Quick Quesadillas

Right about the time I gave up eating wheat (more on that later) my mother bought me a quesadilla maker.  I thought, "great what am I going to do with this?".  Now if you have ever tried to make a quesadilla with a corn tortilla you know what I mean - I love corn tortillas but for quesadillas they just don't work.

One day, not long afterward, while perusing the free samples at Trader Joe's I inquired if the sample had gluten.  Luckily for me the gal giving out samples was also living gluten-free and she proceeded to take me around the store showing me all the tasty gluten-free foods I had never noticed before.  I hit the gluten-free jack-pot!  One of the best discoveries I made that day was Trader Joe's Brown Rice Tortillas.

I have to admit the rice tortillas don't work well for wraps (although they will do) as they have very little give to them when rolling up, but they make fabulous quesadillas!  In my opinion the rice tortillas actually taste better than flour tortillas when making quesadillas as they get crispier and have a subtly sweet flavor.  Quesadillas can come in really handy either for lunch, a light dinner, appetizers or as a way to use up leftovers!  Even if you are dairy free there are still many ways to make them - the possibilities are endless. 

The Quesadilla maker that I use is the Santa Fe Quesadilla Maker, it works like a sandwich press that scores the tortilla into sections while it cooks.  You can either use two tortillas which makes 6 slices or fold one in half for 3 slices.

Here are two of my favorite quick quesadilla recipes:

Chipotle Quesadillas 

Trader Joe's Brown Rice Tortillas

Chipotle hummus

Guacamole

Trader Joe's Smoky Peach Salsa

Slather one half of the tortilla with chipotle hummus, cook in quesadilla maker until crispy. Garnish with guacamole and peach salsa.

*Gluten-Free, Dairy Free and Vegetarian*

Goat Cheese and Corn Quesadilla

11oz. Plain Goat Cheese

3/4 cup sweet corn kernels (defrosted frozen corn is fine)

1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives (scallions would work well too)

Rice Tortillas

Combine corn, goat cheese and chives in a bowl,  spread evenly on tortilla and cook until crispy. Garnish with chives or salsa verde.

*Gluten-free, Vegetarian* This recipe is adapted from Cooking Light

How do you make your quesadillas?  If you share your recipes I'll post them too!

Stone Barns

The recession hit very close to home last week when my husband was laid off with the closing of the magazine he worked for.  We were one of the lucky families because he was hired right away within the company and our anxiety was short lived.  We decided to take advantage of this brief hiatus between jobs to have some much needed family time.  Since it is a recession we decided to stay local and be tourists in our own area.

One place that I had wanted to visit for some time is the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Tarrytown, NY.   Stone Barns is the former Rockefeller farm donated by David Rockefeller in loving memory of his wife Peggy.  It has been said of the Rockefeller family's mansion Kykuit, "It's what God would have built, if only he had the money", well Stone Barns may not be the kind of farm God would have built but it certainly would give Marie Antoinette's farm a run for her money.  It is beautiful.

The mission of Stone Barns is to educate people about the importance of sustainable and local agriculture in a hands on way.  Both the Blue Hill restaurant and cafe offer seasonal menus supplied by the food grown there.  A real farm-to-table experience.  I have been dying to go to the restaurant however it is only open in the evening so for lunch we sampled the tasty fare in the cafe.  One word, delicious!  My husband had an open face bologna sandwich (yes they make their own bologna) and I had an open faced goat cheese and asparagus sandwich with a hint of vinaigrette.  The kids being the finicky eaters they are settled for chocolate milk and croissants.  For dessert we had chocolate brownies and carrot cake.  If that does not drive home the benefits of local sustainable agriculture I don't know what will. 

My husband's bologna sandwich, resting in a shredded paper bed...

For the most part, we (dog included) just enjoyed a beautiful day outdoors, with fresh air and open space.  The kids loved seeing the animals.  The new baby lambs were a real treat, cute enough to make me a vegetarian  - well almost.  

