one out, especially if you don’t know what brinner is!
10.) Have you ever checked out foodzie? A foodie’s one stop shop for gifts and goods!
Have a great day!

You say tomato, I say pizza!

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If your summer is going anything like mine, you have a lot of tomatoes hanging around.  And while I enjoy tomato sandwiches on most afternoons, I have been trying to use tomatoes in practically everything I eat!002
Another one of my summer addictions? Pizza! I’m not sure if it is because it is so simple to eat or because I can make it however I like, but pizza has been a staple in my diet and I’m not complaining.  So instead of buying another jar of pizza sauce I decided to dive right in and make my own!
You will need:
•5-6 medium tomatoes
•1 garlic clove
•1 TBS olive oil
•A handful of fresh basil
•1/2 cup onion
1.) Begin by marking each tomato with two slits to make an “X” and then steam tomatoes.  This may be the hardest part and I promise it isn’t hard.  The steam will begin to peel the skin off where you made then X.  Once the skin begins to peel, remove from water and allow to cool.
2.) Next, chop the onion.  You don’t need to make perfect pieces because you will throw it in the food processor later.
3.) Heat your oil and sautĂ© the onion on medium heat.  While your onion is cooking, cut each tomato and remove seeds and excess juice.  I also allowed the tomatoes to sit in a bowl so the juice would drip out and would not make my sauce watery.
4.) Then add the garlic and cook for a few seconds so you do not burn it.  Add tomatoes and basil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.  This allows the flavors to start intensifying.
5.) I then put the sauce in the food processor for about 30 seconds.  I didn’t want it to get too thin because I wanted a thick pizza sauce.  I then allowed the sauce to cook for a good half hour until it was nice and thick.
6.) Remove from heat and use on your pizza!  This recipe made enough for 2 personal size pizzas so I used one portion and then froze the other half.

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The sauce turned out really well and I was happy with both the flavor and the consistency. Now if only I could bottle the sauce for pizza year round!

Farm Fresh Friday: In the Garden

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TGIFFF!  Or, thank goodness it’s Farm Fresh Friday Smile
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As I always mention, one of the perks of buying your produce local is that you know where your food is coming from.
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And in this week’s case, I really know where this food is coming from.  That’s because it is  coming from a family friends’ garden.  If you’re reading, Hi Diane!
From their garden –> table top farm market –> my family’s kitchen.
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And we are once again asked to be honest.  Honesty is the best policy people!
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Rows of tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, eggplant and fresh flowers growing.
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I love being able to see a garden and can’t wait to have one of my own!  Maybe it is the little kid in me that loves being able to see the veggies growing and then in baskets for sale.
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Another reason to buy produce from local stands is because it is so much less expensive!  Even if grocery  stores  claim that their products are local, their prices are always going to be higher.
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As my Mom and I drove away on quite possibly the most beautiful day of summer I tried my best to make a memory of a perfect morning when we drove through New Jersey’s countryside in search of fresh finds.  And how moments later we’d be purchasing fresh fruit and chocolate.  But that’s a tale for another day…
Hope your weekend is fresh and fun!