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Heidi Sutton

Let’s Eat: Go retro with this old-fashioned Pineapple Upside Down Cake

by Heidi Sutton - April 20, 2023

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Pineapple upside-down cake — Pineapple Upside Down Cake

By Heidi Sutton

Imagine an old-fashioned dessert that is reminiscent of a simpler time … an airy, buttery vanilla cake with a beautiful caramelized brown sugar topping sweetened with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. Of course I’m referring to the classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake, the bright flavored spring and summer dessert perfect for casual family dinners and special occasions.

The cake became popular in the United States in the mid-1920s after Dole Pineapple Company sponsored a contest for pineapple recipes and received over 2,500 submissions. The winner was a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe submitted by Mrs. Robert Davis from Norfolk, Virginia. Dole published the recipe in an advertisement, which increased the cake’s popularity.

In honor of National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day on April 20, here is a recipe for the retro classic dessert that is as delicious today as it was decades ago. The directions call for a large cast-iron skillet. However, you can use any non-stick baking round pan. The cake can be served warm or cold.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup margarine, divided

2/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided

1 can (20 ounces) Dole Pineapple Slices

10 maraschino cherries

3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided

2 eggs, separated

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350° F. In 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt 1/3 cup margarine. Remove from heat. Add brown sugar and stir until blended.

Drain pineapple slices; reserve 2 tablespoons syrup. Arrange pineapple slices in sugar mixture. Place cherry in center of each slice.

Beat remaining 1/3 cup margarine with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, lemon peel, lemon juice and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Blend into creamed mixture alternately with sour cream and reserved pineapple syrup.

Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually beat in remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar to make stiff meringue. Fold into batter. Pour over pineapple in skillet.

Bake 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes, then invert onto serving plate.

Paw Prints: Meet Penny, Ben, Carrots, Mara and Prince!

by Heidi Sutton - April 13, 2023

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Welcome to the 16th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home!

Meet Penny

”See a Penny, pick it up, then all day you’ll have good luck.” A ten-year-old Yorkie mix, this bright and shiny little girl is hoping to find her forever home and become part of your family. A happy and amusing companion, she’ll keep you entertained on your walks, sharing all the “gossip” from the small dog kennel, adding her own delightful spin. Enjoying proximity to her favorite humans, she’s also the perfect one to welcome you home at the end of the day, so be sure to stop by Little Shelter in Huntington to meet this tiny talisman of good fortune! “Share the Penny with a friend and your luck will never end.” Call 631-368-8770, ext 21

Meet Ben

It has been said that the Pekingese is a sophisticated dog of undying loyalty and many subtle delights, who bonds very closely with his humans. This gentle fellow is Ben, clocking in at ten-years-old, ten being the new five! Active and outgoing, he’s always ready for a walk around the grounds, meeting and greeting friends along the way. Incredibly charming, clever and confident, he knows how to use that to his advantage. Opinionated when it comes to matters of the heart, he’s hoping to find his perfect match and a forever home, settle in and live happily ever after. If you have a similar plan, stop by Little Shelter in Huntington to take a Peke at a boy named Ben! Call 631-368-8770, ext 21.

Meet Carrots

This very handsome boy arrived at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter after being found injured on the road by an Animal Control Officer. His arm has since healed and now he is waiting for his furever home. Carrots is sweet, adorable, sometimes playful and sometimes lazy kitty who is looking for a family to love. He is a relaxed guy who loves to get pet and those cheeks will just make you melt. Estimated to be 3 to 5 years old, 9.13 pounds, he is up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and FELV/FIV negative. Fill out a Matchmaker application online at www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-6950.

Meet Mara

A woman of mystery, meet Mara, a ten-year-old Collie mix up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Retired from government work, she’s enjoying her free time and the ability to take up new hobbies and explore her interests. Busily clipping coupons when she’s not looking for her glasses, she a savvy shopper, always finding the best deals on toys, treats, and comfortable bedding. Happy to accompany you on a leisurely stroll, she’ll nod in agreement with your opinions, supportive of all your endeavors, while reminding you that seniors have a lot of wisdom, experience and ideas to contribute. Stop by to meet Mara and help write her next chapter…we guarantee a happy ending! Call 631-368-8770, ext 21.

*Mara is not housebroken.

Meet Prince

Prince arrived at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter because his family was moving and they were unable to take him. Upon arrival he was a bit confused as to what happened to his people and how he ended up homeless, alone and in the animal shelter. Prince is one of those dogs that needed some extra time, after all he was with his family since he was a pup and he will be 8 years old in June.

