Blog

  • A Stir Fry with an Eastern European Twist: Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Apple

    Once you master the technique of making a stir fry, you can take that cooking method out of Asian cuisine and apply it to another culture. 

    Kielbasa-cabbage-apple-onion-

    Kielbasa, cabbage, and apple stir-fry.

    One of my favorite cool weather stir fries is this one with cabbage, kielbasa, apple, and onion. A bit of apple cider creates a broth. Some garlic, juniper, and mustard seeds add some spice.

    Where will you take your stir fry skills? Do you toss together a dish that is basically a stir fry but is inspired by a culture other than Asian? Please, share your ideas with us.

    The pan in this photo has become the work horse of my kitchen during the past year. It just fits our cooking-for-two lifestyle. It's the All-Clad Stainless Steel 4 Quart Essential Pan with Lid. It works for stir fries, soups, and stews.

    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
    Photos: ©2013 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.

  • Sunday Dog, Wellie – “What Kind of Dog Is That?”

    DSC_8641 - Version 22013-09-26-Wellie-Scottish-Deerhound-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When out for a walk with Wellie, you have to expect the obvious question, “What kind of dog is that? Or, “Is that an Irish Wolfhound?” And, the answer is … a Scottish Deerhound, although the confusion is understandable because it’s believed that the breeds may be related.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3d044d86970c

    We first met Wellie while on walks with our Poppy when both were just puppies. I remember trying not to let my concern over their tremendous size difference, even then, trickle down the lead to Poppy. But, my uneasiness quickly faded as the two began the classic hello sniffing that only dogs can carry off.

    IMG_6870 - Version 22013-09-30-Wellie-Scottish-Deerhound-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This sighthound, originally bred to hunt deer, is often described as: gentle, docile, friendly, eager to please, with a gentle dignity. Roger Caras (in The Roger Caras Dog Book – second edition) calls the Scottish Deerhound, “an ideal companion … even-tempered, calm, and some people say polite.”

    DSC_8645 - Version 22013-09-26-Wellie-Scottish-Deerhound-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It’s as if they’ve met you, Wellie! We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

    And, remember, the answer is … Scottish Deerhound!

    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!

     Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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.

  • Sunday Dog, Wellie – “What Kind of Dog Is That?”

    DSC_8641 - Version 22013-09-26-Wellie-Scottish-Deerhound-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When out for a walk with Wellie, you have to expect the obvious question, “What kind of dog is that? Or, “Is that an Irish Wolfhound?” And, the answer is … a Scottish Deerhound, although the confusion is understandable because it’s believed that the breeds may be related.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3d044d86970c

    We first met Wellie while on walks with our Poppy when both were just puppies. I remember trying not to let my concern over their tremendous size difference, even then, trickle down the lead to Poppy. But, my uneasiness quickly faded as the two began the classic hello sniffing that only dogs can carry off.

    IMG_6870 - Version 22013-09-30-Wellie-Scottish-Deerhound-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This sighthound, originally bred to hunt deer, is often described as: gentle, docile, friendly, eager to please, with a gentle dignity. Roger Caras (in The Roger Caras Dog Book – second edition) calls the Scottish Deerhound, “an ideal companion … even-tempered, calm, and some people say polite.”

    DSC_8645 - Version 22013-09-26-Wellie-Scottish-Deerhound-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It’s as if they’ve met you, Wellie! We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

    And, remember, the answer is … Scottish Deerhound!

    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!

     Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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.

  • Sunday Dog, Wellie – “What Kind of Dog Is That?”

    DSC_8641 - Version 22013-09-26-Wellie-Scottish-Deerhound-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When out for a walk with Wellie, you have to expect the obvious question, “What kind of dog is that? Or, “Is that an Irish Wolfhound?” And, the answer is … a Scottish Deerhound, although the confusion is understandable because it’s believed that the breeds may be related.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3d044d86970c

    We first met Wellie while on walks with our Poppy when both were just puppies. I remember trying not to let my concern over their tremendous size difference, even then, trickle down the lead to Poppy. But, my uneasiness quickly faded as the two began the classic hello sniffing that only dogs can carry off.

    IMG_6870 - Version 22013-09-30-Wellie-Scottish-Deerhound-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This sighthound, originally bred to hunt deer, is often described as: gentle, docile, friendly, eager to please, with a gentle dignity. Roger Caras (in The Roger Caras Dog Book – second edition) calls the Scottish Deerhound, “an ideal companion … even-tempered, calm, and some people say polite.”

    DSC_8645 - Version 22013-09-26-Wellie-Scottish-Deerhound-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It’s as if they’ve met you, Wellie! We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

    And, remember, the answer is … Scottish Deerhound!

    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!

     Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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.

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2013 – 2014 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for, and understanding of, this season's vaccination.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that, “There are several flu vaccine options for the 2013-2014 flu season.” Besides the usual trivalent vaccine designed to protect against three different flu viruses, there’s a quadrivalent vaccine meant to protect against four different flu viruses – plus, additional choices within each group. >>More Information Here

    In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below...

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS,  Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

     And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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.

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2013 – 2014 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for, and understanding of, this season's vaccination.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that, “There are several flu vaccine options for the 2013-2014 flu season.” Besides the usual trivalent vaccine designed to protect against three different flu viruses, there’s a quadrivalent vaccine meant to protect against four different flu viruses – plus, additional choices within each group. >>More Information Here

    In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below...

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS,  Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

     And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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.

