Brilliant Weekend

Jess

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to share my first weekend in London with you. Before I unfold it, I need to introduce Jess to you. She is one of the Christian's along my travels who has agreed to open their (her) home up and accommodate a complete stranger (me). Much love and thanks to my NY friend Stan who basically hooked the two of us up. Jess is a missionary, recently back in London from serving 2 years Peru, has been involved in YWAM all over the world and been on the mission field on and off for over 10 years. Therefore, she can relate to the joys and struggles I've only just started experiencing. She's simply wonderful and is inspiring me in many ways, mostly in the area of learning languages. Yet another example of God's providence, in just 4 short days we've become so close, I'm blessed by this sister in Christ. God is good!

Saturday was started out with a bus ride to Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens. Beautiful bustling park with tall old trees, long walk ways, a boating lake, fountains, formal gardens, biking trail, horseback trail, Ferris wheel, playgrounds, you get the picture. Central park would be the closest example in the states. On a whim, Jess and I rented bikes for an hour and rode around the park, visiting the Peter Pan statue, Princess Diana Memorial fountain and Italian fountains. Magnificent! I haven't been on a bike in several years so it was fun and not even 3 minutes into it we almost crashed into each other! Anyways, it was great and the breeze helped cool us down in the hot sun.

The Tube

Two girls out on the town, of course we went shopping at Primark (dept. store) along Oxford Street then took The Tube (subway) to Leicester, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden which is probably my favorite place of all the 4. We enjoyed a proper English dinner, savory English pies. Jess had the classic steak and Guinness pie with a side of creamy mash and Liquor (parsley cream sauce), I had the butternut squash and goat cheese pie with a side of string beans in oil and lemon juice.  Flaky crusts, flavorful fillings- yummy and hit the spot.

Both days I was praising God for the warm sun and blue skies He was blessing us with. Sunday really blew my socks off. We met up with two of Jess's friends and attended Hillsong London Church for their Sunday morning service.  We were quite the international group; one person each representing Peru, England, America and Rwanda! Worship was spectacular, what you would assume. It was the first Sunday service I've been to that encouraged people to jump to the music. The second Sunday service I've ever been to where I heard rap.

Hillsong London Youth Performance

Just so happens that Brian Houston, lead pastor of Hillsong is traveling with his wife Bobby, touring and preaching at the different campuses world wide and he gave our Sunday morning's message. Too cool. The amount of scripture he used (95% from memory) was the most I have ever heard in a service thus far. The book we were mostly in was 2 Corinthians. The topic was living in/building on the grace God has given you. Which we know His grace is enough. For instance, being comfortable with who you are and who you are not 2Cor10:1-4; realizing you are valuable and God's calling is important (not the other way around); being comfortable to boast in the Lord and not yourself.  All in all the worship songs hit home (Jesus be the center, light will shine, all i want is You) and the teaching was powerful. A little side note- at one point during the service Ireland, Berlin, Kiev, and Surrey, locations were all plugged into ours- pretty cool.

Westminster Abbey

After the service the group of us toured the sights; visiting Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and a few of the squares we did the night before. I love the city of London and definitely see myself coming back here. The history, the buildings, the gardens and the people! As we were window shopping across from Buckingham palace, I spotted an elegant 3 tiered serving tray filled with scrumptious foods for afternoon tea. After we said our goodbyes to Jess's friends we did afternoon tea.


Giggling like school girls we had an amazing time. Sipping fresh brewed tea, sampling some delightful sandwiches, scones and desserts as we listened to a live pianist and shared testimonies of God's grace in our lives and what He has brought us through. It was the absolute perfect spontaneous gift from God that allowed us time to relax from running around and have some lovely girl talk. He has already begun making precious memories in my heart!
We rushed back to Battersea, where Jess lives to catch the 6:30 evening service at St. Marks Church. Once again, great worship songs and this time I actually know one of them, Hosanna. We prayed for famine in Africa and specific missionaries that are there. The theme of the service was to be strong and courageous Jos1:1-9. Very solid message and afterwards we connected with a few of the pastors about possibly serving in some food related areas and once again God opens the doors.

