Authors Posts by Heidi Sutton

Heidi Sutton

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Fresh Berry Cream Tart

By Heidi Sutton

Summer is right around the corner and that means strawberry season on Long Island. With a variety of gorgeous fresh fruits at your fingertips, why not whip up a fabulous sweet dessert to surprise family or share with friends?

Chocolate and Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bark – SEE VIDEO HERE

Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More

Chocolate and Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bark

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

3 cups plain non-fat Greek yogurt

1/3 cup honey plus additional for drizzling, divided (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup melted dark chocolate

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

In medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, honey and vanilla. On parchment-lined baking sheet, spread Greek yogurt mixture to 1/4-inch thickness. Drop spoonfuls of melted chocolate onto yogurt and use toothpick to drag in circles. Press strawberries and chocolate chips into yogurt. 

Freeze at least 3 hours. Remove from freezer and break into pieces.

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

Strawberry Chiffon Pie

 

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

2 cups coarsely chopped strawberries

3/4 cup honey, divided

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/4 cup cold water

1 cup light sour cream

9-inch crumb crust

DIRECTIONS:

In small bowl, mash strawberries and 1/4 cup honey; set aside. In small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand five minutes. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup honey. Warm over low heat until gelatin dissolves. 

Transfer to large bowl; stir in sour cream. Cover and refrigerate 20 to 30 minutes or until mixture mounds on a spoon when tested.

Using an electric mixer, beat mixture at medium speed until light. Fold in strawberries; mix until well combined. Pour into prepared crust. Cover and refrigerate at least two hours before serving.

Fresh Berry Cream Tart

Recipe courtesy of Family Features

Fresh Berry Cream Tart

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:  

1 box refrigerated pie crust

1 8-ounce package cream cheese softened

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon orange juice

4 cups assorted fresh whole berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries

1/3 cup red currant jelly melted

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 450°F. Prepare pie crust as directed on package for one-crust baked shell using 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely.

In small bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and liqueur; beat until smooth and well blended. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly in cooled baked shell. Top with berries; brush berries with melted jelly to glaze. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. 

Sand and Soil farm stand at Port Jefferson farmers market. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Heidi Sutton

The warm weather months are a peak time for outdoor activities, including visiting your local farmers market. A vibrant selection of fresh produce and artisanal goods, a farmer’s market is a delightful way to support local farmers and businesses and to connect with your community. Chances are you can find one nearby on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays through the fall.

Centereach

The farmstand at Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through mid-October. 631-774-1556, www.hobbsfarm.info

Farmingville

— A farmers market will be held every Thursday through Oct. 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the south parking lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville. Fresh produce, spirits, flowers, baked goods, homemade bath and body products. 631-451-8696

— A Farmers, Artisans, and Friends Marketplace will be held at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Rd. and Woodycrest Dr., Farmingville on June 28 and Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local produce, handmade items, antiques, flea market treasures. 631-260-7411

Huntington

A farmers market will be held in the Elm Street parking lot at 228 Main St., Huntington on Sundays through Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, pickles, honey, special events, guest vendors. 631-402-3867

Lake Grove

Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a farmers market in the southwestern quadrant of the parking lot (adjacent to Bahama Breeze) on Saturdays (pickles, honey) and full market with vendors on Sundays. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days year-round. 516-444-1280

Northport

Cow Harbor Park parking lot, at the corner of Main Street and Woodbine Ave. in Northport, hosts a farmers market every Saturday through Nov. 22 (except Sept. 20) from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Honey, ravioli, cheese, coffee, pickles, empanadas, mushrooms, baked goods, jams, fruits and vegetables, plants.  631-662-7244

Port Jefferson

The Port Jefferson Farmers Market will be held at Harborfront Park, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday through Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local produce honey, bread and baked goods, seafood, international specialties, plants, flower bouquets and more. 631-802-2160

St. James

— St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd Ave., St. James hosts a farmers market in its parking lot every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Sept. 27. Fresh locally grown produce, flowers, honey, coffee, shellfish, artisan baked goods, breads jams, hot food, pickles, craft beer, international foods, live music, kids corner. 631-403-7711

— Birdsfoot Farmstand at Avalon Nature Preserve, 17 Shep Jones Lane, St. James is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for the season. 631-689-0619

Setauket 

The Three Village  Farmers & Artisans Market is held Fridays on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket through  September (except Sept. 19) from 3 to 7 p.m. and October 1 to 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. Locally grown farm fresh produce, artisanal bread & cheese, freshly brewed coffee & tea, local honey, nuts & spices, jams & jellies, baked treats, and more. 631-751-3730

 

 

 

Above, one of the locations featured in the Historic Barn and Garden Tour. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society and Museum (TVHS) in Setauket has announced the launch of their first Historic Barn and Garden Tour — a brand-new fundraising event in support of the ongoing construction of The Dominick-Crawford Barn Education and History Center. 

