Wow! I’ve finally found it. My winter “hearth” home. Where I can
cook over an open fire. Indoors. During cold, snowy, and rainy
weather. At a bona-fide historic hearth. With its brick bake oven.
What could be better? Absolutely nothing! HUZZAH!!
Yes, I now have a new gig, cooking at the hearth in the kitchen
of the Israel Crane House in Montclair, New Jersey. I’ll be there
at least once a month, if not more. Hopefully, more! In fact,
I was there yesterday (Sunday) for the first-in-a-long-time
Kids’ Day. We made butter and drank the resulting buttermilk
along with cold and brewed-over-the-fire spiced cider. A nice
crowd attended the event and partook of all the festivities,
from quill pen writing to candle-dipping to special house tours.
Everyone had a blast! I know I certainly did. I just LOVE this
stuff! I must admit, too, that it is SOOOOOO satisfying to be
cooking at an open hearth once again. I’ve missed it. What
a privilege. And a mighty fabulous one! HUZZAH!
So, stayed tuned for more adventures at the Crane House.
In the meantime, here are a few pictures from Sunday’s
special event just for kids.
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My young volunteer-friend Lucy started the churning:
Once we had butter, other young hands assisted with washing it:
Our churning yielded a bowlful of rich, yummy buttermilk:
And, of course, an overflowing batch of creamy, luscious butter. HUZZAH!:
I had also made some butter in advance and brought it, with crackers,
so that people could have a taste while we churned:
And finally, along with cold cider, visitors enjoyed spiced cider
brewed at the hearth:
In the end, it was a highly successful event. All had a fun time.
Hopefully, there’ll be many more in the future. Stay tuned!
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