Easter (Chick Parade) Cake
Happy Easter Everyone!
New York City
2012
Happy Easter Everyone!
New York City
2012
After weeks of unseasonable warm weather, old man winter finally paid a visit to NYC on Friday evening. And in his honor, I made chicken soup for dinner.
Chicken soup is extremely easy to make, provided that you have chicken stock on hand (see below). Luckily, I made a big pot earlier in the week, which I divided into quart size containers (2 quarts went into the freezer, and one was earmarked for dinner.)
I initially planned to make my great grandmother's homemade "drop noodles" (which are more akin to small dumplings than noodles). But after a particularly grueling day at work, braised veal and pork agnolotti from Eataly seemed like a more appealing option. Shredded chicken, cilantro, celery leaves, carrots and celery were added for good measure, as well as texture and color.*
If you are new to making chicken stock, here are a few pointers:
Want to give it a try? The printable recipe is here.
* This is what I had in the house. But any protein, vegetable, herb or starch is fair game. I add delicate vegetables (i.e. celery leaves, baby spinach, swiss chard) and fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, green onions) immediately before serving. This helps to retain their structure and color.
Is it 2012 already? It can't be. I am just posting my Christmas Eve 2011 photos! Oh well, I guess it is better to be a day late than a dollar short. And besides, spending time with friends and family over the holidays will always trump blogging.
The Methodist Church on Village Lane in Orient NY. Christmas Eve 2011
I love how the simple lines of the church "popped" against the brilliant blue sky. I was hoping that the wreaths would have big red bows -- but later decided that the demur decorations were in keeping with the architectural style of the church.
Methodism originally came to Orient in the early 19th Century (1802) with the early "Circuit Riders" (i.e. traveling ministers). The church was subsequently built in 1835 on land donated by Thomas Vincent Young, an early settler. In 1900, a Hastings and Hook Organ (Boston, MA) was installed; it was completely restored in 2000.
The church is a regional (and national) treasure.
The Crab Shack Orient NY Christmas Eve 2011
Travelling west, I found a wreath with a red bow on the old Crab Shack. This iconic structure is located on the east end of the causeway, which connects East Marion and Orient.
The Webb House, located in Poquatuck Park, can be seen in the distance (on the right).
St Agnes Roman Catholic Church Greenport NY Christmas Eve 2011
There was no hint of puritanical restraint on the alter of St. Agnes Church on Christmas Eve. The church was awash in a breath-taking sea of poinsettia.
Our traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner or Wigilia
Food traditions for Wigilia vary widely, and are heavily influenced by regional variations, family history, immigration and acculturation. But certain traditions transcend family and cultural differences:
The meal traditionally starts with the breaking of the Christmas wafer, or oplatek, and a blessing for the coming year. Meat is not eaten on Christmas Eve, but fish, grains, vegetables (beets, cabbage, mushrooms), dumplings, poppy seed pastries and dried fruit are traditionally integrated into the menu.
This year, our meal consisted of fried fish (shrimp, bay scallops, eels, and oysters), stuffed baked flounder, crab cakes, herring, sauerkraut, home-made pierogi (cheese, sauerkraut and dried fruit) and noodles with sauerkraut. (Salad, a decidedly American edition was added for good measure).
For dessert, we had dried fruit compote and homemade cookies.
When the creatures were no longer stirring, it was time for Santa's helper to organize the presents.
The Crab Shack, Orient NY Christmas Eve 2011
Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas
and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year