This unique event, to be held on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is the first of its kind in the Three Village area in many decades.

Above, one of the locations featured in the Historic Barn and Garden Tour. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

“The Three Village Historical Society + Museum has long been known for ushering in the winter holiday season with our beloved Candlelight House Tour for 45 years. Now, we’re delighted to introduce what we see as its springtime cousin, an outdoor celebration that welcomes the summer season with beauty, history, and community spirit,” said Mari Irizarry, Director of the TVHS.

This exciting initiative has officially become a challenge grant fundraiser, thanks to the generous support of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, which has pledged to match every dollar raised, up to $10,000. “That means together, we can raise up to $20,000 to help bring The Barn to completion!” said Irizarry.

With the help of sponsors TBR News Media, Howard Hanna | Coach Realty and Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, this tour will take you to four beautifully preserved historic barns and six stunning gardens, where you’ll hear captivating stories of the area’s agricultural past. 

“Barns are iconic symbols of our farming heritage, and we’re honored to partner with property owners who have lovingly stewarded these historic structures for generations. The gardens you’ll explore are just as special, many of them carefully curated and nurtured by their homeowners over decades, reflecting a deep love of the land and dedication to beauty and sustainability,” said Irizarry.

Your day doesn’t end there. Visit TVHS headquarters at 93 North Country Road, Setauket, to be among the first to explore their brand new art gallery, sponsored by Cathy Minuse, opening with a “Barn and Garden” themed exhibit, and enjoy guided tours of TVHS’s ReWild Community Garden, packed with inspiration for sustainable gardening and backyard biodiversity.

In addition, Four Harbors Audubon Society will hold a Native Plant Sale on the front lawn of the historical society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring plants for a bird-friendly garden; an assortment of native shrubs and herbaceous perennials, some of which are deer and/or shade resistant; educational exhibits; and live music for kids. 

“Join us as we celebrate the beauty of the land, the legacy of our barns, and the spirit of community, all while supporting a transformative new space for education and history at TVHS,” said Irizarry.

Tickets are $50 per person, $40 members. To order, visit www.tvhs.org/barnandgarden. For more information, please call 631-751-3730.

Reviewed by Heidi Sutton

Through June 21, the fairest of them all and her seven friends will take up residence at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson for a musical retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Kevin F. Story with additional material by Jeffrey Hoffman and Douglas J. Quattrock, the show features all of the elements of the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale with the evil queen, the magic mirror, the seven dwarfs, the handsome prince, the poisoned apple and, of course, the enchanting Snow White.

Directed by Colleen Britt with choreography by Kiernan Urso, the show opens with the queen asking the Mirror for the umpteenth time who the fairest in the land is. When the Mirror replies Snow White, the queen summons Witch Yvonne to give her a makeover. When that goes horribly wrong, the jealous queen flies into a fit of rage and orders the Huntsman to take Snow White into the forest and dispose of her. 

Of course the Huntsman doesn’t have the heart to do that so he lets her escape. Snow White comes upon the cottage of the seven dwarfs and the adventure begins. 

Julia Rose Albino is perfectly cast as the sweet Snow White who infuriates the  queen, played to the hilt by Cassidy Rose O’Brien, because she “is sooooo nice!” Indeed, every time Snow White enters the room you hear birds sing — a nice touch.

Although the names are different, the dwarfs — played by Louisa Bikowski, Ginger Dalton, Steven Uihlein, Sophia DelCarmen, Kaitlyn Jehle, Yashaun Harris, and Ryan Van Nostrand — have the same personalities of the original Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey. Special mention must be made of Bikowski as Iggy (aka Dopey) who can’t remember what happened three seconds ago, and Van Nostrand as Froggy (aka Doc) who has the patience of a saint.

Kyle Breitenbach is the handsome Prince who is on a quest to save a damsel in distress when he meets Snow White. The chemistry between Breitenbach and Albino is adorable to watch as they hide their identity from each other when they first meet, instead posing as Principal Marco Polo and Blanche Snowkowski.

The song and dance numbers, accompanied on keyboards by Douglas Quattrock and Jeffrey Hoffman, tie everything together. Albino’s rendition of “I Love It All” and O’Brien’s follow-up “I Hate It All” in the beginning of the show set up the storyline perfectly and Uihlein’s rendition of “I’ve Got Those ‘I’m-Just-a-Mirror-on-the-Wall’ Blues” is wonderfully executed. 

Breitenbach and VanNostrand’s duet, “Someone,” shows off some dance skills and Breitenbach and Albino’s duet “I Think I’m in Like With You” is absolutely charming. “Hand in Hand” by the entire company is the perfect finale.

