The Quiet Man’s Ireland, Day 1:

Posted on October 11, 2013 by oltimetv

October 12, 2013

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Happy to find the Inisfree of my cinematic dreams, including CO-han’s

The Quiet Man’s Ireland, Day 1:

 Many years ago, while living in Texas, I met a young man who had recently moved there from Ireland (from the city of Dublin, if I remember correctly).  In the course of our conversation, I mentioned that I was a big fan of the classic John Wayne film, The Quiet Man (Also staring Maureen O’Hara and directed by John Ford), which is set in Ireland.  “That is how I think of Ireland,” I said.  “Does Ireland look anything like it does in that movie?”  The man grinned and replied, “That is funny, because I had always imagined America, and Texas, just as it was shown in the John Wayne movies that I had seen, especially “The Alamo!” Needless to say, this Irish transplant’s mental images of John’s Wayne’s Texas were a distinct contrast from the reality of modern life in the sprawling city of Houston!  And my visions of an idyllic Irish green countryside were also soon crushed; as this Irishman went on to explain that the Ireland depicted in the movie did not exist.

Fast forward twenty-plus years later:  I had finally made it to Ireland to see for myself.  I tried not to get my hopes up, not wanting to set myself up for disappointment, as Dale and I left the Dublin Airport for our three-day immersion into all things Irish. Try as I might over the years, I just could not shake The Quiet Man image that had been in my head since my first viewing (Thanks to PBS.) in the 1970’s.

Happily, a vivid green Irish landscape began to reveal itself as we ventured outside of the city, and along our two and half hour drive to Cong (used as Inisfree in the movie).  In fact, the picturesque landscape unfolding before us actually surpassed the beauty that I had long pictured in my mind. The countryside DID indeed look like how John Ford had portrayed it in The Quiet Man! Already on an Irish high, and having inadvertently missed the turn to our scheduled Bed and Breakfast lodging, Dale and I suddenly found ourselves THERE! We had accidently driven straight into the small village of Cong/Inisfree, and were looking directly at Cohan’s, “Over here, we pronounce it, CO-han!”, from the movie! Dale said later, that upon seeing it, I practically jumped out of the car!  I really do not remember my initial reaction. I just remember how very happy I was to spot my first Quiet Man site. :o) We were in Inisfree!

 I must insert a disclaimer here.

  • If you are a Quiet Man movie fan, you will be able to relate to the remainder of this post, and the next, as I regale you with tales of all things from the film, with a giggly giddiness.  You will vicariously share the experience of my Inisfree Adventure via word and photos below, and in the next blog.
  • If you are not a Quiet Man fan, I cannot relate. I mean, what is not to like?  What the heck is wrong with you?  (Just kidding, sort of.) Anyway, if you are a hater, I’m afraid that you may find the remainder of this blog post, and the next, not to your liking.  Sorry.
  • If you have never had the pleasure of seeing the movie The Quiet Man, there is no better time like the present. Rent this movie today! Treat yourself to 129 minutes of pure fun! First, finish reading this (and the following post), next watch the movie, and then return to reread the Quiet Man posts, identifying with my Quiet Man trip euphoria.

Having unexpectedly and happily found ourselves in the midst of Cong/Inisfree, I could not contain myself.  A week prior, I had already scheduled a half day, more extensive Quiet Man tour that was to be for the following day via The Inisfree Experience*, but I just could not wait to begin!  After strolling the village’s streets, and visiting The Quiet Man gift shop, I determined that we would see The Quiet Man Museum that afternoon.  We would do their short walking tour, as an appetizer to the next day’s more in-depth tour.

And so it happily began….

 Our friendly tour guide showed us around Cong, pointing out Quiet Man points of interest, and concluding the tour at the museum, a re-creation of the interior of White O’ Morn/John Wayne’s house in the film. Afterwards, Dale and I continued exploring, walking around town, and eventually stopping in for a belated lunch at The Crow’s Nest on Main Street.  The seafood chowder was well worth the stop! Yum! (Later on, I read on Tripadvisor that John Wayne was often in here during the filming of Quiet Man, but I believe that he actually frequented Ryan’s.) This restaurant is currently owned by a former chef of nearby five-star Ashford Castle-Ashford Castle that is featured in the opening credits of The Quiet Man. (See my earlier post Irish Gold, Part 1 for more on the Ashford Castle.https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/irish-gold-part-1-3/)

The first, and impromptu, Quiet Man day had been a wonderful success, and the best was yet to come the next morning!

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The Reverend and Mrs. Playfair House in 2013.

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 The Reverend and Mrs. Playfair House in The Quiet Man

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The Riverbank of the big fight in 2013. 

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The riverbank where John Wayne / Shaun Thornton fights
Victor McLaglen/Squire Will Danaher in the 1951 The Quiet Man

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 Standing outside the “Dying Man’s House” 2013
Spoiler Alert: The “Dying Man” Lives!

