Category: Tips & How To…

Get Your Fresh, Local Strawberries While They Last

We heard the first warnings that strawberry season may be short this year from Barbara Hamilton of Hamiliton Orchards last Friday at the Copley Square Farmers' Market.

We were telling her how much we've been enjoying this year's crop of super sweet, juicy berries when she said that with the heat, hers may be gone soon. (But, her blueberries are almost ready and a few may show up this week.)

As you can see from the photo, these strawberries are totally ripe and very delicate. Penny carefully carried this container home because she wanted to photograph these plump, rosy jewels in their wooden cradle.

But, most of the time, we tuck our own covered containers into our market backpacks to protect delicate items like berries, ripe tomatoes, or delicate pastries. We pick out the container of berries we want and dump them into a sturdy, sealed bowl for the trip home.

We're also coming to the last week of the Mass Farmers' Market Association Strawberry Festival fund raising event. Choose a special strawberry dessert from a participating restaurant and they will donate to the group that helps our farmers and farmers' markets.

And, speaking of farms, here's a link to find the MassGrown map where you can search for places to pick your own berries.

Related Posts: Here are our Local Food & Farmers' Market Posts

What's on your Summer Food shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site! Here are the containers we use for berry transport. Perfect to keep in your market cooler or tote bag.

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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.

June 26, 2012
A Perfect Gift for a Pal on Crutches

A few years ago, a good friend and neighbor took a bad fall and we learned a lot about helping someone with a foot, ankle, knee, or hip injury, or recovering from surgery. One of the best items we found for her was a three pocket waiter's apron.

If you, a family member, or friend is on a walker, crutches, or about to be, click over and buy one of these as a get well, heal fast gift. Tie the apron around your waist and you can, for example, carry a travel mug of coffee and a sandwich back to your chair from the kitchen. Think about trying to do that on crutches.

Everyone we've presented with an apron has mentioned keeping a phone in one of the pockets. And, the most recent neighbor to receive one told us that she had been wearing jackets and vests to hold things while she used her crutches, and now it's too warm for that!

Backpacks are great when you're out and about. But, if you're up to wearing the apron in public, you can tuck your wallet, phone, or shopping list in the front where it's easier for you to access.

Here's the apron we give to friends who are about to spend awhile on crutches– a 3-Pocket Waiter's Apron. It seems to happen so often, that we keep a supply of aprons on hand. Tie it on and you can, for example, carry a travel mug of coffee and a sandwich back to your chair from the kitchen.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: istockphoto.com

June 21, 2012
Our Collection of 7 Cooling Tips for Hot Days!

With years of posts behind us, we sometimes forget how many tips we have for something like a heat wave. Here's what you need to know for the temperatures they're forecasting for the next few days.

Bonus tip: go find a cool place to sit and relax like a dock along the Charles!

Cool Summer Sips – A couple of cool drink ideas to welcome summer to Boston

Someplace Cool to Walk… If you still want to get some exercise, we have some air-conditioned paths to follow.

Surviving a Heat Wave – What You Need to Know – Tips from everyone from the city to the CDC.

Cool Food for a Hot Day - One of our favorite hot day suppers

Miss lilibeth and Gisselle are Issuing a Hot Car Alert – Be sure to protect your pets inside and out!

Poached Chicken Becomes Curried Chicken Salad – Another cool supper and you can make it with take-out chicken too!

Maggie says, “Drink Up!” – Tips on giving your dog a drink when you're out and about.

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

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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.

June 19, 2012
Cover Up: Keep It Simple in the Kitchen

My history with chef jackets began as a joke gift from Ed, many years ago. He gave me a black jacket with "Chef Penny" and "Cherubino Cafe" enbroidered on it. It was a joke that turned into a time and money saver. I quickly learned that wearing it prevented stains and spatters on my clothes.

My jacket hangs at the entry to the kitchen, ready to grab on the way in.

This design of a long sleeve, double-breasted, heavy, cotton coat for food preparation has evolved over the years. Here's a bit of history of the chef's uniform.

Today, you'll see jackets on many people, like me, who are home cooks but who enjoy going along with a bit of practical fun. With grilling season approaching, you might order one for your favorite grill master.

Aprons are great and a help at protecting your clothes but they cover less than a jacket. And, those long sleeves have saved me from oven rack burns more than once.

If you add a baseball cap when your're cooking a food with a lot of spatter, the brim will protect your eyes and glasses (if you wear them).

As you can see in the photo, my jacket has had dozens of washings and is still in everyday use. I even have an older version packed in our traveling kitchen bag. What? You don't have a travel kitchen? We'll have to tell you about that item before the summer rental season begins.

