Terrific Holiday Cookie Recipe - Quick, Easy, Oh So Delicious!

Maple Apple Cranberry Cookies

Yield: 2 dozen. They freeze well too!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2 eggs (well beaten)
1/2 cup Crisco (melted)
1 Tbsp maple extract
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup apples (peeled, cored and chopped)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
add any other dried fruit or nut desired

Mix dry ingredients and set aside (flour, baking soda, baking powder)

Pour beaten eggs in separate mixing bowl. Add melted Crisco and extract. Mix well.

Add dry ingredients to egg mixture.

Fold in apples and cranberries

Prep cookie sheet with lining of parchment paper or coating of cooking spray

Drop dough by teaspoon onto cookie sheet

Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes

Donut Muffin Recipe - Everyone's asking, so here it is! Warning - they are addictive!

Rabbit Hill Inn Donut Muffin Recipe

yield 24 muffins

Dry Ingredients mixed in bowl:
4 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg

Wet ingredients in separate bowl:
1 cup oil
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups sour cream
2 tsp vanilla

Topping mix in separate bowl:
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon

1/2 cup melted butter in separate bowl

Method:

• Wisk dry ingredients together in bowl


• Wisk wet ingredients together in separate bowl


• Gently fold wet & dry mixtures together with spatula until just combined


• Spray muffin tins with cooking spray


• Preheat oven to 350 degrees


• Wisk Using your hands, scoop out batter and fill each muffin to top.


• Bake 15-20 minutes (test for doneness


• While muffins are baking, stir together the topping ingredients. Set aside.


• When muffins are cool enough to handle, take each muffin and dip tops into melted butter,


• Dip into cinnamon/sugar mixture. Coat tops generously. Let sit for a few minutes.


• Now they're ready to enjoy!

FREE (or dirt cheap) Summer Vacation Ideas ~ Franconia Notch State Park

Looking for some great summer getaway ideas? Don't want to travel too far or spend too much? Keep your eye on this blog for great (and cheap) travel tips to make your New England vacation fun-filled. Here's tip #1 -

Franconia Notch State Park - it's loaded with summer fun!

• Miles & miles of hiking trails (from easy to exhilarating) - $0



• Great Bike Path (both paved and packed dirt) - $0



• Explore the Flume Gorge & waterfalls - $13 See Video



• Hike the waterfall trails of the Basin - $0 See Video



• Ride the Tram to the summit of Cannon Mountain - $13. See Video



• Covered bridges - $0



• Relax & swim at Echo Lake Beach - $4



• Rent kayaks or canoes and paddle the day away - $10 per hour



• Fly Fishing in Profile Lake - just the state license fee $10

Franconia Notch State Park is just 20 minutes away from Rabbit Hill Inn. Check out the Park Packages now available.

SUMMERFEST, June 13th ~ Huge fun in a small town!

Just 10 minutes away, you'll discover Littleton, New Hampshire ~ proudly listed as one of the Top Ten Small Towns in America. A small town filled with old fashioned charm and genuinely friendly folks. You are invited to join them in their annual celebration of Summerfest held on Saturday, June 13th.

Just come on down to Main Street and you'll be in the middle of the party. Festivities start at 10:00am. In addition to all the unique shopping, the working gristmill and beautiful covered bridge... you have to check out the special Summerfest activities.

Start off at the Craft Fair for wonderful wares crafted by true artisans. Then bring your appetite down to Main Street to the "Taste of North Country". Enjoy the amazing fare of 12 outstanding area restaurants. Yes! Rabbit Hill Inn will be there, serving delicious Four Diamond dishes. No hum drum hot dogs at this event. This is really good stuff! At 1:00, join everyone to watch the parade. Then return the "The Taste" for dessert. If you wish, stick around for the Block Party that starts at 6:30. What a day, huh?

Summerfest is like the celebrations of days gone by. But for Littleton, it's an annual party that everyone awaits. Folks come from far and near. So mark your calendar and come join the fun. Be assured, you'll have a few new friends before you leave Summerfest. We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Twitter doors are open at Rabbit Hill Inn. Come on in!

Now you can chat with Rabbit Hill Inn on TWITTER. Chances are, that if you are reading our blog, you are probably turned on to Twitter. So come on board and join us on Twitter. It's a great way for us to stay in touch. You'll always be the first to know what's going on here! And watch for occasional special offers exclusive to our Tweeple.

Our Twitter address is http://twitter.com/rabbithillinn.

See you there.

