Author: Ed

  • Puddle-luscious – Photo of the Week

    PMC_6664 - Version 22012-10-30-foliage-puddle-boston-backbay-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    “The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful.”

     E.E. Cummings (American poet 1894-1962)

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

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  • Holiday Mail and Package Delivery Deadlines for the Boston Area 2012

    6a00e54fc42bb88834010536382092970c-800wi

    Here's our annual roundup of holiday mail and package delivery deadline links for the 2012 holidays. Readers have been searching BostonZest for this information and reaching a post we did last year. Here's an update.

    And, since this mail carrier (photographed on Newbury Street) looks as if he needs something to do, let's get those holiday cards and packages on their way!

    Domestic Holiday Mail and Package Delivery Deadlines 2012

    United States Postal Service 2012 Mail-by Dates
    Dec. 14 – Parcel Post
    Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail
    Dec. 21 – Priority Mail
    Dec. 22 – Express Mail (The post office says, "Some Express Mail destinations may have extended service commitments.")

    Here's a link to all the Postal Service holiday deadlines including military and international mail for 2012. 

    Some of those deadlines come up as early as November 13th.

    Here's a link to find the post office nearest to you or the one with the longest hours. For example, the Postal facility next to South Station at 25 Dorchester Avenue is open 6:00 am-11:59 pm daily. 

    Remember, Amazon Prime Members get free delivery along with some free ebooks and streaming video.

    UPS 2012 Pickup and Delivery Dates

    UPS has all of its deadlines for the year-end holidays (including info on "UPS Express Critical") 

    FedEx 2012 Pickup and Delivery Dates

    FedEx has clear charts of options and will deliver on December 25th within the USA for the worst procrastinators. 

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

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  • Holiday Mail and Package Delivery Deadlines for the Boston Area 2012

    6a00e54fc42bb88834010536382092970c-800wi

    Here's our annual roundup of holiday mail and package delivery deadline links for the 2012 holidays. Readers have been searching BostonZest for this information and reaching a post we did last year. Here's an update.

    And, since this mail carrier (photographed on Newbury Street) looks as if he needs something to do, let's get those holiday cards and packages on their way!

    Domestic Holiday Mail and Package Delivery Deadlines 2012

    United States Postal Service 2012 Mail-by Dates
    Dec. 14 – Parcel Post
    Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail
    Dec. 21 – Priority Mail
    Dec. 22 – Express Mail (The post office says, "Some Express Mail destinations may have extended service commitments.")

    Here's a link to all the Postal Service holiday deadlines including military and international mail for 2012. 

    Some of those deadlines come up as early as November 13th.

    Here's a link to find the post office nearest to you or the one with the longest hours. For example, the Postal facility next to South Station at 25 Dorchester Avenue is open 6:00 am-11:59 pm daily. 

    Remember, Amazon Prime Members get free delivery along with some free ebooks and streaming video.

    UPS 2012 Pickup and Delivery Dates

    UPS has all of its deadlines for the year-end holidays (including info on "UPS Express Critical") 

    FedEx 2012 Pickup and Delivery Dates

    FedEx has clear charts of options and will deliver on December 25th within the USA for the worst procrastinators. 

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

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  • 7 Reasons to “Freeze” Your Cookies!

    DSC_9538 - Version 22012-10-26-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While I’ve always been a huge cookie fan and have devoured them in just about every form imaginable (soft, crunchy, pre-cooked, hot from the oven … ) I’m here to say, “Freeze Your Cookies!” I know, it sounds extreme but hear me out.

    DSC_9707 - Version 22012-10-27-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    First, you need a quality cookie – I prefer the giant Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Cook’s Farm and Bakery – the thicker the better with a generous amount of raisins. If you’re going to try this, don’t hold back!

    DSC_9582 - Version 22012-10-26-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    If you’re at all sceptical (I can still remember my first time), here are:

    7 Reasons to Freeze Your Cookies!

    • Won’t bend as easily when slipped into a pocket or bag.
    • Keeps the cookie fresher, longer.
    • Great on a warm, summer day or after a hard workout!
    • Slows cookie consumption rate (CCR) allowing greater enjoyment of each morsel.
    • A lower CCR may mean fewer cookies eaten at one time, stretching your cookie supply not your waistline.

