by amvandenhurk | Aug 25, 2017 | travel
Disappearing Tangier Island Tangier Island is a small island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. It is disappearing due to a change in climate. This post is not about climate change, but the loss of a unique community and culture. Tangier Island has a rich history... 
by amvandenhurk | Aug 21, 2017 | travel
Boiled Peanuts are an NC specialty. Unless you are from eastern North Carolina then you most likely have never heard of boiled peanuts. They are a well-kept secret. It is a very seasonal and local specialty. You know it is that time of year when stands pop up all over... 
by amvandenhurk | Aug 5, 2017 | small town life, travel
Brake for Farmers Markets I know I do whenever I get a chance. I spent the morning wandering through a farmers market on the Northern Neck of Virginia. In our move up the East Coast, I am enjoying the regional food culture of wherever we are staying. The Northern Neck... 
by amvandenhurk | Jul 31, 2017 | Meatless Mondays, vegan, vegetarian
Farm Fresh for Eggplant Okra Curry During the summer, local fresh produce is abundant like eggplants and okra. Perfect for this simple eggplant okra curry dish that’s vegetarian. As I am traveling up the East Coast of the US on my way to our new home in Newport,... 
by amvandenhurk | Jul 21, 2017 | sides, vegetarian
Simple Bean Salad is a No Cook Side Let us face it. No one regardless of how great your air conditioning is during the summer, you still hesitate turning your stove on to make something. This simple bean salad is a perfect no cook side or a nice vegetarian meal for... 
by amvandenhurk | Jul 20, 2017 | sides, vegetarian
Fried Green Tomatoes. One of the dishes folks think about when they think about southern cooking. Whenever I come across them on a menu, I must order them. Now I have to be honest, I do not like fried red tomatoes, but I do like fried green tomatoes. It may have to do... 
by amvandenhurk | Jul 18, 2017 | sides, vegetarian
Simple Pasta Salad for the Summer It is the dead of summer where there is no escaping the heat and humidity. Too hot to grill even to grill. No one really wants to turn on the stove especially in the afternoon. I am no exception. Even boiling water feels too much.... 
by amvandenhurk | Jul 18, 2017 | sides, vegetarian
Basic Italian Vinaigrette, Just Make It I am a salad dressing snob since I started making my own about five years ago. I do not usually have bottled salad dressings outside of real blue cheese dressing in my fridge. I prefer to make my own dressing now such as... 
by amvandenhurk | Jul 11, 2017 | travel
In Search for Newport’s Best Lobster Rolls As many of you know, I am moving to Newport, Rhode Island shortly. We recently went up to Newport to scout it out. That is a whole another story filled with drama. And I am not a mama for the drama so I will spare you... 
by amvandenhurk | May 3, 2017 | Bread, sides
Easy Summer Panzanella or Italian Bread Salad Didn’t finish that baguette? And it is stale. Do not throw it out. Make Panzanella or Italian Bread Salad. It is a filling summer side and a way to get rid of some stale baguette. Sounds like a win-win. It is quick,... 
