Fall, Friends & Phantoms

Spooks and activities abound in Genesee County this time of year. Fall offers all kinds of fun for friends and families. My sisters and I like to visit the many farmer’s markets in search of apple cider, pumpkins and mums.

Children can enjoy the enthralling skits & costumed characters they’ll find at Holiday Hollow’s English Village(585-762-8160) or the chilling rides and haunted mansion at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort’s “Frightfest” (585-599-4641.)

I’m tugged in so many different directions that October flies by. Do I visit Rolling Hills Asylum for a haunted tour? (714-757-6565) Of course, if St. James holds that showing of the 1925 version of “The Phantom of the Opera,” complete with the organ musical score on Oct. 30th - I have to go. (585-343-6802) And, I’m positive I’ll find a quilt I just “love” at the Stitches in Time Quilt Show, held at the VA Medical Facility from the 15th thru the 17th.

However, this month I’ve spent a lot of time planning for our “Wine Walk.” Yes, I’m going to learn more about wines. Are you a wine connoisseur? Do you know whether your Merlot should be served chilled or at room temperature? Just what kind of wines do we produce in New York State?

Lots of questions; and you just may find the answers at the first annual “Taste of Fall Wine Walk” in Batavia. Bring a group, wear your walking shoes and join in the fun on Saturday, October 2nd, from 5 – 9pm. The cost is just $15 per person, and you’ll receive your very own wine glass, 15 wine “tastings,” a program, promotions sheet, goody bag and entry for the fabulous raffle items at the end of the tour. Area businesses have donated everything from jewelry to a wine case, complete with any item you’d need to wow your friends with your wine expertise.

Sponsored by the Business Improvement District and The Genesee Chamber of Commerce, the walk gives you an opportunity to admire Batavia’s wonderful decorations, discover new businesses, reconnect with friends, get a little exercise, learn about wine, and then sample the culinary arts of our many restaurants.

Only 400 tickets have been printed, so don’t miss out. You must be 21 years of age, and please, no partaking of the fruit of the vine on the street. To purchase your tickets go to: The Genesee Chamber of Commerce, 3 D Wine, Adam Miller Toy & Bike, Michael Anthony Salon, Next Level Fitness, The Daily Grind, Valle Jewelers or contact 585-343-7440 ext. 32 / 585-344-0900.

I hope to see you at the Chamber on October 2nd!

Cheers.

Dawn

Rapiers and Duck Tape

Fencing inspires thoughts of a “hero - or heroine” in swashbuckling attire, besting the bad guy. Maybe it’s that image, or the elegance and mental challenges fencing demands, but when a course was offered at Nazareth College I lunged (pun intended) at the opportunity. During my studies, I was surprised to discover there are Olympic level fencers that have come from the Western NY area. Rochester has several fencing clubs, and now we’re going to have our own.

En Garde: Batavia opens on July 1, 2010 at the Artisan Center on Harvester Avenue in Batavia, NY. Colin Dentino, a Batavia resident, is the owner/lead instructor for the school. He started training at the age of four under the watchful eye of Sir John Halasz, from the esteemed Hungarian fencing program. According to Dentino, “Fencing is referred to as ‘physical chess.’ It’s not always the case that the stronger, faster fencer wins.” (I can attest to that.)

We are fortunate that Colin wants to share his passion. People of various fitness levels can participate, so it’s a great family activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. If you want to get involved, contact Colin Dentino at

585-409-3993, visit www.engardebatavia.com, or e-mail engardebatavia@me.com.

Another Genesee resident who is gaining notoriety is Sarah Scott. Sarah decided she wanted to do something different for the prom this year, so she and her date arrived at the event in a duck tape dress and tux, which they then entered in a National Contest. Out of all the entries Duck Brand chose them as one of the ten finalists. Now, now - before you judge, I want you to take a look at what it took over two months for Sarah to create:

www.stuckatprom.com

If you get the chance, vote for her every day, and support her effort to win a $3,000 scholarship. Let’s show the nation we believe in having “fun” in Genesee County.

