Prospect .1 New Orleans

The largest biennial of international contemporary art ever organized in the United States opens in the Big Easy. So what is it? Eighty-one artists, from 39 countries with art installations in over 23 locations throughout the Greater New Orleans area. That is the beginning of the definition of Prospect .1. The real fun is finding out or rather interpretting for yourself, exactly what Prospect .1 is all about.

The exhibit opened on November 1st. My great fortune had just landed me in New Orleans for Halloween and a wedding….getting the time to experience a handful of sites in this feat was more than the proverbial icing on the king cake of my vacation. Sorry, I just had to type that.

When you go to the website, read the WHY tab. Learn why New Orleans was chosen for this history-making event.

www.prospectneworleans.org

I always have too much fun in New Orleans. That’s what New Orleans is,…one word, “too”. Since Hurricane Katrina, my visits are always impactful in ways I never anticipate. Prospect .1 will make you think and appreciate and question and smile. It will make your eyes widen and your heart swell. Go. Go to New Orleans. Go see something you have never seen in this country before…..Go. Fly. Book a hotel. Support ART. Support New Orleans.

Syd Bakes a Cake

Yep, Sydney has been fast at work in the kitchen. Actually, Syd opened up the first bakery in Rehoboth, DE which brought croissants to the beach. It was called American Pie. Her desire to provide live music and an all around dining experience to her customers led her to close down and open up Sydney’s Blues and Jazz Restaurant.

Trust me, just like the life and history of the old joint, the end result still tasted great even if it didn’t always look pretty.

The Girl’s Holiday Dinner

Last weekend I had a great opportunity to prepare a six course meal for a group of gals who converged on Rehoboth for a Holiday shopping extravaganza. The soup was a huge hit and I promised to post the recipe…..coming soon! This turned out to be a well balanced menu and was really well received by the girls. The Absolut New Orleans Punch was also a big hit. This is my new favorite libation due to the Mango and Black Pepper Vodka created by Absolut. Absolut New Orleans also is a charitable contribution, so buy some today!

Here is the menu:

Crab and Tropical Fruit Salsa served with Absolut New Orleans Punch

Leek and Winter Squash Soup/Parmesan Manchego Crouton/Chived Sour Cream

Seared Scallops/Parsnip and Potato Custard/Crisp Cherrywood Bacon/Roasted Cauliflower

Arugala and Mixed Greens/Braised Fennel and Onion/Fresh Orange Segments/
Dried Cherries/Toasted Pine Nuts and a White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Roasted Pork Tenderloin Medallions/Sauteed Pears and Apples with Flamed Brandy/Braised Kale

Petite Double-Chocolate Bundt Cakes filled with Fresh Vanilla Eggnog Creme Anglaise

Seasonal Pick: Cranberries

Childhood memories of cranberries tell me a good cran-experience only came on Thanksgiving. I must confess I believed cranberries came from a can. Here’s my visual: ridges, circling a jiggly perfectly cylinder shaped mound… to me, the sight of that thing actually made me taste metal. Of course, it was ok on my squishy white bread turkey sandwich with mayo, salt and pepper around 8pm that night. Not only acceptable, but necessary!

My respect for the cranberry has grown. Now, at 38, I try to remember they are good for my urinary tract. On top of that, apparently some current studies implicate they may have benefits/prevention of things like heart disease, stomach ulcers and dental plaque. Yep, that whole list is on my radar these days. And, if I am going to be able to keep eating my annual sandwich at 8pm at night, I gotta keep the system a bit cleaner.

Well, it is time to think of new ways to incorporate the tasty little fresh guys into home menus. Let me know if you have a good cran-experience to share!

Pumpkin Chunkin

In Delaware, this is tradition. This is phenomenon. There is even a fabulous PBS documentary out there…I think CBS Sunday Morning even did a thing on it….yep, how far you can chunk a pumpkin in a device you spent all year makin’ is a big thing. Delaware is proud and they should be!