Moon Over The Catskills

By: Guest "Papa Blogger" Ed DeRosa

As summer approaches I begin to think about the years I spent working in the beautiful Catskills. This delightful mountain resort with the flow of cool crisp air provided the perfect escape from the heat of the city. Over several years in the late sixties and early seventies, I spent summers working at a small resort in Greenville, New York called World Top Acres. The property had bungalows of various sizes that accommodated guests as well as a working farm. Each Friday new families would arrive booked for two weeks and in some cases up to a month. Many husbands would stay the weekend and leave late on Sunday headed back to the city for work on Monday leaving their wives and children behind.

The work day for me started at 5:30am to prepare the dining room for breakfast which was served family style. I spent most of the day working in the kitchen loading supplies and helping the chef preparing the lunch and dinner menu. The work day usually ended by 6:00pm. I had one day off each week and usually spent it sleeping late and laying by the pool. The Ballroom each night provided entertainment with a live band and dancing, plus an opportunity to make some extra money waiting tables.

The activities of the day included horseback riding, shuffleboard, softball, ping pong, boating & fishing (on 30 acres of private lake) and guests socializing around the pool into the late afternoon. It felt worlds apart from the crowded Bronx tenements that I left behind each summer for several weeks. Swinging from a tree limb on a rope and landing into the cool lake water was an experience I will always remember as well as what was yet to come. On the evening of July 20, 1969 I sat along with most of the resort guests in front of a small television screen in the Ballroom. We all sat in silence as we witnessed the first human to step foot on the moon at 11:00pm.

When I walked out of the Ballroom, I looked up at the moon which illuminated the sky and splashed light all around. The stars seemed to be dancing around the moon as if they were celebrating the accomplishment.

Driving back to the city after my last weekend at the resort, experiencing watching the moon landing, I could only imagine what amazing achievements and adventures were still to come.

Moon Landing Photo courtesy of BBC One: Off-screen picture of American astronaut Neil Armstrong (Flight Commander) walking on the surface of the moon, taken during a live transmission on BBC One, Monday 21st July 1969.

My Top 10 Favorite Clean Items at TRADER JOE'S

Strolling the aisles of Trader Joe's can be confusing if you don't know how to read labels properly. This is the first installment of many posts on My Top 10 Favorite Clean Items at Trader Joe's because, sadly, not everything there is clean and healthy.

I hope I can make your next shopping experience at Trader Joe's easier and save you money along the way! I love Whole Foods, but I have found the same clean items for less money at good 'ole Trader Joe's.

Trader Joe's Organic Coconut Sugar is an ideal substitute for cane sugar and is derived from flowers and organically grown Indonesian coconut trees. The nectar of the coconut flours is collected, boiled and ground into powder to create this delicious sweetener.

Ingredients: Organic Coconut Palm Sugar. Contains: Coconut. Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI)

Serving Size: 1 tsp. (4g)

Servings per container about: 114

Calories: 15

Total Fat: 0%

Sodium: 0%

Total Carbohydrate: 4g / 2%

Sugars: 4g

Protein: 0g

Organic Vermont Maple Syrup

Trader Joe's Organic Maple Syrup was created by hand-selecting (and tasting) various batches from multi-generational producers in Vermont. The glass bottles range from delicate to mild (early season harvest) to very bold & strong (later in the season). Note: Always buy glass when you can over plastic!

We are big fans of the Grade A Dark Color Robust Taste. This syrup is just a bit more intense than the amber color, but is still well done. It is a bit woodsy, but nothing that hid the maple & slight vanilla flavors. We even use it as a sweetener in coffee!

100% Greek Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold Pressed)

Per Mashed:

"When it comes to picking out good olive oil, the choices can be somewhat daunting. Just about every grocery store has a wide variety of choices, all at different price points, and that's before one even considers hitting up a specialty shop. Even olive oil experts will agree though, that it's really not necessary to spend an arm and a leg for a decent olive oil, and you can find some seriously great ones on the shelf of your local Trader Joe's."

If you happen to find Greek Kalamata extra virgin olive oil (above) on the shelf at your Trader Joe's grab one! The editors of Bon Appétit are big fans of the stuff, and found it to be a great everyday olive oil to keep on hand. Lifehacker is also a fan of this Greek olive oil calling it "delicious" and commending its low price point of around $9 a bottle.

This is an olive oil of good quality and won't break the bank, and can use it in everything from salad dressings to simply drizzling over fresh bread without the guilt that might come with a pricier olive oil!

