2009 Biltmore Christmas

This year’s Christmas Theme: A Gilded Age Christmas
Guests can take a step back in time when they visit Biltmore House for the 2009 Candlelight Christmas Evening season. Guests will experience an array of activities and that Mr. Vanderbilt offered to his own family and friends. Guests enjoy a self-guided walking visit that takes them through four floors and the basement. The self-guided visit requires the ability to maneuver approximately 400 stairs throughout the visit. An elevator is available for access between the first and second floors of the House (wheelchair accessible), but the third and fourth floors and basement will require maneuvering approximately 60 stairs (30 up and 30 down) per floor.
November 6, 2009 – January 2, 2010
Entry times vary and may begin as early as 5:30pm
Candlelight Christmas Evening not available on the following dates: Tuesday, November 24; Thursday, November 26;
Thursday, December 24; Friday, December 25

Tapas

Just in from Connecticut....thanks to guest Jamie Delaney
"i myself am into tapas lately....
look for pedrone peppers, which i found at whole foods...
toss in olive oil and sea salt and throw into a super hot skillet...
sear on all sides....eat when they slightly cool down...
(the spanish edamame!)

also pit large dates...stuff with a piece of manchego or parmesan cheese...wrap in 1/3 slice of bacon...put toothpick thru....450 oven...5 minutes on one side 4 on the other....let slightly cool then eat!!!!!"

Ponder Cove Newsletter

Don't miss our latest newsletter...tons of good news..Kay Jackson Rocks Mars Hill....Great Dogs visit Ponder Cove...wedding Bells ring. All the news fit to print.
http://www.ymlp31.com/pubarchive_show_message.php?pondercove+1080

Buck and I Need YOUR Help.

Winter comes and I get fidgety....Two years ago I joined three friends on their cruise uninvited. Last year on the spur of the moment I found myself in Marseilles and then off to Israel . So, I decided this year to think ahead and plan an adventure. Buck and I are hitting the road. But there is more! WE WANT TO BE ROVING REPORTERS COVERING DOG TRAVEL. We are going to have too much fun and we don't want you to miss out on all of our shenanigans. We want YOU to help us design our trip. So, can you give us all your suggestions for dog friendly restaurants, hotels, motels, dog parks, beaches, good cities, bad cities and heh...line us up for a play date (Buck will be ready after he completes charm school).

My first idea was to make a loop Asheville, Charlotte, Charleston, Savannah, Pensacola, Gulfport, New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and home. No, I am not closing down to do this. I will wait for an opening in the calendar when you guys are busy at home and I will take off for a city or two or more…whatever time allows.

So, get crackin' and send those cards, letters,tweets and e-mails. Buck would prefer you send your suggestions directly to him at buck@pondercove.com.

I can hear Willie singing now..."On the road again".

Asheville Bound

On the way into town to see a friend and grab a bite at Tomato Jam...the best little lunch place around...all farm to table...scrumptious bites. I like the black bean burgers. YUMMO!

Napa Style

Have to give credit to Michael Chiorello. This is one of my favorites http://www.napastyle.com/recipe/recipe.jsp?productId=2346. Fixed it along side my tomato, watermelon, red onion, basil salad (dress with a good balsamic vinegar) and a spatchcock chicken. More than YUMMO. Fun sharing good food with friends. Nice night on the porch in beautiful downtown Ponder Cove. Come see us. m

Cheddar Apple Sausage Strata

YUMMO SUCCESS, this was inspired by my very favorite brunch item 25 years ago in Manhattan when I was young and sipping mimosas on Sundays. It came in the form of an omelette. It always reminded me of my Dad who melted Cheddar cheese over his apple pie. So, this comes as a combination of both. I will fondly call it......

HENRY'S BREAKFAST SURPRISE.

Slice and peel 2 apples
Cut 6 croissants in half
10 eggs
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
3/4 lb turkey sausage cooked

Place bottom half of a croissant in each of 6 ramekins
Divide ingredients and place equal amounts of sausage,apple and cheese in each
Put top half of croissant on top
Make custard and divide among 6 ramekins soaking even the tops of the croissants
Spray a sheet of aluminum foil and place loosely on top
Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

I served with a bit of apple pie filling on the side.