Lake Living magazine by Laurie LaMountain

winter 2015-16 â&#x20AC;˘ vol. 18, no. 4

What I Love About Winter utility + design

the art of mollyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maine

food + wine

FREE

lakelivingmaine.com

editor’s note

Editor & Publisher Laurie LaMountain Staff & Contributing Writers Leigh Macmillen Hayes, Justin Ward, Pam Ward, Susan Connolly, Perri Black Contributing Photographers Leigh Macmillen Hayes, Molly Mains Graphic Designer Dianne Lewis Proofreader/Copy Editor Leigh Macmillen Hayes Lake Living is published quarterly by Almanac Graphics, Inc., 625 Rocky Knoll Rd, Denmark, ME 04022 207-452-8005. lakeliving@fairpoint.net www. lakelivingmaine.com ©2015. All rights reserved. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from the publisher. Annual subscriptions are available by sending check or money order for $20 to the above address.

lakelivingmaine.com

6 utility + design

14 what i love about winter

8 be puzzled

16 once upon a winter

by laurie lamountain

by leigh macmillen hayes

10 the art of molly’s maine

by perri black

cover photo leigh macmillen hayes

by leigh macmillen hayes

book reviews by the owners & staff of bridgton books

19 food + wine

molly mains

leigh macmillen hayes

Everyone has their own methods for “weathering” Maine’s longest season. For some, it’s their favorite time of year and precisely why they live here. For others, it requires some creative coping skills. Here’s what the staff at Lake Living has to offer— Dianne Lewis, our currently singlehanded designer, who broke her elbow in a cycling accident this past summer: Snowshoeing with Miss Ruby (her dog) or skiing with Ms. Laurie (me) (whhaahhaahhaa!…sniff…snort…sob) Scotch Opening a can of peaches that I canned on a steamy late August day Scotch Getting anything out of the freezer that was preserved from the garden/ summer bounty and remembering the smell of dirt under my fingernails Did I mention Scotch? Leigh Macmillen Hayes: My only way to cure such a disease is to step outside. I’m one of the few who embraces the cold and loves the shorter days. Of course, I do keep my Christmas candles lit in the windows until May! Perri Black: For me, winter in Maine is no different from any other time of year. I cook, read books set in faraway places, watch reruns of old TV sitcoms, and pretend I am somewhere exotic. And a few of my favorite things are: Lavender baths, my trusty hot water bottle and Anna Karinina (again) However you feel about winter, we hope you weather this one well. —Laurie LaMountain

winter 2015-16 • vol. 18, no. 4

lakelivingmaine.com

utility+design by laurie lamountain

ur patented Rogue Wallet is unlike any other wallet out there. In fact, we think it will be the best wallet you’ll ever own,” says Michael Lyons of Rogue Industries. That’s a pretty bold claim for a company to make about their product, but the reviews for Rogue wallets bear it out. The reasons for supporting such a claim are many, from it’s “Made in Maine” status to its quality construction to the fact that its unique, curved design is made to fit comfortably in a front pocket, thereby eluding would-be pickpockets and preventing future back problems. For this reason, motorcyclists are particularly impressed with the design. It all started with a visit to the doctor. Rogue Industries Co-Owner, Michael Lyons had blown his back out and his doctor asked to see his wallet. He took one look at the brick Lyons pulled out of his back “

“Made in Maine” is the reason the Bison wallet was purchased. My USA made wallets lasted much longer than the ‘others,’ and I have no reason to believe that will change. When I destroy the Bison wallet (I usually overload!), I’ll purchase another, as long as it’s “Made in Maine.” 6

lakelivingmaine.com

pocket and told him to stop wearing it there. He explained that stuffing a wallet in his back pocket was causing his pelvis to tilt to one side, which was putting undo stress on his spine. He also explained that the sciatic nerve, located just behind the hip joint, was getting pinched between the wallet and his hip. Skeptical at first, Lyons committed to following doctor’s orders for a week. Almost immediately, he noticed his back pain had lessened. He then started looking for a front pocket wallet to replace his old one, and while he found many, they were all rectangular. Then, when he was doing a load of laundry, a pair of jeans with a pocket turned inside-out caught his eye. Using that pocket as a guide, he made a prototype with the hard covers of outdated Tower Publishing directories he had on hand (Lyons also owns Tower Publishing). That prototype sat around the house long enough for his partner, Mary Anne, to ask when he was going to do something with it, and in 2005 he finally applied for a patent. It was, as Lyons says, a huge gamble at the time. But it was a gamble that paid off. Five years later the front pocket wallet was granted both a design and a utility patent. Today, Rogue Industries is a familyowned business, with Lyons and his son Wells at the helm. They produce around thirty variations on Lyons’s original front

