Category Archives: Food

Sugarhouse, Maple Syrup, Vermont Maple, Vermont, Northern Vermont Maple, Tradition

Sugarhouses of Northern Vermont

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This past weekend, The Vermont Maple Festival was held in St. Albans, Vermont. Vermont is well-known for producing maple syrup (aka liquid gold) and the tradition runs generations deep. Growing up, it’s one of the things that I remember with fond memories.  Collecting sap and sitting in sugarhouses socializing and embracing what helps to make Vermont, Vermont. In the spring, a sugarhouse is main point of connecting with others, catching up while working and there is nothing in this world like the smell of the sweetness in the air and tasting hot, fresh syrup.

Last year, I went home during sugaring season. This is when the sap is running, the syrup is boiling and the fresh made gloriousness that is maple syrup is sitting in barrels waiting to be sold. It had been quite a while since I had been home during maple season and was lucky enough to have my dad bring me around to some of Vermont’s sugarhouses. He is the World Famous Tim after all.

If you’re unfamiliar with sugaring, here is a quick explanation:

Each spring, when the world begins to thaw from the previously, frigid winter, the sap begins to run from the maple trees. Think of the sap like a sweet, sugar water. The sap is collected and boiled in evaporators using heat generated from wood or oil fires. (If simplified, think of a giant, rectangle pot boiling.) The purpose is to boil out the water to a certain extent and the remainder is maple syrup. Rule of thumb, it takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup. Maple syrup also had more calcium than milk and is a natural sugar – so it’s good for you! All of this is done in sugarhouses.

So in honor of sugaring season coming to an end and all the hard-working folks out there getting ready to clean their equipment, attend maple shows,  sell their products and wanting a break, I wanted to feature a few sugarhouses that I saw on my last spring trip home. They come in all shapes and sizes, traditions old and new. One thing is for certain – we all can’t get enough of the liquid gold!

Sugarhouse, Maple Syrup, Vermont Maple, Vermont, Northern Vermont Maple, Tradition Sugarhouse, Maple Syrup, Vermont Maple, Vermont, Northern Vermont Maple, Tradition Sugarhouse, Maple Syrup, Vermont Maple, Vermont, Northern Vermont Maple, Tradition, Fairfield Vermont Sugarhouse, Maple Syrup, Vermont Maple, Vermont, Northern Vermont Maple, Tradition, Richford, Vermont, Sugarhouse, Maple Syrup, Vermont Maple, Vermont, Northern Vermont Maple, Tradition Sugarhouse, Maple Syrup, Vermont Maple, Vermont, Northern Vermont Maple, Tradition

Do you have a tradition in your home state? 

I’m strongly convinced that maple syrup and/or cheese can be put on any kind of food. I’ve yet to be proven wrong.

For a great recipe – check out my recipe for Maple Peanut Butter Pie!

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9 Reasons to Travel to Dripping Springs, Texas

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There’s been a lot of buzz around Dripping Springs, Texas lately. Situated just outside of Austin, it really hones in on the Hill Country’s rustic feel just outside the big city. When visiting, these are the top activities that should be on any list when visiting Dripping Springs

  1. Stay
    When in town, go authentic. It’s time to embrace what makes Dripping Springs, Dripping Springs. Cottages, inns, B&B’s, take a pick! There’s so many to choose from but stay in a place which brings character. It’ll add a little pizazze to your story!
    Dripping Springs, Liney Moon, Cottage, Texas, Travel Texas, Accomodations(Above, The Liney Moon)

  2. Eat
    There’s so many great places to eat, the real question is where to begin? The Pizza Cave (below), Rolling in Thyme & Dough or Smoke n’Hops among other local favorites. Come !
    ThePizzaCave_9627

  3. Get Outside
    Dripping Springs is the home to the Hamilton Pool reserve. Enjoy the famous Texas swimming hole over scenic limestone including a waterfall to help you cool off after a hike through one of the nearby parks.

  4. Texas Hill Country Olive Oil
    A growing crop, Texas produces olive oil! Stop in for a tour of the grounds and learn how the production of olive oil is growing in Texas. Inside, enjoy olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings and even pair them with a wine tasting from some of the finest vineyards in Texas.
    TexasHillCountryOliveOil_0558

  5. Explore the Wine Trail
    Did someone say wine?! Dripping Springs is home to vineyards of their own including Solaro Estates Winery and Bell Springs Winery. Looking to stay in town, swing by one of the tasting rooms or wine tours to expand the selection. Need a drive? That’s available too!

