Starfruit Strawberry Preserves and My First Canning Experience :)

The beautiful starfruit (AKA the carambola)

It all began when my backyard trees were trimmed without proper direction.  My 4-year old son Aiden ran inside to tell me something terrible has happened.  Being the calm undramatic mom that I am, I took a deep breath, braced myself and followed him outside.  He led me to our huge starfruit tree that was in the height of blossoming with almost ripe fruit.  More than half of it's long hanging branches were cut down and huge piles of sad starfruit lay on the ground traumatized.  Although I was just as shocked and upset as my 4-year old, I calmly explained that trees grow better when trimmed properly.  We then both agreed we better save the fruit that fell.  Aiden instructed me to wait under the tree and he ran and retrieved his little red wagon.

We collected 6 wagonfuls of our stranded starfruit.

After collecting all the fruit and organizing them into piles based upon how ripe they were, we needed a plan for what to do with all of this tropical fruit.  Don't get me wrong we love to slice them up into their beautiful star shapes and just eat them as is, although how much starfruit can you eat?  We brainstormed and came up with the idea of preserves.  

NY Girl Preserving by the Seat of Her Pants

Now let me just remind you.  I am a girl from New York that has never experimented or have witnessed any experimenting with canning or preserving.  I love a new food experiment and Aiden is a great sous chef.  My daughter Kaylee was at her first day of school so it was just me, Aiden and our many new canning supplies.

My husband was not happy about all the supplies needed.

I got busy researching the canning process online while I set up my little guy at the kitchen sink on his stool for cleaning duty.  We cleaned and filled our big sink with cool water and he meticulously cleaned each soft fruit.  He loves to do anything with water and he enjoys pretending he is giving the fruit a bath.

The perfect job for little curious hands.

Lots of Prep

I started the sterilization process with big pots of boiling water and felt as if I was in science lab rather than in my home kitchen.  You know something might not be a great idea when your child is telling you to be careful.  After a few near slips of hot glass Aiden decided the scene was a little too stressful and dangerous and holed up in his self-made tent until the boiling water part was over.

Aiden is the king of tent building- his favorite retreat!

Once the jars were ready I had Aiden cut up the starfruit on his own cutting board with a butter knife.  Since the fruit was nicely ripe it was able to be cut easily.  As we were cutting we decided to add some frozen strawberries and fresh lemon juice to the mix.  We added some sugar to the big pot and mixed.  As soon as the mixture hit the heat of the stove top, the house filled with a sweet tropical scent :)

Aiden claimed it looked like snow!

Trial and Error- Part of the Fun of Cooking!

After cooking the fruit mixture down I used a hand-help immersion blender to break up some of the fruit a little more, making sure to leave some whole chunks.  The last step was adding some classic real fruit pectin to create the texture.  Now here is where I think I went slightly off track.  Imagining my beautiful fruit mixture turning into a solid clump I walked on the side of caution with how much pectin to add.  I definitely was shy in the amount as my final product though amazingly delicious was way thinner than I envisioned.

The last scary part of the canning process!

After I cooked the mixture with the pectin for the indicated time I then had to begin the laddeling of boiling hot fruit into the hot jars all while using the sterile technique.  Aiden decided it was time to retreat again but did offer some encouraging words, such as "Watch out Mom".  Let me just say, the canning process is definitely something I could see myself getting better at with practice.

The finished product- seven jars of beautiful preserves.

The finished product was a reddish pink preserves that had a fresh tropical scent.  Although it was thinner than I pictured, it would be delicious on top of pancakes, vanilla ice cream or plain Greek yogurt.  I gave Aiden a taste of the warm preserves before we put them into jars and he described the taste as just like "melted gummy bears".  I guess it was the sweetness and fruity flavor.

Starfruit Strawberry Preserves!

Some important lessons I have learned during my first canning experience is:

• Canning isn't really for children
• The amount of pectin needed is an exact science
• Don't use a pot that is so tall that you need to reach in and risk burning your forearms

Not a Home Run but a Great Success!

As I mentioned, between this last minute idea, having a 4-year old as my sous chef and my first time canning I can't honestly say it was a home run.  I usually can't wait to share my recipes but in this case I think it is in your best interest to visit Ball who offers an amazing and informative website on canning and preserving.  Not only do they thoroughly explain and walk you through the process, but they offer unique and delicious recipes and ideas.  I highly recommend trying this truly classic cooking and preserving process.  My son is very proud to say that he made "jam" and likes to boast about the dangers involved :)  In general, I considered the project as a whole a major success, no major burns, getting to try a new cooking technique, salvaging our suddenly orphaned starfruit, keeping my 4-year old busy for most of the day and having seven jars of beautiful home-made starfruit strawberry preserves to enjoy:)  How could you ask for more?