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The “Dying Man”(Francis Ford) NOT dying at the movie’s end

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 Dale and me in front of the thatched roof Quiet Man Museum and Gift Shop in Cong.

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 The Ashford Castle 2013

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 It was not until our visit to Ireland that I was able to identify Ashford Castle as the location of The Quiet Man’s opening credits.

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* Next post- The Quiet Man’s Ireland, Part 2. Click here to read it.

To Read My Other Posts on Ireland …

Irish Gold, Part 1, click here.
Irish Gold, Part 2, click here.
Top of the Mornin’ to Ya, click here.

https://annettehoffman.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/irish-gold-part-1-3/

Thanks for reading!  :o)

Annette

*Fun Fact for ya-Steven Spielberg, a fan of The Quiet Man, used the iconic scene of John Wayne’s/Shaun Thornton’s first kiss with Maureen O’Hara /Mary Kate Danaher in his film ET. (Thanks to Back to the Future, another Spielberg film, for the “to be continued…” graphic!)

*http://www.inisfreeexperience.com

I attempt to post my blog weekly on, or around, each Monday.

To join my blog “following”, and receive “I’m Annette” via email, (Inisfree–couldn’t resist this. :o)), immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

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Irish Gold, Part 2

Posted on October 5, 2013 by oltimetv

October 5, 2013

Irish Gold, Part 2

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 Having chosen to visit Cong/Quiet Man territory, and Killarney, (Thanks to John Wayne and Bing Crosby’s influence.) in Ireland, I felt it only fair that my hubby choose one Irish destination, as well.  Ranked on most lists, as one of the top ten sights to see in Ireland, and not too far off our route, he chose The Cliffs of Moher as our next destination. It was impressive.   Referred to by some as “The Grand Canyon of Ireland”, the sharp cliffs jut up next to the water of the Atlantic, while green grass hills around the area serve as a grazing area to Irish cattle.

In one of life’s fun little surprises, as Dale and I climbed the Cliffs, we ran into a sweet honeymooning couple, Kyla and Wes, from Texas that we had met at our (Ashfield) Bed and Breakfast the morning before in Cong! We stopped to exchange pleasantries and Dale snapped our photo, before saying our good-byes.

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Happily running into Texas honeymooners, Wes and Kyla, again.  We first met them at Ashfield Bed and Breakfast!

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The Cliffs of Moher

 The beauty of the Irish landscape pulled at the amateur photographer in me at every turn, with each new site being a Kodak moment, often dotted with remnants of castles, or abbeys, from long ago, or a God-made landscape of beauty, a camera lens can never truly capture.  Not far from the Cliffs, we were presented another such moment, as a roadside beach beckoned us to pull off and again admire the scenery. Then it was on to the Killarney of Bing Crosby’s Christmas song “Christmas in Killarney”, about a three-hour road trip.

 (To hear “Christmas in Killarney” go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsoh9cUfVbc )

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 Beach area just off the road, not far from the Cliffs of Moher

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  One of the numerous abbey ruins that we saw throughout Ireland

 GPS technology is great, but at times untrustworthy.  We had found our way into the town of Killarney, but in looking for the Lake Hotel, we found ourselves staring at lodging that was, less than stellar, and that I was positive was not correct. (I later learned that Charlie Chaplin had once been a guest at The Lake Hotel that I sought.) Since I was the one who had made this reservation, my reputation as a travel diva was on the line.  (“Make a reservation wherever you want” was Dale’s comment, and he never paid a whole lot of attention to my Killarney plans after that.) My husband chuckled, thinking that I had goofed, while handing me the phone to telephone the Lake Hotel.  Yes, we were told that we were on the correct road, but were indeed two miles from our intended destination.

 Turning onto the hotel drive, my diva status was reaffirmed, as a tourist office- worthy picture came into view. A serene lake, reflecting the mountains in the background, appeared before us, complete with castle ruins, and grazing deer in the foreground.  It is here, where the Lake House Hotel rests.

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 The magical view from our Lake Hotel room deck-Killarney

 I would be amiss, if I concluded this blog here, leaving you to believe that our three-day trip to Ireland was storybook perfect. It almost was…
I have only one word to say at this point- HURLING. (* Hurling -an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic and Irish origin.) Our trip back to the Dublin Airport for our late afternoon flight should have taken about three hours.  We allowed four and a half, just to be conservative. It was not enough.

It turns out that at the same exact time that our flight was to take off, there was a major hurling event to take place at the Dublin stadium. 80,000 hurling fans were descending upon Dublin from counties Cork and Clare (both in the area of Ireland where we were driving from) to cheer on their favorite team. With most fans on the road, flags flying high for their hurling favorite, the roads were at a complete gridlock in no time.  It was at this point that my husband fancied himself as Mr. Toad of “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” fame. We ventured the back roads of Ireland, in Mario Andretti fashion, as we maneuvered throughout the countryside, only to arrive at the rental car drop- off five and one half hours later!

