V-formation (The Geese Travel): Boston, MA

In late May, Dave and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. We decided to go to one of our favorite places, Boston, to celebrate. In 2007, we were THISCLOSE to moving to Boston, but found the farm instead and decided to make it our home. Needless to say, we love Boston and so enjoy each visit there!

Our hotel room

We stayed at the Inn at St. Botolph, my favorite hotel in Boston (trivia tip! Boston's original name is actually St. Botolphston, and St. Botolph is the patron saint of travelers). It has the feel of a pied-a-terre with the comfort of a luxury boutique hotel (without the price tag of either). It is located right where the South End, Back Bay and Theatre districts meet. It has a residential feel while only being steps away from some of Boston's finest attractions.

When we arrived in our room, a bottle of Prosecco awaited us to kick-off our weekend. After a quick cat-nap, we freshened-up and dressed for the American Craft Beer Festival (held at the Seaport World Trade Center, which was only a quick T-ride and walk away). I would post pictures of all the amazing craft beer I sampled, but I was honestly too busy enjoying myself. Besides, trying to take pictures while double-fisting beer, downing about 30 samples, and keeping track of beers I adored (or hated!) was a bit tough. I think my favorite of the night was the Goose Island Bourbon County Vanilla Stout (though there were many others I loved - let me know if you would like more info in the comments).

Giacomo's, via Stef's Smorgasboard

We grabbed a cab back to our "home base" and then walked to Giacomo's for some tasty Italian. The atmosphere was super-cozy, and the food unbelievably good (we split an order of garlic bread, Dave had the best Chicken Parmesan either of us have ever tasted (no lie), I had the other-worldly Pumpkin Tortellini in Fresh Sage Sauce, and we shared the Chocolate Bomb for dessert). The quick walk back to our hotel was the perfect digestif for our beer-laden, Italian-stuffed bellies.

Saturday morning, we grabbed a quick coffee at the Prudential Center, then headed down Boylston and Newbury Streets to do a little window shopping. We decided to sit-a-stay by the Lagoon in Boston Common and watch the Swan Boats pass slowly by.

  

We crossed through the park to enter the Beacon Hill neighborhood. We hopped in the (45-minute long!) line at Paramount for lunch. Dave opted for breakfast (egg, bacon and cheese on toast with homefries), while I had the apple, candied walnut and bleu cheese salad with chicken. Both were worth the wait. We walked through the history-rich district and stopped to pick out some antique artwork and prints (our anniversary tradition - we buy a piece of art each year!). I also picked up a great old Currier and Ives book of plate listings and illustrations. While there, Dave found a Dartmouth yearbook from 1939. We looked for Dave's grandfather (both Dave's dad and grand-dad went there), but the book post-dated him.

I am obsessed with boating and sailing, and Dave indulged me and took me down to the Charles River Esplanade to watch the dinghies. It made me love boats even more. We headed back towards the park, stopping at Cafe Vanille for a coffee and sweets (I couldn't choose between a chocolate eclair or a Night and Day bar - a bruleed sponge cake paired with vanilla bavarian cream and chocolate mousse), so I bought both, eating half of each (file this under This Is Why You Are Fat). We stopped to smell the new blooms on the roses in the park and laugh at Boston's pride for its sports teams (the Bruins were in the Stanley Cup finals, so all available statues donned jerseys, including the famous ducks (of Robert McCloskey fame) and George Washington).

After getting gussied-up at the hotel, we took the T down to Long Wharf to board a yacht for a sunset cruise of Boston Harbor. We met a lovely couple from London and chatted with them for a bit before witnessing sunset ceremonies of the USS Constitution (aka Old Ironsides).

Bad Blackberry photo of our view from the Top of the Hub

We walked around downtown and the harbor under the romantic glow of streetlamps, then headed back to the South End for dinner at Mela. Listen, I have had Indian cuisine all over the world, and I can honestly say this was the best I have ever tasted. Once our dishes arrived (Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Vegetable Korma - all organic), Dave and I spoke nary a word to each other. Our faces were in our plates for the rest of dinner. The waitstaff was so incredibly nice, and when I mentioned how much I loved the food, our waiter brought us a $10 gift card for our next visit. Don't worry that we are not Bostonians... we will definitely be back! Even though our bellies were full, we decided that the night sky was too clear to not take advantage of the views at the top of the Prudential Center. We journeyed up 52 stories to The Top of the Hub, where we enjoyed a Kamakazi (Dave), Gin Gimlet (me - downed in about three minutes because of how perfect it was!), a plateful of freshly baked cookies, and perfectly-perked coffee. Needless to say, we slept hard that night.

