Bounty of the Hudson!

I wanted to post this upcoming event that is sure to be a great time.

Bounty of the Hudson Wine Festival 2011

 

Date: Saturday, July 30, 2011

 

Time: 12:00 PM- 5:00 p.m.

 

Venue: Adair Vineyards, New Paltz, NY

 

Not only will it be featuring wine from all over the Shawangunk Valley but the venue is beautiful!  Be sure to bring your camera and your appetite so you can stay the whole day.  There will be live music too!

 

The cost (including a tasting glass) is $27 in advance & $38 the day of.

Don't forget to bring a designated driver! Entrance fee in advance is $5.40 & day of is $8.

 

Hope to see you there!

Finally Spring is Here!

Signs of spring are all around us.  Daffodils are blooming, birds are singing in the morning, and peepers are chirping at night fall.  A great sign that winter is gone is all the garbage on the side of the roads and rail trails is now revealed.  This is period on the season after the snow and before new growth has started.  My husband and I take daily nightly walks and have been taking a plastic bag with us to collect garbage off the road.  I do have to say the most collected piece of garbage besides water bottles and beer cans are Mc Donald's wrappers.  Gross doesn't even grace how nasty it can be.  But my street is now cleaner and friendlier. 

I always wish for people to stop littering.  I realize I can't clean up all the garbage myself-  I need your help.  Tomorrow temps are supposed to get up to the 80's.  Go outside after school or work and do some liter removal yourself.  Make your neighborhood beautiful and stop relying on others.  (well I guess I am relying on you, lol)

Enjoy the day!!  Happy Spring!!

Date Night

Friday night is date night.  So, what are you going to do?  Go check out one of the many movies that are nominated for an academy award.  They are all still in the theatres.  "The Fighter" is playing at the Rosendale Theatre, New Paltz Cinemas is showing the "King's Speech", and Kingston is showing "True Grit", "The Fighter" and the "King's Speech" as well.

Not feeling a serious sort of film.  There are some chart topping romantic comedies showing as well.  "No Strings Attached" and today is the opening for "Just Go With It."

Are you feeling really romantic?  Well, you should head on over to the Bardavon Opera House for the classic "An Affair to Remember"-One of my favorites.  It is a Carey Grant and Deborah Kerr film. This movie is the underlying theme in "Sleepless in Seattle".  You may remember the scene when Meg Ryan and Rosie O'Donnell cry while watching "An Affair to Remember" and is the reason why Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan meet at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day.  I love this movie.

Here are some links to movie times for tonight:
 This one is for New Paltz & Rosendale:
http://www.google.com/movies?hl=en&near=new+paltz&dq=new+paltz+movie+theater&sa=X&ei=YjNVTdDALoGBlAfN4fmUBw&ved=0CBQQxQMoAA

Kingston;
http://www.mrmovietimes.com/movie-theaters/Regal-Cinemas-Independence-Mall-14.html

Bardavon - "An Affair to Remember"
http://www.google.com/movies?hl=en&near=Poughkeepsie&dq=the+bardavon+opera+house&q=An+Affair+to+Remember&sa=X&ei=eTJVTbuUCoeglAfr4fzrBw&ved=0CBwQwAMoAg

MMMM-Game Day Food List!

Ok- so you are staying home for game day or heading to a friends.

Here is a quick list of some menu items that you can make. (if they seem interesting just give them a quick google search so you can find the right recipe for you)

• White Bean Dip - Super easy, even if you don't have a food processor - mash it up with a fork or potato masher.
• Horseradish Cheddar Dip with Pretzels
• Sliders!  It's all about finger food today, so make it easy for yourself and your guests.
• Chili!! (so versatile too, veggie chili, meat lovers, cheesy chili, so many choices) (p.s. if you have a crock pot you are set too- your mess is minimized)
• Mulled Wine- Yummy!
• Guinness Braised Short Ribs- a little more complicated but sounds so very good.
• Bourbon Bacon Caramel Popcorn-  sound too complicated then come up with your own fun twist of flavors for this really easy snack food.
• Chicken wings- really easy to make- I made my own the other day during playoffs- if I can make it you can too.
• Can't handle meat on the bone- then do Buffalo Chicken Strips on skewers - have blue cheese dip too!  Another easy solution for less mess too.
• Don't forget some healthy snacks- have carrots, celery, low sodium salsa too!

I hope you have a great day and don't forget to go outside today, the weather is so nice right now.  Take advantage of it when you can before the temperature drops to single digits!!

Game Day

Game Day Fun

Well, this Sunday some of you may be cheering “Go Pack Go” or singing “Black and Yellow” or you may still be getting over the Jets loss from two weeks ago- Either way this Sunday is the SUPERBOWL and is expected to be a pretty good game.

Here are some helpful suggestions for you to get ready for the big game:

Staying at home, hosting a party, or going to a house party?

