I like having tasty side dishes in the freezer, ready to spark up a meal. Here are a few recipes that I depend on to add a little zing to the plate.
Frozen Applesauce I'd prefer to make this from scratch but have been settling for unsweetened applesauce in a jar for several years now and it works fine.
Needed:
About 12 4 oz. containers (saved from individual fruit cups/applesauce previously used)
Or about 6 Ziploc sandwich bags plus one gallon freezer bag
1 - 50 oz jar unsweetened applesauce
Cinnamon powder (to taste, I go heavy as cinnamon is suppose to help diabetics with blood sugar)
Remove about 1 cup of applesauce from jar and set aside. Into the jar add as much cinnamon as you wish (1 1/2 teaspoons would be about 1/8 tsp. per serving, 3 tsp. would be 1/4 tsp each)
Using a long handled ice tea spoon, stir in powder so it gets wet. Then cap the jar and shake vigorously until the powder is well dispersed and the color is even.
If using the 1/2 cup containers, put a tablespoon of the plain applesauce that you set aside into the bottom of each container, then pour in additional sauce from the jar to fill. Do not overfill as contents will swell some when frozen. Place filled cups on cookie sheet and place flat in freezer. When frozen, either wrap individually with plastic or just take as is and store all in a gallon Ziploc. If using Ziploc sandwich bags, add a little of the plain applesauce first, then measure in a "short" cup. Carefully remove air from bags, seal, and flatten. Place in the gallon freezer bag and freeze flat.
How to serve for dessert: One of us really likes frozen applesauce so often it's served as dessert in our house. Let it sit out on a counter for 15 - 30 minutes to defrost some and then eat with a spoon. If you have popsicle containers, freeze as popsicles and use completely frozen.
How to serve for condiment: Again, defrost at least 30 minutes or more ahead of time. If serving in individual cups, stir each one, breaking up any large frozen chunks that remain. If using the bags, gently squeeze bag to break up frozen pieces and then split between two or three plates or small cups. Goes nicely with chicken, pork, and ham.
Cranberry Relish - it's not just for holiday meals. This brings a visual and taste sensation to your meal while also being very good for you. Make extra at Thanksgiving when cranberries go on sale and use for the rest of the year.
4 cups cranberries (1 lb)
1 orange
1 apple
1 1/2 - 2 cups sugar (absolutely fine to substitute Splenda for part or all of the sugar)
Wash and sort cranberries. Wash, quarter and core apple and orange (leave skin and peel on).
Put all three fruits through a medium blade of meat grinder (the kind that granny use to clamp to the table). Be sure your bowl slips well under the front of the grinder to catch the juice. Mix ground fruit together and add sweetener of you choice (I use about 1 cup sugar & 1 cup Splenda).
Stir well.
Freeze either in 1/2 cup containers or in 1 cup portions in Ziploc sandwich bags as noted in above recipe. This recipe freezes fine so you can freeze in larger amounts for family gatherings.
NPR's Cranberry Sauce - This can be made at the same time as the above Cranberry Relish and is quite interesting. I think that I actually used the above cranberries/apple/orange mix for the fruit base and then followed the rest of this recipe.
2 cups raw cranberries, washed and sorted
1 small onion
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
2 TBSP horseradish (not sauce, real grated horseradish from a jar)
Grind together cranberries and onion, stir in sour cream, sugar, and horseradish. This recipe MUST be frozen before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Freeze in the quantities that you like, then defrost and serve as a side for turkey, chicken, pork and ham. I like it, my husband isn't sure where he stands so usually I give him the standard cranberry relish while I use this.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Spring Flavors For The Winter
Anyone who reads the recipes that I post here know that I put a premium on taste. The following recipe is spicy/fruity/sharp/sweet all in one. In the winter, it gives a real lift to chicken, pork, ham, beef, and probably salmon too. Since a batch is simmering down on the stove, here's the recipe for you to try:
Rhubarb-Ginger Chutney
1 cup apple-cider vinegar
2 cups brown sugar, packed
4 lb. rhubarb, trimmed and sliced crosswise into 1/2 inch (or less) pieces (close to 10 cups)
1/2 cup peeled fresh ginger, sliced and cut into fine julienne (I grated much of mine)
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (or 1 heaping Tablespoon of minced garlic from a jar)
12 black peppercorns or 12 good twists from a pepper grinder
1 cup currants or raisins
1 tsp. salt
Using a non-reactive large pot, bring vinegar and sugar to a boil, add all other ingredients. Lower heat to simmer and cook (without a lid), stirring occasionally. Cook down to desired consistency. This may take 45 minutes to one hour depending on how high your simmer setting is. Be sure to watch and stir more frequently as chutney thickens. This makes about one quart.