Views of the South End

Splash Fountain

Sunday morning was a bit lazy, as we strolled through the South End, grabbing a quick bite at Thornton's and making our way to Splash Fountain at Christian Science Plaza. We sometimes fantasize about buying a little apartment in Boston, so we snuck into an open house to check out the real estate scene in the city. Finally, we headed back to the car and out to Brookline for a late lunch at Zaftigs, one of America's Ten Best Delis (as rated by National Geographic). We could have built our whole meal just on the bagel chips and herbed cream cheese (complimentary with every order!), but we also shared Holly's Heavenly Salad and the Challah French Bread.

Dave and I always joke that we must look like we know what we are doing when in Boston, because we get asked for directions so much (on this trip, we were asked five times - it must be the Irish lass in me). We are now home, safe and sound at the farm - albeit fatter, but more in love than ever. It was an amazing trip, and I can't wait to head back to Beantown!

Why I Love Living on Silly Goose Farm: Reason 4

I love living on Silly Goose Farm because I get to live here with this guy:

Dave and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary on Sunday (May 29th). We had a nice dinner at the American Hotel in neighboring town Sharon Springs, and this weekend we'll be taking our first-ever anniversary trip to Boston (we almost moved to Boston until we stumbled upon the farm). I could go on and on about how wonderful Dave is, but I'll just sum it up by saying I am very very lucky that he chose me for his wife.

Our wedding at Mohonk Mountain House, May 29, 2008

Find Pleasure in Simple Things

A hammock under a tree. A basket of fresh-picked rhubarb and lilacs. These are some of the simple things that make me happy. And I'll never overlook them or take them for granted.

Today, try to find one simple thing that brings you pleasure. Cherish it, appreciate it, and send a good thought to all the people struggling to rebuild, survive, or find lost loved once in Joplin.

To donate, please visit the American Red Cross of the Greater Ozarks.

Sundays on the Sunporch: Three Berry "Pop-Tarts"

Now that spring is here and the weather is beautiful (save for all the rain we've been having), it's time to re-instate Sundays on the Sunporch. This is one of my favorite little traditions Dave and I have started for our family. Just lazing around on the sunporch, testing out a new breakfast/brunch recipe with a full pot of French Press, and enjoying each other's company.

Yesterday, Edith and I tried our hands at homemade three berry "Pop-Tarts." I think deep-down we all secretly love Pop-Tarts (or the childhood nostalgia that surrounds them). This recipe provides a glimpse into the classic shelf-stable breakfast food but elevates it to something you can actually feel good about eating. If you prefer, you can make a simple milk glaze (two parts confectioners sugar to one part milk - whisk until smooth) to drizzle on top of the pastries once cooled slightly, but I like them straight-up.

My little helper, Edie. She brushed the egg wash on the dough and

 assisted with mixing. And yes, she also likes to wear a sand pail as a hat

********************
Three Berry "Pop-Tarts"
Makes 6 servings

For the Dough*
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt (preferrably sea salt)
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) plus 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes
1/4 cup ice water
1 egg
1 tablespoon cream or milk
Raw/Demerara sugar

For the Filling
1 1/2 cups berries of choice (I used raspberries, blueberries and blackberries)**
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two baking sheets with parcement paper or Sil-Pat mats.

2. In a large bowl, combine dough allowances of flour, salt, and white sugar. Whisk to combine. Cut-in butter using a pastry blender or hands.

3. Add water (but not ice!) a tablespoon at a time. Add/reduce recommended about based on the point the dough just forms a ball.

4. Cover dough an refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

5. In a new bowl, mix filling ingredients together, macerating the berries slightly to release juice. Be sure flour is well-mixed with berries.

6. Once dough is chilled, remove and roll out into a large rectangle 1/4-inch thick (cut dough in half if needed and roll each half separately). Be sure the rolling pin and surface are both well-floured.

7. Using a knife or pastry wheel, cut dough into twelve rectangles.

8. Mix egg with heavy cream to form an egg wash. Brush egg wash onto the edges of all dough rectangles.

9. Spoon filling onto half of the dough rectangles. Cover with other half of dough rectangles. Push edges together with fingers, then crimp or seal with the tines of a fork.