Costumes by Jason Allyn are colorful and fun and wait until you see the incredible special effects! This fairy tale production is not to be missed. Meet the entire cast in the lobby after the show for a group photo.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs through June 21. All seats are $12

Children’s theater continues with The Fantasmix: A Superhero Journey Begins! from July 11 to July 26 with a sensory friendly performance on July 13 at 11 a.m.; and The Frog Prince from Aug. 1 to Aug. 9. All seats are $15. 

For more information or to order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

——————————————–

Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

PRINCESS TEA PARTY WITH SNOW WHITE!

Calling all little Princes and Princesses! Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a magical morning of fun at a Princess Tea Party with Snow White on Saturday, June 21 at Griswolds Cafe from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. immediately following the closing performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! The royal event includes craft time, tea time with cookies from Curtain Call Confections, and a meet and greet with Snow White.

Tickets for the Princess Tea Party are $12. For more information or to order, call the box offie at 631-928-9100.

 

 

 

Sprinkle candles for sale from Pink Zebra. Photo by Heidi Sutton

By Heidi Sutton

Want to be part of the action at this year’s fairs and festivals? Do you have unique merchandise, crafts, yard sale items or food and beverages to sell? Here are a list of vendors wanted for upcoming community events on the North Shore. The list will be updated weekly.

Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its Community Wide Yard Sale on June 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For an application and more information, visit www.tvhs.org or call 631-751-3730. 

Island Fairs has a vendor call out for crafters, new merchandise, business sponsor booths, food trucks and food vendros for Kings Park Day Craft and Gift Fair, 2 East Main St., Kings Park on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For an application, visit www.islandfairs.com.

Police Surgeons Benevolent Association and Centurion Cruisers Car Club seeks vendors its benefit car show at St. Anthony’s High School, 275 Wolf Hill Road, South Huntington on June 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $40 for 10 foot spot, $60 for 20 foot spot. For more information, call 631-901-3608

Stepping Stone Support is accepting vendors for its Craft Fair Fundraiser at A1 Roofing, 16 Platinum Ct., Medford on June 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is June 29. $50 donation for a 10′ by 10′ spot. Deadline is June 5. Email [email protected] or call 631-965-2074.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main Street, Northport seeks vendors for its Summer Craft Fair on July 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 631-261-0804 to obtain a registration form. 

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River is acceptiong local hand crafted vendors for its Craft Fair Weekends on July 12 & 13, August 2 & 3, September 6 & 7, October 4 & 5 and November 1 & 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 10′ by 10′ spaces for one day is $75 and $100 for both days. Call 631-846-2372 or visit eastwindlongisland.com.

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook is looking for vendors to participate in an outdoor Summer Craft Fair on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Online application opens on June 6 on the library’s website, www.sachemlibrary.org. 631-588-5024.

The Spirit of Huntington, 2 Melville Road, Huntington Station seeks vendors for its annual Spirit of Summer Art Festival on July 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is July 27. Visit www.spiritofhuntington.com for an application or call 631-470-9620.

Send your Vendors Wanted listings to [email protected].

Send your vendors wanted listings to [email protected].

Lenny Bruno Farms, 740 Wading River Road, Manorville welcomes the start of strawberry season with their 4th annual Strawberry Festival, taking place on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This once-a-year celebration offers an exclusive opportunity to pick your own strawberries on the farm’s scenic fields—an experience only available during this special weekend.

Admission is $10 per person (children 2 and under are free) and includes a wide array of family-friendly activities such as live music, a foam bubble party, access to playgrounds, jumbo garden games, farm animal meet-and-greets, face painting, fairy hair, and access to a curated lineup of artisan vendors and local food trucks. Unique photo opportunities will be spread across the farm, making it the perfect day out for all ages.

For guests seeking the ultimate strawberry experience, a $10 add-on provides a hayride to the strawberry fields, a pint of hand-picked strawberries, and exclusive access to photograph the season’s harvest among the rows. Additional pints will be available for purchase.

Festivalgoers are also encouraged to visit the on-site farm store featuring freshly picked produce, baked pies, ice cream, and other farm-fresh treats.

“Our Strawberry Festival is a tradition we look forward to all year,” said Dominick Bruno. “It’s a chance for families to not only enjoy fresh, delicious strawberries but to make memories that last a lifetime right here on the farm.”

Please note: Tickets are only available at the door. Arriving early is recommended. Parking is free and available on-site.

The farm will host a series of events through the Fall including a Sweet Summerfest on July 19 and a San Gennaro Feast on Sept. 20 and 21. For a full line-up, visit www.LennyBrunoFarms.com/events.

More festivals ….

