Restoration Place

Local Outing ~ Baltimore's Lexington Market

Having heard that the Lexington Market in Baltimore is the country's oldest, indoor, continuously operating market and classic Baltimore, the children and I decided to spend yesterday afternoon exploring it.

The market's some 140 vendors of food and wares, the crowds of people weaving their way through the booths, and the scent of good food, raw fish, and years of layered grit all mixed together made for an interesting adventure.

 

 

 

Most interesting: skinned rabbits on ice, overhearing someone telling someone else that they bought the desired muskrat for dinner (guess that's not just an Eastern Shore of Maryland thing!), the many cultures, languages, and foods represented.

Least interesting: being panhandled no less than four times--two of which happened the very moment we stepped into the market, the stuffy odor permeating the market, managing $40 worth of fresh fish while holding two sets of hands and maintaining a vigilant watchfulness over the other two children.

Back outside in the heat and sun, the children squinted and clutched their hot dogs, drinks, and fudge. We couldn't eat indoors because the tables were designed with standing adults in mind; there weren't any tables on the main floor that we could actually sit at. So we opted for our roomy vehicle.

All in all, it was an interesting trip. Next time, Daddy will come along and carry the fish. ~smile~

The market is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30am to 6:00pm. The most convenient (and safe) parking is in the gated lot adjacent to the market. The rates were very reasonable.

Banana Pudding

During my May lull I'm going to be doing more of my favorite things. One of those things is to try out new recipes and to make lots of our traditional favorites. Banana Pudding is at the top of the favorite dessert list.

I grew up eating Banana Pudding made by my Kentucky grandma, Momma. I used to always use her recipe, which I hastily scratched out on a piece of scrap paper when she verbally shared it with me in her kitchen years ago. But now I use the Joy of Cooking version, which tastes just the same to me. When I double the recipe, there's more than enough for everyone in my family that evening and plenty left over for a snack the next day.

***recipe removed to comply with copyright***

The photos above show last night's Banana Pudding, which--just to remind you--is the above recipe doubled. I didn't have enough vanilla wafers (only had one box, not two), barely had enough cornstarch (the boys keep using the cornstarch for experiments), and didn't have a carton of whipping cream to make the usual homemade whipping cream (used the spray can version which I happened to have on hand). But what I did have turned out a yummy pudding. The children were begging to have it for breakfast this morning!

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding

Ben has been asking me to make chocolate pudding for weeks. I finally felt too bad to say, "Not right now, sweetheart, but soon!" for the 25th time, so yesterday I just did it.

The recipe comes from The Joy of Cooking, so it's not a gourmet version, but boy, it's the real thing!

___________________________

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding

4 Servings

Have ready a 3-cup bowl or mold or four 5-to-6-ounce cups or ramekins. If unmolding the pudding, oil the small molds.

Combine in a medium heavy saucepan:

1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped                                                        1/8 teaspoon salt

Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted. Mix together until smooth:

3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup milk

Stir slowly into the hot milk mixture. Stirring constantly, heat over medium heat until the mixture just comes to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, stirring briskly, bring to a simmer, and continue to cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in:

1 teaspoon vanilla

**I tripled the recipe to make sure there was a large portion for all six of us, plus some left over.

Enjoy!

How Soon Can You Get Here?

Hot cinnamon rolls, dripping with vanilla glaze, and hot chocolate loaded with whipped cream.

Katie and I made them this morning. Her first cinnamon rolls; my first in oh, about 4 or 5 years. It's an easy Better Homes and Gardens recipe.

Hurry! Half the pan is gone!