    DSC_9675 - Version 22012-10-27-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    • Serving in broken, bite-sized chunks adds to convenience, especially when watching TV.
    • Anything sweet and frozen just seems to taste better.

    As is often the case with any specialized cookie eating technique, there can be some, uh … drawbacks –

    • Produces more crumbs than conventional method.

    DSC_9636 - Version 22012-10-27-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    • FOR BEST RESULTS: Warm frozen cookie in mouth before chomping (this may take 15-seconds or more).
    • ADVISORY: Check with a dental professional before consuming frozen cookies. 

     

    Related Post:

    Don’t Hurt Me! I’ll Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

     

  • 7 Reasons to “Freeze” Your Cookies!

    DSC_9538 - Version 22012-10-26-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While I’ve always been a huge cookie fan and have devoured them in just about every form imaginable (soft, crunchy, pre-cooked, hot from the oven … ) I’m here to say, “Freeze Your Cookies!” I know, it sounds extreme but hear me out.

    DSC_9707 - Version 22012-10-27-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    First, you need a quality cookie – I prefer the giant Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Cook’s Farm and Bakery – the thicker the better with a generous amount of raisins. If you’re going to try this, don’t hold back!

    DSC_9582 - Version 22012-10-26-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    If you’re at all sceptical (I can still remember my first time), here are:

    7 Reasons to Freeze Your Cookies!

    • Won’t bend as easily when slipped into a pocket or bag.
    • Keeps the cookie fresher, longer.
    • Great on a warm, summer day or after a hard workout!
    • Slows cookie consumption rate (CCR) allowing greater enjoyment of each morsel.
    • A lower CCR may mean fewer cookies eaten at one time, stretching your cookie supply not your waistline.

    DSC_9675 - Version 22012-10-27-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    • Serving in broken, bite-sized chunks adds to convenience, especially when watching TV.
    • Anything sweet and frozen just seems to taste better.

    As is often the case with any specialized cookie eating technique, there can be some, uh … drawbacks –

    • Produces more crumbs than conventional method.

    DSC_9636 - Version 22012-10-27-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-forzen-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    • FOR BEST RESULTS: Warm frozen cookie in mouth before chomping (this may take 15-seconds or more).
    • ADVISORY: Check with a dental professional before consuming frozen cookies. 

     

    Related Post:

    Don’t Hurt Me! I’ll Make Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

     

  • The Fenway Studios Door – Before and After!

    Last week, we told you we couldn't wait to see the newly restored doorway at the Fenway Studios on Ispwich Street. We are so impressed with the wonderful job by a talented team that, today, we're showing off the new-look portal on their behalf. 

    PMC_6796 - Version 22012-11-05-fenway-studios-restored-door-2012-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's the wide view of it today!
    PMC_6793 - Version 22012-11-05-fenway-studios-restored-door-2012-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The details really pop with this restoration.

    The artists who reside and work in this historic property have always done their best to preserve and honor the legacy they have inherited. The door was beautiful before, but just look at the difference now!

    Dsc_8779 - version 2 - Version 22008-10-20-fenway-studios-restored-door-2008-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's the before in a photo from 2008.

    The wood had acquired a dark stain over the years and the wonderful details of the ornamentation were less distinct.

    If you love this wonderful structure and the concept of an art community that it represents, consider joining the Friends of Fenway Studios or donating what you can to the non-profit that assists with the upkeep and protection of the building.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or, do you need one to give as a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012, 2008 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • The Fenway Studios Door – Before and After!

    Last week, we told you we couldn't wait to see the newly restored doorway at the Fenway Studios on Ispwich Street. We are so impressed with the wonderful job by a talented team that, today, we're showing off the new-look portal on their behalf. 

    PMC_6796 - Version 22012-11-05-fenway-studios-restored-door-2012-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's the wide view of it today!
    PMC_6793 - Version 22012-11-05-fenway-studios-restored-door-2012-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The details really pop with this restoration.

    The artists who reside and work in this historic property have always done their best to preserve and honor the legacy they have inherited. The door was beautiful before, but just look at the difference now!

