Month: May 2020

Memorial Day always brings a tear to my eye as I often reflect on the visible impact Arlington National Cemetery has had on thousands of the middle school children that I’ve been blessed to take on tour to our Nation’s Capital. It is a special place – solemn and heart-breaking, but beautiful and inspiring too!

Here is a video from one of my recent educational tours to Washington, DC where the students had the honor of participating in the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a very somber and emotional moment, yet very inspiring as these young adults and those who watched paid their respects.

I honestly believe if everyone had the opportunity to visit the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery and reflect on the 400,000 men and women buried there who served their country so honorably, many having paid the ultimate sacrifice, our country would be an even better place.

As I continue to focus on Washington, DC as a family friendly destination, Arlington National Cemetery is a national treasure, a must see, and is suitable for the entire family to visit.

Everywhere you go, you are reminded of the events, and the heroes involved, that changed the course of history of the United States. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most reverent sites. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place every hour and is done with a solemn precision that adds dignity and respect to the fallen soldier.

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You will also see many different memorials, like the one of those who perished in our space program. You will see a special section dedicated to those who have served on the Supreme Court. You’ll see the grave sites of civil rights leaders who gave their lives for the cause of freedom for African Americans. 

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And you will see grave sites of friends and family members from your communities.

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You’ll see generals buried next to privates and both will have nothing more than the simple, but elegant, grave marker provided by the government. From President Kennedy’s gravesite, and the eternal flame, you can look up and see the home of General Robert E Lee and then turn around and see the magnificent and majestic view of Washington, D.C. and the United States Capitol building.

There are funerals almost every day and there’s a good chance you will see a caisson and horses that are mounted by impeccably dressed soldiers moving through the cemetery going to or coming from a burial.

Memorial Day in the United States is far more than a three-day weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It is a time to reflect and pay respect to those that have given their lives for our freedom.

Are you up for a challenge…a tasty challenge! I know many of us have been cooking at home more often than normal and you may be running out of ideas. One thing about traveling is that you have the opportunity to taste a variety of flavors and foods from countries all over the world. And cruise ships are also in that same boat! They offer a wide variety of eateries from diners to specialty restaurants and many of the menus are quite tasty. With the various choices, it’s possible to not have the same foods more than once.

I thought it would be a great idea to share this fun, new challenge so you can cook along with me at home and try your hand at some favorite Cruise Line recipes, since we can’t actually cruise right now. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me in a Cooking Challenge. So, strap on an apron, turn on some music and let’s head to the kitchen…. kids included! And best of all – let’s relieve some stress by having fun in the kitchen.

This delicious recipe is complements of Oceania Cruises (known for their amazing cuisine) – and was created by the famous chef Jacques Pépin. It’s his scrumptious Roasted Chicken. Talk about comfort food! This recipe is also versatile because you can pair it with any starch or vegetable that you have on hand. So, pour yourself a glass of wine and let’s get cooking – I can’t wait to see all of your results!

If you do join in the fun, I would love to see your masterpieces so please post your results on my Facebook https://www.facebook.com/XOOMTOURS/ or Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/xoomtours/ and I will do the same.

JACQUES PÉPIN’S ROASTED CHICKEN RECIPE

(SERVES 6)

SEASONING BLEND

• 2 bay leaves, minced
• 2 tablespoons each dried rosemary, thyme, sage and sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¾ teaspoon ground mace
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

CHICKEN

Substitute ingredients as needed.

• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 (4- to 6-pound) chicken or bone-in chicken pieces
• Fleur de sel or Maldon flaky salt, for finishing

MAKE THE SEASONING BLEND

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Store unused seasoning blend in a sealed sterilized jar for up to 3 months.

ROAST THE CHICKEN

Preheat the oven to 400°F/204°C. In a small bowl, combine the butter and 2 heaping tablespoons of the seasoning blend and brush the spiced butter generously over the chicken. Place the chicken on a roasting rack, breast side up. Roast the chicken, brushing every 15 minutes with spiced butter, until the meatiest part reaches an internal temperature of 160°F/71°C, about 15 minutes per pound. Remove from the oven and let rest (covered) 15 minutes. Carve the chicken and finish the pieces with the salt.

I look forward to seeing your delicious Roasted Chicken dinners. 

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Enjoy!!

Lisa