pocket design profile, from the cowhide style to the best-selling bison hide to a new stainless steel version that is naturally RFID-blocking. For those of you who are not familiar with it, RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. Electronic pickpockets are able to skim credit card and identity information contained on cards and passport chips from a distance by using an RFID reader device. Once captured, the information can be written to a new blank card that operates in the same manner. Basically, it amounts to digital identity theft and is becoming more prevalent with the advent of RFID chips. Rogue Industries’ RFID-blocking line came about as a result of customer requests for a way to protect themselves. While the stainless steel wallet is RFID-blocking on its own, other styles rely on a thin layer of material to block skimming. WalletGuard® is an “electromagnetically opaque” metal barrier used in the lining of Rogue wallets, passport covers and credit card sleeves that creates a Faraday cage of electromagnetic interference to block the transmission of RFID waves. The material itself is remarkably thin, lightweight and durable. Rogue holds a patent on their RFID-blocking credit card sleeve design. WalletGuard® has most definitely given Rogue Industries an edge in the market, but it’s their premium Made in Maine line

that sets them apart. This past November, Maine Public Broadcasting ran a Maine Calling seg ment on Made-in-Maine products and how important they are to the Maine economy, and, above all, how important that moniker is to consumers. Maine has a reputation for producing quality products, and Rogue wallets are no exception. Made in Lewiston, the wallets are beautifully stitched and, unlike a lot of mass-produced goods that we don’t expect to last, only get better with age. To illustrate this point, Joel Ouellette, Business Development & Sales, reaches into his pocket and hands me his wallet, along with a new one of the same style off the shelf. His wallet has a smooth, buttery surface and a patina made richer as a result of handling and nestling in his pocket. The new wallet is stiffer and looks, well, new. I’m told it takes about six months to fully break in a Rogue wallet, especially the bison leather, but it’s well worth the wait. The softer leathers used in the buckskin and baseball glove wallets take less time. One of the newest wallets is a salmon skin wallet that they’ve subjected to rigorous machine stress testing to make sure it will stand up to daily wear and tear. It passed with flying colors and is proving very popular with the European market. Rogue “Made in Maine” wallets also have an edge when it comes to design, especially among other RFID-blocking products on the market that place function

ahead of form. For the oak tan wallet, oak bark is used to preserve the leather, resulting in a beautiful tawny color that contrasts richly with the deep brown interior. Nearly all styles are available in a choice of colors. My favorite is bourbon. Currently, the Made in Maine line accounts for 60% of Rogue Industries revenue, which comes from direct sales or through one of more than 165 retailers nationwide. The number one best-selling Rogue wallet is the bison leather wallet. In the spirit of cooperation, Horween Leathers of Chicago, one of the oldest tanneries in the U.S., provides hides for the baseball glove and football leather wallets. Then there’s the moose skin wallet, which is all Maine. But not all of Rogue Industries products are made in Maine. In order to satisfy wholesaler demand, Rogue offers a line of wallets and accessories that are produced overseas. And with an eye to the future and an understanding of who has the purchasing power, there are plans to expand their women’s line. Despite the fact that the majority of Rogue’s offerings are for men, they know that it’s women who are buying them. Father’s Day, graduation and Christmas continue to be their biggest producers. And despite the fact that they are a growing company with a vision for the future, they are ever mindful of what it is they set out to do . . . “to build a better wallet.” W

Design at Rogue is based on asking small questions again and again. The most common is “What can we make better?” Design for us is about continuous improvement. wells lyons

To learn more about Rogue wallets and accessories, visit www.rogue-industries.com.

top: baseball glove yellow leather. middle: moose leather. bottom: stainless steel diamond plate lakelivingmaine.com

