Sugaring In Schroon

It was our first venture into the world of sugaring – and we heartily accepted the offer of  Helene and Larry Vanderburgh and Analise Rigan and Merritt Hults, to observe on a small scale this wonderful tradition.

When we arrived at the Vanderburhgs, the group was assembled around two pans steaming above a fire.

In one was a boiling mixture of clear maple sap and water and the other   a batch a thin amber colored syrup in its infant stages of the boil.

As we waited for the various pans to boil, we checked out the Vanderburgh’s pails attached to the various maple trees in their yard. We learned that it takes about 40 gallons of sap to male just one gallon on syrup.

After a while the amber syrup was ready for finishing (which requires further boiling up in the kitchen atop a stove). How do we know when this moments is ready? Why, by using the tried, true and tested and very precise scientific tool used to analyze the readiness of the syrup: a handle of a spoon, when dipped into the liquid in the pan measures about an inch and a half up the handle.

That’s the sign for it to be taken inside and finished on the stove, where a candy thermometer would measure its progress into the next stage of making grade A syrup

While the Vanderburhgs  had the ultimate goal of making syrup to bottle, ready for waffles and more, Merritt had one specific  goal: to recreate a childhood treat: Maple Syrup Taffy.

To make taffy the process involves heating the just finished syrup and pouring it into a pan of fresh, white snow. Rule number 1 . Avoid yellow snow at all costs. Rule number 2. Avoid yellow snow at all costs).

What Merritt was attempting to do was make a deliciously chewy taffy. That would be achieved when the syrup reaches the 235-degree stage -- as measured by a candy thermometer – with Helen drizzling it into the pan of snow.

For whatever reason –  despite the best intentions of everyone, we instead enjoyed what could best be described as a maple syrup snow cone (without the cone!). Regardless, the Maple Snow was delicious, as we dug our spoons into the amber ice. You had to be quick, because we were soon slurping Maple syrup flavored. ice water.

With a picnic that follow, of veggie soup and cold cuts, crackers and cheese – and getting a massive dose of vitamin D from the warm sun, we have missed so much --  it was a great day in the “Daks.

Thanks to Helene, Larry, Merritt and Analise for a great day!

Oscar's Recall

One of our favorite foodie joints -- with a large following from all over these parts --  Oscar's Smokehouse, has issued a recall on a batch of its cheese spreads. From owner Jerold Quintal: "First...we want you to know that: THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTS OF ILLNESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSUMPTION OF THESE PRODUCTS".

Here is what Joe sent his customers:

VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE TO ALL OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS

DEAR VALUED OSCAR’S CUSTOMER:

On March 24, 2014 Oscar's Smokehouse, Inc. voluntarily recalled Eleven (11) varieties of its "CHEDDAR CHEESE SPREADS" following notification by the FDA of a possible Listeria contamination of cheese products supplied to us by one of our wholesale vendors. These spreads were produced and sold by us during the time period from March 21, 2013 to March 24, 2014…they all have unique 3 digit lot numbers ranging from 719 through 959.[the lot number appears on the container]

First...we want you to know that: THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTS OF ILLNESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSUMPTION OF THESE PRODUCTS.

Second...Oscars is in good standing with the USDA, FDA and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. We have procedures in place that help us immediately identify potential problems in the products that “WE PRODUCE from start to finish.” We do however periodically purchase some ingredients and “base products” from wholesale food suppliers that are used to create our “finished products”. That is the case with our Cheese Spreads…the base cheese component is purchased from a reputable wholesale vendor and is used by us to create the finished Cheese Spreads which we offer. Obviously, we take great care to make sure that we only buy the best ingredients to be utilized in making our food products…but, in this case we were truly unaware of the problem until we were contacted by the FDA. We were notified that following a routine product sampling inspection by a Minnesota state regulatory agency it was determined that “there was a possibility” that some of the finished products that the vendor produced could contain the bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes.

If you currently have any of cheese spreads with lot numbers listed…please discard… DO NOT CONSUME THEM. Please call us at 1-800-627-3431 and we will gladly issue you a refund….

Our customer call center is open: Sunday-Thursday 8am-6pm EST at 1-800-627-3431.

We are available to answer any questions you may have concerning this matter during that time. 

We repeat again: THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTS OF ILLNESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSUMPTION OF THESE PRODUCTS.

Oscar's Smokehouse has been in business for over 67 years and we take great pride in the quality of all our products. This is the FIRST TIME in all those years we have ever had to announce a recall for something we offer in our store. Since this is a very important issue we wanted to be sure you had all the information and background on what happened.

This notification required us to announce the recall of some of our cheese spreads…it is unfortunate, but it is the necessary to ensure our customers are safeguarded.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this recall may have caused, but we want to assure our customers that we will continue to produce the quality products that you have come to know and love over the past 67 years and will do so with the utmost of care.

Sincerely,

Jerold Quintal
Owner

The After Cabin Fever Party: We Can Hook You Up!

So after dancing the night away, and having a great time welcoming in Spring and saying adios to *&^%$! Winter, there is a very cool After Party @ Mr. P’s Mountain Smokehouse.

And for BBQ fans – this is gonna be your last chance (for a long while) to get your Mr. P’s fix, as Chefs Shelby and Chris take a well-earned break, before the Spring and Summer Season gets shaking!

So as soon as the action is over at the “Wolf, head  up to Mr. P's for a late night, delicious buffet.

“We’ve got chili, Mr. P’s baked beans, ribs, greens, pork, chicken and a build your own sandwich,” Chef Shelby told Schroon Laker today.

“Oh, and we’ll have a token salad.” There is a suggested donation of $5. The Smokehouse will be closed at least until the second week of May, before Chris and Shelby return from their Spring Fling!

Fat Tuesday - Fun Times

Yum, Yum, Jambalaya!

As expected, Chef Shelby has designed a brilliant buffet for Fat Tuesday! Don't forget to RSVP by TODAY!!!! Sunday, March 2 to reserve your spot, limited seating available (But there is takeout!)  Let the good times roll!. You can download the entire line-up here.

From Chef Shelby:

"We'll start the buffet with simple bases of red beans and rice, etouffee, gumbo and jambalaya. Next, you'll be able to add your choice of a variety of veggies, and if you are a carnivore, the meat and seafood! If you want chicken and andouille gumbo, you'll have it. If you want okra and red pepper jamabalya, you'll have it. And if you want etouffee with chicken, andouille, shrimp, okra, red peppers, tomatoes and black beans, you'll have it!! Win-win for everyone!