Sunday, December 24 is National Eggnog Day. Not surprising as it is also Christmas Eve. Fresh eggnog shows up in our grocery stores only between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. I once tried what was purported to be an eggnog recipe from the writings of George Washington. I cannot tell a lie, it was OK. … Continue reading National Eggnog Day
Food
Graeter’s for the Holidays!
OK, I admit it. I caved and had some Graeter's ice cream delivered for the holidays. Those from Cincinnati know what this means and everyone else should learn. No exaggeration - it is the best ice cream in the world. The process for making it has remained the same since 1870. It is made and … Continue reading Graeter’s for the Holidays!
Another endorsement of meal kits
It's been a while since I sang the praises of home delivered meal kits. We prefer Home Chef, though you have several options in the market. The concept is that each week you are given a choice of menu options on their website. You pick the ones you want and they deliver a recipe card … Continue reading Another endorsement of meal kits
National Gazpacho Day!
Odd that as winter closes in someone would name today National Gazpacho day. This fresh vegetable cold tomato soup is something I associate more with summer days. But since someone went to all this trouble here is my favorite recipe: In a large bowl, mix the following: 4 cups ripe tomatoes (about 2 pounds), chopped … Continue reading National Gazpacho Day!
National Cookie Day!
Today is National Cookie Day. To many this means a chocolate chip cookie celebration. For me it is a celebration of my favorite - Snickerdoodles! I use the recipe I got from my Aunt Priscilla. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In your mixer bowl cream: 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 … Continue reading National Cookie Day!
National Pie Day
Today is National Pie Day. A sublime pie crust separates truly great pies from average pies. It must be flakey, not soggy - stand up to the filling but not be tough or chewy. People spend years mastering the technique to create the perfect pie crust. My favorite story of this comes from my ex-wife. … Continue reading National Pie Day
Thanksgiving with family and a visit to Naples, Florida
Last week I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, visiting my mom in Central Florida for a sumptuous meal. We had turkey, ham, risotto, deviled eggs, sweet potato casserole, delicious roast vegetables, cheese rolls, lovely dressing and so much more. My mom will live off the left overs and share them with her neighbors for some time … Continue reading Thanksgiving with family and a visit to Naples, Florida
Happy Thanksgiving
In America we celebrate Thanksgiving Day today with parades, sumptuous dinners and sporting events. I hope that you are getting the Thanksgiving you desire. Usually I go to my favorite steak house in New York to gorge myself in my own quirky manner but today I choose to celebrate more traditionally with my mom in … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving
Homemade Tomato Soup
I believe if it is easy to make at home you are better off because you know exactly what is in it. Some recipes are complicated and ingredients rare, but keeping some simple things in your cupboard are worth it. I always keep 28 oz. cans of Marzano Tomatoes on hand and I can … Continue reading Homemade Tomato Soup
My AeroGarden Update
In past posts I have told you about the plants I grow in AeroGardens in my NYC apartment. A while back I described the cherry tomato plant that lasted more than a year and in August I gave you my recipe for Basil Pesto. The tomato plant finally stopped bearing so I replanted the Bounty … Continue reading My AeroGarden Update
National Nachos Day
Today is National Nachos Day. Nachos are one of the most abused and misunderstood foods in our canon. Too often they are sloppily and carelessly prepared. Ballparks slather runny cheese over stale chips, dump them in a souvenir batting helmet bowl and overcharge horribly for the privilege. All over New York you will find Tex-Mex … Continue reading National Nachos Day
An Atrocious National Day
If you read this blog on a regular basis you know that I periodically feature National Days where certain items or topics are celebrated. Recently we've had National Taco Day, National Coffee Day, National Pancake Day and National Waffle Day. I covered all of them on this blog. Soon we'll have National Nachos Day and … Continue reading An Atrocious National Day
National Candy Corn Day
Today is National Candy Corn Day. This is one of my favorite national days as it combines vegetables and candy. I am most thrilled that there are three flavors in every kernel. These treats are rather tasteless but then so am I. Perfect. Don't know why, but they remind me more of teeth than corn, … Continue reading National Candy Corn Day