As a child I was lucky to spend my summers visiting my grandmothers' farms in the country.  There I learned where food comes from, the importance of farming and how hard people have to work to get it from the farm to the table.  My kids may not have the same opportunities to visit the country, but they can still have an appreciation for food they eat and Stone Barns is a fun way to learn.  We can't wait for our next visit!

For more information or to plan your visit to Stone Barns visit their website: http://www.stonebarnscenter.org/

Plant Nannies

Last November my husband and I actually got away for a weekend to celebrate our anniversary in Old Lyme, CT.  We spent a day in Mystic and decided to get out of the rain by doing a little shopping in Olde Mystic Village.  There we found one of the best garden stores I've ever been to called Garden Specialties.  The first thing to catch my attention was an artist named Guy Wolff in front of the store demonstrating his technique for making beautiful clay pots - well needless to say I had to see what else was in store.  Once inside I found some unusual Christmas gifts, a snowy owl made of white feathers, a brass rain gauge for my father, a turtle clock.   I also picked up some great garden gadgets, and after waiting all winter, I am so happy that it has finally warmed up so that I can use them!

One of my favorite purchases was the plant nanny.  I bought two varieties, one that uses old wine bottles (16.95 for a set of four) and one that uses a plastic water bottle ($4.25 ea).   I have seen the same items in catalogs and on line for much more, these not only save my plants but my wallet as well!

Of course my daughter thought I should get the cool swirling glass Aqua Globes because she saw a commercial for them.  Not that I have anything against Aqua Globes, they are attractive and my sister swears by them, but personally, I prefer the plant nannies.  One because they hold a great deal of water and secondly because if a kid (or grown-up) happens to break one I won't mind  - I certainly won't have any trouble coming up with another bottle!  These little gadgets are a great way to recycle and if you are like me and don't water as often as you should they will buy you some time too!

If you happen to be in Mystic be sure to stop by Garden Specialties and if you don't plan to be in Connecticut any time soon you can also order the plant nannies and Guy Wolff's hand made pots on their website: http://www.garden-specialties.com/

The Thermos

Another great item whose time has come again is the thermos.  I have fond memories of choosing my new lunch box and matching thermos at the start of each school year.  The thing I remember most about those squat plastic thermoses is that they leaked - a sticky residue generally coated the inside of my lunch box.  Still, I was fond of them.

The school lunch box has certainly come a long way so too has the thermos - some are better than ever.  I have decided to re-use drink containers as often as possible and use less plastic (since the jury is still out on plastic safety).  Today's thermoses really fit the bill.  My kids' lunch boxes didn't come with matching thermoses so they think the ones I have picked up are pretty cool and are eager to use them.  

The thermoses we use are made of stainless steel, no more leaky plastic, no glass insulation to break.  One of my favorites is a petite size that I picked up at Home Goods for only $8.  It comes to work with me most days.  It is great for tea, add one tea bag and some hot water and you have hot tea for hours.  By far the best that I have found is the Stanley thermos,  we picked ours up at Walmart.  Big and rugged, it looks like something an old time construction worker would have used.  Last summer we took it to the pool and it kept our water icy cold all day; in fact we even left if out over night and there was still ice in it the next morning.  No more tepid water in plastic bottles here!

I love being able to bring my favorite drinks with me (I am a bit picky) and have them stay hot or cold for hours.  This is also a great way to save money and reduce the amount garbage going to your local landfill.  Great for the pool, sports games, the beach or picnics - be creative, think margaritas!  Next time you are out pick one up!   

Scrambled Eggs Primavera

Before...

After...

One of my favorite breakfasts...

I know spring is truly here when the chives and tarragon jump up from the ground.  Always first, they remind me of overzealous school children, hands in the air, anxious to be called on.  It is like they are too impatient to wait for the really good weather and I am always happy to see them.  

Happy because from now until October, I can go to the garden any morning and take a few snips for my breakfast.  This recipe is my version of Tarragon Scrambled Eggs from Gourmet's Weekends cookbook.  It seems too simple to even be called a recipe but here it is:

Scrambled Eggs Primavera:

Two eggs scrambled

One teaspoon fresh chopped chives

One teaspoon fresh chopped tarragon

pinch of salt

pinch of white pepper

Cook at low heat until desired consistency

Enjoy!

