Bliss-ful

By Brianne Harrison

The weather’s gotten warmer (at last!) but my skin hasn’t quite caught up yet. I’ve still got winter-dry hands and probably will at least until mid-April. Luckily, I’ve found a great remedy in Bliss’ Lemon + Sage Body Butter Lite. Unlike most of the moisturizers I’ve tried, this soaks into the skin quickly, without leaving me with greasy hands that can’t grip the knob on the bathroom door. It moisturizes beautifully, and has a nice clean, fresh scent rather than the cloying scents of so many other moisturizers on the market today. If you need some serious skin therapy, Bliss also has a Lemon + Sage Body Butter, apparently their best-selling body product for 10 years. Try it out, and you’ll see why!

Ladies' Lunch

By Millicent K. Brody

How long has it been since you’ve attended a ladies’ luncheon? Westfield resident Lisa Bleich opened her home to more than twenty guests who participated in the planning and preparation for The Westfield Symphony House Tour, which will take place Saturday, May 16.

An array of interesting dishes were tastefully set out on the island in her kitchen. The ladies were invited to gather their tableware and help themselves to a glorious selection of tasty treats. You may want to prepare the Leek Tart for dinner with a salad.

Carol Leone’s Refreshing Raspberry Tea

Ingredients:
4 Celestial Seasoning Red Zinger Tea Bags
4 Regular Tea bags
6 Cups water
1/4 Cup sugar
2 cups juice drink: Ocean Spray White Cranberry or Strawberry
Sliced lemons for garnish

Procedure
In a large saucepan, heat water to almost boiling. Remove from stove. Add all ingredients. Steep tea bags in water until you get strong tea. Remove. Stir in sugar and juice drinks. Let cool. Serve over ice. May also be placed in glass pitcher. Garnish with lemons.


Lisa Bleich’s Pasta Salad
The recipe was originally taken from Better Homes and Gardens Prize Tested Recipe contest. I adapted some of the measurements, but the recipe was originally submitted by Mary Ann Dell.

Ingredients:
1 box medium sized pasta (shells, rotini, campanelle)
2 bunches fresh asparagus spears, bias-sliced, 1-inch pieces
4 bunches green onions thinly sliced
4 large navel, Cara Cara, and/or blood oranges
1 package feta cheese
1/3 C. fresh mint
4 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. white wine vinegar
1 tsp. salt

Procedure
Cook pasta according to package directions. Add asparagus the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain. Rinse with cold water. Drain. Transfer pasta and asparagus to large serving bowl. Add green onions, mint, and feta cheese. Using a serrated knife, remove peel and white pith from three of the oranges. Halve orange lengthwise, then slice crosswise. Add to pasta mixture.

For dressing: From remaining orange, finely shred 3 teaspoons peel. In a screw-top jar or tupperware squeeze juice from 1-2 oranges. Add orange peel, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to combine. If too dry, make more dressing. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight. Toss before serving. Makes 10-12 servings.


Lee Corcorcan’s Delicious Leek Pie

Ingredients:
6 leeks, white part chopped
1 prebaked pie crust (Try Trader Joe’s).
3 tsp. butter
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup half and half
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 lb. Gruyere cheese
1/4 lb. Parmesian cheese
salt and pepper to taste.

Procedure
Heat oven to 375 degrees
Follow directions to prepare pie crust. Melt butter in saucepan.
Sauté leaks in 2 Tbs. butter and 1 Tbs. oil. until soft. (about 10 minutes). Remove from pan. Add 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir to blend. Add cheese, half and half, salt and pepper. Blend all ingredients. Place leeks into the bottom of the pie crust. Cover with cheese and cream mixture. Bake for 30 minutes or until top is golden. Remove from oven. Allow to set for ten minutes. Slice into wedges and serve.

Paws Cause(s)

By Brianne Harrison

Almost everyone is suffering the effects of the bad economy. Tragically, non-profits and charity organizations are being hit especially hard, and animal shelters and adoption charities are being dealt a one-two punch: as they deal with budget cuts and constraints due to smaller donations coming in and shrinking endowments, many of them are also facing near-record influxes of animals as owners give them up because they can no longer afford to keep them. It’s not surprising, then, that so many shelters throughout New Jersey are having fundraisers in the coming weeks. They’re not out with a begging bowl, though—these fundraisers could be great opportunities to get out, enjoy the spring weather with your family (furry and human members!), and maybe learn something new.

If you’re after relaxation, head to the Greyhound Friends of New Jersey’s Annual Spring Picnic this Sunday, May 17, at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater. Bring your dog, have a bite to eat, and sample the wares from the vendors in attendance. All proceeds benefit the Greyhound Friends of New Jersey. The same day, Bernardsville hosts Bark Fest 2009—a dog walk and family festival. Events throughout the day include a non-competitive stroll through the pet-friendly, private Upton Pyne Estate, refreshments, shopping, games and activities for children, and an “Adoption Alley”, where you may just find a new best friend! No dog? No problem—you don’t need a canine companion to participate. For more information or to receive a BARK FEST registration form, call 973.377.7094 ext. 229. Proceeds benefit the pets at St. Hubert’s animal shelters. At the end of the month is the 8th Annual “Paws 4 a Cause” dog walk in Ocean County Park in Lakewood. Collect pledges from family and friends to support the Jersey Shore Animal Center.

