Who Let the Dogs In?

Local Food: Hushpuppies, a Southern staple, are now a Hardwick snack. Hushpuppies were named for the bits of fried dough tossed to the yard dogs to keep them quiet. As a starter, hushpuppies calm your appetite in anticipation of more. Steven bases his hushpuppies on cornmeal and buttermilk from Butterworks Farm, deep fried for a crispy outside and a soft and chewy inside. Smoked cheddar (also from Butterworks) and bacon from Winding Brook Farm in Morrisville add rich flavor. Moving from the South to Southwest, the hushpuppies are served with cool cabbage slaw and refreshing salsa of tomatoes, onions and cilantro from Pete's Greens.

Today, the Center for an Agricultural Economy hosts a tour of the Hardwick area for delegates from Latin America working in rural communities on women's rights, racism, poverty, and social justice. Arranged by Meridian International and including representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Mexico, the group will be at Claire's this evening, so stop by their table if you come in for the Monday specials.

Around the Galaxy: Ben Hewitt's book The Town That Food Saved continues at the top of the Galaxy bestseller list. Our next event is Tuesday, July 6, when we host James Tabor who chronicles the world of deep cave exploration in his book Blind Descent. On Thursday, July 8, we are pleased to welcome award-winning novelist Howard Norman in celebration of his novel What is Left the Daughter.

Music Notes: Katie Trautz, Director of the Summit School in Montpelier, returns Thursday July 1 at 7:30. Don't miss her old-time inspired melodies on fiddle, guitar and banjo.

Local Events: Summer music season is almost here. The Craftsbury Chamber Players Summer Music Series begins in Hardwick on Thursday, July 15 at 8:00. The concerts at the Hardwick Town House will continue on Thursday nights until August 19. The Chamber Players perform in Burlington on Wednesdays at 8:00 as well.

Summer Music from Greensboro celebrates its 32nd season every Tuesday at 8:00 at the Greensboro Church of Christ, opening on Tuesday, July 20th.