His previous owner describes him as an outgoing guy who is playful, high energy, friendly, an amazing partner who loves to show affection and be with you. Prince is hoping to get a second chance at a good life with a human to love and a place to call his own. He just needs a chance. He is housebroken, crate trained, loves his bed, knows sit and is very treat motivated. He is great at catching his treats mid air. He will need a home with children over 10 years old and he will do best as the only pet. He is about 76 pounds, 7.5 years young, up to date on vaccinations, neutered, micro-chipped and heartworm negative.

If you are interested in meeting Prince and making him part of your family, fill out a Matchmaker application online at www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-6950 to arrange a meet and greet.

Free rabies clinic

The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, 300 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven will hold a free Rabies Clinic on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The clinic is open to all Town residents and offers free rabies vaccinations for all dogs, cats and ferrets and free cat/dog FVRCP or DAPPCV vaccine. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats and ferrets must be in a carrier. No appointment necessary. For more information, call 631-451-6950.

Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop!

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of May 11.

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

Theatre Three’s ‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’ delivers a hopping good time

by Heidi Sutton - April 12, 2023

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By Heidi Sutton

You know its officially Spring when Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Mrs. Rabbit and the McGregors arrive at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson for The Adventures of Peter Rabbit. The adorable show opened last week for spring break and runs through April 29.

Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and the late Brent Erlanson, the original musical is loosely based on one of the best-selling books of all time, The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, and features all of the beloved characters in the story.

The audience is whisked away to the countryside home of Mrs. Rabbit and her four bunnies who live next to Mr. and Mrs. McGregor who spend the day tending to their pride and joy — their garden.

While Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail listen to their mother by staying inside and doing their chores, Peter Rabbit and his cousin Benjamin Bunny sneak out to steal from their neighbor’s garden again and again to satisfy their insatiable appetite for lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley and string beans. The constant marauding finally wears the farmer’s patience thin and he plots his revenge.

Directed by Steven Uihlein, the cast of 8 is excellent and exemplifies the magic of live theater. Sean Amato and Steven Uihlein take on the characters of Peter and Benjamin, two comedic roles that provide quite a workout as they run through the theater to escape the “mean as a bear” farmer.

Samantha Fierro, Danielle Pafundi and Courtney Gilmore as Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail spend most of their time looking for their wayward brother so he won’t get in trouble by their patient mother (Elizabeth Ladd) and often ask the audience if they have seen him. (“He’s right behind you!”)

Peter and Benjamin seem to be especially naughty and persistent this year and audiences will sympathize with the McGregors, wonderfully played by Liam Marsigliano and Alanna Rose Henriquez.

With choreography by Sari Feldman, the musical numbers, accompanied on piano by Douglas Quattrock, are terrific, with special mention to “One More Time Around,” “Run, Peter, Run!” and the hip hop number, “Peter’s Socks.” The final number incorporates all of the songs in a super mega-mix extravaganza.

In a brilliant move, the show takes advantage of the three sets of doors from the current mainstage production, Pride @ Prejudice, which, when opened, always reveals a surprise. Costumes by Jason Allyn are absolutely charming and wait until you see the lighting and special effects!

Souvenir bunnies in various colors will be sold before the show and during intermission and the entire cast will be in the lobby after the show for a meet-and-greet and photos.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents The Adventures of Peter Rabbit through April 29 with a special sensory sensitive performance on April 16 at 11 a.m. Children’s theater continues with Cinderella from May 27 to June 1, and Goldilocks & the Showbiz Bears from July 7 to 29. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

John W. Engeman Theater celebrates the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss in ‘Seussical the Musical’

by Heidi Sutton - April 6, 2023

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‘Oh the thinks you can think … when you think about Seuss!’

By Heidi Sutton

Families with young children packed into the Engeman Theater last Saturday morning to witness a most beautiful tribute to the imaginative world of Theodor Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss in Seussical the Musical. The children book author’s favorite characters come to life in this colorful and magical show, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and JoJo, a little boy with a big imagination.

Written in 2000 by Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the musical is now one of the most performed shows in the United States and it’s easy to see why. A trip down memory lane for many generations, it is based primarily on the Dr. Seuss children books, “Horton Hears a Who,” “Horton Hatches an Egg” and “Gertrude McFuzz,” but also incorporates references to other Dr. Seuss stories including “McElligot’s Pool” and “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!”

Directed by Andrew McCluskey with choreography by Jillian Sharpe, the colorful cast of characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. The Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes) guides us through the magical journey with the help of Jojo the Mayor’s son (Finn Brown at last Saturday’s performance), who occasionally jumps into the scene when warranted.

