If You're Lucky Enough to be on a Lake, You're Lucky Enough

I hope that everyone had a restful Memorial Day weekend! Ours was a perfect mixture of productivity and relaxation. We accomplished a lot in our apartment, but we also visited our friend Rhonda at her "camp" or lake house.

The weather was a little iffy, but it was wonderful to get out of town and spend some time outdoors!

 What did you do this weekend?

Orono Farmer's Market

I originally meant to post this weeks ago, but I have been so sick lately. Fever, sore throat, the whole nine yards, but here it goes anyway....

The past two weeks Christopher and I have done the bulk of our grocery shopping at the Orono Farmer's Market and we are hooked. We love getting to know the farmers and artisans who produce our food and you simply cannot beat the freshness and quality. Plus, it isn't that more expensive than the grocery store!

Our absolute favorite purchases so far have been chorizo, spinach, and oatmeal bread. I can definitely sense a Saturday morning tradition in the making! Once we are finished moving into our new apartment, I also plan on starting a miniature garden. The flowers and herbs are just too good to pass up!

For more information check-out this website.

A Slow Sping

Unlike many parts of the country right now, Maine is not quite bathed in flowers or enjoying 70 degree weather. There is however no snow on the ground, birds are chirping, and plants are slowly coming back to life. The warmer weather has allowed me to resume my favorite walks. The pictures below are from two expeditions, Essex Woods and Pushaw Lake.

These photos were taken in Essex Woods on a gloriously warm and sunny day.

These photos were taken on Pushaw Lake yesterday right before it started to rain. I am completely fascinated by the fact that the water and sky are the exact same shade of grey-ish blue.

Blaze

Image from http://www.yelp.com/biz/blaze-bangor

Last weekend Christopher and I hopped on over to the new kid on the block in Downtown Bangor, Blaze. We had not idea what to expect but it was seriously good. It is best known for having a wide variety of craft beers and "wood-fired flavors". Christopher and I tried beers that we had been curious to taste. I also ordered pulled pork tacos, while he got duck pizza. Both were awesome and were are eager to try the other delicious sounding items on the menu.

Christopher & Banks Glamor Shots

My friend Deanna is a Mary Kay consultant and was invited by Christopher & Banks to provide the make-up for their spring glamor shots. She very kindly let me tag along and pretend that I was at New York or Paris fashion week.

As you can imagine, it was a lot of fun! Thanks Deanna!

Maine Maple Sunday

Newburgh, Maine is a pretty average New England town. Besides being the hometown of Nascar legend Ricky "Crash" Craven, the town does not have a lot to offer. Once a year on the fourth Sunday of March however, Nutkin Knoll Farm in Newburgh transforms into a Maine Maple Sunday hotspot.

Maine Maple Sunday is hosted by the Maine Maple Producers Associations. Sugarhouses throughout the state offer free maple syrup samples and tours. Some farms even host mini festivals.

Christopher and I had a lovely time meandering through the farm.We explored the barn, hiked part of the 47 mile snowmobile trails, raced through the Christmas tree lots and examined all the maple syrup equipment.

Nutkin Knoll Farm did not have much in the way of offerings besides a free sample of ice cream with maple syrup, but I have heard rumors that a farm in Dover-Foxcroft serves an insane pancake breakfast. Maybe I will have to put that on next year's bucket list.

If you want to learn more about how to make maple syrup, I would definitely check this webpage out!

When Life Gives You Bananas...

 

....make banana bread! There were two overripe bananas in our kitchen, staring me down, challenging me to make something sweet and satisfying. I knew there was only one way to defeat these menacing bananas and the result was the perfect combo of bananas and chocolate.

My recipe was  adapted from the Food Network. Feel free to add more chocolate chips, nuts or whatever your heart desires. As usual, my additions will be in a different color font.

Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas (I only had two bananas, but it still worked)
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup of chocolate chips (preferably Ghirardelli)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.
2. Cream the sugar and butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Mix in the milk and cinnamon. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. Add the banana mixture to the creamed mixture and stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, mixing just until flour disappears. Mix in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Dust the bread with a mixture of butter and brown sugar. Trust me on this one. Set aside to cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, invert onto rack and cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!