Author: chanie

Kelder’s Farm

I can’t say enough about Kelder’s Farm. This place makes me want to live in the country. And on a farm. And grow my own vegetables. There is so much to do in this place, it’s a whole day affair. We happened to be upstate for the weekend, but in my humble opinion, it’s worth the drive from anywhere!

Kelder’s Farm is a 200 year old family farm in the scenic Rondout Valley. In operation since 1836, the farm offers educational tours, homegrown produce, hayrides, and so much more. It houses a petting zoo, greenhouse, Farmer’s Market, as well as many other fun and exciting activities for kids and adults alike.

THE PETTING ZOO

At the Kelder’s Farm petting zoo, you’ll find cows, goats, sheeps, pigs, chickens, as well as a donkey and an alpaca. You can purchase bags of food to feed the animals or learn to milk a cow. The petting zoo is my husband’s favorite part of the farm. He loves to feed and pet the animals while my kids watch in amazement. The goat actually grabbed the entire bag of feed and ate the paper bag!

Always remember to wash your hands after feeding or touching the animals (the farm has a large sink and soap dispenser near the petting zoo).

ACTIVITIES

There are loads of fun activities for the kids to enjoy, not to mention great photo opportunities! My kids love to hop aboard the tractors and train, but you can also go for a hay ride, play mini golf, jump on a huge jumping pillow, or run through corn mazes.

THE MARKET

Kelder’s Farm boasts an amazing market with gourmet products like jams, honey, cake mixes, spices and sauces of all kinds. They even make their own bug spray. If you don’t want to pick your own produce, you can buy it all at the market too. They also carry an assortment of kosher products including candies, drinks and ice creams. Animal feed and supplies are also available at the market.

Not only does the market carry delicious gourmet food items, it also houses an assortment of antique appliances and supplies. Every corner is filled with another unique and interesting item to look at and admire.

FLOWER PICKING

The farm grows an array of beautiful flowers which you can pick yourselves. My kids had lots of fun choosing their favorites and cutting them from the ground!

U-PICK

Obviously my favorite part about Kelder’s Farm is the U-Pick fields where you can pick your own seasonal fruits and vegetables. There is nothing like eating something you have picked from the ground with your own hands. It gives you a whole new appreciation for the food that you eat.

We picked blueberries, red currants, beets, swiss chard, and peas. Unfortunately, the corn was not ready for picking, but they brought in some from a nearby farm so we bought some too. I can’t wait to share with you all the great recipes I came up with using my farm fresh ingredients.

Recipes coming soon:

Snap pea, corn and red currant salad
Sauteed swiss chard with shallots and raisins
Roasted beet salsa
Corn soup

The following produce is available for picking this summer:

July: blueberries, beets, greens, carrots, beans, broccoli, onions, squash, cucumbers, red currants, beans, and herbs.

August/September: corn, tomatoes, black raspberries, apples, grapes, herbs, melons, beets, eggplant, greens, carrots, beans broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, squash, kohlrabi, garlic, potatoes.

Also on premises at Kelder’s Farm is a picnic area and restrooms. These are my only gripes about the place. The picnic area oversees some beautiful lush greenery, however, your meal will be disturbed by tons of flies all over your food! The “restrooms” are portable toilets but it is a farm after all, so chalk it up and let it be part of the adventure!

Kelder’s Farm & U-Pick
5755 Rt 209
Kerhonkson, NY
Phone: Phone (845) 626-7137
http://www.kelderfarm.com
keldersfarm@aol.com

1 year ago: blueberry corn pancakes

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S’mores Chocolate Toffee Bark

It has been quite a few years since the hype of matza crack (made famous by Marcy Goldman of BetterBaking.com), but the thrill of the chocolate & toffee covered matza cracker has not been lost on me. I can eat it nonstop (that’s why they call it crack!) In the spirit of summer and Fourth of July celebrations everywhere, I decided to reinvent traditional matza crack into a s’mores version with graham crackers and marshmallows. Would you believe it if I told you that it’s even better than the original?! If there is one dessert recipe that you try from my blog, make it this one, you will not regret it!

Smore’s Chocolate Toffee Bark AKA Graham Crack(er) Bark

15 graham crackers
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter or margarine, cut into pieces
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
a pinch of sea salt
1 9 oz. bag good quality chocolate chips
2 cups mini marshmallows

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with graham crackers, making sure to fill in any gaps (you can break the graham crackers into pieces to do this).  In a small pan, melt the butter and brown sugar over low heat, whisking the mixture so that it combines into a caramel . Once it has begun boiling, let it bubble for 3-5 minutes, until thickened. Remove from the heat and add the salt and vanilla. Pour the toffee over the graham crackers and spread it over the crackers with a spatula. Bake for 15 minutes. The toffee will bubble as it bakes but watch carefully to make sure that it doesn’t burn (if it starts burning, reduce the heat to 325 or 300 degrees). Remove the crackers from the oven and pour on the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a few minutes until the chocolate melts, and spread over the caramel. Sprinkle the marshmallows over the chocolate and place under the broiler (set to high) for approximately 3 minutes, until the marshmallows start to brown. Remove the crackers from the oven and with a spatula, press down lightly on the marshmallows so that they melt into the bark a bit.

