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Guinness Beef Stew

By
Marc Piperno
-

Tiffany Cohen has been cooking since she was 12 years old, and has a blog called Whatcha Cooking Good 
Looking, which showcases her love for food and creating great memories with family and friends. Contact her at 
whatchacookinggoodlooking@gmail.com.

    Does anything say Happy St. Patrick’s Day more than an ice-cold Guinness?  I guess maybe some Corned Beef and Cabbage does, but for those who don’t fancy some Corned Beef, I’ve got an awesome alternative for your St. Patty’s Day!  Guinness Beef Stew. Yes, it’s as rich and delicious as it sounds.
    We start it all off with bacon, so I mean, can we really go wrong from here?  Nope!  Tender beef, an entire bottle of Guinness (ya heard me right!), tomato sauce, plus lots of veggies and aromatics.  It’s super rich, kinda sweet, a lot savory, and all in all, amazing.  Oh, and it’s make-ahead, so it’s perfect for your party. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.  It will definitely be your new St. Patrick’s Day favorite.

Ingredients
•    1 package of thick cut bacon 
    (you can use less if you’d like, but you need at
    least 6 slices)
•    1 1/2 – 2 lbs stew beef 
    (can be found in the beef section of your 
    supermarket)
•    3 tablespoons flour
•    1 teaspoon granulated garlic
•    Salt and pepper
•    2–3 teaspoons olive oil 
    (if needed to cook meat)
•    2 medium onions, cut into thin half moons
•    3 garlic cloves, chopped
•    6 carrots, peeled and chopped into 
    1 inch pieces
•    10–15 baby tri-colored potatoes or white
    baby potatoes, cut in 4s
•    1 bottle of Guinness Draught Stout
•    1–1 1/2 cups beef broth
•    1 8 oz. can Hunts Tomato Sauce
•    2 teaspoons gravy master
•    1 teaspoon soy sauce
•    2 sprigs rosemary
•    Water as needed
•    1 package egg noodles (optional)
•    1 tablespoon butter (optional)
•    3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano

Instructions

    In a large Dutch oven or pot, over medium to medium-high heat, cook the bacon.  Turn the heat down to medium if the bacon starts cooking too fast.  While the bacon is cooking, combine the flour, granulated garlic, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. 
    Take the meat and set it out on a cutting board.  Cut the larger pieces of meat into 1 1/2 inch chunks, lightly salt and pepper the meat, and toss into the flour mixture.  Coat each piece.  Continue checking on the bacon throughout this process.  Once the bacon is crispy, transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
    If there is not a lot of bacon grease left in the pot (chances are though, you should have more than enough in the pan where you don’t need to add oil), add 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil.  Add the meat to the pot, shaking off any excess flour, and begin to brown.  Cook at 4 minutes each side.  
    Add the onions, garlic, salt and pepper and cook until the onions start to soften (about 3-5 minutes).  Then, add the carrots and potatoes.  Salt and pepper to them as well.  Cook it all up for about 5 minutes.  Add the bacon back to the pot.  Mix well. 
    Add the beer and bring to a boil. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
    Next, add 1 cup of beef broth, tomato sauce, gravy master, soy sauce, and rosemary.  Add more beef broth to cover the stew completely, if needed.  The ingredients must be immersed in the liquid so they can cook.  Bring to a boil, then simmer on medium low for about 2 hours. If you find the stew has boiled down and is not covering the veggies and meat any longer, just add a bit of water and mix to combine.  
    If you would like to serve with egg noodles, about 15 minutes before serving, put up a pot of water and boil the egg noodles.  Once they are done and drained, add the butter and cheese. 
    Remove the rosemary sprigs from the pot.  Serve the beef stew over the egg noodles.  Enjoy!

 

