Green Beans with Feta and Basil

from Coastal Living magazine

Serves 12

• 3 lbs. green beans, trimmed
• 1-1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 (4 oz.) package feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Steam beans for four minutes, plunge in cold water to stop the cooking and set a nice green color. In a large bowl whisk together the mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

Add the beans, feta, and basil then gently toss.

I went to a picnic and a race broke out

Last Sunday my wife and I packed a picnic lunch to take to a beautiful park setting high in the hills above Seneca Lake. We packed a variety of cheeses (thank you Wegmans) salami, red wine-marinated steak sandwiches, fruit salad, etc. and of course, a nice bottle of Chardonnay. The sun was shining bright, the breezes blowing, but a little chilly for mid-July. 

Racing action during the 2009 Glen Nationals, Watkins Glen International.

By the sounds of it you might think we were at any one of a number of state parks in the Finger Lakes. But no… we were at Watkins Glen International race track to watch the Glen Nationals. Up on top of a high hill in Schuyler County sits a 3.4 mile road racing course - one of the most famous in America, and noted as a must-race location throughout the world of motorsports. This was my wife’s first time to “The Glen” so I picked this event to warm her up to the track. The Glen Nationals is a perfect race to be introduced to The Glen: smaller crowds, accessible drivers, easy hikes to a spectator vantage points, a wide variety of cars and classes, and seven different races throughout the day so you’ll never bore of any one.

So why is this a notable food experience? It’s the fun of combining two disparate activities, in this case a Euro-style lawn picnic with motorsports, to create an event more memorable than the individual. Summertime is too short, so get out, pack your favorite foods, and enjoy your hometown’s outdoor events with a fine meal in tow.