Thankfully, despite all our road travails, we made our flight on time, amid airport televisions all broadcasting the national hurling event. We were leaving Ireland laden with wonderful Irish memories, which truly are “Irish Gold”! :o) In honor of these memories, I share with you, my own recipe for Irish Gold below.

Thanks for reading!  :o)

Annette

Read Irish Gold, Part 1–https://imannette.net/2013/10/01/irish-gold-part-1-3/

The Quiet Man’s Ireland, Day 1

The Quiet Man’s Ireland-Day 2, or A Day Fit for a “Quiet Man Crazy”

For more information about hurling-*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurling

I attempt to post my blog weekly on Sunday, or Monday.

Next week’s post-The Quiet Man

To join my blog “following”, and receive “I’m Annette” via email, free, immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

 Irish Gold

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Ingredients

 1 (12oz.) of Miniature Ritz Peanut Butter Sandwich crackers, or plain, Ritz Crackers
1 (11 oz.) bag of Butterscotch chips/morsels

Directions

Melt chips slowly in a microwave safe bowl.

Carefully dip the crackers into the melted chips.

Set on a wire rack, or waxed paper, and let butterscotch harden.

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Irish Gold, Part 1

Posted on October 1, 2013 by oltimetv

September 30, 2013

Irish Gold, Part 1

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I loved being in Cong!

What do John Wayne and Bing Crosby have in common? True, they were both actors from the same era, but, more importantly, for me they determined where I/we would visit on our three- day trip to Ireland. The “Duke’s” classic movie “The Quiet Man” formed my vision of (Inisfree) Ireland since first seeing it in my teen years, and Crosby’s catchy rendition of “Christmas in Killarney” served to fill in the pieces of the Ireland of my imagination.

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John Wayne

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Bing Crosby

Upon landing in Dublin, and reminding Dale to drive on the left-hand side of the road, the GPS destination in our trusty rental car was set to Cong. Located in County Mayo in Western Ireland, the small Irish village of Cong, through the magic of the movies in 1951, became the fictional Inisfree for the film “The Quiet Man”. (Our Bed and Breakfast hostess explained that it is called County Mayo, rather than Mayo County, because this is the way it is translated from the Irish language.)

The two and a half hour drive presented us with an Irish countryside that confirmed the images that had long been part of my imagination. Idyllic bright green fields presented themselves at every turn, dotted with fluffy cream-colored sheep, black and white dairy cows, furry-coated cattle, and, occasionally, sleek grazing horses. Fields divided via low stone “fences” could be seen throughout the unobstructed vistas, with a mountainous backdrop in the distance. Having missed the turn to our Bed and Breakfast lodging (for the next two nights), we suddenly and accidently found ourselves in Cong/Inisfree, staring at a major movie set location! I will save all of “The Quiet Man” memories for my upcoming blog in two weeks (The first of that two-part blog post is here), but let me just say that I was more than just a little bit excited to find myself in the town where John Wayne had once been! :o )

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The Irish Countryside

When booking unseen lodging from over 3000 miles away, one always feels a bit uncertain, approaching thus lodging with optimistic trepidation. Our optimism was not unwarranted, however, and the Ashfield Bed and Breakfast, located on a peaceful Cong country road was friendly (Thank you, owner Christina!), clean, comfortable, quiet, and across from a sheep- inhabited field. :o )

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The view of sheep grazing out the window of Ashfield House Bed & Breakfast

In addition to our “Quiet Man” immersion while in Cong, we also had the pleasure of partaking in teatime at the Ashford Castle, a mere two miles down the road from our B & B. This stately hotel has been temporary residence to many world celebrities including Ronald Reagan while he was president, and actor Pierce Bronson (AKA James Bond) had his wedding reception here in 2001. The original castle was built in 1228, going through many changes and owners over time, including ownership by the Guinness family, of Guinness Brewery fame, in the 1800’s.

Teatime in the Grand Drawing Room, with views of the gardens and lake was a calmingly relaxing experience. While sitting in overstuffed chairs, we were presented the “Lord & Lady Ardilaun’s Traditional Afternoon Tea”, three tiers of “Sandwiches and Miniature Pastries with Fruit Scones” and a pot of wonderful Irish tea. One tea sandwich, in particular, caught my attention and tickled my taste buds, and in true “Annette fashion” I prevailed upon the chef for the recipe. He generously complied, and I share it with you below. Thank you, Chef Stefan! (My additional recipe comments are in italics.) And, thank you Ireland for the wonderful memories, which are truly “Irish Gold”! :o )

Did you know?
There was a time when The Quiet Man was shown daily at Ashford Castle.
Read about that here.

To read my post “Irish Gold, Part 2, click here.

To Read My Other Posts on Ireland …

The Quiet Man’s Ireland, Day 1. Click here.
The Quiet Man’s Ireland, Day 2, or a day fit for a “Quiet Man Crazy”.
Click here.
Top of the Mornin’ to Ya, click here.

