Winter, 2008

Weather
A Short Lesson on Frost

Winter has arrived and already the state of Maine is covered under a blanket of snow. All of us Mainers have our personal relationships with the snow and the cold; some like it, some don t. However, the beauty and the natural phenomena s that accompany winter deserve notice. Yes, the snow, the ice on the ponds and ice flows along the rivers are the obvious. However, it is the subtleties that enhance the entire experience. Here s a little lesson about the three different kinds of frost that casually casts itself upon any outside surface that will accept it.
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Winter, 2008
Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers
Freeport

We recently were in Freeport and visited the Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers furniture showroom. Talk about Maine branding. For 35 years these guys have been designing and producing fine furniture built here in Maine. Their trademark designs and aesthetic that is inspired by Colonial, Shaker and Arts & Crafts furniture are as familiar to Mainers as the Maine Bean Boot made by LL Bean since Bean’s humble beginnings. A recent addition to the pleasant, beautifully appointed showroom is the current art show that will be on display until late February.

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Portland Museum of Art
Bright Common Spikes
John Bisbee, Sculptor
January 24 - March 23, 2008

The current show at the Portland Museum of Art is the first major exhibition of works by Maine metal sculptor, John Bisbee. For over 20 years Bisbee has been creating inventive, varied sculptural works made from an everyday, ordinary object: the bright common nail or spike. With remarkable ingenuity he has forged, hammered, bent, cut, and welded tiny brads, nails and hand-forged spikes creating powerful, compelling works of art.
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Winter 2007
Maine Huts and Trails
It’s not Just a Trail. It’s a Path.

There is something brewing in the North Maine Woods that will make the experience of the woods more accessible to outdoor enthusiasts who prefer people power to motorized power. Almost ten years in the making the Maine Huts and Trails system is the first undertaking of its kind in the state of Maine for almost 100 years. With the original vision and dedication of a few what was once only a dream has become a reality.
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January, 2008
Torching the Tree

Every year there are thousands of fires in homes throughout the US caused by Christmas trees. Improperly installed lighting, failure to water and allowing the tree to dry out are two of the leading causes. These unfortunate circumstances have lead many consumers to break away from using a real tree by purchasing artificial trees. The personal account reflected here might help you make your decision.

The holiday hype this year was the artificial tree, and I suppose, for the pragmatist, the concept warrants consideration. They DO look real, the bulbs are already in place, they're easy to put up and so on. The price is right, too. Amortorized over time, it appears to be a good deal. Right?

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Be Green with Klean Kanteen
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

So here’s a new fear that you can add to your list: polycarbonate plastic water bottles. You know . . . the hip and practical Nalgene bottles that you’ve been buying from your outdoor supply store? The bottles you use on the hike up to Gulf Hagas Gorge in the North Maine Woods? The cloudy blue water bottle that is now covered with decals that  your kids have been using to quench their insatiable thirst at their soccer games?

Yeah, that one. It turns out recent government funded studies, environmental groups, and some scientists have raised concern that such plastic can leach bisphenol A, an endocrine-disrupting chemical.
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January, 2008
Downeast Initiative

Penobscot East ResourceCenter Stonington, Maine

The great thing about living in Maine, and Downeast in particular, are the number of low-key, yet amazingly fascinating,  projects in the works that few people know about. It’s reflected in the arts, science, food, technology or manufacturing.  Sometimes these projects are international in scope or as innocent as an activity undertaken by the local third graders.  Behind many a door in sleepy villages in Maine, something great is brewing. And the only way you find out about it is because you know somebody, who knows somebody, who knows somebody. Talk about being connected.

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February, 2008
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

Hybrids are here to stay. Critics can yammer all they want about the technology and question hybrids on actual mileage, but when driven by those willing to curb their need for speed and to adopt a few new driving skills, all the models can actually achieve the claimed fuel economies.

Similar to the iconic impact of VW Bugs and Buses in the 60’s, the hybrid is now the symbolic darling of anti-establishment types and those seeking the ultimate anti-status-status symbol. Let’s face it, every car parked in our respective driveways is a piece of the story of our cultural and personal identities. Hybrids fill a psychological need for their owners, be it guilt, making owners feel good, or for attention.
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Hezzy’s French Onion Soup

Mid-winter Blues Fighter, 2008

It’s that time of the year for hearty soups that comfort the soul and fill the tummy. Plus, the root cellar can use some attention so clear out the onions and make one heck of a soup. Our tried and true recipe for Hezzy’s French Onion Soup will never let you down as everyone loves this recipe. Unlike some of the recipes that call for beef broth we have found that using chicken broth, preferably organic, gives this soup a lighter, fresher taste. A great alternative to cooking wonder Julia Child’s recipe that brought this type of cooking to our mother’s kitchens back in the 60’s. Whenever it’s made around our house someone inevitably stops by to enjoy this treat. The Umami meter always goes up a notch with this as an offering!!

Ingredients:
½ stick unsalted butter
6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt, black pepper
3 teaspoons flour
1 cup dry white wine
8 cups chicken stock
1 sprig parsley
2 sprigs of thyme
2 bay leaves
1 baguette cut into ½ “ pieces
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese

In a large cast iron pot melt butter over medium heat. Add onions seasoning with salt and pepper. Add ¼ cup of chicken stock. Cook gently, stirring often, until onions are very soft and turn a light brown. About 30 minutes. It is imperative that the onions are not burned. Stir in the flour, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. Add the wine, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan for caramelized onions. Cook about 30 minutes until liquid is reduced. Add chicken stock.

Tie the sprigs of herbs together, drop onto the pot and let simmer 25 minutes. At this point the onions should be soft, but not falling apart.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place baguette pieces on a cookie sheet, toasting lightly, about 7 minutes. Remove from oven. Heat to 450 degrees. Place ovenproof crocks on a cookie sheet or flat pan. Ladle soup into each crock. Place baguette pieces on top so they are floating. Sprinkle the top with ¼ of Gruyere cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, golden and bubbling, about 10 minutes. Serve promptly when the cheese is still gooey. A real winter tummy pleaser. Umami at its best!

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