Life is about Becoming. Who we become is tied to every question we ask, every decision we make, every experience we enjoy, and every person with whom we surround ourselves. Make those people and moments count. Choose wisely, and Cheers to growing old together with all of the people and experiences that matter most. One hundred years will never be enough.
Experiences shape us and inspire our decisions. Asking questions about where our food comes from, researching, and living in ways other cultures cultivate food and lifestyle have become a passion. We feel lucky to have the opportunity to travel and explore to make ourselves and our business better, here at home on Long Island. During those experiences, we have met the best and most interesting people. What beauty we felt during our stay at the Organic Farm in Portugal. Malhadinha Nova was a restful, insightful, and luxurious experience. https://www.malhadinhanova.pt/en/
Enjoy the moments. I learned earlier than some that growing old is a privilege, and although we often take it for granted, not everyone gets to do this. Coming to that realization is difficult, but it can also be life-changing. Thirteen years ago, the moment I realized that longevity is a privilege, I started making a conscious effort to stop scrutinizing myself and my situations and began to realize that we need to let them be as they are. We must make time to plan ahead while enjoying the moments unfolding right before us.
We become, it takes a long time. This is the theme that has followed me since I immersed myself in the fairy tale The Velveteen Rabbit and in the story of what it takes to become real. Becoming real means that we have loved and been loved. It means we have focused on being rather than having. It means that we have purposefully created and become the best version of ourselves. When this happens, we naturally surround ourselves with the people who help us live in the best versions of ourselves. This is the magic of growing older, and I love it!
Embracing the art of life. There is an art to enjoying life as it unfolds. This form of art is a gift. The secret, though, is that it can only be achieved by slowing down, taking a step back, and being still. Each decade brings clarity, and I feel it is our responsibility to mentor those who are growing behind and alongside us. In the past thirty to fifty years, the focus has shifted dramatically towards “stuff” rather than experience. The unattainable has left many people feeling inadequate or as if they are falling behind. Advanced technology and digital communication have propelled us forward at warp speed, only to force us to physically use our voices less and communicate with our loved ones less. We have all grown distant from each other, even when we share the same room. When we take a moment to think about this fact, it is mind-boggling. It is devastating. We all need to ask ourselves: What are we doing with the hundred years we may have been given? What if we aren’t even afforded 100 years?
Traveling to live well at home. Each year, Anthony and I choose a place to visit that will inspire our work at the market, while allowing us to rest and spend time together. This past April, we traveled to Portugal and Spain. What beauty and what a wonderful place to unwind and learn at the same time. The setting, the people, the cuisine, and the company were all impeccable.
We began our trip in the Alentejo region of Portugal on a beautiful Organic Farm, Malhadinha Nova. There, we were treated to fresh, delicious meals, lots of quietude, and wonderful accommodations. We met great people and absolutely enjoyed our time together. We love to talk with and get to know the people native to the region we are visiting. The photos above were taken by our new friend, professional food and lifestyle photographer Nelson Carvalheiro, in the farm’s greenhouses. We spent several hours exploring the organic produce while Nelson documented. Afterward, the Michelin-starred chefs in Malhadinha’s kitchen cooked and served us a gorgeous meal, paired with organic wines made from grapes grown on the farm. A breathtaking experience.
Recipe for Buttermilk Pound Cake accented with fresh strawberries & Lavender
Nothing like fresh strawberries! June is strawberry season here on Long Island, but this past April we spent time on an organic farm in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Pure beauty and inspiration! This cake is inspired by the gorgeous strawberries that were growing in the greenhouse on the farm.
- 2.5 cups of flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups butter; softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Small strawberries and lavender for garnish before baking! So fun!
Note: I made this delicious cake using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Cup-for-Cup baking flour. I used lightly salted Italian butter and farm-fresh eggs. Quality ingredients make the difference! This can be made with regular flour if you aren’t baking gluten-free.
Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to have all ingredients at room temperature. The butter should be very soft.
Sift the flours, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. ( You may be tempted to skip the sifting, but don’t! It’s the secret to a light and fluffy cake.)
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time. Mix for a minute or so longer.
With the mixer running on low, add the flour mixture one cup at a time, alternating with a third of the buttermilk, until it is all incorporated into a soft batter. Add the vanilla extract and mix for 30 seconds.
Place the batter into a prepared pan. There are options here! Cupcake papers, loaf pans, 9×13? I used one 8×8 square and a small loaf pan. The key is to do what makes you happy! You can adjust the cooking time accordingly. I baked the small loaf in the pan for 40 minutes, until it was golden on top. The square 8×8 pan took longer, just about 55 minutes.
Cheers… to a hundred years
It’s the people we meet. This is Nelson Carvalheiro, the photographer responsible for all of the beautiful photos of us taken at the farm. Nelson was born in Portugal, but travels as often as possible, while photographing food, hotels, and restaurants.
We met up with Nelson for dinner at the farm the evening of the photo shoot. It’s so much fun to meet new friends and learn how we are all just looking for the same thing!
Enjoy the moments, friends! Do the simple things, plan for the difficult things. Travel often and meet new people. Make a list and also try something impromptu! Put the phone away and use a regular camera. Bake and cook together at home, go strawberry picking, or spend time in your own garden. Listen while others speak and learn from their experiences as you create your own. The art of living is a gift, enjoy each day as it unfolds.
Chowfancy Friends! Eat Well, Love Well, Live Well
Chowfancy 