My Mélange

My First Post

This is my first post. I am still wondering how this will all look once we get going. I hope it looks ok, what do you think?

*update: We're working on the blog, making sure everything works fine, and we should be back online, up and running in no time :)

*update #2: We're almost there, adding the posts from the old blogging platform back into this new one. Pictures are coming! Stay tuned!

* update #3: Almost done, but we're still waiting for the domain name to resolve. Right now if you type mymelange.net in your browser it will take you to the old blog, please make sure you type in the www (www.mymelange.net), we're working on having this thing fixed asap, Thank you very much for staying with us, we hope everything will be working fine really really soon! ;)

Typepad or Bust!

Well...the time has come for me to upgrade my blog!  Unfortunately, I have outgrown my blog with my current provider, and have taken the advice of some of my blogging buddies...so it is time to switch to Typepad.

I hope to make this move as seemless as possible, with as little down time as possible.  But...that being said...you know how computers are.  Kinda like construction...it'll take longer than I think!  I am a blog and computer novice...especially when it comes to all these HTML codes and domain mapping!  My head is killing me just thinking about it.  It is so very confusing and time consuming.  I have enlisted some help though!

So, to all of my loyal readers, please bear with me as I try to switch.  I have enjoyed meeting and speaking with you all...and I hope you join me on the new site.  I am not leaving!!  As for the new site, you can look forward to a new look!  Keep checking back, as I will let you know when the change is complete!  After the switch, the blog will be unavailable for 24-48 hours while my domain is being mapped to the new site...so don't give up if my address doesn't work.  I will be keeping the same domain...so you should still be able to reach me at www.mymelange.net. 

See you soon! 

Vanderbilt Mansion

One of my favorite examples of European architecture is located right in Hyde Park, NY It was built by William Frederick Vanderbilt in 1898 and is representative of the 'Guilded Age' Vanderbilt appropriately referred to the property as 'Hyde Park', but locals call it 'The Vanderbilt'. Uh...and in case you can't tell from the name or the glorious pictures....he was rich. His family was considered American royalty. It was the first house in Hyde Park to have electric, which was accomplished through hydropower. This 211 acre estate, now operated by the National Park Service, is located right on the picturesque Hudson River. On a clear day, you can see the ridge of the Catskill Mountains. You can make them out in the photo below...

Back in the day, the Mansion was only 'lived in' during Spring and Fall, and for a few Winter weekends. They had a staff of 60, mainly from local farm families, to run the house and manage the grounds. The Vanderbilts, spent the rest of their time in Newport, Rhode Island and New York City. They spent their money on sailing yachts, breeding horses and racing cars. In 1938, Vanderbilt's niece, Margaret Van Alen, inherited the estate upon his death. In 1940 she donated it to the Federal Government and it has been open to the public ever since. Many families and couples come with blankets and picnic baskets to lay lazily on the lawns admiring the gorgeous views. Tourists come in busloads to tour the mansion, the grounds and the gardens. It is a place where locals go for walks on the trails and down by the river, alone or with their dogs. To me, this is a wonderful local place to spend an afternoon, but I am always surprised  as we walk the grounds, how many tourists we pass, speaking to each other in foreign languages. It is fun for us to guess where they are from. China, France, Russia, Italy, New York City...(it is a different language). This visit, I will focus on the details of the Mansion and the view from the back of the house along the river. There is so much more here, including the Italian Gardens, that we will save for another visit. In the summer, free concerts on Wednesday nights are held on the lawn.

You can see how massive the house is...look at how tiny the people look in the photo on the right! The Mansion is made of Limestone, but I think it is time for a cleaning....

The round portico on the back is stunning! Imagine standing on the balcony as soon as you wake up in the morning. It looks out over the Hudson River...those views are amazing! I hope Jeeves remembers that I take my breakfast on the balcony!

I really love the small details that remind me of Europe...

The wrought iron banister....

The ornate iron lamp sconce...

The plant stand on the portico.....

And a close up of the details on a planter....I love the cherub and the handle...This particular visit, we brought Madison, who always has a great time when she goes. You can tell because she looks so happy when we are running around...after the squirrels!

She also enjoys chasing the squirrels. She is a very good hunter. In fact, she treed this poor squirrel, who had no where to go but up! As far as she was concerned, she accomplished what she set out to do. I am quite sure the squirrels don't look forward to her visits! Can you spot him?

