Saturday, October 4, 2008

Fun with Photoshop

Here's an oldie from a few years back:

Me
Bob

Bob and I

Friday, October 3, 2008

Circa 1938

This is a photo of my grandmother and my mom as a youngster. Note the coat, hat and shoes that my grandmother is wearing. But, what I like about this photo even more is the shadow of my grandfather in the image.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Dipping into the oldies . . .


So, we were driving from Inverness to Aberdeen, Scotland, when we saw a sign for the Glenlivet Distillery.  We made a sharp left and as we were winding around the pastures, in the middle of nowhere we found a telephone booth.  There must have been a need for one if there was one there but who uses it and how often?  This was a few years ago so I wonder if it is even there still?   Hmmmm . . . guess we need to make another trip to Scotland to check it out.  

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

One from the archives . . .

This is a final project from my Graphic Design 1 class.  The project was to create a 4-stamp series for the Tour de France.  It was a lot of work but also a lot of fun.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Tea time

With the weather getting cooler, it's time to switch from iced tea to hot tea.


Monday, September 29, 2008

Sunday at the Bethlehem Celtic Classic

We had a bit of rain yesterday at the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, PA.  This is standing back stage, under the tent.  We were finally evacuated by the local police and fire department.

The weather did not bother some.  Once you're wet, what difference does it make how wet you are?

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Secrets of the Chefs - DuPont Country Club, September 2008

The Secrets of the Chefs session held this month was called "Bringing the Restaurant Home."  It was held at the Brantwyn Estate at the DuPont Country Club.

The chef for this event was Rob Jester.  Rob is the Executive Chef of the Harbor House Restaurant in Chestertown, Maryland.  Rob's parents own the Harbor House.  Rob also works as a chef for the DuPont Country Club.

The first dish we had was the Harbor House Tomato and Crab Chowder.  What can I say but yum, yum, yum!  It was rich and creamy and will be something to look forward to making this fall / winter.
Next up was the "Twisted" Vegetables - a mixture of chopped zucchini, yellow squash and onion in a tempura batter, fried and served with a Soy Aioli and an Orange Ginger Dipping Sauce.  I'm not a big zucchini and squash fan but this was quite tasty and different.
The main course was Tomato Fondu Tart with seared salmon and a Corn and Citrus Salad served with a Scallion Oil.   The first picture of this dish is the one Chef Rob prepared for the demo.  The second photo of this dish is what was served to us.   

The salmon - yum, love salmon.  The corn and citrus salad was tasty and different.  Not sure I liked the tomato fondu and the tart piece.  The tart piece was a flattened piece of puff pastry.  It looked like a piece of matzo but was actually puff pastry.  The tomato fondu made the tart a bit soggy.

Dessert was Root Beer Float Creme Brulee.  I just adore creme brulee.  The root beer float portion of this dessert is root beer soda left out to go flat then spun in an ice cream maker to make a sorbet or ice.  I didn't feel it added anything to the creme brulee.  I ate it quickly to get it out of the way so I could enjoy the creme brulee as it should be enjoyed.

Chef Rob also used fine sugar for the carmelization of the creme brulee.  I was taught to use the turbinado (or raw)  sugar.  The fine sugar made a thin carmelization where the raw sugar makes a thicker carmelization.  Not sure which one I prefer.  I'll have to give it some thought as there are pluses and minuses to each. 
All in all, it was a fine presentation and meal.  I give it 4 forks.