  6. Micro Brew Invasion
    Dripping Springs is home to Jester King, Twisted X and Thirsty Planet Brewing Company. Smoke’n Hops and The Barber Shop are the local watering holes to help quench your thirst. Sit back, kick back and relax! Have a cold one!

  7. Distilleries
    The beverages go on and on! Deep Eddy Vodka, Dripping Springs Vodka and Treat Oak Distillery are all in town. Staying in Austin and want to come out for the day? Completely possible with one of the many tours to and from, including the Austin Tour Company which will bring you and your friends to and from downtown Austin to Deep Eddy Vodka for some fun and games.
    Note: All tours at Deep Eddy Vodka must be booked in advance.
    DeepEddyVodka_0565

  8. Mercer Street
    “Take a step back in time on historic Mercer Street. Home to some of the first businesses in town, you’ll recognize that you’re on Mercer Street well before you see a sign. Historic buildings house the dancehall, perfect for the evening two-step, grab a beer or enjoy some frozen yogurt and ice cream. THere’s a place on Mercer Street for everyone.

  9. Drive
    This is the Hill Country. Explore it, embrace it, take it in. It’s best done behind the wheel with endless destination.
    Dripping Springs TX_0563

What’s your favorite attraction in Dripping Springs? 
What’s on the top of your to do list? 

A Recent Recap – Fun, Fun & More Fun!

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Lately, I’ve been giving a lot of updates on our recent trip to Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs and Austin but we’ve been up to a whole lot more than that! If you follow me on Instagram (because you really should), you’ll see that we’ve been up to a whole lot more! Here’s a little recap on our adventures, new recipe successes and sights seen along the way!

Spicy Cajun shrimp in a garlic cream sauce! Holy moly!!! This recipe comes from Damn Delicious and it’s exactly that – damn delicious! It’s also super easy! The only adjustment was using creole seasoning instead of Cajun (it’s the same thing, isn’t it?!). We’ll be making this again. So good!

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Weekends are meant to be explored! There’s so much to do! Here are some sights from the past couple weekends.

FORE!!!! Early morning golfing.

FORE!!!! Early morning golfing.

The Southside area of Fort Worth hosted Open Streets. Magnolia Street was closed off and local businesses lined the area featuring the best of Fort Worth. Restaurants, small businesses, grab a beer and bit to eat, walk, explore and listen to music. What an amazing day and definitely a family fun filled event.

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Red Dirt Roads (via 95.9 FM The Ranch) has been hosting their radio show live from Magnolia Motor Lounge the last few weekends. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon listening to some of best musicians and songwriters this area has to offer. I’m a little short so this was as best as I could get (hands and phone/camera as high up as I could hold it). IMG_9797a

Another recipe – Cauliflower pizza. I’ve been wanting to try this for a while and it was pretty tasty! This recipe is fit for about a personal sized pizza so if this is for more than one, double it up! Looks good doesn’t it?!

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Weeknight date night! Whoohoo! Mr. S. and I don’t live in the same town so we usually spend the most time together on the weekends but when the schedule allows we have weeknight date nights! It’s so nice to have a date night in the middle of the week. We get to relax and just hang out, enjoy either a good home cooked meal (thanks Pinterest!) or find somewhere local to check out. It’s a great breather to our hectic schedules!

In the future I’d love to start a weeknight date night series showcasing great local deals during the week. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

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This week we headed over to Rodeo Goat in Fort Worth (West 7th area) for burgers! Did it ever hit the spot! Recommendations: The Whiskey Burger and some hand-cut perfectly seasoned fries. Maybe not on the diet list but during the week, this is the place to go. On the weekends, there’s a line out the door and around the corner. Weeknight – no line, seat yourself, enjoy the food and company!

I love sending cards even though I don’t do it nearly enough. This is the latest doodle! Do anyone ever color or doodle? Completely therapeutic!

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Finally, maybe the highlight of my week. This is the second time I’ve seen this. This past Wednesday, the Medal of Honor was being delivered to a recipient. Traveling from DFW airport to an unknown location, Highway 114 was closed down in the Southlake area. This is the route I travel on a daily basis. All along the highway, people were spotted showing respect and on the overpasses, local firefighters and police officers saluted. To whoever the recipient of this award was, to their families and fellow service members – thank you for your dedication, sacrifice and your service. We are forever grateful.

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And once again it’s Friday! What will this weekend bring for adventures? No one knows, we shall see!

What’s on your agenda this weekend?