Returning to Woodstock- Part 1

It's been too long.  I think officially eight years.  My mom moved up to Woodstock, NY when I was eighteen years old.  She left the cookie cutter neighborhoods of Long Island to retreat to the peaceful Catskill mountain area.

The drive up to Woodstock from Long Island

"Friendship is a Sheltering Tree" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The trees were calling her.  Not the planned landscaping of the beautiful neighborhoods of Long Island, but the lush rich natural untouched landscape of the mountains.  Well-established old strong trees that cannot be replicated on demand.  Forests that have stood the tests of time and stress.  Trees that have weathered the winter storms and have stood to blossom and turn green and full again in the spring.  These trees comfort her like a warm cherished blanket.  They help her feel safe and deeply connected to to the earth, to herself. Grounded.......

The trees of Woodstock stand tall and surround you.

Nature, a Child's True Playground

We arrived at my mom's house in the late afternoon on a July day.  It was warm but the mountain air was thin and comfortable.  The kind of air that makes you take a big relieving breath.  We unpacked and the kids immediately went to explore the backyard forest where a stream runs.  My mom insisted we go a few minutes down the road to an even better place to explore.

One of the many cool shaded streams to explore.

Socks and shoes were off and the kids were "rock hopping".  Carefully at first and then with more confidence.

Hesitant on the slippery wet rocks :)

After slipping and getting wet in the cool mountain water we explored the woods.  My four year old immediately transformed into "jungle boy", which anyone who knows my son knows he must come from Tarzan's family lines the way he swings, climbs and loves to be naked.

Ignore his backwards underwear- I have learned to pick my battles!

Relaxed and Casual- The Woodstock Vibe

We went back to the house cleaned up and made our way into town to grab a bite at one of the oldie's but goodies, Wok and Roll.  I have been eating there since my mom moved to Woodstock over 20 years ago.  The family ordered some traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes but I felt the need to order a "vegetarian" (mock) chicken and broccoli.  Something about being in Woodstock makes you want to protest meat and burn some incense.

A typical Woodstock sign- welcoming EVERYONE :)

Walking around after dinner we happened across the Wednesday's Farmer's Market.  Beautiful fresh produce, home-made cakes and pies, herbs, teas, incense, falafel and antiques were all offered.  We enjoyed cider doughnuts and listed to the local band play while my mother caught up with her friends.  It's amazing!  Everyone knows each other in Woodstock and greets one another with genuine hugs and real promises of future get togethers.

Love finding an outdoor flea market or festival.

Beautiful produce offered by Clove Valley.

Have you ever seen such beautiful carrots?

Adults Can Forget the Importance of Playing in Nature

When we arrived back at my mom's house, my husband Jay began his traditional fire pit creation.  It's not most mom's that would put up with my husband's shenanigans, but my mom is my husband's biggest fan :)  He put the kids to work gathering rocks to build the pit and he started gathering wood.  It came together quickly!

Impressive impromptu fire pit!

We sat and enjoyed the fire and reminisced about the time we made our first homegrown fire pit in my mom's backyard when we were teenagers and almost burned the house down.  We have come a long way since then.....

Big flames provided nice toasty marshmallows for our smores :)

No Fast Food Joints or Chain Restaurants Here

The next day we made our way back into town for some lunch at Maria's Bazar.  Locals gather for the hot coffee and homemade food.  They sit and work on their current novels, discuss what's wrong with the government or catch up with the latest town happenings.  Maria is a long standing staple in the town of Woodstock and greeted us with hugs and some special soup she made just for my mom.

In the center of town- a must visit!

Unique Mom & Pop Stores=Love

After lunch we walked around the quaint stores in a light summer drizzle.  I photographed the latest art donations lining the street while my mom enjoyed the unique and classic toys in the local toy stores with the kids.  Only in Woodstock could my 4-year old find squid finger extensions and my 10-year old find a 5-in-1 spy pen in the same store.

Unique guitar creations- the current art donation lining main street.

The kind of novelty toy store you can spend hours in.

The Eluding Woodstock Bear

We came home and I sat in the sun room with my laptop.  The kids were playing outside and I was typing when I saw something black through the trees.  A baby bear!  We all kind of freaked out with fear and excitement and then he was gone.  My husband has a saying, "There are no bears in Woodstock".  Well, this was one more bear experience he missed because he was inside taking a nap :)

I know, not the best pic but the bear is the black spot just to the right of the double trees.