Thanks for reading! :0)

Annette

I attempt to post my blog weekly on Sunday, or Monday.

To join my blog “following”, and receive “I’m Annette” via email, free, immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

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Teatime at Ashford Castle

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Strolling the Ashford Castle grounds with my hubby

Ashford Castle Tea Sandwiches

Ciabatta of Goats Cheese & Peppers, Fresh Goats Cheese from Co. Clare with Melted Peppers, Reduced Pinot Noir Vinegar on Toasted Olive Ciabatta:

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Note from Chef Stefan-We sometimes vary this sandwich. Olives, tomato chutney or rocket pesto can be all used either as sole component or in combination.

Note from Annette-The day that we had the tea sandwiches, I do not believe that any olives, or tomato chutney was used. Only pesto.

Composition:

3 slightly toasted slices of olive ciabatta (I believe that we had regular ciabatta.)

20 g tomato chutney (the pesto replaces the chutney)

40 g melted peppers (yellow & red) (recipe follows)

50 g fresh Bluebell Falls Goat Cheese (3 slices)

5 g herbal Mie de Pain (soft bread crumbs)

3 (15 g) stuffed green olives ( the pesto replaces the olives)

5 g reduced Pinot Noir vinegar

20 g mixed leaves (organic & frissee/curly endive)

5 g Balsamic Dressing

Standard of Procedure:

  • Slightly toast 3 slices of ciabatta
  • Spread with tomato chutney
  • Layer with melted peppers
  • Place 1 slice of goats cheese on each bread
  • Sprinkle with herbal bread crumbs
  • Toast slices gently to a light colour
  • Garnish plate with vinegar reduction
  • Place croutons over and garnish with 1 olive each
  • Place Leaf garnish and drizzle with balsamic dressing
  • Assemble as per above image with tomato chutney in a side dish

Rocket/Arugula Pesto:

No. of portions 500 g

Ingredients:

200 g Rocket/Arugula leaves, washed and picked

50 g Pine Nuts

4 clove garlic, peeled

300 g extra virgin olive oil

Salt & Pepper

Standard of procedures:

  • Combine all ingredients and process in blender until very smooth
  • Adjust seasoning

Melted Peppers:

Ingredients:

10 yellow peppers

10 red peppers

200 g extra virgin olive oil

Salt pepper to taste

Standard of procedures:

  • Top and tail the peppers
  • Place on a s/s tray and gratinate (cook covered with oil) the peppers skin side up under salamander (a type of toaster oven that has high temps, guessing like a broiler) until skin is crispy and well browned, but not burned
  • Remove peppers and place on cold tray
  • Cover tightly with cling film while hot
  • Allow peppers to cool and remove the skin
  • Season to taste and place in container
  • Cover with olive oil
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Mall of America, Mickey’s Diner and Other Midwestern Sites of Minneapolis, Minnesota

Posted on September 9, 2013 by oltimetv

September 8, 2013

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I had two requests when visiting my daughter in Minneapolis over Labor Day weekend.

In addition to visiting with my daughter and her husband, 1. I wanted to visit the massive Mall of America. 2. I wanted to eat at Mickey’s Diner in nearby St. Paul.

All visiting , and any other sightseeing during our visit would be a bonus. :o)

Mall of America did not disappoint with its 500+ stores, aquarium, and entertainment area, complete with Nickelodeon Universe, a Lego area, and more!

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Mickey’s Diner was a highlight of my visit. This 1930’s St. Paul landmark, which stars in Disney’s Mighty Ducks trilogy, and the Christmas Classic Jingle All the Way, was just plain fun! The food was good, served in large portions, and the decor was early American Diner, as we played oldies from the juke box at our booth.

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It was an enjoyable weekend filled with good company, fun times (including playing a round of miniature golf, playing Mexican dominoes with friends, and a walk in the park among other things), and good food (from a wonderful surf and turf dinner prepared for us by friends, Cracker Barrel, Stella’s Fish Cafe, getting take out cannoli* at Cossetta Italian Market and fast food at Raising Cane’s to name a few).

Miniature Golf Course

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Buttermilk Pancakes with Blackberry Topping from Cracker Barrel.

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Cossetta, and their delicious chocolate-covered Cannoli

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Tender Chicken Fingers at Raising Cane’s

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Next time? The Mary Tyler Moore Statue in downtown Minneapolis . :o)

In a nod to diner fare, I have included my recipe for easy Biscuit Doughnuts below.

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

*Fun Fact for ya-the singular for cannoli is cannolo. Cannoli means little tube.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannoli

Although I attempt to post my blog weekly on Sunday, or Monday, my next blog will not be until October 1.

