October Snow

It's official. Winter has arrived.

Hazleton,PA

"Mother Hen" Toast: Gallina De Madre

Ingredients

• 8 thick-cut slices country bread
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 16 slices shaved serrano ham
• 8 eggs

Bechamel:

• 1/2 stick unsalted butter
• 3 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/8 teaspoon grated whole nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Make the bechamel sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly to incorporate - you do not want any color. Gradually pour in the milk as you stir, and whisk out any lumps. As the mixture thickens up continue to stir until it reaches a boil - this ensures that the flour is cooked completely. Using a microplane or a fine grater, grate nutmeg into bechamel and season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 2 cups

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Lay bread out on a sheet tray and drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toast lightly. Spoon a dollop of bechamel onto each toast. Arrange 2 slices of ham on each slice of toast and nestle it into a nest shape so the egg will rest in the center. Crack egg and drop into nest on each toast. Bake in oven until eggs are just cooked but the yolk is still slightly runny, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.

Baez Performs At Misericordia University

Folk singer/songwriter of more than 50 years Joan Baez performs on July 25 at the Wachovia Amphitheater on the campus of Misericordia University in Dallas.

Kickin' Back Around The Fire Bowl

Last Friday hangin' around the ol' fire bowl smoking stogies. Tom (top photo) sports a new doo, The Coolio, whilst smoking a Romeo & Juliet.

Ji Wins U.S. Womens Open

Eun Hee Ji of Korea wins the 2009 U.S. Womens Open on the 72nd hole with a birdie. Ji finished the tournament at EVEN par. Candie Kung of Taiwan finished second at +1 over par. Once again Saucon Valley Country Club hosted another brilliant major tournament. Look forward to another visit to this gem of a golfing mecca! Hopefully as a guest of a member!

Ji on Friday.

Kung on Saturday.

My pick for fan favorite was Suzann Pettersen from Norway. I found out that she has a relative living in Bethlehem! Perhaps she'll visit the Lehigh Valley more often? On my mother's side of the family are Peterson's (unlike Pettersen; minus the extra 'T' and 'son' instead) but we're Swedish! Anyway, Suzann finished T6 place. Nice playing SP!

Saucon Valley CC Hosts 2009 U.S. Womens Open

Saucon Valley Country Club (Bethlehem, PA) plays host to the 2009 U.S. Womens Open: July 6-12, 2009. This is the sixth time, going back to 1951, the club has hosted a USGA event on the Old Course. Other courses on the premises include the Grace Course and Weyhill, plus a 6 hole practice course.10th tee on the Old Course. Clubhouse in the background.

LPGA players Cristie Kerr, left, and Morgan Pressel get ready for their Monday practice round.

LPGA player Lorena Ochoa blasts her drive off No. 1 tee, a 546yd. par 5.

RAIN!

Page 1A of Saturday's paper. The kid had the whole street to himself and having a grand ol' time. One gigantic wading pool. I wouldn't go in there without a tetanus shot first!