Be Puzzled by leigh macmillen hayes

felt like a kid receiving a present when it came time to open the green box that sat on the coffee table. Selfishly, I waited until I was alone; this was all mine. The lid off, I admired the myriad colors and shapes of the small wooden pieces sifting through my fingers. And then I began the tradition of sorting, choosing color over shape because straight doesn’t always mean outer edge in the world of ELMS Puzzles. That’s just one of the challenges that ELMS creator, Elizabeth “Betsy” Lee McShane Stuart, worked into the art of designing her hand-cut wooden jigsaw puzzles. From the start, her goal was to puzzle the puzzler. Betsy developed this cottage industry twenty-nine years ago, after she and her husband, Fred Stuart, fell in love with Maine while vacationing at Migis Lodge. In the late 1980s, the Stuarts bought property in Harrison, where Betsy designed a log cabin with a lower level intended for the business. A second marriage for both, Fred reflects back to an early date they shared. He’d invited Betsy for dinner at his condominium in Maryland. On the table was a Hallmark puzzle he’d been building. While Fred went out to light the grill, Betsy practically threw the puzzle together. Come to find out, her Uncle Tuck used to hand cut puzzles as a hobby when she was a child and she fondly remembered him cutting the letters of her nickname into one. Seeing that Fred enjoyed puzzles, she bought a $99 scroll saw and three-ply birch. They both tried cutting, and as Fred tells the story, he was not dexterous, but Betsy was a natural. She’d majored in art, and had a career in New York. At first, in her spare time she cut small puzzles to give as gifts. But eventually, she sold her consulting business, and began to cultivate a high-end clientele, realizing quickly that she could make larger puzzles and charge higher prices.

lakelivingmaine.com

In 1990, the Stuarts moved into their newly constructed Maine home and Betsy began training people in the basement workshop. By ’99, the cutting room expanded into the garage. Sadly, in 2000, she was diagnosed with late stage cancer. While she underwent chemotherapy treatments, Fred, an engineer by degree, took accounting courses so he could help keep the books. After Betsy passed away in 2007, Fred, with the aid of long-time employees, Lisa von Hasseln and Rose Guay, kept the company going in the spirit that Betsy had created and today the jigsaws still hum. I wouldn’t be surprised if the women who carry on Betsy’s legacy also hum a bit while they work. I know they beam with joy about their profession. Every day, they get to be the elves who actually make the real thing and within the confines of their brightly lit workshop a rhythm evolves. It all begins with the art. As artistic director, Rose has an eye for the complex—what will the cutters be able to use to challenge the puzzlers. She attains the rights for the fine art of about 200 artists, international, national and even a local—Donna Derstine. Personal photographs also become puzzles. Rose likes playing with these to create just the right image for the customer. All artwork is scanned and printed on matte paper, then laminated and finally cured for 24 hours before being mounted on wood. Though they make it look easy, General Manager Lisa explains that it takes at least six months of practice before an apprentice actually cuts a puzzle. I watch as she demonstrates the cutting process, using her thumbs to nimbly turn pieces. Concentration is important. First, the mounted picture is cut in quarters following an invisible line of heart-shaped nubs. No matter what the subject is, a plywood board is whittled down, until every piece becomes a mini work of art.

She pulls out a 6 X 8-inch piece of wood and draws exaggerated lines with nubs, quartering it. I sit on a stool and press the pedal to operate the jigsaw. I twist and turn the wood ever so slowly following the path Lisa has drawn, but my nubs have a certain creative characteristic—some are smooth and rounded, while others are a bit jagged or awkward in shape. Not bad for a first timer, but I don’t receive a job offer. A variety of silhouette shapes that either complement the subject or may appeal to the buyer’s whimsy personalize each puzzle. Creative freedom comes with the job and cutters Chris Anderson, Debby Dabcznyski and Kristin McGough enjoy a play on words and fun within the scene. As Chris cuts a winter landscape, she shows me how she’s incorporated a two piece hat into a snowman and a pair of mittens in the scene. She is a knitter, so this particular puzzle allows her to combine her hobby and job. The 248-piece puzzle they’ve let me borrow is entitled “Over The Horizon” by Russian-American artist Victor Nizovtsev. This mermaid scene includes silhouettes of a couple of mermaids and a manmaid, a seahorse, dolphin, fish and starfish. Once they are imbedded in the puzzle, they’re difficult to locate—rather like a “Where’s Waldo” scene. Each puzzle also includes a signature piece. For knitter Chris, it’s a sweater. The puzzle before me includes a cello, cut by Debby, a cellist with the Portland Symphony. Kristin’s children were born in February, so she uses a fish for Pisces. And