Until I cross swords with you again.

Dawn

Darien Lake Goes to the Lions – Or rather – Sea Lions

I went to Darien Lake Theme Park's press day. You could feel the electricity in the air as news media milled about with notepads, microphones and cameras. And when the announcement came, Darien Lake didn’t have a single announcement - they had several.  Here are some of their changes:

Darien Lake has some new “furry” friends.  Sea Lions have come to stay, and perform daily at the Sea Lion Splash shows.  These entertaining animals will keep you captivated with their gymnastic prowess, and ability to sing – yes, sing.  While they aren’t performing, visit them in a natural habitat created just for them.

SPLASH TOWN at Darien Lake! - Darien Lake’s Five Acre Water Park Expansion 

Whether you’re whirling around and around on one of the three new slides, paddling down the Lazy River on an inner tube, or taking the kids to a wave pool that’s just their size, you’ll have to agree they did things right when Darien expanded its water park. Never fear, you can still scale the pirate ship, feel the challenge of a powerful wave, or hurl through the twirling vortex of the Tornado, but the added attractions enhance the cool excitement of summer, as you splash away your cares.  Splash Town at Darien even has its own entrance, so you can spend the entire day sliding and bobbing, or get a combo ticket for thrills on land and water.  

Darien’s Cabins?  Yes, Darien Lake Theme Park now has cabins lining the lake that can sleep up to eight people.  The kids will love the loft and large flat-screen TV, while the parents appreciate a little time in front of the fireplace, or relaxing on the front porch. 

Lodge on the Lake Hotel’s new Forts-o-Fun.  The key here is privacy, for children and parents.  Keep the kids within earshot, but give them their own space. Children will enjoy playing games on the TV and hanging out in their bunk beds.  It’s their very own “Fort,” but it’s built into the main room so parents are only steps away.

I left there feeling excited about the Darien Lake Packages we offer at the Chamber of Commerce.  I know that the additions are going to make for extra special memories this year.  If you are interested in one of our packages, contact me at 1-800-622-2686 ext. 32.  (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm). For full rates and reservations, go to www.GetawayPackages.net  Our Lodge on the Lake packages start at $340.00 and include:

 Four to six people

 Three days of theme park fun (tickets at the door are $39.99 per person, per day)

 Two night’s accommodations

 Meal vouchers

 Parking

I hope to pass you paddling down that Lazy River.

Dawn

And the Gold goes to....

Yancey’s Fancy! In the 2010 World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison, Wisconsin, Yancey’s Fancy earned the “Best of Class” gold medal for its pasteurized process Jalapeno Peppadew Cheddar. So all you spice lovers out there, rejoice!

If you’ve never been to Kutter’s Cheese in Corfu, where Yancey’s Fancy is manufactured, you’re due for a visit. (Unless of course, you don’t like cheese – which comes close to being sacrilegious in my book.) Their store is amazing.

I always come away with a bag stuffed with a great variety of cheese. In fact, I spent $70 in one trip, and my husband questioned my sanity. But cheese keeps, and he had to admit the price and selection were entertaining. I even bought a small piece of 12 year old cheddar. We’re saving it for a “special” occasion.

When you visit the store, you can have them cut cheese off a block, invest in a bag of cheese curds, pick up a bottle of Hunt Country Wine (they are a satellite winery), buy some frozen scone dough, pick up a bag of apples in season or poke through their huge variety of flavored cheeses. (I highly recommend the smoked Gouda and Bacon Cheese, it placed 4th in the contest, along with their Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cheese. Mmmmm.)

If you’d like a tour, give them a call in August. They generally have one day in September where they give “behind the scene” tours. As they’ve been in business for over 60 years, they have a lot of stories to tell about cheese making and what they do to promote capitalism. For those of you who don’t know, Mr. Kutter has made several trips to Russia, to help a ‘capitalist” cheese industry get started. His tales about Kutter’s history, and his trips to Russia are fascinating.