Talk to you then! :o)

To join my blog “following”, and receive “I’m Annette” via email, free, immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

Biscuit Doughnuts

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Ingredients:

1 package ready biscuits (10 count)

Vegetable oil

¼ cup sugar

1 tea. Cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

Heat 1 inch of oil in electric skillet (about 325 degrees), or a heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. (The heat may vary depending on your stove.) Drop a pinch of dough in to test oil. When oil is hot enough the dough will sink to the bottom and pop back up sizzling.

While oil is heating. Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish. Set aside.

Open biscuits and separate. Spread each biscuit and cut a hole in the center. I use a clean, old pill, pharmacy bottle.

Drop a few biscuits into the oil at a time. The donuts cook quickly so be vigilant, turning them as soon as the first side is close to the brownness you desire.

The donut holes cook more quickly and need to be flipped almost immediately.

Remove donuts from oil and drain for a few moments on paper towels, then dredge in sugar and cinnamon mixture.

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Viva la (Alsace) France!

Posted on August 18, 2013 by oltimetv

August 18, 2013

Viva la (Alsace) France!

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Viva la France! The Alsace region of France*, that is; a region deeply steeped in German tradition. In fact, bordering on Germany, this area has actually been part of Germany at times over the past two centuries. This was the case as recently as WWII when the Alsace region was under German occupation, enduring the ravages of war, and seeing many of its citizen’s heavily invested in the French Resistance. Various statues and plaques in the area now silently commemorate the brave deeds performed by these heroes, many who lost their lives to the cause. (I can not help but think of that infamous scene in Caslablanca where Resistance leader Victor Laszlo impulsively leads an inspiring, impromptu rendition of La Marseillaise, the French National Anthem*, in defiance of the Nazi Germany’s presence at Rick’s Café.) It is in this part of France, in the historic village of Thann, where I recently had the privilege of spending a few enjoyable days.

With my hubby working each day, I was afforded the opportunity to leisurely explore this quaint town. Thann’s main street is peppered with sidewalk cafes, serving Alsace dishes like Tarte Flambé -a delicious, very flat “pizza” (No crepes around these parts!) accompanied by wines from the local vineyards. There are also several bakeries displaying their tasty wares in their storefront windows, each offering Alsace favorites of large, chewy bretzels (pretzels) and Kugelhopf (A sort of an almond Bundt cake that I, personally, found pretty, but a little on the dry side.). In many ways, Thann is a throwback to a simpler time. It is here where homemakers walk into town daily, shopping baskets in hand, headed for the village grocer, procuring ingredients for that day’s meals, and a place where many stores still close for lunchtime while school children come home for their hearty noon meal. Numerous old Tudor-style structures run the length of the main street with the imposing 16th century Gothic edifice, the impressive Collegiate Church of St. Thiébaut dominating the town’s center. (Legend ties the building’s construction to the 1160 death of Bishop St. Thiebaut, and his thumb. It seems that with the removal of the bishop’s ring upon his death, his thumb came off!!! AND, sounding like a bad Hitchcock film, the bishop’s servant kept this digit in his walking stick! What does that have to do with the building of Thann’s cathedral, you say? It’s a long story… You may read the rest of the legend at the link listed below, if you wish. *) The steep Rangen vineyard provides a fitting backdrop to this hamlet, as the, River Thur sleepily runs through town, with colorful flowers everywhere, including hanging from window boxes, and “bridge boxes”.

In addition to delighting in the charms of Thann, when time allowed, Dale and I also enjoyed dining in Riquewihr, Colmar, and Mulhouse (The h is silent, and rhymes with moose), each with its individual beauty and magic. Riquewihr, looking like a village straight out of Disney’s classic Beauty and the Beast, complete with a live Alsace mascot, a three-foot tall stork, strolling the streets. Colmar boasting a bustling town square with two massive cathedrals, a Bartholdi Museum (the sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty), and a tranquil canal flowing throughout. Meals in both Riquewihr and Colmar concluded at sidewalk cafes, where we dined on the local Tarte Flambé. (We had several Tarte Flambés on this trip, all being delicious, but Colmar’s La Krutenau’s was the best!) Mulhouse afforded us “a penthouse view” (Thank you Green Acres.) from atop the revolving Restaurant de la Tour de l’Europe. We were not only treated to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-like panoramic views, and a wonderful gourmet meal, but a wonderfully fitting conclusion to a most memorable week in France. :o)

Merci Beaucoup and Au Revoir, Alsace France!

(Translation: Thank you very much and Good-bye)

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

Photos at bottom.

Although I attempt to post my blog weekly on Sunday, or Monday, I will be taking a break. Talk to you again on September 9, if not before! :o)

A great big thank you to my list of loyal blog “followers”! :o)

To join the “following”, and receive “I’m Annette” via email, free, immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

*Clip from Casablanca–http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WujNMG-xiI

* More details of the bishop’s thumb legend and Thann-

http://www.alsace-tourisme-thann.fr/en/curiosities/collegiate-church-saint-thiebaut.html

*More information about France’s Alsace region- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsace

Photos below:

 

Statue in Thann and a plaque in Colmar, commemorating the heroes of the French Resistance movement

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Thann

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Cathedral- Collegiate Church of St. Thiébaut

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Grapes in the Rangen Vineyard, taken last fall

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Riquewihr photo at bottom of post

Enjoying a Tarte Flambé in Riquewihr

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Colmar

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Mulhouse view-Looking like the village in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

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Touring with Swiss Miss/Mrs.

