Get Up and Go! Whale Watching

There are few sights more mesmerizing than a whale soaring through the air, plunging into the salty ocean. Luckily, Massachusetts is a prime location for these amazing sights. From humpbacks to blue whales, this week’s Get Up & Go! offers information on some of the best locations for a whale watch adventure. If you’ve ever wanted to shout out, “Thar she blows!” as water sprays out of a whale’s spout, here’s your chance!

Cape Ann Whale Watch - Located in Gloucester, MA (one of the top five whale watching spots in the world according to the World Wildlife Fund), is Cape Ann Whale Watch. Cape Ann Whale Watch takes sea life enthusiasts to the Stellwagen Bank, a national marine sanctuary. Whale watchers are transported to Stellwagen in The Hurricane II named for her immense size and speed. This mean’s the vessel spends less time traveling and more time scouting the whales. Cape Ann Whale Watch guarantees you’ll see a whale or your money back! This has, however, been a spectacular whale watch season with passengers seeing as many as 25 whales per outing! Check out the Cape Ann Whale Watch blog to see why.

Captain John Whale and Fishing Tours - Captain John Whale Watching and Fishing Tours in historic Plymouth is a South Shore staple. Be sure to bring binoculars because instead of whale chasing, the Captain positions the boat so the whales swim to you! Whales pass by within feet of boat. 

7 Seas Whale Watch - 7 Seas Whale Watch has guaranteed whale sightings since 1983. Located in the Gloucester whale watching paradise, this tour is narrated by, a marine biologist who answers questions about marine life. 7 Seas also boasts a one of the newest, cleanest, and most comfortable whale watching vessels on the sea.

New England Aquarium Whale Watch - New England Aquarium Whale Watch departs from Central Wharf headed for Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Ranked the best whale watching in Boston in 2013 by The Boston A List, passengers are guaranteed a whale sighting on the three hour tour or get a free ticket for future whale watching.

The Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown – Venture to the tip of Cape Cod for a whale watch with The Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown, the oldest whale watch business in New England. Every cruise is accompanied by a scientist who provides background on marine life and the natural history of Cape Cod. An added bonus to taking a mini toad trip to The Cape includes beautiful views of its iconic lighthouses.

@Commons Cooks: Simple Suppers

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” ― Virginia Woolf.

This week’s Commons Cooks is dedicated to the back-to-school/end-of-summer change of pace. When September rolls around, planning meals takes place while juggling after-school activities, busy work schedules and the new fall workout regimen. In the spirit of Virginia Woolf’s famous quote, Common Cooks offers a trio of recipes that ensure eating well will not take a back seat to a busy life. These tasty and satisfying meals are ready in 30 minutes or less. That’s just what everybody needs when the busy fall season kicks into gear.

30-Minute Chicken Enchiladas

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Yield: 8-12 servings

Ingredients

·         3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

·         14 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

·         14 ounce can corn, drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn)

·         7 ounce can chopped green chiles

·         29 ounce jar or can of green chile sauce

·         1/2 cup sour cream

·         1 teaspoon garlic powder

·         1 teaspoon onion powder

·         1 teaspoon kosher salt

·         1 teaspoon cumin

·         1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

·         1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

·         4 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese

·         8-10 white corn tortillas, cut into 6 pie  shaped wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.      Chop chicken breast into ½ inch pieces

3.       Combine chicken, beans, corn, green chiles, 1 cup of green chile sauce, sour cream and spices, then place into large skillet over medium high heat and cook for 5 minutes

4.      Pour a 1/2 cup of green chile sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan, then layer tortillas over sauce

5.      Layer chicken mixture (13rd) on top of tortillas then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese

6.      Add two more layers of tortillas, chicken mixture and  shredded cheese

7.       Finish with layer of tortillas, then pour remaining green chile sauce and cheese on top

8.      Bake for 20 minutes

Roasted Broccoli with Shrimp

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

·         2 pounds broccoli, cut into bite sized florets

·         ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil

·         1 teaspoon ground coriander

·         1 teaspoon ground cumin

·         1½ tablespoons  kosher salt

·         1 teaspoon black pepper

·         Dash of chili powder or red pepper flakes

·         1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined

·         1 ¼ teaspoons lemon zest (grated peel of 1 large lemon)

·         Lemon wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1.       Preheat oven to 450 degrees

2.      In large bowl, toss broccoli with half of oil, coriander, cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper and chili powder (or red pepper flakes)

3.       In separate bowl, combine shrimp, remaining half of oil, lemon zest, ½ teaspoon of salt and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper

4.      Spread broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in oven for 10 minutes

5.      Add shrimp to baking sheet and toss with broccoli. Continue to roast for 5 minutes and then mix

6.      Continue to cook for 5 minutes

7.       Serve with lemon wedges, or squeeze lemon juice over shrimp and broccoli before serving

Spaghetti and Corn Frittata

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Yield: 8 wedges of frittata pie

Ingredients

·         4 ounces spaghetti (whole wheat recommended)

·         5 eggs

·         1/3^rd cup milk

·         3 tablespoons grated cheese (parmesan recommended)

·         ½ teaspoon nutmeg

·         ½ cup chopped fresh basil

·         Two ears corn, kernels removed from cob with knife

·         1 tablespoon olive oil

·         3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

·         3 ounces sliced cheese (cheddar or muenster recommended)

·         Salt and pepper, to taste

Required equipment

·         Cast iron skillet  or baking dish

INSTRUCTIONS

1.       Boil large pot of water and break strands of spaghetti in two, then cook according to directions, drain and set aside

2.      In a bowl, whisk eggs, grated cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper

3.       Stir in corn, spaghetti and all but 2 tablespoons of fresh basil

4.      Heat oil over medium high heat in skillet

5.      Turn heat to low, add egg mixture, cover and cook for 10 minutes 

6.      Turn on the broiler. NOTE: Move oven shelf about 5 inches from the heating element before lighting oven

7.       Arrange the tomato slices on top of cooked egg mixture.

8.      Tear cheese slices into large pieces and place on top of tomatoes in a single layer

9.      Place skillet in oven and broil for 3 minutes or until cheese is golden

10.   Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons basil and cut into wedges

Grocery Guru

Supermarkets: Hannaford, 357 Broadway, Saugus.  Whole Foods, 100 Market St, Lynnfield.

Local Farm Stands: Connors Farm, 30 Valley Rd, Danvers.  Calareso’s Farmstand, 100 Main St, Reading.

Get Up & Go! Five More under $25!

Earlier this summer, Get Up & Go shared some amazing low-cost, mostly-FREE local events to enjoy. With the last few weeks of summer upon us, we found five more local things to do for under $25 before the fall weather really sets in. If you have a few dollars in your pocket, be sure to get up and go have some fun!

Beantown jazz!

On Saturday, September 27^th, Boston’s South End comes to life with the sounds of jazz at the 14^th Annual Beantown Jazz festival. This FREE street festival on Columbus Ave. (between Mass. Ave. and Burke Street) starts at noon and goes all afternoon as musicians from across the world (including Sheila E.) play on three stages while visitors enjoy world cuisine, inflatables, photo booths, a musical instrument ‘petting zoo,’ and more than 70 vendors selling jewelry, clothing and art.

Mary Poppins-inspired fun!

No need to wing it this fall. You, your friends and your family can go fly a kite at the 9^th Annual Kite Festival in Chelsea at the Mary O’Malley Park (pavilion near the tennis courts) at noon on Saturday, September 13^th. This FREE event is open for all. Featuring free kites, juice boxes, water bottles and snacks, the site of dozens of kites filling the sky with the Tobin Bridge and Boston skyline in the background is glorious.

Sock Hop Sunday!

Revere is hosting a “Remember The 50s and 60s” event at the Susan B. Anthony School on Sunday, September 28^th between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This free event will feature Rockabilly and performances of 1950s and 1060s tunes made famous by the likes of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Rick Nelson and Buddy Holly. The North Shore Old Car Club will be on hand with plenty of vintage muscle cars and chrome. Guests are encouraged to dress up in ‘50s and ‘60s sock hop (or greaser!) fashion—and the People’s Choice award will be presented for best outfit. There’s even a free BBQ!

Isle Play Too!

19^th Century Lawn Games at Georges Island happen every Sunday at noon through October 12^th. For the price of a ferry ride to the amazing Boston Harbor Islands, families can play lawn games that kids and adults used to play during the Civil War. Bonus: The games feature free tours and information about the role that Georges Island played during the Civil War as a prison where Confederate Army soldiers were held.

Art-tastic!

Boston celebrates Art Week beginning on September 26^th with a week filled with celebration of culture and the arts. From a Lego Park party to a 30^th Anniversary showing of the Talking Heads film “Stop Making Sense” to a film/fashion/performing/makeup/photography showcase by the indie artists from RAWBoston, there’s something for every art aficionado – more than 60 events in all.  

Get Up & Go! Boats Ahoy!

Life in Massachusetts offers many recreational activities – including easy access to boating during the beautiful summer weather months. No ocean view outside your apartment home? No problem! A taste of the nautical life awaits—no kayak, canoe or sailboat needed! This week’s “Get Up & Go!” provides suggestions for nearby facilities where you can enjoy boating on a lake, river or the ocean—of course! Whether you are an experienced boater or a novice, there’s nothing like a day on the water when it comes to family fun or recreational pleasure with friends. When you go, don’t forget to tag a digital snapshot on our Facebook page!