If you go to www.cheesefacts.org you can find all kinds of “cheesy” tidbits. I thought the following might come in handy:

Serving and Storage Tips

• Keep like cheeses together, wrapped in waxed paper (change the wrapper each time you use the cheese). Place cheeses in a loose-fitting food-bag so they won’t lose moisture, while maintaining air circulation.

• Totally wrap blue cheeses, as mold spores spread readily, not only to other cheeses but to nearby food items.

• Chilled cheeses should be taken out of the refrigerator and consumed at room temperature.

• Cheeses contain living organisms that must not be cut off from air, yet it’s important not to allow cheese to dry out. Hard cheese can last up to 8 weeks, soft cheese only a few weeks.

• Do not store cheese with other strong-smelling foods. As a cheese breathes, it will absorb other aromas and may spoil.

• Wrap soft cheeses loosely. Use waxed or greaseproof paper rather than cling film.

• In a perfect world, you’d store your cut cheese at around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit and 80% humidity. Best option in the fridge is to keep it in a vegetable drawer to help protect it from the dehydrating air flow.

• If your aged cheese picks up mold while in the refrigerator, simply trim it off, but if mold occurs on softer cheeses, they are well past their prime.




- Dawn Ireland-Monsees

Sugar Highs

There’s nothing better than pancakes with REAL maple syrup.  Now that I think of it, maple syrup would probably make Cod Liver Oil palatable.  Sugar Maples are a true gift - shade in the summer, vibrant red leaves in the fall and sweet sap in the spring.

If you’ve never experienced this treat, or seen how it’s produced, I’d recommend a trip to one of the maple farms we have in Genesee County.  This is Maple Sunday Weekend and our farms will have maple products, demonstrations and tours.  You can visit:

Indian Acres Maple Farm, 2005 Broadway Road, Darien, NY, 585-547-3557 (they generally make maple cotton candy)

or

Randall’s Maple Products, 10307 Smithley Rd., Alexander, NY, 585-547-3596

For a full listing of maple farms in the area visit: www.mapleweekend.com

Or, if you want to make your own syrup, click here.

Just don’t do what some urban, maple syrup hobbyists did in central Massachusetts.  They thought they found the perfect solution to a lack of sugar maples in their neighborhood.  They started tapping trees in a nearby cemetery, which the authorities frowned on, calling the practice “tacky.” Which, of course it was, in so many ways.

Maple syrup is not everyone’s “sugar of choice,” but I suspect most of you ladies out there would agree that chocolate, in all its forms, is comfort food. (Here’s a tidbit for you, did you know that in the 1700s, hot chocolate was a thick mixture of water and cocoa – WITH NO SUGAR ADDED? Yuck.)

One of the best places I can think of to get my chocolate fix is Oliver’s Candies.  Right now, everyone at Oliver’s is in full-blown, chocolate-bunny, mode.  Easter Basket’s just wouldn’t be the same without the bunny - whether it’s solid or hollow, sitting up right, or on all fours.  My parents used to hide the baskets on Sunday morning, help us find them, then make us get all dressed up and go to church. Now, what child do you know of that wants to leave behind a full basket of candy?  That should have been my first inkling that life just isn’t fair.

Oliver’s not only provides basket bunnies and a huge assortment of jelly beans, cream eggs, etc. They always have a 4 foot hollow bunny for you to drool over. (for $475, you can carry it home)  I wonder how long it would take for me to eat a bunny that size? Any guesses?

HINT: For those of you who would like a real baby bunny, visit Herbly Wonderful in Batavia - and the neat thing - they'll board your adorable pet during the winter. The boarded rabbits help to heat their greenhouses. Talk about going green! They also have colored eggs that the chicken lay in blue, green, tan brown, ect. Instant Easter Eggs.

By the way, the answer to the frog question from my last blogg is five. Deciding is NOT doing.

- Dawn

Sure and Begorrah!

Meaning: “would you look at that” or “give attention to that”

I love St. Patrick’s Day! Those of you who know me understand why. Let’s see, I’m fair complexioned, have red hair, my maiden name is “Ireland” and I’m learning to play the harp. I guess you’d call me “stereotypical.”

