Docsconz- The Blog

Dessert Blossoms

When I saw these beautiful squash blossoms last weekend at the Kilpatrick Farm stand at the Saratoga Farmers Market, I could not not buy them. Fried or baked, I have always had squash blossoms as a savory component of a meal, but this time I thought I would try something a little different. I chopped up a sweet Pennsylvania peach along with some bing cherries, mixed them with Liza Porter's fresh chevre and a little cinnamon and stuffed the delicate blossoms. I baked them at 325ºF for 15 minutes and served them. I did not add any additional sugar. They were plenty sweet (and nicely tart) for me, but if someone wanted them a little sweeter, I would think a drizzle of good honey across the top would do nicely.

Red Roses

In honor of my sweetheart on our 24th wedding anniversary. I love you!

   

 
 

White Roses

In honor of those who have fallen for our freedom, may it never be in vain.

 

 
 

 

Paccheri with Oyster Mushrooms, Pancetta, Green Garlic & Chives

I first had paccheri in a small restaurant outside of Positano, Italy on the Amalfi coast. They are large tubes of pasta that go well with nearly any chunky sauce. I recently bought some in NYC at DiPalo's. I thought they would be the perfect complement to a pasta sauce featuring the oyster mushrooms I bought from Zehr & Sons.

I started cooking the oyster mushrooms (about 12oz) dry in a non-stick wok over low heat. As they started cooking down, I raised the heat to medium and added a tablespoon of olive oil, thinly sliced green garlic from Kilpatrick Family Farm purchased at the Queensbury Farmers Market and 12 oz. of thinly sliced pancetta.  In the meantime I had been cooking the pasta in rapidly boiling, heavily salted water. I finished cooking the pasta in the wok. Once this was cooked through, I added chopped chives from my garden including the beautiful purple flowers and 8oz of freshly grated Parmiggiano-Reggiano. This was a keeper!

Spring - A Time of Renewal

Crocuses are amongst the first harbingers of spring, the very symbol of new life. This photo was taken this past Saturday, the first official day of spring. Ironically, this symbol of new life was photographed at the very lovely and peaceful Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, N.Y.. We stopped in to visit my parents while in Brooklyn for a short business related visit. 

I had never actually ventured too far beyond the entrance, but this was a perfect day to do so with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 70's. There is a lovely mix of scenery, serenity and history there. I very much recommend a visit, perhaps with a picnic packed, for this may be the most unique and beautiful cemetery in the greater New York area. Holding the highest ground in Brooklyn, wonderful views can be had of New York Harbor and Manhattan as well as surrounding areas of Brooklyn. It was also a significant location in the Battle of Brooklyn, one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War. For those who prefer to dine out, nearby are all the lovely restaurants of Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Sunset Park and Bay Ridge.

 

It is easy to simply get lost in the beauty of the place, but there are the inevitable reminders that this place is not simply a part of the past. It remains very much of the present as well.

Gladiola

Sunflowers

 

At this time of year sunflowers are everywhere in the Hamptons on Long Island. These were photographed at the Hayground Market in the Town of South Hampton. Their sunny disposition is perfect for the season.

Zinnias