A Movable Feast

One of the most fun aspects of having or renting a summer house is having people over. It's nice to celebrate bonds with a refreshing dip or hike followed by a meal. It's enjoying locavore dining by  the sea or the mountains. What better way to honor the season.
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If you own your summer home, then it's easy to transport some of your kitchen gear to it.Think about packing the blender and food processor along with some of your best knives. Your summer house probably already has pots and pans. Another idea is replicating everything for the summer house. Kohl's , Target and Wal-mart are having sales right now. Get smaller and cheaper versions of what you already have.  Also use them for multi-purposes .Remember that a blender can be used for everything from blending soup and making pesto to crushing ice for drinks and slushies. A griddle can be good for making breakfast pancakes and bacon but also use it for burger and dogs during rainy days inside.If you're renting, then think compact. Bring or buy an immersion blender. This is easy to pack and can be used for making everything from smoothies to dips like hummus and guacamole. A small gas griddle is a good investment. You can cook anything on it and also bring it to the beach. Rented beach houses may not have pots and pans. Try to just bring a large frying or saute pan. This can be used for any meal, from omelets at breakfast to even grilled cheese for lunch and steaks for dinner.

Being in a new town, even though you've been going to it for years , can be daunting when shopping. Get familiar with the times and days of the local farmers' market. These are the best places to go for locavore eating. Take advantage of the stands that sell tomatoes and corn, because these are the most versatile to use. Tomatoes can be stuffed or sliced, used in sauces. Corn  is not only good grilled and slathered with butter, it's also good in chowders and salads. Farmer's markets also sell homemade jams and jellies along with artesanal baked goods and sometimes fresh butter. The cakes and cookies at these may not be overly fancy but they're a nice way to end a dinner party Beach houses are often located in areas where freshly caught seafood is sold. Visit these if you're planning a clambake or entertaining guests hungry for lobster. Sometimes these markets sell already prepared dishes like shrimp cocktail or lobster salad.Buy these for your party if you want no fuss and no muss. The local grocery stores also can create party platters . Another easy idea is just serving a variety of hors d'ouevres and local wines. Many vacation spots have wineries within driving distance. Visit these for locally sourced wines and champagnes.

It's easy to throw together a getaway get together. Just remember to pack the gear you need and take advantage of local shopping. These together can make for easy , breezy parties after a day of sun and sand.

Memorial Day Remember Our Troops

With Memorial Day today we think about soldiers and wars past.Unfortunately there are still conflicts and still soldiers and their families who need a good meal along with a good ear for listening. We have to honor them now while we can, whether through small or large gestures. If you know a service man or woman, invite them over while they're on leave or just returned from a tour of duty. Cook and bake their favorites. They'll appreciate both the food and the company.Offer to take a newly returned vet 's children for the night so that the vet and spouse can have a romantic dinner alone.Gift them with gift cards to their favorite restaurants. Some communities do have place for veterans of all ages to hang out. Volunteer at them by either cooking or even holding classes on nutrition. You could also ask your local VA hospital if you could help out and treat the elderly servicemen to fresh produce either from your yard or the local farmer's market. Hopefully this will be the century that will not see any more conflict.Right now though we should be focusing on our newly returned vets.Repay them with good nutritious food and a good solid support.

Good Friday Observances

Today is Good Friday , a day of observing the holiest and most somber of the Christian calendar days. During this time we should think o others less fortunate and remember that they struggle to put food on the table. even though we are heading towards warmer weather church food pantries still need to be stocked. help fill them up with the fruits and vegetables of the upcoming season. As you go to your local farm or farmers market buy not only for your family but for one extra as well. Shop healthy not only for yourself but for others as well!