COOKING: WONDERFULLY EASY BEEF BOURGUIGNON

Beef Bourguignonne  …say it slowly… Beef Bourguignonne, what a lovely name. It just rolls from your lips and sounds so much more adult and sophisticated than beef stew. The truth is the wine in this recipe does give it an adult vibe and an added level of taste. But when all is said and done you have an amazingly lovely beef stew on your plate. Honestly on a cold winter night is there anything more cozy, more delicious and more homey than a bowl of homemade beef stew with some crusty bread. And this recipe is one to claim as your own. A dear friend served this dish after a day of winter hiking and it was perfect. Give a try…no hiking required!

Beef Bourguignonne 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef (stewing beef/ cut into 1 inch cubes and patted dry)
• 5 pieces of bacon
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1-2 cups red wine  
• 2 onions diced
• 1lb mushrooms sliced
• Baby carrots (1/2 bag) 
• Garlic (as much as you like/ I like a lot)
• Oregano
• Fresh thyme 10 to 12 sprints

What to do

1. Preheat oven to 250
2. Cook bacon, set aside and save the drippings.
3. Pat cubed beef dry with a paper towel and place in plastic bag with some flour and pepper and shake to coat.
4. In heavy pan melt 2 tablespoons butter. Brown beef on all sides in batches if necessary. Set aside.
5. In a large pot sauté carrots and onion in bacon fat and cook for 10 minutes.
6. Add garlic, oregano and fresh thyme.
7. Add beef and bacon to pot
8. Add beef broth and wine
9. Bring all ingredients to a simmer and place a tight fitting lid on pot.
10. Place in over for 3 to 4 hours (check after the first hour and a half to see if it is to your liking. Some people like it cooked longer some shorter.)
11. While Bourguignonne is cooking saute mushrooms. Add to pot when ready to serve.

* Photo credit NYTimes

DAY TRIP: THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, BOSTON

Man oh man we are a lucky bunch! Not only do we live in and around the amazing city of Boston but this city has it all…history, food, art, parks, water and museums galore. With that said our first stop in ending boredom this year is with a day trip to one of the best museums this city (and the country) has to offer - The Museum of Science, Boston.

The museum is located on the scenic Charles River. Numerous rotating exhibits compliment the over 700 permanent ones. A wide range of areas of interest are at your fingertips to explore including human anatomy, animal science, visual illusions in art, green initiatives and so much more.  The museum does a terrific job of clustering similarly connected exhibits into a seamless interconnected blend. From the science geek to the science phobic, there is something for everyone…including even those that prefer a less interactive exhibit experience.  The Museum of Science, Boston has an IMAX Theater, planetarium and butterfly garden to keep everyone  amused. The museum additionally has a small indoor zoo which is home to over 100 animals. Hands down The Museum of Science, Boston has done a fantastic job making science and technology a fun adventure for all.

The Museum of Science, Boston: https://www.mos.org/

W * I * N * T * E * R

COOKING: GINGERBREAD BISCOTTI

These biscotti are worth making for the delicious taste but you could in theory make them for the amazing holiday smell they produce. Make a batch for yourself or to give as gifts. Biscotti are not famous for being an easy sweet treat but honestly these Gingerbread Biscotti are a wonderful winter’s day treat and worth the effort. 

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter
• 1 cups brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ½  cups mincemeat ( Trader Joes seasonally sells a great one)
• ¼  cup molasses
• 1 packages Gingerbread Mix (Yes, I'm cheating! But there are flours in the mix that are hard to get)
• ½  cup cornmeal
• ¼  cup whole wheat flour
• 2 Teaspoon baking powder
• 2 Teaspoons cinnamon

What to Do

1. Cream butter and sugar.
2. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly.
3. Add molasses and mincemeat.
4. Sift dry ingredients together and add gradually to batter.
5. Batter should be pretty thick (closer to bread dough than to cake batter).
6. Roll out into log, approximately 2 inches by 12.
7. Bake at 350 for 30 (until firm)
8. Take out of oven, cool, slice and put back in for another 20 minutes @275.
9. Ice with powdered sugar icing

* Photo credit NY Times

DAY TRIP: THE VILLAGE OF DEERFIELD

The Village of Deerfield is one of those quintessential New England towns. Visually adorable, it has a unique charm all its own. The Village additionally has a selection of attractions and offerings sure to please everyone!

For those interested in history Deerfield has a special district called Historic Deerfield. Perfectly preserved 17th century houses can be toured as well as many museums. Seasonally the homes are decorated in period décor.

Deerfield has a great selection of farm stands and adorable shops and stores. The old Deerfield Country Store  is is a must to stop and poke around in. Following Rt 5 Richard’s Candy Kitchen is filled with homemade sweets. You can watch the treats being made and sample these treasures.

The famous Yankee Candle Factory is located in Deerfield as well. Although not your typical factory. In many ways this factory store resembles more of a Disney World of candles! Toys, cook wear, home goods and even a car museum is housed within their walls.

As an added treat head to Mount Sugarloaf to check out the skiing or just the spectacular view!

For more information on all the attractions visit: 

• Historic Deerfield: https://www.historic-deerfield.org/
• The old Deerfield Country Store: https://www.olddeerfieldcountrystore.com/
• Richard’s Candy Kitchen: https://www.richardsonscandy.com/candy/
• Yankee Candle Factory: https://learning-scenter.yankeecandle.com/yankee-candle-villages/south-deerfield
• Mount Sugarloaf: https://www.mass.gov/locations/mount-sugarloaf-state-reservation

DAY TRIP: JAMAICA POND LANTERN PARADE

Re-title...NIGHT TRIP: JAMAICA POND LANTERN PARADE

What better way to adjust yourself to fall daylight savings time than with a parade! Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade  tradition has you covered. The pond is part of Boston but located just on the outer fridge of the city proper.

