The 2018 James Beard Awards

Hello everyone!

I woke up to a beautiful, glowing early morning mist.  As I sipped my coffee I caught sight of an acrobatic squirrel high up in the big tree outside my window.  He was sailing through the branches and for a second I felt the thrill of flight and held my breath.  Like a Cirque de Soliel performer he hit his landing on the tiniest of branches and then after bouncing madly….he shot off and I lost sight of his fluffy tail in the mist.  I laughed out loud as I noticed that I was not the only one watching….my cat was glued to the window too.

We are in one of the last summer days as we move into Autumn.  Orvis has put out their pumpkins and the trees are just beginning to change color.  The whole of Manchester is slowly getting ready for the pageant of color that is on it’s way.   But…for the moment…it is still just around the corner.

We were lucky enough to receive an amazing assortment of end of summer garden vegetables…all heirloom from a local super green thumb gardener.  Mark has made the most amazing chunky Ratatouille topped with goat cheese and then baked.   I feel like this dish is a wonderful transition from summer to fall.  I  have paired it with our wine Duet.  This is two half glasses of  Pinot Noir…one from Oregon and one from Austria.  Yum!   I have also added an Autumn Mule to my drink menu.  Oh yes I did.  Hint….apple cider.  Come on Autumn!

As summer fades and glorious autumn moves in….take time to go on a Sunday drive and pick apples, or just watch a squirrel scamper in the red leaves over your morning coffee…and laugh.

Melody

As I took my walk this morning I was smelling fresh mowed grass and looking at pretty flowers in yards, on porches, in hanging baskets and it makes me smile.  Manchester on a beautiful July morning is just a sight.  The birds singing, the clouds drifting overhead and a flag waving from every front porch.  It’s the kind of day you expect to smell BBQ on a grill later in the afternoon or see people sipping ice tea on the porch.  In other words….it’s my kind of day.

Speaking of BBQ….Mark is making an appetizer….wait for it….Tamarind BBQ Pork Eggroll.  It’s so good I can’t even begin to describe it.  Of course I am paring it with our Austrian white duet….half glass each of two different Grunner Veltlinners.  I do like to have fun with our wines.

Also Mark has his nod to July with our amazing Strawberry Shortcake.  Let me explain….warm almond shortcake, summer strawberries, vanilla ice cream and homemade whipped cream.  That’s right…that’s what I said.  It just makes me happy.  If you pair a glass of a delicious Creamy  Lemoncello with it you will be tasting summer.

I hope your Fourth of July is fun with family and sparklers,

Melody

Hello Everyone!

Have you looked out the window?  What I see out mine is a green, lush landscape that takes my breath away.  Like a honey crisp apple…each day is delicious.  I have opened windows and doors and am letting the sun shine in.  I’m not the only one either….everyone is out and about all over Manchester.

Mark is enjoying this weather also….he has the kitchen door wide open and if you pass by you can smell something delicious in the oven.  One of my favorite desserts has returned….Vanilla Flan with Dulce de Leche, Banana and cinnamon plantain crisps.  That’s right….it is as good as it sounds.  I have recently discovered a creamy lemoncello that we serve cold and it’s amazing with any dessert.  I am going to buy up all of it in town.  I really am….today.  See…I can find any excuse to go outside.

Please ….let the sun kiss you.  Call me,

Melody

Homemade drop donuts tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with homemade chocolate ganache…hot chocolate!!!!  Oh for pity!!