I freeze mine two different ways. For individual 1/2 cup servings, either freeze in covered 1/2 cup containers or put plastic wrap squares into 1/2 cup cupcake tins. Once tin contents are frozen, pop out the individual servings, wrap, and freeze in gallon Ziploc bags. The other way that I freeze this is to use a 1/2 cup measure and put two scoops into a Ziploc sandwich bag (ergo one cup per bag). Again, when the bags are full, they are stored in one gallon Ziploc bag in the freezer.
To use, remove from freezer just before starting supper preparations. Serve either on the plate or in separate condiment bowls. Our family likes it still partially frozen but if that doesn't suit your tastes, lightly microwave for a few seconds to completely thaw.
Rhubarb-Ginger Chutney
1 cup apple-cider vinegar
2 cups brown sugar, packed
4 lb. rhubarb, trimmed and sliced crosswise into 1/2 inch (or less) pieces (close to 10 cups)
1/2 cup peeled fresh ginger, sliced and cut into fine julienne (I grated much of mine)
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced (or 1 heaping Tablespoon of minced garlic from a jar)
12 black peppercorns or 12 good twists from a pepper grinder
1 cup currants or raisins
1 tsp. salt
Using a non-reactive large pot, bring vinegar and sugar to a boil, add all other ingredients. Lower heat to simmer and cook (without a lid), stirring occasionally. Cook down to desired consistency. This may take 45 minutes to one hour depending on how high your simmer setting is. Be sure to watch and stir more frequently as chutney thickens. This makes about one quart.
I freeze mine two different ways. For individual 1/2 cup servings, either freeze in covered 1/2 cup containers or put plastic wrap squares into 1/2 cup cupcake tins. Once tin contents are frozen, pop out the individual servings, wrap, and freeze in gallon Ziploc bags. The other way that I freeze this is to use a 1/2 cup measure and put two scoops into a Ziploc sandwich bag (ergo one cup per bag). Again, when the bags are full, they are stored in one gallon Ziploc bag in the freezer.
To use, remove from freezer just before starting supper preparations. Serve either on the plate or in separate condiment bowls. Our family likes it still partially frozen but if that doesn't suit your tastes, lightly microwave for a few seconds to completely thaw.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
2009 Grants Awarded by Findley Lake Community Foundation
The annual grant meeting of the Findley Lake Community Foundation was held today at the Community Center. Attendees included Tom Roche, president, Dave Bartrum, Rebecca Brumagin, Donna Beth Luce, Carol Eller, Al Stohr, Michele Vonk, and Jack Graham.
Three grant requests were submitted for consideration. Given the economic downturn over the last year, the review process placed strong emphasis on capital projects/purchases for needed items rather than operational expenses. After much debate, two out of the three grant requests were partially funded.
The Alexander Findley Community Library received a grant of $2,500. The funds may be used, at their discretion, to purchase the most needed items as detailed on the original application.
The Findley Lake Nature Center received a grant of $1,100. This grant is specifically for purchase of a storage shed, needed for outside storage at their facility.
The Findley Lake Nature Center grant request for the Small Island Project was tabled at this time.
Three grant requests were submitted for consideration. Given the economic downturn over the last year, the review process placed strong emphasis on capital projects/purchases for needed items rather than operational expenses. After much debate, two out of the three grant requests were partially funded.
The Alexander Findley Community Library received a grant of $2,500. The funds may be used, at their discretion, to purchase the most needed items as detailed on the original application.
The Findley Lake Nature Center received a grant of $1,100. This grant is specifically for purchase of a storage shed, needed for outside storage at their facility.
