The Barn Pot Luck Supper

As I wrote about in The Congregational Church Fair, New England provides plenty of opportunities for Christmas Traditions. One of my favorites is the Barn Pot Luck Supper.  Our local dairy farm has one just after Thanksgiving.

At least three layers for warmth

The clothing has to chosen carefully, and with very practical criteria.

• The first clothing criterion is warmth. The cows are the primary heating source for the barn, which while wonderful, does leave some cold spots.  Thus I combined long johns with flannel-lined khakis and my insulated Bean Boots.
• The second criterion is that every item had to be tough enough both to be chewed, and thrown directly into the washing machine and dryer, jacket included. So I opted for a Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T instead of a wool sweater, and my older Bean Insulated Barn Coat.

The gatherings are always eclectic, with farmers/homesteaders, members of local shooting groups, as well as other raw milk customers.  Guests brought their own specialties, including: kettle corn made in an iron skillet over a wood fire, Venison chili, and their own hot mulled cider.

I made two batches of my oatmeal/chocolate chip cookies. In order not to inflict my somewhat off-the-grid baking style on anyone, (and although I still used organic ingredients including our own eggs) I cut back on the whole wheat flour and bran, and I used the full amount of sugar for which the recipe called.

I usually try to cut the processed parts, but less so for guests.

Clothes have to be rugged, as they will get chewed.

And you do have to watch out for both ends of the cows.

We left with our weekly supply of six half gallons of fresh raw milk, plain yogurt, coffee milk and a handful of  organic garlic.

Best. Winter hat. Ever: Vermont Originals (the perfect gift)

I bought my first Vermont Originals hat at L.L. Bean. Now I order them directly.

Here’s a story that you may have heard. For successive generations, the leadership at L.L. Bean built an increasingly iconic American company. They nurtured a rich ecosystem of dedicated vendors, and sold to their customers top notch products. Then, a few years ago, L.L. Bean changed leadership and direction. I am sure there was a Harvard MBA or Wharton graduate involved somewhere. They decided they could make a lot more profit if they dumped hundreds of their branded vendors, and outsourced to China.

The twist of the story, of course, is that the strategy didn’t work. L.L. Bean instead suffered from massive quality issues, customer loyalty problems, a brain drain as talent both was fired and left, and we now have LLB Signature being hawked by True Prep.

But this is not a post on the avarice and decline of a once great American institution. Or the tendency of so many retailers to ramp up marketing and PR while gutting quality.

Rather, this is a story of the success of well made products.

Because many of the superb vendors that L.L. Bean fired are still around, and still producing great items. And a lot of customers, like myself, who were exposed to great products at L.L. Bean, are now finding and getting their original beloved products directly from the vendors.

Which all takes us to Vermont Originals.

They make, in my opinion, the best winter hats ever. (It makes sense that a company in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont would know how to handle cold!)

Flap Hats

Of course the hats are made in the U.S. In fact, all hats are made by home knitters in Vermont on home knitting machines (most of whom have learned the craft from family members) .

They use very high quality materials. The 100% wool is skein dyed, and won’t pill. It is even double waxed for smoothness. They also use Malden Mills Fleece for their lining.

And for about $2.00 more, you can custom design your own hat. (Some call Vermont Originals the Michael Dell of hats.) Any design can be combined with any style. You can order them fully lined with fleece, instead of the regular fleece band. You can also order extra large, which is a great for big-headed people like me. Just click here. Choose a  base color; choose a design; choose color one; choose color two. Make sure you specify whether you want a flap hat, tassel hat or beanie. And you can then add text if you wish.

With their reasonable prices, it is no wonder that they have a 90% repeat order rate. And it is no surprise that between 500 and 600 colleges and prep schools have Vermont Originals make hats for their campus stores.

Every once and a while you come across a small company that is so inspiring, because it turns out superb products and also does it in an exceptionally ethical way. Vermont Originals is one of those companies.

Tassel Hat

A Trip to the City

I like being backstage more than in the audience. So this weekends' trip to the city accomplished that twice. First, we were able to see the behind the scenes mechanics of our friends' show. And second, we could watch the city gear up for the holidays.

We started the afternoon with an outdoor performance in Bryant Park, an easy walk from Grand Central. 

Here, the lights were being put up on The Tree. We bypassed J. Crew next door.

I used my over-sized quilted canvas backpack to accommodate my gear.

Knowing we would be outside a good deal (including walking the dog in the park), I opted for my insulated waxed cotton.

He took us downtown to the Greenwich Village theater.

Even while singing after the show, The Flying Karamazov Brothers were in perpetual motion.

It is interesting to see a performance from all perspectives.

One of my favorite stores in the city.

Checking out Barbours' tattersalls.

And finally, popping into the Algonquin.

The New England Congregational Church Christmas Fair

Starting the Church Fair rounds

New England provides plenty of opportunities for holiday traditions.  One of the most familiar for me is going to the various Congregational Church Christmas Fairs with my family. Year after year, seemingly nothing changes. Each is always held at the same time, and you always see the same people.

