Yearly Archives: 2022

Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University men’s track and field team competed in the Bruce Lehane Scarlet and White Invitational on Feb. 5 at Boston University.

Coach Andy Ronan with Robert Becker.
Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

Senior Robert Becker has been breaking records ever since he got to Stony Brook. He took it to the next level by becoming the first student-athlete to run a sub-4-minute mile in program history. Becker clocked in at 3:58.98 in the mile run setting a new personal best and breaking the previous mile record (4:02.45) that was also set by himself in 2020 at the ECAC/IC4A Indoor Championships. Becker’s record-breaking time also qualifies the senior for the IC4A Championships.

“Robert Becker made history today at the Bruce Lehane Scarlet and White Invitational by becoming the first Stony Brook student-athlete to break the 4-minute mile. Rob ran 3:58.98 to achieve this great moment in his career. It is truly a landmark performance, one that many chase but never attain – Rob has joined an exclusive club. There were many super performances today, career bests, and IC4A/ECAC qualifiers were the nature of the day,” said head coach Andrew Ronan. 

“Considering the news that we received earlier this week about being ineligible for the conference championships, we had a great meet. This group of athletes pulled themselves together, got focused, and showed the kind of quality performances that could have been on display at the conference championship meet,” he added.

The Seawolves are back in action on Feb. 11 when they compete in the Fast Track National Invite on Staten Island.

Cocktail meatballs. Metro photo

By Barbara Beltrami

Whether you’re watching the 56th Super Bowl or the Winter Olympics with a couple of ice cold beers or having a romantic and cozy Valentine’s Day with a couple of glasses of bubbly, cocktail meatballs with surprise centers are the perfect accompaniment. All of them are easy to make ahead of time, then refrigerate  and re-heat which leaves you lots of time for being a spectator or someone’s special Valentine.

South of the Border Meatballs

YIELD: Makes about 50 bite-size meatballs

INGREDIENTS: 

2 1/2 pounds ground beef

3/4 cup unflavored bread crumbs

1/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon fresh coriander

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 shallot, minced

2 eggs

1/2 pound pepper jack cheese, diced into half-inch cubes

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl combine the beef, bread crumbs milk, cilantro, parsley, chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper, garlic, shallot, and eggs. Divide mixture into 50 to 60 equal portions, place on baking sheets, poke a piece of the cheese into the center and roll into balls; bake, gently turning once, until brown on all sides, about 10 to 15 minutes. Serve hot or warm with tortilla chips, sour cream, salsa and guacamole.

Dinah’s Cocktail Meatballs

YIELD: Makes about two dozen meatballs

INGREDIENTS: 

1 pound ground beef

1 egg

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1/2 cup unflavored bread crumbs

1/2 onion, grated

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 to 3 scallions, sliced into 1/2” pieces

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine beef, egg, cheese, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, two thirds of the mustard, the Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Form into tiny 1 1/2” meatballs, poke, a scallion slice inside, cover and place on baking sheet.  In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the remaining third of the mustard, ketchup and brown sugar; brush on top of meatballs, then bake them until they are lightly browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve hot or warm with crudités.

Buffalo Meatballs

YIELD: Makes 16 to 20 meatballs

INGREDIENTS: 

3 tablespoons neutral oil

1 small onion, diced

2 tablespoons buttermilk

1 slice white sandwich bread, doused with warm water, then torn into bite-size pieces

2 tablespoons + 1 cup  Frank’s hot sauce

1 pound ground chicken or turkey

1/2 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs

1 large egg

2/3 cup diced celery

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Nonstick cooking spray

4 ounces blue, Roquefort or gorgonzola cheese, cut into 16 cubes

6 ounces unsalted butter

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/3 cup barbecue sauce

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat; add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden, about 5 or 6 minutes; set aside to cool. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, bread, 2 tablespoons hot sauce and whisk into a paste. Add chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, celery and salt and pepper; mix well, then cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 450 F; line a shallow baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Roll mixture into 16 balls, poke a hole with your finger and insert a cheese cube in center, then cover with meat mixture. Place on aluminum foil and bake until brown, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile in a medium saucepan, melt butter, add maple syrup, remaining cup hot sauce and barbecue sauce, stir and cook until heated through. Place meatballs on platter or in bowl; pour sauce over them and serve hot or warm with celery and more blue cheese.

Organic Krush, an organic eatery with locations in Connecticut, New York and Virginia, has announced a partnership with Stony Brook University Athletics which includes a unique opportunity to fuel the athletes within the athletic arena, giving them direct access to healthy organic meals pre-and post workout. 