10. Brush remaining egg wash on the top of the pastries. Sprinkle with raw sugar. Pierce the top of the pastries with a knife to make three small steam holes.

11. Place pastries on prepared baking sheets, bake for 10-15 minutes or until edges and golden brown.

Pastries can be wrapped in waxed paper, stored in a Ziploc bag or storage container, and placed in the freezer for up to three months. They can be re-heated in the oven or in the toaster (it might take two "rotations" in the toaster if frozen). I think I might also make these for a summertime dinner party with a sprig of fresh mint and homemade vanilla ice cream as a dessert! Ooo, the possibilities.

* The dough recipe is adapted from La Buena Vida.

** Do not hesitate to use frozen berries. In my opinion, it is better to pick (or buy) fresh fruit locally and freeze it (or buy bags of frozen fruit from the grocer) than to buy fresh supermarket berries grown halfway around the world. Fresh doesn't always mean better!

Sustainable Snippets

Well, I would normally say I hope you have a great weekend, but today I'm hoping you had a great weekend! Dave had some time off last week (the spring semester and graduation have ended, and today marks the beginning of summer sessions), so I put client work aside for a few days and we took a mini-staycation with the kids. We had planned to rent a place in Lake George, NY, but the weatherman predicted rain all week, so we decided to just vacation at home and take day-trips around the area. We visited two of our favorite towns in the Hudson Valley (Rhinebeck and Red Hook (we get our coffee from a great local roaster there)) and also headed East to Stockbridge, MA. The rest of the weekend was devoted to yardwork and movies and bocce. Here are a few pictures from our excursions.

We bought Edith this bucket for playing outside - she insisted on wearing it as a hat

Eric the loafer

Dave likes Kamakazis on the rocks, while I opted for a Gin Buck

Bocce! (The grass was a wee bit high)

Sunset during bocce

Our "tournament" audience

Now, on to Sustainable Snippets! Hope you enjoy your week.

Good thing I grow my own tomatoes! Seven supermarket foods to avoid

How do you do your laundry? Here are some nifty green products to try

It's official! Lemon eucalyptus oil is an effected bug repellent

Behold: The $18 lightbulb

New way to recycle bottle caps

Cool! "Old" professions that are making a comeback

All a marketing ploy? Guess so, according to this NYT article on food health benefits

How to eat fish sustainably (listen to this while cooking dinner tonight!)

Lifehacker? Interesting

Obama and agriculture farm subsidies.

Prison Food vs. School Food

HFCS - bad for your body, good for SNL skits

A very cool infographic on buying local (also, I am thinking will all the infographics popping up, people don't actually read anymore)

Those who know me know I love a good Pimm's Cup. Too bad I hate Jell-o

Again, with the British wine

Something I've been thinking a lot about is if "organic" really means better? Seems not always when it comes to eggs (check out this awesome scorecard!)

Need to recycle? There's an app for that

Young'uns in the world of food

My bud Christine is now blogging for FromScratchClub! Way to represent those urbanites and non-mommies, C

Seed Starting Products

Some seed-starting essentials to help your garden grow!

1. Eco-Friendly Gardening Gloves from Angela's Garden

2. Bronze-look watering can from Ace Hardware

3. Natural Seed Starter Kit from Plantation Products

4. Organic Sea Kelp Extract from Organics Rx

5. Organic Peat Pots

6. Jiffy Seed Starting Mix

7. Organic Fertilizer from Organics Rx

8. Landreth Heirloom Seed Collection from Beekman 1802.

Starting Seeds

 

"Big Rainbow" heirloom tomato seedlings

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout

There are many ways to garden. Some people buy plants from a nursery or garden center, which is a great option for many. I have done this in the past, primarily with annuals flowers (like pansies and petunias), tomatoes and peppers.* This year, I decided to try my hand at starting my own seeds. Here's a little how-to for those looking to do the same.

