HARVEST TIME! APPLE A DAY....

APPLES AND MUMS AT THE PEAK OF PERFECTIONAlthough it might still feel like Summer in much of the country,  Fall harvest time is here!   Orchards all over the country are picking fresh fruit by the bushel to send to market daily.   There is nothing more refreshing or rewarding than buying half a peck of apples from your local orchard.   If you don't live near an orchard, then visit the website LOCAL HARVEST that can connect you to a Farmer's market in your area.  Of course there are endless recipes to utilize this golden fruit, from pies, to cakes, to sauces.   Visit APPLE COUNTRY for inspiration.  

Many orchards are open to the public and have "pick your own"  days of the week.   You might even score a fresh cup of apple cider.   Brings back memories of my childhood.   My parents would take us to two local orchards in New Jersey.   Tices & Van Ripers Farm were rivals in leafy Woodcliff Lake.  The farms were across the street from each other and were creating weekend traffic jams on fall weekends back in the 70's when I first went.   The farms had been around since the early 1800's.  Sadly, neither are still in business.   Highlights were seasonal fruit, cider pressing, apples, a petting zoo, and of course PUMPKINS!   Don't forget - Halloween is just around the corner.BURNING BUSH STARTING TO "BURN" IN CONNECTICUT

You are also bound to see fields of colorful Chrysanthemums, as they are in prime bloom.   Remember they are perennials, so you can buy them now to enjoy the flowers and plant them to come back again next year.   The fall foliage is just starting to turn as well, so a drive to any orchard in the country is such a great way to spend a weekend with friends.   

Happy Picking!  

Tapas Terrific for Holiday Treats

I just returned from an amazing trip to Madrid, Spain.   While I could talk for days about all the wonderful sights I saw - lets focus on eating for a minute.   One of the best known dishes in Spain is the pre-dinner tradition of eating Tapas.   Tapas can refer to these delicious little open sandwiches that are overflowing with just about anything you can think of from shrimp, tuna, and crab to peppers, chorizo sausage, and cheese.   Why wait to go to Spain?  With the holidays approaching, why not think Tapas when you are entertaining this year?   The prep is so easy.   Any thick crusted bread will do.    Simply toast bread adding some olive oil and garlic and then get super creative with any combination of toppings.    This makes it so easy for guests who have likes and dislikes to choose their favorite. 

Tapas are not limited to being served on bread - there are endless choices.   For a great website offering recipes click here - Tapas Recipes.

There also something  fun about smaller portions and individual pieces that say PARTY!  Also, nothing goes better with Tapas than Cerveza.. aka a tall frosty Beer!

or Tea for Two...

or Tea for Two...

If you feel left out in the global obsession for coffee these days, I have a very chic alternative for you.  Hediard Tea.   The delicate tea leaves in every canister produce the finest tea you will find anywhere.   Founded in 1854 in Paris, the company continues its tradition of artisanal quality confections and teas.    There are several locations in Paris and over 200 hundred locations selling their merchandise worldwide.   You only have to go as far as your laptop through the on-line boutique.

On your next trip to Paris, the newly renovated boutique off the Place de la Madeleine is a must!  Three of my favorite varieties shown above :  Melange Pacifique , Melange Epice , and Jasmin.  These make an excellent gift.   The canisters almost looks as cook as the tea tastes!  and we haven't even talked about the chocolates they have!