Lisa’s golden retriever is the subject of her piece. The back side of the signature piece is signed and dated. And the final special cut for each puzzle represents Betsy—an elm tree that reflects not only her initials, but also the wooden base for the puzzles. While elm isn’t the wood of choice, the five-ply mahogany plywood creates a sturdy structure. Added to that is the fact that the nubs are cut to be wider at the top and skinnier at the base so that when completely interlocked, you can actually pick the entire puzzle up and it won’t fall apart. Sometimes cuts are made along a color line so the puzzler can’t tell that one piece abuts another, such as one of the global lights shining on the water in “Over the Horizon.” Corner pieces are meant to be deceiving and the same is true of edge pieces, which I soon discovered. A few cover only a quarter of an inch of edge. And several straight pieces belong in the middle of the puzzle I built. It seems that the pieces each have their own character; unique and fluid. With cardboard puzzles I’ve constructed in the past, I’ve often used the overall shape of nubs, whether an innie or an outie, to figure out what piece connects to another. As I built “Over the Horizon,” I found myself turning pieces around and around, trying to place them in ridiculous positions. The overall goal of the pleasant women working behind the scenes at ELMS is to drive puzzlers crazy. No photograph of the finished work is included. Because they have

so many repeat customers, they up the ante to provide new challenges and surprises. “Some people just want to be tortured,” says Lisa. “We do get nasty hate mail. Then they add, ‘Do that again.’” Betsy realized long ago that not every one could afford to purchase a wooden jigsaw puzzle, so in 1993, she created a Rental Club. You may not be able to spend $1000 for a 300-piece puzzle, but you might be able to pay the one-time club fee of $75 and then rent the puzzle for an additional cost. Club members also have the opportunity to purchase a puzzle during the annual rental sale. Before any puzzle goes out the door, it is carefully checked by Libby Foster, who critiques it for quality control. She checks size uniformity, reinforces corners, coats the finished puzzle with acrylic enamel and then passes it on to Fred, who counts the pieces. In this close-knit environment, everyone plays a key role in creating a final work of art. As I neared completion of “Over the Horizon,” I thought it would get easier, but it never did. And then . . . just like that, I finished; satisfied, yet disappointed. Like a good story, I wanted it to continue. Thanks to the genius minds behind ELMS, to Betsy, Fred, Lisa and their crew, we can all be puzzled. W ELMS Puzzles, Inc., Harrison, Maine 04040 800.353.3567, www.elmspuzzles.com, info@elmspuzzles.com. Ask for a catalog and mention that you read about ELMS in Lake Living.

lakelivingmaine.com

ridgton-based artist Molly Mains works in an impressive array of media: oil paint, acrylics, pastel, wire, encaustic and repoussé (a form of metalwork), as well as book arts and relief printing. She obviously loves the Maine landscape, which features in much of her work, and is strongly influenced by nature, especially mountains, trees, and lakes. She is also interested in traces of human presence in the landscape, such as the miles of stone walls that cut through Maine’s woods and delineate ancient fields. Leaves, flowers, and even fish spark her imagination and are used to create some of the images in her pieces. Born in New York, Molly visited Maine during several summers when she was growing up. She says that wherever she was, she was always outdoors running around, exploring and building forts (perhaps a subliminal early foray into Earth Art?…). She graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and eventually moved to Bridgton in the 1970s, where she began a career in teaching. She has lived here ever since. Molly worked in the Lake Region school system for 36 years, starting out as an itinerant middle school art teacher traveling around MSAD 61, then finally settling into her own art classroom at Lake Region Middle School in 1985. To keep her students interested, Molly continually took courses at the University of Southern Maine and the Portland School of Art (now the Maine College of Art - MECA) to learn about new techniques and different materials. She says she loved being a student herself and found her pupils a constant source of inspiration. Molly retired from teaching about three years ago and now devotes herself full-time

10 lakelivingmaine.com

The Art of Molly’s Maine by perri black

to her artwork. Her sunny, well-lit studio, with its large windows opening onto views of fields, trees, and gardens, shows distinctive signs of an active, inquisitive mind. Sketchbooks, papers, paints, wires and a plethora of artist’s tools are scattered on tables, waiting to be picked up and used for one of her numerous projects. Molly works in both two and three dimensions, producing works on paper and canvas as well as wire “drawings,” artist’s books, and mobiles. She has never concentrated exclusively on one thing because there is always something new to try. She says, “Doing only one thing gets boring. I want to get back to being a kid and playing with stuff.” This seems to go along with what Picasso once said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” I think Molly may have found the answer. Although she always loves trying out new things, printmaking is her real passion. Most printmakers, including Molly, will tell you that they love the sensuousness and the process of printmaking—from developing the initial idea to creating a design, applying that design to a plate or block, inking up the block, and finally pulling the print. There is also the titillating element of surprise— the appearance of the final image remains a mystery until it is pulled off the inked surface with a soft, luscious sssssshhhhlck. Those unfamiliar with the medium may think that printmaking is simply reproducing an image in order to sell multiple copies of it, however, this is not true. Reproduction is commercial printing, like a postcard or poster, and, these days, it is usually done on computers. Fine prints (etchings, lithographs, woodblocks, etc.) are created