National Pumpkin Day
Today is National Pumpkin Day. Obviously this is tied to nearby Halloween and the whole harvest autumn thing. Two notes. Celebrating a holiday in which we carve up the guest of honor into funny or scary forms is kind of weird. And now-a-days you only use pumpkin flavor from a can. When was the last … Continue reading National Pumpkin Day
Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival review
Last Sunday my favorite (and closest) park in New York City hosted the annual Medieval Festival. It was terrific. Lots of good festival food (a few years ago they added beer and wine), many performance stages, demonstrations of blacksmithing and sword making, multiple themed booths selling baubles and beads, knights jousting, a live chess game, … Continue reading Fort Tryon Park Medieval Festival review
National Taco Day
Today is National Taco Day. There will be plenty of special taco specials at places like Taco Bell and Del Taco and other mass purveyors of such food. I have made Korean stylized tacos with my food kit purveyors and other corruptions of the form (and they were pretty good, more in the future). There … Continue reading National Taco Day
National Coffee Day
Today is National Coffee Day and for me that means another cup of Café du Monde, coffee blended with ground chicory from New Orleans. Chicory is the root of the endive plant which is roasted and ground up and blended with ground coffee. For me it provides a perfect blend of a black cup of … Continue reading National Coffee Day
This weekend: The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park
On Sunday, October 1, come to Fort Tryon Park, near the top of Manhattan (and right next door to me) to enjoy the annual Medieval Festival. Take the A Train to 190th Street stop, take the elevator up to Fort Washington Avenue and turn right. There will be jousting, falconry demonstrations, medieval weaponry, people in … Continue reading This weekend: The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park
National Pancake Day
Today is National Pancake Day. Many cultures around the world have their own versions from crepes to blinis, from sweet to savory, filled and flat but they are all delicious. I am particularly fond of the good old American version which needs a hot griddle, butter and syrup. At home I use a sourdough batter … Continue reading National Pancake Day
End of Summer
Today is officially the last day of summer. It has been a nice summer and relatively mild in New York. With the multiple fires in the west, hurricanes Harvey and Irma, it has been tough across the country. Autumn is my favorite season and it always lovely in New York. I'm looking forward to the … Continue reading End of Summer
National Cream Filled Donut Day
Today is National Cream Filled Donut Day. Deep Breath. I love Cream Filled Donuts but I avoid them at all costs. Slight tremor of my right hand. They are so delicious as to be unable to be resisted. A glistening dribble of drool escapes from the edge of my lip. A Boston Creme Donut is … Continue reading National Cream Filled Donut Day
Mom vs. Irma
Mom lives in a retirement trailer park between Orlando and Ocala. She likes the warm climate and the friendly neighbors. When Irma threatened she said "If it is less than a Category 3, no problem. Been there, done that." Since that was the forecast she declined the chance to evacuate. Thank goodness Irma was worn … Continue reading Mom vs. Irma
Happy Birthday, Mom
Today is my mother's birthday. I'm not going to tell you how old she is but next year she wants to prepare a special celebration as we both reach landmark years. She lives in Florida but every year or so she visits New York City to see me and Washington DC to see my brother. … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Mom
My Basil Pesto
As noted earlier I have a couple of AeroGarden indoor hydroponic growing devices. They are perfect for a NYC apartment providing a few fresh ingredients for my cooking. After trying a few options I have settled on cherry tomatoes (my plant has been producing for more than a year) and basil. I have always found … Continue reading My Basil Pesto
National Waffle Day
Today, Thursday, August 24, is National Waffle Day. The first United States patent for a waffle iron was issued to Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York on August 24, 1869. Thank you, Mr. Swarthout. Waffles are one of my favorite foods. I have a terrific recipe using my sourdough starter and think I will make … Continue reading National Waffle Day
Walter Thinnes 
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