The Positive Power of Smiling May Lead to Laughter

By
Marc Piperno
-

Kathy Horowitz co-facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services.
(kahorowitz@gmail.com) • www.kathyhorowitz.com.  
    The winter blues can be debilitating for many people, which is why laughter is the best medicine. Have you read Reader’s Digest lately?  Each issue devotes an entire page to this time-worn maxim:  “Laughter, the Best Medicine,”  where readers send in their own jokes.
    Late last year, I found myself in a funk.  After a few days of feeling this way, I became annoyed with myself, so I tried an experiment that I’d recently read about:  Smile for as long as you can, even when you pass by a mirror, and before you know it, you’ll start smiling naturally.  It will help to lift your mood and that feeling can help you stay positive for hours.  Once you get used to doing this repeatedly, it will eventually lead to laughter.  It’s always easier to laugh at oneself when no one is looking.  Isn’t that an easy way to change your negative thoughts into positive ones?
    Remember the song, “When You’re Smiling,” made popular by Louis Armstrong among others?  That’s exactly what happens: “The whole world smiles with you, When you’re laughin’, When you’re laughin’, the sun comes shining through.” Smiling becomes infectious, moods uplift, and everyone is momentarily happy until the next episode of sadness occurs.  
    The winter months can trigger the onset of SAD (seasonal affective disorder).  To shift my mood when these feelings arise, I try to take daily walks and look for whatever sliver of sunshine I can find.  When I walk in my neighborhood, I always make sure to say hello to and smile at those I pass on the street (especially the dogs of dog owners), who always respond positively. I also listen to the sweet, two-syllable song of the white-throated sparrow, who is caught up in thinking that this mild winter is really an early spring.  It makes me smile.
    When all else fails, watching a comedy on TV can also lift one’s spirits.  Or, simply observing an infant smile at what seems like nothing. It may be a face they are beginning to recognize, a funny voice and intonation, or a particular object that causes them to smile, then laugh.  It’s quite contagious.  I remember a popular YouTube video where an eight-month old boy became hysterical each time his father ripped a piece of paper (“Baby Laughing Hysterically at Ripping Paper”).  It went viral with over 104 million views amd his infectious laughter spread throughout the world.  It doesn’t get better than that.
    So, keep on smiling and the whole world will smile with you.

 

A Taste of Long IreLand

By
Marc Piperno
-

Katherine Andrianas

Farmingdale Parade
The 8th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will return to
Farmingdale Sunday, March 15th. Beginning 1PM
sharp at the Northside Elementary School, the parade will proceed down Main Street to the Village Green. Following the parade, they will have tons of festivities at the many downtown merchants, restaurants and local spots along with shamrock photo op’s on the Village Green.

The Library Café
274 Main Street, Farmingdale
This bustling pub, set in a former library, is known for
their top-notch seafood, new American fare and signature
cocktails. From March 14th-March 17th, their St. Patrick’s
Day Specials will include: $5 Jameson shots and $6 beers
(Guinness, Black & Tan, Heineken, Heineken Light and
Lessing’s Local Ale). They will also have Irish food specials
like mini reuben’s, corned beef and cabbage as well as
shepherd’s pie. 

The Nutty Irishman
323 Main Street, Farmingdale
This lively restaurant and bar counts down to St. Patrick’s
Day festivities each year. It’s the place to go if you’re
looking for “Cold beer, great music and good times.” 
They have 26 colorful taps which include craft beers from
national and local breweries along with experienced bartenders who can describe each and the different taste bud nuances. So, whether you come by before the parade for a delicious Irish breakfast or after, they’ll have happenings all throughout the day.

Huntington Parade
Huntington celebrates their 86th annual parade on
March 8th at 2PM. The oldest and largest on Long 
Island, it attracts thousands of patrons and residents
plus over a dozen pipe and marching bands. Rain or
shine, the parade will start just North of the 
Huntington Train Station, head along New York 
Avenue and Main Street, then end at the St. Patrick’s Church. 

Christopher’s Pub & Eatery
8 Wall Street, Huntington
Listed each year on the annual St. Patrick’s Day 
Leprechaun Crawl, this is one of Huntington’s 
favorites. While known for their really good wings and pub style food (sliders, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and more), they have tons of other munchies like loaded 
fiesta nachos, mac & cheese bites, disco fries, etc.

Finnegan’s Restaurant & Tap Room
5 Wall Street, Huntington
This is the oldest and continuously operating pub in
Huntington.  With traditional pub fare, craft beer and
classic cocktails, it attracts a lively bar crowd, especially
come St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrating the Irish heritage of
New York, they have the best old-fashioned corned beef
reuben’s, beer battered cod and shepherd’s pie.

Montauk Parade
For a change of scenery, head out east for Montauk’s
58th annual parade which will be held on Sunday, March
22nd at 12PM. Hosted by Montauk’s Friends of Erin (a civic and social organization founded in 1962), the parade will kick off on Edgemere Road, turn onto Main Street and end at the IGA. Beginning at 10AM on the green, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce will also be serving Montauk’s finest clam chowder which will be made and donated by local restaurants.

The Point Bar & Grill
697 Montauk Highway, Montauk        “Home for before and after parties,” this sports bar 
functions as a casual family eatery during the day and a
party spot at night. With daily food and drink specials
plus a menu that covers it all: local seafood, burgers and
delicious wings, there’s a reason customers return back.
So, head here to listen to the hottest tracks of the season by some of the best DJ’s and to experience “Old school drinking since 2000”. 

Patchogue Parade
Join Patchogue in their 25th St. Patrick’s Day parade
along Main Street which starts at 12:30PM on March
22nd. It will feature great pipe bands, creative floats,
twirlers, scouts, fire trucks, dancers and a whole lot more.
Also, prior to the parade will be Patchogue’s annual 
“May the Road Rise to Meet Ye 5K,” a 5K run/walk 
which begins promptly at 11AM (10AM check in).

