Travels With Taste

Spring Garden Tour of England, Post # 5

2012-01-13T10:47:00.022-06:00

RESERVATION DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012

"OH TO BE IN ENGLAND NOW THAT SPRING IS HERE"

This is the fifth in a series regarding this very special garden tour in England led by Lady Elaine Coleman.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Today’s adventure after breakfast, takes us to Dover Castle, England’s oldest fortress, whose history spans from the Iron Age to the cold war. Perched on the famous White Cliffs and on a clear day you can see the coast of France. Within the ramparts of this Iron-Age fort, the Romans built a lighthouse, which still stands, while in the Saxon period the earthworks were reused for a town. The Church of St. Mary in Castro within the castle walls is one of the most complete Saxon churches in southern England. The Castle saw dramatic action during World War II. In 1940, it was the underground tunnels here that Vice Admiral Ramsey and Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill masterminded the evacuation from Dunkirk of 388,000 troops in operation Dynamo. A tour of the Secret Wartime Tunnels re-creates Britain at war through sounds, smells and archive film clips. We stop for lunch here at the Castles restaurant with views of the sea.

This afternoon, we continue to Canterbury with its magnificent cathedral. Despite the damage of WW II bombing raid in 1942, much remains of the medieval city that grew up catering to millions of pilgrims who journeyed each year to the shrine of the English saint, Thomas á Becket. Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral (where he was Archbishop) on the orders of the King Henry II in 1170. Poet Geoffrey Chaucer (c1342-1400) in The Canterbury Tales immortalized the pilgrims’ journey. This is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury (head of the Church of England). The Christ Church Gate dates from around 1070. Its main glory is the 12th and 13th century stained glass featuring pilgrim scenes. The Cathedral is marvelous place to sit and reflect.

We return to our hotel for the dinner of your choosing. The Hare and The Barn are excellent choices.

Quote for the day: “Light fragrance:” You have to crush it and shove it up your nose to notice.
“Provides winter interest:” Is stultifying boring the other three seasons.
“A challenge:” Will die.
“ Spectacular:” Gaudy and tasteless.

Duane Campbell - Catalog Come-Ons 1989/1990

All details of the travel programcan be found at Travels With Taste web-site

Call Mariann Vandenberg 913-648-0858

E-mail travelberg@travels-with-taste.com

FACE BOOK Travels With-Taste or Mariann Vandenberg

Spring Garden Tour of England, Post #4

2012-01-06T15:15:00.011-06:00

This post is the fourth in a series regarding the details of the English garden tour "Oh to be in England now that Spring is here"

Thursday, May 10, 2012
After our English breakfast, we explore the Royal Horticultural Society, whose gardens opened as a place of gardening excellence in 1904. The RHS garden in Wisley, Surrey demonstrates British gardening at its finest, offering a blend of landscape gardens and horticultural tips for the avid gardener. The RHS is an excellent place for a lunch of your choice with three different restaurants to choose from and with time to relax. After our tour, the garden shop should not be missed.

Onward to Wych Cross Garden Centre, Forest Row, East Sussex. One of those surprisingly rare Garden Centre that specializes in plants! View a variety of Shrubs, hedging, fruit, and seasonal bedding plants, roses their specialty. If you grow roses this is the place to get the answer to all those nagging questions. The staff boasts qualifications from The Royal Horticultural Society, Tresco Abby Gardens, the renowned horticultural colleges of Persho and Merrist Wood.

We return to our hotel with time to select your place for dining in Royal Tunbridge Wells and for an after dinner stroll in The Pantiles.

Quote for the day: There is no such thing as an ugly garden- gardens, are like babies, all- are beautiful to their parents. Ken Druse, The Collector’s Garden. 1996

All details of the travel program can be found at Travels With Taste web-site

Call Mariann Vandenberg, 913-648-0858

E-mail travelberg@travels-with-taste.com

FACEBOOK ... Travels With-Taste or Mariann Vandenberg

Spring Garden Tour of England, Post #3

2011-12-09T08:57:00.006-06:00

This post is the third in a series regarding the details of the English garden tour "Oh to be in England now that Spring is here"

May 7-15, 2012

Meet Lady Elaine Coleman

Lady Elaine K Coleman was born in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, England. The Family’s Scottish Highland Estate comes with right to Title.

She descends from a heritage where her horticulturist mother, Kathleen, entertained many avid UK listeners on her BBC gardening radio program in the mid-1950s. In the mid 70s, her mother was honored with a visit from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen mother, who came to see her London garden. Lady Elaine has some interesting anecdotes of the Queen mother’s visit.

Lady Elaine spent many hours with her mother gaining a true appreciation of gardening. This learning experience has translated into prompting her to pursue an avid horticultural career. During these years, she has visited countless gardens, some as far away as South Africa, as well as hundreds in the US and Europe.

An accomplished author, she is also a horticulture lecturer and teacher at Powell Gardens in Kingsville, Mo. She is a Master Gardener Emeritus, Cornell University
Extension N.Y. and Kansas City, Missouri.

She was a buyer of perennials, bulbs and roses at Winkler’s Nursery N.Y. for seven years.
Lady Elaine works for an orchid grower, David Bird of Birds Botanicals. At this Kansas City underground growing facility, with more than 10,000 orchids, she often conducts tours, and teaches classes.

All details of the travel program can be found at Travels With Taste web-site.

Call Mariann Vandenberg, 913-648-0858

E-mail travelberg@travels-with-taste.com

FACEBOOK ... Travel With-Taste or Mariann Vandenberg

Spring Garden Tour of England, Post #2

2011-12-05T15:59:00.011-06:00

This post is the second in a series regarding the details of the English Garden Tour.

"Oh to be in England now that spring is here"

May 7-15, 2012

Join Lady Elaine Coleman on an adventure to South East England to view the most celebrated and interesting gardens of the country. The counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey are known as The Garden of England. The wealthiest region since the Romans invaded. Stately Homes, world famous gardens and magnificent royal castles add to the impression of power and Royal beauty. Experience them all next May.

Quote for the day: If I am reborn, I want to be a gardener --- there is too much to do for one lifetime! Karl Foerster, garden writer, plantsman (1874-1970

Second full day of the tour is Wednesday, May 9, 2012

After our English breakfast, the day begins with a visit to one of the liveliest seaside resorts in England. Our destination is Brighton and a tour of The Royal Pavilion.

The Pavilion began in the late 18th century when the Prince Regent, later King George IV, first visited and started a trend for seaside holidays and sea bathing. The King's astonishing palace (1815-23) is an oriental extravaganza bristling with Indian-style minarets and onion-domes, surrounded by gardens.

