Heckscher Park

I just had to share about an amazingly beautiful park we went to for the first time.  Heckscher Park in Huntington.  I absolutely love every time I take a trip to Huntington because the town is absolutely adorable and has some of the most amazing restaurants and the cutest little shops.  However, all the times that I've been there I don't think I've ever gone to the park which is literally right up the road from the village.  Let me tell you if you're looking for a fun, (and free) afternoon to spend with your kiddos (or even your significant other), hop in the car and take a ride over there.  I guarantee you it will be time well spent.  We went on the most perfect day and my son had the chance to witness some pretty amazing things including ducks sitting on their nest full of eggs.  The park has a gorgeous little pond where the water is clear enough to see all the different types of fish swimming around.  My little Luke was in awe of all the little and really big "fishies" in the water.  We even saw tons, and I mean TONS of turtles just hanging out on rocks as well as a massive one swimming in the water.  We saw beautiful white swans and tons and tons of geese.  The park has a few gorgeous waterfalls and cute little bridges that give it a really tranquil feel.  Everywhere you look there are some of the most beautiful flowers and greenery making for some pretty amazing photo opportunities (which is why I was so bummed I left my "good camera" at home).  The park also has a pretty amazing playground that separates the little kids from the big ones (really important especially when you have a little one that can easily get trampled on).   There are even two areas with sand pits.  So if you're thinking of going to this park make sure to bring along your sand pale and shovel.  Even though the playground was really nice my son actually enjoyed the walk around the lake where he collected rocks and sticks and the whole nature aspect of the park even more than the amazing playground.  And I must say, I am totally ok with that!  I just love seeing his love for animals and how curious he is becoming about literally everything.  He is constantly asking "how" and "why" questions and I just love seeing how his little mind is working.  Even though it was just a morning at the park that little two year old of mine left with a pretty intense lesson on nature and took home knowing things like both ducks and turtles lay eggs, the difference between an eel and a koi fish and various other things.  It is such a joy watching him learn and explore and I am so happy when I get to give him a real hands-on experience like this one.  This is just another reminder to me of how amazing Long Island truly is and all that it has to offer.  If you have a free afternoon and you're not sure what to do with it.  Take a trip there, and bring your camera!
Also, I must add that there are some pretty great spots to throw a blanket down and have a picnic.  Although, knowing that Little Vincents Pizzeria is right up the road might make that a tough choice!  (I guess you know where we ate lunch)
I will definitely be making this trip again.
Here are some pictures from our morning at the park.

Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins

One of my all time favorite muffins are the Bluberry Muffins from Dunkin Donuts.  If you've never had one, go get yourself one.  Even though I'm pretty sure they have more calories than a donut.  I actually always take the top off and throw out the rest (that's the best part after all).  I love how the top is crispy and has an extra sweetness with its coating of sugar on top.  I've tried many times to replicate this recipe and I think I have finally got it down.  This was the first time I actually made up my own baking recipe.  We all know baking is a science so unlike when I cook, I always stick to the exact written measurements when baking.  However, any time I made muffins I just couldn't find a recipe that I loved so I decided to take matters into my own hands and figure it out for myself.  After a couple batches, tweaking the measurements each time, I think I finally have perfected my blueberry muffin recipe.  It's soft, moist and has just the amount of sweetness that I like.  Also, its chock full of blueberries so it makes me feel way less guilty about popping one in my mouth.  They are actually really easy to make and most of the ingredients are probably already stocked in your kitchen.  If you're not a blueberry lover you can absolutely substitute them for some chocolate chips.  Go ahead, give them a try.  In my house they are husband and toddler approved.  Ok so here is the recipe....

Ingredients

1/2 cup of butter softened

1 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of brown sugar

2 eggs 

1 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

2 1/3 cup of flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 cup buttermilk (see note if you do not have buttermilk on hand)

1/4 cup sour cream

12 ounce package of frozen blueberries (or fresh if you prefer)

Topping:

1/4 cup sugar (I use organic and it works great for this because it's so coarse)

Note:
If you do not have any buttermilk on hand you can simply make your own by combining one cup of milk with one tsp of white vinegar.  (I do it all the time and it works, I promise!)

Directions:

Beat butter and sugars together.  Add in eggs and vanilla bean paste.  Mix until well blended.  In a separate bowl mix together all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon).  Slowly, (and I mean slow unless you want to be covered in flour) pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until combined.  Next, add in the buttermilk then the sour cream.  Once the mixture is all combined its time for those blueberries.  If you are using frozen make sure they are thawed out.  Then, carefully (and I mean carefully) fold in the blueberries.  If you do it to rough then you will end up with a blue batter.  These little gems are very delicate so be easy with them.  Also, make sure to drain out any excess juice from the blueberry bag (you do not want any extra liquid in the batter).   Line a cupcake (or muffin pan) with liners and pour the batter into the cups all the way to the top (I like my muffins plump!) Before you put them in the oven sprinkle the top of each muffin with a generous amount of sugar.  (The more sugar the more crispy the top becomes).  Pop these beauties into the oven and bake on 400 degrees for about 15-20 minutes (depending on your oven).  Enjoy : )