This unique happening is a celebration used to ring in the new night hours and is a special  after Halloween treat and an amazing image to behold.  

Envision thousands of families with small children in costumes, older adults and hipsters

alike parading around Jamaica Pond with homemade lanterns. The spectacle can be viewed for miles. It not only is beautiful to look at but also so special to be a part of. Even not being of that community you feel enveloped with a great spirit of fellowship.

The Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade began in 1984 and is still happening every fall around daylight savings. Due to popularity now a days the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade is held over two nights. 

For more information check out the link below:

Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade: http://www.spontaneouscelebrations.org/festivals-events

DAY TRIP: THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Boston Public Library is the coolest. If you are thinking what the heck is she talking about, then clearly you have never been.

The Boston Public Library is divided up into the old building and the new building. The new building is pretty darn amazing - having a massive collection of books as well as a coffee house and home to live broadcasts of local National Public Radio programs. Talk about reinvigorating a library with modern trendsetting draws. However for this post the focus will be on the older section of the library – known as the McKim Building. 

The Boston Public Library offers free daily tours of the McKim Building. Whether you take a guided tour or simply walk around on your own you are in for a treat.

A visit to this older section of the library is like stepping back in time. Starting with the exterior of the building to the grand stair case. Visitors will be treated to statues, massive murals and breathtaking “reading” rooms. Major restoration of The McKim Building was completed in the early 2000s. The long term project restored nearly 85% of the building including the beautiful atrium gardens and art treasures by Daniel Chester French and John Singer Sargent.

This a hidden gem in the heart of Boston is sure to surprise anyone with its grandeur and it is a free adventure. 

Boston Public Library: https://www.bpl.org/

COOKING: THE ALL TIME BEST RICE PUDDING

If you want to talk about a nice homey feeling, a comfort food beyond comfort food than rice pudding is it. You either hate it or love it, but if you love it, you really love it. And if you love it this recipe is the one for you. My mother-in-law somehow got the owner at her local (everyone in town goes to) diner to give up the recipe! 

We all now can benefit!

Ingredients

• 1 Cup rice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 Gallon milk
• 2 Whole eggs
• 1 Egg white
• Pinch of salt
• Vanilla

What to Do

1. Mix all ingredients together (beat eggs together then add to pot)
2. Bring to boil
3. Lower heat to med/low
4. Let simmer for 2+ hours – stirring occasionally 

Once cooled sprinkle with cinnamon and serve! 

Yum yum.

DAY TRIP: STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

I am a sucker for history and always have been. Much to my family’s irritation I will drag them (kicking and screaming if need be) to any type of historical anything. However a historical village is one such outing that everyone seems to enjoy. Sturbridge Village is one of the best historical villages around, or as Sturbridge Village says "outdoor living history museum". Call it what you will Sturbridge Village is a great way to introduce or keep your family excited about our past.

Old Sturbridge Village is set in a rural New England town between the years 1790 to 1840. It is the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast and has more than 40 original

buildings to explore. Visitors will have an opportunity to explore a school house, homes, stores, trade shops, a working farm and three water-powered mills. All of which can be toured with a costumed historian speaking about the tools and ways of the early settlers. Additionally Sturbridge Village has over 200 acres which are home to numerous grazing farm animals and trails.

Old Sturbridge Village is truly a hands on museum. Guests are encouraged to take part in demonstrations and try their hands at numerous crafts and trades. At various times throughout the year there will be storytelling, plays, concerts and art shows. Additionally there are plenty of opportunities to sample foods from this special time period - always a favorite with my family. Check the below link to find the calendar of happenings!

Sturbridge Village: https://www.osv.org/visit/

CRAFT: PAPER BAG FACES!

Going hand in hand with the visit to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a fun art project that even adults like to take part in - Face bags!

Face bags are so much fun and can be created for parties, decorations for Halloween or just because. 

Simply grab: 

• a paper bag

• some scissors

• a glue stick 

• a couple magazines. 

Next cut out as many larger sized facial images as you can (eyes, noses, mouths, ears and the like).  Now the fun part; create a face using your cut out facial images and clue them on to your paper bag. 

Upside down bags can be used as puppets…right side up can be used as party favor bags or decorations.

DAY TRIP: ERIC CARLE MUSEUM OF PICTURE BOOK ART

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is such a special and unique museum. Achieving just the right balance in its size and interest level that both small people as well as big people will be enthralled. 

Located in Amherst Mass, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art honors the picture

book and picture book illustrators from around the world. The permanent collection has over 7,000 illustrations with exceptional rotating collections changing regularly. 

Although the museum has three art galleries full of amazing illustrations, the museum is not just a show case for picture book illustrations. In addition to the art The Eric Carle Museum also is a hands on experience with an open art studio, a theater, two libraries, and numerous revolving educational programs for families and schoolchildren. 

The museum's name sake along with his wife Barbara set out to create a museum to allow

visitors to see the cultural, historical and artistic significance of picture books and their art form. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art succeeds on all counts! I would urge you to make the trip! 

The Eric Carle Museum: https://www.carlemuseum.org/