Fine Dining in Woodstock- Not a Cliche

Our last night we went to one of our other favorite restaurants on the edge of Woodstock, The Bear Cafe.  Situated on a hill overlooking a fast running stream coming down the mountain, it's a beautiful setting.  We were seated at a large round table in a room lined with smooth finished logs and high ceilings.  Although known for it's impressive wine selections I choose to go with one of the inspired drinks made with fresh herbs, citrus and agave.  The amazing salad of flat-grilled trevisano (like radicchio) with goat cheese, roasted beets, oranges, mache and citrus vinaigrette was the highlight of my meal, although my family equally enjoyed the New Zealand rack of lamb and calamari.  We left with full bellies and bid goodbye to the huge black bear that stands on his hind legs in front of the restaurant.  

The Bear Cafe- fine dining in the mountains.

Father and daughter bonding on our much needed break from our routine.

We Will Be Back Soon

We left the next morning as we only had two days to stay this visit.  We are leaving before seeing many things I wanted but having built upon my list for the next visit.  If you ever have a chance to visit Woodstock, NY don't pass it up.  The incredible nature, the welcoming colorful people, the relaxed vibe, the music scene and delicious homegrown food.  It will definitely feed your body, mind and soul!

The Perfect Night at the Food Truck Invasion at Abacoa!

Sometimes The Best Plan to Have is No Plan

It was a last minute idea.  Sometimes those are the best.  No plans to go wrong and no expectations that usually set you up for disappointment.  It was a hot Florida summer day with kids home from school and no camp in session.  I was exhausted and the idea of starting to cook dinner was less appealing than running a marathon.  Then I remembered!  I heard something about a food truck invasion that comes to Abacoa every 2nd Friday of the month.  No cooking, endless food choices and eating on the grass.  Perfect!!!

The event started at 5:30 and the lines of foodies formed immediately!

Kids Just Love a Picnic

Within 5 minutes of making the decision, we had our car packed with chairs and a blanket for the kids impromptu picnic and we were on our way.  A 10 minute car ride and easy parking was a great start.  When we got there at 6:30 pm the event was already in full swing so we set up our little picnic home base on the grass by the amphitheater and we decided to split up, boys one way girls the other.  We agreed we would all get something different so we can taste as much as possible :)

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions....

My daughter Kaylee and I set out to make some hard decisions.  The medley of scents that were wafting through the air and the passing people holding such different, delicious looking food made our decisions all the more difficult.  But then something caught my eye.  Being from the Northeast, I immediately zoned in on the colorful truck, Lobsta Rollin.  For those of you who have never had the pleasure of enjoying a lobster roll, let me put it simply.  Huge chunks of freshly steamed tender Maine lobster on a warm soft hot dog bun.  It was served in the classic red and white checkered paper dish with Cape Cod chips.

My cherished lobsta roll- yum!

The great graphics that caught my lobster seeking eye.

Did You Say Chicken & Waffles?

My daughter's decision was somewhat on the other end of the spectrum.  While in automatic pilot mode towards the lobster, my daughter pulled me out of my zone to point out the happy people chowing down on baskets of chicken and waffles.  Now let me explain.  This is obviously not a NY comfort food.  We recently went on a food road trip with our dessert blogging friend, Betsy Cohen to review a small local joint, Bay Bays Chicken and Waffles, where we were introduced to this classic combo.  I know, I know- fried chicken and waffles, so not me, but I thought if all 4 of us shared we could justify the obvious outrageous calories.

Chicken and red velvet waffles with maple dipping sauce.

Food Junkies truck that served the forbidden combo :)

Every Man for Himself

Kaylee and I finally made it back to our home base with our prized food selections.  The boys were yet to return.  We dug into each other's dishes and started enjoying.  The boys finally made it back through the building crowds of food carrying happy people.  My husband Jay was proud to have found his classic love, a nicely built burger.  When I asked which truck he decided to try he unfortunately could not remember blaming the crowds, lines and being in charge of a rambunctious 4 yr old boy.  A little much to handle :)  Although I can't vouch for where this came from it came with salt and vinegar fries and was enjoyed by all of us.

The classic burger on an unusually good bun.  Can any food truckies identify this as their creation?

Not Having to Confine Kids to a Restaurant Table- Priceless

After we devoured our awesome food we sat back and enjoyed the scene.  We weren't the only one's who had the great idea to attend this foodie heaven.  We bumped into a bunch of friends we knew and got to catch up.  The kids ran in the grass playing tag with some other children they just met.  It always amazes me how easily and naturally kids can connect.  Over a game of tag or chasing the floating bubbles in the air from one of the vendors.  It must have to do with their lack of inhibition and the general mindfulness of living in the moment kids are blessed with.  We could all use more of that!

The kids worked off their food while my hubby and I enjoyed some entertaining people watching.  Then the inevitable question came up- what can we get for dessert?  I knew that was coming and I was prepared!

The size of the ices that were served would blow your mind!

