All Entries in the "Community and Arts Life" Category
Crispiness adds a unique flavor to rice
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Much like the Persian Polo but a little more flavorful, the crisp rice gives this dish flavor that can’t be found with any spice. Adding just a touch of curry and cayenne adds without overwhelming the natural taste of the crusty rice. Enjoy this side dish with your choice […]
From humor to history, ‘wild card’ books offer a full deck of Good Reads
Editor’s Note: This week, Chester-Andover Elementary School students Taylor Cote and Olivia Wright, under the guidance of teacher Frank Kelley, have taken a turn at book reviewing. Read their review of Wonder by clicking here. By John Hoover When it comes time each month to write the Good Reads column for The Chester Telegraph […]
‘Wonder:’ A ‘different’ boy finds acceptance in a different place
Editor’s note: The Chester Telegraph is happy to run this review of R.J. Palacio’s ‘Wonder,’ written by students at Chester-Andover Elementary School. By Taylor Cote, Olivia Wright and Frank Kelley Chester-Andover Elementary School August Pullman thinks of himself as ordinary on the inside, but not so much on the outside. He was born with a […]
15-year-old Maci Prescott vaults into gymnastics championships
By Greg Hart Sports editor Gymnastics takes skill, strength and flexibility. But to take it to the next level and be successful in competition, one also needs focus and determination. At age 15, Chester’s Maci Prescott has the whole package and is headed to Bradenton, Fla., for the USA Gymnastics 2014 Level 9 […]
Two Londonderry parks seek volunteers for building projects
Flood Brook School Two parks in Londonderry will soon be needing help in building playgrounds. Both the Flood Brook School and Pingree Park have projects in the wings. The Flood Brook School Community Playground Build will be taking place Thursday through Sunday, May 15 through May 18 at the school. The organization says it […]
Tweak traditional French onion soup with hard apple cider
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Traditionally made with either vermouth, dry red or white wine, French onion soup is a great meal when made with plenty of onions that have been caramelized. I say caramelized because I believe the natural sugars come out somewhat when cooking onions as directed below, but truthfully the onions are […]
Enliven your mashed potatoes with tangy horseradish cream
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com M y father enjoyed horseradish in many dishes, but the second Yankee Chef’s favorite side dish was horseradish cream and mashed potatoes. Generations of New Englanders have enjoyed horseradish in one form or another, not just as a side to prime rib. Heck, my family could never afford prime rib until […]
Two New England favorites make a flavorful Johnnycake
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com T his is not a true Johnnycake as I have written about it before. But it is a sweet, moist dessert cake that uses the earthy sweet taste of corn pureed and blended with what New England is known for, blueberries and the taste of apples. If you want the corn […]
Ladd Scholarship fund-raising pulls in more than $17,000
By Cynthia Prairie M ore than 100 people turned out Saturday night at the Fullerton Inn to celebrate the legacy of learning created by the late Andy and Heidi Ladd and to raise money for scholarships for graduates of Green Mountain Union High School who are seeking a college degree. The total raised […]
A dense and chocolately dessert will satisfy the sweet-lover
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Honey-Raspberry Fudge-Brownie Cake: I tried! I really tried! I couldn’t cut out any words in the name of this dessert because it is that darned good. With two layers of brownie and the infusion of raspberries topped with your favorite frosting, you simply must have more than one piece. You have […]
Donors rock the Heath Gordon Scholarship fundraiser
By Cynthia Prairie Sam Gordon is a happy man. On Friday evening, as the Chester American Legion began buzzing with activity, Gordon said he hoped the Heath Gordon Scholarship Fundraiser that was just kicking off would raise $2,000 to add to the college fund that he and a group of friends set up to […]
Double-dip for these super-crispy, oven-baked onion rings
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Not only are these onion rings ultimately crispy, I couldn’t think of a better way to make these tasty treats better for you. These are no-fail, without the deep-frying guilt usually associated when enjoying something so delicious. I have found that butter-flavored cooking spray works equally as well without adding too […]
Escape from mud season with a handful of mysteries
By John Hoover Whether the body is in the drawing room of an English country house or in an alley in some gritty urban area; whether the main character is a police officer, a private detective or an English spinster, the mystery novel, after almost two-thirds of a century of reading, remains among my […]
Heath Gordon Scholarship fund-raiser this Friday
T he Stage Potatoes will be among three groups playing at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 28 for the benefit of the first Heath Gordon Scholarship fund-raiser at the American Legion Post 67, Route 103 in Chester. The cover charge is $10 with all proceeds from the event, which includes a raffle and […]
$6,400 raised during crowded event for Brian Waldo
More than 300 well-wishers attended Saturday night’s fund-raiser for Chester resident Brian Waldo, who has been hospitalized for several months with health issues related to spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spine that he developed over the last several years. According to Pat Budnick, as of Monday morning, $6,400 had been raised with […]
Stalking an easy, flavorful cream of broccoli soup
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Not only is this the easiest but it is also the most flavorful cream of broccoli soup you will ever eat! The stalks of the broccoli have always been overlooked when making this soup, with chefs using the bland, almost tasteless florets, which really only adds color value instead of […]
Getting into the act: Area students learn from a Weston star
Students from Killington, Ludlow, Cavendish and Chester descended on the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium Monday afternoon to begin the first in a series of seven acting classes taught by Weston Playhouse favorite and Broadway actress Susan Haefner, who also lives in Andover. About a dozen children in grades 4 through 6, meeting for the […]
Irish stout, cheese and ham elevates an ordinary mac and cheese
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com I realize St. Patrick’s Day is over, but this macaroni and cheese dish truly should be on everyone’s table, no matter what day or time of year. When you add Irish ham (found universally in most supermarkets) and Irish cheddar cheese (again, frequently found) you have some great flavors working […]
April 5 Ladd Scholarship fund-raiser a time for reflection and the future
On the cover: The Ladd family, clockwise from rear left, son Gabe, parents Heidi and Andy, and daughters Georgia, Lily, Abbie and Marguerite. Laughter and a sense of fun. The desire for world experience. A love of learning. An allegiance to community. Five children who embody those values. A scholarship to offer students a […]
A little tweak updates the classic New England creamed cod
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com C od has been a New England staple since time immemorial, having been enjoyed by native Americans and expounded upon by the influx of Europeans. Creamed cod is an age-old recipe that deserves to be just subtly Yanked. I think you will find this recipe a perfect example of leaving well […]