After our tour, we then head for lunch at The Regency Restaurant, one of the best seafood, fish & chips and sea front restaurants in Brighton.

After lunch, a visit to The Lanes ... a warren of narrow streets and alleys that have smart antiques, gifts, galleries, pubs and pavement cafes. Here we have a guided tour, then free time to return for that object you might need to buy. In the late afternoon return to the hotel where the evening is free for your personal dining choice.

All details posted on Travels With Taste web-site

Call Mariann Vandenberg, 913-648-0858

E-mail Travelberg@travels-with-taste.com

Spring Garden Tour of England

2011-12-01T08:32:00.015-06:00

This begins a series of posts with details of the English Garden Tour

"Oh, to be in England now that spring is here"

Spring in South East, England
Counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey
May 7-15, 2012

Join Lady Elaine Coleman on an adventure to South East England to view the most celebrated and interesting gardens of the country. These counties are known as The Garden of England. The wealthiest region since the Romans invaded. Stately homes, world famous gardens and magnificent royal castles add to the impression of power and royal beauty.

Experience them all next May.

Quote for the day: There is no gardening without humility. Nature is constantly sending even the oldest scholar to the bottom of the class for some egregious blunder.
Alfred Austin, English poet, (1835-1913)

Monday, May 7, 2012
Morning departure from Kansas City on Delta Airlines to London/Gatwick UK.

Tuesday May, 8, 2012

Upon arrival, travel by private motor coach to Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent. We will be staying at The Spa Hotel for the length of our trip.

The Spa Hotel was built in 1766 as a country mansion situated on 14 acres of beautiful
landscaped gardens and grounds, just a short walk from Royal Tunbridge Wells town center.
Guests can enjoy full use of Spa Health which includes an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, two gymnasiums complete with high quality fitness and exercise equipment, floodlit tennis court and half mile jogging trail.

After time to relax and unpack, we will be traveling a short distance to Sissinghurst Castle.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden is one of the world’s most celebrated gardens, created in the 1930’s by the poet Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicholson. Time for lunch on your
own at the garden. Lady Elaine will then give you a guided tour.

Return to The Spa Hotel for your included gourmet, dinner. The remainder of the evening is free with time to explore the town with its great choice of English pubs.

All details are posted on TRAVELS WITH TASTE web-site.

or call Mariann Vandenberg, 913-648-0858

travelberg@travels-with-taste.com

New Orleans...Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

2011-11-12T15:08:00.004-06:00

JOIN CHEF JASPER MIRABILE
March 18-21, 2012
4 DAYS IN NEW ORLEANS

Come with Chef Jasper and friends to New Orleans to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day and the culinary traditions of New Orleans. Many Italian-Americans came to the United States by way of New Orleans, and left their cultural and culinary heritage for all of us to enjoy!

Included Features:

v Roundtrip air from Kansas City
v 3 nights Hotel Monteleone, 125 year old “Jewel” of the French Quarter
v Welcome Jazz Brunch at Commander’s Palace
v “Mixology Class” at Carousel Bar, featuring The Sazerac
v Half day tour of St. Joseph’s Altars with lunch
v Culinary History Tour of the French Quarter
v Dinner with John Besh at his award winning restaurant AUGUST
v Visit to Oak Alley Plantation with Cajun/Creole Lunch
v Free time to explore the sites of NOLA at your leisure
v Private transportation as needed for group events
v Hosted by Chef Jasper J. Mirabile, Jasper’s Ristorante
v Escorted by Mariann Vandenberg, Travels With Taste

Group size will be limited to 25 people

Price per person: $1723.00 based on 2 people sharing a room

For more details, or to confirm a space on this very special program contact

Mariann Vandenberg, CTCTravels With Taste
Phone: 913-648-0858
E-mail: Travelberg@travels-with-taste.com

Spring Gardens of England

2011-10-27T11:13:00.022-05:00

“Oh, to be in England now that spring is here”

Spring in South East, England
Counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey
May 7-15, 2012

Join Lady Elaine Coleman on an adventure to South East England to view the most celebrated and interesting part of the country. These counties are known as The Garden of England. The wealthiest region since the Romans invaded. Stately homes, world famous gardens and magnificent royal castles add to the impression of power and royal beauty. Experience them all next May.

Gardens and venues you will not want to miss…
Sissinghurst Castle Garden (Photo left)

Brighton, and a tour of The Royal Pavilion

Royal Horticultural Society Garden in Wisley

Wych Cross Garden Centre, East Sussex

Dover Castle and Canterbury Cathedral

Hever Castle and Gardens (Photo below)

Chartwell, home of Winston Churchill

Great Dixter, the garden of Christopher Lloyd

Legsheath Farm, private garden of Mr. & Mrs. M. Neal

Nymans in Handcross, property of The National Trust

Land Price: $2,357.00 per person, based on two people sharing a room, and a minimum of fifteen participants. Single Supplement: $520.00

Delta Airlines Group Airfare from Kansas City: A special group airfare of $815.92 per person has been negotiated for roundtrip air transportation. Restrictions apply.

Deposit: $500 per person Deposit Deadline: Wednesday, February 1, 2012

INCLUDED FEATURES
•Seven nights at the historic Spa Hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells, double occupancy
•Full English breakfast, 7 mornings
•Lunch at The Regency Restaurant, Brighton
•First night and last night dinners at The Spa Hotel
•Entrance fees into all gardens and castles in the itinerary
•Private motor coach for all sightseeing and transfers
•All taxes, admissions and gratuities for the planned itinerary
•Baggage handling at the hotel
•Escorted by Lady Elaine Coleman

For a detailed itinerary and additional information visit
http://travels-with-taste.com/Program.htm

Contact Mariann Vandenberg
phone 913-648-0858
e-mail travelberg@travels-with-taste.com

ABOUT LADY ELAINE COLEMAN

Lady Elaine K Coleman was born in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, England. The Family’s Scottish Highland Estate comes with right to Title. She descends from a heritage where her horticulturist mother, Kathleen entertained many avid UK listeners on her BBC gardening radio program in the mid-1950s.

Lady Elaine spent many hours with her mother gaining a true appreciation of gardening. This learning experience has translated into prompting her to pursue an avid horticultural career. During these years, she has visited countless gardens, some as far away as South Africa as well as hundreds in the US and Europe.

An accomplished author, she is also a horticulture lecturer and teacher at Powell Gardens in Kingsville, Mo. She is a Master Gardener Emeritus, Cornell University Extension N.Y. and Kansas City, Missouri.