Posted on August 13, 2013 by oltimetv

August 13, 2013

Touring with Swiss Miss Mrs.

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Ya gotta love Switzerland! The beautiful Swiss Alps dominate the landscape while music box/cuckoo clock shaped houses dot the neat as a pin, unlittered scenery. And of course, there is the Chocolate! :o) Being an old movie buff, the films The Sound of Music, Heidi, The Eiger Sanction, The Pink Panther, James Bond, even I Love Lucy (Remember the episode “Lucy in the Swiss Alps”? Albeit, this “Lucy” was filmed on a Desilu Hollywood stage, not in Lucerne.) came to mind as Dale and I enjoyed two days in beautiful Switzerland. This locale steals the show on screen, and in person, this place does not disappoint!

Lucerne was home base for our mini-vacation, being blessed with a picture post card view from our hotel room window. Walking around the lakeside area was a delight our first evening in town. Sidewalk cafes abound, and there was a laid back energy as tourists and locals mingled, dined, and took in the local beauty.

Setting out early the next morning, Dale and I headed toward the Eiger, the mountain of Clint Eastwood’s Eiger Sanction fame. Along the way, stopping in Interlaken, we stumbled upon a wonderful breakfast brunch at the Victoria-Jungfrau Hotel. The mountain view from the pretty enclosed terrace was a preview of the wonderful views to come.

It was on to Grindelwald. After purchasing train tickets ($150 each!), we boarded the train to take us to the “Top of Europe”.

As we ascended the mountains, in every direction, was a new and picturesque scene to behold. After a train switch in Kleine Scheidegg, we “climbed” to the Eiger’s mountaintop, often traveling through the mountain via tunnels. Upon arriving above, we took in the unrivaled, breathtaking views, fresh alpine air (breathtaking-air, get the pun?:o)), and wandered inside the ice palace (rooms made entirely of ice). We rubbed elbows with tourists from all locales, even briefly meeting fellow Americans from New Hampshire, and an extended family of 5 from Beijing, China.

Returning to Kleine Scheidegg, Dale and I enjoyed lunch on the deck of the Restaurant Eigernordwand. We were treated to views of idyllic cows, complete with cowbells (I JUST have to say it, “I gotta have more cowbell!” *) grazing in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Bernise Alps, while dining on a Swiss meal of cheese fondue, and delicious local-made chocolate ice cream. Upon leaving the restaurant, I saw my first Edelweiss up close. (Are you now humming Sound of Music’s Edelweiss song? :o)) I was more than a little surprised to see that the plant was of a fuzzy/wooly nature! The flower was not white, either, as it was not fully developed. It was green and furry!

Thank you for allowing me to share some of the highlights of our Switzerland excursion. It was a good trip. :o)

Photos are included below.

In honor of the Swiss’s chocolate expertise, I have included the yummy hot chocolate recipe that I used to use when teaching pre-school cooking classes. See below. Enjoy!

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Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

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I viewed this hilarious skit on my computer, and you can too!
*Click on the link (or you may have to copy and paste the link) below to view, the “More Cowbell” skit,
From Saturday Night Live, April 8, 2000.
click here, or http://vimeo.com/91715361

Fun Fact for ya-Two cups of cocoa a day may help retain memory, and sharp thinking, according to new studies. http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2013/08/07/Two-cups-of-cocoa-a-day-may-help-retain-memory-sharp-thinking/UPI-70811375928703/#ixzz2bpVJ2A9Z

Best Hot Cocoa Mix

Spoonful.com/recipes/best-hot-cocoa-mix

The secret ingredient in this mix is the mini chocolate chip!

The recipe makes enough for three-four portions.

RECIPE:
2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer, i.e. Coffee-mate
1/8 teaspoon salt

(Add later, if like-

Mini marshmallows, and

Candy cane/peppermint sticks for stirring)

1. Measure all ingredients into a mixing bowl (except marshmallows and candy) and whisk them until they are evenly blended.

2. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you’re ready to use. Makes about 4 cups of mix.

3. Instructions: Spoon 3 or 4 generous tablespoons of cocoa mix into your cup (depending on the size), add boiling water, and stir well.

4. Add mini marshmallows, and peppermint stick, if desired.

 

Photos below:

  • Photo of me on the deck of our hotel in Lucerne.

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  • Houses of the Swiss countryside

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  • The photo of Dale and me was taken by New Hampshire tourists

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  • The Ice Palace

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  • Enjoying fondue and views from Restaurant Eigernordwand

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  • Swiss countryside
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Time to make some Caramel Corn!

