Inspired by Monet at the New York Botanical Garden

A good friend of mine Christine shared this beautiful video collage of flowers and classical music with me. Thanks Christine, I agree, it is "SPECTACULAR"!

Going in line with this video, I wanted to share my recent floral inspiration after visiting the Monet Exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden. I love New York for its surprises -- who would have thought that right in the middle of the concrete jungle of the Bronx is one of the most glorious nature preserves. As you walk through the gates into the 250 acres of preserved landscape you are taken by the tall Pines, Oaks, Maples, Evergreens, Spruces, and exotic breeds of trees that have been gifted to the NYBG. Visit the Azalea Garden in the spring or the Rockefeller Rose Garden, or the Conifer Arboretum.

The Monet Exhibit is a recreation of the painter's gardens from his home in Giverny. It is a mix of vibrant colors and aromas that inspired the French Impressionist to create his masterpieces such as The Waterlily Pond, Le Jardin aux iris, Giverny, or Red Poppies.    



"My Most Beautiful Work of Art is My Garden."
                                        --Claude Monet

CREATIVITY UNLEASHED in the BERKSHIRES

Other than basking in the sun at Tanglewood on a Sunday afternoon, we also got to visit two places we really wanted to go to in the Berkshires. I absolutely have to share my enthusiasm for The Mount, Edith Wharton's Estate and the Norman Rockwell Museum. If you visit the Berkshires you have to make time for these two extraordinary places full of beauty and artistic expression.

Freedom from Want (1943) 1 of the Four Freedoms

We started at The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, where just the ride out there is worth it, let alone the largest collection of Rockwell paintings inside.

The Problem We All Live With (1963)

As a former print reporter, I appreciate Rockwell's paintings as social commentary for the era he lived in, that speak so eloquently, through imagery, of our America. He so wonderfully captured what the zeitgeist of the nation was during World War II and going into the 70s. He not only chose powerful scenes to capture, such as, The Problem We All Live With (1963) to The Four Freedoms (1943), and The Golden Rule (1961),

The Golden Rule (1961) Also found in the
United Nations Building as a mosaic on the 3rd floor

but the way he painted the people's expressions in his art was as if you could see their thoughts, or at least imagine your own — ones that transcend time. The museum's free guided tours are so informative and descriptive of the collection and the artist — the guide we had was wonderful. I very much enjoyed learning about the story behind the Four Freedoms, and how Rockwell painted those after being inspired from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's State of the Union Address in 1941, and how they were published in The Saturday Evening Post to rally the country during war.

May we be rocking away in these when we're old & gray.

After we left The Norman Rockwell Museum we drove to Main Street in Stockbridge to do some window shopping at the country stores, and take a break on the rocking chairs at The Red Lion Inn. Main Street in Stockbridge is like a blast from the past -- you may just be stepping into the 50s, and if you go to the Red Lion Inn you may just be stepping into the 1850s. The Inn from 1773 has hosted six U.S. presidents.

Entering the Estate

 We reached the Mount, the spectacular gardens and estate of the American Author, Edith Wharton. It is one of the most beautiful walks on a pathway through the forest, lined with grand pines, ferns and mossy patches.  After learning Wharton's story as the first woman awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, first woman to receive an honorary degree from Yale, a humanitarian volunteering in World War I, a free thinker, and her classical philosophy of simplicity for home design, I fell in love with her. I happily purchased three of her books at the Mount's bookstore including The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence because I was told 100% of the proceeds goes towards the restoration of the estate. I just started reading Wharton's autobiography, A Background Glance.  After touring the estate and admiring Wharton as a human being, I have now become a member, which not only helps preserve her memory as one of America's great female authors and supports the estate, but you also receive great perks like free visits throughout the year, invitations to special events and a discount to the bookstore. 

Dining Room

Foyer

Enjoying lunch & wine on the terrace overlooking
the gardens. Live music & lectures are also
offered on the terrace. 

Charles at the fountain in the gardens

Tanglewood: 1 Year Wedding Anniversary

The Forest walking towards Edith Wharton's Estate, The Mount

I don't mean to start this beautiful celebratory piece on the macabre side, but after visiting Lenox this past weekend for our one year wedding anniversary, I now know where I want my ashes to be released (not the exact spot, but I sure do know it's in the Berkshires). You might be asking why start this blog post with the image of death, but for me it more validates that this anniversary trip returning to the place Charles and I got married only validated that we chose right, not only in life and love but yes, even in death.

We chose right to be husband and wife, we chose right to stay together for 9 years going strong, we chose right in choosing each other to complement the other, and we chose right for Lenox. Our decision to get married in the Berkshires ultimately came down to who we are individually and as a couple, our interests and values and who we want to be moving forward together in our union. The Berkshires are a splendid respite to the daily chaos, a natural setting filled with culture, arts and peace.