If you’re in a more competitive mood, you may want to check out the Hair of the Dog 5K race and pet expo on May 17 at Silver Decoy Winery in Robbinsville. The event, presented by the Tri-state Weimaraner Rescue and Res-Q-Pets of New Jersey, starts off with a 5K race (feel free to bring your dog along!), followed by wine tastings at Silver Decoy (5K runners get the first tasting free), book signings by Animal Planet’s Good Dog U trainer Joel Silverman, adoptable pets, a K9 kissing booth, and more. To register, visit hairofthedog5k.com.

Somewhat more low-key events include yard sales at the Ocean County Animal Shelter in Jackson and SAVE, a Friend to Homeless Animals in Princeton. The Ocean County sale (to be held May 30) features “take tables”—for a $5 donation, you can choose four items from the tables. A $25 donation gets you a table at SAVE’s sale, where you can sell as many items as you have. For more information on the sale at SAVE, call 609.921.6122 .

The Perfect Present

By Millicent K. Brody

These days the media is consumed with Mother’s Day. From shopping for her favorite perfume at the counter of your favorite department store, (where no doubt, they are offering a “free” gift), to selecting a bouquet of fresh flowers from the florist on the corner, or dining at any local restaurant, everyone wants YOU to come out and spend some hard earned dollars. In addition to it being Mother’s Day, spring appears to be the most popular time to celebrate an abundance of birthdays...which also means, of course, a present.

To be sure, restaurants are very much aware of Mom’s special day. Many are offering specially prix-fixe brunches, lunches, and dinners. Should you want to fete Mom at a special place, but really can’t see your way to spend, spend, spend, might I suggest you give the restaurant a call and ask if they are offering any incentives for the occasion? Another tip: Choose to celebrate Mother’s Day during the week, and take advantage of some worthy 3 course prix-fixe luncheons or dinners, then celebrate Sunday, May 10 at home with a family barbecue.

Do remember that whatever you choose to do will make your mom smile.

But what about the gift? I say, be practical. Almost everyone loves fresh flowers. What better way to fete your mom than with several hanging baskets or flats of varied colored plants to grow in her garden?

You could also volunteer your brute strength and offer to do the difficult jobs. Maybe spread the mulch, clean the garage, wipe down the porch furniture, plant a couple of rose bushes, or fill the bird feeders. (You could also gift her with a new bird feeder).

A dear friend is celebrating her birthday on the heels of Mother’s Day. She’s a savvy lady, and one who truly appreciates her garden. I know I could easily head to any of our favorite department stores or specialty shops and present her with a beautifully wrapped gift box. However, I decided, she really doesn’t need another sweater, necklace, purse, wallet, bracelet, or gold chain. I’m heading to our local nursery and treating her to several hanging baskets. I’ll be happy knowing she’s watching her garden grow.

Spring Cleaning

By Judith Garfield

Unlike Erma Bombeck, who once said: “I’m gonna clean this dump-just as soon as the kids are grown,” I’ve been cleaning and loving it since before the kids were born.

Being a loveless cook, one would suspect I also loathe housecleaning.

Au Contraire.

I love to clean. Sparkling counter tops and lustrous floors give me great satisfaction.
The same for Mr. Clean and his magic eraser. The discovery of penicillin was a very important event in the history of medicine. Likewise, the invention of the magic eraser.

What?!! You don’t know about the magic eraser?!! Trust me, this will change your life. I’m not entirely sure how it works –something about fine sanding- I don’t like to delve too deeply into these things.

Last year, while visiting my old friend N. in Manhattan, I realized how obsessed I had become.

“So, where should we go today, she asked? Moma, The Met, The Guggenheim?”

Sitting in her apartment all I could think about was getting my hands on a magic eraser so I could clean the smudge marks off her walls. N is a fabulous writer and professor, but house cleaning is not one of her fortes.

“Let’s do some shopping,” I suggested.

“Great.” Her eyes lit up. “Saks, Bendels, Bergdorf’s?”

I interrupted: “Uh, actually I was thinking more along the lines of the grocery.”

After I had my way with the magic eraser in her bathrooms, she canceled her appointment with the contractor, and her plans to renovate. She always says I saved her twenty thousand dollars. Now she’s happy to indulge me whenever I visit. I love to clean and she loves a clean house.

As far as my house goes, well, let’s just say I discontinued my gym membership after realizing that tackling the dust, the dirt, and the dead bugs that somehow find their way inside gave me the same workout…for free.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. I enjoy the immediate gratification of spraying and wiping. Which brings me to Mrs. Meyers.

Her products are all natural, eco friendly, and come in a variety of wonderful fragrances. Her basil dishwashing soap makes my lack of a dishwasher almost enjoyable.

This week I plan to start my Spring-cleaning. Sweep the fireplaces, launder the curtains, and polish the floors. Oooohhhh!