The show opens as Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) hears a cry for help and discovers a floating speck of dust containing the town of Whoville. After safely placing it on a clover flower, Horton is tricked into sitting on lazy Mayzie La Bird’s (Jillian Sharpe) egg for 51 weeks, is captured by hunters and eventually sold to the circus. When he is finally rescued by Gertrude McFuzz (Michaela Vivona), he is put on trial by Sour Kangaroo (Suzanne Mason) for “sitting on an egg and talking to a speck.” Will the faithful pachyderm be exonerated or will he be sentenced to a mental institution by Judge Yertle the Turtle?

The fast-paced show keeps the young audience wide-eyed and on the edge of their seats. One of the most exciting scenes is when the Wickersham Brothers (Justin Autz and Terrence Sheldon) steal the clover and are chased through the theater by Horton. The dance numbers are terrific with special props and audience participation is encouraged as Horton and Mayzie’s egg are auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The incredible songs are the heart of the show, from the fun intro “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!” to the sweet “Horton Hears a Who” (where a person’s a person no matter how small), the enduring “Notice Me Horton,” and a personal favorite, “It’s Possible.” Horton and Jojo’s duet, “Alone in the Universe,” will give you goosebumps and the group’s upbeat finale is a fitting rendition of “Green Eggs and Ham.”

Costumes and wigs by Laura McGauley along with the cartoonish set mimic the original Seuss illustrations perfectly.

In the end, the show leaves us with the inspiring message that anything is possible when you let your imagination fly. Don’t miss this one.

Pick up a clover-shaped flashlight souvenir before the show and stay after for a meet and greet with the cast in the lobby for photos and autographs. An autograph page is conveniently located at the back of the program.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Seussical the Musical on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through April 30 with a special sensory sensitive performance on April 15. Up next is The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley from May 27 to July 2. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Let’s Eat: Serve up an easy lemon loaf for Easter

by Heidi Sutton - April 6, 2023

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By Heidi Sutton

Whether you’re enjoying a spring holiday like Easter or simply embracing the opportunities that the new air brings, food remains the centerpiece. And with citrus, each moment can be a celebration. If you love the smell and taste of lemons, then this Lemon Loaf is the perfect sweet bread to bake for Easter. Serve it up for breakfast, brunch, dessert or an afternoon treat.

Glazed Lemon Loaf

YIELD: Makes one loaf
INGREDIENTS:
Loaf
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Zest from 2 lemons

Glaze
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Zest from 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 F and line your 8 x 4″ loaf pan with parchment paper. Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add in your eggs one at a time and vanilla extract. Into a smaller bowl mix together your flour, salt and baking soda. Alternately add the dry ingredients and your sour cream to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat between each addition until just combined. Fold in fresh lemon juice and zest and mix until well combined.

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in oven about 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest together until smooth. Remove loaf from oven and let cool completely (about one hour) before topping with lemon glaze.

Find more citrus recipes at Sunkist.com/Recipes.

Let’s Eat: Serve up seasonal spring dishes for brunch

by Heidi Sutton - March 23, 2023

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By Heidi Sutton

You can almost feel spring in the air, and with the warmer weather comes delicious, delectable foods. From casseroles, tarts and omelets to fresh fruits and wholesome vegetables, a change of season offers something to look forward to for nearly every foodie.

Two spring dishes that are sure to impress for brunch are a Cheesy Asparagus Tart and Herbed Spanish Omelet. The tart has melted cheese, cooked asparagus and an under layer of puff pastry baked to golden brown perfection while the omelet features potatoes, fresh spring herbs and red onions.

Cheesy Asparagus Tart

YIELD:Serves 8

INGREDIENTS:

5 cups water

1 pound asparagus

ice water

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

1/4 teaspoon pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided

flour, for dusting

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 cup grated fontina cheese

1 cup grated gruyere cheese

1 tablespoon shallot, minced

2 egg yolks

3 tablespoons milk

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 lemon, zest only

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 400 F. In large skillet, add water and asparagus. Cook 5-8 minutes until asparagus is bright green. Drain asparagus and soak in ice water. In large bowl, mix drained asparagus, vegetable oil, salt and pepper until combined. Flour surface area. Using rolling pin, roll out pastry to 10-by-16-inch rectangle. Transfer pastry to parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick pastry with fork. Bake about 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly on baking sheet.

In large bowl, mix fontina cheese, gruyere cheese, shallot, egg yolks, milk, nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste, until combined. Spread cheese over pastry, leaving 1 inch around edges. Lay asparagus over cheese mixture. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese has melted. Sprinkle lemon zest over tart and serve.

