Tag Archives: Monmouth County

Horse Sense in Monmouth County

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Monmouth County horses are part of a thriving industry.

New Jersey boasts more horses per square mile than any other state and most are found on horse farms and ranches in Monmouth and Hunterdon Counties. In 1977, the horse was designated the official state animal and a horse’s head appears on the state seal.

A drive through Colts Neck and Middletown offers scenic views that harken back to a time when New Jersey truly was the Garden State.  In addition to horse racing at Monmouth Park, Monmouth County is also home to The Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown which offers a full calendar of events from Barrel Racing to Dressage.  It’s reassuring to know that horse lovers can find a lot to love here in Monmouth County.

The horse industry is New Jersey’s fifth largest agricultural activity.  Equine operations contribute to a billion dollar economic engine that includes racing and show horse operations, training, lessons, veterinarians, feed and tack suppliers, and recreational riding stables.  Forty-six percent of horses are stabled on residential properties.  Learn more about the economic impact of New Jersey’s equine industry here.

 

Is that your grandma’s coat?

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Who knew?  Upscale Manasquan is a haven for consignment and thrift shop fashionistas right on Main Street.  Shoes, designer bags, evening and children’s wear, and home furnishings are there for avid shoppers willing to invest time for the search.

Check out Manasquan’s Street Scene…

 

Turtle Beach

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Warmer weather and sunshine lure more than people to Thompson Park.  An afternoon walk along the banks of the Swimming River reveals a thriving turtle population.  Here are a few competing for a spot on fallen logs at water’s edge.  The snapper feeding in the shallows is huge!

 

Maria’s Kitchen

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My neighbor, Maria, has a modest kitchen. Working with a standard electric range and oven, cabinets and counter tops circa 1965, and a toaster oven that can only be described as magical; Maria prepares meals and delicacies that rival (and frequently surpass) the most upscale Italian restaurants.  Her potato croquettes, manicotti, eggplant (stuffed or parmigiana) , pumpkin polenta, pasta and peas and lentil soup are unbelievably delicious.

DSC02403Maria and her husband John adopted us when we moved in as newlyweds many years go.  Now  a widow in her 80’s, Maria has no dishwasher and no microwave, yet she can out cook anyone who might be decades younger and in possession of  a Viking stove, granite counter tops and a Sub Zero fridge.  On a recent Sunday, Maria taught me to make macaroni (yes, she calls it that) and after watching her, I was exhausted and needed a nap.

One of my favorites is Maria’s escarole casserole.  It takes a bit of preparation but it is definitely worth the effort. Click here for the recipe.

Potato Croquettes… a party or holiday favorite!

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These potato croquettes are a favorite for special occasions.  I have made them myself.  The hardest part is shaping them to look uniform without the lumps and bumps.  Rolling them on a sheet of waxed freezer paper to coat with breadcrumbs does the trick.  Tap the ends gently to create a cylinder for the melted cheese in the center.  Delicioso!

Check out the recipe here.

Oh, the places we will go…

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Being near the sea and its tributaries makes living in Monmouth County, NJ special; not to mention the cultural amenities, farmland, parks, proximity to New York City, and most importantly, the people.  The Monmouth Muse intends to explore and savor the hidden and sometimes blatant  beauty and benefits of residing at the gateway to the Jersey Shore.

If you want to share your favorite spot in Monmouth County, add a comment or email a photo.