A few days ago I urged you to attend the Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park here in Manhattan but bemoaned the fact I could not attend due to my situation trapped in the rehab center. To my absolute delight Pamela arranged for our friend Hannah and her friend Rose to help us out by … Continue reading Surprise! I got to go to the festival!
Food
National Coffee Day
Today is National Coffee Day and many chains are offering deals and discounts. At Krispy Kreme you can get a free brewed coffee and one original glazed donut. At Wawa you get a free coffee if you sign up for their rewards program. At Dunkin' if you buy a brewed coffee you can get an … Continue reading National Coffee Day
Take the ‘A’ Train to the 35th Annual Medieval Festival!
One day each year Fort Tryon Park in Northern Manhattan is transformed into a festival celebrating Medieval Times with jousting, attractions, performances, crafts, fair food and more. In 2019, it is scheduled for this Sunday, September 29 from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. It is literally next door to where I live and I have … Continue reading Take the ‘A’ Train to the 35th Annual Medieval Festival!
National Pecan Cookie Day
Today is National Pecan Cookie Day and there is only one that satisfies me - try this recipe for a copycat version and hope you enjoy. Combine and set aside 1 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Cream 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, 1/2 cup white sugar, and 1/2 … Continue reading National Pecan Cookie Day
The Return of “Good Eats”
I've been a big fan of Alton Brown and his "Good Eats" series from the beginning. While I had been a dedicated baker for most of my life I was just warming to cooking beyond the grill and pots of chili when the original show came on. It was perfect. Focus on a single iconic … Continue reading The Return of “Good Eats”
National Soft (Serve) Ice Cream Day
Warning: do not let your children (or grandchildren) see this post. Ice Cream is always a delightful sweet treat during hot summer days. While my favorite will always be the Graeter's brand from Cincinnati, I also enjoy a nice soft-serve cone. The concept was born by a young fellow named Tom Carvel - you may … Continue reading National Soft (Serve) Ice Cream Day
National Creamsicle Day
Today is National Creamsicle Day and while there are now many flavors the one I remember from my youth is the luscious orange and vanilla. There was nothing quite like an Orange Creamsicle on a hot summer day. That flavor combination can be recalled in a number of ways, but how about the delicious Creamsicle … Continue reading National Creamsicle Day
A Fun National Day and related Recipe Link!
Today is National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day. If you have a garden you know that right about now you are reaping more zucchini than you can deal with. What a nice/sneaky idea to off load some of that extra bounty on an unsuspecting neighbor! Even if you don't have a garden, … Continue reading A Fun National Day and related Recipe Link!
August is National Sandwich month in more ways than one
In 1952 August was designated "National Sandwich Month." In 1952 that meant: But in 2008 August was also designated "National Panini Month" which looks more like: A serious upgrade. Improve and expand your food choices to something tastier and more succulent. Heck, with the internet, food television and creative cuisine fusions, there is no reason … Continue reading August is National Sandwich month in more ways than one
Oh, to be in Cincinnati for Glier’s GoettaFest!
Every region of America has their unique and unusual culinary traditions. I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio which has more than their share of distinctive flavors. One of those is Goetta. It resembles scrapple and other concoctions where butchers and families made use of the entire animal and extended its use with fillers in the … Continue reading Oh, to be in Cincinnati for Glier’s GoettaFest!
National Chicken Wing Day
Hard to imagine now but before the mid-sixties, chicken wings were relegated to be used for making chicken stock or soup flavoring. With meager bits of meat and no popular cooking methods they were toss-away portions of the bird. But something happened in Buffalo, New York that made their city known for a new appetizer … Continue reading National Chicken Wing Day
National BagelFest Day – TryThis – Ess-A-Bagel
It is ironic that BagelFest Day was established by Lender's Bagels (those faux bagels found in your freezer case) as the really good bagels, found right here in New York City, are a far cry than those handy but very cardboard tasting treats. Real NYC bagels are reputedly best due to the city water and … Continue reading National BagelFest Day – TryThis – Ess-A-Bagel
National Chili Dog Day
I've said it before and will happily say it again. My favorite Chili Dog is known as a Cheese Coney in Cincinnati Chili Parlors. Bun, stripe of yellow mustard, hot dog, diced onions, Cincinnati Chili*, generous heap of mild cheddar cheese. Deeeeeeelicious treat. You can find one in Edward's restaurant this Monday (Cincinnati brands every … Continue reading National Chili Dog Day
FootNotes #7 – Now we’re cooking with gas!