Vermont Locavore Chef goes "Farm Fresh" All The Way

Chef Matt is a dedicated locavore ~ a true "Pasture To Plate" chef.

Starting from our own gardens and greenhouse, more than 90% of all foods served at Rabbit Hill Inn come from a 60 mile radius of the Inn. This includes dairy, produce, herbs, poultry, and meats. Seafood is premium catch from Browne Trading on the coast of Maine.

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is mostly unspoiled countryside, rich with farmers who proudly provide us with endless varieties of everything. Chef Matt visits select farms and farmers markets daily for product harvested just a few hours before. Our farmers are always at the kitchen door delivering the "best of the day". As a result, our Four Diamond cuisine is truly extraordinary. Menus revolve around the farmers offerings.

During your next visit, join Chef Matt at the Farmers Market and learn how to be a locavore shopper. Or, if you prefer, visit one of our local farmers. We guarantee, you'll be taking a taste of Vermont back home with you. Some plan in advance and take coolers. And don't forget the locally roasted coffees, artisan cheeses, chocolates, jarred and canned treats, flowers, plants, and fine crafts. It's all here. It's all delicious. Be sure to meet Jill from Gourmet Gardens ->

Maybe this is why Vermont is one of the TOP 3 HEALTHIEST STATES IN THE USA! Not that we're bragging. So when you come to visit...bring your appetite. You DON'T want to miss this.

WOW! America In The Morning Radio covers Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway

What a thrill! We got a call from the producer of the Jim Bohanon Show/America In The Morning - Westward One's award-winning radio news magazine. The show broadcasts from Washington D.C. and is syndicated across the US.

They heard about the "Pink Slip" Giveaway and wanted to share the story with their nationwide listening audience. The piece aired in a few time slots and before you know it, we heard from folks from Scranton, PA to Las Vegas, NV. It was an amazing opportunity, for sure. Our heartfelt thanks to Jim Bohannon and Tom Delach for helping us share the news! If you wish to hear the show - click here.

"Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway" ~ Rabbit Hill Inn gives a break to unemployed.

Rabbit Hill Inn is giving away (6) two-night getaways to couples dealing with the anxiety of unemployment. Why? Because we are tired of all the negative news! As unemployment rates are skyrocket, we asked ourselves, "How can we make a difference?" We can't change the economic climate, but we can soothe the souls of others who find themselves suddenly caught up in the nightmare of job loss.

We know first hand the challenges of being unemployed. For a few years, back in the 90's, we were in the same boat. We remember the intensity of that stress and its effects on a relationship so our compassion goes out these people. A relaxing getaway is needed now more than ever. They may have the time, but not the money.

A free Rabbit Hill getaway is the perfect remedy - allowing couples to unwind and turn their back on the daily grind for a couple of precious days to focus on each other. Hopefully, they leave re-energized, emotionally stronger, and ready to conquor the challenge of a job search.

If you know someone who has been unemployed for more than six months and can really use a break, urge them to enter the "Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway". Click the link and learn the details on how to enter. All entries must be submitted by June 1st.

Watch Rabbit Hill Inn on Wheel of Fortune!

Vermont's Rabbit Hill Inn is going to be a prize on "The Wheel"! How cool is that? Watch Wheel of Fortune on Tuesday, March 24th to see if someone wins a 6 night getaway to this luxurious Four Diamond inn. Although the show has already been taped, it's a big secret whether or not someone has won the prize. Wheel of Fortune airs in 28 countries to some 44 million viewers. We think this is great exposure for the Northeast Kingdom, the real Vermont! Through BedandBreakfast.com, who covers airfare and rental car, Rabbit Hill was selected as the quintessential New England getaway for quiet romance, elegant and sophisticated dining, great outdoor activities, and nature's peace. We are thrilled and we hope you'll watch!

Vermont Getaway Deals starting at $250 w/ meals & gratuities!

"HOT DATE" winter specials are back!

Save 20% when you book this "room and dinner"

package for specific dates. Getaways start at $250

for two, with breakfast, dinner and gratuities.

Don't waste another minute.

Click here for further details

Rabbit Hill Inn awarded "TOP 12 INNS WORLDWIDE" by Bedandbreakfast.com

Rabbit Hill Inn was selected as one of the Top 12 Inns Worldwide in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards for 2008-2009. The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of nearly 50,000 independent reviews submitted to BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide.

