Echo Lake

The invite said dinner at 5:00 with appetizers and cocktails on Sunday, Labor Day weekend! Works for us!

Teresa and Sprinkles (real name: John) have a beautiful home which looks out on Echo Lake in Warrensburgh, NY. We love visiting and here is why. First of all, they are Italian (what does that tell you?!). They are gourmet cooks, they love to garden, do amazing work beautifying Warrensburgh...and the list goes on.

Today we are enjoying some of their summer's harvest, homemade caponata, local cheeses, bean salad, mixed greens, Caprese, grilled meat perfectly seasoned, farm-fresh corn. We brought homemade pickles, roasted red peppers, charcuterie from Oscar's rival...the Alpine Pork Store in Greene County, NY. A variety of wonderful wine was free-flowing and a do I dare mention the desserts..homemade Berry Pie with Lemon Crust, Tart Napoleon, Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, homemade vanilla ice cream and mango sorbet served with deliciously strong, hot coffee and aperitifs. We are not counting calories today!

The house and gardens are so lovely and so relaxing, I feel like I am on vacation...and .... that dock on the lake with that beautiful view...breathtaking. The people, the food, the atmosphere, the location, the weather...perfect. If I had to choose a word to describe today I would say that word is "abundance". Definition: Abundance - an extremely plentiful or over sufficient quantity or supply....of everything!

And...since so many of you loved the homemade pickles...here is that pickle recipe! Enjoy!

Sweet Country Cucumber Pickles

2 Cups Sugar
1 Cup White Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Salt
1 Tablespoon Celery Seed
7 Cups sliced cucumbers

Mix all together and store in refrigerator in an uncovered glass bowl overnight! That's it....enjoy!

.....and many thanks to Teresa and Sprinkles for a wonderful day"!

On my next visit to Warrensburgh, a stop at the Deadwood Mountain Trading Company is on my list...I hear it's a great shop with a little bit of everything for everyone! If you're passing through the area....stop in and let me know what you find!