Burton Family Reunion 2012

 Pre-reunion festivities. Pineview was lovely, as expected.

The Summer Extravaganza commemorating Kenneth Moyle Burton's 100th birthday.

Running for the gold medal!

Aww. Remind me why we live so far away again?

Princess Everett and his cousin.

It's not the camera. The moose really is that huge.

Doing everything he can to stay at the cabin. good boy.

Got the "big one" on the line. 

It was at least 5 pounds 30 inches long. The camera doesn't do it justice.

Tuckered out.

Much fun was had by all. Thanks for the good memories!

Guest Blogging = Glogging?

To finally break our streak of not updating the internet about our recent doings, I have been recruited to fill in and provide commentary on some of the fun things we remembered to take pictures of recently.  Believe me, I feel the pressure inherent in putting thoughts to paper, especially when I'm competing with the Butternut Squash, Pear and Walnut Soup below.  So, if we can all agree not to run me off the blog after this 1st try, maybe Lynne will let me attempt a follow-up post?  Here's hoping...

Living here sandwiches us in between the most urban of areas and the natural wonders of the Garden State further west (more on that later), and motivates us to become more stylish but also to hold onto our outdoorsy western personality.  However, today we start with the one thing that won't change, no matter where we live; the love of a great garage sale!

 

After traipsing about craigslist for several weeks, we found this little beauty about 5 min from home.  Lynne saw it and fell in love.  Kit saw that it needed a little work and fell in love.  When it fit in the back of the Pontiac, we knew it was a match.  One Saturday of turning the bathroom into a sanding/staining area later, Lynne has her dresser and Kit has started a countdown until he gets an electric sander and a garage. 

Last weekend took us into Manhattan for a Track & Field US Open event at Madison Square Garden.  Best race of the night was the Men's Mile with a photo finish between the Bernard Lagat of the US and Silas Kiplagat of Kenya.  Kit finally realized why he never ran a sub-4:00 mile... no 'lagat' in his name. 

Barley and Mushroom Pilaf - another big win made by Lynne and consumed by Kit.

MLK Jr / Civil Rights Day took us out to the Deleware Water Gap, where the Delaware river cuts through a bump of dirt (technically referred to as a mountain) and separates Pennsylvania from NJ.  For you history buffs, it's just upriver from where Gen. Washington crossed on his way to whip the British at Trenton.

Lynne triumphantly atop Mt. Minsi (Mt. Tammany across the river and at left).

Shameless product placement or classy use of a logo?  You be the judge.

A hotdog & apple pie, now that's True Love!

 

Despite the the bad rap it gets, NJ can be downright beautiful at times.  How 'bout that icy Delaware River!

Decided to celebrate Civil Rights by making Grampa Jim's Famous Hazelnut & Apricot Biscotti.  

All the best from the Garden State!

Creamed Butternut Squash, Pear, and Walnut Soup

I got this recipe from my grandpa Jim's italian cookbook. The flavors in this soup go so well together and it's such an "autumn" recipe. we both enjoyed the creamy-ness and and the mixture of flavors very much.

1 Tbsp olive oil (or nut oil)

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, or macademias work as well)

1 leek, white part only, sliced (I used a small white onion)

4 cups, diced, peeled butternut squash

1 pear, peeled and chopped

3 1/2 to 4 cups chicken broth

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Plain yogurt or creme fraische for garnish

Toasted nuts for garnish

 butternut squash is really not as scary as you think it is. the top portion is all  "squash meat" with only a few seeds in the bottom, rounded portion (see below). the taste kind of reminds you of pumpkin, but gentler and sweeter.

chop up the squash and pear before you start sauteing the garlic, etc.  

a. heat oil and saute garlic, leek and nuts for 2-3 minutes

b. add the squash and pear and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring.

c. pour the broth into the pan, cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the squash is soft.

d. transfer mixture to blender (in parts) and process until smooth and creamy.

e. season to taste, serve in large bowls with garnishes. also, a simple breadstick or ciabatta roll goes really well with the soup.