What you need:
Seeds
Growing Medium
Containers (preferrably with a clear glass or plastic cover)
Light and warmth
Water

1. Do some research and math. GASP! Did you actually think gardening required math? Remember your high school calc teacher telling you over and over again that you might actually need this information someday? Well, you don't need calculus, but you will need some simple math skills. Think about a realistic date when you will be able to plant your seedlings in your garden. Then examine the germination and maturity rates. Some plants (like rosemary) need up to three weeks to germinate; others (like tomatoes) only need about 7 days. Maturity rates are often several weeks. Work backwards from the date when you want to plant your garden (my rule of thumb is around Memorial Day weekend, when the threat of frost in the Northeast has ended). This means I need to start my seedlings (most of them) around mid-April so that I can have tomatoes come July.

2. Find the best planting solution for your situation. I have two sunporches that retain a lot of heat in the spring. Pair that with the seed starting kit I use, and it makes for great growing conditions. I selected a tray growing container that nestles into a bottom compartment to drain excess water and circulate air around the roots and includes a clear plastic cover that helps create a warm, humid environment for seedlings (which aids germination). Sounds expensive, doesn't it. Don't worry, it only cost me $8, I think. Seed starting takes space, so you will need a shelving unit or flat surface on which to place your seedling trays. You can also use basic pots and planters, but you will want to make sure they can produce humidity. Here's a trick - cover the top with plastic wrap, and remove/replace for watering. My sunporches generate a decent amount of heat, and I place my trays on the ledge near the windows (see picture below). During the day, I'll sometimes move them outside to get more light and generate more heat. Seeds love moisture/humidity to germinate, so try to encourage this environment as best possible. Other solutions include greenhouses (small, portable greenhouses are available for purchase at big-box stores and online), on a kitchen windowsill, in cold frames, or under a grow lamp.

My seedling trays

3. Plant your seeds. This is pretty straight-forward. Some seeds require different planting depths, so make sure to read the back of the seed packet for more info. My preferred method of planting is using a good, organic seed-starting mix (NOT gardening soil!). Other methods include peat/soil pellets that come dry (you just insert the seed and add water). These can typically be placed right into the ground once the seedling is ready for transplate. There are also compressed peat moss pots that require soil, but can also be directly planted in the garden when the seedling is ready. Hydroponic plantings are also popular, though I cannot speak to the effectiveness of this method, as I have never tried it. I like the black plastic seedling trays featured in the above picture, as it retains heat in the soil well (probably better than any other method). Add about an inch of soil, then your seeds (for larger plants, add one see per cell. Most other seeds (tomatoes, peppers, herbs) can be planted two to five seeds per cell). These plants can be divided once crowding becomes an issue. After seeds are added to the soil, cover with more soil (generally 1/4 - 1/2 inch) and water thoroughly. You'll need to water every day until seed germinate.

Also, be sure the seeds you are planting actually want to be seed-started in this manner. Some seeds are direct-sow, meaning you are better off planting them right into the garden. Direct-sow plants include lettuces, kale, spinach (and other leafy greens), radishes, peas, and beans. Basically, any other seeds can be started indoors. Check the back of the seed packet for more specific planting information.

4. Fertilize and Water. Once seeds have germinated, only water once the soil is dry. Too much water/moisture can cause root-rot or mold on the seedlings. The general rule of thumb for fertilization is not to do it until seedlings have developed a second set of leaves (which usually happens 3-4 weeks after germination). Look for a complete organic fertilizer that has trace compounds to ensure seedlings get all necessary nutrients. Seedlings are delicate and cannot handle a full-dose of fertilizer, so dilute the fertilizer to a half-dose with water. Seaweed or kelp extracts and fish emulsions are great for seedlings and help them mature quickly and fruitfully. Again, you will need to dilute these as to not overpower little seedlings.

5. Transplant. Some seedings might get leggy and spindly, which means they are ready to move to a bigger growing environment. Many factors contribute to transplate rates. The back of the seed packet will give you specific information on when to move seedlings to your garden. Transplant factors include the outgrowth of the planting cell or overcrowding (if you plant more than one seed per cell), and garden environment (that is, if the weather is condusive for gardening and the threat of frost is over). If the seedings have outgrown cells, but are not ready for the outdoor garden, simply move into bigger pots or cells. Be careful to maintin delicate root systems. Use small gardening tools (or old kitchen spoons and forks) to ease the seedling out of its cell.

If you garden using containers, you can plant your seeds directly in your containers, keep inside or in a greenhouse until seeds have germinated, then move the containers outside when seedling are ready. This saves a few steps!