St. James Strawberry Festival

St. James Episcopal Church, 490 North Country Road, St. James will host their annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Featuring raffle baskets, baked goods, garden table, lunch, jewelry table, antiques, Books & Things, Grandpa’s Garage, children’s activities, church and cemetery tours, animal rescue groups, strawberry treats, jams and more. 631-584-5560

Mattituck Strawberry Festival

The 70th annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival, 1105 North Road, Mattituck will be held on June 11 and June 12 from 5 to 10 p.m., June 13 from 5 to 11 p.m., June 14 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and June 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include strawberry shortcake, strawberries dipped in chocolate, live music, crowning of the Strawberry Queen, over 100 arts and craft vendors, carnival rides, food and fireworks on June 13, 14 and 15 (weather permitting). Admission varies based on festival days. www.mattituckstrawberryfestival.com

Rocky Point Strawberry Festival 

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point presents their annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with craft vendors, delicious food and desserts, bbq, bake sale, huge Tag Sale, gift basket raffles, and children’s games and activities. 631-744-9355

Pick Your Own Strawberries…

The following farms on the North Shore offer u-pick strawberries in June. Always call before you go to check availability. 

• Anderson Farms, 1890 Roanoke Ave., Riverhead. 631-727-1129

• Condzella’s Farm, 6233 North Country Road, Wading River. 631-929-4697

• Fink’s Farm, 6242 Middle Country Road, Wading River. 631-886-2272

• Glover Farms, 641-681 Victory Ave.,  Brookhaven. 631-286-7876

• Golden Acres Organic Farm, 652 Peconic Bay Blvd., Riverhead. 631-722-3302

• Harbes Family Farm, 715 Sound Ave., Mattituck. 631-298-0800

• Hodun Farms, 3642 Middle Country Rd., Calverton. 631-369-3533

• Lewins Farms, 812 Sound Ave., Calverton. 631-929-4327

• Patty’s Berries and Bunches, 410 Sound Ave., Mattituck. 631-655-7996

• Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm, 2287 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow. 631-727-1786

• Schmitt’s Farm Stand on Sound, 3355 Sound Ave., Riverhead. 631-983-6565 

• Soundshore Market & Farms, 5629 Sound Ave., Riverhead. 631-722-4740

• Wickham’s Fruit Farm, 28700 Rte. 25, Cutchogue. 632-734-6441

• Windy Acres, 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton. 631-727-4554

Coneflower. Pixabay photo

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport and Anthony Marinello of Dropseed Native Landscapes will host an interactive Pocket Prairie workshop on Sunday, June 8, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Learn about Long Island’s grasslands and how to convert a section of lawn into a pocket prairie.

Participants will learn about Long Island’s unique grassland communities, discover what makes them unique, and why they deserve our appreciation and preservation.

Marinello will demonstrate how to convert a section of lawn into a “pocket prairie” by restoring a small section of the native grasslands frequently lost to suburbanization and ornamental landscaping.

Take-home kits will be available for an additional fee. Each kit includes a 3×4′ sheet of cardboard, a bag of cedar mulch, and 12 landscape plugs. All plants will remain under 3 feet tall and are native to Long Island, which will attract and support butterflies and songbirds throughout their life cycle.

Workshop only: $50/$45 Members

Purchase Tickets 

Take-home kit (includes cardboard, mulch, and 12 plugs): $100/$90 Members

Pixabay photo

Join the Rocky Point Civic Association for their annual Rocky Point Garden Tour, a self-guided tour through nine beautiful home gardens plus a docent led tour of the historic Hallock Homestead home and gardens, on Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, artwork, plants and garden supplies will be available for sale at several gardens. Held rain or shine. $20 per person. Tickets are available at Heritage Paint & Home Design, 637 Route 25A, Rocky Point and Flowers on Broadway, 43 Broadway, Rocky Point. For more information, call 631-521-5726.

Photo courtesy of Hallockville

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead will hold their annual Spring Tea on Friday, June 13 at 1 p.m. Join them for a lovely afternoon of delectable savories, sweets, and assorted teas in the historic Naugles Barn. This year’s speaker is professor and former board member Susan Babkes who will explore the role of women in the American Revolution. Definitely a tea-worthy subject! Reserved seating – $45 per person. To register, visit www.hallockville.org. 631-298-5292.

Stock photo

Give the gift of life! Take part in one of the upcoming community blood drives, and help save lives—one donation at a time.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, in conjunction with St. Joseph Church in Kings Park, will host a blood drive on Thursday, June 5 at  St. Joseph Church’s Travis Hall, 59 Church Street, Kings Park from 1:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Free parking is available in the lot off Old Dock Road. For more information, call 631-854-3900.

■ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church Parish Hall, 800 Portion Road, Ronkonkoma will host a blood drive on Sunday, June 8 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Call 631-737-4388 for more information.

■ Port Jefferson Moose Lodge 1379, 37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mt. Sinai will hold a blood drive on Sunday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments preferred. Refreshments will be served. 1-800-933-2566

Terryville Fire Department, 19 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station will hold a blood drive on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All donors will be entered into a raffle to win one of four free tickets to their July Carnival. Call 631-473-1224 for more info.