Opening the same time each year

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My father had a particular soft spot for these events.  All through my childhood we would begin, just before Thanksgiving, to make the rounds of five area Congregational Churches.

My father had friends who would also follow this schedule. And though it was never planned, it went without saying that they would always meet at these events, right when the doors opened. It was the only time throughout the year they had contact.

They always met in the same location, near the kitchens.  This was where the homemade apple crisp was. The Ladies of the church, who remembered them of course, would fuss over them, keeping their coffee refilled as well as their apple crisp.

 The familiar smells of coffee and apple crisp

While my father liked to socialize, my mother and I preferred to make a dash to the various White Elephant tables. I was always on the lookout for old (if not quite antique) glass dishes.  When I was younger I used to get so impatient with my mother, who would always take seemingly forever, picking up each piece looking for clues.  And as I got older, there has been a pleasant symmetry, and now I donate much more than I buy.

Eliza B. Allez! flats in a Thompson tartan

The different churches have different feels.  Some are more relaxed, while the church in my town feels a bit more formal.   So this year I broke out a bit of my "Preppy Bling," some Eliza B. shoes that I paired with a Burberry jacket. 

Waiting in the courtyard

40 years later, I am still waiting for my mother to be done with the White Elephant tables.  But I now am just a little bit less impatient with her.

Reader Question: Winter Shoes?

1. My Hunter Clogs - for staying dry

Some recent reader questions had a common theme:

"Besides the Bean boots, which shoes are appropriate for the colder months?"

"Would you consider a post regarding what good sturdy shoes can keep feet cozy and protected in this cold weather, and not snow boots or (obviously) the unacceptable UGG. I was out painting watercolors with my son for an hour and a half today and my loafers just don't cut it any more but when I went to my closet I realized I have five pair of loafers, two Birkenstocks, a few ballet style flats, and snow boots. I'm lacking in appropriate footwear and thought of your always spot-on practical and purposeful recommendations. Thanks for your consideration!"

"What shoes do you recommend for dog-walking on paved streets in the winter? I love my boat shoes in the summer but want something practical I can wear with warm socks. I already own a pair of Beans boots but need something else ...."


For me this has always been one of the most challenging sartorial categories. Boots aside, it seems as if I have to choose between having:

• Dry feet;
• Warm feet; or 
• The ability to walk a reasonable distance in comfort. 

Since I wear wool ragg socks, warmth is often the first criterion that I set aside. These are the four shoes (in addition to the boiled wool clogs) at present through which I cycle, and although I am pleased with each option for different reasons, I have yet to find the ultimate winter shoe.

2. My L.L. Bean Boots, Rubber Moc - also for staying dry

3. My Birkenstock Felt Clogs - for staying warm

4. My Merrell Moab Ventilator - for comfort and support (but not beauty)

Reader Question: What about Prep School Team Jackets?

Question:  My wife insists on wearing our son's Andover Hockey jacket everywhere. Is this preppy?


Response:  This brought to mind one opinion: Ferd's comment, which I will re-post here,  originally on The 2010 Preppy ABC's:  (See Clothing paragraph.)

WHAT TO DRIVE TO THE GAME:

Do: Any Jaguar built before 1965; any Jeep made before 1990; Land Rover Defender with wet bathing suits in the back and your younger son's hockey gloves; 1992 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon; Geladenwagen; anything without a visible registration sticker; anything with an Obama sticker; Aston Martin; Porsche Turbo.

Don't: Hummer (if you own one, just stop reading - you are beyond my ability to help you); anything made by Ford (expect possibly a 1989 Bronco II with several beach permit stickers from Nantucket); anything Japanese or Korean; anything with a Bush or McCain sticker; and finally, the ultimate sin, a Corvette.

WHAT DOG TO BRING IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE RIGHT CAR OR TRUCK:

Do: Golden Retriever (but only it its name is Pooh, Bear, or Poohbear); any Lab; Cairn or Jack Russell; Irish or English Setter; any breed with fewer than 5 registered dogs in the United States (as in "we saw her in Tibet and just had to bring her home").

Don't: German Shepard; Beagle; Poodle; Yorkshire Terrier; anything with white fur; anything wearing a coat (unless the coat is a needlepoint with the Wesleyan Seal stitched into a dark blue or red background).

CLOTHING (HIM):
Do: Lacoste under Brooks...; 50-year old sweater found in parent's ski house in New Hampshire when you visited on break from college in 1976; Bermuda length shorts as soon as possible in the season; your younger child's Andover Hockey Jacket; anything belonging to your son that fits; J. Press sport coat belonging to your father when he went to Harvard; Camel hair topcoat from Paul Stuart.

Don't: Any sweatshirt, especially if it bears a designer logo, or the name of any educational institution located in Long Island; LL Bean Hunting Boots (they are so 1995); jeans; anything black; anything white; sneakers; gloves; scarf.