Practical Information Grounds are open daily from 9am to dusk, admission is free. Mansion is open daily from 9am-5pm. Admission $8 adults, age 15 and under,free. For more information, visit the National Park Service or HVNet. For detailed directions, click here. Vanderbilt Mansion 519 Albany Post RoadHyde Park, NY 12538845.229.9115 map it

Makin' Faces

I have a nephew. He is almost 5.....going on 40. He is not just any nephew, but the most adorable nephew. He is also the only grandchild on my side. So of course my Mother was overjoyed to find out that her favorite grandson would be coming to visit for Mother's Day. He is not only cute to look at, but he has the funniest sayings. He has coined the phrase, 'Spend the day,day.' This happens to be a day in which he can spend the day in his PJ's and not do anything. He already knows what's important! Man... I wish I had more of those! He also decided quite some time ago that his full name should include "W. House", after it. We have no idea why.

His Mom says when his 2 year old cousin takes his toy he gives her the 'stare' down face, until she gives it back. No talking...just staring. So I asked him to make some faces for me....

He is smart as a whip! He is more computer literate than I am. When he was talking to my Mom on the phone last week and she asked him if he was playing, he told her "Actually, I was on the computer, but I am just shuttin' down!" What a laugh riot. Yeah,he really said Actually, well more like...Aaaakchewaalee, which of course is even cuter!

He loves jumping on my Mom's exercise trampoline. He counts to 100 and he jumps at each number....way up at the intervals of 10. I don't know where he gets his energy! He really gets some air!

He loves Star Wars and Transformers! As we were sitting around the table, having breakfast...he was going around the table, person by person, announcing to them what he would 'transform' them into. One by one...Daddy, Mommy, Uncle Chris and Aunt Robin. But no Grandma Pat. I asked him, "What about Grandma Pat, what would she be?" "Nothing", he replied. I asked why and without missing a beat he looked right at her and said, "because I love her!" What Grandmother's heart would not have melted?

Craving Caprese

Insalata Caprese

It just sounds good doesn't it. Makes you think of the Island of Capri on the Bay of Naples, where it was created. I had no idea what this dish was until I went to Italy. When I was there, I had one for the first time and let me tell you....the tomotoes were so plump and red, it was like little bursts of sunshine exploding in your mouth; the just picked basil was so fresh and the mozzarella was so creamy, it melted in your mouth. I fell in love. Ever since then, when the summer months come...I crave this dish. In Paris, I could live on bread alone, but in Italy......it would be this dish! It it so easy to make...it's ridiculous!! The key is in the ingredients. You MUST buy the freshest most fragrant basil, the plumpest, juciest red tomotoes and the homemade mozzarella di bufala if it is available. If it is not, fresh cow's milk mozzarella is an acceptable substitue. Most Italian specialty stores will carry it. Don't be lured into buying the yellow plastic mounds of mozzarella in the deli aisle of the supermarket. You will be sorry. No, this one needs the splurge of the real deal. Buy the best ingredients you can afford. In the summer, when I am busy...and hungry for dinner, but too hot to cook and my kitchen is 90 degrees....I crave Caprese!

You will need:

one round of mozzarella di bufala
2 or 3 large ripe tomatoes at room temperature (on the vine works best)
bunch of fresh basil
good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
sea salt
fresh ground pepper

I serve this family style on a nice white platter. It shows off the vibrant colors of the Italian Flag. Slice the mozzarella and the tomato into approx the same thickness (1/4 -1/2 inch works best) Tear off about 8 large basil leaves, stack one on top of the other, roll into a tight packet and thinly slice. They will form ribbons. This techniqiue is known as chiffonade. Alternate the cheese and tomotoes one under the other in a fan and fill the entire plate. Drizzle with the oil. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the basil over the top. Done! How easy is that! I serve this with some Italian bread to mop up the juices on the platter. I always serve this with a glass of good Italian red wine, but a chilled white on a hot summer night would be wonderful too.Buon Appetito!