Krush worked directly with George Greene, Associate Athletic Director of High Performance and Competitive Success at SBU, to create the program, working together to select dishes based on macro-micro nutritional value, satiety and calories as well as variety, ultimately providing the athletes fueling options that reduce their body burden and allow then to train efficiently.

“Healthy clean eating is the wave of the future for athletes” said Michelle Walrath and Fran Paniccia, co-founders of Organic Krush. “As moms and parents of college athletes, we know the importance of food as fuel. Access to great tasting organic and plant based food can be difficult for college athletes. We started Organic Krush to make healthy food accessible to all. Our partnership with SBU Athletics gives us the opportunity to showcase the benefit of healthy eating to young athletes!”

“Organic Krush is the perfect partner for our athletes” said Greene. “Our goal is to keep our athletes healthy and strong on the field, court, track, and pool. Giving our athletes healthy balanced meals and uniting the passionate fans of SBU with the power of Organic Krush is a slam dunk for us! We are excited to welcome a partner that shares our commitment to improving the lives of our student-athletes as well as in the local community.”

Krush recently opened its 10th store around the corner from the Stony Brook University campus at 1111 Route 25A.

The partnership will kick off with a “Fuel Up with Krush” campaign echoing the importance of eating well for performance. Digital activations and event integrations spotlighting Organic Krush during games and events as well as a community-based summer fun run are planned.

Pictured: Ken Kutner (standing left) of the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management; Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (standing center) and Legislator Rob Trotta (standing right) during the presentation’s opening remarks.

Legislators Stephanie Bontempi (Centerport) and Rob Trotta (Fort Salonga) recently held an emergency preparedness program that was open to the community at the Northport Public Library.  The training was led by Ken Kutner of the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management.  Kutner has an extensive background in the field, most notably via his decades of service in the East Northport Fire Department in addition to his work with the County.

Some of the topics covered were the weather outlook for the region in 2022, putting together basic preparedness lists for homes and automobiles, ways to stay informed during emergencies and how to volunteer with emergency organizations.  Some people in attendance were unaware of what it takes to be prepared for a variety of potential emergencies.  Similarly, others were happy to learn that so many free resources are available to stay informed, such as handy emergency-related cell phone apps.

“This training is really a must for everybody, even for those who think they are already sufficiently prepared for what life throws our way.  I was surprised to learn that I need to take some steps to improve my family’s ability to be ready and have more peace of mind.  It’s never too early to get these things in order,” said Bontempi.  “If someone has not attended a program like this, seeking one out in the near future is highly recommended,” added Bontempi.

Those who are interested in learning more about the resources and opportunities mentioned above should visit: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/FRES.

Stock photo
Police Officer Glen Ciano

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison and Commack Fire District Commissioner Pat Fazio joined Susan Ciano, widow of Suffolk County Police Officer Glen Ciano, and representatives from New York Blood Center during a press conference on February 10 at the Commack Fire Department to announce the 12th annual blood drive named in memory of Police Officer Glen Ciano on Saturday, Feb. 12.

There has been a chronic shortage of blood supplies in New York since the start of the pandemic and the recent blizzard resulted in 1000 fewer donations due to blood drive cancellations and low donor turnout. Blood supplies remain below the ideal five-day safety level, and types O-, O+ B- and A- continue to hover at less than two-day levels.

The annual event is held in honor of Officer Ciano, who was responding to a call when he was killed by a drunk driver in Commack on February 22, 2009.

The 12th annual Glen Ciano Blood Drive will be held at the Commack Fire Department, located at 6309 Jericho Turnpike in Commack, on February 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 631-499-6690.

Red Velvet Heart Pancakes

The Perfect Pancake for Your Valentine

(Culinary.net) Finding something unique and special to do on Valentine’s Day for your significant other can be a challenge. Every year, the day to celebrate love rolls around and every year it may seem like you’re out of ideas. Many people feel the same way. However, with just a couple bowls, a cookie cutter and a skillet, your Valentine’s Day could start off a lot sweeter.

Try these Red Velvet Heart Pancakes, which are one of a kind and a delicious way to spend your morning with your loved one. Celebrating the day of love has never been easier.

Add your favorite pancake toppings like butter, syrup, powdered sugar or raspberries. In the end, you will have yourself a scrumptious breakfast, made with love and as sweet as can be.

Kids also love the fun shape and color of this breakfast. It’s a neat way to have them help in the kitchen and make a meal for the whole family.

Valentine’s Day is a big reason to celebrate. You don’t have to stick to the same flowers and chocolates as last year. Mix it up with this delectable recipe meant to spread some love on a significant day.

