A Stroll Through a Spring Garden

What a lovely break it was from this snowy and cold Midwest winter.   It was like we had been transported back in time - back in time when we visited Paris last spring.   

 

 

 

We found it a bit of a coincidence that the Louvre’s Tuileries Garden exhibit was brought to our town’s museum almost one year after our visit to Paris and the Louvre.   

 

Once private gardens for French royalty, the Tuileries is now open for the public's enjoyment and serves as a grand, red carpet-style entrance to the Musée du Louvre.  The garden is a museum in itself with very old sculptures as well as contemporary art.
 

The local exhibit is a fine display of sculptures, paintings, tapestries and drawings - which gave us a sense of strolling through Paris’ most famous garden.

 

As fleeting as it was, it was a wonderful visit - just long enough to escape the cold, get a glimpse of green, and be reminded of the beauty and warmer days of spring to come.

Have a wonderful week!

 

The Many "Ways" to Eat Chili

During our office chili cook off last Friday, there was a bit of a disagreement among my fellow co-workers regarding what is and what is not considered chili.  While placing our votes for our favorite, someone made a comment about one of the entries, “It’s good, but it’s not chili.”   Upon further discussion there were more comments that chili is only chili if it has a tomato base and ground beef.

Homemade Cincinnati-style Chili

 

Is this really true?   What about those who substitute turkey for the ground beef?  What about white chicken chili?  How about vegetarian chili?  Or chili made with bison, veal or venison?  I have to believe that what you deem is real chili has a lot to do with where you grew up.  Chili made in San Antonio is probably going to be very different from chili made in Detroit.  And Cincinnati chili is going to be a lot different from chili, say from Chile.

 



The bridge we used to drive over to get downtown

Nevertheless, chili is in the eye of the beholder.  I was fortunate to spend a good chunk of time living in Northern Kentucky, a short drive across the bridge to downtown Cincinnati.  It was in Cincinnati where I developed a taste and these life-long cravings for the region’s very unique style of chili.  Cincinnati chili, brought to the city by Greek immigrants, is known for its myriad of spices – cinnamon, cloves, allspice and chocolate.  Yes, cocoa powder.  It’s usually served over spaghetti, or you can take the Cheese Coney route which is topped with finely grated cheddar cheese, mustard and a bit of onion. 

 

All of these spices are what give Cincinnati chili is unique taste

 

In Cincy, chili parlors are abundant - Skyline, Empress, Gold Star and Dixie are just a handful of chains to choose from.  There are also many “ways” to eat your chili.  Ordering your chili is as easy as one, two, three...

……or four

……or five

Bowl: chili in a bowl
Two-way: chili and spaghetti
Three-way: chili, spaghetti, and cheese
Four-way: chili, spaghetti, cheese, and onions
Five-way: chili, spaghetti, cheese, onions, and beans

I’ll take a Three-way, please. 

Simmering chili

 

Although I no longer live near Cincy, nor do I live near any Cincinnati chili parlors, I will always hold the city’s chili close to my heart.  Now, there are canned versions in local supermarkets, but I think we can do better.   You can check out the recipe from Food.com http://www.food.com/recipe/skylike-chili-skyline-chili-copycat-110548

By the way, I heard a co-worker mention that we should do other types of office cook offs in the future - like a mac and cheese cook off.  But aren’t the ingredients in mac and cheese just macaroni and cheese? I guess it depends where you’re from. 

 

Have a wonderful week!

 

Pre-flight Jitters

I love the night before the big event.  It’s when all of those butterflies really kick in and you wonder how in the world we are going to pull this one off. 

 

 

 

I am fortunate in that I work for a wonderful organization that does great things for thousands of families and children in our community.  One of the most rewarding (and stressful) times of the year for our Spirit Committee, is when we pull together the final details for the Y’s annual fundraising campaign kickoff.

 

 

 

This year’s kickoff theme is centered around travel - We’re Going Places.  The event venue will be filled with maps and globes, airline jargon, and vacation destination vignettes. I happily volunteered to work on the props for the French/Italian café street scene.   

 

 

 

With all of the snow and cold weather we’ve been experiencing, who wouldn’t welcome thoughts of strolling through an outdoor market or relaxing at a bistro table while sipping wine and sampling bread and cheese?

 

 

 

So I say to myself and our committee, do as they would in France - relax, take a deep breath, it will all work out fine….. just like it does every year.

 

 

 

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house;

 

Everyone was stirring, even the mouse;

 

 

 

 

The garland was hung by the chimney with care,

 

 

 

In hopes that St. Nicolas soon would be there;

 

 

 

The ladies in their gowns and men in their best,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just settled down for their holiday fest.

 

 

 

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

 

 

A Manor of Tradition

I love this time of year.  I enjoy everything about it – cozy evenings in front of the fireplace, cooking and baking, making and wrapping gifts, walking the dog on snowy evenings - all of it.

The entrance to the beautiful Manor House

As busy as pre-Christmas days can be, it’s nice to take some time out from the hustle and bustle to attend some great area events. 

We are fortunate in that our community does holiday events really well – the Thanksgiving parade, the lights at the zoo, and the ballet’s Nutcracker are just a few.

Silver and white themed tree in the living room

Last weekend my Mom and I revisited one of our community’s oldest traditions – the holiday home tour at The Manor House. 

The festive dining room with some very special guests

The Manor House, one of the area’s most iconic homes, once served as the family estate to the Robert Stranahan family.  For the past 38 years, its scenic estate buildings, horse stables and grounds have served as a community park for all to enjoy. 

Clara's bedroom 

Thanks to the many volunteers who deck its halls each year, The Manor House is a magical sight and a beloved tradition. 
 

The romantic sitting room

What favorite traditions will you observe this holiday season?

A Manor of Pride