It was a busy weekend and Jess and I couldn't have been more full of joy and the Spirit, walking home amazed at the weekend we've been blessed with. Praise God for who He is and what He's done!

- look for more pictures of London in the slideshows on the right.

God Bless,

London!

The beginning of my European travels started with flying to Phoenix then to London.

I changed some currency (Pounds) at the Phoenix airport and noticed next to the currency exchange place was an interfaith chapel. I was curious to say the least and had the time so I enter the room. There were about 50 chairs and one woman with a head dress, kneeling on the ground praying quietly to herself.  The North side of the room was indicated with a little sign “North” as well as a small shelf with books from various religions.  As soon as I parked my luggage and sat down in a chair the women left. I prayed out loud professing the true King of Kings, Lord of Lords Jesus Christ! And that anyone who enters this prayer room would encounter the TRUE God and Creator of the universe.  Amen. It was fun.

Alright, 747’s are awesome!  The two stories blew my mind. Yes, this is the first time I’ve been on one. This is also my first time traveling to Europe.  I guess the size of the plane has something to do with how high they fly, (I’m a food missionary not rocket scientist) so looking out from my window seat was a whole new experience. The plane took off from Phoenix around 7:35pm and the sun was setting with beautiful shades of orange, red and yellows that stretched on forever. It was almost as if we were racing the sunset because as we gained altitude I saw more and more of yellow and blue sky that was untouched by the fiery red sun.
Then we reached the level of skimming through the cloud cover, which turned my colorful scenery into a thick white fog. Up, up we kept ascending to what looked like whole other world with it's own topography made of clouds. It was amazing, this soft fluffy sheet of cloud with mountains and hills made of it too (think cotton balls).  I pictured myself peacefully falling back with my arms wide open and a huge smile on my face into these gorgeous calming clouds. Not unlike when you trustingly fall back into snow and make a snow angel.

My first meal on the plane was dinner with an option of chicken curry or lasagna for the entree. It came with a small white roll, strawberry cheesecake, vegetable salad with balsamic vinaigrette and water. The meal was so much fun, like as if I was having my own private picnic in my row (blessed with 3 seats all to myself). God is so great that even a meal that comes free with the ticket was so enjoyable for me! Just makes me wonder what He has in store for me in London.

My sense of time is all mixed up, I’m guessing that the lights darkened in the plane and everyone was quite, trying to sleep around 10pm. I followed suit and it wasn’t the easiest thing maneuvering around with a seat belt on trying to get into a good sleeping position but time flew by. I first woke up and there were 4 hours remaining on the flight, slightly discouraging. Second time I woke up 1½ hours! Breakfast was served (muffins, strawberry yogurt and tea).

Windsor Castle

My first glimpse this morning of outside was a burst of bright sun, brilliant blue skies and those same beautiful fluffy clouds. Forget coffee, that was so exhilarating, energizing me for the start of my London adventure!  God is good! I’m so excited. And thanks to my followers for tagging along.

God Bless,

eatMosaic

Jonathan Contes and Tate Morris' Restaurant eatMosaic in St. James, NY is awesome! And congratulations on opening eatPiada in Port Jefferson, NY. What an amazing opportunity this has been. I've helped with prep work, plating, photography, and even got to try my own recipe  on their dessert tasting plate. They encouraged me to take initiative and left it open to anything I wanted to do. I enjoyed every minute in the kitchen and I'm so blessed by this experience. FYI Jonathan was also on the TV show Chopped! http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/chopped-competitors-strawberries-turkey-gummi-bears/index.html



For the past three years eatMosaic has been doing a 5 course tasting menu that changes everyday. Pictured on the lower left are a few examples of dinner courses served while I was in the kitchen.                                                                      

eatMosaic recently scored very high marks with Zagat, saying they are "geniuses in the kitchen", and it wasn't hard to see why. Jonathan and
Tate run the kitchen extremely well and have a competent wait staff to match.

Jonathan Contes

Whether you are in a house or in a restaurant, the kitchen is where all the excitement is. Watching the two chefs during dinner service, along with the servers weaving in and out was invigorating. The team shares the same attitude that the guests are the highest priority, and everything stems from there.

