New York,New England and Canada, Seeing the Sights!

Hi !

I've been away from my blog and while I was waiting for my flight back home I wanted to touch base with everyone. One of my dreams have been to explore the New England States.  I had thought my hubby who loves to drive would make this one trip by car one I too would truly enjoy to my surprise he opted to treat me to a cruise.  Great food,  fancy fru fru beverages and desserts and relaxing days filled with just about anything you would like to do..  We opted for tours and exploring the areas on our own.  We walked our socks off so to speak but only one blister so I think I did fine.

Our trip was fantastic! Newport, RI, Boston Mass., Bar Harbor Maine, St. John, NB and Halifax, Nova Scotia.  A memorable few days with abundant sunshine, temperatures in the low seventies which made our days delightful.  We were able to experience gorgeous scenery and breathtaking views and also met some very friendly people.

I could write so much more about this trip but for now I'll share a few photos. These being mostly scenery.

It was a wonderful memorable few days.  Enjoy!

The next blog post will be of the wonderful meals, desserts and food tours we managed to get in while visiting the ports.  Some eye candy for you!

Church where JFK and Jackie were married.

Cleveland's West Side Market! Food, Fun & Lots to see

We (referring to my hubby and I) had heard so many wonderful things about Cleveland decided to invite our good friends and explore the city.  I have to say I am so happy we did.  Not only is it a beautiful city so spacious and bright but the market and little quaint shops made the day even better.  I love quaint unique shops.  You must put Cleveland on your list of must see!! 

 Cleveland Rocks! 


I'll  be sharing the day with you through some pictures I was able to take. The day was a bit cloudy and windy and I was hoping for a few nicer shots but I think you'll get the gist of what a wonderful time we had but first I'd like to share a little history of the West Side Market.

The West Side Market, at the edge of Ohio City in Cleveland, is a cultural and culinary gem. Opened in 1912, the market combines graceful Neo-Classical/Byzantine architecture with a vibrant produce and meat, poultry, and dairy market. Not only is the West Side Market an interesting and fun place to visit, it's a great place to find quality groceries at affordable prices.

History and Architecture:

The ninety-five year old West Side Market consists of an indoor market with its distinctive clock tower and an adjacent semi-enclosed "outdoor" market, filled with produce, grain, and fresh flower vendors.The West Side Market, originally created as a neighborhood ethnic market still fulfills that function as well as a fascinating day trip destination for suburbanites and those visiting the city

 Inside the market, make sure to note the original quarry tile flooring as well as the decorative corbels, depicting animals and vegetables, on the market's columns. Also distinctive is the 44-foot high vaulted ceiling with its rich terracotta tile, placed in a herringbone design.

 The indoor market features meat and poultry vendors as well as those selling cheeses, dairy products, and bakery items. It is here that the ethnic character of the market really shines. Items for sale here include Amish chickens, fresh Hungarian sausage, freshly cut steaks and pork chops, strudels, and hard and soft cheeses. Ohio City Pasta sells their homemade pasta here; the Cheese Shop offers more than 140 different kinds of cheese; and there's an adjacent fish market with all varieties of fresh fish and seafood. Prices here are generally attractive.

What a day!!!! Even had the pleasure of hearing some Mandolin music while we had some coffee and dessert!

We were treated to some great Mandolin music!

The sweetest and most helpful young woman!  with great culinary products.  Check out her small but unique shop in the Market! www.The OliveAndTheGrape.biz

Walleyes are at all fish markets..

Something Different Gallery!  Isn't this COOL!Check them out at WWW.SOMETHINGDIFFERENTGALLERY.COM

Something Different WWW.SOMETHINGDIFFERENTGALLERY.COM

Koula , the owner, we had the pleasure of chatting with . Gracious and so helpful.  The gallery is a must see!

The best pastries! They're the "I miss home pastries"pastries everyone wishes they had in their town.

Yes we brought some home :)

This restaurant is called the Crop.  We  opted to go to Little Italy but took a quick look inside.

You talkin to me!

or me?

Need I say more!!!! One of the best!  I liked it as much as NYC's Little Italy!!

Where we dined and it was delicious, homemade and reasonable in price.  We would definitely go back and Huge portions too!

Homemade potato gnocchi..Definitely homemade!!! You could taste the  potato..Yummy

 

A view of some of the beautiful displays in the Something Different Gallery!     WWW.SOMETHINGDIFFERENTGALLERY.COM

WWW.SOMETHINGDIFFERENTGALLERY.COM

Unique an durable!  I love them and can't wait to use them....

Just a small example of the many delicious desserts..

I must get one of these.  Every year I say it .  It's a must!

10/20/12

Sweet Potato Gnocchi! #2 Illustration included

This is my recipe for sweet potato gnocchi and I have shown illustrations on how easy they are to make.  What better time to try this easy recipe?  No time like the fall when sweet potatoes (orange colored) are plentiful.  Enjoy!

Anyone who knows me know that I have lots of energy.  I  am overwhelmingly pitta, which according to an article I read from Dr. Oz,  is a person who likes to move.  It is so true.  I think there are times my family can't understand why I don't like to sit?  I rarely do, so today I had this HUGE sweet potato looking at me for a week and I decided since I had not a thing planned I was going to make sweet potato gnocchi with it.

 I have never looked up or Googled the recipe I just figured if I had trouble getting it work into the flour I'd call it my learning experience and go on!  Not so!  Here is the process and it was super easy.  Easier than regular potato gnocchi, honest!

I wish I was able to video a tutorial but I have only done one and most days when  I decide to try something different it's in the a.m. and quite honestly I am still in my night clothes with an apron over them.  Truth be told!

Seasoned with browned butter.  Oh so good!

Grilled and seasoned chicken )Rosemary, Thyme and olive oil)

Happy Baking and Cooking from my kitchen to yours,

 

M.J.

First my recipe:

1 Huge sweet potato (microwave until completely cooked and then cool completely)
2 cups all purpose flour
1 egg at room temperature
pinch salt

Note:  This recipe can be doubled or even tripled.  Watch the amount of flour.  You may only need 3 cups when making more potatoes.


After potato or potatoes have cooled completely; remove skin, put through ricer. (mine has two disks.  I used larger disk)
You can mash with electric mixer or food processor if you don't have a ricer.

Prick potato with fork and cover with paper towel and microwave until thoroughly cooked

When potato has cooled remove skin

Make sure potato or potatoes have cooled

Add flour cup by cup and work with hands to form a ball

Form into a ball

Place sections of dough on lightly floured board (I use acrylic , cleans easier)

Long roll

cut into pieces and score with for if desired

Place in lightly salted boiling water.  Stir and cook until gnocchi rise to top and cook for a few minutes more.

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9/3/12

2/22/13
10/2/13