I’m happy with my Irish roots. Though the country of Ireland is beautiful, there are many beautiful landscapes in the world. What sets Ireland apart is its people. Their history is one tragedy after another, but they’ve always survived with a story to tell, or a song to sing. (Okay, a pint of Guinness might also ease the pain) But, I think their real strength is their ability to channel those emotions into creative outlets, and in doing so they make the world a better place.

Each year I search out the Irish activities in our area. This year I have a couple of recommendations:

• March 19th the Genesee Chorale will bring our area a special treat, “An Irish Celebration.” Aside from the wonderful Chorale (they really are an undiscovered “gem” in our area); you’ll be entertained by the Sampler Trio, Jim Kimball & The Geneseo String Band, and the McMahon School of Dance. The show goes up at the Batavia Middle School on Ross Street at 7pm. I’m looking forward to this Irish extravaganza! It should be one of the few times my red hair won’t stand out in a crowd.

• You can join the high spirited celebration at O’Lacy’s Pub, or Delevan’s on the 17th. Of course, everyone is Irish at that point.

However, if you want to experience that “sense” of Ireland, you’ll visit O’Lacy’s on March 21st, from 3-5pm. Acoustic minstrels will be roving from table to table, entertaining with stories, songs and foolery. Order a Guinness, and make sure to ask for the shamrock on top. They recently came in third in a contest sponsored by Ireland-based Diageo Co., the makers of Guinness. In fact, the contest brought to light that O’Lacy’s “pours” the best Guinness in the Eastern United States!

Speaking of Guinness, believe it or not, it can be used for more than drinking. Yes, you can make Guinness cheese spread, brownies, cup cakes, chili and more. Here’s a link to some intriguing recipes:

http://bit.ly/bGw56n

An Irish Riddle: Five frogs are sitting on a log. Four decide to jump off. How many are left? (see my next blogg for the answer)

Slaỉnte,

Dawn

Past Elegance? I Hope Not!

I love the craftsmanship and beauty of vintage items.  I’m a graduate of Nazareth College, and I remember going through the costume area at the Arts Center, wistfully studying the clothing that had been donated by wealthy patrons at the turn of the century.  We don’t see that kind of attention to detail today: covered buttons, tucks, smocking, velvets, handmade lace, exquisite hats (sigh).  Now mind you, most of the items were a size 2. (And people wondered why corseted women needed “fainting” couches.)

I’ve decided that I’m going to get my fix for that “bygone era” this year by attending the Holland Land Office Museum’s Antique Show.  They have so many “one-of-a-kind” items, from 46 different vendors.  There will be furniture, collectables, jewelry, books and more.  As long as people cherish the beauty of things created for another era, I’m hoping we’ll retain some of the “graciousness” of that time.

The Antique Show is going to be held at Batavia Downs on March 12^th from 5-9pm & March 13^th from 10am – 4pm.  The cost is $4, but watch the Penny Savers for the dollar off coupon. And as an added incentive, Batavia Downs Casino will have food and gaming specials for attendees. I hope to see you there!

Curtains & Dogs

“Brilliant sunlight bounced off the warm, brick storefronts. The alley loomed ahead, its shadowy entrance an obscene slash between the buildings. If only she had another choice…”

Just trying to set the mood. If you haven’t heard of the “Who-dun-it” musical, Curtains, it may be because it hasn’t been done much in Western New York. But, if you love mysteries and musicals, you won’t want to miss this. I’m especially excited to see the performance because a young man from our church has the lead, and I know him to be a fabulous actor. The curtain will be going up (pun intended) at the Le Roy High School, March 5th & 6th, at 9300 South Street Road. Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door. (www.showtix4u.com) I’ll be there “Opening Night,” and I hope you’ll join me.

If you like mysteries, go to:

http://www.mysterynet.com/solveit/

and test your skill.