And I haven’t even gotten to the porch.

April Showers Mean the Holidays

By Millicent K. Brody

I’m starting to stress. April showers bring Passover and Easter and millions of dishes, glasses, plates, and silverware. But in spite of all the pots, pans, and hours spent on preparation, I believe holidays are always special. I continually look forward to friends and family gathering to celebrate any occasion.

And like every year, I stress over the one significant question: Should I order out...or do it all myself? And as always, my mother comes to me from the underworld with her usual smirk, and says, “You don’t have to have anyone do for you what you can do for yourself.”

Of course, after doing the holidays, and that includes Christmas, (I love Christmas), I basically have the menus etched inside my brain, but this year I really want to do something a bit different.

Along with brisket, which I prepare with lots of carrots, mushrooms, onions, and potatoes, I decided to ask my cousin Carole for her most delicious vegetable casserole. Next, I begged Rob Russo, who, with his family, owns Girasole in Bound Brook, to share his recipe for herb roasted lamb. What’s for dessert? I’m heading to Swiss Pastry Shoppe in Scotch Plains for an array of their fabulous chocolate covered macaroons. I’ll do a fruit platter, and mix it all up with what else? Ice cream!

Herb Roasted Lamb Tenderloin
Girasole, 502 W. Union Ave. Bound Brook: 732-469-1080
Ingredients:
4 lb. New Zealand rack of lamb, trimmed and deboned
2T. Olive Oil
6 Rosemary sprigs
8 Large Thyme Sprigs
8 Large Sage sprigs
1/2 C. finely chopped shallots
2T. finely chopped garlic
3 T. Dijon mustard

Sauce:
1/3 C. dry Vermouth
2 t. Dijon mustard
1 1/3 C. reduced chicken broth
1/2 t. unsalted butter
1 1/2 T/ all purpose flour

Procedure:
Heat oven to 350 degrees

Dry loin of lamb. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Place in flameproof roasting pan and place over burner to brown.

Transfer to larger roasting pan. Add shallots, garlic and 1 T. Oil. Smear over meat. Lay herb sprigs on top of meat. Roast 1 hour


Carole Chopin’s Vegetable Casserole
Ingredients:
5 T. butter or light olive oil
1 C. chopped onions
1/2 C. chopped celery
1 1/2 C. grated carrots
2 boxes frozen, chopped, defrosted and drained broccoli
3/4 C. matzoh meal
3 eggs
1/2 C. chopped mushrooms
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
Sauté vegetables at least 10 minutes or until soft

Add beaten eggs, matzoh meal, and seasoning

Spray 9x9 square pan. Add vegetable mixture. (Add any left over vegetables lurking in the refrig).

Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes.


Tips for Holiday Food Shopping:
Shop Smart--Read the flyers; Check prices, even at the Big Box stores. For those who are simply crazed and need a helping hand, see Steve Geller, general manager at Livingston Bagel, and order a 5-course Passover Dinner, ($21.95 per person). At Culinary Creations in Hillsborough, buffet packages run from $15.95 per person to $24.95 for a full buffet. All start with garden salad, roasted leg of lamb or turkey, corresponding vegetables, and dessert. Ask for Tim Mason: 908.281.3894.

FYI:
Burrini’s Old World Market, Sussex Turnpike, Randolph: 973.895.6100.

Livingston Bagel, 37 East. Northfield Rd., Livingston: 973.994.1915

Wegmans: Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Manalapan, Mt. Laurel, Ocean, Princeton, Woodbridge

Your local Shop Rite, Kings, and Stop & Shop offer savings for Passover and Easter

Swiss Pastry Shoppe, 1711 E. 2nd St., Scotch Plains; 908.322.4751

Green in Your Glass

By Maureen C. Petrosky

No, I’m not talking about money. This week it’s simply the color of springtime that has me thinking about what to pour in my glass. Though it may be a bit premature to break out the flip-flops and tank tops, it’s definitely not too soon to start pouring warm-weather white wines.

I’ve said it before: I change my wine with my wardrobe and without even noticing it this time of year I start passing over big reds and reaching for bottles of crisp whites to sip. The greenest of all white wines is most definitely Sauvignon Blanc. At first sight you’ll notice these wines are tinged with green hues. One sniff invokes an aura of springtime, with grassy and herbaceous notes along with a squeeze of fresh bright lemons and limes.

While things are going green in the garden, it’s not quite warm enough to indulge in these acidic sips just yet. With sunshine and mild weather flirting their way into our lives, it is indeed time for something white to toast with, but it needs body and soul to soothe us out of our wintry blahs. So this week pick up a bottle of white Burgundy. Bourgogne will be on the label and Chardonnay will be in the bottle. By law whites from Burgundy are made from 100% Chardonnay, but tend to be leaner than the oakier styles of California. They have that sultry body that gingerly coats the palate, but are layered with more minerality and terroir, making for an intriguing finish. So if you’re craving something cold to sip but aren’t quite ready for the kick of Sauvignon Blanc, go for a bottle of Georges Faiveley, Bourgogne, 2005, $19 for the perfect pick to ring in spring.