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

FREEBIE FRIDAY! Enjoy Vermont Fun for FREE or Dirt Cheap!

Take a covered bridge tour. Everyone always says..."we just have to see some covered bridges while we're here!" And it's true - covered bridges are a trademark of Vermont. These amazing structures are a unique feature of the Vermont landscape, taking us back to a distant time and place. And there are more covered bridges per square mile in Vermont than any other place in the world, with 107 authentic covered bridges located throughout the state. In nearby, New Hampshire, there are several others to see. A photographer's delight, for sure.

Your cost for this glorious day - $0.

Here's a peek at what you'll see here - watch video.

Rice Crispy Encrusted Scallops...really????

This might sound a bit wacky, but guests absolutely LOVE it. You have got to try this recipe!

Rice Crispy Encrusted Scallops with Grilled Asparagus and Melon (Appetizer to serve 4)

Ingredients:
8 Large Sea Scallops (U/10)
1/2 cup Rice Crispies

1/3 of melon (honeydew or canteloupe)

12 Asparagus Spears
1/2 bunch parsley-chopped

Egg wash (beaten egg in bowl)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Prep hot grill /Have blender handy
Chef note: Only use very fresh dry-packed scallops, nothing soaked in "treated liquid".

Method for purees:

• Cut asparagus spears in half and place on hot grill. Cook only 1/2 way through. Set aside
  
• Place melon pieces on grill until slightly limp. Remove and set aside.
  
• Cut tips off 6 asparagus spears. Place stalks in blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt & pepper. Set aside.
  
• Rinse blender. Place melon pieces in blender (no rind). Puree until smooth. Season with salt & pepper. Set aside.
  
  Method for scallops:

From scallops, remove tough ligament if still attached. Rinse and pat dry.

Coat the flat sides of each scallop with Rice Crispies. Brush with egg wash. Keep sides clear of Rice Crispies. Secure the coating by patting down with hands.

Place a skillet on medium high heat. Heat 1 tsp of oil. Sear the flat sides of scallops only until golden in color.

If they need to cook more, place them on baking sheet and bake in oven at 350 degrees until preferred doneness. Note 2-3 minutes = medium rare.

In bowl, toss remaining asparagus spears with a little EVOO and 1/2 the parsley.

To Plate:

Spoon some asparagus puree on the center of each plate.

Place the asparagus spears on top of puree.

Spoon the melon puree all around, as garnish design

Place scallops on top of asparagus. Drizzle with a little EVOO. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve & enjoy.

FREE (or dirt cheap) Vacation Ideas - Part 3. Visit the Grand View Winery

It's Freebie Friday again! Folks are starting to catch on to the fact that you can enjoy great getaway days up here in "North Country" and not spend the bucks!

Our Free vacation activity for the week is... a delicious visit to the Grand View Winery. Take a glorious countryside drive to this wonderful winery in East Calais, VT. (just 30 minutes from Rabbit Hill Inn) Here you will be welcomed by some very friendly folks, taste some lovely and very unique wines.

Besides all that, you'll be blown away by glorious view of the Northeast Kingdom. They don't call it "Grand View" Winery for nothing. Wander through the gardens and soak in the tranquility. It's a perfect place for a picnic. You'll want your camera, for sure. Your cost for this memorable experience - $0

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!

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.

"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!