Well as you may or may not know I was in the New York area a few weeks ago. I spend most of my time on Long Island...visiting family and friends....Well there are quite a few things to do when New Yorkers look to get away. Okay...the beach comes to mind. The Hamptons...is a great little getaway, beautiful stretches of beach...quaint town community...and breathtaking homes. If the beach is not your thing and want to explore another city...think Philadelphia. Great history, great city, great food and can walk around and just explore. Now I lived in Brooklyn, I lived on Long Island in Nassau County and I lived in Upstate New York. Some city dwellers love to take that ride Upstate...by the Hudson Valley. you have mountains, lakes, rivers and small little towns along the way. During the fall season..the trees show their magnificent colors, you can pick apples or pumpkins and explore some of those roadside stands with their goodies...and don't forget those Apple Cider Donuts...
AIRPORT/AIRLINE PRECHECKS
If you are a frequent flier or just travel from time to time with a large group of children. You may want to consider the Airport Precheck...It gets you thru security so much quicker and easier. It is a membership...so yes...it does have a price associated with it, but when you are pre-qualified and pre-checked you can get thru the lines much easier...so no removal of shoes or belts and you can keep your laptop safely packed. However not all airports or all airlines have the PreCheck available. You can go on line and find out more go to www.tsa.gov for more info
DISNEY HALLOWEEN/MICKEY'S NOT SO SCARY
I can't believe its that time of year again. HALLOWEEN!...and you know Disney does it right with the Mickey's Not So Scary. This is a special ticketed event and only those with this ticket is allowed in park. It is a fun time had by all...children dress in their favorite costume as well as the adults...they kids get to trick or treat...there is enough candy stations throughout the park...The whole park is alive with special Halloween do's...Like the "Boo to You" Parade...even the characters are in Costume! Mickey's Not So Scary is not every night and the closer you get to Halloween it becomes sold out...so get your costumes ready and get your tickets now and have spooktacular fun time.
CRUISE THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS....OVERSEAS
What an unbelievable experience to visit charming villages to great cultural centers you can look forward to the hum and buzz of Christmas, with treats and toys and charms and trinkets of every description all in a joyful Christmas display. Scenic Tours can help with this fabulous experience. We are so close to the Holidays now you can smell the Christmas Cookies and Hot Coco...which of course you can get at those Christmas Markets in Europe.
DESTINATION OF THE WEEK...
I know with all this talk about the Holidays you can just about feel the chill in the air. So let's talk about going to JAMAICA. You can even plan a trip for the Holidays there...get away from the winter chill with warm Caribbean winds infused with sunshine and raggae. Jamaica is a colorful mosaic made up of sugary beaches, friendly faces, natural wonders and diverse cuisine. Jamaica is divided into three historic counties...Middlesex, Surrey and Cornwall. Jamaica's capital is Kingston as well as Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios are the most visited destinations. Kingston is a bustling city most famously known for its many raggae nightclubs and the Bob Marley Musuem.....Montego Bay i sone of he ost popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean...Negril is known for its seven miles of white sand beaches and laid back atmosphere...Ocho Rios sits on Jamaica's northern coast and is home to both large resorts and smaller family run hotels. Vacationers come here for the natural falls and world class scuba diving....sooooo....Whether you are seeking a serene relaxing vacation or an unbridled adventure....check out this Island Destination.....
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
CHRISTMAS STOLLEN
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2/3 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1/3 cup currants
- 1/3 cup sultana raisins
- 1/3 cup red candied cherries, quartered
- 2/3 cup diced candied citron
- 6 ounces marzipan
- 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let
stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with
the egg, white sugar, salt, butter, and 2 cups bread flour; beat well. Add the
remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the
dough has begun to pull together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface,
and knead in the currants, raisins, dried cherries, and citrus peel. Continue
kneading until smooth, about 8 minutes.
3. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the
bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm
place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
4. Lightly grease a cookie sheet. Deflate the dough
and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the marzipan into a rope
and place it in the center of the dough. Fold the dough over to cover it; pinch
the seams together to seal. Place the loaf, seam side down, on the prepared
baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about
40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then
reduce heat to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C), and bake for a further 30 to 40
minutes, or until golden brown. Allow loaf to cool on a wire rack. Dust the
cooled loaf with confectioners' sugar, and sprinkle with the cinnamon.
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