Related Posts:

Use Your Lid: Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

Cabbage & Kielbasa Stir-Fry: Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

Guacamole, Hand Made: Keep It Simple in the Kitchen

And, here's a link to all our Tips & How To posts

What's on your kitchen shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Chef Works Basic Chef Coat

Chef Works Striped Bib Apron

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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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

May 17, 2012
Love My Cheese Harp!

There are two kinds of cheese harps. This term is used for the wire cutter that cheese makers use to cut the curdled milk into the cubes that will separate from the whey and one day become cheese. It's also used for a handheld wire cutter that is the perfect way to cut open and enjoy pieces of a fully-ripe, soft cheese, like this Brebirousse Argental Petit.

I was trying to balance the harp on top of the cheese for a photo, but it works so well it began a gentle journey through the cheese.

I bought mine from a favorite cheesemonger, but I did find this wire cheese harp on Amazon that looks just like mine.

Here's more about that lovely piece of perfectly ripe cheese that we were slicing open.

And, here are more of our posts about cheese.

What's on your cheese serving shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

May 8, 2012
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2012

Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2012 Boston Marathon, or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city.

UPDATE: Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Exiting the Mass Ave Tunnel – Less Than a Mile to Go!

I remember my first Boston Marathon– as a spectator, I've yet to put in the training needed to actually compete. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.

As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.

Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.

Charles River Run

If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on, but who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.

From Back Bay you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth and Arlington Streets. If you head West from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.

Almost There! It's a Great Feeling!

Parks in the Heart of the City

For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall– not a shopping center, but a park that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.

Inside tip: Localisms-

Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
And, it's Boston Common – singular, not Boston Commons

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2012

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2012

What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2012

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Here are some Photos from past Boston Marathons

The View from Hereford Street

Marathon Kisses

Just Hangin on Hereford Street

Other Resources:
Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.

Details:
Writer: Ed Cherubino
Photos: From the 2008 Boston Marathon © Penny Cherubino

April 12, 2012
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2012

UPDATE: Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2016

Here's how to track a friend or any runner competing in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16, 2012.

Whether you're following a leader, or a happy middle-of-the-pack pal, the computer chips worn by the runners will allow you follow their progress.

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website explains:

The B.A.A. will post split times to its website during the race. This feature, complete with search access directions, will not show up on their official site until race day.

To learn how to Track a Boston Marathon Runner, Click Here then select, “Q: How can family members at home track me in the Boston Marathon?”

Mobile Phone Alert System

The Boston Athletic Association also has set up the "AT&T Athlete Alert Program." It allows you to receive updates on a runner’s progress. Here’s how to sign-up!

Where are the Leaders & Crowd Favorites?

For a rough idea of where the race leaders are, in relation to your viewing position, watch the sky for the helicopters that hover above them.

For favorites (like two-time Boston champion Joan Benoit Samuelson in the 2011 photo above) you must rely on the roar of the crowd as they approach. Or, you can track your favorite by using the mobile alert system.

Related Posts: A collection of tips for Marathon weekends

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2012

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2012

Work Out on a Public Parcouse along the Charles River

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2012

Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot at the Boston Marathon? Do you need a new camera for the race? Begin your shopping by Click righ here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Transcend SDHC Flash Memory Cards and our favorite cameras the Canon G12 Digital Camera and the Nikon D300s & NIKKOR 18-200mm Lens.

***

Details:
Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Website
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

March 19, 2012
Flavor Your Home-Made Seltzer

Seltzer is my drink of choice and I'm a fussy drinker. Ed told you a while ago how much he loves our Soda Stream Soda Maker. He used to lug those cases of selzer for me, now I just make it with my SodaStream.

I like my seltzer very fizzy and with a touch of tart flavor. My favorite water flavor profile has always been a few dashes of Angostura Bitters and a squeeze of fresh lime. In summer I may switch to cucumber.

Lately, I've been experimenting with the ever growing selection of bitters that the cocktail culture has brought to the market. I like some of the Fee Brothers Bitters flavors, lime is my current favorite.

Update October 2015: My new favorite bitters addition is Bittermens Boston Bittahs. I'll do a new post about this bitters and the company who makes it soon, but for now, give it a try if you see it on local shelves or do as I do when I can't find it and buy it from Amazon.

Over the weekend a friend and I discussed alternative ways to add flavor without sweetness to seltzer. She put me onto a bit of pomegranate molasses or flavored tea to the glass. (Thanks Liz!)