Dessert in Florida- Something Cold and Sweet

We're a big frozen yogurt family so I knew our dessert choice would have to be somewhat in that direction.  Although the ices from Zombie Ice were impressive- as big as my son's head impressive, I was eyeing something else.  Cold Stone ice cream had a truck there but that is something you could get anytime.  I was distracted by a tuck that had the longest line on the street.  Hip Pop's handcrafted gelato bars- yum :)

My first time trying this amazing treat with the cool name :)

Chocolate and Nuts- No Better Combination

Kaylee and I headed over to brave the long line.  While we took turns waiting in line the other went to the front to make the very hard decision of the combinations we were going to pick. The way it works is you choose your gelato flavor, what it is dipped into and then what is is covered with.  I went with the Nutella gelato, dipped in semi-sweet chocolate and covered in hazelnuts.  Kaylee decided she would create one for Jay and herself since they have the same taste in food- the more chocolate the better.  Chocolate gelato, covered in milk chocolate and dipped in Oreos.  My son is some how missing the chocolate gene, vanilla gelato, while chocolate and rainbow sprinkles- so weird!!!

Hip Pops- a family run truck.

Kaylee and I ran back to our picnic area as fast as we could so the heat of the FL summer night would not melt our creations before the boys could see their beauty.  As you see, my didn't last the walk back without a small taste:)

Our gelato masterpieces!

Last Friday Night

We finished our cold treats and said our goodbyes to some friends we met.  We packed up our chairs and blankets and made our way back through the crowds to our car, fully satisfied in our bellies and souls.  The Food Truck Invasion comes to Abacoa every second Friday.  We already have plans to return next month with some friends who have yet to experience this awesome family event.  As Katie Perry says, "Last Friday night, do it all again!!!!!!".  Thank you Abacoa for creating such an amazing event :)

Farewell for now, but not for long.........

For more information, please visit their website at:

http://www.foodtruckinvasion.com/abacoa/

10 Things I Miss About New York- Part I

I'm From LoongIsland

I'm a born and bred New Yorker.  It's in my blood.  I grew up on Long Island and left for a short time for school to Connecticut, but even then returned to New York every weekend.  I married a fellow Long Islander, bought our first house and had my first baby, all in New York.

Our first house in Merrick, NY!

The Grass is Always Greener

Some of my friends and family were anxious and curious to see if the grass was greener in some other location, California, New Jersey, Washington.  I never had that bug that made me want to leave.  I was happy in my hometown surrounded by my roots.  But then we moved!

Transplanted family, business and the warmer weather finally called us.  We moved to Florida 10 years ago. With our 9-month old baby girl, two cats and no place to live, we moved.  We packed up our house and moved in a December Nor'easter, a final dramatic New York goodbye.

The Nor'easter that bid us farewell!

Florida- Not a Great First Date

Florida has been good to us for the most part.  Aside from the couple of major hurricanes the first year, the disaster of the housing market and the 100% humidity of the summer heat, it's been great.  Good business, great new friends, beautiful beaches and year round shorts can't be beat, but New York still calls to me.

A New York State of Mind

We visit as often as we can as New York still pumps through my blood.  I have grown to love Florida, but considering myself a Floridian?  I don't know if I am at that point yet (or ever will be).  When I return to my stomping grounds as I did last week, the things I miss about NY jump right out at me.

Flying the friendly skies to New York!


Wouldn't You Miss It?

Every trip back to NY provides me with more to add to my list of the things I truly miss about my hometown.  Here are some of the latest list makers:

1.  Being able to drive out of the state for a day trip.  Over 8 hours to get out of Florida can be a little daunting!

Driving over the Throgs Neck Bridge- the beginning of the trip to anywhere!

2.  The bread- need I say more?  Crunchy on the outside and chewy and soft on the inside.  The bread outside of New York is just missing the character.

3.  The soft silky green grass between my toes, sans red ants.  The kind you can lay down on when you feel the urge.

4.  Having the opportunity to do something different every weekend that you have never experienced before.

5.  Wearing a new sweater on the first cold day in Autumn.

6.  The way people move, talk and respond at a faster pace that doesn't try your patience.  I guess that's why most Northerners who live down South have taken up yoga.

7.  Being able to re-connect with old neighbors because you know they still live there.

8.  Winding, tree-lined roads.


 

The view off 9W just past the Tappan Zee Bridge

9.  Appreciating the sun and warm weather, as you know it is only short-lived.


10.  Being in the heart of it all!

The city that never sleeps!

 

 

No hard feelings Florida, I really have grown to love you.  My 10 things I miss about Florida list starts to grow in my head the minute I step off the plane at LaGuardia Airport, NY, but that will be for another blog post.  Today I am in a New York state of mind as Billy Joel beautifully croones about.  My latest visit has truly fed my body and soul!