Boating in Boston: Spot Pond – Located in Stoneham just off I-93, this family-friendly facility in the Middlesex Fells Reservation provides rentals for every age! Kayak, canoe, rowboat and sailboat rentals are available, which make it easy to pack a picnic and head out to one of three islands on the reservoir. If you prefer fishing to checking out birds and wildlife, Spot Pond is stocked with trout and bass. Visit their website for info on hours, rentals and lessons.

Boating in Boston: Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield – Boating at Lake Quannapowitt (say that five times fast!) offers access to beautiful shoreline and running trails as well as kayak, canoe and pedal boat rentals. Use Spaulding Street in Wakefield for easiest access to boat rentals. 

Boston Sailing Center – The Sailing Center gives beginners a chance to learn sailing in the open waters of Boston Harbor. In addition to free Sailing Open Houses (including 30-minute sail cruise around the harbor), BSC’s Learn-To-Sail program starts covers nautical sailing and on-the-water experience. The program offers students use of boats outside of class as well!  

Paddle Boston – This canoe and kayak rental service has five different locations along the Charles River in Boston, Cambridge, Newton and Waltham. Offering guided tours, lessons and rentals, Paddle Boston also has Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP). Check out their SUP yoga classes, which provide a full workout on the water!

Courageous Sailing – Courageous Sailing (CS) offers another opportunity to learn to sail on the Boston Harbor but has special focus on children and families.  Visit their website for a full listing of courses, camps and activities.

@Commons Cooks: Seasonal Summer Corn and Tomato Dishes

Summer is at its best and brightest right now with delightfully mild temperatures and an abundant summer harvest offering fresh seasonal veggies. New Englanders everywhere rejoice as corn and tomatoes sprout up around farmer’s markets and grocery stores, ripe and ready for a Labor Day BBQ or an easy family dinner.

Break from tradition and go lettuce-free with salad recipes that celebrate these crowned jewels of summer. Please your palate with a savory corn salad or indulge in a flavorful Greek inspired tomato salad. As a bonus, these salads are healthy too. Tomatoes are full of fiber and aid in regulating blood pressure while corn is antioxidant rich and helps to stabilize blood sugar-- a-maize-ing! For the perfect complement to any summer meal, we have also added in a bonus recipe link to delicious chilled corn soups to cool off with.

As always, don’t forget to check out the Grocery Guru section, listed below, for nearby grocery stores and farmer’s markets selling fresh summer veggies in your area!

Summer Corn Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

·         5 Ears of Corn (boiled, grilled, or oven roasted)

·         3 tablespoons Olive Oil

·         1 Tomato (seeded and diced)

·         1 Red Onion (chopped)

·         1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)

·         Juice of 1 Lime

·         Salt and Pepper

·         Fresh Cilantro, to taste

Directions

1.     Use a knife to remove corn kernels from the cob.

2.     Transfer to large bowl.

3.     Add tomato, red onion, bell pepper. Toss to combine.

4.     Add olive oil and lime juice.

5.     Season with salt and pepper and garnish with cilantro just before serving.

This dish is great to serve at a summer cookout or as a vibrant side dish any time of year. Feel free to swap out cilantro for the milder flavor of parsley.

* Recipe credit: FoodNetwork.com

Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

·         5 Medium-sized Plum Tomatoes (halved lengthwise, seeded, thinly sliced)

·         1/4 Red Onion (peeled, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced)

·         1 Kirby Cucumber (halved lengthwise, thinly sliced)

·         2 tablespoons or more Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

·         2 Splashes Red Wine Vinegar

·         Coarse Salt and Pepper

Directions

1.       Combine tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber together in a bowl.

2.      Generously drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.

3.       Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4.      Let stand for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

This salad provides a great base for adding in extra ingredients, such as feta cheese or olives for a decidedly Greek spin.

* Recipe credit: FoodNetwork.com

Chilled Corn Soups

Hearty soups are great for satiating hunger but not so great for keeping a cool kitchen in the summer months. Thanks to this past Sunday’s Boston Globe Magazine, here are a variety of chilled corn soups that offer cozy comfort on the hottest of days. Check out the recipes here:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2014/08/23/recipes-for-chilled-corn-soups/UgkeLBsNOCUXiaV5cyjHQO/story.html

Grocery Guru Advice

Supermarkets: Hannaford, 357 Broadway, Saugus.  Whole Foods, 100 Market St, Lynnfield.

Local Farm Stands: Connors Farm, 30 Valley Rd, Danvers.  Calareso’s Farmstand, 100 Main St, Reading.