How to Prepare…

·  Take Out vs Do it yourself

·         Having guests over but don’t want to deal with all the prep work- order out from one of these local spots.

            Outpost BBQ – Kerhonkson- located on the corner of 44/55 and 209-

Their phone number is really easy to remember too: 845-626-4455

This little log house on wheels has great BBQ .  They make pulled pork sandwiches, and beef brisket as well as platters.  Call early so they can prepare all the food you want in a timely fashion of course- make sure you have extra napkins!

Hours off Operation for Game Day: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday

Buffalo Wild Wings- Great for take out and dine in.

http://www.buffalowildwings.com/

Their full menu is accessible online.  You can also find the nearest location near you.  The one I was thinking of is in Kingston- right inside the mall.

Taco Shack or Mexicali Blue- New Paltz

http://www.mexicali-blue.com/

Right from their website: "RESERVE YOUR SUPERBOWL PARTY PLATTERS NOW!TRY OUR NEW HABANERO BUFFALO CHICKEN DIPPERS OR TRY OUR SHRIMP DIPPERS! "   yummy!

Taco Shack - Both are great places it just depends on what you are looking for.  Taco Shack has more of a

255 Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561 (845) 255-2366 ‎ 

- Have the supermarket cater your party or your local deli.
 All the supermarkets from Shoprite, Hannford, Adam's Fairacre Farm, to your local mom and pop shops are all offering great deals on platters, hot food, and small items like soda and chips (stock up for the next snow storm) - Don't want to drive to the store to see their ads and didn't pick up the Sunday paper with all the ads- go online and google your local store-  Most supermarkets flyers are accessible online now.

• My Hero - New Paltz- Hot or cold hero's, subs- small -6 foot size portions.  This is an easy thing as well as a crowd pleaser!
• 845-255-1010 154 Main St New Paltz, NY 12561
• 
  Pizza- this just seems like a no brainer!  there are so many different pizza places in Ulster that I don't think I need to recommend any one in particular.  You know where you like to go- so just do it!

Restaurants that may not be able to “Cater” your whole party but has some great smaller options- or if it is just for you and a few other people.

Not into junk food- there are tons of “health conscious” food establishments around that you can order food from- to eat at home for the game. 

·         Rock Da Pasta- New Paltz, NY (Gluten Allergies)- (they are also in the entertainment book!) - http://www.rockdapasta.com/

·         Nature Nosh Health Food Store- Ellenville on Canal Street.

   They have a small counter where they make great soups, salads, and sandwiches.  You can always give them a call for more details too: 845) 647-5442

·         Northern Spy- High Falls

• Don't want greasy wings or heart clogging cheese curds- Try the Northern Spy's Tofu Wings - They are still fried but really it's tofu how bad could it be.  An order of them is delicious and you can't even tell that you aren't eating chicken.
• http://www.northernspycafe.com/
• http://www.northernspycafe.com/pages/menus.htm

What else is there to do?

• Brush up on your facts about the teams, so you can show off to your friends: http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/45

• Don't worry about cleaning your house either- It's the Superbowl, someone is going to spill the nachos on the floor- let's be honest here.
• Watch for my next blog post too for a quick list of food you can make if you have more time on your hands.

Local Spots to Watch the Game:

McGillicudy’s- New Paltz http://cuddysny.com/  They are also on FB so check them out for deals, etc.

Hurley Mountain Inn- Hurley-http://www.hurleymountaininn.com/

Check out the link for information on their Sunday Game Day contests.

http://www.hurleymountaininn.com/sportsbar.html

Hot Shotz- Kerhonkson- Not really a "family place" but if you are in the neighborhood stop by for a beverage and check out the game and their specials.

Buffalo Wild Wings- Kingston - always a great place to watch sports.  It is spacious, family oriented, great menu, and great beverage selection.- Plus a ridiculous amount of TV's.

P & G’s -NP- Great locals spot.  Food and service is always great there.

http://www.pngsnewpaltz.com/

Ship to Shore...

Like many restaurants Ship to Shore on the strand in Kingston will be having Valentine's Weekend brunch.  Their site shows a brunch option (probably for Sunday) and lunch/dinner for Monday (actual Valentine's day).  I attached the menus for you to check out. 

I have only eaten there maybe 2 times over the past couple of years and I am eating dinner there tonight.  I will let you know my thoughts.

Here is the Brunch Menu Link:
http://www.shiptoshorehudsonvalley.com/menus_valentines_brunch.php

Here is the Dinner Menu Link:
http://www.shiptoshorehudsonvalley.com/menus_valentines_dinner.php

They are located on 15 West Strand, Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: 334-8887

I gotta run or I will be late for dinner!

