What's up Doc?

Local Food: The use of carrots as a sweet substitute in cakes and other treats dates back to the Middle Ages, when sugar and other sources were scarce and expensive. These carrot recipes came back into fashion during World War II, a time of tight food rations and Bugs Bunny.  Now a mainstream favorite, everyone has a prized recipe for carrot cake.  Steven starts with shredded carrots from our friend Greg Williams in Wolcott and mixes in a tart cranberries from Cranberry Bob at Vermont Cranberry Company in East Fairfield.  He cooks the cranberries with this season's maple syrup from Caledonia Farm in Hardwick, and adds walnuts to the cake batter for crunch. After baking, apples from Champlain Orchards sautéed with maple syrup top the moist cake, along with almond praline crunch.  Steven twists the traditional cream cheese frosting by whipping cream from Butterworks Farm with mascarpone cheese from Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery and cream cheese from Champlain Valley Creamery to make a rich and creamy topping.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, April 29th we offer a $2.50 pint of Wolaver's, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Rosé or East Shore Vineyard Cabernet Franc.  The Elderberry Fizz, with Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin and Elderberry Cordial and ginger beer, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy:  On Thursday, The Center for an Agricultural Economy  and Galaxy welcome Severine von Tscharner Fleming to Hardwick. Severine directed and produced the film The Greenhorns and is co-editor of the book Greenhorns: 50 Dispatches from the New Farmers' Movement. Come see the film beginning at 6:30 at The Hardwick Town House. There is a $5 suggested donation to support The Greenhorns, and the film will be followed by a discussion and book signing with Severine. All the details here.

Music Notes: Folk by Association join us this Thursday, April 26 at 7:00. After more than 10 years of performing, Karen Krajacic and Jill Unger have gained a reputation for both their top-notch vocal harmonies and their grassroots approach to working as independent artists. Said to be both nostalgic and modern, soothing and energizing, Folk by Association is both a throwback and a surprise.

Local Events: The Craftsbury Chamber Players will perform a free concert in Greensboro at the Greensboro United Church of Christ on Tuesday, May 1 at 7:30.  Hailed as the "Best Chamber Music in Vermont" by Yankee Magazine, The Craftsbury Chamber Players are enjoying their 47th season of making music in Northern Vermont. Donations will benefit the Greensboro United Church of Christ and the Craftsbury Chamber Players. For more information, contact Jim West at 802-586-9814 or jimwest@craftsburychamberplayers.org.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

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