CLOTHING (HER):

Do: Belgium loafers, especially if it is snowing or very muddy; headband; Patagonia vest; gold knot earrings; Nantucket needlepoint belt; anything from Eye of the Needle; your younger child's Andover Hockey Jacket; your grandmother's wool knit hat; your son's Parka.

Don't: A "winter coat" (ever heard of layering, or Patagonia?); boots; jeans; a hat; a skirt; stockings; earrings longer than 1/8th of an inch; make up that is noticeable; anything larger than size 2 (in fact, if you aren't blond and a size 2, just stop reading and have your son transfer to Stony Brook, there is no way you will fit in at a NESCAC Lax game); heels; anything purchased at a Mall.

Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie Recipes

For The Ladies Guild of The Leaders and Best:

Pumpkin Pie Recipe

1 15 oz can of pumpkin
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon salt
½ nutmeg nutmeg
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 ½ Tablespoon melted butter
1 ½ cups whole milk (I use raw milk)
1 cup sugar (I use sugar in the raw)
1/8 cup molasses
2 eggs

Stir ingredients together.

Ingredients for Crust (which is the same as in the peach pie recipe)

This is an incredibly simple and reliable crust.

1 cup white flour
¾ cup whole wheat flour (If whole wheat flour is anathema, use all white instead. Whole wheat gives it better flavor.)
1 teaspoon salt (don't leave out)
½ cup canola oil
¼ cup whole milk

Mix together, divide in half.
Roll each half flat between two pieces of waxed paper.

Back to Pumpkin Pie

Put in 9 inch pie pan (with crust).

Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.

Turn oven down to 350 (I turn down to 365).
Bake for 50 - 60 minutes more.

Apple Pie Recipe

I like to use tender, somewhat tart local apples like Cortlands.

8 cups of peeled and cut up apples
1 tsp nutmeg
¾ to 1 cup sugar
1 ½ Tablespoon butter

Mix together the apples, nutmeg and sugar.

Put into 9 in pie pan (with crust).

Cut up butter into small chunks and distribute evenly on top of apple mixture.

Place top crust over apples and make 6 or so slits in crust.

I usually bake for about 1 hour, or until crust is golden.

30 things that can throw an otherwise classic New England female ensemble

When I wrote 20 things that can throw an otherwise classic New England male ensemble, many asked for a female version.

Caveats:  Some people can pull off anything. The young (and those in PR clip art) generally look great no matter what they wear. And if you love an item or it looks especially good on you, wear it anyway despite what I say (or anyone says). And obviously, if you don't care or like experimenting, ignore everything here.

So, having said that, here is my list of  30 things that can throw an otherwise classic female ensemble:

1. Ruffles
2. Tunics
3. Gold sandals
4. ¾ length sleeves
5. Capris pants
6. Cap sleeves
7. Jeans with heals
8. Shorts with heels
9. Giant sunglasses
10. Low rise anything (especially on women over 40)
11. Crew neck sweaters over t-shirts
12. Boot cut pants
13. Anything from The North Face
14. Uggs
15. Tank tops
16. Shorts that are too short (best left to the young)
17. Clothes that are too tight (best left  to the young)
18. Deep scoop necks
19. Heavy (clunky) jewelry and over-sized buttons
20. Darts in shirts and jackets
21. Baby cables on a sweater
22. Shiny pocketbooks or jackets
23. Sparkles on anything
24. More than a bit of make-up (it helps less than most people think)
25. Black workout gear in the supermarket (just my pet peeve)
26. Black golf or tennis wear
27. Extra-long sweater jackets/cardigans
28. Polo shirts with long plackets
29. Hooded sweaters 
30. Strong perfume

See also Blacklisted Colors.

As always, feel free to add your thoughts.

Any good holiday gift ideas?

 I am passing on this request from a reader. Please post any ideas!

Dear Muffy,

I am just gearing up to buy some holiday gifts. Is there any way you could ask your readers what presents they are looking forward to giving or getting this year that fall into the pervue of your blog?

Thank you! (Love The Daily Prep!)

Reader Question: Turtleneck Scrunchiness

Reader question: 

You said you went through a lot of white turtlenecks before you found the right amount of scrunchiness. So, what kind of turtlenecks are they? 

My response:

Nothing opens one up to ridicule (and more than partially justified) when making things explicit that perhaps are best left implicit!  Having said that...

For wearing with thinner sweaters, like this Ralph Lauren Lambswool Cableknit crewneck in the picture above (where I can't afford the extra bulk, whether from the cut or the heftiness of the cotton), I use the LL Bean Pima Cotton Turtleneck. 

For wearing with heavier sweaters, I buy the Lands' End Women's Regular Cotton Seamless Neck Turtleneck (Traditional Fit), and I like the ribbed cuffs (see picture below).

The body of my turtlenecks are always 100% cotton, although the Lands' End adds 6%  spandex in the neck and cuff.