We started our anniversary weekend at Tanglewood. We arrived a little late, but we made up for it staying past the wee hours being the last ones to leave the grassy field. When we arrived the lawn was filled with picnic-goers enjoying the classical music from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. My God, it was something unearthly to be in this majestic heaven of greens and blues -- these bright colors from nature while listening to the most glorious music. Everyone was silent and at ease. We were amongst people taking a few moments listening to music as to quiet the mind. I was so moved by the scene I found myself in moments of tears behind my sunglasses. Tears of joy that I needed nor wanted anything other than to be right there... right then... with the man I love. It was a moment of gratitude.

This was much too planned to be our picnic. Sure is nice though

We decided to take off last minute from the city so we didn't do too much planning, yet our quick picnic was just enough. We brought a sheet for the grass with some colorful placemats for a little decor since another blog I read went in depth about what to bring for the true "Tanglewood lawn" experience. It said to bring candelabras, a floral arrangement, fine china and glassware -- and everything to be in white and pink. I think that was more for the evening lawn concerts if that happens at all any longer, and either way we didn't get it together in time for that, but I did bring two wine glasses and our wedding napkins as a memento. We stopped in town

August 27, 2011 feels like yesterday

at Nejaime's Wine Cellars for some fantastic cheeses, olives with herbes de provence, smoked duck, grapeleaves, crackers and realllly good dark chocolate with sea salt.

When the music was done we stayed on... it was too special on our grassy spot to leave just then.

Not a soul in sight but us & the squirrels.

So we read The Sunday Times and drank more wine. Even a ladybug stopped by to visit. We went into the world renowned acoustic pavilion or more widely known as the "Shed,"

and admired the sound quality as if our loud echoes were like those coming from a deep canyon. Charles made a great comparison about this great institution that was also celebrating an anniversary, its 75th. He said this is like Fenway, two great Massachusetts landmarks made with the highest quality and full of talent and history.



Wines we brought perfect for a sunny afternoon: Bogle Riesling & Nautique Esprit de Blanc

Definitely check out the New York State blend of 6% Pinot Grigio, 88% Chardonnay and 6% Riesling -- the Nautique Esprit de Blanc -- great quality, fresh & crisp, and the price is right

Last ones walking to the car at 7PM. There's a wonderful order to Tanglewood, yet in that order is freedom & respect. We easily came and went with no guards or strict rules. No one is forced to leave or sit anywhere
specific. People bring wine & beer -- yet there is no littering at all and everything was controlled & fine.

      

What a spectacular tree. The trees throughout the Berkshires
are phenomenal. Each has its own personality, with a story to bear. 

Thanks Mom! Thank you for giving us such a special first anniversary that meant so much to us. 

Lost In Central Park... What a Wonderful World

The other day I followed my puppy Gigi in Central Park and went down whatever paths she chose. It ended up being a great adventure, traveling parts of the park I had never seen before. There are some parts of Central Park where you feel like you are in a wild forest in New England. This section in particular was through the entrance on West 81st Street, take a left up the hill. You forget that there are skyscrapers outside the canopies of trees — and other than the squirrels, turtles, birds and geese around you, is a city of more than 8 million people. 


The famous architect Frederic Law Olmstead designed Central Park with Calvert Vaux, after winning a contest in 1857 to create a park in New York City that would rival those in London and Paris. There is a great website that not only gives great historical insight to Central Park, but also other attractions in New York City: http://www.aviewoncities.com/nyc/centralpark.htm


Olmstead envisioned a place where people could relax and find peace, amidst the chaos and fast city living of Manhattan. In these 843 acres of respite is a few hundred thousand trees, reservoir, pond, so many habitats of birds, insects, fish, geese, squirrels and so much more. Of course there are the modern additions like the Zoo, Alice In Wonderland Sculptures, tennis courts, water fountains and the children's carousel. For a good link on things to do in Central Park and sites to see visit the official website: http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-see/


After that day in Central Park I heard the song What A Wonderful World sung by Louis Armstrong on the radio. I know we all love that song, but I really listened to it this time, and realized it has the most beautiful lyrics making the song so uplifting and eternal. Sure the melody perfectly matches the lyrics, but when you really listen to what Louis is singing, you think, This is what life is about, the simple joys. 

These simple joys can be experienced by all people in parks, gardens, forests —NATURE. Conserve Nature and conserve our parks. Our earth is too precious to not preserve our land. Please help by holding our government accountable, and by visiting the National Parks Conservation Association to donate: https://secure.npca.org/site/Donation2f_id=1390&1390.donation=form1&s_subsrc=top_nav&JServSessionIdr004=8l4k823l4c.app331b


First read the lyrics, then play the song on the video below, and hopefully you will have a new found appreciation for the song... just like I did.

What a Wonderful World
Songwriters: George David Weiss, George Douglas and Bob Thiele

I see trees of green.... red roses too
I see em bloom.... for me and for you
And I think to myself.... What a wonderful world.


I see Skies of blue.... clouds of white
Bright blessed days... dark sacred nights
And I think to myself... What a wonderful world.


