Author: Ed

Raspberry Infusion from Silferleaf Farm in Concord

I fell in love with the Raspberry Infusion Sweet Vinegar from Silferleaf Farm in Concord back in the early days of Boston Organics. They used to have it as an add-on item and I ate a lot more salads when I was making my favorite raspberry vinaigrette with this important ingredient.

I have tried other raspberry vinegars but they are not loaded with rich, thick raspberry goodness the way this one is. I decided to track it down and a quick email to Jeff Barry at Boston Organics set my feet on the right trail.

A call to the farm and a conversation with farmer Tom Johnson gave me the details. If you call ahead, you can pick it up at the farm while supplies last. I happened to mention on Chowhound that I was looking forward to going to the farm to pick up some of this special vinegar and a regular poster, PinchOfSalt, wrote,

"That raspberry infusion is sooo good. My favorite way to use it is in salad dressings (with almond oil, some salt and pepper, maybe something like some thyme). However you don't have to go to the farm to buy it. I have seen it (very recently) at the Fresh Pond Whole Foods (almost wrote Bread & Circus!), by the refrigerated salad dressings."

I found it right where PinchOfSalt described but I'll still be going to the farm to pick up a large supply. This has always been a favorite gift item for me to have on hand.

The dressing I was making in the top photo was used on a salad of lovely greens dropped off by a friend and neighbor. (Thank you Margaret!) Her greens, some scallion, along with bacon, eggs, and avocado made a fabulous supper.

Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers' Market posts.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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August 11, 2014
Sunday Dog Wish: Are You Listening Politicians?

A daytrip to most Massachusetts beaches can show families with canine members that we truly are second class citizens to our state. Pay your taxes, but you can't use the facilities you pay for because some people with dogs are nasty.

Poppy is guilty with no opportunity to prove herself innocent. She sits on the seawall and wishes for sand between her toes. We can't walk on the beach because some other people have been irresponsible about cleaning up after or managing their companion animals.

We took a mid-week trip to Nantasket Beach. We looked left and right and saw the wide expanse of beach. And, at every entrance, we saw the signs telling us we were not allowed on the beach from May to October.

Here's the description of Nantasket from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

"Nantasket Beach has been a popular summer destination for city dwellers since the middle of the 19th century. The reservation encompasses 26 acres along one and a third miles of oceanfront."

One and a third miles and 26 acres and they can't set aside a section for a dog beach. I wouldn't mind if they restricted it to dogs who have their Canine Good Citizenship certificates. I wouldn't mind if you had to register yourself as a dog guardian and show a permit that you could lose for bad behavior.

Quincy Shore Reservation and Wollaston Beach is another example. Here's the DCR description.

"Open year round, dawn to dusk. Bathhouse open July to September. Quincy Shore Reservation offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Quincy Shore Drive links Wollaston Beach with Caddy memorial Park and Moswetuset Hummock. The 2.3 mile beach is popular for its jogging/bicycling trail and swimming. Caddy Park on the southern end of the beach has over 15 acres of fields and marsh as well as a play area, lookout tower and picnic tables. Moswetuset Hummock, on the beach's northern end, is a National Historic Site. Once a summer campsite of Native Americans during the 1600's, it is a mixture of woodland trails and open marshland. The site which has a short loop trail, offers views of Quincy Bay and 144-acre Squantum Marsh."

Sounds like a great place to get some exercise with your dog but dogs are forbidden access from May to October. With 2.3 miles of beach, the DCR can't find a less used section to open up to families like ours?

My recommendation is that you register to vote and tell every politician you meet that you want something for your taxes. You want dog parks, shared recreation spaces, and dog beaches at all state facilities.

Bark up the vote!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

And, here's a post about some dogs that aced that "Nosing Class."

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

August 10, 2014
Universal Hub for Local, Local, Local News

When I enter the letter U into my Chrome browser, UniversalHub.com is the top choice on my list of websites beginning with that letter. It's where I go when I want local news.

I have shortcuts to get to UH, as many fans call it, on both my iPhone and iPad. It's usually the first site I visit each morning. And, when I want to know what's going on, why traffic is stopped on Storrow Drive, or why I'm hearing non-stop sirens, I call up Adam Gaffin's @universalhub timeline on Twitter.