The Findley Lake Nature Center grant request for the Small Island Project was tabled at this time.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Addie's Restaurant and Ice Cream
Addie's will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner starting Memorial Day weekend. Plans call for a light luncheon menu that will carry through the supper hour with the addition of pizza. The 40 different flavors of ice cream are proving a big draw, even in the middle of the week. When you stop in, tell them the Breeze from Findley Lake sent you.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Findley Lake Community Foundation News
The Findley Lake Community Foundation Board of Directors was well represented at the 2009 Regional Affiliate Retreat hosted by the The Erie Community Foundation. FLCF President Thomas Roche, secretary Donna Beth Luce , and board members Carol Eller and Al Stohr spent Tuesday, May 19th, networking with other local community foundations. Presentations included a review of board member responsibilities, asset and donor development, improving communications, and best practices in grant making.
The Findley Lake Community Foundation is committed to the future of the lake and the community. Previous grants have benefited the Alexander Findley Community Library, The Findley Lake Nature Center, weed harvesting on Findley Lake, the Mina-Findley Lake Historical Society, and town beautification projects. Donations to the Findley Lake Community Foundation are invested and managed through the Erie Community, a 501C3 non-profit corporation.
Donations can be made by sending a check made out to:
Findley Lake Community Foundation
Mail donation to: Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507
The Findley Lake Community Foundation is committed to the future of the lake and the community. Previous grants have benefited the Alexander Findley Community Library, The Findley Lake Nature Center, weed harvesting on Findley Lake, the Mina-Findley Lake Historical Society, and town beautification projects. Donations to the Findley Lake Community Foundation are invested and managed through the Erie Community, a 501C3 non-profit corporation.
Donations can be made by sending a check made out to:
Findley Lake Community Foundation
Mail donation to: Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Findley Lake Web Site Links
If you are looking for more information about Findley Lake NY, try these web sites:
FLACC (Findley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce) http://www.findleylakeinfo.org
Great place to locate lodging and dining options, retail and professional service businesses.
Read the biweekly news from Findley Lake with the "Tapestry" button.
Check out the Calendar of Events or download the Charm Trail map and begin your collection.
Town of Mina (Findley Lake) http://www.townofmina.info
Read Town Board minutes, search the 2007 assessment roll, download zoning permit and other documents.
Findley Lake Watershed Foundation http://www.findleylakewf.org
Read the latest news about the management and health of the lake. Join the Foundation as a member (property owner) or supporter using the membership application.
If Findley Lake holds a special place in your heart, please make a donation to the Findley Lake Community Foundation. Committed to the future of Findley Lake and the surrounding Town of Mina, the Community Foundation through its grant program supports the health of the lake through weed harvesting grants; education through its grants to the Alexander Findley Community Library, The Findley Lake Nature Center, and the Mina-Findley Lake Historical Society; and the well being of the community through beautification grants. The Foundation uses the fund management services of the Erie Community Foundation (a 501c3).
Donations can be made by sending a check made out to:
Findley Lake Community Foundation
Mail donation to: Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507
FLACC (Findley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce) http://www.findleylakeinfo.org
Great place to locate lodging and dining options, retail and professional service businesses.
Read the biweekly news from Findley Lake with the "Tapestry" button.
Check out the Calendar of Events or download the Charm Trail map and begin your collection.
Town of Mina (Findley Lake) http://www.townofmina.info
Read Town Board minutes, search the 2007 assessment roll, download zoning permit and other documents.
Findley Lake Watershed Foundation http://www.findleylakewf.org
Read the latest news about the management and health of the lake. Join the Foundation as a member (property owner) or supporter using the membership application.
If Findley Lake holds a special place in your heart, please make a donation to the Findley Lake Community Foundation. Committed to the future of Findley Lake and the surrounding Town of Mina, the Community Foundation through its grant program supports the health of the lake through weed harvesting grants; education through its grants to the Alexander Findley Community Library, The Findley Lake Nature Center, and the Mina-Findley Lake Historical Society; and the well being of the community through beautification grants. The Foundation uses the fund management services of the Erie Community Foundation (a 501c3).
Donations can be made by sending a check made out to:
Findley Lake Community Foundation
Mail donation to: Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507
Saturday, May 9, 2009
New Businesses, New Services
Wonderments, on Main Street, finally received the nod from New York State to open a wine shop. Wines from around the world and local wines from our corner of New York State are featured. This is a great addition to the business community in Findley Lake and a true convenience to both residents and visitors. If you are trying to be a "locavore" and consume products grown close to home, this shop is triply welcome. You save gas and time driving to wineries or liquor stores, you can choose from a great selection of local wines, and you are supporting our local economy. Be sure to tell the owners that you read it here first.