Mysteries are just one type of story, and stories are a great way to understand the human experience – even if it’s written from a dog’s point of view. See the world the way “Enzo” does, when you read “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein. If you’re a dog lover, this is the book for you.

Each year, Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans County libraries partner on an area-wide book discussion. On March 11th, the program will culminate with Garth Stein visiting our area, discussing his book, and doing a book signing. This is such a great program. Aren’t libraries wonderful! Where else can you participate in things like this for free? If you’d like to get involved with a discussion about the book, visit www.taleforthreecounties.org for particulars on a time and place.

Music Makes the Movie?

With the 82nd Oscars just around the corner, (March 7, 2010) I started thinking about how much music adds to a film. When LeRoy dedicated their new High School several years ago, the RPO was invited. They opened with the theme music for Harry Potter, and I was instantly transported to the magical world of Hogwarts.

Can you imagine an action film without energetic music, or a thriller without eerie chords warning you that whatever is just around the corner can’t be good? We depend on music for atmosphere and if done well, it can become the movie. Star Wars fans, can you really see Darth Vader without thinking – Dum, Dum, ta Dum, Dum – okay, you get the idea?

Our Genesee Symphony Orchestra understands how much people love the music associated with movies, so they are doing “The Oscars at the Symphony” this weekend at Genesee Community College. (Sunday, February 28th from 4-6pm) The ticket prices are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+), $5 for students (18 & under, or GCC Students) and $30 for a family. 585-343-0055 ext 6814 or www.geneseesymphony.com

The concert should be a great way to get you “revved up” for March 7th. And just in case you aren’t aware of the nominees for the main categories, see below:

Best Picture: Avatar, The Blind Side, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Bustards, Precious, A Serious Man, Up, Up in the Air

Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, Colin Firth, Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner

Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Carey Mulligan, Gabourey Sidibe, Meryl Streep

Directing: Avatar, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Nine, Sherlock Holmes, The Young Victoria

www.oscar.com

By the way, Avatar was GREAT. Can you tell who I’m rooting for?

Dawn

Winter Projects

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I find myself looking around the house saying “You know, I really should finish the wainscoting in the kitchen.” We all start projects, and you might even finish them right away – but for those of you who are like me, I have some suggestions.

The Batavia Area Jaycees are holding their 57th Home, Garden & Trade Show on Feb. 27 & 28th at Batavia Downs. You’ll find great ideas for new projects, as well as building enthusiasm for your current labor of love. They’ll have workshops, seminars, sales and give-a-ways from 10am – 7pm on Sat and 11am – 5pm on Sun. The cost is only $4. ($3 if you save the coupon that will be coming out in the Daily.)

Of course, you may not need to decorate, but organizing would make your life a lot less stressful. I went to a GO Art! Salon recently, (The salons are fantastic, if you’ve never been to one.) anyway, mine was on organizing and Jennifer Ford Berry spoke. She’s from our area, and has published a book entitled “Organize Now!” She had some great tips, such as making sure everything that comes into your home has a “place.” It sounds simple, but I went home and discovered how much of my clutter couldn’t be “put away.” If you’d like to purchase her book, or would like to find out when she’ll be holding her next workshop, contact GO Art! at 585-343-9313.

Just think, if you get organized and finish your projects inside, you won’t need to worry about outside until aaaaah March? Okay, in spite of what that darn groundhog says, I’m hoping for an early Spring.

Have fun with your projects!

Dawn

Creating Christmas Memories

I find it hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, and I haven’t done much to create any new Christmas Memories. (Sigh) With that in mind, I’ve decided to take some “me” time, and attend the theatrical gems that Batavia Players and Go Art! have been kind enough to sponsor this season.

I can’t wait for “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” What is it about Charlie that brings a smile to my face? Maybe it’s that we can each find a little of ourselves in his woes. He and his buddies are going to be lighting up the stage at John Kennedy Elementary at 7:30pm on Dec. 18th & 19th. Directed by Pat Burk, this is Batavia Player’s 11th Winter Holiday Production. Tickets are on sale ($5) at the door or online at www.bataviaplayers.org.