Patsy's Posies

I decided to highlight my Mom and her Spring Garden. My Mom has always been a gardener. Every year as a child, whether flower or vegetable, she was gardening. She would create new spots for gardens every year. One year, she took out part of the pavement in our driveway, with some sort of power tool, in order to add another garden in front of the bay window in the front of the house. For my Mom, I think gardening is relaxing. When she bought the house that she is in now,she was lucky the house was standing...the yard was a totally different story. Since then, she has added garden after garden, Front, back, side...she even has a water garden in the back, complete with lillypads and the resident bull frog, who seems to find his wayback...year after year. Who can blame him... he has the bestpad in town. All of his froggie friends must be so jealous. Her house has the best looking gardens on the block. Neighbors would stop to talk to the flower lady and compliment her on the yard. At the yearly neighborhood yard sale, customers always ask if any of her flowers are for sale.

It's not only about the flowers. It's also about the design and the placement of the garden ornaments. White picket fencing, garden stones with inspirational words, rockingchairs, birdhouses and birdbath sand garden flags MUST be strategically placed. Bluebirds and Hummingbirds come from miles around. Last year she added a custom built garden shed to the yard. Tons of flowering vines were trained to climb up the sides. The shed company couldn't believe how great it looked after she painted and staged it. They contacted her and she gave her permission for them to snap a photo and they used it as the home page of their website!

And she is so proud of her work. When shooting the photos, she had to remind me "It's still early, it is only the spring garden, give it a few weeks and it will start coming in." When I tried to snap a picture of the side of the house and the adorable potting shed, she scolded me, "You can't go over there, that side is not done yet!" Not done, meaning not raked, weeded, planted, primped...whatever it is that she does!

You see, I have not exactly inherited her green thumb. I used to kill every plant that Iowned. No matter what..I would give them full sun and drown 'em in water, everyday. After all, that's what they tell you plants need...right. Sun and water. I learned the hard way that it depends on the plant. Some want shade and want to be completely dry before you water them again. Huh...who knew?

Now that she is retired, she has even more time to devote to her gardening. For years we have encouraged her to start her own gardening business. She has planted gardens for friends and co-workers. We even came up with a name, Patsy's Posies. Her name is Pat and her cousins and aunts would call her 'Patsy' when she was little. She hated it, still does....but somehow in the context of flowers, it becomes tolerable. Her love of gardening and love for her familycome from the same place in her soul. She likes to care and nuture. She showers with love and we bloom. She exudes warmth anda sunny personality and we blossom. We all benefit from her nurturing spirit.

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom...the gardener.

Photos:  My Mom in her garden on Mother's Day

Choose BlogCatalog...

As you know, I am very new to this blogging thing. I did not know any of the 'lingo' when I first started my blog. I learned very quickly that there are tools out there and huge communities of people...just like me.

So I decided to sign up for as many communities I could find. As you can see on my sidebar, there are several different blog communities I belong to, but I have to say that BlogCatalog is my favorite. Why? Well, several reasons. First, since I am new to this whole thing...I need something easy. BlogCatalog makes it so easy! The site is extremely user friendly...even I can figure it out. Being a social person, I enjoy the fact that this community has a discussion forum. You can actually talk right to your fellow bloggers, without going to each and every blog. You can post messages and reach tons of bloggers all at once. Great networking idea....I also like the fact that with the tools on BlogCatalog, it makes it possible for a member to organize an event like the one I am participating in today! The idea was Monwea's and it's called a MassBuzz!

Many of us are participating today by joining together and writing about Blogcatalog. Not only does this help BlogCatalog, but it helps get others interested in new blogs! The fact that BlogCatalog also has many tags and catagories andhas so many members in one spot means that I can find so many other like minded bloggers all in one place. It makes it easy to correspond and find new blogs to follow. I know that if it's easy for me to do that, than for new people searching for certain types of blogs to read...it has to be easy for them too. I love the "snapshot' of each blog that appears on the overview page...gives you a preview of what the blog looks like. I also appreciate the fact took 2 months to decline my membership. Other's can charge fees for their listings..this one is free! I am proud and excited to belong to such a great community of bloggers.

Won't you log on to BlogCatalog today and read some of the marvelous, creative and informative blogs you have been missing! Happy Reading!