    Dsc_8779 - version 2 - Version 22008-10-20-fenway-studios-restored-door-2008-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's the before in a photo from 2008.

    The wood had acquired a dark stain over the years and the wonderful details of the ornamentation were less distinct.

    If you love this wonderful structure and the concept of an art community that it represents, consider joining the Friends of Fenway Studios or donating what you can to the non-profit that assists with the upkeep and protection of the building.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or, do you need one to give as a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012, 2008 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • America Votes to End the Political Ads and Calls

    DSC_6517 - Version 22012-07-03-America Votes-election-day-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Next time, let’s have a referendum on how long politicians can campaign, and a way to opt-out of ads, mail, and calls! Here’s the only help I could find, Stop Political Calls from Citizens for Civil Discourse.

    By the way, this is also the last week to visit the America Votes exhibition at the Boston Public Library’s Norman B. Leventhal Map Center in Copley Square. The photo above was taken there.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • America Votes to End the Political Ads and Calls

    DSC_6517 - Version 22012-07-03-America Votes-election-day-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Next time, let’s have a referendum on how long politicians can campaign, and a way to opt-out of ads, mail, and calls! Here’s the only help I could find, Stop Political Calls from Citizens for Civil Discourse.

    By the way, this is also the last week to visit the America Votes exhibition at the Boston Public Library’s Norman B. Leventhal Map Center in Copley Square. The photo above was taken there.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Scared of Celeriac?

    IMG_5881 - Version 22012-10-09-celeriac-fresh-local-tips-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There are two types of reactions to a basket full of celeriac at farmers’ markets. You’ll see smiles from the lovers of this variety of celery that is grown for its delicious root, and curious stares from those who have never tried this ugly, hairy, warty root vegetable. 

    Describing the Taste

    One of the best descriptions of the taste of celeriac comes from Jack Staub, author of “75 Exciting Vegetables for Your Garden
    ” in a piece on NPR.org, “When peeled, celery root's creamy white flesh resembles that of a turnip and tastes like a subtle blend of celery and parsley.”

    DSC_9261 - Version 22012-10-11-celeriac-fresh-local-tips-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
     

    Stews, Soups, and Beyond

    If you think about that flavor profile, you can see how well celeriac would fit into hearty winter stews and soups. But, don’t stop there. Think of what it could add if grated with cabbage, and carrots to make a coleslaw. 

    The French have their famous slaw-like dish of céleri rémoulade. They toss matchstick julienned celeriac with a dressing of mustard, mayonnaise or crème fraîche, and the chef’s favorite seasoning. There are as many recipes as there are cooks and in France this is found in every corner shop.

    Now, imagine celeriac boiled with potatoes and turned into a wonderful mash using chicken stock instead of cream or milk as your liquid addition. 

    And, as celeriac goes from frog to prince status in your kitchen, consider giving it a starring role. Staub suggests cutting it into French-fry-like batons, boiling it until tender, draining it well, and then returning it to the hot pan with some butter, herbs, salt, and pepper. 

    Good for You & Fun Too!

    A cup of naked celeriac only contains 42 calories. It has no fat and is low in cholesterol. On the plus side, it’s high in fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and is a very good source of vitamin C and phosphorus.

    It also stores far better than its cousin celery. In root cellar condition, it can last for months. And a stock of celeriac in your freezer will allow you to add that celery undertone to many dishes on days when the celery in your crisper is past its useful life.

     

    As for the fun factor, I often wish I had a Mr. Potato Head
    kit when I have a celeriac bulb on my counter. Imagine the scary faces you could create with one of these!

    Celeriac Tips

    • When shopping, the often cited, “pick one that feels heavy for its size” works for celeriac. 
    • As you are working with it, water acidified with a good squeeze of lemon juice will keep it from turning brown. 
    • Pick young, tender celeriac to serve raw and save the older, larger ones for cooking.
    • Keep it from drying out to extend its life. Wrapping in newspapers and storing in a cool place will extend its freshness.
    • Celeriac is knobbily so cut off both ends before you try to peel it. This will help it sit safe and steady on your cutting board while you slice off the peel in strips from top to bottom with a sharp knife.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

       

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino (From her Fresh & Local newspaper column)
    Photos: ©2012 Cherubino 

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

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