Also finally receiving their license from the Liquor Control Board was the Findley Lake Market. Carrying a large selection of beers in the new cooler room, the Market continues to expand it's offerings and services. Probably one of the best products carried is the Hersey's Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. In our home, we use this for medicinal purposes. At any sign of congestion, or a scratchy throat, a quick trip to the Market gets us healthy again.
Findley Lake Auto Repair on Rt. 426 is selling mulch by the cubic yard. Here's a great chance to save yourself time and effort by stopping in to order yours.
Vinnie's Pizza is the place to pick up your Asian cooking staples. Whether it's Thai, Chinese, Korean, or a fusion dish, you don't have to drive to Wegman's to find a solid selection of necessary products including hot chili paste, several kinds of soy sauce, noodles, tasty desserts, and even shrimp paste. Never judge a book by it's cover and this is a perfect example of a pizza shop that serves dinner or take out, includes Asian favorites on it's menu, sells clothes, eggs, milk, and has an extensive inventory of Oriental and American foods.
The Main Street Cafe is a new face on Main Street. Checkout the selection of sweet rolls and muffins while you order your coffee to go. The weather is perfect for sitting on the benches in the gazebo or by the waterfront and enjoying the view while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Findley Lake Fashions, inside Our Own Candle Company, provides quality women's clothes and accessories. Complements to Teri for carrying styles and fabrics that appeal to all age groups. This has been a wonderful addition to Main Street.
Also finally receiving their license from the Liquor Control Board was the Findley Lake Market. Carrying a large selection of beers in the new cooler room, the Market continues to expand it's offerings and services. Probably one of the best products carried is the Hersey's Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. In our home, we use this for medicinal purposes. At any sign of congestion, or a scratchy throat, a quick trip to the Market gets us healthy again.
Findley Lake Auto Repair on Rt. 426 is selling mulch by the cubic yard. Here's a great chance to save yourself time and effort by stopping in to order yours.
Vinnie's Pizza is the place to pick up your Asian cooking staples. Whether it's Thai, Chinese, Korean, or a fusion dish, you don't have to drive to Wegman's to find a solid selection of necessary products including hot chili paste, several kinds of soy sauce, noodles, tasty desserts, and even shrimp paste. Never judge a book by it's cover and this is a perfect example of a pizza shop that serves dinner or take out, includes Asian favorites on it's menu, sells clothes, eggs, milk, and has an extensive inventory of Oriental and American foods.
The Main Street Cafe is a new face on Main Street. Checkout the selection of sweet rolls and muffins while you order your coffee to go. The weather is perfect for sitting on the benches in the gazebo or by the waterfront and enjoying the view while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Findley Lake Fashions, inside Our Own Candle Company, provides quality women's clothes and accessories. Complements to Teri for carrying styles and fabrics that appeal to all age groups. This has been a wonderful addition to Main Street.
A Year of Housing Changes
I found the task of keeping up with the building/remodeling changes in Findley Lake during 2008 were daunting. Here's a brief update of what has occurred over the last year.
Probably foremost in change and scope was the demolition of John and Barb Henry's house on the point. The new house, still under construction by the Schwartz's, is taking full advantage of the views up and down the lake that the property provides. I hope it will continue to give shelter and respite to generations of families to come.
Continuing on down Shadyside from the Woodland Shores point, one house was damaged by mold/mildew necessitating a controlled burn to remove the superstructure. That house has now been completely rebuilt and should also provide years of enjoyment.
Approaching the south end of the lake, major dock work has disrupted the fine lawn and gardens of the Lewis's. Everything comes with a price and I'm sure that the Lewis's are looking forward to the completion of this necessary repair. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain waterfront property.
One house down has seen a complete exterior remodel including expansion and siding. That's one of the great things about living in Findley Lake. Property owners are constantly improving their homes.