Herbed Spanish Omelet

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced

water

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup diced red onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 large whole eggs, lightly beaten

2 egg whites, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

salt, to taste (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Place potatoes in large pan. Cover with water. Bring to boil and cook, uncovered, 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand about 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain well. In deep, 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic. Cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add potatoes and cook 5 minutes. Combine whole eggs and egg whites. Stir in parsley, basil and chives. Season with salt, to taste, if desired. Pour mixture over potatoes in hot skillet. Reduce heat and cook, uncovered, about 10 minutes, or until bottom of omelet is golden. If desired, brown top under toaster oven.

Photo of the Week

by Heidi Sutton - March 9, 2023

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Photo of the Week — Photo by Heidi Sutton

A SIGN OF SPRING

These hardy snowdrops were spotted blooming in a wooded area on Mount-Sinai Coram Road in Mount Sinai on March 5, a sure sign that spring is right around the corner. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

Send your Photo of the Week to [email protected]

Theater Review: Follow the yellow brick road to Theatre Three

by Heidi Sutton - March 2, 2023

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By Heidi Sutton

Fans of the classic movie The Wizard of Oz will fall in love with Theatre Three’s current children’s production, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz. Adapted from the stories of L. Frank Baum, the show, written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas J. Quattrock, features an original score, a clever script, and wonderful cast — Samantha Fierro, Danielle Pafundi, Steven Uihlein, Sean Amato, C.J. Russo, Louisa Bikowski, Stephanie Moreau, Liam Marsigliano and Kaitlyn Jehle with a special appearance by Shay Francis Feldman — who bring this magical story to life.

Dorothy Gale, chief editor of her high school newspaper, the Baum Bugle, is busy putting the paper to bed when a fierce storm blows in and knocks her to the ground. When she wakes up, she finds herself in Munchkinland. Her news stand has landed on the Wicked Witch of the East causing her demise, much to the delight of the Munchkins.

When the scary Wicked Witch of the West shows up, Dorothy is protected by Glinda the Good Witch who gives her those famous ruby slippers and sends her down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to find the Wizard of Oz who can help her get home. Along her journey, Dorothy meets a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Tinman who yearns for a heart, and a Lion who longs for courage. The three join her on her quest and the adventure begins.

Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, all of the iconic scenes are here, from the talking apple trees, the enchanted poppies, to meeting the Wizard in the Emerald City, the flying monkeys, the Witch’s castle, the Winkies and the melting scene (what a world!). A nice touch is the flawless scene changes — each time Dorothy meets a new friend, they walk through the aisles of the theater (the yellow brick road) as the next scene is set up. The costumes by Jason Allyn are just perfect and the special effects are top notch. And did I mention there is a special surprise with four legs and a tail?

In the end, the show reminds us to be true to our hearts and that there truly is no place like home. Don’t miss this one. Stop by the lobby on your way out for a group photo with the cast.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz through March 18. Running time is 1 hour and 20 minutes with one intermission. Children’s theater continues with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 5 to 29 and Cinderella from May 27 to June 17. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Theater Review: Classic fairy tales and fables spring to life in Theatre Three’s ‘The House That Jack Built’

by Heidi Sutton - January 26, 2023

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By Heidi Sutton

Each time I go to review a children’s show at Theatre Three I am amazed at what I witness; from the performance of an original musical, to the audience reaction, to the lessons that are learned, to meeting the cast at the end of the show. Last Saturday’s production of The House That Jack Built was no exception.

Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas J. Quattrock, the play features seven stories inspired by the Brothers Grimm and Aesop’s Fables. It originally opened in 2007 but has been revamped with a brand new score and dazzling lighting design. The end result is pure entertainment.

Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, and starring Sean Amato, Samantha Fierro, Jason Furnari, Kaitlyn Jehle, Danielle Pafundi and Steven Uihlein, the show opens where six friends are hanging out in a beach cottage on a rainy day. Bored, they decide to have some fun and after reciting the timeless nursery rhyme, The House That Jack Built, they invite the audience to visit “some special places to see some special faces.” They proceed to act out The Lion and the Mouse That Returned a Favor, The Fisherman and His Wife, The Town Mouse and Country Mouse, Henny Penny, Stubborn as a Mule, The Tortoise and the Hare and The Bremen Town Musicians.

