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