Edible Hudson Valley

Edible Hudson Valley is a great magazine/newsletter that my husband brought home for me from our local health food store in Ellenville.  Their logo is "Celebrating Local Foods of the Hudson Valley & Catskills Season by Season"- I'm hooked already.  This seasonal gem is packed with great articles, recipes,  highlighting local businesses, pictures and helpful seasonal hints.  I have the fall issue and can't wait to track down the winter one.  The fall issue highlights Keegan Ale Brewery, local cheese hot spots, Farm to Table Co-Packers, and much more. 

Are you someone who is not interested in reading articles and just needs some quick go-to info?  The advertisers in there are great and will really connect you to your community (farm markets, restaurants, festivals, books, etc.) 

So check it out.  You can access the most recent issue online at http://www.ediblecommunities.com/hudsonvalley/winter-2011/winter-2011.htm

If you prefer a paper copy the website has a tab labelled "Find a Copy" on the top right.  This links you to a wide variety of locations where you can pick up a free copy.  (or use the link below)
http://www.ediblecommunities.com/hudsonvalley/find-a-copy/find-a-copy.htm
or
You can subscribe and have one sent to you.  The fee is $28 for a year.
http://www.ediblecommunities.com/hudsonvalley/subscribe/subscribe-to-hudson-valley.htm

Let the Sun Shine!

Today I had a moment when leaving work.  The kind of moment that helps lifts the first day of the work week goodbye.  The sun was still shining and I had Led Zeppelin playing on my mp3 player as I took the long walk to my car.  I wasn't freezing and I began to feel relieved.  My thoughts immediately went to Spring and even though we are predicted to get more snow tomorrow night Spring didn't feel too far away.  I hope you all too have a moment like that and can get out of this freezing snow slump.

One way I try to get out of this slump is to move forward and plan for fun things.  The next thing on my list is Valentine's Day!  I know it is not a real holiday and there was probably a groan across the county when I mentioned it but why not make plans for some winter fun. 

On a budget:

• Don't celebrate on Valentine's Day, celebrate the day before and head out to brunch at one of these eateries: Cafe Mio, The Depuy Canal House, Bacchus, Skytop Brewery, or your favorite spot.
• Have friends over for a wine tasting.
• Crafternoon with friends and family and make Valentine's for each other.
• Just make a special dessert and don't stress about the dinner- chocolate fondue, rice crispy treat hearts, red velvet cupcakes.
• Go outside and play together.  Find a local snow shoe spot, cross country ski, or snow tube.
• Do something meaningful together. -Your choice

Something Different at Local Spots:
Benmarl Winery - Marlboro
Saturday, February 12th- Come celebrate Valentines Day Weekend with us! Enjoy a rare, intimate evening of food, wine and discussion with our winemaker. Cozy up to our and enjoy a five . There are only 16 seats available for this event. $85 per ticket ($75 for Wine Club Members) 7pm. For reservations e-mail us at benmarlwinery@gmail.com, or call us at . (845)236-4265 ext 0course food and wine pairingwood stove

Bistro Sundays at Skytop Steakhouse!
http://skytop.moonfruit.com/#/bistro-sundays/4519766761

A bit of a Drive but soo worth it: Peekamoose Restaurant in Big Indian
"For the 14th, we are offering our full winter menu as well as a $29 per person, prix fixe Valentine's menu which is a three course menu with choices for entrees."
http://peekamooserestaurant.com/

More to come!
Have a wonderful night and I hope we don't get too much snow tomorrow.

Mmmm Delicious! - Water Street Market 3rd Annual Local Ingredient Chili Cook Off!

"Looking for contestants for third annual local ingredient chili cook-off at Water Street Market.

On Saturday, January 29th from 12PM to 3PM, Water Street Market will hold its third annual local ingredient chili cook-off. We will be taking up to 25 participants who need to make 3 gallons of their best chili incorporating at least three local ingredients. There is no cost to enter and ingredients can include local tomatoes, peppers, honey, beer, beef, turkey to name a few. Go to www.eatlocalfood.org for more ideas on where to find local ingredients this time of year.

The chili will be judged in several categories such as best vegetarian, best meat, people's choice, best professional (local restaurants, chefs) and best overall. Judges this year are have yet to be announced!

Water Street will be selling tickets for tastes of two ounce portions to the public and all proceeds will go to St. Joseph's Food Pantry. The last two years the event raised over $1,000!

If you would like to enter please contact Theresa Fall at terryfall@gmail.com. Spots fill up quickly!"

Informationt taken from : http://www.waterstreetmarket.com/events.htm

Holiday!

I hope you read the title 'Holiday' the way Madonna sings it - 'Holladaiee'.  Today is a day off for most people and I hope you are not going to sit at home all day.  Today may be your catch up day from the weekend or your recovery day from celebrating the Jets vicotry over the Patriots but no matter try to get outside even if for only 20 minutes.  Go snowshoeing, hit up the grocery store (that has a redbox), make a snowman (before mother nature washes the snow away tomorrow), or go out to eat for lunch today. 