Mainstream Media Failure

Every night, I wind up clicking away from local newscasts because, instead of local news, they offer up international coverage or some viral video from Los Angeles. Rather than out doing their jobs, they just take the feed from the network to fill the time. If I want local news, I have to turn to sites like UH.

Support Universal Hub

As with many other sites, Universal Hub is supported by advertising, affiliate programs, and contributions.

Adam recently added a link that asks readers,

"Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) donation."

You'll find the place to click by scrolling down in the right hand sidebar. The next time you get a great, timely, local answer to your question, "What's going on right now in Boston?" click the link and drop a few coins in the UH tip jar.

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Screengrab from Universalhub.com

August 8, 2014
So Happy Bacchante and Infant Faun Returned to the BPL Courtyard

The sculpure of Bacchante and Infant Faun with its ring of sparkling, splashing water add a refreshing, lively note to the Boston Public Library Courtyard in summer.

She is one of my favorite photo subjects. Every angle offers a new challenge to capture the vivaciousness of this work of art with my camera. The architecture of the courtyard creates a perfect backdrop and, in the photo above, an arched frame.

Here is the only photo I could find of the original artwork in place in the Courtyard in 1896. (From the Boston Public Library collection.) It was on display for just two weeks in November of that year.

The original statue, given to the library by the architect Charles Follen McKim, is now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The notes on it in their collection include this information.

"After a great storm of public protest stirred by temperance unions, clergy, and other angry Bostonians against the statue's "drunken indecency," McKim withdrew the gift and then offered "Bacchante" to the Metropolitan in May 1897. The Board of Trustees enthusiastically accepted it, and the bronze was displayed for many years in the Museum's Great Hall…"

The statue on display in the BPL Courtyard today is a casting made in 1993 from a second bronze in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts.

How barren the courtyard looks in this 1927 photo. It lacks the statue, furniture, and people we find there today. (From the Boston Public Library collection.)

While Bacchante's dance upset Bostonians, Emerson College students were allowed to perform the Butterfly Dance in the courtyard in 1926.

Don't forget, this year's free Concerts in the Courtyard continue through August 29th.

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino with historic photos from the Boston Public Library Collection used under this creative commons license.

August 7, 2014
Living Stump Project to Fight Dutch Elm Disease

A few weeks ago, we took the sad photos of another Commonwealth Avenue Mall Heritage Elm being removed because of Dutch Elm Disease.

This time, when the wood was carted away, the stump remained. Instead of grinding out and removing the stump, contractors will use it and the root system that comes into contact with other trees on the block to dispense pest management treatment.

A sign has been added to the stump to explain to neighbors and visitors what is happening.

Click on the photo for a larger view of the sign.

Update 08.07.14 from Margaret Pokorny, Chair of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall Committee

"Penny, thanks for posting this. We are very encouraged by how well these treatments are going. People have seem to really appreciate my signs as well. Still looking for a sponsor to replant one of these locations in the spring."

Here's a link to more information about sponsoring a tree on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

If you'd like to learn more about Dutch Elm Disease, here is an earlier post about this devastating killer of strong, old trees.

Time to Keep Watch to Protect Our Elegant Elms

You can become part of the community of volunteers who help spot the disease in early enough stages to save some elms.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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August 5, 2014
Seagull Philosophy: “Why Steal One When You Can Steal…”

"Why steal one piece when you can steal the whole box? They even bagged it for me."

Here's how the story unfolded.

"Hmmmm! What do we have here by this deserted beach blanket?"

"Wow, I'm gonna tweet 'P-A-R-T-Y' to the gang as soon as I get this away from here!"

"Tight grip and PULL!"

"Slow work. I hope whatever's in here is worth it."

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

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August 4, 2014
Sunday Dog – Watching Natty Grow!

Sunday Dog Natty is a happy, energetic puppy who’s already 7 months old. It’s been a lot of fun watching Natty grow from that lanky little guy we first met a few months ago to looking more like the full grown Tibetan Terrier he’ll soon become.

Named after the Natty Bumppo character in author James Fenimore Cooper’s, Leatherstocking Tales, our Natty certainly looks as if he could blaze a trail with the best of them.

While we’re not exactly certain what this rascal was whispering in Poppy’s ear (sweet nothings come to mind), she does seem to be playing hard-to-get. Perhaps Natty is attracted to older women.

