Barrington, NH

Yesterday was a fun day even though it was rainy.  My good friend, Cindy and I went to Calef's Country Store and the Christmas Dove (which is just across the street). Calef's is a quaint country store and reminded me of my grandfather's summer store in Small Point, Maine.  It had the creaky floor boards, the old display cabinets and penny candy!!  There is a little deli in the back of the store and we had our lunch.  Great sandwiches!! It was nice to see that there are still these places around.  Next door to Calef's was a primitive gift shop.  When you walked into the shop, the smell of cinnamon and cider was wonderful!!

Cindy loves this store

Homemade cakes, fudge, and cookies, YUM!

Just to put us in the Christmas mood, across the street was the Christmas Dove.  What a nice shop!  It had everything and more!!  Christmas trees were decorated in every color you could imagine. Definitely something for anyone's home decor.  They also had a line of collectibles that I hadn't seen before called "Patience Brewster".  They were every whimiscal creatures.  I loved their shoes!  They also had some Halloween decorations which were terrific.  Check out some of the pictures.  If you have a chance definitely stop by these shops located in Barrington, New Hampshire.  Cindy and I had so much fun.  Thanks Cindy!!  You know the best shops!!!

A Teal Christmas

Patience Brewster-whimiscal

Cindy got her list in early!

Toys, toys everywhere!

Halloween fun too!

Perfect Paella

I have made this dish a couple of times.  At the request of my sisters, Chris and Connie, (for SCS fans they are Figaro and cbmott) I am posting the recipe.  It is really simple and delicious. It serves about 4 people and the calories are 480 per serving. The ingredients are 1 onion chopped, about 1 cup, 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (I used the breast to keep the fat content down a little), 4 oz kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/4" thick slices, 1 pkg (8 oz) yellow rice mix , 1 cup frozen peas and 1/2 cup drained roasted red peppers, cut into strips. 

In a large nonstick skillet (I used our wok) heat 1 tbs oil over medium-high heat.  Add the onion, cook, stiring occasionaly, until the onions are soft about 4-5 mins.  Add chicken and sausage, stirring until browned, this will take about 5 minutes. Then add the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then cover and cook untiil all the water is absorbed.  Rice should be tender and chicken and sausage are cooked through. This will take about 25 minutes.  Add peas and peppers during the last 5 minutes.  If you would like, serve sprinkled with 1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley. Total time of preparation and cooking is about 50 minutes.

My husband loved it and I think it will become one of our favorite meals. Hope you like it. Enjoy!