When I lost most of my mobility with the broken ankle I was confined to bed or a chair for most of the day. As Pamela came home to take care of me she could do many helpful things but she simply does not enjoy cooking. I love to cook and missed it terribly. As … Continue reading FootNotes #7 – Now we’re cooking with gas!
National Caviar Day – TryThis – Taramasalata
We've all heard of the Sturgeon Roe (fish eggs) Caviar that is the classic and very expensive gourmet item we can't afford. But if you want a luxury taste for much cheaper, look for and try Taramasalata. It is a Greek dish (similar products are from the nearby Balkans and Turkey) that combine a salted … Continue reading National Caviar Day – TryThis – Taramasalata
National Tapioca Pudding Day
Tapioca pudding is a delicious and easy dessert option. My mom used to make it for me and my sister and brother when we were much younger. She would make a big double batch in a large bowl and keep it in the refrigerator. We all clamored for it and she allowed us to sample … Continue reading National Tapioca Pudding Day
National 7-11 Day
This one is easy and a little silly. July 11 is 7-11 day. 7/11? Get it? I don't have much to say about it except that 7-11 has invaded and is beginning to colonize New York City. Just a decade ago we were quirky with little locally owned stores but are now being overrun by … Continue reading National 7-11 Day
July is National Hot Dog Month and National Grilling Month
Warning: you may wish to avoid information at the end of this post if you easily get queasy about the food you eat... You may learn something about hot dogs you already suspected but did not want details about... Summer is certainly the season to grill and hot dogs are a popular item to serve … Continue reading July is National Hot Dog Month and National Grilling Month
National Gingersnap Day
Today I will take a perfectly innocent cookie recipe and turn it carnivorous. I didn't invent this but also don't remember where I saw it. It is simply unusual and delicious. Do you save the grease created when cooking bacon? It is good to fry up other meats, and now to use in a cookie! … Continue reading National Gingersnap Day
TryThis – Smokey Tomato Sauce
If you have a smoker you are likely using it to season meats. Try vegetables too. Here is a terrific recipe I made recently you might like. Preparation for smoking the tomatoes can be found at the end of the post. Our tasty test serving choice. Heat about 4 Tablespoons olive oil in large saucepan … Continue reading TryThis – Smokey Tomato Sauce
National Strawberry Parfait Day
If Strawberries aren't the fruit of summer, some marketing firm has sure been working hard to make it so. When I went looking for recipes for todays special day I found lots with ice cream, various crumbled cookies, rich whipped cream, frozen strawberries, even canned strawberry pie filling. Yuck. You can make it much more … Continue reading National Strawberry Parfait Day
National Ice Cream Soda Day
On a hot summer day there is nothing more refreshing than an Ice Cream Soda. Simple treat, just pour some soda (or pop or Coke or whatever your region of the US calls it) over a scoop or two of ice cream in a glass. The soda blends slightly with the ice cream and bubbles … Continue reading National Ice Cream Soda Day
National Strawberry Shortcake Day
I am always a fan of dessert and Strawberry Shortcake is one of the best exemplars of a summer treat. A delicious sweet biscuit, fresh cold whipped cream and slathered with sexy soaked strawberries, yum. As I prepared this post, I came across a recipe for Vegan Strawberry Shortcake. I had never considered that a … Continue reading National Strawberry Shortcake Day
National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie Today is National Peanut Butter Cookie Day, but I am fond of a slight variation - the Peanut Blossom. Hey, it has a chocolate center. I have your attention now. Start by heating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place one 9 oz package of chocolate candy kisses (unwrapped) in the … Continue reading National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
His own private screen at dinner
Quick note. I recently went to a restaurant where I noted there was a perfectly behaved and quiet child at a nearby table. Then I spied why. He had his own private cartoon show screen on a smart phone for his entire dinner. He was enthralled and paid only half attention to his Cheerios. I … Continue reading His own private screen at dinner
Walter Thinnes 
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