She was a buyer of perennials, bulbs and roses at Winkler’s Nursery N.Y. for 7 years.
Lady Elaine works for an orchid grower, David Bird of Birds Botanicals. At this Kansas City underground growing facility, with more than 10,000 orchids, she often conducts tours, and teaches classes.

SALT--Two Different Islands

2011-03-05T15:40:00.005-06:00

When I travel I always look for local products to enjoy while I am visiting and, of course, to bring home. Places bordered by sea water usually produce some form of sea salt.

During our recent visit to the Big Island of Hawaii I read about Kona Sea Salt in a local magazine. It listed the web-site so I checked it out on-line and learned it was a company based at NELHA…The Natural Energy Labs of Hawaii Authority. With pumps and a 6300 foot pipeline they suck deep cold sea water from 2200 feet below the surface. The company’s information says that “ in the cold seas of the Polar Regions, dense, salt-rich water develops and sinks as sea ice has formed. Currents of cold-water origin flow and migrate through the Pacific Basin, delivering the ancient deep seawater just offshore of Kona, Hawaii. “ The sea water is then evaporated in special sun houses.

Also online was a list of restaurants that use the salt and local stores where it could be purchased. A reusable grinder with 2.5 ounces of the pure stuff was $12.95. As a point for future comparison you can buy 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) for $85.00. It is quite white and has a very nice flavor…better than table salt.

Sicily is a much larger island, a part of Italy since unification of that country in 1861…150 years ago. The salt marshes near Trapani on the western coast of Sicily have been producing sea salt since the Greeks and Romans occupied the area. The presence of the British in the region during the 19th century saw its exportation throughout Europe (along with the delicious Marsala wines). The salt pans are filled with the seawater in the spring and left to evaporate, relying on the heat of the Sicilian sun and strong African winds. Harvesting takes place once the water has evaporated and the salt is crushed and ground without any further refining. (From Performance Services)

The beautiful windmills of the area were originally used to pump water into and out of the drying ponds and to grind the large crystals into finer ones, “Saline Ettore e Infersa” is a wonderful place to visit with many selections of salt for cooking.

In 2008, a group of friends from Slow Food Kansas City made a visit to Sicily with Judy Witts Francini and this was one of our stops. In contrast to the price of the deep water Kona Sea Salt, I purchased three grades of salt crystals, each selling for 1 euro per kilo (2.2 pounds)…that is $1.38 at today’s rate of exchange. Compare this to the cost of the Kona Sea Salt at $85.00 per kilo.If you should travel to Sicily, be sure to visit the Trapani salt flats. I will be traveling there again in October with Judy and you are welcome to join us! Just remember the luggage weight limit and leave something home, so you will have room for salt and other Sicilian “goodies”.

HAWAIIAN CAPONATA

2011-02-21T20:05:00.004-06:00

Yes, these are green eggplants! I’m always curious about new vegetables and could not pass the opportunity to try these. But how to make them “Hawaiian” style? For inspiration I searched “on-line” and found a recipe created by my friend Jasper Mirabile. With a few substitutions it took on some great island flavors.

Hawaiian Caponata

Diced green eggplant
Diced onion
Diced celery
Sauteed in Macadamia Nut oil
Reduced with Pinot Grigio and rice vinegar
Added chopped Macadamia nuts and green olives.
Seasoned with salt and pepper and dried mint

I did not have any cheese or raisins, but it would have been fun to add some diced dried pineapple or mango for a touch of sweet. I’ll remember that next year when we return.

HAWAIIAN-ITALIAN...RETURN OF THE BLOG

2011-02-18T15:00:00.005-06:00

Hard to believe it has been over a year since I posted something on this blog! Guess I have spent too much time on Facebook. It is time to return to the old way of sharing information…in bigger bites than FB. Now I am struggling to remember how to do this! Bear with me!

Hawaii always inspires me with its great local produce. As everywhere in the USA, there are many more local farmer’s markets than ever before. On the Big Island, one of the best is the Saturday market at Keauhou. All things sold MUST be grown or produced on the island… no imports from Maui, Oahu or the mainland.

Two veges caught my eye…a pumpkin with a sort of beige skin and bright orange flesh. The other was a beautiful light green eggplant (more on that in another post). The lady said it was similar to a Japanese variety called kabocha and she was selling the pumpkins whole, or in pre-cut wedges (so European!). I bought a wedge for a dollar and following the instructions of my friend, Judy Witts Francini, went back to the condo and made grilled marinated pumpkin. Check out Judy’s recipe! I substituted Macadamia nut oil and rice wine vinegar for a more local flavor! Great with grilled swordfish, Sicilian style.

IN JULIA'S FOOTSTEPS

2010-01-24T16:56:00.007-06:00

Julia Child making a salade nicoise
(Associated Press)
This 1978 file photo shows Julia Child making a salade nicoise
from the kitchen of her vacation home, “La Pitchoune”, in Provence.

Travels With Taste
and
A Thyme For Everything
Presents
“In Julia’s Footsteps”
July 2-10, 2010

A holiday of culinary delights inspired by Julia Child and her life in France.

Highlights and Included Features

v 4 nights at the luxury boutique Hotel Odeon St. Germain in the heart of Paris’ Left Bank.

v A walking tour of Julia’s neighborhood where her love of French cuisine was nurtured.

v A full day with Paule Caillat of Promenades Gourmands with a market tour, hands on cooking class, lunch and then a shopping tour of the best shops for culinary “hardware”, especially Dehillerin, Julia’s favorite store.

v Day trip to the city of Rouen and lunch at La Couronne, founded in 1345, where Julia had her first lunch upon arrival into France.

v First class transportation via TGV, France’s high-speed train between Paris and Nice.

v 4 nights at Hotel Les Vergers de St. Paul at the medieval village of St. Paul de Vence.

v Market tour in the sea-side town of Cannes (famous for the film festival) followed by a class and lunch in the kitchen of Julia’s house “La Pitchoune”. Kathie Alex is the current owner of the house and she became a chef and cooking school teacher after taking a class with Simone Beck, Julia’s friend and co-author of “Mastering The Art of French Cooking”.

v Sightseeing excursion to the hill towns of the Cote d’Azur with lunch.

v Market tour in Nice with Rosa Jackson, culinary critic and correspondent, cookbook author, blogger and expert on all things “Nicoise”, followed by a country lunch in the hills above the Mediterranean.

v Meals…breakfast daily, six lunches and three dinners.

v Group airport/hotel transfers at designated times, Metro passes for Paris, private motor-coach for out of town excursions.