Of course, one of my all-time favorite stories is “A Christmas Carol” (I’m partial to the George C. Scott movie version), and I’m enthralled by the notion that Charles Dickens used to entertain audiences by reading his stories out loud. Mike Randall will portray Charles Dickens in a one-man show on Dec. 20th at Go Art! He’ll be bringing the characters to life as he reads this charming tale of transformation. I hope you get the chance to join me at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Call Go Art! at 585-343-9313 for ticket information or purchase them online at www.GoArt.org. For those of you who can’t decide, you will be able to get tickets at the door.

Now, I realize some people want to take just a bit of a “time-out” from the shopping routine, so why not start a “fun” tradition of visiting the Holland Land Office Museum’s Wonderland of Trees? Adults are $4, seniors are $3 and children under 12 are FREE. They have three rooms packed full of trees that have been decorated by local businesses and organizations. This year’s theme is “Toys,” and the museum has jumped into the spirit by bringing out of storage some toys from their collection that haven’t seen the light of day in many a year. (Make sure to ask about the whistle made out of a pig’s tale. Yep – just what I’d want to put in my mouth.) Actually, I like going just to get tree decorating ideas. The museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10am – 4pm.

Please take time to experience the wonder this season has to offer. If I don’t see you, I hope you, and your families, have a memorable holiday!

By: Dawn Ireland-Monsees

O Christmas Tree

In days gone by, my husband and I used to traipse around the Christmas tree farm, find the perfect tree and cut it down ourselves. These days we visit the farm in October, mark our tree and have it cut down for us. Yep, we’re done with wet knees and freezing temperatures.

However, we still make a fuss over decorating. I love the holiday season, and this year it’s going to be extra special for me because I’m the MC for “Christmas in the City” in Batavia, NY. On December 4^th, the festivities will open with a tree lighting ceremony at 5pm. Santa will be there, I’ll lead some carols and we’ll illuminate the tree.

Then join me inside the City Centre to be entertained by Batavia’s Concert Band, BHS Jazz Ensemble, Disney’s High School Musical by ENCORE! Theatre Arts and OHM’s Band. If there’s any down time on the main stage, I’ll be singing and reading Christmas stories.

Of course, you’re going to want to shop. All the stores downtown will be filled with Christmas cheer, and many will offer their own entertainment until 9pm. There’ll be wagon rides, food samples, strolling carolers, great deals, coupons and much more. I can’t wait. I hope to see you there!

Oh, and here’s a tip for those of you who don’t have room for a real tree, or want a creative centerpiece for the table. Why not make – a boxwood tree.

You’ll need:

• Floral foam (the soft foam that takes on water)

• Floral tape

• A decorative base that’s at least 2-3 inches deep and holds water

• A large bundle of boxwood branches – cut pieces 3-4 in. from the tip (you can get them from a florist, or find someone with a shrub that needs trimming – like mine)

Shave your foam to a conical shape, then soak it in water. Once it’s saturated, stick the foam into the base, and secure it with the floral tape. Start at the bottom, and insert your boxwood stems into the foam, angled down so only your decorative base shows. Work your way up the tree, making sure you can’t see the foam. Decorate with all of the wonderful miniature ornaments that are available these days. You can even add battery lights. (You’ll need to find a way to hide them in the base.) ENJOY! If you keep your boxwood tree watered, it will last a lot longer than a regular tree.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is, what else…. the food. However, I still want to have time to do the other family activities, like watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the dog show. My solution – shop for items my family will love, but I don’t have to make.

Country Cottage, in Darien Center, NY makes some of the yummiest pies you’ll ever taste. If you haven’t been there before, it’s at 10448 Harper Road, off of Route 20 (near 77). It’s one of the “hidden gems” in Genesee County! The charming cottages are filled with unique gifts, and then there are Bruce’s baked goods. The only thing that MIGHT beat his caramel/apple pie would be his Portabella Mushroom Soup. But, if you want a pie, you have to order early.
(585-547-9591)

Of course, I could really treat myself, and order my whole meal from the D & R Depot Restaurant, on Rt. 19, in LeRoy, NY. Sean tells me they have the ovens going, non-stop, for 72 hours, and cook from 55 to 70 turkeys. You can get your turkey whole, with all the trimmings, or buffet style. (585-768-6270) But if you choose to eat there, you needn’t lament the lack of leftovers, D & R has come up with a solution. You can get a bag of “leftovers” to take with you for around $2, so you can have that turkey sandwich in the middle of the night.