directly by the artist and are unique works of art. Multiples of a single image may be produced, but each one is individually authorized and signed by the artist and no two are completely identical. Molly often works in relief printing (woodblocks and linoleum cuts) but she is especially intrigued by “monotypes,” single, unique prints created by painting or drawing on a surface, then laying a piece of paper or fabric on the image and pulling a single print from it. Many kinds of surfaces can be used to produce monotypes—metal plates, glass, plastic, and even gelatin—basically any smooth, flat, impermeable surface. The basic concept of a monotype is simple but the results are limited only by the artist’s imagination. Molly typically rolls one color of ink onto whatever surface she is using as a “plate.” A pliable textured object, such as a leaf, scrap of burlap or a piece of string, is pressed into the ink and then pulled off, leaving its imprint behind; or the object can be inked in another color and left on the plate. A stencil may also be used to mask or reveal selected areas on the plate. A piece of paper is then placed on top of the inked up plate, rubbed gently to transfer the ink (no press involved), and the print is finally “pulled” off the plate. This gives her one image on paper, which she can leave as is or print or draw on again, and a “ghost image” left behind on the plate, which can become another print - either a paler version of the first one or reworked into a new image. Molly often cuts up the final prints and rearranges them into collages, or incorporates them in her books, cards and other pieces. She loves that one print can inspire and be used to create so many things. She also loves the “wabi sabi” aspect of the process – learning to appreciate imperfections and “mistakes” and make them work in pleasing ways. The beautiful, multifaceted possibilities of Molly’s monotypes can be seen, along with her other work, on her Web site at mollymains.com. Many of her pieces are also displayed at Gallery 302, 112 Main Street, Bridgton, and in the Artists’ Galleries at http://gallery302.com/artists-galleries/ molly-mains/. W

(page 10) Woodland Sculpture Two-color woodcut Sylvan Sunset Gelatin plate monotype (page 11) Pulling Weeds Accordian book with gelatin monotypes Sentries Japanese woodcut Current Acrylic/collage

lakelivingmaine.com

Douglas M. Griffin, VMD, CVA Diane Shively, DVM

We are a full-service hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; open 6 days a week. Specializing in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, oncology and geriatric medicine.

12 lakelivingmaine.com

554 Roosevelt Trail Windham, Maine 207-892-7575

Timber Harvesting

• Selective Harvesting • Timberstand Improvement

Forest Management

• Maine Tree Growth Plans/NH Current Use Plans • Harvest Plans • Free Timber Assessments • Timber Marking

Residential Land Clearing and Road Work • View Cuts • Road Building • Excavation and Sitework

Firewood

• Quality firewood delivered year-round

Western Maine Timberlands is a full service sustainable timber harvesting and forest management company servicing Maine and New Hampshire landowners. We pride ourselves in working closely with landowners to ensure your goals are met. Working with us eliminates multiple contracts and high commissions—generating a higher return to you the landowner. Our staff includes a licensed professional Forester as well as a Maine Master Logger. Why choose anyone else? Call us today for your Free Timberland Assessment and find out what your land holds for you. Reach us by phone at 207-925-1138 or e-mail us from the link at our Web site:

lakelivingmaine.com

What I

Love About Winter

text and photos by leigh macmillen hayes

’ve always loved winter and in fact, moved to Maine thirty years ago for that very reason. Well, that and a teaching job. The job came and went because of life’s changes, but I’m still here. And so is winter. And the more time I spend outside, the more I love it. It’s not just the cool, crisp air that I find so exhilarating. During this season, the landscape reveals itself and all its complexities. Intense color gives way to details I may dismiss in other seasons. I consider myself fortunate to be among those who celebrate winter with joy. But in order to do that, I need to head outside daily. A trip to the mailbox isn’t enough for me, especially since ours is located beside the front door. It’s in the woods that I’m most at home. Odd to think that I leave home to be at home. But that’s how it feels. In the winter world I find my smiling place. I follow mammal tracks and look for signs that tell me their stories. I know where the deer pause to browse bark, or lay down to spend a few hours at night. I check their beds, especially wherever two or three have gathered to see if their backs were to each other. The theory is that they arrange themselves this way so that they all