Find more breakfast recipes and sweet treat ideas at Culinary.net.

Red Velvet Heart Pancakes

Yield: Serves 8 to 10

Ingredients:

1 cup flour

1/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus additional for garnish

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

30-40 drops red food coloring

nonstick cooking spray

syrup, for garnish

powdered sugar, for garnish

raspberries, for garnish

Directions:

In large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In medium bowl, whisk egg. Add buttermilk, 2 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract and food coloring; whisk until combined.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine.

Spray heart-shaped cookie cutter with nonstick cooking spray and place in skillet. Add enough batter to fill heart. Cook 2 minutes. Remove heart cutter. Flip pancake and cook 1 minute.

Serve with butter, syrup, powdered sugar and raspberries.

Note: If mixture is too thick, add water until desired consistency is reached.

See video here.

Long Island based nonprofit’s service dog In training to play on Team Fluff In Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XVIII

America’s VetDogs, a Long Island based national non-profit that trains and places guide and service dogs with veterans and first responders with disabilities, is thrilled to announce future service dog in training “Kirby” will be competing in this year’s Puppy Bowl XVIII on Animal Planet on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13th at 2 p.m. Kirby will be one of more than 100 adoptable puppies running around and scoring touchdowns for a chance to win the “Lombarky” Trophy. The Puppy Bowl pre-game show begins at 1 p.m. with the game to follow at 2 p.m. They will air on Animal Planet and stream on Discovery+.

On Saturday, February 12, Kirby will be taking over Animal Planet’s Instagram for a “day in the life” feature of what it’s like to be puppy co-raised by NFL team Houston Texans and what training goes into raising a future service dog for a disabled veteran or first responder.

Kirby, a male Labrador retriever, joined the Houston Texans last July at 10 weeks old and was named by Texans fans through a voting contest. He is currently training to be a service dog in a partnership with America’s Vet Dogs. Once his training is complete, Kirby will be placed with a veteran or a first responder with disabilities. You can follow Kirby’s puppy raising journey but visiting his Instagram page at @Texanspup or @americasvetdogs.

'Rock of Ages' is currently playing at the Engeman Theater in Northport.
Ongoing

Vanderbilt Museum reopens

Starting Feb. 11, the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport  will be open Friday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday nights for Planetarium shows at 8, 9, and 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

Thursday 10

Atelier lecture

Join the Atelier at Flowerfield for an online lecture titled A Triumphant Triad: Sargent, Sorolla and Zorn via Zoom from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Guest speaker Neill Slaughter will discuss  

John Singer Sargent, Joaquín Sorolla, and Anders Zorn became internationally renowned during their lifetimes, primarily as artists who painted portraits, thereby preserving for posterity a wide array of individuals ranging from fellow artists to the aristocracy of Great Britain and Europe; from lords and ladies to kings and queens, as well as the robber barons of America and even U.S. presidents. Free. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

An evening of jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present a concert by the Interplay Jazz Orchestra at 7 p.m. The 17-member orchestra, directed by Joe Devassy, trombonist and Gary Henderson, trumpet, performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members. Tickets are $30 adults,$25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Author Talk

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport will present a free Zoom event with author Sara Dykman at 7 p.m. Dykman made history when she became the first person to bicycle alongside monarch butterflies on their storied annual migration – a round-trip adventure that included three countries and more than 10,000 miles. Dykman will discuss the chronicle of that journey and her book, Bicycling with Butterflies, at 7 p.m. Registration is required by visiting www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Friday 11

Friday Night Coffee House 

You’re invited! Celebrate St. James hosts a Friday Night Coffee House at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James at 7 p.m. The first in a series of Friday night entertainment, the evening will feature the music of acoustic duo “Sweet Tea.” Special coffee beverages & tea will be available, along with sweet treats! Admission is $20 adults, $15 seniors. To register, call 984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Saturday 12

Second Saturdays Poetry

All Souls Church in Stony Brook continues its Second Saturday Poetry Reading series via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. The readings will be hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson.  The featured poet will be Tom Stock. An open-reading will follow the featured poet; all are welcome to read one of their own poems.  For more information, call 655-7798. Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/

Fish Hatchery lecture

The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor kicks off a new adult lecture series with The Birds and Bees (And Everything In Between) at 6 p.m. Flirtatious frogs, debaucherous ducks and other amorous animals! Learn more about the wacky world of animal breeding than you ever wanted to know. Fee is $20, $10 members. Registration is required by visiting www.cshfishhatchery.org.