Several homes have opted to re-roof using metal roofing. It's an excellent choice of materials for this area. The past winter saw 306" of snow. That's over 25' of snow. Fortunately it didn't all fall at once but accumulations over several days of over two feet were normal. With metal roofs, you sometimes get unintended consequences when the snow slides off in one massive whoosh. Two interesting situations included snow ending up piled in front of the garage doors and a chimney knocked to a sixty degree angle (and subsequently removed).
Starting up Sunnyside from the bottom of the lake, Mulkearn's new house continues to evolve. Working full time and trying to build a new house must be terribly hard.
The new house which had been built at the site of the former skating rink is soon to have a second floor deck. So far the framing has been constructed. The new deck should provide lovely views both of the lake and of the woods behind the house.
Sunnyside Restaurant has been purchased and reopened. The new name is Addie's and they are continuing the ice cream shop tradition. Currently it is open on the weekends. The new owners are spiffing up and refurbishing the restaurant area and plan to open that at some point soon.
At the corner of Sunnyside and Main Streets, the former EUB church was sold at auction. It is currently being dismantled. The large Jesus painting on the end has been removed, as have the stained glass windows. Anyone interested in buying this memorabilia can contact Gordon Post at Post Scientific in North East PA. The building, when dismantled, will be come a home when the materials are reused.
The north end of Shadyside saw one severe fire this winter at the Ball home. Fortunately the family and pets were either not at home or were able to evacuate safely but the home and contents were a total loss. As of this date, rebuilding has not started although the site was recently leveled.
For those who have followed my blogs on home exterior colors in Findley Lake, the new/remodeled homes have continued the pattern of muted shades. The most popular have been shades of moss green/light olive, with light gray/slate a close second. Trim color continues to be white.
All in all, it's been a year of change in Findley Lake.
Probably foremost in change and scope was the demolition of John and Barb Henry's house on the point. The new house, still under construction by the Schwartz's, is taking full advantage of the views up and down the lake that the property provides. I hope it will continue to give shelter and respite to generations of families to come.
Continuing on down Shadyside from the Woodland Shores point, one house was damaged by mold/mildew necessitating a controlled burn to remove the superstructure. That house has now been completely rebuilt and should also provide years of enjoyment.
Approaching the south end of the lake, major dock work has disrupted the fine lawn and gardens of the Lewis's. Everything comes with a price and I'm sure that the Lewis's are looking forward to the completion of this necessary repair. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain waterfront property.
One house down has seen a complete exterior remodel including expansion and siding. That's one of the great things about living in Findley Lake. Property owners are constantly improving their homes.
Several homes have opted to re-roof using metal roofing. It's an excellent choice of materials for this area. The past winter saw 306" of snow. That's over 25' of snow. Fortunately it didn't all fall at once but accumulations over several days of over two feet were normal. With metal roofs, you sometimes get unintended consequences when the snow slides off in one massive whoosh. Two interesting situations included snow ending up piled in front of the garage doors and a chimney knocked to a sixty degree angle (and subsequently removed).
Starting up Sunnyside from the bottom of the lake, Mulkearn's new house continues to evolve. Working full time and trying to build a new house must be terribly hard.
The new house which had been built at the site of the former skating rink is soon to have a second floor deck. So far the framing has been constructed. The new deck should provide lovely views both of the lake and of the woods behind the house.
Sunnyside Restaurant has been purchased and reopened. The new name is Addie's and they are continuing the ice cream shop tradition. Currently it is open on the weekends. The new owners are spiffing up and refurbishing the restaurant area and plan to open that at some point soon.
At the corner of Sunnyside and Main Streets, the former EUB church was sold at auction. It is currently being dismantled. The large Jesus painting on the end has been removed, as have the stained glass windows. Anyone interested in buying this memorabilia can contact Gordon Post at Post Scientific in North East PA. The building, when dismantled, will be come a home when the materials are reused.
The north end of Shadyside saw one severe fire this winter at the Ball home. Fortunately the family and pets were either not at home or were able to evacuate safely but the home and contents were a total loss. As of this date, rebuilding has not started although the site was recently leveled.
For those who have followed my blogs on home exterior colors in Findley Lake, the new/remodeled homes have continued the pattern of muted shades. The most popular have been shades of moss green/light olive, with light gray/slate a close second. Trim color continues to be white.
All in all, it's been a year of change in Findley Lake.
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