Sunday, August 26, 2012

Impatience...A Flower of My Past

For the past 4 years, I had been planting Impatience
along my garden room and deck.  At least 11 trays of 48
plants were planted each year in this beautiful space.
You can do the math!

This year however; the man at the greenhouse told
me of a blight that had infected the Impatience.  He
suggested trying Begonias.  I was very reluctant to do so
but I am glad I did!.  The Begonias filled in beautifully. 
During this summer of much drought and heat, these plants held
up under these extreme conditions.

So...before planting impatience and taking the
chance of having them not survive and infect your soil,
please consider Begonias!  They are so lovely, colorful,
hardy and show off their blooms for all to see!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Two Sisters Boutique

This lovely garden basket purse is now available on our website
www.twosisterscookbook.com
Go to the Contact US page and click on
Two Sisters Boutique
Regular Price $220.00
Sale Price $150.00
Plus shipping
Email first as quantities are limited!

The same thing goes for this gem of a bag!  It makes a
wonderful gift for the person that appreciates beautiful
things.  Please check out our website.  We accept PayPal!
Or...if you are local email and we can arrange delivery!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Don't forget the "APPLE" for the teacher!

Back to school...Have a wonderful school year!
A new beginning is at hand.  Make the most of it!
Don't forget to bring an apple to your teacher!
Teachers are still charmed by this old fashioned tradition.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

How Sweet It Is!

Go back in time to a childhood favorite of ours.
Since 1952 Cape Cod Salt Water Taffy has been
satisfying the sweet pallets of every child and adult.

No need to chew...it melts in your mouth!
Can't get to the Cape?  No problem.  They ship anywhere!
508.394.7557
#984, Route 28, South Yarmouth, MA on Cape Cod
www.capecodsaltwatertaffy.com

It's a Peachy Time of Year!

Carlson Orchards in Harvard, Massachusetts
celebrated their 10th Annual Peach Festival this past
weekend. 
Carlson Orchards
115 Oak Hill Road
Harvard, MA 01451
www.carltonorchards.com
978.456.3916

Currently, pick your own blueberries and peaches
is taking place. 

Or...you can pick your own peaches right out of
the refrigerated case!

Enjoy salsas, jams and sauces all using
peaches made locally!

Yum...warm peach cobbler was waiting for hungry
customers like Nancy!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Let's see...What's in the garden?

A bumper crop of zucchini cut into small pieces,
grape and cherry tomatoes cut in half,
chopped red bell pepper, sliced red onion,
a clove of chopped garlic, drizzle with olive oil
 and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake at 400 degrees about 40 minutes.


This is what you end up with a yummy side-dish!


Palm Beach, Newport...Take Your Pick!

Nancy stands outside one of three Newport, RI
locations of "SEQUIN"!
Colorful and affordable costume jewelry for the
preppy, sophisticated set!

Decisions, decisions...you want them all!

Necklaces, earrings and bracelets are available
in fabulous colors that compliment every outfit!
I love them all!
Can you choose?
182 Bellevue Avenue
119 BellevueAvenue
474 Thames Street
All in Newport!
Other locations in Palm Beach and Chicago
with another store opening in NYC around the holidays!
Visit them all!
www.Sequin-nyc.com

Friday, August 10, 2012

International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum - Newport, Rhode Island

Not far from the waterfront, this lovely facility is
a place you shouldn't miss.

Walking along Bellevue Avenue,
The International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum is
centrally located with parking across the street!

Tradition, whether it be in the form of grass courts
or tennis whites are the standard around here!

The elegant sport of tennis...you can play your entire life!
Don't forget your "whites"!!!

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Penne Rigate with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto

 
1/3 cup pine nuts 
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese    
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
4 tbsp. olive oil
12 oz. penne rigate or linguine
ground black pepper
basil leaves to garnish
coarsely shaved Parmesan cheese to serve

1.  Put pine nuts in non-stick frying pan.  Toss over medium heat for 1 - 2 minutes, or until nuts    
are golden. 
2.  Put nuts, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and pepper into food processor.  Process until finely chopped.
3.  Gradually add olive oil through the feeder tube, processing until ingredients form a smooth   looking paste.  
4.  Bring pot of lightly salted water to boil and cook the pasta until al dente.  Reserve about 1 cup of cooking water.  Drain pasta.  Turn the pasta into a warmed bowl, add the pesto and a few spoonfuls of hot water and toss well.  More water can be added if needed.  Toss well.  
Serve garnished with basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese. 
Serves 4

Cook's Tip
You can make this pesto up to 2 days in advance.  Keep in refrigerator until ready to use.  Place in a bowl, pour a thin film of olive oil over the pesto.  Cover the bowl tightly.  



Friday, July 27, 2012

Tomatoes, Tomah....toes!