Price: $4,557 per person based on 2 people sharing accommodations. Group size is limited to 12. For single room supplement rate, call Travels-With-Taste.

A deposit of $500 will secure your reservation. A credit card is accepted for deposit, but final payment must be paid by check or money order.

Air Fare is not included … Current estimated cost from Kansas City is $1,500, into Paris and return from Nice.

Travel program created and coordinated by

Mariann Vandenberg, CTC
Travels With Taste
Travelberg@travels-with-taste.com
913-648-0858

New York Weekend and Dinner with Jasper at the James Beard House

2009-09-24T20:29:00.012-05:00

My friend, Jasper Mirabile has the honor of creating and cooking a dinner at the illustrious James Beard House in New York City. To celebrate this event, “Travels With Taste” has created the perfect little New York Weekend…kind of like the “little black dress”…simple, tasteful and certainly affordable. And it will certainly take away the winter “blahs”.

On Saturday, January 9, we will depart in the early morning on Midwest Airlines on a non-stop flight to New York City, arriving before noon…so plenty of time for lunch and shopping. Then return to Kansas City is on Tuesday morning, January 12. In between are two and a half days to do as you please…shows, concerts, museums, shopping! We will surely organize some special, but optional, culinary activities.

The piece de resistance is Monday night’s dinner at the James Beard House in Greenwich Village. Jasper is creating a multi-course dinner with an emphasis on winter truffles. The wines of Banfi Vintners will be featured. The number of seats available for dinner is only 80, so you will want to make your ticket purchase as soon as possible. To receive the James Beard Foundation “member” price of $125 per person, your ticket must be reserved through “Travels With Taste”. Tickets are available on October 1, 2009

What is included in this New York Weekend?

Round trip airfare on Midwest Airlines between Kansas City and New York…”The Best Care In The Air” and warm chocolate chip cookies.

Private transfers for the group between La Guardia Airport and the hotel…no need to “hail a taxi”

Three nights at the Hilton New York. Located on the Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue)at 54th Street you are close to Central Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the theater district.

On Monday, January 11, private transfers between the Hilton and the James Beard House.

The price for this great little New York Weekend is only $893.00 per person. This is based on two people sharing a room, and 20 people traveling together. Tickets for the dinner are purchased separately.

For further information, please contact:
Mariann Vandenberg, CTC
Travels With Taste
913-648-0858
Travelberg@travels-with-taste.com

Blog? Twitter? Facebook? E-mail?

2009-08-04T17:21:00.003-05:00

Blog? Twitter? Facebook? E-mail? There are just too many social network options for a slightly senior citizen to keep up with. All of this stuff has encroached on my time and stress level. I feel guilty when I don’t blog. I really have nothing much to say on twitter and don’t have many followers. E-mail is for really important and/or personal stuff. But I sure have a lot of new Facebook friends.

Honestly, I won’t accept just anybody who graduated from KU in 1990 (I was back in ’65), but let a “foodie” come along and I grab them quick. Also, fellow travel industry folks. So I do limit my circle of “friends”. I wish I could delete some posts. I know, I can un-friend them, but that is mean, and some of their stuff I like…but, too many play “games” and that just takes up space on the page. So, as a last resort, I hide them and run a check at the end of the day for something important (there usually isn’t anything).

So here I am back on the blog! I’ll post a link on my Facebook and twitter, then e-mail to my long list of friends and travelers. We should all keep in touch.

The photo is from The Grottos near Aspen. Bill and I have gone there for years, just to sit and be quiet. We were there mid-July. No phone, TV, fax, computer, twitter, facebook, e-mail or blogs. Peace!

Chianti Classico...The Best of the Best

2009-05-31T15:22:00.010-05:00

Chianti Classico
November 1-7, 2009

Classic Food, Classic Wine, and a Classic Teacher with 25 years of living and sharing the Tuscan life!

Join Judy Witts Francini in the heart of Chianti and celebrate the season of Fall, the harvest, olive oil and truffles. We'll savor incredible food and wine, visit lively markets, and enjoy the hills of Chianti, one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Hosted by Jet Pabst of "A Thyme For Everything", this is a "don't miss" opportunity, especially while the air-fares are so low!

Even great chefs take lessons from Judy!!!

During day trips, we will visit the wonderful small villages of the Chianti Classico wine district, including Radda, Castellina, Panzano, Greve, and Siena. As we explore, we will meet many fabulous Italian friends--grappa makers, cheese makers, balsamic vinegar makers, wine makers (who offer tastings), Judy’s favorite butcher, a shepherd with sheep's' milk and honey, local artists and artisans.

The first new oil of November, green and peppery!

No trip to Italy is complete without time in Florence. Venture out on your own to visit museums or wander with Judy or one of her many friends.. If shopping is your passion, you will be introduced to her favorite ceramics, leather, and lace merchants.

We will spend one morning at a local outdoor market, where we will sample and select the best locally grown, seasonal ingredients. Then we'll return to our beautiful villa kitchen to prepare a delicious Italian meal. All meals are included--delicious breakfasts at our villa/hotel, festive lunches at trattorias and wine bars, Dario Cecchini's new Solociccia.

Includes 6 nights (2 in Florence, 4 in a Chianti villa/hotel), hands-on cooking classes, all meals and wines, private driver for all excursions, gifts throughout the week.

ALL INCLUSIVE …$3,751 per person, based on 2 people sharing a room.

Air fare is additional …Current (as of May 31, 2009) estimated cost from Kansas City is under $650 roundtrip to Florence.

For details see http://travelswithtaste.blogspot.com/2009_04_12_archive.html

"In The Weeds" and Other Things

2009-05-22T13:42:00.007-05:00

“In the weeds”… a term used in the restaurant industry… is a colloquial expression used when persons are near or beyond their capacity to handle a situation or cannot catch up. Struggling. Very busy.

THANKFULLY, I have spent a couple of days “in the weeds” during the past week..between business and family events. But all is well…PEOPLE STILL WANT TO TRAVEL! And, I am HAPPY to help them get where they want to go, especially if it is Europe.

One of the highlights of the past week was dinner at Jasper’s. Last October, members of our SLOW FOOD conviviun traveled to Sicily. One of the best things about the trip was a visit to Bar Golden in Ghibellina , on the west side of Sicily and south of Palermo. Bar Golden is owned and operated by Jasper’s cousin… Jasper Mirabile…yes, they have the same name. It was such a special experience. "Reno" is known locally for the BEST gelato and granita....It's the truth!

