And it's a bittersweet symphony, that's life...

I've been in a rut for the last few days.  Finally woke up today and vacuumed, did dishes, and studied a bit...although not effectively.  This has been harder than I thought it would be...

Anyway, I spent the weekend in New England, imbibing adult beverages and eating lots of food with some wonderful people.

The Hennepin:  smooth and mellow.  Not bad.

This tasted as good as it looks.  

A contemplative cup of coffee.

This is a hot lobster roll from Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, a most delectable outdoor eatery.  What you see is lobster meat smothered in butter and stuffed into a hot dog bun.  There is also a small cup of cole slaw; not bad, considering I don't like the stuff.

A Canadian beer---I liked this one better.  It has a more robust flavor.

*Edit:  Thank you to Uncle D. for all the beer and food shown above.  Thank you to Uncle C. for hosting me and for the coffee.  :)

Why I should not wander around the state alone (or why I should)

One day not so long ago, inspired by Alton Brown and desiring real "road food," I decided to visit Gratz, KY on a whim.  When I arrived, however, there was only one general store.  Luckily, it was still open.  I waltzed out and discovered that I'd locked my keys in the car by accident.  :'(  The couple who own the New Collectibles and Antiques Store were extremely kind to me, lending me their cell phone (mine had no reception), trying their own key on my car (didn't work) and waiting with me for my husband past closing time. Mrs. N. watched the Food Network with me, told me about her travels to Alaska in an RV, and let me try one of her homemade pickles.  It was the most nuanced pickle I'd ever had---sweet up front, but then progressing to the usual sour taste.  I really enjoyed it.  She told me that it was for her husband's specialty, the Gratz Burger.  

So of course, I had to return the next day to try it.

The Gratz Burger consists of fried baloney, homemade sweet pickle, tomato, lettuce, and onion on wheat flatbread.  I thought it was okay, and definitely agreed with Mr. N. that the homemade sweet pickle was what makes it special.  I asked Mrs. N. to tell me the ingredients for the pickle I had the night before, since she sells them and therefore wouldn't give me the recipe.  Apparently the secret is sugar, hot sauce, and lots of fresh garlic.  Hmmmmmmmm.......

There are more important things in life than a clean apartment.

Like my husband, family, and friends; food, traveling, and meeting new people...

But I digress:

1.) Cookies!!!!!  (From The Smitten Kitchen: http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/03/crispy-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies/  Minus the egg yolk, and minus 1/4 cup of butter)

2.) Elk Creek Wineries in Owenton, KY: the whole reason why I was so giddy in my last post...

This holds the equivalent of 24,000 bottles of wine.  WOW.

3.) Pie (pie!!!!!  I've been watching Feasting on Asphalt, season 2, and Alton Brown was eating so much pie that I wanted some for myself.)

This sign was very promising. 

Kentucky Nut Pie (ie, chocolate chips and pecans....two of my favorite pie fillings!  This was warm and gooey and mmmm.....I might have to go back.)

Next post...a fried baloney sandwich so special, it gets its own post.  :)

Pleasantly buzzed.

Homemade oatmeal creme pies---don't they sound lovely?

Yes, I will make them.  Sometime soon.  After I've finished this box of Little Debbie ones and have gotten thoroughly sick of them, I'm sure.

I got several compliments over the weekend about how my chocolate chip cookies look store-bought.  The ultimate compliment.  :)  I was so happy.

Pictures to come............ (but don't hold your breath).

Crab Fest 2010, steak, and other goodies- updated

Snow crab seasoned with Old Bay

King crab, also seasoned with Old Bay (props to M. and K. our resident crab experts)

My mom's recipe for snickerdoodles...best out of the oven

T.'s steak (very good)

Some of Umai Zushi Buffet's many offerings