Fulton’s Gate
124 E Main Street, Patchogue
As one of the bars to participate in Patchogue’s St.
Patrick’s Day bar crawl, this true Irish pub knows just how to celebrate. Their menu features special twists on all your Irish favorites. Some popular picks include their Irish mac & cheese for two (under shareable platters), Irish fish 
chowder, chef Joe’s Guinness burger, banger’s & mash
and Galway cod sandwich. They’ll also be serving a 
traditional Irish breakfast on the day of the parade and
offering a great St. Patrick’s Day catering menu all your guests will love.

Two Morrow’s Pub
300 E Main Street, Patchogue
This charming and cozy Irish pub has been around for
over forty years; even longer than the Patchogue parade
has been running. Family owned and operated by Bob
and Sheila Morrow, former Grand Marshall’s of the St.
Patrick’s Day parade, these longtime business owners
have created a community staple. Featuring high-quality
burgers and a large selection of beers on tap, it’s one 
of Patchogue’s hidden gems.
                                                            Rockville Centre 
Parade
The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s parade turns 24 on 
Saturday, March 21, 2020.  This wonderful parade differs from others in a very special way. Every year as the 
committee organizes the parade, they are also raising money for three different charities. Over the 23 years leading up to 2020, they have raised over $1,320,000 for 60 different charities. For more information on this impactful event, you can reach them at www.rvcstpatrick.com, @rvcstpatparade, @RVCSTPATRICK.

Kasey’s Kitchen & Cocktails
23 N Park Avenue, Rockville Centre
As a staple of the Rockville Centre community for over 15
years, there’s something to be said about this popular
sports bar. Featuring day and night giveaways on the day of the parade, a full Irish food menu, live music, and some of the best drink specials, there’s a reason they’re able to turn strangers into friends. The spacious interior with two catering rooms, and rooftop (whether permitted), makes them the perfect spot for even the busiest of occasions—St. Patrick’s Day being one. 

Wantagh Parade
For the second year in a row, Wantagh will host their 
St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 22nd. It will kick off at 2PM right on Wantagh Avenue and head from the high school to Triangle Park, Railroad Avenue. Last year, over 50,000 people showed up, so this year, expect even more!

Mulcahy’s
3232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh
Irish or not, this is the perfect place to be on the day of
the parade. They’ll be having outstanding drink specials
from 2-5PM: $5 Guinness, Bud Light, and Jameson shots.
On top of that, you get to enjoy live music by tribute
group, Plunge, plus a full Irish food menu which will be
available all day. (No cover charge.)

                    Westhampton Beach 
Parade
On Saturday, March 14th, Westhampton will host their 
St. Patrick’s Day parade for the 53rd year in a row. This time around, the float theme will be “Love Local,” so 
it should be interesting to see just how creative 
participants can get. Leading the parade will be the Grand Marshall, Preston Jankowski, followed by the local community, fire and police departments, along with some of the best band pipes in the region.

The Claddagh Restaurant
& Tap Room
141 Montauk Highway, Westhampton Beach
With more of an upscale Manhattan vibe, the Claddagh
is different than your average Irish pub. Known for 
putting a twist on old classics, they have a list of 
delicious Irish favorites: reuben stuffed egg rolls,
bangers & mash, chicken pot pie, fish & chips 
and grandma’s shephard’s pie.

The Mill Roadhouse
142 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach
On your list of Top Ten Best Bars in Westhampton, the
Mill Roadhouse is known for drawing a good crowd. 
The family-friendly restaurant, boasting two bars, is 
perfect for enjoying specialty cocktails, craft beer and contemporary cuisine. Conveniently located in the 
heart of Westhampton, the old and rustic building is 
hard to miss, especially with everyone dressed head 
to toe in green.

 