Two Sisters and The Silver Spoon Cook Book has many
tomato recipes!  With the tomato crop generously sending
these jewels our way, it is time to focus on creative and simple recipes.
Some favorites... to name a few!
Summer Bruschetta - Page 11
White Bean, Garlic and Tomato Salsa - page 28
Green Bean, Yellow Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad - page 57
Tomato, Watermelon and Cucumber Salad - page 63
Fried Green Tomatoes- page 87
Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad - page 88
Zucchini and Tomato - page 89

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tortellini Primavera -- One Pan, One Dish!

Easy...There I've said it again!
7 ingredients!
Prep & Cook Time: 20 minutes
Two Sisters and The Silver Spoon Cook Book - Page 140
Serve with a lovely garden salad!

1 T. olive oil                                                  1 cup frozen peas
1-1/2 cups sliced mushroom                                  1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup thinly sliced sweet red peppers      1 -  (9 or 13 oz. pkg.) tortellini cooked and drained
1 (12 ounce) container Alfredo sauce

Heat oil in a saucepan. Saute mushrooms and peppers 5 minutes until tender. Stir in Alfredo
sauce, peas and cayenne.  Heat thoroughly.  Toss with pasta.
Yield: 4 servings                  

Monday, July 23, 2012

Easy Brownie Shortcake Dessert -Simple and Great for a Crowd!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 16
1 pkg. (19.5 oz. ) brownie mix     
1 container (16 oz.) Sour Cream, divided
1 cup thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping
1 Tbsp. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 - 3 cups cut-up mixed strawberries and blueberries
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare brownie batter as directed
on package; stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. 
Spoon into greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan.

Bake: 45 minutes; cool 10 minutes.  Remove from pan to wire rack
Cool completely.

Mix remaining sour cream, whipped topping, sugar and vanilla. 
Cut brownie horizontally in half.  Place bottom half on plate;
spread with half of the sour cream mixture.  Cover with top of brownie,
remaining sour cream mixture and fruit.  Store in refrigerator.

I'd like to give credit to Breakstone Sour Cream.  This is their
recipe. 

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Osterville on Cape Cod...A Hidden Gem


Next time you're heading to the Cape...make a quick
stop in this tony little town!  Take Exit 5 off of Route 6
and you will enjoy the little shops and restaurants this village
has to offer.
First stop...Oak & Ivory
1112 Main Street
Nantucket Baskets & Creations Inspired by Seaside Living


Kathy's Nantucket basket was made by Bob Marks
at Oak and Ivory! 


Decorate your home or bring back a beautiful
addition to your home from these lovely displays. 


Gorgeous things for the home, entertaining and hostess gifts
can be found in this great shop on the way into town.

Books By The Sea
846 Main Street
http://www.booksbythesea.net/
Along with great books, this quaint bookstore
offers unique cards and gifts!  Truly a Cape Cod gem!


J. McLaughlin
Main Street, Osterville

The Shoe Salon...of course!  This is a MUST stop!
As Cinderella said, "One shoe can change your life!"

Michelle's
845 Main Street, Unit 6
Osterville
508.428.0500
If you like ruffles and roses, this is the place for you!

Each year Kathy buys a hat from Michelle. 
This year's hat is embellished with pale pink roses
and a pale pink bow!  Men's shirts hanging in the background
have been redone into wonderful ladies tops.  Ruffles
and monograms have been added to make fun overblouses!
Last but not least...a view from Kathy's room at
the Wianno Club.  A peaceful view after a day of
shopping!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Chelsea Pier - America 2.0

Getting ready to board America 2.0
Friends who are members of
The National Maritime Historical Society in NY
invited us for this special sail around lower
Manhattan and up to the Statue of Liberty.

The building of the new "Freedom Tower"
as seen from the water is a beautiful sight.
We're proud to be Americans!

In nautical wear, we enjoyed drinking Mimosas
along with a great lunch served in the galley below.
We made many new friends and look forward to our
new association with the
National Maritime Historical Society!

The large cage on the left is a driving range cage.
As we passed by, we could see lots of people
driving their golf balls from the building. 
Only in NYC!  Freedom tower and lower
Manhattan just past the driving range.
More NYC photos to follow!

The Yale Club

A stay at the Yale Club on 44th and Vanderbilt
was fantastic! 

A rooftop breakfast on the 22nd floor made for a delightful
 start to the day!

NYY - Yes, the Bronx Bombers!

The Yankees vs. Toronto - Wednesday, July18
The Yanks win 6 - 0


Walking around the concourse in 105 degree temps,
we enjoyed eating, hydration stations, cooling stations
and shopping in the air-conditioned signature shops!

Dylan's Candy Bar in the food court
of Yankee Stadium has lots of old time favorites!

Candy, candy....visit Dylans flagship store
on Madison Avenue, NYC.

Honoring our country during the 7th inning stretch!

To Yankee Fans everywhere...1998 was a year to remember!