I usually urge experiencing the focus of National Days highlighted here, but if you choose to enjoy, please do so responsibly. And pro tip - bring extra sunscreen for those oft hidden locations. You'll thank me later. As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.coma and on Twitter @walterthinnes
TryThis
Here we go again with another Manhattanhenge
If you happen to be on the island of Manhattan this evening you will see the setting sun framed perfectly in the concrete canyons lining our cross streets. You can find many previous posts on this site explaining the science but the real thrill is the experience. Get to a crosstown street and today you … Continue reading Here we go again with another Manhattanhenge
How to keep all the cookies for yourself
It is no secret that I love cookies. I love making cookies but I especially love eating cookies. Today is National Sugar Cookie day but I am not publishing a recipe today. I have done that in past posts and you can find them scattered around my blog. Instead I am helping you keep them … Continue reading How to keep all the cookies for yourself
Making my birthday cake
Yep, it's that day. Often on this day I enjoy a slice of my favorite, Black Forest Cake from a good bakery. For today, I found a new interesting recipe that I wanted to try. You can find a link to it here. https://bakeitafterall.com/cherry-chocolate-cheesecake-bundt-cake/ This Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Bundt Cake is a little easier to … Continue reading Making my birthday cake
Ramble on Independence Day
Happy 4th of July, Happy American Independence Day. This is a nation still being born. The Founding Fathers had a fascinating concept that is still not fully realized. We're getting there but it is slow going, especially for citizens who still do not benefit from all the grand ideas. I have faith we'll get there, … Continue reading Ramble on Independence Day
National Ice Cream Cake Day
Summertime is the perfect time for an ice cream cake. And when I think of that I think of Carvel. If you lived in an eastern state you were familiar with the television commercials with founder Tom Carvel. By the time I saw them he was a crusty older guy who was quirky and endearing. … Continue reading National Ice Cream Cake Day
National Pecan Sandies Day and a product endorsement
I do love cookies and most especially the delicious variation called Pecan Sandies. This shortbread goodie with delicious nuts just hits my sweet spot. But my sweet spot is the problem. I have my Type II Diabetes under control but I still love some sugary goodness. Hard to resist. For the most part sugar free … Continue reading National Pecan Sandies Day and a product endorsement
National Rocky Road Day
Rocky Road is definitely one of my favorite flavor combinations bringing together chocolate, marshmallows and nuts, usually almonds. It can be found in candy bars, fudge, other desserts and especially ice cream! I am told that the ice cream was introduced as the Great Depression began and was a commentary on the rough days of … Continue reading National Rocky Road Day
National Olive Day
There are few things more versatile than olives. They come in so many different varieties, colors and flavors. They can be stuffed with so many different fillings. Squeeze them a bit and you get useful oil. But munching on them is the best options. A perfect snacking choice. In my family there used to be … Continue reading National Olive Day
National Coq au Vin Day and a non-recipe for it
The seminal French dish Coq au Vin (rooster in wine) comes from an old farm house need to soften up an old rooster in a wine stew from whatever was on hand at the farm. Traditionally it includes carrots, pearl onions and mushrooms. Knowing this national day was coming I checked out many recipes. I … Continue reading National Coq au Vin Day and a non-recipe for it
National Brisket Day and I make it two ways
Recently Pamela came back from shopping with some of the few meat products available and one was a brisket. It was more than 7 pounds and I immediately knew I wanted to split it in two and make it two different ways. Please pardon the poor photographs because I was so eager to dig in … Continue reading National Brisket Day and I make it two ways
Happy National Solitaire Day
During stay at home orders like we are working through in New York City one is always looking for things to wile away the lonely hours. The card game known as Klondike or any form of playing card Solitaire is one solution. But most people today are more familiar with the version found on your … Continue reading Happy National Solitaire Day
Fortune favors the streaming
If you are looking to find something interesting to stream during the lockdown you may find this interesting. Do you like history? Do you like all things Rome? Do you like quality museum exhibits? Then you will really enjoy the limited time streaming of a tour of the exhibit featuring items from the excavations of … Continue reading Fortune favors the streaming
Ramble on New York Theatre in the time of COVID
You may have heard that Broadway has just confirmed that The Great White Way will be closed at least until Labor Day and perhaps longer. While disappointing, it is entirely understandable at this point. Until we get this plague under control few people are clamoring to crowd shoulder to shoulder into a building with strangers. … Continue reading Ramble on New York Theatre in the time of COVID
I tried Mississippi Roast
During these lock down times I am trying recipes I may not have tried in other circumstances. Recently I tried an internet favorite slow cooker recipe called Mississippi Roast. It is simple, delicious and has several variations you can try. Basically you take an inexpensive cut of beef (try chuck roast or sirloin roast) and … Continue reading I tried Mississippi Roast
An audio version of one of my plays online
During our city wide stay at home order the theatrical studio co-op I am a member of is posting virtual performances on their Facebook page. I contributed a radio version of one of my most popular short plays "Happy Birthday, Leonard." It was chosen to be broadcast by a Spokane, Washington station several years ago. … Continue reading An audio version of one of my plays online
Two National Days that go well together with a recipe that blends them!