Dr. Bronner's - Castile Soap

Did you know that you can use Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap as a laundry detergent? Just take 2 tablespoons of Dr. Bronner's then add white distilled vinegar and viola! You've got yourself a clean, non-toxic laundry detergent that you made in a matter of seconds! This is a list of all the ways you can use Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap HERE

GoMacro Bar - "Protein Purity"

We love this clean, "Protein Purity" Bar made with Sunflower Butter + Chocolate (Organic, Non-GMO, GF, Vegan) because it is High Protein! You can sometimes find it at

Trader Joe's, but we have recently found the

Kids size (which is half the size & price) at either Whole Foods or via Amazon. Great for throwing in your bag for an on the go snack or after a doctors appointment you had to fast for because of blood work....Trust and believe, this will perk you right up!

Organic Coconut Aminos

This is THE perfect soy sauce substitute!

It is made with super clean ingredients: organic coconut sap, water and sea salt. That's all! I use this on my warm & cold veggie bowls, veggie dumplings, veggie wraps, plant based sushi, over noodles (like my Citrus Soba Noodle recipe...coming soon!) as well as these recipes:

• Crispy Orange Cauliflower with Coconut Jasmine Rice

• Asian Inspired Quinoa Bowl

• How To Make Your Own Salad Dressings and Marinades

Coconut Oil (Organic, Virgin, Unrefined, Cold Pressed)

T.J.'s sells this in a glass jar or this super convenient box of 14 individual packets.

The packets are so incredibly handy if you want to take them with you on the go during a day when you are out all day long, travelling, camping etc.

Use Coconut Oil for:

• Making pancakes + waffles + cookies + muffins + cupcakes + breads etc.

• Making Sugar Free Dark Chocolate

• Cooking Safely at High Temperatures

• Making Healthy Mayonnaise

• Making a Natural Deodorant

• Making a Non-Toxic Insect Repellent

• Removing Stains

• Soothing Chapped Lips

• Making Your Wood Furniture Shine

• Healing Ragged Cuticles

• Making Homemade Salad Dressings + Marinades (click HERE for my recipes)

Benefits of Coconut Oil

• Protecting Your Skin From UV Rays

• Increasing Your Metabolism

• Improving Your Dental Health

• Relieving Skin Irritation and Eczema

• Improving Brain Function

• Moisturizing Your Skin

• May Help Fight Infections

• Increasing Your "Good" HDL Cholesterol

• May Reduce Belly Fat

• Protecting Your Hair From Damage

• Increasing Hunger + Food Intake

• Improving Wound Healing

• Boosting Bone Health

• Combating Candida

• Reducing Inflammation

• Quick Energy Source

• Relieving Symptoms of Arthritis

• Improving Liver Health

Source + more info on coconut oil, check out Healthline's article 29 Uses For Coconut Oil, HERE .

Organic Unsweetened Flake Coconut

As described on the package, this is pure unsweetened, organic coconut with absolutely nothing added to it and it's ideal for snacking and cooking!

"It's just what you would get if you went to the effort to harvest, crack, shred and dry the coconut yourself (once you found yourself in the tropics where the nuts grow)"

Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa

First things first....the 2 reasons we LOVE this Trader Joe's Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa is

1) Contains NO citric acid

2) Contains NO added sugar

Made with big chunks of organic diced tomatoes, organic tomato paste, organic onions, and organic jalapeños, then spiced with organic cayenne pepper and organic dehydrated garlic, Trader Joe's Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa is fresh and flavorful, packing just the right amount of medium-level heat.

Organic Pumpkin

Only ONE INGREDIENT is in this can: Organic Pumpkin. That's all! Look at the back label of most other canned pumpkin, organic or otherwise and you will find fillers, gums and unpronounceable ingredients.

I love anything pumpkin pie related and I will make pumpkin inspired treats year 'round so this item is a favorite and a staple of mine in our pantry!

I will be sharing clean versions of the recipes below for all of the ways I use organic pumpkin year 'round!

How To Make Your Own SALAD DRESSINGS and MARINADES

I love making my own salad dressings + marinades. I've compiled a list of 15 super versatile + yummy options. They are perfect for warm veggie bowls, sandwiches, wraps or salads! I love all of them, but I do loooooove the Maple Syrup + Orange Dressing either warmed up (over veggies or as a marinade on my fish dishes) or served cold (over a salad).

Enjoy + let me know in the comments, which ones you have made + which ones are your favorite! Post your photos + tag me on Instagram!

Tangy Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients

Makes 5 servings

• 1 large lemon, zested + juiced

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard (we love the Primal Kitchen brand which you can get here) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• Sea salt (to taste)

• Black pepper (to taste)

Directions

• Combine all your ingredients in a bowl + whisk to combine.