Clutter Control

By
Marc Piperno
-

Natalie Weinstein is President of Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, The Natalie Weinstein Home 
Decorating Club and Uniquely 
Natalie, a quality 
consignment boutique. 
For inquiries call: 631-862-6198.
    Designers know that no decorating can be accomplished until a home has a “place” for everything and “everything is in its place.” But designers are only a small portion of the population and the problem of “too much stuff” and the lack of ability to control or organize it has grown to epic proportions. There is now a huge national organization of professional organizers to help people solve this problem, as well as countless closet and garage organizers. 
     What is it that makes us hold on to our things or buy more than we need? How can we change the way we view our things and for that matter, can we actually change? Clearly the problem 
lies beyond our stuff and with ourselves. Why do we keep things? What is our emotional attachment? Lots of questions- some hard to answer. 
     It seems to me there are 2 categories of people who need help in this area. The first can be taught by example and a plan. (Those are the ones designers and organizers can help in very little time.) They are either busy, overwhelmed, or just never had the organizing gene in their DNA. In other words, it doesn’t come naturally. No worries, though. In a few short sessions, the plan is in place, the system starts to work and people learn to sort, purge and give away. If they stick with the program and don’t go on unnecessary shopping sprees, they will conquer their problem and set a good example for other family members, especially children. If they occasionally fall off the wagon, they don’t need too much time to get back on. 
     The second group of people have a tougher time changing. For whatever their reasons, (usually deep-seated) they can’t part with anything, saving everything from clothing to furniture to papers. They become defensive and generally inspire ill feelings in those around them. Often times, this problem spills over into every aspect of life and relationships. In its worst scenario, it creates homes such as those seen on current TV shows like, “The Hoarder”. 
     According to experts, this is a serious condition that needs counseling, patience and understanding and is not often successful if attempted to be accomplished by family members. Professional organizers have a better shot, but often professional counseling is needed where the person is guided and encouraged to change while respecting their dignity. Medication such as antidepressants might be required and cognitive behavior therapy or group therapy may be suggested. 
     It’s clear by now that cluttering from its most extreme to various lower levels  is not healthy, causes time to be wasted on finding things and can promote safety issues. It’s early in 2020 and if you’ve dropped the ball, reconsider the flip side of trying again – as hard as it may seem. Start with 1 small task: a drawer, closet, pantry, shelf. Order is contagious. If 
you keep going, the rewards will impel you to go farther. Remember — one – just one. 
     Mark the date for a “free happening” with Natalie on Clutter Control and Organization, Sunday, April 26th at 176 2nd St., St James, NY 11780. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP. 
    (631) 862-6198. Hope to see you there!

 

How To improve Your Child’s Self-Esteem

By
Marc Piperno
-

Connie Henriquez H.H.C. is a Teen Life Coach who teaches kids & teens how to overcome anxiety, self-doubt and improve  their self-esteem. For more information, call (516) 340-0378 or check out her website at startlovinglife.com. 

The only problem with the children I work with is that they are defeating themselves in their own mind. That’s it. By doing this, they are slowly, over time, killing their self-esteem which negatively affects their self-image and impacts EVERY aspect of their life.

When children lack self-esteem they experience:

    •    Shyness
    •    Sadness
    •    Stress
    •    Anxiety 
    •    Mood Swings
    •    Anger Outbursts

Does this sound like your child?

All of the above are fixable when you address the root issue: your child’s self-esteem.

Why your child lacks self-esteem? 
There can be many reasons, but below is a common example of my experiences with the many kids I work with. 

Scenario: 1
Growing up, children are NOT taught to LOVE themselves or LOVE life. Instead, at an early age, your child’s “intelligence” is measured by performance in every subject at school. Therefore, if they did not excel academically, your child at age 6 (or whatever age) was automatically deemed “NOT smart”. 

Scenario: 2
Conversely, if your child was lucky enough to excel in EVERY subject, then your child learned validation by manufactured benchmarks, such as grades. This created the pressure to perform in order to continue their validation of worthiness, all of which is exhausting, stressful and causes that dreadful “perfectionism” bug.

So, regardless of whether your child fell into either scenario 1 or 2, that experience has shaped their self-image. 

Now, should it have? No, of course not. Instead, we must teach our children that their worthiness comes from the inside and has NOTHING to do with outside accolades or other’s opinions of them (that includes grades and everything else). 
    But unfortunately, the current reality tends to create a platform for your child at an early age, forcing them to become very self-critical.

For example, self-critical thoughts based on the above scenarios include:

(Scenario 1) Does not excel academically:

    •    I am not good enough.
    •    I am not smart enough.
    •    There is something wrong with me.
    •    I don’t fit in.
    •    My parents are disappointed in me.

(Scenario 2) Does excel academically:

    •    In order to be good, I MUST do well.
    •    If I get a bad grade, I am disappointed in myself.
    •    I must be the best in order to make my parents happy.
    •    I receive positive attention from my parents only when I do         well, so in order to feel loved, I must continue to do well.

The list goes on…

Since I’ve worked with children, I see these scenarios all the time. Your children put undue pressure on themselves to perform, fit in and make you, the parent, happy. Let’s face it,  there is no wonder why kids’ anxiety and depression are at an all-time high. And, just remember, the above scenario is pertaining to schoolwork and grades! There’s also the social aspect that involves making friends, succeeding in sports, the pressures of social media…and much more!

So, what’s the solution?

It’s simple. Kids must learn how to love themselves AND how to start loving life, regardless of EVERYTHING ELSE. They must know that the only opinion of them that matters, is their own. So, when they improve their opinions of themselves (their self-image), by focusing on their positive, unique qualities, they WILL feel better. 

When your child starts loving life, life will love them back…
Imagine that?

 

Music City USA… 3 Melodious Days in NASHVILLE

By
Marc Piperno
-

Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel enthusiast from Dix Hills. Have any travel questions you would like answered? Email her at travelingclaudia@gmail.com. 
Happy Travels!