Place the bark in the fridge or freezer to set for a few hours. Once it has set completely, break into pieces. Place in a container with layers of parchment paper between the pieces to keep them from sticking together. I find that it keeps better in the fridge (especially in the summer), but it will keep for up to 1 week when tightly sealed (I doubt it will last that long though!)

Variation: To make matza or saltine bark, just use matza or saltines instead of the graham crackers. Top with toffee, chocolate and then sprinkle with nuts (sliced almonds, pecans, walnuts or whatever you prefer).

NOTE: I used a disposable cookie sheet, but if you are using a sheet pan, it might be a good idea to line it with foil and/or parchment paper for easier clean up.


Saltine bark made with pecans, another favorite!

1 year ago: grilled chickpea burgers
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Shlishkes (Gnocchi with Toasted Breadcrumbs)

Being of ashkenazi descent, I grew up eating many traditional Hungarian dishes like kraut-pletzlach (noodles and cabbage), holopches (stuffed cabbage), as well as shlishkes (potato dumplings rolled in toasted breadcrumbs). My mother would make shlishkes on occasion, but I hadn’t eaten it in many years. We were reminiscing about it the other day, so I decided to give it a try. The idea of making a pasta-like dough seemed intimidating, but it was actually quite easy. Rolled in toasted breadcrumbs, these soft potato dumplings are sure to please any palate, ashkenazi and sephardi alike! You can also use this recipe to make gnocchi, and mix it with your sauce of choice (marinara or pesto are good options).

When I looked up my family recipe for shlishkes (which I’ve lightly adapted), I found something interesting. After the instructions for preparing the dough, it said, “take challah.” I would never have imagined that I would need to set aside gnocchi dough for hafrashas challah! After doing some research, it seems as though one would not need to “take challah” for dough that uses only 1 1/2 cups of flour (the original recipe used more). If you’re interested, you can read more about it here.

Shlishkes

4 medium russet potatoes
1 egg
1-2 tsp salt
1 1/2 c flour
6 tbsp butter or 1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup plain bread crumbs

Method:

Scrub potatoes to remove dirt and boil until fork tender. Once the potatoes are cool to the touch, peel them. Mash the potatoes very well*, or if you have one, push them through a potato ricer or fine mesh sieve. While the potatoes are still warm, place them into a mixing bowl and add egg, salt and flour. Mix the ingredients and knead with your hands until a soft dough is formed. Add additional flour if necessary. On a floured surface, and with floured hands, roll out a handful of dough into a long strip. Cut the strip into 3/4″ pieces. If desired, roll the dough over (or under) a fork to create ridges. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Working in batches, drop pieces into the water and let them simmer until they float to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon. In a separate pan, melt margarine or heat up oil. Add bread crumbs and stir until browned and toasted. Add gnocchi and toss until coated.

* If you don’t mash the potatoes really well, you’ll be left with large lumps of potatoes in your dough.

1 year ago: salad nicoise and other shalos seudos ideas

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Picture Perfect Teacher’s Gift


When it comes to the end of the year, every teacher deserves a little token of appreciation to show them just how much we value what they have done for our children. To me, that token isn’t so much about what you give, but more about how you give it.  I think it’s important to take the time to write a nice card (perhaps attach a photo) and give a gift that is more thoughtful than elaborate. Making your gift a personal one can also help you cut down on spending. When you need to purchase gifts for quite a few teachers, assistants, therapists as well as bus drivers and monitors, creativity is key. If you are not the creative type, you can search pinterest for some inspiration, or give a gift card with a handwritten note.

This year, after driving myself kinda crazy, I finally came up with this “picture perfect theme”. I included a set of photo albums and a picture frame, and designed this camera thank you card to top it off. I don’t love my handwriting so I typed up a message thanking the teachers for a picture perfect year.

Last year, I found some super cute ice cream sets, which was so fitting for a pre-summer gift. I printed out thank you notes with pictures of my daughters and glued it to the top of each box, wrapping each one in ribbon. The teachers loved them!

A few years ago, when my daughter was in playgroup, I purchased target gift cards for her teachers and therapist. I included these handwritten poems (which I had time to come up with because she was my only one back then!), as well as photos with each one.

For the teacher:

I want to thank you for everything this year,
for all your attention and tender loving care.
The Parsha and Yomim Tovim I learned so well,
each week at the shabbos table i’d tell.
All of the songs and stories of the week,
then mommy would give me a kiss on my cheek.
Thank you for sitting with me when i ate,
it’s due to your prodding that i put on weight.
You also helped me to eat with utensils,
and color with crayons, pens and pencils.
I know all my diapers were really not pretty,
I wish I’d been trained, it’s really a pity!
All of your dress ups and all of your toys,
were such fun to play with the girls and the boys.
To drink from a cup, this year i did learn,
too bad next year I can’t return.
For I’ll miss you and all of my friends a lot,
it’s time for headstart for this 3 year old tot!
This gift card is just a token to say,
I appreciate the efforts you made every day.
So use it to purchase whatever you wish,
a mop or a top or a pretty new dish.
In this economy we can all use,
a gift card to buy whatever we choose!

