The Rebirth of the Family Meal

         When I was growing up, we never really had a super-strict dining schedule. For a while we all ate together, but by the time we were tweens, it was difficult to get everyone at the table. I didn't realize the strength of a shared meal completely until I went to college. Between copious dining hall meals, brunches, Taco Tuesdays, and holiday potlucks, I realized that everyone was missing the table. In a strange twist of events, our plugged-in, tuned-out generation was demanding community. For me, that's what breaking bread is all about. Sharing a meal is sharing a moment. In a time when no one is truly ever alone thanks to the black magic that is the internet and social media, it amazes me to see how many people are lonely. Remedy this. Invite some friends over. Make a meal. Share. Repeat.

 

   

     When Summer Ends...

     Fellow countrymen, I feel that it is my sworn duty to remind you that summer, in fact, is still occurring. It will be for a few more days. I have never understood this abrupt September shift into pumpkin-guzzling, sweater-worshiping monsters. Am I the only person who is still wearing shorts, sweating, and going to the beach (fo free)? I suppose. If I see one more pumpkin-related tweet or status I will single-handedly take this place down with a flame thrower. The end of summer is the best time to embrace it as a season. Although I went camping in the middle of August, I'm going to suggest that you go camping RIGHT NOW. Now is the perfect time for such an activity, especially if there is a body of water nearby. Here are some tips and tricks from our experience that will hopefully make your trip a smashing success.

CAMPING 101

1. Make sure you have more than enough food for the occasion. Last year, we managed to leave a whole bag of food behind and returned with one less friend. 

2. Freezing your food/drinks is a great way to pack for multi-night adventures. Have two coolers, one for half frozen fare and one that is completely frozen. The latter of the two can be food for the 2nd/3rd day.

3. Bring more firewood and newspaper than you think you will need. Extra wood means you can make extra meals, like hot breakfast!

4. If you're not sure of the cooking equipment you will have, call up your campsite and inquire. Hopefully they won't be salty, South Jersey women. In any case, bring extra grates, aluminium, and dishes should you need to create a spur of the moment cooking vessel.

5. Try to bring a tent that is roomy so you will be comfortable if it is hot. If you're like us, you will realize that your large tent is mouse-ravaged and you will have to squeeze your four-person crew into this:

6. Even if the forecast doesn't predict rain, bring a tarp to drape over your tent. This saved our lives the first night as an unexpected rainstorm of doom swept through the pine barrens. 

7. If you plan on throwing food into the fire, make sure you bring something to retrieve it with. Good thing I have bear hands of steel.

8. Bring toilet paper/flashlights. You will probably not get placed next to a bathroom, in which case you will be peeing in the dark. 

9. Cards and board games are great for occupying time when it gets dark out. Fifteen-card Uno is not suggested...

10. ...But booze is! Although the park said alcohol is not permitted, I figured we were not likely to start trouble, especially when compared to the tie-dye wearing jugglers pitched next to us. Straight-face, they were nuts. 

There you have it! A complete guide for exploring and enjoying the great outdoors and appreciating the last little bit of summer. I hope you value these last few days and sincerely embrace the season.  

Violet, You're Turning Violet!

     I know what you're thinking, but against popular opinion, I haven't been incarcerated for the last three weeks. Instead, I went camping, did some business in Boston, and log-rolled around town. I have to say, even with all of that excitement, I was still pretty blue. That is, until the second harvest of the blueberry bush came in! Even though all the other fruit-bearing greenery around the house had gone to Glory, the blueberry bush was exploding with life. By that, I mean the netting wrapped around it to keep it safe from the evil birds was actually torn to shreds, leading me to believe Mrs. Groundhog had a bone to pick. Silly critters. Since this harvest produced more berries with a sweeter taste, I decided to try my hand at a coffee cake. These are the results.

Blueberry Coffee Cake

You will need two cups (1 pint) of blueberries for this recipe. Give em a wash to de-funk and remove any leftover twigs or leaves.

I made the topping first and set it aside. Combine the flour,sugar, brown sugar, butter, and salt until crumbs form. I omitted the cinnamon. I'll explain later.

The recipe said to use softened butter but I have to politely disagree. The topping would have been better with cold butter, resulting in a tighter crumb.

With the topping set aside, it's time to make ze cake. Cream the butter and the sugar together. To this, I added a teaspoon of lemon/orange zest. For this reason, I left out the cinnamon from the original recipe. Ever since I was a wee thing, I haven't liked the combination of cinnamon and citrus. You be true to your heart and do you. Next, add the egg, milk, and salt. I added a teaspoon of vanilla as well. When everything is well mixed, add the pre-sifted flour and baking powder and mix just to combine. Fold in your blue gems. 

Pour the thick batter into a greased and floured baking dish and add the crumb topping, making sure to cover every inch of the cake. Don't slack on the corners. They're my favorite and I'm watching you. 

After baking for some time, it looks like this. Does it not more so resemble a buckle? I digress. 

A nomnomnom, this cake was served warm with some cream and love. None was left over for breakfast consumption. Animals. 

********PSA********

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Recipe

(Adapted from the blog Hapatite)

350 F 50 minutes

Batter:

3/4 c sugar

1/4 butter (softened)

1 egg

1/2 milk

2 c flour (pre-sifted)

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 pint blueberries

1 tsp lemon/orange zest

Crumb:

1/4 c sugar

1/4 c brown sugar

1/4 butter (cold)

1/3 flour