“Reno” (Jasper’s cousin) has been in Kansas City for the past few weeks for the wedding of Jasper Mirabile III (Jasper’s nephew)…Do we need a family tree graph to keep track of the players?

Anyway, May 15 was my husband Bill’s birthday…so we went to Jasper’s for dinner. Reno was “in the house” and fixed two Sicilian dishs for us. Pasta with olive oil, garlic and basil…and for dessert …lemon granita with fresh watermelon. Oh my, what a treat!

These are the special events that travel opens to you. People to people connections! Our world is smaller and more special when we make connections through family and friends.

Thanks Reno (and Jasper, Jr and Jasper III)

Corn Bread

2009-04-25T19:15:00.005-05:00

Friend and blogger, Lisa Waterman Gray recently posted an adventuresome recipe for apple cinnamon cornbread. I haven’t tried it yet, but I will. Just last week I fixed a big crock pot full of bean soup (using dry beans, of course) flavored with the leftover shank and scraps of Easter’s BBQ ham. Bean soup calls for cornbread and I have a very simple, rustic and delicious recipe.

I cannot take any credit for this recipe…I found it on the inter-net several years ago and it probably was on the Hodgson Mill web-site. However, I did not find it on a search today. I hope you will try it…my husband loves it.

BEST EVER CORNBREAD

1 ½ cups stone ground cornmeal
(regular cornmeal will not work, so says the original recipe)
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 ½ cups low or non-fat plain yogurt
1 egg, beaten
2 tsp. canola oil
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
Beat the egg, and mix with the yogurt and oil in another bowl.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until barely mixed.
Pour into greased 9 inch pan.
Bake at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes until top is golden brown.
Cool about 10 minutes and serve hot.
( I have added, on occasion, some diced, pickled jalapenos)

***Please note, I did not take the photo shown in this post and I have misplaced the identity of the photographer.

Chianti Classico Culinary Experience

2009-04-14T15:24:00.010-05:00

A THYME FOR EVERYTHING
PRESENTS
CHIANTI CLASSICO
CULINARY EXPERIENCE
November 1-7, 2009

Join Jet Pabst of A Thyme For Everything on a culinary excursion to Tuscany. Led by the “Diva” of Tuscany, Judy Witts Francini, this specially designed program will take you to the heart of the most famous region of Italy for an in-depth exploration of hearty fall food, wine and lively markets.

Sunday, November 1 -- Arrival day in Florence where we stay at the lovely Hotel Santa Maria Novella in the heart of the old city. In the evening we meet Judy at the hotel and walk to a nearby Trattoria for dinner.

November 2 thru 5 -- After a luscious buffet breakfast we’ll head for the bustling Central Market of Florence for a tasting and shopping tour. We will meet many of Judy’s long time friends who supply the city with some of the finest products of the region. Then it is off to Chianti to begin our exploration of the great foods of Italy and meet more of Judy’s friends…grappa makers, cheese makers, balsamic vinegar makers, wine makers, a great butcher, local artists and artisans. Our hotel for four nights is Palazzo Squarcialupi in Castellina-in-Chianti.

Friday, November 6 -- Return to Florence for a final night at the Santa Maria Novella. There will be time for shopping and museum visits before dinner at one of Florence’s finest Ristorantes.

Saturday, November 7 -- The program concludes after breakfast this morning. Consider extending your stay in Florence or with a visit to another great Italian location.

This is an ALL-INCLUSIVE package…accommodation, transportation, meals, wines, cooking classes and the fun and informative services of Judy Witts Francini. Space is limited and the price is based on 12 participants.

PRICE -- $3,751.00 per person based on two people sharing room. Single accommodation is available for a supplement of $590.00

AIR FARE IS NOT INCLUDED -- Mariann Vandenberg of Travels With Taste can assist with schedule recommendations, reservations and ticketing.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE -- June 15, 2009

DEPOSIT -- $500 per person. This may be done by credit card or check payable to “Travels With Taste” Holding Account.

FINAL PAYMENT DUE -- September 1, 2009

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS -- All cancellations are subject to a $50 administrative fee. Deposit (less administrative fee) is refundable up until June 1, 2009. Cancellation after June 1 will result in loss of deposit. Refunds for cancellations received on or after September 1, 2009 will be dependent upon monies recovered from suppliers. The price is also subject to increase due to imposition of taxes or fuel surcharges not in effect at the time of pricing, an increase in the exchange rate of more than 3%, or should the number of participants fall below twelve.

INSURANCE -- Trip cancellation/baggage/emergency medical evacuation/accident and sickness insurance protection is highly recommended. Full information will be provided by Travels With Taste upon receipt of deposit.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS COORDINATED BY

Travels With Taste
Mariann Vandenberg, CTC
5921 W. 88th Terrace
Overland Park, KS 66207
913-648-0858
travelberg@travels-with-taste.com
www.travelswithtaste.blogspot.com

"Dishing" on Divina Cucina

2009-04-13T09:39:00.006-05:00

What an exciting week! Judy Witts Francini came to Kansas City after attending the IACP convention in Denver.

Judy did a dinner for Slow Food Kansas City on Monday, then a class at Jet Pabst’s “A Thyme For Everything” in Lee’s Summit. In preparation for the class I participated in the preparation of 200 ravioli gnudi (nude ravioli) in Jasper’s kitchen. What an experience! I am usually a consumer in the dining room and to venture “behind the scenes” and be in a restaurant kitchen was a real eye-opener. Small, hot and very efficient, it is like watching a dance as the cooks and wait-staff negotiate the doors, counters, stoves and ovens to serve sit-down guests in the dining room and walk-up customers at Marco Polo. AMAZING!!!

While rolling the ravioli gnudi (see recipe) there was a simultaneous and extemporaneous interview with Judy for Jasper’s Saturday radio show. You MUST click and listen. It says everything about Judy and her life in Tuscany.

Ravioli Gnudi
(Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi)

- 1 pound loose spinach
- 12 ounces ricotta
- 3 eggs
- 1-1/4 cup flour
- Nutmeg
- Salt

Cook spinach in very little water. Drain and squeeze out all excess
water. Chop finely.

Place in a large mixing bowl and add ricotta,
eggs, parmesan, and flour. Blend well.

Bring to boil large pot of salted water. Lower to simmer.

Season spinach mixture with salt and a generous grating of fresh nutmeg.

Form ravioli by using a spoon or using floured hands. Drop a few at a time into water. They will drop the bottom and then float to the top when done.

Let simmer 20-30 seconds. Remove with slotted spoon or ladle and place in an

oven-proof dish until ready to serve.

