Yes, it is that time of year when backpacks are filled and the children all head back to challenge their minds and meet the friends they have missed all summer. I remind myself to watch for the buses, and all the kids waiting on the rural roads. What a beautiful day to start, the weather here is PERFECT!! Now, what will I do with all this extra time on my hands…..hmmmm? Today, a field trip to a yarn shop in Newburyport!!
Archive for August, 2010
School is starting, watch for all those little ones crossing the street.
August 30th, 2010 by janelmartin
Apple picking time in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region
August 25th, 2010 by janelmartin
We are coming upon my favorite time of the year. The weather gets cooler, the trees start to prepare for their magnificent show and apples are ripe for the picking. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by apple orchards that have pick-your-own for those who want the full experience. McKenzie’s Farm in Milton, NH has many varietes of apples, one of which is Honey Crisp, so juicy and sweet. Great for eating, baking and just about anything one could think of. Jock is very knowledgable on his apples and will even take you on a hay ride down to the lower orchard. What fun for the kids!!!! I could not think of a better way to get kids to eat more fruits than taking them apple picking. Then, once home, make a batch of apple sauce together or maybe a pie!!
Butternut Farm in Farmington is just a little further down the road, and along with apples they have peaches galore. They have wagons to pull small children and fruit around as you go about the beautiful lanes of fruit trees picking these fall treasures. Pick up some apple salsa or cider, all made from their apples.
Have you caught the farming bug? Head on over to the New Hampshire Farm Museum just down the road from McKenzie’s and take a tour of the grounds and the house. Well worth a stop, and their gift shop is filled with NH Made products to take back as a momento of your trip.
Here is any easy scone recipe to use some of those fresh picked apples:
Wakefield Inn Apple-Oat Scones
2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 cup each AP and Whole Wheat),
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup rolled oats (quick cooking are o.k.)
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 whole apple, peeled, cored and diced
1 egg
1 cup heavy cream
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together and then toss in apples to coat. If you wish you can also mix in some walnuts or pecans for added interest. Whip together egg and cream, then add to dry mixture and fold together in as little strokes as possible. 5 to 6 is optimum. Turn out onto floured surface and form into two rounds about 6″ in diameter. Cut each round into 4 or 6 pieces (your choice) and place on a baking stone or baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
For a quick glaze mix together maple syrup and powdered sugar to a thick consistency and drizzle over warm scones, let set until dry to touch. ENJOY!
Cooking Classes for All, hands-on learning and tasting.
August 9th, 2010 by janelmartin
The summer is going by fast, and my mind turns to the fall and beyond, and putting together the schedule for the cooking classes. This year I will offer 3 different days and times for the classes to allow more flexibility for the busy lives everyone leads. There will be a Wednesday Evening class from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, a Saturday morning class from 10:00 am-1:00pm and a Tuesday morning class from 10:00am-1:00pm. The classes are set in a series of six to eight, and can be taken in succession or just one or a few and the cost is $50. I cover different french techniques in each class, so one could take just a specific class that they were interested in without taking the whole series.Some of the classes will have a theme and others will focus on a type of cooking, or food group. Of course I am always open to suggestions and am willing to put together a customized class. The 2 hour class is hands-on, with some techniques demonstrated and then those who wish can try their hand at it. All the classes are for any experience level, and each class offers something for everyone. Following the cooking portion of the class is an hour of enjoying all the wonderful items made paired with a wine, and Q&A session as well. Everyone will leave with recipes and enthusiasm to go home and try something new.
Fall class of apple stuffed pork
The class schedule is updated often, and new classes are added throughout the year, so check back often. Summer will be the only time that classes will not be offered, since the kitchen is just too hot for most people, and we are busy serving our summer dinners as well. We will also offer kids classes during school breaks and are for ages 8-14.
Please feel free to call and discuss any specific questions or concerns you might have or to register for one of our classes. Our classes are also a fun bridal shower or girlfriend get-away, and we would be happy to put a weekend package together for your group.
Blueberry season in New Hampshire..so many tasty possibilities.
August 4th, 2010 by janelmartin
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I just love blueberries of any kind; high bush, low bush, wild or cultivated. There are many in New England that are very particular about their berries, I think that each have their own redeeming qualities, and shine in different ways. The high bush or cultivated kind are easy to pick, easy to freeze, last longer when fresh (that is if you do not eat them all real quick) and make great sauces and jams. The wild blueberries are fantastic in muffins, scones, pancakes and any application where you do not want to get a large cooked berry squishing out. They do freeze well as long as they are not handled much before hitting the freezer, though they tend to have a shorter fresh storage life.
Cross Country Skiing in Wolfeboro
Gift Certificates for Wakefield Inn now available on line