Posted on July 31, 2013 by oltimetv

July 31, 2013

Note-For an updated version of this recipe, please go here.
(Added October 2020)

Yummy Microwave Caramel Corn

2-3 qts. popped popcorn
(That is a bit less than a popper full of what my popcorn popper makes)
1 clean large brown paper bag (if you do not have one, a large heat resistant bowl will do)
Set aside.

In large glass bowl put:
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
¼ cup white corn syrup
¼ tsp. salt

Microwave these four ingredients for four minutes, or until
it comes to a boil.

Add and stir:
¼ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

*Pour this liquid over the popped popcorn
in large brown paper bag.

Stir and Shake.

Cook 1 and ½ minutes on high in microwave.
Remove bag from microwave and shake well.
Cook 1 minute longer.

Wait a few minutes to eat, as it is hot. Enjoy!

*Gilding the Lily-Add 12 oz. can of Redskin Spanish peanuts to popcorn, prior to pouring
liquid over.

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Walt Disney World Really Cooks!

Posted on July 27, 2013 by oltimetv

July 27, 2013

Walt Disney World Really Cooks!

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Photo of me in front of the Brown Derby Restaurant in Walt Disney World, taken this March.
Love this restaurant! (I recommend the large Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake)
And I got to pretend that I was Lucy while dining here. (From the “I Love Lucy” episode “L.A. At Last”)

Maybe it was inevitable, my name, having been inspired by The Mickey Mouse Club’s most famous (“Hi, I’m Annette”) member, but I love Walt Disney World! My family loves Walt Disney World! I am not sure when, or where, it was decided, but Dale and I determined early on that our family would take a WDW vacation when each of our children turned the age of three. We reasoned that age three was a magical time, and it was especially at this age, that the children would be enthralled with all that the most magical place on earth had to offer. As time went on we were blessed with four children, and the four family vacations did happen; yet it did not stop with just those three-year old milestone visits. It has continued. Many more happy family trips were made over the years to Orlando from our various home locales of Texas, Ohio, and Maryland.

On one of our early Disney trips, we had the privilege of dining at the now defunct Epcot restaurant L’Originale Alfredo di Roma. It was at that meal that I was introduced to “real” Fettuccini Alfredo. This dish was unlike the cream- infested alfredo dishes that I had eaten before. This was a pasta epiphany! I did not know it at the time, but Fettuccini Alfredo had been invented/created by the restaurateur of the original Italian L’Originale Alfredo di Roma. The recipe found it’s way to the U.S from Italy via honeymooning (in the early 1920’s) film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. They enjoyed this dish so much, that they brought back the recipe to Hollywood. Fortunately, the recipe for this epicurean masterpiece was also found in the cookbook that I had purchased from Walt Disney World: Cooking with Mickey Around the World- Walt Disney World’s Most Requested Recipes (I love and collect cookbooks!) This cookbook has become well -worn over the years with several recipes, and this one in particular, becoming family favorites. This recipe is delicious, uncomplicated, delicious, and fattening. And did I mention that it is delicious?

Note: Although, I attempt to post most blogs on Sundays, or Mondays, this coming week’s will be delayed by a few days.

To receive “I’m Annette” via email immediately upon posting, please sign up on the right-hand side of this page.

Thanks for reading! :o)

Annette

For more fettuccine information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fettucini_alfredo
http://seeaimeecook.blogspot.com/2011/07/fettuccine-alfredo-way-its-intended-to.html
Photos below:

Fettuccine Alfredo
Serves 3-4

Ingredients

1 pound fresh fettuccine

Boiling salted water

1 cup butter, softened (Do not use margarine.)

1/3-1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
+ additional for topping

Freshly cracked pepper

Directions

Boil pot of water, adding salt.

Meanwhile, warm up large bowl. Place half softened butter in bowl. Set aside. (Annette’s true confession-I often skip this and just melt the butter.)

Drop fettuccini into boiling salted water. Making sure that the fettuccini is separated for proper cooking.

Cook until fettuccini comes to the surface, about 2 minutes.

Drain immediately and quickly place in the prepared warmed bowl with the half of softened butter.

Top with lumps of remaining softened butter, and grated cheese.

Toss lightly with fork and spoon for about 2 minutes, until fettuccini is well coated and a creamy sauce has formed.

Serve immediately, sprinkled with freshly cracked pepper and additional grated cheese.

Gilding the Lilly:
If desired add any of the following-
Diced, cooked chicken
Cooked shrimp
Sautéed sliced mushrooms

 

 One of my favorite cookbooks- Cooking with Mickey Around the World- Walt Disney World’s Most Requested Recipes

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 My daughter and her husband, chapeaued in Mickey Mouse Ears on their May 12, 2013 wedding day. (My daughter interned at WDW and was a college Disney rep.)