"We know how important independent reviews are. We're delighted that inngoers concurred that Rabbit Hill Inn is a favoirte among those seeking the B&B experience" explained BedandBreakfast.com's Sandy Soule, one of the most highly recognized authors and a spokeswoman for the B&B industry. "It's clear that the Rabbit Hill Inn earned high marks from inngoers for their fine accommodations, fantastic dining, amenities, and wonderful hospitality and service," commented Soule.

"We are thrilled to be chosen one of the Top 12 Inns Worldwide by BedandBreakfast.com Award and proud that our guests posted reviews that resulted in this award," stated Leslie Mulcahy. "It's gratifying that our level of hospitality and attention to detail were recognized by inngoers who took the time to write reviews of Rabbit Hill Inn." Here's an excerpt from one of our reviews:

"You need to see for yourself as it is so difficult to describe how absolutely fantastic it is to stay at this Inn. From the innkeepers, staff, rooms, food, nothing is too much trouble and every comfort catered for -- just brilliant! November 2008

"TOP TEN" ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER VACATION

Without exaggeration, there are endless activity options for summer fun in Vermont. But the votes are in from the Rabbit Hill Inn guests. Here are their TOP TEN summer fun choices -

10. The Tasters Tour ~ A very tasty journey through the Northeast Kingdom, including Cabot Cheese Factory, Goodrich Maple Farm, Grand View Winery, Ben & Jerry's, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Green Mountain Chocolates, and more.

9. Visit the Summit of Mt. Washington ~ 3 ways to get there: Drive the Auto Road, Ride the Cog Railway, or, if you dare, hike the trail.

8. Crystal Lake ~ swim & relax by this pristine, beautiful lake. Locals like to keep this spot a secret!

7. Bike The Kingdom Trails ~ 100 miles of awesome trails. Highly recommended by National Geographic Traveller. Bike rentals easily available.

6. Daytripping to Stowe, Woodstock, Montpelier, and several other neighboring hot spots.

5. Lake Willoughby ~ This grand glacier lake offers swimming, canoe & kayak rental and terrific nearby hiking trails up to Mt. Piscah & Mt Hor.

4. Zipline Adventure ~ Ready for something new? Nothing beats "the Zip".

3. Drive the White Mountain Trail & Kancamagus Byway ~ New England's most scenic 100 miles!

2. Golf, golf and more golf! 3 terrific courses. Great savings with our Golf Getaway package. Need we say more?

1. Franconia Notch State Park wins 1st place!~ This summer fun destination has it all. Endless hiking, bike path, waterfalls, covered bridges, swimming, kayak & canoeing, fishing, and an awesome Tram to the summit of Cannon Mountain. Everyone goes back for more!

Try This New Lobster Recipe

Summertime dining calls for fresh seafood. In our recent "Inn Good Taste" Cooking Class, Chef Tim prepared this terrific lobster dish. Try it at home, you'll be glad that you did!

Lobster, Roasted Corn, and Smoked Cheddar Ravioli

served in a Brandied Lobster Consomme

Serves 8

Ingredients for the ravioli:
32 wonton wrappers
3 cooked lobster tails
2 oz lemon zest
2 tsp olive oil
2 roasted corn cobs
4 oz shaved smoked cheddar
salt & cracked pepper to taste
1 oz water


Method:

• Cut corn off cobs
• Finely chop lobster meat, then mix with corn
• Add salt & black pepper to lobster mix
• Whip single egg with water
• With pastry brush, egg-wash the edges of wonton wrappers
• Place one ounce of lobster mix in center of each wrapper. Add a pinch of lemon zest & a sprinkle of cheese to each center
• Place top wrappers and press to seal edges
• Cut with a 2" round cookie cutter. This makes round ravioli.
• Saute in frying pan with 2 tsp of olive oil until golden brown on each side

Ingredients for Consomme:
3 Tbsp canola oil
1 lb lobster shells
1/4 cup brandy
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 galic cloves
3 shallots
1/2 fennel bulb
4 cups water


Method:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add shells and saute for 1 minute without stirring
• Start stirring occassionally until shells are brown
• Add brandy, garlic, shallots, and fennel. Cook until veggies are soft
• Stir in cold water and tomato paste and bring to boil. Boil for 15 minutes
• Strain through a fine sieve

Place 2 raviolis in each bowl. Ladle consomme over them and serve.

Ziplining...It's The Hottest Summer Activity!

Have you heard? ZipLining is one of the hottest new outdoor adventure activities. What's even better is that you can Zipline right here in New England (just 25 minutes away from Rabbit Hill Inn).

