This page is just for fun. So toss your bike on the lawn, grab some milk and cookies (or that martini over there), and set a spell.
By the way, there's not much in Pammy's Playhouse yet because it's still under construction. For that matter, it will always be under construction--this is basically a sketchbook of whatever fun stuff occurs to me.
The famous, dust-draped wishbones hanging over the bar of McSorley's Old Ale House in Manhattan's East Village (established 1854) were as much an institution as the venerable pub surrounding them. Every true New Yorker knew the decades of dust
must never be dislodged! Touristy noses had been bloodied over those wishbones. Well, I'm sad to report that the unthinkable has happened. The owner was forced to clean the wishbones or risk action by the health inspector. I'm telling you, the world has shifted on its axis. Nothing will ever be the same. At least I got to take this picture when you could still sit under those old bones and watch that delicate, ancient New York City dust settle on the foam of your beer. Delicious.
A family's heritage is inextricably linked with the food we prepare, the recipes we bequeath to the next generation, and the joy of breaking bread with one another. Years ago I collected a bunch of recipes from both sides of the family, representing both my southern roots and my husband Jeff's Jewish background. Soon Grits and Kugel was born and I handed out copies to the whole mishpacha, as my relatives in the deep South would say. Or, uh, maybe not. Anyway, here's a sample to whet your appetite. More to come.
grandma mamie’s potato salad
When I was a child our family would drive from Long Island to Pine Bluff, Arkansas--in August!--to visit my grandparents. Grandma's potato salad is still the best I've ever had.
You’ll notice that no amounts are given for the ingredients, which can be varied according to personal taste. The vegetables and eggs should be chopped coarsely. Mix together the following:
cooked potatoes, cut in chunks
red onion
celery
green pepper
pimentos
dill pickle
hard-boiled eggs
Moisten with: mayonnaise mixed with a small amount of mustard, some of the juice from the pickles, and a dash of sugar.