Bag Lady

Isn't it funny how we learn things without knowing it at the time?  Sometimes it is only in hindsight that we recognize wisdom.

I am dedicating this post to my Grammy who will be having a huge laugh in heaven upon reading this.  Strange how I can still hear her laugh.

Anyway, my grandmother was married during the great depression and a young mother during WWII.  Scarcity of goods, victory gardens and rationing were just a fact of life.  My grandmother learned these lessons well and turned frugality and resourcefulness into an art.  My mom would say she could pinch a penny until it screamed.  One of the many tools in her arsenal was re-using plastic zip lock bags.  

I remember when visiting her, how the need for a baggie would send me into the pantry to paw through a paper bag, which held her washed and many times re-used baggies, to find the right size.  After a few minutes I would emerge and ask, "why don't you just throw these old things out and buy some new ones?".  Her reply would always be "they're perfectly good - there's no need to waste them".  I would usually just roll my teenage eyes and carry on.

Fast forward a few years.  I am a new mom and housewife going through my eco-friendly products catalog when I spot a little wooden dryer for washing and re-using plastic baggies.  Of course I bought one and have been using it ever since.   I have to admit it is a good thing to do, it saves money and keeps baggies out of landfills.  It turns out that she was right all along and it only took me 15  years to figure it out.  How my Grammy would chuckle to see my baggies drying on their little yuppy bag holder.  Who knew - my grandmother was green before it was cool.  She also used to hang her laundry out to dry - but that is a post for another time...

To buy your own countertop bag dryer visit: http://www.gaiam.com/

Victory Gardens

Spring is here and time to think about gardening.  I say think about because lately it has been too cold here to do any actual gardening.  However once it does warm up I have big plans for this year!

My garden is primarily a culinary herb garden but over the years I have added raspberries, tomatoes, peppers and last year I planted two small blueberry bushes.  I have had varied success with the fruits and vegetables but this year I am going to try more vegetables and lettuces.  That is if I can keep the rabbits out!

  

I have always been a gardener, it's in my blood.  Even in high school it was a delight to go to the local garden center and bring home new specimens.  My parents however, were not thrilled when I planted wild mint in their garden which quickly took over; as a matter of fact the people who bought the house from them probably were not thrilled either as they are probably still trying to weed it out.  

My grandmother, who lived in the country, always had a vegetable garden.  It was there that I tried raw spinach for the first time,  I am sure I wouldn't have touched it had it been on a plate.  My grandfather who was a farmer, was known for his delicious tomatoes and sold them in front of his house.  I remember eating them hot and ripe straight from the garden.  Sure you could go to a farmer's market and buy fresh and local but there is no better produce in the world than that which has ripened in your own patch of earth. 

Having your own vegetable garden is en vogue again thanks to Michelle Obama, whose White House garden has been much publicized and a hot topic during her recent European trip.  Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt's White House Victory Garden, her garden is a modern organic version that highlights the benefits both environmentally and financially of having a home garden.  Kitchen gardens have been an important part of  American life from the start.  My pilgrim ancestors certainly knew a thing or two about victory gardens, if they wanted to eat it they had to grow it, those gardens were victory over hunger.  It's not that I think we should grow all our own food at home but Victory Gardens are certainly a trend worth reviving. 

So ladies and gents here is your challenge: plant your own Victory Garden this spring.  Do your part for the environment, do it for your health.  Don't be intimidated just start small.  Even if you live in an apartment you can grow a few things in pots or join a local community garden.  If you have children get them involved, teach them where food comes from.  You never know they might even try something new (like spinach).  Tomatoes and peppers are great for a first time gardener: especially cherry tomatoes.  If you don't have a green thumb just plant some herbs, it is quite hard to kill chives and thyme.  Besides, most herbs are just weeds that happen to taste really good.  Just be careful where you plant your mint!    