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 1 cup of organic strawberries (sliced)

• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• Salt (to taste)

• Pepper (to taste)

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a blender

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Honey Mustard

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 1/2 a lemon (juiced or I used the Santa Cruz Organics brand)

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard (we love the Primal Kitchen brand which you can get here) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• Salt (to taste)

• Pepper (to taste)

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a blender

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Avocado Cilantro

Ingredients

• 2 small avocados

• 2 lemons (juiced)

• 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk (we use the Malibu Mylk brand which you can get here)

• 1/2 cup of filtered water

• 1/4 cup of fresh organic cilantro

• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger

• 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder

• Salt (to taste)

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a blender

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Peanut Thai

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter (or we use Almond or Walnut Butter by the Artisana brand)

• 1/4 cup of coconut aminos

• 1 lime (juiced)

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon of filtered water

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a blender

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Apple Cider Vinegar Herb Dressing

I loooooove this herb dressing on top of warm veggie bowls, sandwiches, wraps or salads! Super versatile!

Ingredients

• 1/2 a bunch of organic parsley (cleaned + chopped)

• 1/2 a bunch of organic cilantro (cleaned + chopped)

• 1/2 a bunch of organic basil (cleaned)

• 2 garlic cloves (peeled)

• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

• Salt (to taste)

• Pepper (to taste)

• 1/2 a cup of organic extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a blender

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Sesame Ginger Dressing

I loooooove this sesame ginger dressing either warmed up (over veggies or as a marinade) or cold (over a salad). It's so good and so versatile!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos

• 1.5 tablespoons of honey

• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

• Salt (to taste)

• Pepper (to taste)

• Cayenne (to taste)

• 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger

Directions

• Combine all your ingredients in a bowl + whisk to combine.

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Super Simple Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 1 lemon (juiced)

• Salt (to taste)

Directions

• Combine all your ingredients in a bowl + whisk to combine.

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Lemon Garlic Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/2 a cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 1 lemon (juiced)

• 3 cloves of garlic (chopped)

• Salt (to taste)

• Pepper (to taste)

Directions

• In a food processor or chopper, combine all ingredients above.

• Blend until there are no garlic pieces left.

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Basil Salad Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of fresh basil

• 3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 1/2 a teaspoon of sea salt

• 1/2 a teaspoon of pepper

• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Directions

• In a food processor or chopper, combine all ingredients above.

• Blend on high speed until smooth

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Creamy Avocado Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 avocado

• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

• 1/2 cup of filtered water

• 1/4 teaspoon of celtic sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Directions

• Place avocado, extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil and filtered water in blender.

• Puree until smooth

• Then blend in salt + pepper

Avocado Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados (chopped)

• 2 spring onions (finely chopped)

• 1 clove of garlic (minced)

• Lime juice (to taste) - omit if you are sensitive to citrus

• Filtered water (as needed)

• Sea Salt (to taste)

• 1/2 a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (optional)

Directions

• In a food processor or chopper, combine all ingredients above.

• Blend on high speed until smooth

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Creamy Onion Dressing

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of red onion (minced)

• 1/2 a cup of apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of stevia

• 1 teaspoon of mustard powder

• 1/2 teaspoon of celtic sea salt

• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

Directions

• Place onion, vinegar, stevia, mustard and salt in a blender

• Puree on high speed for 20 seconds, until smooth

• Turn on blender + drizzle in extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil

Green Goddess Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 avocado

• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (once again, we love the Primal Kitchen brand) Enter my 10% OFF coupon code at checkout: DEROSA10

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

• 1/2 a teaspoon of herbs de provence

• 1/2 teaspoon of celtic sea salt

• 3-5 drops of stevia

• 1 cup of filtered water

Directions

• In a blender, combine all ingredients above.

• Blend on high speed until smooth + creamy

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.

Maple Syrup + Orange Dressing

I love this dressing when I make Crispy Orange Cauliflower with Coconut Jasmine Rice. You can find that recipe here .

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoons of sesame oil (I use: Napa Valley Naturals)

• 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger

• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)

• 1 cup of fresh orange juice (I use: 365 brand, organic w/ Vitamin D + Calcium)

• 1/4 cup of maple syrup (I use: 365 brand, dark maple syrup)

• 3 tablespoons of coconut aminos (I use: Big Tree Farms, organic, non-gmo, soy + gluten free )

• 3/4 teaspoons of red chili flakes

• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons of water

Directions

• In a saucepan, heat up sesame oil. Then add in your ginger + garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

• Whisk in all of your ingredients EXCEPT cornstarch + water. Whisk for 2 minutes then crank up the heat and bring to a boil.

• While your sauce is heating up, place cornstarch + water into a separate bowl, then add it to the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. You want to make sure the cornstarch has dissolved.

• Store in an airtight glass container to use throughout the week.

• Shake well or whisk again each day before using.
  

Photos courtesy of: Wix, Artisana & Primal Kitchen