Valentine’s Jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert titled Here’s to the Ladies featuring The Jazz Loft All Stars: Ray Anderson on trombone, Tom Manuel on cornet, Mike Hall on bass, Steve Salerno on guitar, and Ellis Holmes on drums from 7 to 9 p.m. $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students includes a glass of champagne and chocolate. To buy tickets, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Sunday 13

Huntington Winter Farmers Market

Get your farm fix in the off-season at the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday through March 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located behind the senior center at 423 Park Ave., Huntington, visitors will find items ranging from hydroponic greens to artisan breads and vegan treats and everything in between. Call 944-2661.

Theatre Three Food Drive

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson will host a food and personal care items drive to benefit the Open Cupboard Pantry at Infant Jesus Church on Sunday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Items will be collected at the Infant Jesus convent building at 110 Hawkins St. (off Myrtle Ave), in Port Jefferson. Donations needed include juice, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, sugar, Maseca corn flour, cooking oil, coffee, pancake mix (complete), pancake syrup, healthy snacks as well as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, toilet paper, baby shampoo, baby wash, baby wipes, baby powder, Desitin and lotion. Grocery store gift cards and cash also accepted. For more information, call 631-938-6464.

Port Jeff Winter Farmers Market 

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson through April 25. This year’s vendors include Brownies N’ Stuff, Joann’s Desserts, Farm Fresh Potions, Mello Munch Awesome Granola, O Honey Bee Farm, Sweet Melissa Dip, Mr. B’s Hot Sauce, Speedy Kiwi Bakery, Knot of this World Pretzels, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Spilt Milk Macarons and many more. For more information, call 802-2160.

Heckscher docent tour

Learn more about the latest exhibitions at the Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington with a docent volunteer! From 1 to 2 p.m., a docent will be in the galleries to bring the artwork to life, answering visitors’ questions and providing further insight into works on view. Sign up for the 1 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. tour at www.heckscher.org. For more information, call 380-3230.

Galentine’s Craft Evening

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Galentine’s Craft Evening at the Barn from 6 to 8 p.m. Get the gals together for a craft evening in Sweetbriar’s barn. You’ll be making feather/leaf macrame hangers, homemade anti-bacterial hand spray and more. Chocolates and drinks will be served. Facemasks must be worn indoors. This event is for adults and teens (accompanied by an adult). $20 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Monday 14
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Tuesday 15

Jupiter Hammon Project lecture

Northport-East Northport Public Library will host a virtual lecture, The Jupiter Hammon Project and Joseph Lloyd Manor, via Zoom from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Preservation Long Island Director, Sarah Kautz, will discuss the life of author Jupiter Hammon who lived as an enslaved person at Lloyd Manor and whose work was the first to be published by an African American born in North America. Free but registration required by visiting www.preservationlongisland.org.

Wednesday 16

CAC Sky Room Talk

Join the Cinema Arts Centre for a virtual lecture via Zoom titled Women and Monsters at 7 p.m. Costume designer Jolene Marie Richardson will take a deeper look at the women and monsters of Universal Classic Horror and how costuming shapes our perception of these women and their status in 1930’s Hollywood through Frankenstein (31), Dracula (31), The Mummy (32), and The Bride of Frankenstein (35). Fee is $10, $7 members. To register, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Thursday 17

No events listed for this day.

Film

‘Invisible Threads’

The Tesla Science Center will present a one-night screening of ‘Invisible Threads – From Wireless to War’ at Stony Brook University’s Wang Center, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Feb. 11 from 7 to 9:45 p.m. Narrated by Tony Todd (Candy Man, The Rock), the documentary explores the early innovation of wireless technology on the eve of WWI that connected Nikola Tesla and Guglielmo Marconi to a shadowy wireless station in West Sayville called Telefunken. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Joseph Sikorski. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 TSCW members, $15 SBU students/staff, seniors and veterans. Reception and exhibits at 6 p.m. To order, visit www.teslasciencenter.org.

‘Cry Macho’

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a screening of “Cry Macho” starring Clint Eastwood on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. To register, call 928-1212, option 3 or visit www.cplib.org.

Theater

‘Punk Rock Girl!’

The Argyle Theatre, 34 West Main St., Babylon kicks off the new year with the world premiere of PUNK ROCK GIRL! from Jan. 20 to Feb. 27. With book and arrangements by Tony-nominated Long Island composer Joe Iconis, arrangements and orchestrations by Rob Rokicki and directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner, the new musical features a score of popular songs written and made famous by female artists and female-fronted bands including Blondie, Pat Benatar, Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett, P!nk, Gwen Stefani, and more. Tickets range from $49 to $77 and may be purchased online at www.argyletheatre.com or by calling 230-3500.