Organic "Beefsteak" tomato seedlings and "Big Rainbow" heirloom tomato seedlings


If you have specific questions related to seed starting, please email me or leave a comment and I will try to respond as best possible. Good luck!

*If you choose to buy plants to put in containers or your garden, try to buy from a reputable source or local grower. Some studies have shown that the "great tomato blight" of 2009 was caused by a bad batch of plants from big-box gardening stores.

Why I Love Living on Silly Goose Farm: Reason 3

Vintage green juice jars, via Etsy shop ModelVintage

Clear gallon and 1/2 gallon growlers

 

I love living at Silly Goose Farm because we have amazing neighbors. Our neighbor. Mr. Dykeman, sold me about 30 gallon and half-gallon glass growlers (at 50 cents a piece!) from his barn sale this weekend, as well as about 10 of the vintage green juice jars featured above (with original caps!). These growlers are perfect for cider-making this fall. I told Mr. Dykeman I was looking to explore homebrewing, and he said he used to make gallons and gallons of beer and wine "back in the day," and offered to teach me all I needed to know and use all of his equipment (bonus! I won't have to invest much money!). He also said that a lot of the area around our house was prime hop-growing property, and I'd probably be able to grow my own hops easily. Awesome! I can't wait to experience the tutelage of Mr. Dykeman, and am so grateful we have kind and generous neighbors like him.

Sustainable Snippets

via Brabourne Farm

It has been a few weeks since I posted some Sustainable Snippets, so this week's version is super-sized! Also, I have noticed that this is becoming a repository for foodie articles, as well, so I hope you don't mind the addition of more food- and cooking-related articles. Here goes:

Man, I wish we had this when I was in college.

Well, I guess it's a step in some-sort of right direction (also, I don't think I've ever eaten at a KFC before in my life).

Finally, a comprehensive article on what I've been preaching for years!

Oh, Facebook (Dave had friends that have worked, at one time or another, at Google and I hear there are similar perks)

Could you do 100 days of real food?

Huh. I always thought wine and English were European oxy-morons. Throw Royal in there, and it's all cool.

And besides the above, I always knew I was a kindred spirit with the Royal Family. Polo anyone?

An intruiging look at calls for GMO/non-organic food.

10 things to never, ever say at the Farmers Market!

You probably know this, but here are 5 ways to eat locally.

Ooh, if only I had an extra $35,000 to blow (ps - I also studied Political Science in college!)

A handy guide for summer composting.

Hope you all have a great weekend! Any plans? Dave (a college professor) is tied-up with commencement ceremonies today, so the kids and I are gearing up to go for a walk up the road to check out our neighbor's alpaca farm, then I have a busy day of cleaning/organizing the attic and basement. Fun. My AMAZING friend Kelly is moving to NYC at the end of the month (sad face) and her going-away party is Sunday. I'm going to miss that girl, but thankfully she is only a quick train-ride away!

(More) Buds and Blooms

A few more pictures from around the farm. Enjoy!

Buds of the crab apple tree

If all goes according to plans, the house will be getting a

paint job this summer (think cream, green and purple!)

A lot of the shrubs and plants around the house need some serious trimming

Pear tree blossoms in the background. This outbuilding collapsed from heavy winter snows.

We'll be building a pergola in it's place (and hopefully a big fire pit!)

Pretty pale pink apple blossoms (this tree produces MacIntosh)

Black cap canes (can't wait to make jam!)

This HUMONGOUS daylily clump is so weird - it sits in the middle of

the lower lawn, and I have no idea what to do with it 

White lilacs that line the driveway

Sweet Lily of the Valley near the driveway and bay window of the dining room

Our neighbor Lorraine's house. She lives on the other side of the orchard/cow pasture.

She keeps a garden on our property and leaves scraps on her kitchen porch for our cats

John and Doris live right across the street. Their house and our house were built

by the same family (the Gaige brothers), but their house is much older

Doris' vegetable garden

I love the picket fence and tulips! In the late summer, holly hocks bloom around the fence

John and Doris' barn was recently built by a team of Amish craftsmen, and it looks amazing!

Their old barn collapsed in 2010 after a very heavy snowfall (we received 70 inches of snows in 3 days!)

I can't wait to update the barn - new windows, partial new roof, new doors and new paint.

With luck (that is, with whatever free-time my dad had), we will place a cupola on the peak

The colors of the farm are so beautiful and picturesque that

sometimes I can't believe this is actually my life!