Here are a few great sites to get you started:

http://www.sacgardens.org/

http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/

http://www.gardeners.com/

http://www.chezpanisse.com/intro.php

http://www.edibleschoolyard.org/

http://www.kidsgardening.org/

or visit your local library for inspiration

Dying from Consumption

A hundred years ago, if you said the word consumption you would be referring to the wasting away that comes with tuberculosis - think Mimi's tragic death in Puccini's opera La Boheme.  Today, however, if you were to mention that word, you would not think of illness but consumerism: how much we buy and use, carbon footprints.  Unfortunately, we are still dying from consumption we just don't have TB.  Time for us all to cut back.

I  recently read a great book called Give It Up, My Year of Learning to Live Better with Less by Mary Carlomagno and want to put its message into action.  The main point of the book is that there are many things in our lives that we spend a lot of time and money on that we can actually live very well without.  What can you live without?  Are you being weighed down by all your stuff?

Now before you think I am getting preachy or holy than thou, I must confess that shopping is one of my favorite past times - I LOVE it.  I love shopping in malls, shops, flea markets, online, in catalogs, it's all great.   Consequently I have too much stuff.

It's spring so time for some spring cleaning.  I thought that we were outgrowing our house but it turns out we just had too much in it.  I feel like our house is getting bigger with each load of junk we remove.  So why don't you join me!

Go ahead, get rid of that jacket you have not worn for three years.  No, you are not going to wear it again and no, it won't be in style again before the moths eat it so time to give it to someone who really needs it.  Whatever you have not used or seen in a year -  let it go, give it to a friend, give to the needy, sell it on ebay.  

Once you have cleaned out and reclaimed your space try not to fill it up again!  The next time you shop be ruthless and buy only what you need (this will be my greatest challenge).   Don't buy that third pair of red shoes even if they are on sale.  The French have this concept down, they buy fewer things but better quality, think little black Chanel dress worn a million ways and always fabulous.  It is better to spend a little more on one quality item that will last than it is to buy 3 cheap ones that won't.  

Next time you go out don't add to the landfill, make your coffee or tea at home and take it with you in your re-usable travel mug.  Don't buy that romance novel, go to your local library, it's free and when your finished with that book it won't be taking up space in your basement!  You will find that when you really stop and think it is easier to put that item back on the shelf.  If you find catalogs too tempting, cancel them.  There are a million ways to cut back, be creative!

So if you knew where I lived you would understand how crazy this is going to sound; but if you really have to buy something consider buying second hand, go to ebay, go to consignment shops, you will save natural resources and your wallet.  You don't have to do your part to help keep our economy going, it is more important for you to keep your personal finances healthy - don't die of consumption!

Here are a few great sites to help you:
http://www.freecycle.com/

http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites

http://www.ebay.com/

http://www.goodwill.org/

http://www.bookturtle.com/
http://www.dressforsuccess.org/
http://www.catalogchoice.org/

Good Wives Almanac

Good Wives!!??  No, this is not a personal assertion of my wifely perfection nor is it a nod to a misogynistic past.  Goodwives is the name of a small river here in Connecticut where I live.  It is also a reference to the book Colonial Dames and Goodwives written by Alice Morse Earle chronicling the lives of colonial american women who are my ancestors.  I would like to pay homage to these strong women and am inspired by them to be more resourceful and to live a more sustainable life in this modern world.

I am a seventh generation descendant of Revolutionary War heroine Mara Sargeant Grace.  A woman who not only served bravely on the front lines at the Battle of Bunker hill but also did washing and ironing for the Washingtons; making lace caps for Martha and knitting silk  stockings for George.  Just when I think I have it tough dealing with my laundry...  I imagine that if we could transport her to our time she would be rather envious of our many modern conveniences (clothes washers especially) but I think she would also be horrified at the wastefulness of our society.

The Almanac in the title is a nod to Poor Richards Almanac that gem of simple wisdom and the Farmer's Almanac which never goes out of fashion.  I believe we can look back to learn from the collective wisdom of the past and apply it to our rapidly changing and uncertain world.  There is a lot to be said for re-cycling some old fashioned ideas and make them work for us today.  I will share what I have learned and what I stumble across and hope you will too!  

For more reading about these pioneering and pragmatic American women I highly recommend 

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts.  

view of the Long Island Sound from our town beach