‘Rock of Ages’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Rock of Ages from Jan. 27 to March 13. The five-time Tony Award®-nominated Broadway musical smash tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset Strip. But when the bar where rock reigns supreme is set to be demolished, it’s up to these wannabe rockers and their band of friends to save the day — and the music. Rock of Ages’ electric score features all your favorite ’80s rock anthems and power ballads, including “Every Rose has its Thorn,” “I Wanna Know What Love is,” Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and more! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Marvelous Wonderettes from Feb. 19 to March 26. This blast-from-the-past musical takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! Featuring over two dozen classic ’50’s and ’60’s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

Star Playhouse at the Suffolk Y JCCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents The Diary of Anne Frank on March 12 and 19 at 8 p.m. and March 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. In this transcendently powerful adaptation, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors and students. To order, call 462-9800, ext. 136 or visit www.starplayhouse.com.

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 23rd annual Festival of One-Act Plays, featuring the world premiere of six new works, at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage from Feb. 27 to April. 2. Featuring Steve Ayle, Antoine Jones, Tamralynn Dorsa, Brittany Lacey, Steven Uihlein, Steve Wangner, Bradlee Bing, Sari Feldman, Eric J. Hughes, and Evan Teich. Adult content and language. Parental discretion is advised. Tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

All phone numbers are in (631) area code unless noted.

Metro photo

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson will host a food and personal care items drive to benefit the Open Cupboard Pantry at Infant Jesus Church on Sunday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Items will be collected at the Infant Jesus convent building at 110 Hawkins St. (off Myrtle Ave) in Port Jefferson.

Donations needed include juice, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, sugar, Maseca corn flour, cooking oil, coffee, pancake mix (complete), pancake syrup, healthy snacks as well as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, toilet paper, baby shampoo, baby wash, baby wipes, baby powder, Desitin and lotion. Grocery store gift cards and cash also accepted. For more information, call 631-938-6464.

Just a few of the cookies designed by Kim Carter of Rolling Pin bakery in East Setauket. Photo by Rita J. Egan

During the pandemic, small business owners have been looking for ways to get customers’ attention. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, a local bakery is providing an option that stands out from the average box of chocolates.

Kim Carter, of Rolling Pin, holds one of the cookies she decorated. Photo by Rita J. Egan

When people first walk into Rolling Pin bakery in East Setauket they’ll spy on the shelves colorful cookies wrapped in individual clear bags. The works of art are created by Kim Carter, the bakery’s decorator, who is currently busy preparing cookies for Valentine’s Day featuring cute couples, colorful lovebirds, adorable animals and more. Every holiday for about eight years, Carter said she comes up with novelty cookies for customers to purchase to give away as gifts and Feb. 14 is no different.

When Evelyn Haegele began working at the bakery a few months ago, she was floored by her new co-worker’s talents. Her cookies are “just incredible,” she said. “Each one is a work of art. I felt like, ‘Kim, you really deserve to be noticed.’”

Carter has been working for the bakery, which is owned by David Dombroff, for 13 of the nearly 27 years it has been open. The decorator said as each holiday approaches she looks for inspiration by searching on the internet. She said each cookie takes a different amount of time to create. Making the sweet treats involves a few steps, from first baking them to then cutting them into different shapes. She then creates backgrounds for each cookie by dipping it in a color she has chosen. After the background is ready, she creates the outline for the cookie and fills it in freehand.

Just a few of the cookies designed by Kim Carter of Rolling Pin bakery in East Setauket. Photo by Rita J. Egan

“It takes practice and there has to be the right consistency of the icing,” Carter said. “If not, it will be running or too soft or too hard to squeeze.”

In addition to cookies, Carter decorates cakes, too. Before she started working for Rolling Pin, she worked for various bakeries and has 20 years of experience in the field. Carter’s decorating talent is one that naturally came to her.

“Since I was a kid I just liked art,” she said. “Then, one day, I said, ‘Hey, I can decorate a cake. I see people doing it. I can do it.’”

Her favorite holiday cookies are the ones she makes for Easter, Halloween and Christmas, and the decorator said she feels bad during Father’s Day because it’s one of the holidays that’s difficult to come up with themes that would be fitting for a cookie.

The bakery also takes custom orders for parties and showers. Sometimes, Carter said, the shapes are unique, and she creates a temporary cookie cutter out of tin until she can find one to buy.

Haegele said her favorite cookies since she started working at the bakery are the Halloween and Christmas cookies, including one that was shaped like a snow globe with sugar that looked like glass.

“What she did was amazing,” Haegele said.

 

The Rolling Pin bakery is located at 1387 Route 25A, East Setauket.