They are wonderful with fresh sage leaves
sauted in butter until crisp. Pour butter and sage on top of ravioli,
toss gently, and serve with parmesan cheese or tomato sauce.

Then we were off to “A Thyme For Everything” and the dinner class. It was OVER-sold. How often do you get to take a class with a resident culinary expert from Tuscany? Judy is going to host a 6 day culinary visit with her friends in Tuscany in early November and this blog will share additional information as the time approaches. But to see the details NOW , see the next blog post.

Our Friend Judy is Coming to Kansas City

2009-03-20T10:05:00.018-05:00

Judy Witts Francini of Divina Cucina in Tuscany will be in Kansas City April 6 and 7, presenting demonstrations and cooking classes for local Kansas City food lovers.

Monday, April 6 will be a dinner and cookbook signing at Jasper’s (please contact Mariann for details 913-648-0858)

Judy will have her new book "Secrets From My Tuscan Kitchen"

Tuesday, April 7 is a cooking class at A Thyme For Everything , Lee’s Summit

Click here for details.

A Thyme for Everything is hosting a culinary visit to Chianti in November. Travels With Taste is coordinating the arrangements.

Here are the details!

November 1-7, 2009
A Thyme For Everything
Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Presents

CHIANTI CLASSICO CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Cooking With Judy and Friends

Come with Judy Witts Francini to the heart of Chianti and celebrate the seasons. We'll savor incredible food and wine, visit lively markets, and enjoy the hills of Chianti one of the most beautiful parts of the world. During day trips, we will visit the wonderful small villages of the Chianti Classico wine district, including Radda, Castellina, Panzano, Greve, and Siena. As we explore, we will meet Judy’s fabulous Italian friends--grappa makers, cheese makers, balsamic vinegar makers, wine makers (who offer tastings), Judy’s favorite butcher, a shepherd with sheep's' milk and honey, local artists and artisans.

Sunday, November 1. Arrival day into Florence where we stay at the lovely Hotel Santa Maria Novella in the heart of the old city. In the evening we meet Judy at the hotel and walk to a nearby trattoria for dinner.

Monday, November 2 . After a luscious buffet breakfast we’ll head for the bustling Central Market of Florence for a tasting and shopping tour. We will meet many of Judy’s long time friends who supply the city with some of the finest products of the region. Then it is off to Chianti to begin our exploration of the great foods of Italy and meet more of Judy’s friends…grappa makers, cheese makers, balsamic vinegar makers, wine makers, a great butcher, local artists and artisans.
Our hotel for four nights is Palazzo Squarcialupi in Castellina-in-Chianti.

Friday, November 6. Return to Florence for a final night at the Santa Maria Novella. There will be time for shopping and museum visits before dinner at one of Florence’s finest ristorantes.

Saturday, November 7. The program concludes after breakfast this morning. Consider extending your stay in Florence or with a visit to another great Italian location.

This is an ALL-INCLUSIVE package…accommodation, transportation, meals, wines, cooking classes and the fun and informative services of Judy Witts Francini. Space is limited and the price is based on 12 participants.

PRICE: $3,751.00 per person based on two people sharing a room. Call regarding price for a single room.
AIR FARE IS ADDITIONAL … Call Mariann for a quotation and/or consider using frequent flyer or credit card miles.

Mariann Vandenberg, CTC
Travels With Taste
5921 W. 88th Terrace
Overland Park, KS 66207
Phone: 913-648-0858
Fax: 913-649-2288

Porcinis and Artichokes

Big Island Blogging...Final Thoughts, 'Til Next Year

2009-03-15T15:28:00.016-05:00

Wow! Hard to believe it has been over 2 weeks since I created a post. We left Hawaii on March 2 and I had every intention of posting one last entry before we left. But my lap-top (my only computer!) caught a virus. It spent a week with the IT doctor, was diagnosed as terminal, but was saved by a brain transplant…new hard drive. Thank goodness I had signed on for off-site back up (done automatically) about 2 months ago…It saved me!!! Aside from those of us who run our business with a computer there are many of us who keep precious items on our computers today…photos, genealogy documents and research…things we would hate to lose. There are back up services out there, some even free…JUST DO IT!

So, today I am going to post my final Hawaii entry…or should I say entrée? The farmer’s market in Waimea , in the ranch country of The Big Island has grown in the past few years thanks to the increase in the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables usually found only on the mainland. In 1991, twelve chefs banded together to form Hawiian Regional Cuisine intent on using significant amounts of locally grown and produced ingredients. Some of the well-known founders were Alan Wong, Roy Yamaguchi, Peter Merriman and Sam Choy.

It was very cool and misty the morning we arrived (Waimea is about 2,500 feet) …about a one hour drive from the condo in Kona. As we approached the market we saw the tell-tale smoke that is evidence of a great Hawaiian treat…Huli-Huli chicken. Huli means turn…so, turn-turn chicken. They are cooked on long skewers, placed over a trailer full of hot kiawe (mesquite) wood, and rapidly turned by a mechanism that includes gears, a bicycle chain and small electric motor. The results are unbelievable…tender, moist, smoky! There are caterers in Hawaii that specialize in huli-huli chickens for fund-raising. The trailers are huge with as many as 10 or 12 skewers twirling the chickens like a foos-ball game.

At the market, amongst the flowers, fresh greens, and papayas we found fresh beets…the greens still attached. Across from the beets was a stand selling fresh island goat cheese with a particularly tangy feta.

This was plenty for dinner…roasted beet salad with fresh greens, feta cheese and balsamic vinegar along with the smoked huli-huli chicken…simple and local.

All during our stay we had gathered at the waterfront in hopes of a “green flash”, but there always seemed to be haze (really vog) or clouds . The atmosphere must be perfect to capture the flash. And tonight it happened!

The perfect end to a perfect holiday! A Hui Hou…’til we meet again.

Big Island Blogging...Plentiful Papayas

2009-02-27T20:41:00.012-06:00

Papayas are one of the most prolific of fruits in the islands. There are lots of plantations, many people have them in their backyards and gardens. This is one fruit that I believe should only be eaten where it is grown...in its "terroir" so to speak. Those brought to the mainland are picked green and treated with a "gassing" of ethylene dibromide to prevent the spread of tropical diseases. Makes them sound real yummy doesn't it!

Almost every day we are here we eat a papaya for breakfast...usually they are 2 for a dollar, sometimes three for a dollar. It depends on the variety and size...we love them all! We met a nice young woman named Karen Kriebl at the South Kona Green Market. She and her husband have a coffee farm near Captain Cook...so they sell coffee and Karen makes wonderful edibles and cosmetics from local produce. She shared an idea for papaya.

Cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds, fill the center with yogurt and top with granola.

We bought a bag of Karen's delicious "Aloha Granola". There is a recipe on her web-site...

LUANA FARM. It contains a long list of grains and seeds and is oh so "ono"...GOOD!

For the yogurt I used plain low fat, added a little sweetener, lime juice and fresh grated lime zest.

To borrow a phrase...YUMMO!!!

Big Island Blogging...Avocados, Beyond Guacamole

2009-02-23T01:20:00.011-06:00

Avocados are a most prolific fruit in the islands. the re are many varieties, but sharwell and "butter" are the most popular in the local farmer's markets. On Friday we hit the Kona Village Farmer's market in the late afternoon. I asked one of the farmers if he had an avo ready to eat...no hard ones please. He offered, at a discount, a huge soft-ball sized "butter" avocado for $1.

Cut open , it revealed a huge seed, but when removed, left a very large receptacle just right for what we had in mind for dinner,

About 2 years ago, I read a recipe in Sunset magazine for GRILLED avocados. I really consider it more a technique than a recipe, because it can have so many variations, depending on your individual taste, or what other things are available. Here is how we did it...

Cut avocado in half and remove the seed. Squeeze on some lemon or lime juice.

Brush with oil...olive, macadamia nut, vegetable, whatever.

Season with salt , pepper and/or seasoning you like.

Put on hot grill, cut side up, to let the bottom heat through a bit.

Flip to cut side down, and grill 2-4 minutes until it has nice grill marks.

When done, fill the center with whatever you like...we used a fresh island-made salsa from Adriana's in Captain Cook.

On other occasions we have used blue cheese dressing. This is where you can let your creativity take over! You can eat it with a spoon, fork, or just dig in with crispy tortilla chips! So "ono" (good)!!

PS...the 2 ounce bottle of Tobasco was used to give perspective to the size of the avocado.

Big Island Blogging...Whales Tales, or Tails?

2009-02-20T12:36:00.009-06:00

The humpback whales has the best deal in the travel world...spend your summers in Alaska, then travel to the warm waters of Hawaii for the winter. Although Maui is considered their prime resort residence, they are frequently seen off the Kona and Kohala coast of the Big Island.

All of the units at Kona Makai have at least a partial view of the ocean. Our unit is in one of the buildings closest to the water, on the third floor and with a good view of passiing boats, dolphins and whales. Yesterday morning, the call went out from a couple of balconies..."Whales"! residents grab binoculars and train their eyes on the water. Bill has his tripod set up to go anytime...digital camera, 500 mm lens and a "doubler"...that makes 1000 mm and a good view of passing humpbacks. Although you can't tell from these pics, there were 2 big ones...

The dark area on the right side of the photos is a palm tree!

Big Island Blogging...Sunset Social Hour

2009-02-17T15:58:00.005-06:00

In Hawaii the setting sun is a time when most of the action stops and friends and strangers alike gather the celebrate the end of another lovely day. At Kona Makai it is definitely a social hour, discussing the day's activities, grilling fish or steaks, and greeting new folks who have just arrived from the cold weather of the mainland.

The Kona coast has many wonderful places to stay, but this has become our favorite over the many years we have been traveling to Hawaii. Many of the folks here are either permanent residents, or spend the winter months away from the cold. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with so many varieties of tropical plants it could almost qualify as a botanical garden.

The question of the day is always "will there be a green flash?" When the atmosphere is perfect, the light of the sun, as it slips below the horizon, shines through the water and there is a flash of green light.

There was no flash last night, but Bill will keep trying to capture one to share with all our friends.

Big Island Blogging...How We Work!

2009-02-17T15:43:00.004-06:00

Working in paradise! Well, not all the time! We have our office set up down to a science since we started staying at Kona Makai several years ago. We used to share Bill's lap-top, but now that I have my own, we only share the printer. This is a real "cozy" arrangement, but it works.

I have been gathering ideas for future posts on this blog. Yesterday was a hike to our favorite beach, last night was the "sunset social hour" and coming soon will be a rescipe for "Fresca de Lulo". So I hope you will come back for more!

Big Island Blogging

2009-02-15T16:12:00.014-06:00

Aloha from the "Big Island" of Hawaii! We arrived on Friday afternoon and began with our usual routine of hamburgers at Drysdales, followed by a quick visit to the KTA (grocery store) for a papaya and lime (the next day's breakfast). this is a pattern we have followed for many years and gets our Hawaiian holiday off to a good start.

The view from our condo...morning.

Saturday morning it was time to visit my favorite market...the Keauhou Farmers Market. Unlike some other markets in the area, this one sells only 100% Hawaiian products and it is such fun to talk to the farmers and bakers and listen to the music of a local trio palying ukuleles and singing favorite Hawaiian songs.

For $5.00 we bought a "Dancing Lady" orchid to brighten our already sunny lanai (balcony). then we filled our shopping bags with local fruits...tangerines with wrinkly skins, green apple banans that will need a couple of days to ripen, avocados (so ripe the grower gave them to me...perfect for guacamole), papayas, limes and lulos (more about them on a future post). And of course my favorite Kona coffee..."Kona Lisa". Please note (if you can see it on the label) that "Kona Lisa" wears a haku lei on her head and holds a cup of coffee in her hand. You can order this wonderful coffee shipped to the mainland from Ron and Mary Lake ... http://www.konalisacoffee.com/

In the next few days I hope to add more posts about our current adventures in paradise. We have been doing this for over 25 years and there is always something new to experience and share.

If you add your e-mail address to the Subscribe box, you will get an announcement when there is a new post. Coming up next...what is a lulo and what do you do with it?

Aloha and Mahalo!

From Esther to "O"

2009-02-08T11:31:00.006-06:00

Esther Williams was my hero! As a child of the 40's and 50's I had a a passion for movies, mostly musicals. Since I also loved to swim, it was only natural that I wanted to learn water ballet.

When I was 12, my Mom found a class at the Kansas City YMCA. My teacher's name was Carol Flynn and if you are a resident of Leawood, KS for any length of time, you probably know about her...She taught at the old Leawood Country Club and Lake Quivira, also. We learned to do "stunts", my Mom sewed costumes and we gave shows in local pools and lakes.

Later, water ballet became synchronized swimming with more serious rules and regulations. Stunts became "figures" as in figure skating. It also got a lot harder! We learned the "egg-beater" kick from the water polo players and started moving up out of the water. That's when I started coaching and judging. We started at my neighborhood pool in Round Hill, then on to Johnson County Parks and Recreation where the competitive team "Terrafins" was formed.