Our conversation sent me searching for new ideas. And, I found a great blog, Former Chef with some wonderful ideas for flavored seltzers. I can't wait to try this ginger mix. Thank you, Chef Kristina! Keep those great flavors coming our way!

Tummy Tamer Soda Syrup; Orange, Mint, Ginger and Anise

Homemade Ginger Syrup and the SodaStream Soda Maker

Home Made Key Lime Syrup

(Be sure to explore the archives when you visit Former Chef, there's lots of great food information on those pages!)

Ed is a straight water guy. No flavor or bubbles needed. But, he was always willing to indulge my love of sparkle. And, I'm sure he's happy now that he only has to carry tiny bottles of bitters to keep me supplied with my favorite flavors.

Related Posts:

Cool as a Cucumber Summer Sips

How Sodastream Set Me Free!

What's on your food lover's shopping list?

Details:

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

February 29, 2012
Meadow Creek Grayson, Great Cheese from Virginia
If you like Taleggio, you'll love Meadow Creek Grayson cheese. We always want to let you know when a perfectly ripe cheese, in great condition, is available locally. This weekend, we found a beautiful bite at Whole Foods near Symphony Hall.

If only we had taken a photo of this little stinker on display in the case! It had that lovely, soft bulge that the best, runny, washed rind cheeses get at the moment when they are perfectly ripe but not over-ripe. And, yes, it is one of those stinky cheeses, but in the best possible way.

Even tasting the chilled sample offered by the cheesemonger assured us that when warm-and-runny this was going to be our "one perfect cheese" for the evening.

We ordered a small, *one-finger-width piece and scurried home with our treasure. It warmed while we made a big pot of beef stew for dinner. Would it stand up to the umami of the beef and mushrooms? Would it work with the red wine in both the stew and our glasses?

Yes! This is a potent cheese that will stand its ground with other strong flavors. It has its own umami with undertones of mushroom and what others have describes as a beefy flavor.

The texture has been called fudgy, and we agree. Our sample was in such perfect conditon that we ate every spec of the rind. While we thought it went well with our Rhone blend wine, cheesemakers Helen and Rick Feete suggest you try it with a great brown ale.

Here's more: about this great farmstead cheese and the people who make it.

Places you can find this cheese

Video/slide show about the farm

Cutting the Curd: Podcast with Meadow Creek Cheesemaker, Helen Feete

Cheese Tips:
- *We've discovered that describing the amount of cheese you would like cut for you in finger widths works well.
- Anne Saxelby's Cutting the Curd show is a great way to learn about cheese. You can subscribe via iTunes or listen directly at the Heritage Radio Network.
- Always let a great cheese warm to room temperature for fuller flavor
- Buy smaller pieces of cheese more often and always buy fresh cut when you can.
- Never wrap cheese in plastic. At home, waxed paper or cheese paper is the way to go. It's a living thing and needs to breathe.
- Here's a guide to storing cheese from Serious Eats!
Related Posts:

More about Cheese

More Tips & How To

What's on your gourmet foods shopping list? If you can't find it in your local area, 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
February 28, 2012
Guacamole, Hand Made: Keep It Simple in the Kitchen
Do you buy packaged guacamole because making it is too hard and messy?

Well, it can be– if you pull out a food processor, avocado pitter/slicer, a couple of knives, cutting board, lime juicer, herb chopper, garlic press, mixing bowl, and chip & dip set.

A small kitchen can be a blessing because you quickly learn you don't need all that stuff to whip up something fresh and delicious. To make a batch of guacamole I use a cutting board, my granite mortar & pestle, a fork for mixing, spoon for tasting, and a favorite knife. When it's ready, I bring it to the table in that beautiful hunk of granite!

Sometimes, I even short cut the shopping by picking up a "guacamole kit" at Trader Joe's.

Here's a raft of guacamole recipes.

Tips:
- If you don't like cilantro, substitute parsley. That's what I do!
- Start by grinding the garlic with some salt then add the lime juice.
- Let your lime come to room temperature or zap it in the microwave to make it juicier.
- Roll the lime with a firm hand on your cutting board before you cut it, to break up the pulp a bit.
- Use the fork to help you juice the lime.
- Next, mash in the avacados with the pestle and fork.
- Smooth or chunky style are both delicious.
- Finally, add your chopped accents of pepper, tomato, onion, and herb.
Related Posts:

Here are two more "Keep it Simple in the Kitchen Posts."

Cabbage & Kielbasa Stir-Fry: Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

Use Your Lid: Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

And click here for more Tips & How To.

What's on your efficient kitchen shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! And, did you know you can sell things there too?

Details:
Words: Penny 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
February 27, 2012