While all of the stories are wonderful, one of the best is The Fisherman and His Wife where the fisherman (Jason Furnari) catches a magical fish (played to the hilt by Steven Uihlein) who agrees to grant him a wish if he is released back into the ocean. After wishing for a beautiful home, his wife (Danielle Pafundi) gets greedy and sends the fisherman back to ask for a castle, to be king and then to become the Lord of the Sun and the Moon. But it all ends with one too many wishes.

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse is almost too adorable for words. The Town Mouse (Steven Uihlein with a Brooklyn accent) visits his cousin (Samantha Fierro in a Southern accent) in the country but finds it very boring. Before leaving, he invites her to visit him in the city. Shortly after arriving, the Country Mouse is bombarded with sensory overload and dangers lurking at every turn. Oh, did I mention this story is acted out entirely in rhyme?

But the audience favorite hands down is the hilarious rendition of The Tortoise and the Hare. Bullied by the Hare (Sean Amato) “You have two speeds; slow and stop,” the Tortoise (Jason Furnari) challenges the Hare to a race. Sprinting through the theater, the Hare decides to take a nap in one of the seats. As much as they try, the audience cannot wake him and the tortoise, cheered on by the kids, meanders through the aisles and back on stage with a big grin to cross the finish line in slow motion. Great stuff.

The actors take turns narrating the stories while the remaining cast quickly changes costumes and act out the parts. A nice touch is the audience participation — helping to be waves in the ocean in A Fisherman and His Wife, and raising their index finger every time the actors say ‘I have an idea’ in The Bremen Town Musicians — which keep the young audience captivated at the edge of their seats.

Utilizing the mainstage set of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, superb lighting design by Steven Uihlein, original rap songs arranged by Ryan Alvarado, expert piano accompaniment by Douglas J. Quattrock and the cute costumes by Jason Allyn tie everything together.

Funny, clever , brilliant and beautifully executed, The House That Jack Built is not to be missed. Your children are guaranteed to love it.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents The House That Jack Built through Feb. 4. Running time is one hour and 20 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. Children’s theater continues with Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 22 to March 18, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 5 to 29 and the classic fairytale Cinderella from May 27 to June 17. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Let’s Eat: Chocolate cookies are a sweet finale to any meal

by Heidi Sutton - January 26, 2023

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By Heidi Sutton

Sometimes when your inner chocolate lover comes out, it’s time for a chocolate cookie. The following recipe for “Flourless Chocolate Cookies” from Danielle Rye’s “Live Well Bake Cookies: 75 Classic Cookie Recipes for Every Occasion” (Rock Point) offers the added benefit of being flourless. That means that even those with gluten allergies or intolerances can indulge.

What if you could replicate the taste of hot chocolate in a cookie? That’s just what happens with the next recipe for “Hot Chocolate Cookies” courtesy of creator Rachel Perry and American Lifestyle magazine. Enjoy them on their own, or paired with a mug of hot cocoa.

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

YIELD: Makes 24 to 36 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups powdered sugar

3⁄4 natural unsweetened cocoa powder

1⁄2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

2 large egg whites, at room temperature

1 large egg, at room temperature

11⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder together, then whisk in the instant espresso powder (if using) and salt until well combined. Set aside.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.

Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one. Bake for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set. Remove from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Hot Chocolate Cookies

YIELD: Makes 24 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

1⁄2 cup butter

1 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips

11⁄4 cup light brown sugar

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

11⁄2 teaspoons baking powder

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

8 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, cut into 1-inch pieces

12 large marshmallows, sliced in half

DIRECTIONS:

Place the butter and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat on high for 1 minute. Stir, and then heat for 30 seconds; repeat until chocolate is melted. Beat the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract together on medium speed, and then blend in the chocolate mixture. Add the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix on low until combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 325 F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 12 tablespoons of dough onto each cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, remove from oven, and top each cookie with 1 piece of chocolate and 1 piece of marshmallow. Bake for another 4 minutes, and let cool for 5 minutes before placing on wire racks to cool completely.

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Heidi Sutton

Let’s Eat: Go retro with this old-fashioned Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Paw Prints: Meet Penny, Ben, Carrots, Mara and Prince!

Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop!

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

Theatre Three’s ‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’ delivers a hopping good time

John W. Engeman Theater celebrates the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss in ‘Seussical the Musical’

‘Oh the thinks you can think … when you think about Seuss!’

Let’s Eat: Serve up an easy lemon loaf for Easter

Let’s Eat: Serve up seasonal spring dishes for brunch

Photo of the Week

Theater Review: Follow the yellow brick road to Theatre Three

Theater Review: Classic fairy tales and fables spring to life in Theatre Three’s ‘The House That Jack Built’

Let’s Eat: Chocolate cookies are a sweet finale to any meal

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