For example, taking into account dietary restrictions, allergies, food preference, suggesting wine pairings with each course and going above and beyond for their "regulars." I loved seeing the servers come around the corner with smiles on their faces and hearing the kidding around that goes on as they are knee deep in a busy service. You can tell they enjoy what they do. When it comes to the food, each plate is a work of art, not only beautiful to look at but pleasurable to eat! Every course is an adventure for your tastes buds, the flavors and textures complement and set off each other extremely well. It amazes me how Jonathan's food mind works, so innovative, so creative and the food is so tasty! I'm certain that wherever he takes his culinary career, he'll be successful. If you are ever on Long Island eatMosaic is a must.

                                                     Coconut Blueberry Coffee Cake 

In the kitchen in Belize I came up with this idea.  As mentioned in another post, I am
on a little bit of a coconut kick right now, absolutely love the flavor. I was making so much coffee cake at the time and the thought of combining coffee cake with coconut flavor. Blueberries came to mind as well, feeling that their sweet flavor will complement the nutty richness of coconut and add another dimension for the palate. And it turns out Jonathan loves coconut too, so we brainstormed what kinds of ingredients and cooking methods would be best to execute this idea of mine. We ended up reducing frozen blueberries on the stove top with a splash of red wine, and using coconut milk, powder and dehydrated flakes for the cake. The final product had the texture and cinnamon aroma of a typical coffee cake as well as a creamy coconut and rich blueberry flavor. For presentation on the dessert tasting plate, I baked them in mini muffin tins. That helped with portioning and eliminating the crumbly mess associated with coffee cake. The part I enjoyed most, other than tasting the food is the brainstorming and exchanging of ideas that goes into creating a dish. 

God Bless,



Recipes

These represent just three of the many families I've had the absolute pleasure of fellowshipping with as we enjoyed their family recipes. Honestly, New York hospitality is overwhelming me. Great people, great food and great memories! With all New York has to offer, being around the table, getting to know each other and talking about Christ has been the best part of my trip. The recipes are in order of difficulty, from easy to intermediate.

Judy Conti's Summer Sauce Recipe

12 large Fresh Basil leaves

1/2 C Toasted Walnuts

1 C Grated Parmesan Cheese

4 Chopped Fresh Roma tomatoes (room temp)

2 Garlic Cloves

1/2 C Extra Virgin Olive oil
(Pictured on fresh ravioli)

Combine all ingredients in food processor except olive oil, pulse for 30 seconds, add in a steady stream of oil while blending.

Cruzate Family Ceviche Recipe

1 1/2  lbs Cubed Tilapia fillets

1 Thinly sliced Red Onion

1/3 C Chopped Cilantro

1 1/2 C Lime Juice

1/4 t Cumin

Chili Pepper small dice (quantity depending on desired heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine ingredients in bowl and let "cook" for 30-40 minutes.

Mathai Family Biriyani Recipe

1lb Chicken cubed

1/2 C plain yogurt
1 C Basmati Rice
½ cup halved raw cashews
1 T Ghee (clarified butter)
2 Yellow onions thinly sliced
1-Cinnamon stick
9 Cloves
15 Cardamom pods
Juice of 1 lemon                              1 t Couscous
1 T Coconut (fresh grated                Mint leaves fresh 

Cilantro leaves fresh                        1 T Chili powder

3 T Coriander powder                    5 Garlic cloves
Fresh ginger 1 inch piece                 ½ C Cubed tomato
1 T Fennel seeds                             ½ t Turmeric

Marinate chicken in yogurt with salt for 20 minutes.  Soak rice in water for 10 minutes, drain in set aside.

Fry ¼ cup of cashews in oil and ghee till brown, then remove.  In same oil, fry thinly sliced onions till brown and remove.  Meanwhile, boil 2 ¼ cups water.  Fry the rice in oil for 5 minutes, and add to water.  Add a few small pieces of cinnamon, cloves and cardamom with lemon juice and salt and cook rice till water is all absorbed. Set aside.

Blend cashews, coconut, couscous, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, chili powder, coriander powder, garlic, turmeric, ginger, onions, tomato, fennel seeds and remaining cinnamon, cardamom, cloves till pureed.