“Carnegie Hall was real fabulous, but you know, it ain't as big as the Grand Ole Opry.”  Patsy Cline

    Grab your boots and your beer (if you are over 21) and head down to Nashville for a fantastic few day getaway.  United, Delta, American and Southwest all operate nonstop flights from the New York area to Nashville.  BNA is located only 10 miles east of downtown making it a quick and easy ride whether you rent a car or not.  Since it was a family vacation, I decided the best way to be together was to stay at the Homewood Suites Nashville/Brentwood.  Located about 12 miles south of downtown, with free parking, we comfortably fit in a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom suite that included breakfast, and even a light dinner during the week.
     Flying down, we were lucky enough to have met one of the friendliest Delta flight attendants who had hailed from Nashville.  She happily gave us a laundry list of her favorite things to do and places to eat.  We followed them to the letter and they were awesome.
     On our first day, we took a one-hour, double decker sighteeing tour, run by Grayline which gave us a lovely overview of the city. The heart of Nashville is Broadway which is lined with bars, clubs and music venues that seem to run 24/7.  The Country Music Hall of Fame is right there and so is the Ryman Auditorium which housed the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974.
     Next up, was the best Southern meal we had ever eaten, from Monell’s, a Nashville staple since 1995.  Served family style, the idea is to make new friends at the communal tables where you pass along dishes of fried chicken, green beans, cheese grits, cornbread, biscuits and gravy, pot roast, ribs plus a drink and dessert.  The menu changes daily and that’s just one of the many reasons why they’re so famous. 
     Since it was holiday time, we spent an evening at Cheekwood, a former mansion turned botanical garden, west of the city.  Each night, Cheekwood glows with the magic of the season. Their one-mile loop is filled with over one million lights, 500,000 light strings, dozens of photo ops and more.
     On our last day, we spent hours at Opryland. Located just a few minutes from the airport, Opryland is home to the Grand Ole Opry, as well as the largest non-gaming hotel/convention complex in the USA.  There are nine acres of indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls and an indoor river with its own Delta flatboats beneath the glass roof. 
   Our trip was short but very sweet and satisfying… just like their tea!

 

Valentine’s Day 2020 Fashion

By
Marc Piperno
-

Anna is currently a student at Fairfield University. She loves reading, the beach, and iced peach green tea lemonades!
    Regardless of whether your Valentine’s Day plans involve a fun date night or a cozy night  in with your closest girlfriends, there are many outfits to choose from, so you can spend the day in style. Here is the ultimate guide to dressing for every kind of Valentine’s Day plans.
Intimate Date Night
    The classic Valentine’s Day date usually consists of a nice intimate dinner followed by a night of dancing or a movie. When dressing for a romantic outing, you cannot go wrong with a knitted sweater dress and boots; it offers the perfect mix of comfort and sex appeal. If you want to make a statement, opt for a puff-sleeved mini, satin or velvet dress with a vibrant pattern or color. That will grab their attention as soon as you walk in the room.  
Adventurous Date Night
    If your Valentine’s Day festivities involve some exciting plans like attending a concert, ice skating, or bowling, we have you covered. Spending the night doing an activity that both you and your partner enjoy will make the holiday even more special. Wearing printed pants paired with a sweater (or cape) and ankle boots is the perfect clothing option for an exciting, unconventional date. Opt for a more casual outfit to go with your plans such as, mom jeans with a cropped sweater. Or, combat boots and a trendy coat. Comfort is key when planning an adventurous outing. 
Night Out with the Girls
    Sometimes the people you want to spend this holiday with are your closest girlfriends. Getting dressed up for a night filled with amazing food and dancing is the perfect way to celebrate. Depending on whether your night is spent laughing over a nice dinner or drinks at a local bar, jeans with a nice blouse and heels are always a hit for a casual night out with the girls. You can also opt for a stylish but comfortable outfit such as, a breezy jumpsuit or a satin midi skirt with a loose sweater. There are many options to choose from when planning your outfit for this specific outing.  
Night In with the Girls
    Another fun way to spend Valentine’s Day is by having a self-care night with your girls. A night in filled with movies, take-out, and pampering is a fun, casual way to spend this holiday with your friends. Comfort is key for a girls night in, so break out your favorite pajamas or loungewear. If you want to look extra cute for those Instagram selfies, be sure to order matching festive pink or red pajamas for you and your crew.  