Today is both National Oatmeal Cookie Day and National Raisin Day. You can already see where I'm going with this. Put them together and bake up a great batch of soft gooey oatmeal raisin cookies. Try the recipe link below for a terrific option. And send me a few by mail if you do. Yummy! … Continue reading Two National Days that go well together with a recipe that blends them!
New York Fashion Face Masks
New York now requires everyone to wear a mask when they are in public and can't safely socially distance. To be safe (considering my own susceptibility after my recent health issues) I have been wearing a mask and gloves in an abundance of caution. Here is an N95 mask I had laying about from a … Continue reading New York Fashion Face Masks
National Garlic Day – now go roast it!
Garlic is such an integral part of our cooking it is hard to imagine how we would do without it. But the most useful and delightful way to use it is to simply roast it. You can do a few heads at a time in your toaster oven or a whole sheet pan full in … Continue reading National Garlic Day – now go roast it!
National Eggs Benedict Day
While there are competing stories of who originated Eggs Benedict, it is widely agreed it was here in New York City in the latter half of the 19th Century. Makes sense it was first devised in a city that celebrates a brunch culture. As you know it is an English Muffin, topped with bacon, poached … Continue reading National Eggs Benedict Day
National Pecan Day and a make at home snack
Mmmm. I love pecans, in waffles, in gooey pie, in just about any way. As you are sequestered at home it would be nice to have a tasty snack high protein way to enjoy them. Lucky you, here is a simple recipe I have adapted from Southern Living magazine that I know you will enjoy! … Continue reading National Pecan Day and a make at home snack
National Tater Day
Today's national day salutes the delicious, flexible potato. So many delicious options - crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside french fries; rich creamy mashed potatoes; loaded baked potatoes and of course irresistible Tater Tots; and so many more ways to make them. But my favorite by far is something I learned in a … Continue reading National Tater Day
National Chips and Dip Day and a recipe for each!
With such a tasty national day and time on the hands of many people at home, why not make homemade chips AND a dip! Here's a couple of recipes to give you that option. ===============French Onion Dip INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons olive oil1 medium onion, finely chopped2 cloves of garlic, finely minced2 sprigs of thyme, stripped … Continue reading National Chips and Dip Day and a recipe for each!
What to do in isolation
The city sleeps tonight. We can't go out except for essentials. For me, going out to theater and museums is essential. But Governor Cuomo does not agree. Luckily there are many cultural institutions that are trying to help the shut-ins. They are streaming, usually for free, past performances or tours of their museums. I've listed … Continue reading What to do in isolation
National Chocolate Caramel Day with a special Exposed! Edition
Today's National Day celebrates the great combination of chocolate and caramel. While looking for a way to celebrate I remembered a former feature of this blog called "Exposed!" where I explored or tore apart something to see what it is like inside. Now that we are all on isolation during the Coronavirus situation, I have … Continue reading National Chocolate Caramel Day with a special Exposed! Edition
Walter Thinnes 
You must be logged in to post a comment.