I am about to head out to do some retail therapy myself.  I hope it is a successful shopping trip.  It is long overdue and much needed.  I hope you all have a wonderful day and I am going to continue on with my domesticated monday.

Cheers

Love snow tubing but really don't want to travel too far...

I have the location for you!  You only have to drive to Kingston, NY.

Sawhill Ski! 

Check out the link.  The hill doesn't look too big but still looks pretty fun.

http://sawkillski.com/

Go outside and play!

Snow Tubing...

Another location to go tubing with friends and family:

Hunter Mountain:

Hunter Mountain hosts one of the best snow tubing hills in the area.  It is about an hour drive but I think it is worth it.  The link below will hook you up with all the information you need, hours of operation, general rates and group rates.

http://www.huntermtn.com/huntermtn/events-activities/snowtubing.aspx

Snow Tubing!

All this week I plan on posting a vareity of locations you can go snow tubing in the area.  The locations will vary from Ulster, Orange and other counties.  Snow tubing is a great activity so it will be worth the drive. 

Here is the first one:

Thomas Bull Memorial Park

The Great Outdoors - Snow Tubing

12 groomed lanes with rope tow. Specially designed tubes. Stadium lights for evening sessions. Lodge with restaurant, bar, stone fireplace and scenic views of the Shawangunk Mountains. Adjacent facilities for cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating. Fri, Sat & Sun in season.211 Route 416 Montgomery 12549 845-457-4949 Have fun and be safe!Here is the link to the Snow Tubing Brochure: http://www.orangecountynyparks.com/images/stories/2010-2011_Tubing_Brochure.pdf

a http://www.orangetourism.org/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=216&Itemid=78

Paper kindling...

I am making paper twist kindling and thought I might try to sell them.  I am not sure how well this will go over but it is worth a try.

I will make you for your home or business 20 individual Paper Twists to be used as Kindling Bundles for your fireplace or woodstove for $5.  We can talk about delivery when your order is put in.  You can put in your order by commenting or emailing me at anniepilek@yahoo.com

Stay warm!

P.S. I am also going to experiment with making wax firestarters too.  If all goes well I will make them available too.

More Things to be Thankful for-since I fell off the wagon

I am back on the Wagon!  I fell off there over the holiday season.  I was in denial that I could actually make the time to write during these past two weeks.  I failed to write about the holiday winter fun locations to spend some quality family time.  So I will try to focus on making the winter time fun and surviving those rough snow days. 

One of my life goals, not a resolution for the year, is to finish things I have started.  So, I must finish my 100 things to be thankful for.

I think I am up to 30 or 40 I have to read back at the other posts.

1. Shredded Cheese from the grocery store.  Having one less thing to do while cooking is kind of nice. Especially when making pizza or having taco night!
2. Having a large family.  It is so cool to grow up with lots of cousins.  We are all so different but I appreciate each one of them.
3. Living near family.  Though Ray Ramano had a different experience I thought it was one of the coolest things being able to walk to all my aunts and uncles- and grandparent's houses as a child.  It only took 15 minutes to get to each house.
4. Living next to a state park.  Though some people don't understand why we live where we do, it is really nice to have a protected glorious forest, lakes, and cliffs a mile away from the house.
5. Bluray player!  Matt and I tend to not move with the times when it comes to technology.  Not because we are against it but we are pretty frugal people and constantly keeping up with technology can be expensive.  However, making the investment in our TV that came with a Blu Ray player is awesome.  Streaming Pandora, movies, HD-  I feel very spoiled but lucky at the same time.
6. Firestarters- I am not the best at getting the woodstove burning from scratch and having a firestarter block always saves the day and moves the process along.
7. Recipe books - calling mom for help while in the midst of cooking is great. She is my phone a friend connection when cooking.  Recipe books though are my daily bible.  I am still a novice cook but love reading about recipes, foods that are better to cook with, tips and techniques, and of course learning from the masters like Julia Childs and today's celebrity cooks.
8. Blogging- blogging not only helps me flex my writing muscle and practice to improve upon my writing but it is a great creative outlet for me.  I have ideas coming out of the woodwork almost every day and most of them of never even verbalized or remembered.  This helps me hone that energy and streamline some of those thoughts.
9. Bookshelves- I have lots of books and having a nice sturdy shelf to showcase and organize them is important to me.  I know I sound very "Martha" here but its true so why should I hide my quirky traits most of you already know about them anyway.  So, I am letting my freak flag fly.
10. Having a long enough tub-  I am a lounger.  I love being pampered.  Taking baths, getting a massage are always welcome.  Bubble bath solutions, bath oils, bath bombs, bath salts- I love them all.  The muscle relief, skin renewal, and stress reducing qualities are very appealing to my hectic life.