Only in Bucks County!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Only in Bucks County: Is That a Brisket in Your Pocket or Are You Just Happy To See Me?

Another New Years Resolution: Learn to Cook a Brisket.

My friends and family know that I cook or grill out practically every day. I have my standards - and I try new things. I've taken classes from Mediterranean small bites and appetizers, to Italian Cuisine with my mentor Lina Pastore; to a Pit Barbecue class where we actually dug a hole in the ground at my old high school and cooked a pig.

Lemon Herb Marinade for Chicken or Fish:

Combine

1/3 c fresh lemon juice

2 TBSP grated lemon peel

2 TBSP Ketchup

2 garlic gloves, pressed

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp dried marjoram

1/4 tsp dried rosemary

In a non-reactive bowl; then whisk in 1/4 c olive oil.

You can set some aside as a finishing sauce.

But I have a secret. This nice Jewish girl has NEVER cooked a Brisket. I've never even attempted to.
I have chicken, pork chops, burgers, and steaks under control, but I've never dared to cook a hunk of large meat in the oven. Which means no Pot Roast, no London Broil, and unfortunately no Brisket for me!

Ah... Summer.

So... who has a good recipe they'd like to share? I need to cook a brisket that can compete with my mom's! And I need to do it fast so that I can cross one more thing off my list of resolutions for 2012.

Salsa Semplice by Lina Pastore

1/2 c olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 large can crushed plum tomatoes

1/2 c fresh basil, finely chopped

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

Sautee garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, seasoning, and bay leaf. Heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove bay leaf. Add fresh basil to sauce.

Happy New Year!

I'll be sure to let you know how my first Brisket turns out.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Only in Bucks County: 14,000 Images

Take seven SD cards with over 2,000 digital images on each. Add in seven New Years Resolutions mostly about sharing, showing more appreciation, and being more grateful, and not only will I be blogging more in 2012, I will be sharing a lot of photos that I have taken for my own pleasure, with you.

Photography is something I studied as part of my education as Painter/Illustrator many moons ago. It's always been a passion and has even provided me with some income over the years. Sometimes I shoot for color, composition, or subject matter. Other times I stumble upon lighting that I just can't pass by. People are most definitely my favorite thing to photograph, but believe it or not, so are flowers.

Milk House Farm (otherwise known as Slack Farm, Newtown)

Hydrangeas, my favorite.

"Bird-In-Hand" Newtown, PA

Please don't eat the daisies!

Frenchtown, NJ.

Bluebells.

Early March in Newtown, PA

"Watering" the flowers ;)

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Only in Bucks County: Family Photos

When I go to someones house I get instantly bored if there is not enough for me to look at, especially family photos. After I've looked at the ones set out in frames around the house, it is not unlikely for me to find the shelf or cabinet where the family photo albums are stored, pull them out, and sit on the floor flipping through them all. I have been in love with photographs for as long as I can remember. The magic of the instant Polaroid pictures of my elementary school years fascinated me. I got my first SLR when I was 16 after a trip to Switzerland with a 110 "Pocket Camera" proved that I had some talent.

Photography wound up being my minor in college, and is still my unspoken passion. Here are some of my personal favorites that are scattered around our house. You can reciprocate by inviting me to your next party. I will be the one standing in your kitchen with a glass of wine, enjoying the pictures of your family and friends that are taped to your refrigerator.