Heat oil, add the blended mixture and cook with chicken till chicken is done.

Spray 9x13 pan with oil, start with a layer of chicken with gravy on bottom, followed by rice.  Repeat once more.  Garnish with fried cashews and onions.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake in 350° for ½ hour.

God Bless,

Culinary Institute of America & FDR

CIA's Main Building, Roth Hall



This is the big time when it comes to culinary schools. Tuition for 9 quarters totals about $100,000. Coming from my humble community college experience and visiting a large college solely dedicated to culinary arts was simply amazing. The campus is absolutely beautiful with brick buildings and green gardens overlooking the Hudson River. Keeping with the culinary theme, the roads and student housing in and around the campus are named for different herbs and spices.

The whole time there I couldn't help thinking of my Chef and friends from culinary school back home. I can't wait to tell them all about it. But maintaining perspective, I did remind myself it is just a school. Anyway, at CIA there are 4 main restaurants with varying cuisines, American Bounty, Caterina de' Medici-Italian, Escoffier-French, and St. Andrew's Cafe-Local Sustainable. John Long (Executive Chef from the Missions Banquet) and I had lunch at the American Bounty Restaurant, featuring regional specialties prepared with ingredients selected from the riches of Hudson River Valley and beyond.

                                                                                                                            

          

Warm Duck Confit Salad

Frisee, Red Onion Jam, Pecan

Crusted Goat Cheese

Modern Baked Alaska
Lemon Sponge Cake, Strawberry

Gelato, Meringue



Salmon and Smoked 
Scallop Roulade
Spring Vegetables, Lobster
Butter, Artichokes, Mache







Above, is the three course meal I enjoyed, complete with mango lemonade to start and a delightful cup of Chamomile Tea to finish. Very satisfying and delicious. John reserved a seat next to the kitchen so I could watch the student chefs in action as our meal unfolded. There are large glass windows in all the kitchens throughout the school. Can't help but think what that must feel like, to not only have your instructor's eyes on you but also the general public eye's too. Like anything else, they probably get use to it. Being that the students are about to graduate, I noticed a confidence in the kitchen and dining room. Two of the students that waited on us had jobs/internships lined up after graduation.

After lunch we checked out the bookstore and in my opinion it is the coolest bookstore ever, right as you walk in there is an alluring display of kitchen utensils! We briefly explored the campus, looking at the classrooms in and outside the kitchen, classrooms where cooking demonstrations are filmed, browsed around in the library and saw the students at work everywhere.

FDR's Hyde Park House

CIA is located in Hyde Park, NY also home to FDR's estate, library and several other properties the Roosevelt family owned. John's favorite president is FDR so I enjoyed the hearing about the history of the family from John who sounds like he could be a cousin or best friend of the Roosevelt's. It was a busy day, we toured FDR's home, his and Eleanor's grave site, the rose gardens and Presidential Library & Museum (1st one). It was a hot and humid day in New York, got up to 102 degrees.



Franklin and Eleanor's Grave Site

Unfortunately, no photography was allowed in the house but we had a very unique experience touring. As we got inside the Roosevelt house rain came pouring down and a thunder storm followed. It was a small group only 5 of us in the house. The outside noise of the thunderstorm made the ambiance of the quiet (museum) house come to life. Walking through the dimly lit halls with the that old house smell, creaking floors, booming thunder and constant sound of the rainfall wasn't the typical go though the motions, see the sights tour. I thought to myself, this is what if felt like being in thunderstorm in this house. Like being FDR's great granddaughter wandering around in his house!

At about 5:30 we called it a day. It cooled down to 82 degrees and we headed back to Long Island, a 2 1/2 hour drive. And once again, this whole time hearing, seeing and talking about history inspired me. A great desire and energy to research and read about history, politics you name it, came over me. Man, God is good, He knows just what it takes to get the passion to learn, grow and know to strengthen inside of me. A terrific day, eating at CIA, touring the Roosevelt estate and most of all enjoying and building my friendship with John.

http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/

                                                       http://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm

God Bless,