 

Comforting… Wild Cream of Mushroom Soup

By
Marc Piperno
-

Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident, freelance writer and licensed agent at Signature Premier Properties in Northport. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

    Add some warmth to this cold February and make a powerhouse mushroom soup—complex and well-rounded. Or, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, try something different and make this soup for your significant other.     
    Mushrooms are edible and delectable fungi that can keep you healthy throughout the year, especially in the winter. They are known to boost many vital components of your immune system and prime your immune cells to be more responsive to future attacks, inflammation and infections.  
    Unfortunately, mushrooms have a bad rap because of what they look like and most people tend to overlook them, when in fact, they are flavorful and offer endless culinary possibilities. Smooth, luxurious and earthy, when cooked, this overlooked fungi tantalizes the taste buds with something called, Umami. Umami is the fifth element of taste after sweet, salty, bitter, and sour. Not only does it cater to your taste buds, it’s loaded with vitamin D, full of beta-glucans (a fiber beneficial for blood sugar and cholesterol management) and has strong anti-cancer effects. The best benefit of all? It contains ZERO calories! 
    No need to worry about ruining your New Year’s resolution. If you’re trying to stick with your 2020 vision, adjust the recipe accordingly and experiment with substitutes. Want to cut the butter? Use fat free ½ and ½ or fat free broth. Voila! Boost your senses and your health. 
    If my best friend Frank was still with us, he would try to find the rare European white truffle – the world’s most expensive mushroom (priced at $3,600 per pound!). (If I have, I’ll add a few drops of white truffle oil to this recipe.) He’d also say, “Ok, Nip cut the Bull and Lets Eat! Bon Appétit!” Xoxo Denise

Ingredients
5-6 cups a variety of dried and fresh mushrooms (dried mushroom variety should sit in a bowl with boiling water for 30 minutes to soften)
2  potatoes, peeled, diced
½ cup half & half
½ cup of Sherry (for: sweet) or Vermouth (for: dry)
1 T Soy sauce
2 T Butter
2 T Extra virgin olive oil
1 Vidalia onion, diced
2 T plus 1 T fresh thyme, fresh parsley, and fresh chives for garnish
4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
¼ cup flour
Splash of white wine
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste
A few drops of white truffle oil (optional)

Boil potatoes and drain. Also, prepare mushrooms.
Melt butter with olive oil in pan. Add salt, pepper, potatoes and mushrooms; cook for a few minutes. 
Add broth, soy sauce and fresh herbs; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook on medium heat for approximately 10 minutes. 
Stir in flour and mix, then deglaze pan with alcohol. Remove from heat and blend 1 ½ cups in blender (or food processor). 
Add back into pot and add half & half. 
Garnish with buttery croutons, parsley, thyme, chives and pepper. Enjoy!

 

Chicken Bellagio

By
Marc Piperno
-

Tiffany Cohen has been cooking since she was 12 years old, and has a blog called Whatcha Cooking Good 
Looking, which showcases her love for food and creating great memories with family and friends. Contact her at 
whatchacookinggoodlooking@gmail.com.

    Let’s change up the Valentine’s Day scene this year.  Yes, if you are attached, you should celebrate LOVE with your significant other.  But, ladies, what about the love you feel for your best gal pals?  I mean, they are there for you throughout the year and they GET IT (you know what I’m talking about). Why not celebrate the love and appreciation of your friendship also!?
    So, this month, I’m bringing you my best Galentine’s Day dinner.  One that is so pretty to look at it (your girls will totally appreciate the way the pink and green go so well together!), easy to make, and absolutely delicious to eat.  If you’ve ever been to Cheesecake Factory, this is a little spin on their dish (of the same name), so you know it’s going to be extra fabulous.  Let’s get into how to make this beauty of a dish…Happy Galentine’s Day!

Ingredients

Pesto:
• 4 cups basil leaves, lightly packed
• 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup olive oil, separated
• A little salt

Cream Sauce:
• 1 cup light or heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, separated
• Salt and Pepper

Remaining Ingredients:
• 1 box of spaghetti
• Cooked chicken cutlets (see my website to learn how to make the BEST chicken cutlets)
• Baby Arugula
• Very thinly sliced ham
• Pecorino Romano cheese for serving

Instructions:
Put up a large pot of water for the spaghetti.  Preheat the oven to 350° to reheat the chicken.
   Make the Pesto:  Add the basil, cheese, garlic, a small amount of oil, and a little salt to a food processor. Cover and lock the processor and start it up!  Drizzle in 1/4 cup of olive oil through the spout at the top of the processor as it’s going.  Continue the processor until everything comes together and is fully chopped.  Set aside.  (This can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge).
   Make the Cream Sauce:  Add the heavy cream and butter to a medium pot and cook over medium-high heat.  Bring to an almost boil.  Lower the heat to a simmer for about a minute or two.  Add salt and pepper–light on the salt, heavier on the pepper.  Whisk in 6 tablespoons of cheese.  Set aside.  (Cannot be made ahead of time).
   Add the pasta to the pot and reheat the chicken in the oven, if you haven’t already. 
   In a small pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the pesto and heat. The pesto should be a bit loose, not chunky.  Add enough olive oil a little at a time until the pesto is on the looser side. Set aside.
   Slice the chicken as seen in the photos above.  Drain the pasta completely.  Add the rest of the Pecorino Romano from the cream sauce ingredients.  Then add the cream sauce. Combine well.
   Assembly: Take some spaghetti and add it to the plate. Top it with small spoonfuls of pesto. Lay the sliced chicken on top of the pesto and pasta. Top with a handful of baby arugula and 1-2 slices of ham. Serve with Pecorino Romano.  Enjoy!