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Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

Posted on July 23, 2013 by oltimetv

July 21, 2013

Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

I have been a recipe collector for as long as I can remember. From bringing home recipe cards of foreign dishes courtesy of Vacation Bible School, to buying my first cookbook, “Peanuts Cookbook” for 60 cents, through Scholastic Book Club in grade school, I have always had a fascination with recipes.

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 Peanuts Cookbook-my first cookbook

While taking home economics in high school, I convinced the teacher to beg the lunch ladies to divulge a couple of recipes for my favorite lunchroom cafeteria desserts. I still have a copy (of a copy) of the recipe in mimeograph purple for my High School’s original, oh- so soft and chewy, peanut butter bars.

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 Copy of the original Peanut Butter Bar mimeographed recipe

On a side note, for those of you who do not remember, or are not old enough to remember, there used to be government surplus issued peanut butter available in large (15 lb.), silver cans to public institutions. Schools made use of this free ingredient on a frequent basis, with the student bodies nationwide often finding peanut butter concoctions on the daily school lunch menu in the form of peanut butter bars and cookies. Even my Girl Scout troop took advantage of this free commodity, by supplying Ants on a Log (celery with peanut butter spread in the center/u-part of the stalk and raisins/ants placed on top in a single row) at every outing that we ever attended, or so it seemed. (I believe that the raisins were free government surplus issue, also.)

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Ants on a Log

In the name of comfort food, I am sharing this recipe with you, below. Note: I usually make my bars without the frosting. That makes them low-cal, right? ;o)
Now, if back in high school, I had only asked for the recipe for the delicious Western-style Cafeteria Salad Dressing………

Thanks for reading! :o)
Annette

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( High School) Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

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Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars displayed on my stoneware/ceramic cafeteria plate.

Ingredients
For Bars:
2/3 cups peanut butter
1 cup softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼-1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups regular rolled oats (regular oatmeal)

For Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup softened butter
About 1/4 cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
Cream together thoroughly 2/3 cup peanut butter, 1 cup butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Stir, or mix in eggs and vanilla.
Sift, or mix together, and stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
Stir in oatmeal.
Batter will be fairly thick.

Spread batter into 10.5 x 15.5 greased pan.
Bake for 25-35 minutes, until done. (The top will look dull, and
Finger- test leaves only slight imprint.)
Cool.

Frost if desired with:
Combine powdered sugar, 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup butter, and a little milk at a time, until desired consistency.

 

 

 

 

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Thank you, Dick Van Dyke!

Posted on July 13, 2013 by oltimetv

July 13, 2013

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It was the summer of 1970. I was twelve. As I had done every previous summer, I was spending a week with my maternal grandparents in the country. As much as I loved the wide-open space and beauty of their tidy Iowa farm, something of a more glamorous nature was beckoning me to town. Cold Turkey was currently being filmed in various Iowa locations, with much of the action, taking place in nearby Greenfield.  An anti-smoking farce starring Dick Van Dyke, Bob Newhart, and Jean Stapleton, under the direction of Norman Lear (Creator of ,the yet to come, All in the Family, fame) had put stars in my eyes. After some heavy hinting, my grandparents announced one morning that we were headed to Greenfield to check out the current movie-making mania.

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My grandparent on their beloved Iowa farm.
This photo was taken many years after Hollywood came to nearby Greenfield.
Around 1984?

Arriving in the town steeped in Americana, passing the iconic town square, we happened upon Dick Van Dyke. Under a large shade tree, relaxing between takes on a canvas director’s chair, he was chatting with a fellow seated next to him. My grandmother promptly pulled out a complimentary Pioneer Seed notepad and pen from her handbag, and took me over to obtain the coveted prize of this excursion, an autograph.

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My grandmother promptly pulled out a complimentary Pioneer Seed notepad
and pen from her handbag.

The pen in hand did not cooperate, producing no ink. Horrors! Calmly, the actor spoke to the man next to him, “Norm,” (I think he said Norm.) may I borrow a pen? Quickly, a writing instrument was produced, and I walked away one Dick Van Dyke autograph richer, complete with indented, invisible scribbles from the unsuccessful attempt to produce ink from the first pen. (In retrospect, it is unfortunate that I did not have the foresight to obtain an additional autograph from Norman Lear!)

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Dick Van Dyke’s autograph in the Pioneer Seed notepad,
complete with indented, invisible scribbles. :o)

Having been star stuck, in addition to what has been forgotten with the passing years, I can no longer recall anything that Dick Van Dyke said to me that memorable morning, only his comfortable demeanor, the kindness that he showed me and the happiness that I felt as a twelve year-old and my brush with Hollywood in this small Iowa town.

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Seen in an Ellicott City, Maryland antique shop around 2016,
displaying the name Camp Crowder.
Camp Crowder was often mentioned on The Dick Van Dyke Show as where character Rob Petrie was stationed  in the Army.

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