17 Comments
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Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

That star...it was a sign. Lovely to be introduced to such a collection of cottages. I knew only LBI

Vicki Smith's avatar

It is a quaint spot!

Angela Romolo's avatar

Sounds like a lovely getaway. Rental kitchens are always a crapshoot. I always take a couple of good chef knives and my sharpener. I have been known to take my own wineglass on the airplane ( which would horrify our departed Methodist family members).

Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

Too funny (respect!)

Vicki Smith's avatar

Ha! It was chilly, but not many beachgoers which was a plus!

Amy Allen's avatar

This brings me back to free-ranging childhood summers in a beach house rental... Thanks for taking us along on your vacation. My favorite one-dish recipe is a grain or noodle salad with a sesame-soy vinaigrette , such as this one: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022294-vegetable-noodle-salad-with-sesame-vinaigrette

Vicki Smith's avatar

Thanks for sharing that recipe. I love sesame and ginger!

Amie McGraham's avatar

Thank you for clarifying the barn star’s purpose. I never knew it was for good luck, and it sounds like it did its job for your stay!

Vicki Smith's avatar

For years, I had wondered why those stars were so popular!

Pat Willard's avatar

My family went to the Jersey shore almost every year, usually to Sea Isle but one time it was to Ocean Grove. It was such a lovely town, peaceful too. The only problem was it's dry so my dad had to drive over to the next town for a bottle of gin. We never went there again. I went back about 10 years ago to report on it and attend a church service. The town almost made me a believer again! Thank you for the reminder and, as always, your beautiful art!

Vicki Smith's avatar

Thanks, Pat! Yes, very peaceful!

Jolene Handy's avatar

I can feel the breeze in those photos, Vicki!

Vicki Smith's avatar

Nothing quite like that ocean air!

Janice Przybyl's avatar

Having stayed at many house rentals over the years I have yet to visit a place that was a 10/10 on amenities and location. You just roll with what you get. But clean towels, linens and bathrooms are a must! Your recipe sounds delish and very similar to what I call Tamale Pie.

Vicki Smith's avatar

I would agree with the cleanliness aspect. Thanks, Janice.

Ruth Stroud's avatar

Vicki, your getaway sounds like the epitome of summer—or pre-summer—relaxation. Even the missing items in the kitchen remind me of vacations past when you’re constantly improvising at mealtime. I’ve never made a chili pie—the cornmeal crust seems perfect too! I’ve always got leftovers, and chili is a regular item chez moi. Mine is usually made with ground turkey, chicken sausage and beans—black, red or brown. Sometimes served with cornbread, but now I’m trying that crust!🌷☀️🥰

Vicki Smith's avatar

The ground turkey with chicken sausage sounds very tasty!