I would love to see pictures of your Galentine’s Day dinner!  Send me your photos via email at whatchacookinggoodlooking@gmail.com or tag me on Instagram @whatcha_cooking_good_looking.  
For more delicious recipes and cooking tips from Tiffany, head on over to www.whatchacookinggoodlooking.com 

 

How Sweet Is Your Soul?

By
Marc Piperno
-
 
    Sweet Soul Bakery, a plant based, gluten free bakery, is the sweetest addition to come to the town of St. James. Having had their store’s grand opening in November, their mission since founded in 2017, has been to lower the bar to eating healthier as to make it easy and enjoyable for everyone. Also, to create vegan, gluten-free food as not only a healthier alternative to other food options, but delicious, satisfying and appealing to vegans and non-vegans alike.
    At Sweet Soul Bakery, they offer a variety of tasty treats including cheesecakes, donuts, cupcakes, blondies, brownies, raspberry crumb bars, energy bites, soups and more; all of which nicely pair with everything from their espresso machine. They use only the highest quality of ingredients, like almond butter, oats (gluten free), monk fruit, maple syrup, agave and organic whenever possible—no preservatives or artificial ingredients.
    According to co-owners Michael Strahl and Pat Charity, who met at Simplicity Yoga, “Our goal is to make food as nutritious as it can be and still be delicious.” They started with a sampling to make sure people loved their products. After which, they turned to selling at local farmer’s markets. Then, wholesaling to stores like Tula Kitchen, Batata Cafe and The Purple Elephant after opening up their own brick and mortar space.
    As the one who develops the recipes, Charity, a cancer survivor, believes that cleaning up her diet has contributed to her great health today. Serving 100% plant based vegan, and gluten free products is what Sweet Soul Bakery is known for. But, what exactly does it mean to live a vegan or plant based life?
    Veganism is a moral philosophy that promotes minimizing the exploitation of animals wherever practicable. It’s a lifestyle which seeks to avoid meat, dairy, eggs and any type of animal derived product. In the same way vegans stop eating animals, they abstain from forms of entertainment that exploit animals, as well as, wearing wool or leather. On the other hand, a whole food plant based diet involves eating only whole plants in their least processed forms. So, while it benefits the earth and animals the main goal of being whole food plant based is in fact, to be healthy.

 

Ways to RECHARGE Your Relationship with Your Spouse or Partner

By
Marc Piperno
-

Kathy Horowitz co-facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services.
(kahorowitz@gmail.com) • www.kathyhorowitz.com.  
    As batteries need to be recharged, so does a loving relationship.  Many of us fall into the same daily routine with one another, but this Valentine’s Day, how can that special feeling be rejuvenated?  Here are several ideas to jumpstart the New Year and Valentine’s Day for you and your loved one.
    • Walk on the wild side.  Are you beachgoers, mountain and trail hikers, or neighborhood walkers? Try to change your routine and instead of walking the same neighborhood blocks, seek out a hiking trail or water venue that neither of you have ever visited. “Hiking Long Island” (Lee McAllister, 2001) has lots of trail and park information for Nassau and Suffolk counties. Walking and talking will create a feeling of togetherness, especially when children or other distractions are absent. Collect special shells or rocks and add them to your memories.
    • Try your hand at a craft or paint project. There are many places on Long Island where you can work at your talents.  Notice I say work, but the truth is, isn’t it fun to do something that you may have not done since childhood? Check out Plaster Funcraft  (plasterfuncraft.com) for one-of-a-kind plaster pieces, or Paint a Piece (paintapiecepottery.com) for pottery, candle making, and glass fusing. Or, book a paint night. Go to paintnite.com, for dates and locations. It’s fun for all ages!
    • Go rock climbing.  Just like a mosh pit, somebody has to be there to support you when you climb.  Support builds trust, which builds on your love for one another. Island Rock in Plainview is a popular destination where single or monthly classes are available (islandrock.net). Check Groupon for the latest deals.
    • Tired of cooking for your mate?  Although there’s nothing as special as breakfast in bed, why not try a new Happy Hour destination? Or, if you’re really adventurous, pack a picnic basket (or bag) and enjoy it by the fire or, weather permitting, in your favorite park.
    • Create your own Valentine’s Day gift.  Instead of relying on gifts from personalizationmall.com or “great buys” from Groupon or Amazon, make your partner a DVD of the previous year together, or make them a mixed CD (yes, I’m probably the only one who still listens to CD’s). If you can crochet, knit, or are good at woodworking, why not make a handmade gift that your loved one will treasure forever.
    Just as there is more than one way of honoring your partner, there is also more than one way of doing things with or for them. Thinking outside the box this year may be your best gift.  And, it never hurts to present flowers or a box of chocolates to your loved one. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!

