|
I have to admit, I am not having fun at this and I don't have any kids in the house any longer. I'm getting tired of being told I can't go out, I can't do this, I can't do that and my patients it wearing thin. Do I feel we need to just throw open everything like nothing has happened? Get real, I know there are those that would like that, but I also understand some of the implications to all that. But there are many places that could be opened and going and I feel many are just dragging their feet and that there are many false hoods that are out there that we are being fed and many of us want to be part of the crowd that sees the King in his new cloths and just praise him that he looks so good. There are some, few they are that are standing by the way crying out the King has not cloths on at all. Who is going to start listening and asking some of the questions that need to be answered? When are we going to say to those who want to preach a sermon of hysteria and panic and keep the US under their control with continued scare tactics. We need to get the less dense population places open, get the smaller cities and rural areas going. It is the populated high density places that need higher monitoring and move a bit slower on the opening of those areas. But who has the guts, who has the stammer to put many of these fear mongers out and put into action what is going on is some other countries that have not shut down. Am I frustrated yes, do I understand the severity of the nature, I sure do, I also understand the consequences that are already starting to happen and occur do to this. Sometimes we have to stop chiding people for being what we were made to be and do what we were created to do. And yes that means socializing to some point. With precautions, with warnings and with positive information. When is the government going to stop treating us all like a bunch of dumb bunnies who can understand anything and think they need to be that helicopter mom to us all. It's about time we start using some common sense in this, be mindful of others when out, but let's get this country of ours back open, and that includes this wonderful place we call old Cape Cod. Hey you don't have to agree with me, this is my opinion, my thoughts, and my feelings. Here is to better times sooner than later and may the sand of the beach be our health spa as soon as we can.
Ok so for small business I am going back to my breweries.I was not sure who was open who wasn't and found some good news, Doing curbside pick up and take and carry are the following. You can preorder and pay so there is no worry about exchange in money or forgetting your wallet or purse. But check out there hours as not all are on the same page. You all know about Cape Cod Beer so I will move on. Naukabout Brewery @ https://www.naukabout.com/brewery located at 13 Lake Ave. Mashpee. Then Barnstable Brewing @ https://www.barnstablebrewing.com/485 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02062. Next up DEVIL'S PURSE BREWING CO. @ https://www.devilspurse.com/home located at 120 Great Western Rd #3715, South Dennis, MA. These are the ones I know that are open. I know we have a few others but their web sites do not indicate that they are open right now. So get out there and support your local brewery, even if you have to spread it out a bit, but they are open and they are brewing delicious beers.
As for other shops and stores, Well, do your online searches, research facebook, and keep and eye on your friends pages for local places they recommending. The other places I can say lets keep in business are our coffee houses and roasteries that are still open. Cape Cod Coffee, out in Mashpee. Three Fins in West Dennis, Unfortunately Snowy Owl has had to close down for a while for now. Check out their web-site for what is still going on and when they will be able to reopen. Same thing with Beanstock Coffee Roasters in Eastham. Hopefully we can get these places back open really soon. Remember to call or check their webpages or facebook pages before you journey out to be sure all are still as noted.
Well, today maybe short, sweet and simple, but some of you know me too well. It's just I am trying to keep it positive around here, Positive, we have been getting some much needed rain. We forget although it was nice not to have a lot of snow this past winter, that snow really helps with the water tables and the vegetation. We really need it to get those plants growing to hide those smaller critters out on the dunes from the coyotes and foxes. They produce fruit that can feed the deer, and the vegetation helps keep the dry dunes sand from blowing all away. So although it makes for some dreary days we can really use it. It also helps wash that pollen out of the air and cuts the risks of forest fires and heaven knows we don't need that on top of all that is going on. It also helps flush out the the brackish water inlets and keeps the balance for those species that thrive in those waters healthy. So all is good. I just got my On the Water news letter and see there are some changes in limits for Black Sea Bass and Summer Flounder, So you Commercial guys check that out. I am also here there are still quahogs for the taking, and what better place to do some physical distancing, cause any raker will tell you to give each other their own space to work, you do not crowd one another, that in any time is a big no, no. As far as the big guys, the Right Whale are just having a ball in the Cape Cod Bay and for now that is about it. But April is the start of the migration and we will soon be seeing Finbacks, Humpbacks, Pilots Whales and possibly an Orca or two and there are others from time to time. So keep your eye peeled to the sea and an ear to the Coast Guard for sightings and warnings to stay clear of if you are out boating. Speaking of boating, as we dodge the rain drops and as the temperatures rise you might want to go over the boat of yours and make sure everything is updated and current on it. Fire Extinguisher, PFD's, hand pump for smaller boats, get the engine started and flushed out, and if needed get that hull painted so you are ready for inspection and getting that thing into the water. Best spot to be socially physically distanced is in a boat offshore. Good place, if you ask me. Well I told you, I could most likely drag it out. Hang in there, keep positive, be smart and let's get this thing past us and get this summer on. Why, if for only one reason, this is old Cape Cod and we want to share it with any and all who will come. Till next time, keep the faith.
Well, one of the things I like about cookie balls is that they are great anytime, they are easy to make, they can made by all ages, and a lot of them are No-Bake recipes, such as these are. I love the boozy ones, they are do fun and taste so delicious, but with the kids out of school and you are looking for projects to do, what better way to teach math and cooking, while having fun. Another thing I would highly recommend is introducing kids of all ages to a history lesson that is based the substance of life called food and cook books. You would be amazed how much history can be found in some of these old books and it teaches everything from politics to religion to etiquette. So don't pass these up especially in these trying times and the resources that are available at our fingertips for learning and enjoying what they have to offer. So as always, this is not my own, this is found, in more that one spot and all are basically the same, maybe an ounce or two different or an ingredient or two different. So find one like it, a bit different but all are just as tasty. And in this one, combines and old favorite with some wonderful fruit many of us are not familiar with, dates. So mix up, roll up. and pop in with this wonderful recipe. Now on with the show.
This week's recipe: Coconut Krispie Date Balls
11 oz dates, chopped (buy the pitted ones)
1 cup unsalted butter
1 ½ cups sugar
2 lrg eggs, slightly beaten
1 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 cups Rice Krispie cereal (or similar cereal)
7 oz sweetened shredded coconut (1 bag)
Chop dates into small pieces, these are sticky, some suggest gloves, personally I don't. In a large saucepan, melt butter and sugar together, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted. Turn heat to low and add chopped dates and cook until mixture is boiling, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent mixture from burning.
In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Once the date mixture is boiling, take about ¼ cup of the mixture and pour it into the eggs, and whisk constantly to temper the eggs. Remove saucepan from stovetop and pour egg mixture back into saucepan. Keep this moving, less you have scrambled egg, and that's not what we want.
Return mixture to stovetop and boil for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove mixture from the heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine rice cereal with date mixture and stir until evenly coated. Allow the mixture to cool until it can be handled. Shape date mixture into balls (1 to 2 tablespoons in size) and place on a sheet pan. Stop and think, the small the ball the more balls, the bigger the less numbers. You want them bit size though for best results.
Place the shredded coconut in a separate bowl and roll each date ball in the shredded coconut, gently pressing coconut into the date balls. Refrigerate, date balls for an hour or longer. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated or frozen.
|
|
