Monday, March 15, 2010

What I Learned on My Spring Break

Hello my friends! I have surely missed all of you, and from the looks of it, I've got some mouthwatering catching up to do!

Our staycation with Glenn's family has sadly come to an end and we've been booted back to reality. We sure had a lovely time though, and spent the week exploring all sorts of different areas in Philly, DC, Ocean City and more. And, true to my form, the week was also spent enjoying all kinds of FOOD! And I learned a few things. So, in my classic 5th grade essay manner, I will share what I learned on my Spring Break.


Cooking with loved ones is always much more fun than cooking alone (I'm in the black). Also, cooking an entire Thanksgiving feast in the middle of March is completely acceptable.

It might not be the prettiest way, but roasted turkey in the bag is still my favorite way to do it. Sorry Alton.

I'm still not a huge fan of pie, but I do really love a nice tangy lemon meringue pie. And a bit of grated cheddar cheese on the top of an apple pie makes it all the better!

These things...pretty good!

After reading and watching Julie and Julia (if you liked the movie, you'll love the book, she gets a lot more into the food), I too can get into the LONG line of people that are in love with Julia Child. This is me in front of the replica of her kitchen at the Smithsonian. What I would give for a chance to cook with her!

I'm in love with this picture. She looks like so much fun!


It doesn't matter what I make for Glenn, I'll just never be able to make him happy like this place can...sigh. :-)

Waffles, made with regular cake batter, covered in ice cream and hot fudge makes for a right dandy dessert. Give it a try!

The Reading Terminal in Philly does have a Creperie (I finally found it!), and it's fantastic! This one is filled with chicken, pesto, cheese and all sorts of veggies, delish!

The Shady Maple Smorgasbord, outside of Lancaster, PA is still one of the best buffets I've ever been to. If you're ever in the area, be sure to go, even if you're not a buffet fan. You'll get a taste for good homemade Mennonite cooking, it's well worth the drive!

The Pop Shop, a place that Bobby Flay had a grilled cheese throwdown is a place that I never get sick of. They have a huge menu of different grilled cheese sandwiches, and I recommend going with someone who will order something different and trade with you. I've burned through the menu a lot quicker that way hee hee! My sissy-in-law shared her Haddon with me, which is possibly my very favorite so far. Salty ham, sweet caramelized apples with cheddar cheese on a rich grainy bread, a big messy piece of heaven!



And this is me at my happiest. Okay, I didn't just learn that, but it was definitely reaffirmed! See how my pinky is raised, I'm fancy like that.

And since I don't quite know how to wrap up my posts, here's a picture of me and my guy at the beach. What a great time we had, and my belly was quite happy as well. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to the gym!

33 comments:

Erica said...

Vacation is just the best! Sounds like you guys did some great site seeing and enjoyed some amazing food. I want to eat that grilled cheese...right now :) Hope your Monday back isn't too tough

Maria said...

How fun! Thanks for sharing!

Pam said...

Wow! Sounds like fun! Can only imagine how good the food was! Loved your story and thanks for sharing! Happy St. Pat's Day!

Melody said...

Thanks for the recap of your vacation. Looks like you had a great time. I've heard so much about Shady Maple. I'll definitely have to get down there. I hear you get a free buffet on your birthday!

Kim said...

I'm glad you're back, I missed you! I loved all your pictures and how you shared your vacation (fifth grade style is always the best)!

I thought I saw pictures of you at Ocean City on FB. This confirms it! We went there every year when I was a kid, sometimes twice in one summer. I haven't been there in about 10 years and I miss it. That place is good times.

Barbara said...

What a fun trip! And those pies! Yum. Nice choices!
I think I saw that Throwdown episode- those shows are such fun to watch!
But the Haddon...does that ever sound fabulous. I wonder if they have turkey, brie and apple grilled cheese? That would be divine!

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

aren't blogs fun... and people waste hours scrapbooking... Love these slice of life posts

Debbie said...

I never know how to wrap up posts either. You did a great job! Loved going on your holiday with you.

Cristine said...

What a fun time! I love all the pictures!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

:) Love this post! Thanks for sharing.
~ingrid

Sook said...

Oh how fun! I am jealous. :)

Jenn said...

Looks like you ate very very well on your vacations. Thanks for sharing. You've got me craving grilled cheese all of the sudden.

Joanne said...

You definitely learned a lot on your vacation! And all of the best of life's lessons to boot. (Love how they all revolve around food.)

Pam said...

Great post! I still need to try cheese on my apple pie, my father loves it. I too love Julia - that picture of her is great. It sounds like you had a great stacation with your family - love the last picture of you and your man.

Reeni said...

Looks like you had a lot of fun and delicious eats!

Velva said...

Oh, what a great essay on your Spring Break adventures. I loved it! The grilled cheese place was really cool-what an interesting concept.
I loved the book Julie/Julia too. The movie was good too.

Btw, you keep roasting that turkey in the bag-it's delicious that way.

Elizabeth said...

Who doesn't love a good Krispy Kreme!?!?!

chow and chatter said...

wow looks like you had a great time with your family love it my parents are coming next month

Sophia Lee said...

Ah, you had a great time! And such lovely eats...haha, the gym can wait!
I haven't been on vacation for a while...I'm looking forward to one in the summer!

oh, and I think you should post more of your pics...You're lovely to look at! :D

Debbie said...

Thanks for sharing the wonderful pics! I had to laugh when I saw the one of Krispy Kreme....my husband feels the same way about them. He loves them! He says that they are the "only" donut!

Delicious Dishings said...

I love the Reading Terminal in Philly! Sounds like you had a wonderful staycation!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! Holy cow - um, pretty sure I am going to have to recreate this!

Salty ham, sweet caramelized apples with cheddar cheese on a rich grainy bread, a big messy piece of heaven!

Glad you had a great time - loved the recap!

sara cardon said...

How fun!! What's great about you is that not only does your blog have great recipes and tips, but you are such a cute writer and it's fun to read, too! I'm taking about half of those places and putting them on my list of "Places to Eat at Before we Leave."

NKP said...

What a fun time!
I just saw that throwdown the other day.
Thanks so much for sharing with us!

MaryBeth said...

The beach looks great and you and your honey are so adorable...Now I want a big fat grilled cheese sammie..

Barbara Bakes said...

Looks like a fun vacation. I'm going to have to give the dessert waffle idea a try.

Alissa said...

So much foooood!I love it! I forgot to ask you about your Spring Thanksgiving dinner...looks like it was awesome! Mmmm the pop shop...I need some of that STAT! Cute post, I loved all the pics:)

Diana's Cocina said...

How fun! Love all the photos. Glad you are back.

The Blonde Duck said...

I got stuck at the pie picture....

Lynn said...

It looks like a fun, food-filled time :)

Katy ~ said...

What a fun post! I loved every word and every picture, (enlarged the pix to take in the details).

I think turkey in the bag is still one of the best ways ever, too!

Bri said...

Your post made me homesick! I'm originally from the Philly area but now I live in Illinois. I made my own Irish Potato Candy this year because you can't get any around here! And I agree with you, Shady Maple is awesome! We go every time I make it back home. Glad you had fun!

Kathy said...

What fun!!! Love the pics!!! Wished I could have gone w/ you!!!