Let’s be thankful for friends, family, and the abundance we have in this country. We’re so blessed. My celebration is going to include something new this year, a Pumpkin Pie - without the work of a finicky crust. It’s by Kathy Hartwig of Batavia, and was published in the “Genesee County Bicentennial Recipe Collection:
Easy Pumpkin Pie Without Crust
Combine:
1 box yellow cake mix (remove 1C. from mix)
1 stick melted margarine
1 beaten egg
Beat with fork until blended; pour into 9 X 13-inch greased pan.
Combine in a separate bowl:
1 large can pumpkin
½ C. light brown sugar
3 eggs
2/3 C. milk
1 & ½ tsp. cinnamon
Pour over cake mixture.
TOPPING:
1 C. reserved cake mix
½ C. sugar
½ stick cold margarine
Mix and spread over mixture in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 min.; serve warm with Cool Whip.

You Know the Holidays are Coming When…

The appearance of ribbon candy is a sure sign for me that the holidays are about to pounce. I had the opportunity to watch Oliver’s Candies in Batavia, NY make their super thin ribbon candy a few years ago. They can only make it when the temperature and humidity are just right. It’s amazing to watch them manipulate the gooey mass until it has stripes, then run it through a fingered disc to create the “wave.” It has to sit for a time before they can pick it up and box it. The rows of boxes hold 10 flavors, and are beautiful to behold.

If you’ve never had their ribbon candy, try it. The super thin candy dissolves right away, coating your mouth with bright, fruity flavor. It’s not like anything you’ll find in the grocery store. It’s very fragile; Oliver’s Candies can’t even ship it, making it a truly “local” specialty. Jeremy tells me they’re going to start selling it November 16th. He won’t give me the recipe for the candy, but he did share his quiche recipe, so I’m passing it on to you.

Swiss Cheese and Ham Quiche

• 6 ounces shredded Swiss cheese

• 6 ounces diced smoked ham

• 1 pie shell, unbaked, 9-inch

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• dash cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Sprinkle cheese and ham over bottom of pie shell. In a mixing bowl, beat remaining ingredients together. Pour over cheese and ham in pie shell. Bake in preheated 375° oven for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cut in wedges to serve. Serves 6.

By: Dawn Ireland-Monsees

Ghostly Weekend

I'm tickled to have the opportunity to chat with you from time to time about some of the things I see and do in Genesee County. I'm Dawn from the Tourism Department at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and this last weekend I enjoyed scaring locals and visitors to our area. I give a Ghost Walk that starts/ends at the Engine House. The walk is nearly two miles, and I told stories about nefarious murderers from the late 1800's, spiritualism, grave robbers...normal Friday night entertainment - at least in October.

And to round out my weekend, on Saturday night I dressed up as “Ruth” for the annual Cemetery Tour. Poor Ruth died on a farm in Batavia in 1917, and no one ever discovered her full name. Of course, she might have been easier to identify if her murderer hadn’t made sure she’d never be recognized.

I’m doing it all again this weekend (Oct 23 & 24), so call 585-344-2550 ext 2613 if you’d like to join me for a Ghost Walk (3 tours starting at 8pm) Can’t make it on Friday night, then call 585-343-0248 and visit me in Harvester Cemetery. You’ll travel luminary lined paths, and meet costumed actors portraying historic Batavians (7-8:30pm). There is a small charge for both these events, but the admission benefits the County History Dept. and the Batavia Cemetery Association. They’ll appreciate your support, and I’ll try to make your visit memorable.

By: Dawn Ireland-Monsees