My Latest Obsession

I've never been a big milk drinker.
It was only present for oreo and donut dips,
and large bowls of cereal. never ever to drink.
ew.

However, whilst at the farmers market
I purchased 4 cider donuts...and nothing
compliments them more than milk..
so I made my way back to the milk stand
and contemplated for awhile.

In the end I had faith in the independent dairy
and bought a quart of whole milk
(with cream on top)
I have since become addicted to the milk
from Milk Thistle Farm.

I had no idea that milk could be so enjoyable,
but I suppose that when you stay away from
mass produced farms that stuff their cows full
of BGH and hormones-then it actually has
the possibility of tasting like it is supposed to.

I meandered to their website and was
pleased to see photos of little kids playing
on the farm, as well as the cows enjoying some
live music in the barn. They seem like happy cows
and that makes me happy.
















Another 2 wonderful things about this milk
1.) you are buying from a small local dairy.
that keeps everyone happy and healthy.

2.)the milk comes in a glass bottle,
which saves plastic and looks pretty!

check out their website, and if you can
try to buy some milk from your local dairy!

Oh Dear.

I've been neglecting my captains log..
Well, it happens from time to time
and lately I have been busier than usual.

First I am going to post some photos
from our trip to Indiana.

This was taken at the wedding we attended.
I love this picture. I clearly had the most
handsome date there.














This is a rare gem of a photo.
I am somewhat afraid of horses-
they are large and I'm a dog whisperer
not a horse whisperer-so I just don't get them.
But this is Herman and he let me sit on him,
and I was grateful that he also liked to stand still.
















This last picture I like because of all the greenery
and I love those weird bean chute things that grow
on these trees. I had to have one and break it open.




















During the trip I also swam in a lake
(another thing I rarely do)
threw up on a roller coaster, sat in
a hot tub and saw more stars than usual,
held 2 bunnies, and ate delicious food.

In more recent news, the NJ trip with Serg
was a success! I think he totally loved
south jersey and was quite comfy.
Though he did manage to give warning bites
to almost everyone in my family....haha
Here are some shots of him-
he's my handsome little man!!


Hanging out on the deck














Sleeping on the deck like a little angel











He is just so sweet.















I can't wait to bring him home.
















And what would a jersey dog montage be without..
big big mees!!!
prettiest lady ever.
















I also have a new project I am working on,
once I get things straight I will post more about it.

Oh My Goodness

I get to bring Sergio
on a trip to New Jersey!!

If the bf can get off from work
our happy little family will head
down to south jersey for a few days.

I cannot wait to let him run
around in the backyard.
and I know that Mees will just love him!

well, as long as he doesn't try to hump her
she hates that. understandably.

I'm also looking forward to seeing everyone
at my friend Paul's karaoke birthday spectacular.
I don't know what I will sing yet.
I'll have to think on that.

Recipes Recipes.

My love affair with
food magazines continues.

I picked up the latest
Food & Wine, which is their
30th anniversary issue, and
packed with excellent recipes.

I also picked up an amazing
recipe @ the greenmarket last week.

Last Thursday I cooked dinner for
the bf and made both of these,
and they turned out quite well
if I do say so myself.

Sauteed Corn, Zucchini and String Beans
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped scallions or spring garlic
1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic
2 cups corn (about 4 ears)
2 medium zucchini grated into 2" strips
1/2 lb. string beans trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 cup cheese- queso fresco. (optional)

Heat oil in heavy skillet over medium heat until hot
but not smoking
*Add scallions or garlic and cook until softened -about 3min.
*Add garlic, stirring for about 1 min
*Add string beans, corn , zucchini, cayenne, cumin, salt & pepper,
cook until beans and zucchini are tender
*stir in cilantro and cheese, if using, season with salt and pepper.


I didn't grate the zucchini or add the cheese,
this recipe is so great because you have
a lot of options with it, and it is super easy.


Pretzel Crusted Chicken

1/2 lb hard pretzels, crushed
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup whole grain mustard
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1/4 cup water
3 tbsp red wine vinegarr
salt and ground pepper
6 Large skinless boneless chicken breasts

Preheat the oven to 400.
In a food processor, pulse the pretzels
until coarsely ground.
Transfer to a large shallow bowl.
*Wipe out the processor
add the mustards, oil, water, and vinegar and blend.
Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
*Pour half of the dressing into a large bowl.
Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat.
Dredge the chicken in the pretzel crumbs;
transfer to a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
*Bake chicken in the upper third of the oven for
20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
*Serve with remaining mustard dressing.


Hope you enjoy these!!

Greenmarket

Well I'm back from Indiana,
but all the photos are on
the bf's camera. So I will be saving
that post for next time.

I woke up super early...well 8ish...
to get ready and go walk Mr. Serg.
(we had a lovely walk)
Then I jumped on the L to Union Sq
where I found a small slice of heaven.

The Greenmarket has been
doing their thing since 1976.
Organizing open air markets
that feature local farmers,
small and large.

My first visit was so overwhelming
that I failed to take down the names
of the farm booths that I visited.
(Though I did buy a small jar of
rasberry jam from Berkshire Berries)

Each tent has their own
unique selection and prices.
My gigantor cucumber was $.50!!
excellent.

You can also buy eggs, milk,
cheese, meat, fish and flowers.
Very diverse and everything is natural.


This is a photo of my purchases.
Not pictured is the cup of mint iced tea
that I enjoyed whilst I did my shopping,
and the rasberry jam.
















I left with:
1 loaf of 7 Grain bread
1 container of blackberries
1 container of strawberries
3 nectarines
2 tomatoes
1 jumbo cucumber
1 handful of haricot verts
A few fingerling potatoes
2 handfuls of green beans
1 green pepper
1 squash
1 zucchini ball
1/2 dozen eggs
1 container of fresh spinach pasta
(rasberry jam)
(mint iced tea)
and these two herb plants
*Cilantro and Basil














all of that for a little less than $40
the priciest items being the eggs, pasta
and berries.

I highly recommend getting to a Greenmarket
or even just a small produce shack on the side
of the road, and put your money back into the local farms!