For the therapist:

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me this year,
from walking to running to sitting straight in my chair.
I  know some days were hard and I didnt cooperate,
the fact that you pushed me, I really appreciate.
It’s because of your efforts that I’ve mastered the stairs,
now my mommy can shed a few less tears.
Worrying about my progress each day,
she’s happy to see that I’m jumping ok.
I  know I still have a long way to go,
but from where I started, I really did grow.
This token is just a little something to say,
I appreciate the efforts you made every day.
So use it to purchase whatever you wish,
a  mop or a top or a pretty new dish.
In this economy we can all use,
a gift card to buy whatever we choose!

I hope that these ideas have inspired you to create something personal for your children’s teachers. They truly deserve it!

 

What you’ll need:

photo-related gift such as album or picture frame
wrapping paper (that complements the colors of your card)
1 sheet 8.5 x 11 black  cardstock
1 sheet 8.5 x 11 white cardstock
metallic sharpie
scissors
glue or double sided tape
card template
thank you template

How to:

Wrap your gift with wrapping paper. Print the card template onto the black cardstock and the thank you template onto the white cardstock. Cut the black cardstock along the dotted lines, you will have 2 cards, 2 outer lenses, and 2 camera buttons. Cut out the inner lenses and flashes from the white cardstock (you’ll have enough for 6 cards so cut out as much as you need). Fold down the sides of the cards so that the ends meet at the center (see picture). Glue or tape the flash to the upper right corner. Glue or tape the camera button behind the card in the upper left corner. Glue the inner lens onto the outer lens and then glue or tape the top half of the lens onto the center of the card. Place a piece of scrap paper between the fold of the card (so that the marker doesn’t leak through) and using a metallic sharpie, outline the lens so that you have a silver ring around it. Discard the scrap paper. You can hand-write a note inside the card or type one up and attach it. Make sure to include the words “PICTURE PERFECT” in line with the theme. If you’d like, you can add a small piece of double sided tape to the bottom of the camera lens so that it keeps the card closed.

If you do not have a printer, you can still make these cards by hand. Just measure with a ruler and cut with a scissor (or you can eyeball it).  The cards should be 4 1/4″ wide by 7 1/4″ high. The lens rings should be roughly 1 7/8″ and 2 3/8″ wide.

NOTE: As pictured, I cut the lenses using my cuttlebug machine with the nestabilities die cuts. You can cut it by hand, I just like the perfect finish that comes from using a die cutting machine.

1 year ago: tuna salad with a twist

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Kid-Friendly Dirty Rice

First off, let me start by saying that I am posting this as per the facebook vote! I asked my fan page if they prefer a one dish meal, protein, vegetarian dish, muffin, drink or craft and the majority voted for the one dish meal, so here you have it!

Now, onto the recipe. Let me tell you how this happened. I went shopping to my local supermarket and picked up a package of chicken for dinner. Then I got home and opened said package. It wreaked. I’m talking seriously stinky chicken. I quickly called the store, who aptly credited my account and I dumped the chicken in the garbage. It was 4:30 PM, my kids were hungry and I had nothing. So I did what any desperate mother would do: I rummaged through my freezer and found 4 lonely hot dogs in a bag. Then, I scoured the pantry and the fridge and put all my ingredients out on the counter. I twiddled my thumbs while I thought of how I could turn rice, hot dogs and peppers into a satisfying dish with minimal time and effort. And then this happened. This delicious, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish that is so easy to make, so budget-friendly, and easily customizable! Feel free to load this up with other veggies, beans, or any type of protein. You can also use chicken or turkey hot dogs for a healthier option.

After I fed my kids, I could not resist topping off my plate with a poached egg. The silky egg yolk coated my rice with a creamy layer of heaven and the scallions gave it the perfect bite. Don’t be intimidated, poached eggs are fairly simple and take just a little practice. View my tutorial here.

And by the way, in case you were wondering, dirty rice is a traditional Cajun dish made from white rice cooked with small pieces of chicken liver or giblets, which give it a dark (“dirty”) color and a mild but distinctive flavor (thanks Wikipedia! I couldn’t have said it better myself!). I simplified the traditional recipe by using seasoned salt and hot dogs, making it kid-friendly and super easy!

 

Kid-Friendly Dirty Rice

4 hot dogs or sausages, sliced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 tbsp seasoned salt (I prefer Lawry’s)
2 cups rice
4 cups chicken broth

For adults: poached egg and scallions, optional (see my instructions for poaching eggs here)

Method:

Saute hot dogs for a few minutes until it is lightly browned and it has rendered some of its fat. Add onions and peppers and continue to saute until onions are translucent. Add salt and stir to combine. Add rice and saute for a minute or two. Add chicken broth, cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

1 year ago: quick easy & tasty chicken

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