The colors of the rainbow.... so pretty... in the sky
Are also on the faces... of people.. going by
I see friends shaking hands... say'n.. how do you do
They're really say'n... I love you.


I hear babies cry.... I watch them grow
They'll learn much more... than I'll never know
And I think to myself... What a wonderful world

From Thanksgiving to Christmas: All Purpose Holiday Recipes

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. In my household it's a day of complete relaxation: eating a great homemade meal with no schedule or timeline, and doing so very comfortably with the people I love most. It's great to have big holiday get-togethers with 10 to 30 family members, but there is something so intimate, honest and loving with a small gathering whether that's two, four or six. This Thanksgiving couldn't have gone better from waking up and having a great breakfast of Manchego Cheese with Fig Spread and toasted French Baguette, while watching the Macy's Day Parade with my mom, husband and Gigi, to then prepping the food with the rest of my immediate family of cooks, my brother and grandfather -- and the five of us getting to gobble it all up on our own time savoring the moments.

(From Left) Hubby Charles, Mom Val,
Pappou Jimmy, Bro Christos & JoJo

Thanksgiving is the one holiday where there is five cooks in the kitchen all at once. Since we're a family of foodies, restaurateurs, culinary students and cooks we can never cook the same thing year after year. Somehow we always change it up a bit to see what we like, or slightly modify classics to experiment with, and basically get creative to always try improving main dishes. This year was no different.


My two plates were brussel sprouts and maple glazed carrots, while my husband was in charge of smashed potatoes. My brother stepped in for an emergency gravy, and made an apple walnut pie in advance. My pappou came with his famous stuffing and my mother stole the show with the big bad turkey.


Since Thanksgiving came and went and most of us don't want to hear one more thing about an abundant turkey dinner, I thought I would improvise some of the recipes from Thanksgiving that could be made as is, or slightly modified for a wonderful Christmas dinner.



I'll start with the recipe for the greatest golden, juicy turkey that could also be used for a Christmas Goose or Duck. Thanks to Michael Symon and his clever idea to use Cheesecloth to keep in the juices as opposed to constantly basting or using foil for a cover. I was watching The Chew on ABC and saw Symon boiling a side of broth with all the fixings in it, and then putting the cheesecloth in it to simmer for 20 minutes, once done covering the turkey with the cheesecloth (watch the link above to see exactly what we did).

Symon was right on with his herb choices, we also used a bunch of fresh oregano and thyme in the cavity of the turkey that we additionally boiled in the stock for the cheesecloth. In addition to the fresh herbs and lemon, we also stuffed the cavity of the turkey with a Mirepoix of carrots, onions and celery, while also distributing that all around the turkey in the pan, which helps create a great broth to use for making gravy and soup. Other than following the directions from the link above, I would suggest adding the left-over boiled broth that the cheesecloth was in on top of the turkey. The results are really astounding how wonderfully golden and juicy the turkey came out. Just as important as preparing the turkey is letting it rest for 30 minutes prior to cutting it.


For those who like to eat Turkey on Christmas this is a great recipe because you can switch out different herbs like using rosemary or sage, while making a different gravy and then you have a different main entree from one holiday to the next. For those who get sick of turkey after Thanksgiving (me included), try roasting duck or goose. 

Pancetta, chestnuts, golden raisins
and fresh thyme simmering before
the brussel sprouts are added.

As for side dishes, this year I created my favorite recipe for holiday brussel sprouts. Usually I like my brussel sprouts roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper -- perfectly simple and delicious -- but for Thanksgiving I wanted to add some pizazz. So I boiled the brussel sprouts in salted water for 4 minutes and then took them out. I sauteed chopped up pancetta in olive oil, then added chopped roasted chestnuts, golden raisins and fresh thyme mixing it up with the brussel sprouts. You could saute them, but since I had too many to fit in a pan I tossed everything in a roasting pan and shredded a little Manchego cheese on top. They broiled for a few minutes and got nice and crispy. 

If you want to change to a different veggie for Christmas, you could use the same recipe but with asparagus, broccolini or broccoli rabe. You could also switch out chestnuts for pecans or golden raisins for cranberries or dried cherries.


We also had sweet glazed carrots that were delicious, and smashed creamy potatoes with minced chives and scallions. Of course my all time favorite Thanksgiving dish, my pappou's stuffing. It's a bread stuffing with a little smoky bacon flavor. Very straightforward -- no nuts or meat or veggies -- but absolutely scrumptious. I haven't tasted a better stuffing yet, and it is so addictive. I don't know the recipe quite yet -- it's still pappou's secret -- but I plan on getting it sometime soon to start practicing.


Now to the wine!!! Courtesy of the big V, aka, Mommy Val, we enjoyed two wonderful bottles of Caymus Special Collection Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. It's a fantastic wine, and especially nice for Thanksgiving with its full body yet subtle fruit and rustic notes.