What we do know is that this sweet, fun-loving, pooch loves to play and is always ready for a pat or two. You are definitely irresistible, Natty. See ya soon!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

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!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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August 3, 2014
Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

When we gathered American sparkling wines for our July 4th celebration, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige was easy to find. And, sometimes that is a very good thing to say about a good wine.

You’ll find this California sparkler on many wine lists and in a wide range of retail shops. While we love exploring smaller production, less widely known wines, it’s wonderful when we look at a shelf or wine list and find a wine we know we’ll like among less interesting offerings.

This is a pinot forward mix of the traditional Champagne blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier with a dash of Pinot Gris added for distinction.

Mumm Napa says,

“If you asked winemaker Ludovic Dervin to name the quintenssential Napa Valley Sparkling wine, his answer would inevitably be Brut Prestige. Our signature cuvée, this versatile wine is sourced from more than 50 prime Napa Valley vineyards to create an infintely elegant, gorgeously balanced wine. Delicate golden peach color, tantalizing hints of melon, spice and toasty vanilla, with a crisp lingering finish. This sparkling wine has won more medals at major wine competitions than any other wine in its class.”

This is a food-friendly wine that can also step in for toasting at an event or sipping on the deck by the sea.

You can download the full detail notes from Mumm here: Download Wine notes Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Currently, the price point for this lovely sparkler hovers around $20 at retail. That makes it a fine choice for a celebration or a gift. So raise your glass of bubbles with us to celebrate a new month. And, keep Mumm Napa Brut Prestige in mind when you find yourself in search of a familar, dependable sparkler at a good price.

And, here is the latest edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine that has been posing with this month’s star wine.

Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

By the way, Friday Links will return next week. Meanwhile, here are a few of our past weekly recommendations for you to click and explore.

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!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

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August 1, 2014
Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

Furniture that is art is coming to Newbury Street for the first two weeks in August. If you have an appreciation for finely crafted woodwork, put this on your calendar.

"Sleigh Endings" Bench by A Thomas Walsh

Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition will be on display at 127-129 Newbury Street from Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014.

Dressing Table by William Thomas

You'll be treated to the work of 17 New England based craftspeople each working in their own style.

Adagio by Bradley Wolcott

QUICK FACTS:

Title: Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

Dates: Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014

Where: 127-129 Newbury Street, Boston MA 02116

Exhibit Hours: 10am to 7pm daily

Admission: Free

Opening reception: Friday August 1, 6pm to 8pm, open to the public.

Handicap access: No

Parking: Metered street parking on Newbury and adjacent streets. Garage parking on Exeter St.

Nearest T stops: Copley Square (Green line), Back Bay Station (Orange Line, MBTA Commuter Rail)

Website: http://www.furnituremasters.com/news/

View book: http://issuu.com/rhoedel/docs/2014nhfmadesignbook/0

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino with an big assist from the organizers for the great Quick Facts section
Photography: Courtesy of the exhibit Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions

July 31, 2014
Robiola di Capra Incavolata: Goat Cheese Wrapped in Cabbage

What is aging to perfection inside this intriguing cabbage wrapper? A wonderful goat cheese called Robiola di Capra Incavolata from the Italian Piedmont region.

On a recent visit to South End Formaggio, I asked the cheesemonger what was really special in the case that day and he was quick to point out a fully ripened half wheel of this beauty. Formaggio says this cheese is really special when it's ripe. In their cheese notes they say:

"As it ages, the cheese starts to mellow and through contact with the leaves, it develops an vegetal strength in its aroma and flavor. At its ripest, it oozes out through the leaves. If you're lucky enough to get one at this stage, serve it up on a sloped plate to catch all the gooey goodness."

The cabbage was no longer green and the cheese inside was runny and full flavored. We spread it on the our favorite Sardinian Parchment Crackers and savored each bite.

The label from Formaggio said it was a mixture of goat and cow, but most of what we've found about this cheese says it is goat. No matter, it is delicious and it has introduced us to a full range of Robiola cheese variations that we will now explore.

Here is a great article about this cheese from Janet Fletcher at SFGate. We are big fans of her cheese coverage. Cabbage leaf a nice cheese-wrapping resource.

And, here are other posts from our Cheese Collection!

What's on your Cheese shopping list? Here are some great books about cheese. These make wonderful gifts for a cheese lover. And, when you shop Amazon from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Top photo photo courtesy of Formaggio Kitchen.

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July 29, 2014