Homemade drop donuts tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with homemade chocolate ganache…hot chocolate!!!!  Oh for pity!!

Hello Everyone!

Manchester has on her party dress!!  Greenery, bows, a touch of glitter…and the snow!  The only thing better than driving through town is walking around town.  Then while your cheeks are pink and  you are crunching on the snow….somewhere a door will open and you will catch a bit of Christmas music…..a whiff of coffee or hot chocolate….the feeling of good will.   You see families passing with laughter and people waving…. wait……I think someone wrote a song about Manchester!!

Mark, as usual is celebrating with a dish that is so warm and wonderful it literally makes people happy.  It’s the time of year for his Gil Feather Turnip  Gratin.  He keeps tweaking it and this year he has added on top of the homemade béchamel sauce….sautéed shitake mushroom, onion and garlic.  This warms you down to your littlest toe.  Then just to make your littlest toe wiggle……wine of course.  CASTELLO MONACI “LIANTE”, SALICE SALENTINO, 2013 ……just the thing. 

And for those just out of the cold….a warm toddy called “Fireside” with Fireball cinnamon Bourbon, Tuaca vanilla liquor and hot apple cider.  Does that not sound like the most delicious thing ever?

Happy Holidays Everyone!   I hope your season is filled with love, laughter, good food and good friends!

Call me,

Melody

I just love October!!  I mean really….so many wonderful things to do.  Apple picking, craft shows,  Autumn flowers,  apple cider,  warm fuzzy sweaters….and my favorite….gawking at the amazing colors in nature.  Mark says I sound like I’m watching fireworks they way I oooh and aaah.   I’m not the only one….I drive through Manchester and I see people taking photos of trees. I get them!!

My homage to the season…….Autumn Sangrias!!   Red and white with spiced rum and cider.  Delicious…if I do say so myself.

Mark has been busy.  He is making an appetizer of Cabot Cheese croquets with sautéed prosciutto and red bell peppers and then he adds a bit of anchovy mayonnaise.   Just add a glass of Silver Totem Cabernet….. annnnnnd….poof….magic.

I want you to enjoy the magic that is in the air this October!  Find time to get outside and if that is impossible….just munch on an apple while you stare out the window. 

Happy Autumn!!!!

Melody

Just sayin!

Hello Everyone!

I can’t believe how green & lush it is in Vermont.  There are streams everywhere and in Manchester the lawns are pristine.  I live in picture postcard Main Street, USA and I love it.  We went to the fireworks this year and it was amazing.   Seriously, this event  will take your breath away.  If you ever get the chance….I’m not kidding!

Mark is taking advantage of the summer by adding a Blueberry Cobbler for two.  It takes a thirty minute bake time  and comes out so hot and delicious with vanilla ice cream on top. This dessert tastes like July.  I had a guest tell me after one bite….she wanted my life.  I just loved her.  Do you know what is perfect with this dessert?   I DO……Lemoncello!   You know I’m right!   I even have a drink this summer with blueberries and lemon.  It’s such a delicious summer pairing!

Speaking of summer….put on your shorts and T-shirt and go hike up to a lake.  Better yet…inner tube down a river.  Just drift along with the sun peeking through the trees and feel the cool water as you become a child again.

Take in Vermont’s dramatic nature…you will love it.

Melody