Baldwin Vineyards

Baldwin Vineyards located in Pine Bush, NY, is our last and final stop onthe Shawangunk Wine Trail. I wish I could tell you that I had saved the best for last, but alas.....Granted, we snuck in right at the end of the event and we were really not welcomed with open arms. The person dishing out the pasta seemed really bothered that now she had to scoop out the Shrimp, Bean and Pasta salad that she had just covered with foil. The tasting area is in an outbuilding in back of a house. I think it was once a garage. It has wood paneling, dirty carpeting that has seen better days and popcorn ceiling tiles. It looks like a throwback from the 70's. It doesn't ooze charm. It even smelled a bit musty, but not in a 'the wine is fermenting in our cellar' kinda musty. They definitely need to renovate the tasting area. It needs some help! The tastings are generous, but you pay an additional .50 cents to taste a Limited Edition. The wines we tasted like Chardonnay, Claret, Merlot, Embersand Blush did not really impress me. They also make sweet dessert wines, whichin my opinion is what they should stick too. The Raspberry was good, but the Strawberry was devine, albeit a little too sweet. This wine is made from 100% strawberries and has won 5 Gold Medals and has been voted best fruit wine,2 years in a row. It is almost a bit too thick and syrupy to drink on it's own, but it's perfect splashed in a glass of dry champagne, over the top of fruit or drizzled over vanilla chocolate ice cream! The winery even has a top ten list of ways to enjoy their dessert wine. It is available in both a full bottle ($17.50) and a half-bottle ($9.50). We purchased the small bottle and have been enjoying it ever since. The 16 varieties here range from $9 - $17.50. They offer custom labels free with a case (in case you want to give them as a gift or have them as your wedding favour). They have monthly events. All weekends in May happen to be the Strawberry, Chocolate and Wine Festival.

Tastings
July - October
Daily 11:30 - 5:30
April, May, June, November, December
Friday - Monday 11:30 - 5:00
January, February, March
Weekends 11:30 - 4:30
Baldwin Vineyards
176 Hardenburgh RoadPine Bush, NY 12566
845.744.2226

Whitecliff Vineyards

We are down to the last 2 now. Whitecliff is in a very pretty locale. The 70 acre vineyardis situated facing the cliffs of the Shawangunk Mountains...hence it's name...Whitecliff. The tasting Room itself is small and charming. The view from the deck is spectacular. Little tidbits like chocolates, crackers and wine gadgets are sold throughout. Whitecliff is bringing back the best European wine grape varieties to this historic area. Whitecliff specializes in European varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Riesling, and quality hybrids like Seyval Blanc and Vignoles, including small plantings of Pinot Noir and Merlot. I am also excited about the fact that they are experimenting with a Gamay Noir grape for a true Beaujolais-style Nouveau. Being a lover of obsessed with Beaujolais Nouveau...nothing could excite me more! The day of our tasting, the pasta being offered was Pasta Bolognese, made with their own Sky Island Red. It was very delicious, so was the wine. We had been here before, so our visit was short, but sweet nonetheless! Their wines range from $11-$30 a bottle. Grappa and Sky Island Red are the $30 bottles. They ship half or full cases and a full case will get you a 10% discount. Their wines are also available in many wine shops locally and are served in many of the upscale restaurants throughout the Hudson Valley. Weddings are one special event that is offered on the grounds, but check their website for other creative events.

Tasting Hours
Memorial Day Weekend
thru the end of October
Thurs- Sunday 11:30am - 5:30 pm
Open holidays. Weekends in November - December
Weekends from April 20 to Memorial Day

Tasting Prices
Regular Tasting 5 wines for $4.50
Crystal Tasting$10.95
Includes a taste of all wines and your own French crystal glass!
Grappa $1.00 Whitecliff Vineyards
331 McKinstry RoadGardiner, NY. 12525
845.255.4613

Almond Torte

Yesteday, I raved about the pasta dish at the Pasta, Primo, Vino event at Adair Vineyards.  I decided I would share the recipe with you, since they were lovely enough to share it with us.

Almond Torte

4 cups milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup orzo
3 tablespoons vanilla
1 cup blanched almonds
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoons dried breadcrumbs
6 eggs
1/4 cup almond liqueur
1 teaspoon almond extract


In a large saucepan combine milk with sugar and bring to a boil.  Add orzo and on 1 Tbs. vanilla, and boil for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.  Set aside. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Put almonds close together on a sheet of foil on a baking tray. Sprinkle with the extra sugar and some water and place under a hpt broiler until carmalized.  Chop coarsely with breadcrumbs in a food processor or by hand. 

Beat eggs, almond liqueur and extract, and remaining vanilla together.  Add orzo mixture and almonds, mix well.  Pour into buttered 10 inch baking dish. Bake for about 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and the torte set.  Remove from the oven, immediately prick holes over the entire surface with a toothpick or skewer.  Sprinkle generously with additional almond liqueur and let cool.