Put a Little Zing in Your Day

No visit to Ann Arbor would be complete without lunch at world famous Zingerman’s Delicatessen.  Don’t misunderstand me, great food is abundant all over Ann Arbor, but nothing else compares to the deli’s character and its wonderful artisan-crafted breads and cheeses. 
 



Zingerman's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Established in 1982, Zingerman’s has grown from a traditional Jewish deli with great sandwiches to an Ann Arbor institution.
 

The deli and fresh bread counters inside Zingerman's 

Located in the historic Kerrytown District near the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market, Zingerman’s is actually a  community of businesses including:  Zingerman’s Roadhouse which serves “really good American food;” Zingerman’s Creamery with high-quality handmade cheese; and Zingerman’s Bakehouse where all of the deli’s breads, cakes and cookies are made. 
 

My favorite - the Georgia Reuben

With all of this deliciousness available, it makes it hard to settle on one sandwich. 

The menu goes on and on with whole pages of options dedicated to each meat choice – corned beef, pastrami, turkey, chicken, pork and beef. 
 

Extra seating and coffee are available literally Next Door



Your sandwich experience also includes your choice of a new or old pickle. 

 

Choosing a new one gets you crunchy and cucumbery... 

 

An old one gets you traditional and garlicky... 

 

Pickle lovers will enjoy either version.

 

Just part of the cheese selection

While waiting for your sandwich to be built, browse the selection of fine vinegars and oils, sample the breads and cheeses, and grab yourself a pie or cookie to go.  You may even get lucky and score a Magic Brownie sample. 

So, next time you are in Ann Arbor, be sure to visit Zingerman’s and put a little Zing in your day and your belly.

Zingerman's signature artistic style

   
Hey Dad - have you ever had a pie from Zingerman's?  I've heard they are really good!
 

Easy as Apple.....Cake?

I don’t know about you, but I was never one to think of apple pie as easy to make - all of that dough rolling and stuff. 

 

 

I do know that nothing smells better than fresh apples baking in the oven.  I’m really not that picky.  Anything apple will do – apple pie, apple tart, apple coffee cake.  You get the picture.

The abundance of apples that are available this time of year just puts me in the mood to bake something decadent.  I have been baking this easy-to-make apple cake for years.  It’s great for breakfast, dessert or tea time, and it always turns out moist and delicious. 

Happy Apple Season!

 

 

 

Apple Cake

½ c pecans, finely chopped - walnuts will work too
3 large eggs
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
Grated zest of 1 large lime
1 c sugar
1 ½ c all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking soda
⅛ tsp. salt
2 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped -
I prefer bigger chunks in my cake

Preheat oven to 350°.  Butter a 9-inch round cake pan, sprinkle with nuts tilting pan so sides and bottom are evenly covered. 

In large bowl, whisk eggs, butter, vanilla, lime zest and sugar until smooth.  The lime and vanilla smell so good at this point. 

Add flour, baking soda and salt and blend.  Fold in apples. 

Pour batter into pan.  Bake for 45 minutes. 

*Thank you Wilma for suggesting that I write an apple post this week.  I appreciate the inspiration and support you give me!

 

What's In Santa Fe?

Prior to leaving for vacation, many people asked me where I was going.  I told them Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I was taken by surprise by how many folks first thought that I said Mexico.  My reply, "No, New Mexico, the state.  We're going to Santa Fe."  Next question, "What's in Santa Fe?"

White Rock City Park Overlook

Think of this...... vibrant blue skies - 325 days a year of them.  Crisp mountain air.  Deep, dark skies that provide a backdrop to every star.  The sweet scent of Pinon Trees.  Ominous mountains that frame the city.  An abundance of chile peppers ready for harvest.

Chile peppers at harvest time

Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the U.S., recently celebrated its 400th birthday.  Also, known as The City Different, Santa Fe boasts a vibrant mix of Native American and Mexican cultures which is apparent around every corner.  From the fashion to the food, the city is a standout of style.
 

Shopping at the Santa Fe Indian Market

You feel a certain spirituality in Santa Fe as the area is dotted with centuries-old, adobe churches and religious art. 

 

The historic San Isidro Church in Santa Fe - 1835

Santa Fe is considered by many to be the 3rd largest fine art market in the country and is home to unique treasures like the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Art, and the famous Canyon Road galleries.  The city also hosts world renowned events like the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Festival, bringing art lovers and foodies together from all over.
 

  

Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico 

In Santa Fe, you'll also find the most eclectic and interesting people.  People from all over who seem to have said, "To heck with all of this, I'm going to Santa Fe."

And that, my friend is what's in Santa Fe.
 

Santa Fe Farmer's Market in the Railyard District