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2013 – 2014 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for, and understanding of, this season's vaccination.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that, “There are several flu vaccine options for the 2013-2014 flu season.” Besides the usual trivalent vaccine designed to protect against three different flu viruses, there’s a quadrivalent vaccine meant to protect against four different flu viruses – plus, additional choices within each group. >>More Information Here

    In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below...

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS,  Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

     And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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.

  • At The Market: Crab Apples

    PC2_0358 - Version 32013-09-20-crab-apples-chestnut-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Recently, while selecting apples from the Foppema’s Farm display, I saw “Sweet & Crunchy” on the sign for Chestnut crab apples. I gamely added a few to my bag and was pleasantly surprised by their lovely nutty flavor. 

    DSC_8635 - Version 22013-09-22-crab-apples-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A Useful Fruit

    Most people who grow crab apples as a crop use them to make jelly, but originally they may have been planted when home cooks made their own pectin. Crab apples are high in pectin and can be boiled down, strained, and canned to make a supply of pectin for the next year’s jams and jellies of all types.

    PC2_0349 - Version 22013-09-20-crab-apples-siberian-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Cider and Scrumpy

    Your favorite artisanal cider may have a dose of crab apple to achieve the right sweet/tart balance. In the British Isles, they have a cider made completely from crab apples and it’s called scrumpy. 

    My friend, Mick, who has enjoyed this drink at local pubs over there, says the best of it is made by “a guy down the road” and warned it may be very high in alcohol content. So far, I have not seen artisanal scrumpy in this country. If you know of one, please pass on the details.

    Wikipedia has an origin for the word scrumpy. “The name is believed to derive from the obsolete West Country dialect term "scrimp," meaning a small or withered apple, which also gave rise to the verb "scrump," meaning to steal fruit.”

     
    PC2_0354 - Version 22013-09-20-crab-apples-siberian-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I also bought some of the more traditional, tart crab apples – a varietal called Siberian. These had a nice bit of crisp, green apple taste but were not sour or terribly tannic. I will even buy those again. And, I can because the farmers’ markets that bring these crops my way are still open and will be for some time. 

    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
    Photos: ©2013 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.

  • At The Market: Crab Apples

    PC2_0358 - Version 32013-09-20-crab-apples-chestnut-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Recently, while selecting apples from the Foppema’s Farm display, I saw “Sweet & Crunchy” on the sign for Chestnut crab apples. I gamely added a few to my bag and was pleasantly surprised by their lovely nutty flavor. 

    DSC_8635 - Version 22013-09-22-crab-apples-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A Useful Fruit

    Most people who grow crab apples as a crop use them to make jelly, but originally they may have been planted when home cooks made their own pectin. Crab apples are high in pectin and can be boiled down, strained, and canned to make a supply of pectin for the next year’s jams and jellies of all types.

    PC2_0349 - Version 22013-09-20-crab-apples-siberian-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Cider and Scrumpy

    Your favorite artisanal cider may have a dose of crab apple to achieve the right sweet/tart balance. In the British Isles, they have a cider made completely from crab apples and it’s called scrumpy. 

    My friend, Mick, who has enjoyed this drink at local pubs over there, says the best of it is made by “a guy down the road” and warned it may be very high in alcohol content. So far, I have not seen artisanal scrumpy in this country. If you know of one, please pass on the details.

    Wikipedia has an origin for the word scrumpy. “The name is believed to derive from the obsolete West Country dialect term "scrimp," meaning a small or withered apple, which also gave rise to the verb "scrump," meaning to steal fruit.”

     
    PC2_0354 - Version 22013-09-20-crab-apples-siberian-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I also bought some of the more traditional, tart crab apples – a varietal called Siberian. These had a nice bit of crisp, green apple taste but were not sour or terribly tannic. I will even buy those again. And, I can because the farmers’ markets that bring these crops my way are still open and will be for some time. 

    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
    Photos: ©2013 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.

  • At The Market: Crab Apples

    PC2_0358 - Version 32013-09-20-crab-apples-chestnut-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Recently, while selecting apples from the Foppema’s Farm display, I saw “Sweet & Crunchy” on the sign for Chestnut crab apples. I gamely added a few to my bag and was pleasantly surprised by their lovely nutty flavor. 

    DSC_8635 - Version 22013-09-22-crab-apples-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A Useful Fruit

    Most people who grow crab apples as a crop use them to make jelly, but originally they may have been planted when home cooks made their own pectin. Crab apples are high in pectin and can be boiled down, strained, and canned to make a supply of pectin for the next year’s jams and jellies of all types.

    PC2_0349 - Version 22013-09-20-crab-apples-siberian-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Cider and Scrumpy

    Your favorite artisanal cider may have a dose of crab apple to achieve the right sweet/tart balance. In the British Isles, they have a cider made completely from crab apples and it’s called scrumpy. 

    My friend, Mick, who has enjoyed this drink at local pubs over there, says the best of it is made by “a guy down the road” and warned it may be very high in alcohol content. So far, I have not seen artisanal scrumpy in this country. If you know of one, please pass on the details.

    Wikipedia has an origin for the word scrumpy. “The name is believed to derive from the obsolete West Country dialect term "scrimp," meaning a small or withered apple, which also gave rise to the verb "scrump," meaning to steal fruit.”

     
    PC2_0354 - Version 22013-09-20-crab-apples-siberian-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I also bought some of the more traditional, tart crab apples – a varietal called Siberian. These had a nice bit of crisp, green apple taste but were not sour or terribly tannic. I will even buy those again. And, I can because the farmers’ markets that bring these crops my way are still open and will be for some time. 

    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
    Photos: ©2013 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.