 

Valentine Gift Guide

By
Marc Piperno
-

by Katherine Andrianas

    Valentine’s Day is not just about the flowers, chocolates, and jewelry, but more about showing appreciation for the ones you love. Whether you’re newlyweds, longtime lovers or recently dating, there are so many great gift ideas out there. So, if you’re not sure of what to do or get, check out what we’ve come up with… it will help make this Valentine’s Day special!

Gifts for HER / HIM
1. Whether she’s going on a long-haul flight or getting that much needed beauty sleep on the go, buy her the Slip Beauty Sleep To Go! Travel Set. This luxurious travel pillow, travel pillowcase and matching sleep mask set, made with the highest grade (6A) long fiber mulberry silk and non-toxic dyes, will have her dreaming in no time! 2. If she is into beauty, get her the TATCHA Kissu Lip Mask. This loving, leave-on jelly treatment is enriched with Squalane, Japanese peach (which took a year to re-harvest!), three-rose extract and Camellia Oil. Not only does it rescue lips from dehydration, long-wear color and harsh climates but it’s key to locking in moisture for smooth, plump, peach-kissed lips! tatcha.com or sephora.com 3. The Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Instant Eye Palette is the latest and greatest to hit the beauty market. Featuring 12 new shades and divided into four buildable/magical eye looks, it’s meant for any time of day or occasion: day, desk, date and dream. The sensational, best-selling, instant eye palette ($75), can be found at charlottetilbury.com/us. 4. Diptyque celebrates Valentine’s Day with their Paris en Fleur Scented Candle.  It’s the smell of roses like those of The Garden of Bagatelle or that you’d find in a flower market. An aromatic delight which brings out a certain spring emotion—scents of fresh chypre and rose petals blended with earthy patchouli. You can find it at diptyqueparis.com (70G/$38USD or 190G/$74USD). 5. What man doesn’t love to smell nice? The One for Men Eau de Parfum Intense by Dolce & Gabbana brings a striking new intensity to the beauty market. Intensely masculine, fascinating yet authentic, it’s a scent of extremes (warm neroli golden facets with deep black leather in an enigmatic ex­­­pression of olfactory chiaroscuro). 6. For the rugged guy who cleans up nicely, the Wild Man Grooming Kit from uncommongoods.com offers an abundance of great-smelling products. It comes with a Bod Butter for moisturizing post-shower, an After Shave for soothing and hydrating, a Man Mist which captures scents of the deep woods, fresh-cut lumber and masculinity, plus a cold-processed/handcrafted soap. 7. Who said flowers are just for women? Gift the man in your life a flower bouquet of 100% Edible Beef Jerky Roses. Presented inside a beer mug or stylish box, these manly bouquets by the ½ or full dozen will be a huge hit. Shop manlymanco.com for flowers that’ve never tasted so good.

Gifts for COUPLES
1. The What I Love About You books are the perfect combination of sweet and personal. With fill-in-the-blank heartfelt responses, it’s a sentimental keepsake for both men and women. Available at amazon.com, urbanouttfitters.com, & more. 2. Something everyone will love is the Special Location Framed Map. Whether it’s the place you met or where he asked you to marry him, it’s meant to represent your special day. Available on modernmapart.com, personalize it by adding names, a date or quote and select among a poster, canvas or frame. 3. If you’re not looking to go out, cook a yummy meal together with the Let’s Stay In cookbook. The book includes over 120 recipes, (breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert), designed to nourish the ones you love. Available at barnesandnobles.com, target.com and most other retailers. 4. With the Date Night Bucket List, you won’t ever have to worry about what to do for date night. From stargazing in a secluded place to visiting a new museum, the ideas are endless. Or, looking to spice up date night a little more? Play a game of Kinky Truth or Dare, which lets you experiment with seductive challenges and blush-worthy questions. Uncommongoods.com 5. For the couple who loves a good TV series, the Binge-Watching Survival Kit is a must. For just $20, you’ll be saying Namaste on the couch all weekend long. The 18-piece kit comes with all your necessary essentials: socks, coasters, snack clips, face cleansing wipes, folding sporks, stain remover plus much more. Available at pinchprovisions.com 6. ­Does your Valentine like beer, wine or cider? Save the date for the annual, Be Mine Valentine's Day Beer and Wine Tour happening February 16th. For $160 per couple, tickets include: round-trip transportation, a tasting at the Riverhead Cider House, and the North Fork Brewing Company, plus gourmet cheeses and chocolates on the bus. Book online at liwinebus.com and come dressed for a cute couple’s photo! 7. ­Join Sparkling Pointe for their Annual Valentine’s Sparkling Wine & Cupcake Pairing. It will include a pairing of 3 miniature cupcakes by Sweet Fancy LI and 3 Sparkling Pointe wines. Dates are: Saturday & Sunday, February 8th & 9th from 11am to 5:30pm and Friday, February 14th from 11am to 4:30pm. 3-day advanced booking required, call 631.765.0200.

 

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