In 1982 the world of TRAVEL came into my life and I drifted away from active participation in the sport which had finally entered the Olympics. This is when the sport got really serious. Oh, I loved the spoofs on Saturday Night Live...most synchro-swimmers don't take offense...they just laugh and know what great atheletes they really are.

Now retired competitve swimmers and divers can earn a living after competition...they head for Las Vegas and the big Cirque du Soleil type shows..."O" at the Bellagio Hotel and "La Reve" at the Wynn. "O" (anglicized from "eau"...French for water) has been on the strip for almost 11 years. "La Reve" (also French, it means the dream) opened in 2005. They are two of the top selling and most expensive shows in Las Vegas...and worth every penny.

See what "O" is all about...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmBxhlqDpSQ&feature=related

Esther had the movies...today we have Las vEgas.

UP ON THE ROOF

2009-01-18T09:41:00.005-06:00

One of the most interesting segments of my life is about to end. For two years my husband and I have carried on a long distance marriage, me at home in Overland Park and he at work in Las Vegas. No, he wasn’t playing in the casinos, but coordinating construction of Steve Wynn’s newest hotel and casino …The Encore at the Wynn. The hotel and casino are now open and filled to the brim (at least during the recent Consumer Electronics Show).

Last May I had the pleasure of touring the hotel, wearing hard hat and boots, tripping over pneumatic hoses and dodging dangling electrical wire. Then we went to the roof, something not too many people will ever have the opportunity to do. Here is the proof!

Now take a look at Steve Wynn on the roof! (You might have to cut and paste the link into your browser.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVFmSJuirCk&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4pjtM4jeYE

People who haven’t been to Las Vegas in many years, ask where the Wynn and Encore are located. If you recall the Desert Inn (it had a golf course) that is where Wynn and Encore stand. Sadly, there is rumor that the golf course may give way to additional condominiums, but for now it is a green oasis with a $500 fee for 18 holes. Personally I think the hotel/casino complex is the classiest looking structures in the “City of Sin” and no dollars were spared to make them absolutely gorgeous. Both are decorated in a style to attract visitors from Asia where gambling is a popular pass-time.

Are there bargains in Vegas? For now room rates are lower than usual to attract business in a weak economy, unless there is a big convention is in town…then they go back up. Dining out in signature restaurants is not inexpensive and a really good meal with pre-dinner drink, appetizer, entrée, dessert and wine will average $100 and up per person. But Bill’s experience is quality is very high. His personal favorite is SW at the Wynn. I had the best crème brulee of my traveling life while there. Better than Paris. For Italian we like Enoteca San Marco in The Venetian Hotel. Developed by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich…it is so authentic.

So the excitement is over! We have both learned a lot … negotiating the Southwest Airlines web-site, arriving and departing McCarran Airport, the best meat market in Vegas (Larry’s Western Meats), Trader Joe’s (sure wish Kansas City had one) and some of the worst driver’s in the world. We also learned how much we take for granted about living in the mid-west … green grass, green trees (not now!), fresh fruits and vegetables from our garden or a local farmer.

So in a few days I’ll fly to Vegas and help pack the Trailblazer, clean the condo and then a two day drive home. Hope the weather cooperates!

Fried Dill Pickles

2009-01-04T11:11:00.003-06:00

FRIED DILL PICKLES … Most people say “What?” Our family says “How soon can we have some?”

This is a travel story of sorts. In the late 70’s, my husband Bill, the architect, was supervising construction of an addition to a small hospital/nursing home in Jena, Louisiana. This town is so small he had to spend the night in the nursing home, or at the home of the administrator, because there were no hotels or motels. He often took his meals in the existing hospital cafeteria, but for a “special” dinner he would go the "The Cock Of The Walk" in Natchez, Mississippi… about a one hour drive away.

Anyway, Bill would come home and rave about the fried dill pickles he had eaten at the restaurant, mostly known for it’s fried catfish. Well, like most people, when he told me about them I said “What?” Then I had a chance to drive to Jena with him on a photo safari. It seems that the administrator wanted pictures of the local Louisiana countryside to put on the walls, as most of the residents of the nursing home had never been outside of the parish (county). While on the trip I finally got to taste those pickles. WOW!!!

My recipe was developed in an attempt to duplicate what I had eaten … but a small deep fryer can not do the same job as the giant vats of fat in a commercial kitchen. Frankly, deep frying is a pain in the you know what, so this snack has been relegated to the status of “only before Christmas dinner”. There are exceptions, of course, but not many.

This post is dedicated to my all male family…Bill, Will, John and Grampa V. It seems I can never make enough!

Fried Dill Pickles
or other vegetables

Beer Batter:
3/4 Cup self rising flour or biscuit mix
1/4 Cup corn starch
1 Cup beer

Keep in proportion but increase volume of each ingredient depending on how many pickles you want to do. Batter should coat pickles (or vegetables) evenly -- Add flour if too runny (thin) or beer if too thick to "flow" evenly.

Pickles:
Kosher Dill chunks or chips, a big jar.

Drain pickles well, pat dry with paper towels. Shake in sack of flour, 6 - 8 at a time. Shake off excess, coat with batter. Deep fry in oil at 375° until golden brown. Drain, sprinkle with salt. You can do 20 - 30 minutes before serving and keep warm in oven. Or, freeze after cooled, and re-heat at 425° for 15 to 20 minutes.

http://www.cockofthewalk.biz/about_us.htm

Indulgence

2009-01-01T13:50:00.000-06:00

INDULGENCE …the word usually carries a negative connotation … Michelin starred restaurants, days of spa treatments, diamond necklaces, Rolex watches, around the world cruises, etc.. But the true meaning of indulgence … unrestrained pleasure … applies to many simpler aspects of life. Home grown summer tomatoes, big juicy blackberries, fresh baked bread, wine from a local vineyard, a room in a small palazzo in Tuscany, fresh papaya in Hawaii …. I could go on and on about indulging in the simple pleasures of travel, food, wine, art and gardens. That is what this blog will do.

A profession in travel has allowed me many indulgences … and the ability to share it with fellow travelers. This blog will give my friends an opportunity to experience, through words, some of my favorite places. Maybe a family recipe for fried dill pickles, a special museum in my home town (or abroad), the construction of a mega resort in Las Vegas, the simple pleasure of an urban garden.

The world is full of indulgences…simple and grandiose, I want to share my experiences and hope you will join me in future adventures.