Chile Mango Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Kellie

It’s funny how one simple add-in can make a batch of plain old chocolate chip cookies a little more interesting.

To make these cookies, I added a heaping half cup of chopped Trader Joe’s Chile Spiced Dried Mango to a regular batch of chocolate chip cookies.  I have to admit a cheat though: instead of adding this to homemade chocolate chip cookie dough, I used a package of Krusteaze Bakery Style Chocolate Chunk Cookies for the base ingredients.  The results were similar to homemade; had I not prepared them myself, I would not have known the difference.

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Spiced Chocolate Beet Cake

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Kellie

I found a recipe for chocolate beet cake a while back on the Summit Springs Farm recipe page, and have been meaning to try it out.  On my last trip to Axis Natural Foods, I saw Summit Springs Farm beets in the produce section, and decided to buy some to finally make this cake.  The results were a very moist, not-too-sweet cake that would be excellent served warm with vanilla ice cream.

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Brunch at Pastiche

Posted on February 27, 2011 by Kellie

On one of our February “stay-cation” mornings, we decided to have brunch at Pastiche to fuel up for a snowshoe hike.  Located near the Auburn post office, Pastiche is the “original home of the double yolker” and offers delicious and very filling breakfast and brunch menu items in its restaurant.

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Pumpkin Spice Smoothies

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Kellie

After making another batch of homemade yogurt, I wanted to try making a different variety of smoothie.  This one is inspired by a recipe for pumpkin pie milkshakes, but is a much more healthful choice.


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Holly’s Own Deli & Restaurant

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Kellie

Several years ago, while taking a walk on a warm summer evening, we were drawn into Holly’s Own Restaurant by the sound of live music on the patio.  The band Veggies By Day was playing that night, the atmosphere was very relaxed, and while we had already eaten dinner, we were tempted by the onion rings and microbrews offered on tap.

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A1 Diner = A+ Dinner

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Kellie

When we find ourselves passing through the Augusta area, we often make it a point to have dinner in Hallowell at Slates or The Liberal Cup before heading home.  On many occasions, with full bellies, we’ve passed by the A1 Diner in Gardiner and each time I’ve said, “We should stop there sometime.”  On Presidents’ day we did just that.

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Turbo Veggie Soup

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Kellie

This is another recipe that was submitted by a student for the healthy recipe contest and cooking demonstration held on February 17th.  While the recipe calls for chicken broth, vegetable broth could be substituted to make it a true vegetarian soup.


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Excellent Authentic Greek Food in L/A!

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Kellie

Last time I visited my grandmother, she told me about Niky’s, a new Greek restaurant located at 30 Lowell Street in Lewiston, Maine. Knowing about my love for Greek food, she gave me a copy of the menu.  On Saturday we finally made our way over to Niky’s for the first of what I believe will be many visits.

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Maine Winter Grilling and Uncle Leo’s Rack of Ribs Rub

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Kellie

During the winter I miss grilling.  I guess what I really mean is that I miss the easy preparation and letting my husband grill…  Last weekend we decided it was time try the special spice rub my Uncle Leo gave us for Christmas.

Uncle Leo's Rack of Ribs Rub; quilted napkin holder made by Knock on Wood.*

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A Recipe Contest and a Guest Chef!

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Kellie

Before February vacation the students at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond, Maine participated in a healthy recipe contest which was organized by school health coordinator Stephanie Joyce with assistance from JSMS health teacher, Mrs. Pock.  Students submitted recipes, and three of those recipes were chosen to be prepared at JSMS by a guest chef.  Students were charged with the task of voting for their favorite recipe after trying samples of each dish.

Stuart Leckie of Bon Appetit Management Company at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine spent part of the day introducing students to new and interesting foods.  He began by asking students if they recognized some of the produce samples he had brought along with him.


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