For those who need a little explanation, this exhilarating outdoor adventure forces you to lunge out of your comfort zone and experience new heights -- literally. You get strapped into a harness, securely clipped to a cable and then zip along the tree tops of the White Mountains.

But know one thing -- at Alpine Adventures, your safety is paramount! You're in good hands with the folks at Alpine Adventures. Every precaution is taken, and your guides are always present. If we had the slightest doubt, you would NOT be hearing this from us. The Boston Globe checked it out and said, "It's magical, breathtaking and awesome." You can even choose your level of adventure. The extreme zipline course offers up to 1800 feet of zipline, 250 feet off the forest floor. They also offer dual zips and shorter zips from 100 to 800 feet.

Now it's your turn to take the plunge. Book your ZipLine Adventure package. We'll take care of all the details. All you have to do is bring your thirst for fun and adventure!

Shhhhhh... Free Wireless Internet, But Don't Tell Anyone

Can you keep a secret? Yes, we do have Wireless Internet. And yes, of course, it's free (I can't stand it when places charge you for stuff like that). So, if you must, go ahead and bring your laptop. But remember... YOU ARE ON VACATION!

It's nice to check in with family, send pictures of your Vermont vacation to your friends, saying "wish you were here". Take a video of your Zip Line ride or visit to the waterfalls and put it on YouTube. This is fun stuff.

But try to resist the "other stuff". Set up your email auto-reply and tell everyone that you are away and have no internet access. They don't need to know that we have WiFi. It will be our little secret.

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Vermont Farmers Markets

You probably never considered going to a Farmers Market while on vacation. Well, in Vermont, it's a "Must Do". Those "in the know" visit 4 or 5 during there Vermont getaway. Here's why...






1. Soak up the local culture. Eat the food, listen to the music, and visit with the locals.

2. Amazing produce! Local farmers proudly present fresh everything (mostly picked that day). Real Organic produce is easy to find here.

3. Ooooh the cheese! Chat with artisan cheesemakers and sample all the unique choices.

4. Fresh, I mean really fresh, meats (chicken, beef, lamb). And eggs - still warm from the chicken.

5. Meet the artisan bakers. Taste artisan breads & baked goods. Treat yourself to a real Vermont cider donut (not the 99% sugar kind from the store).

6. Liquid Gold. You can't forget the Vermont maple syrup...and the maple sugar, maple butter, maple cream and maple candy.

7. Talk "bean" with a local coffee roaster.

8. Be tempted by all the specialty products - jams, jellies, chutneys, honey, tapenades, pestos,sauces, and pickled anything.

9. Check out the glorious floral bouquets & plants, the candles, colorful yarns just spun, wood crafts, and numerous other irrisistable artisan crafts.

10. You may even meet a painter or photographer displaying a gallery of artwork.

Saturday is the biggest "Market Day". You can easily visit 4 markets in one day! Hey, it's a great way to really explore the Northest Kingdom, enjoy loads of fun, eat great food and take stuff back home. Come and squeeze, sniff, and taste for yourself...bring you cooler, you're going to need it!

Wed - Danville 8-11 am / Newport 9-1 pm
Fri - Hardwick 3-6 pm / Island Pond 12-4 pm
Sat - St. Johnsbury 9-1 pm / Craftsbury 10-1 pm
Newport 9-2 pm / Littleton 9-2 pm
Sun - Cabot 10-2

Memorial Day Weekend in Vermont

An artisan's studio is a place of inspiration - as well as perspiration. It's also a place few other people get to see -- unless it happens to be Memorial Day Weekend in Vermont.

Each year, hundreds of Vermont artisans open their studio doors to the public, allowing you the chance to see the artistry behind the art. Participating artists include furniture makers, glass blowers, ironworkers, jewelers, painters, potters, printmakers, quilt makers, sculptors, weavers, and wood carvers.

During Open Studio Weekend, held each Memorial Day Weekend, visitors get a fascinating glimpse of how such artists work. Artisans, in turn, get the chance to showcase their work as well as the context within which it was created.

And of course, as a statewide celebration of the visual arts and creative process, Open Studio Weekend is also a wonderful showcase of the state itself, representing one the best touring opportunities of the year. With studios clustered throughout the state, visitors can meander along quiet back roads or through the heart of Vermont's historic districts with relative ease.

Open Studio Guide Maps are available at the Rabbit Hill Inn. Simply ask an Innkeeper to guide you to the studios throughout the Northeast Kingdom. Be warned... you will not go home empty handed!