14 lakelivingmaine.com

have eyes and ears ready—ever on alert for predators. I’m in awe of their keen sensory awareness. I recognize the difference between coyote and bobcat prints. I’m always amazed when I realize that what I thought was one coyote, turns out to be two as their tracks suddenly split apart to surround their prey. And finding bobcat prints makes my heart jump with joy. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s their wildness. Or beauty. The fact that they are solitary, elusive and oh, so clever. I notice numerous hemlock branches scattered on the ground and look for a porcupine’s incisor marks visible on the nipped ends. Of course, before walking under the tree, I look up in hopes of catching sight of the quilled critter. More than once I have. I also want to know if it’s up there because porcupines have been known to fall from tree limbs. I don’t want to be the landing pad. I quiz myself constantly on tree bark as I continue to develop my bark eyes. I’ve learned the basic patterns of vertical strips, scales, ridges and furrows, curly and peeling. Some have easy clues that help. I look for a bull’s-eye target on red maple. Red pine could be a jigsaw puzzle. At the base of gray birch branches are triangular chevrons. Corky ash bark reminds me of cantaloupe rinds. And Northern red oaks showcase their rusty red furrows between flattened ridges that look like ski trails. I’m fascinated by the idiosyncrasies of all. I pay attention to the structure of branches and buds. Knowing that branches grow in an opposite manner on some trees and alternate on others helps to narrow down the species, especially when I question my bark ID. Maples, ash and dogwood are among those with opposite branching. And then there are the waxy-scaled buds, some smooth, others hairy. Each species presents itself in a different manner like the crowned cluster at the end of oaks, narrow lance shape of beech, or domed white ash. Without leaves to muddle the scene, other characteristics make their own statement. I search for beech trees, always scanning the bark for bear claw marks, which stand out better in the winter world. Though bears climb other trees, on the smooth-barked beech, their telltale scratches are striking. The marks I find are not fresh; they become more noticeable as the tree matures. Needless to say, I’m thrilled to witness the evidence of such wildness. I examine scat whenever I find it. By its shape, size and contents, I can often identify the critter that left it behind. Of course, as I tell others, when I’m alone, I’m 100% correct in my ID. Occasionally, I’ve been known to scoop it up and bring it home to

dry. This past year a friend said, “I don’t think anyone has ever shown me their scat collection before.” A first for everything. For the most part, though, I leave it alone because it serves as a billboard to others: gender, health, availability and boundary markers are announced through this natural package. I check out woody fungi growing on trees. Identifying mushrooms is not my forté, but my skills are improving. Among my favorites is the tinder polypore known as a hoof fungus. Because of the way the gray, concentric layers stack up year after year, it really does resemble a horse’s hoof attached to the side of a tree. Another favorite is the artist’s conk, so called because the pore surface leaves a stain where it has been drawn upon. Though these are the fruiting bodies, most of the fungus lays hidden inside the tree, where its fungal threads digest the lignin and cellulose in the wood. I appreciate the work of these organisms—nature’s original recyclers. I admire winter weeds and the interesting structures they offer in the landscape. Dried flower stalks poke their heads through the snow and display the intricate framework that once supported a blossom. While their seeds wait for dispersal, either by bird, animal or wind, they show off an under-appreciated beauty. There’s the plume-like

goldenrods with fuzzy seeds still attached. The coneflower of a black-eyed Susan reminds me of a gumdrop. Milkweed has its woody pods and Queen Anne’s Lace looks like a bird’s nest. Even in their final moments they offer a poetic statement. But most of all, I take time to wonder about the scene before me. How the ice forms on a rushing brook; the way evergreen polypody ferns curl when it’s extremely cold; the fact that witch hazel and hobblebush buds survive despite being naked; why some hemlock wounds swirl down the side of the tree. My questions are many as I make time to notice. And I’m surprised by how much the ordinary in nature constantly thrills me. Locating pileated woodpecker scat among wood chips, finding a bird’s nest in a tree, noticing how lungwort turns neon green after a snowstorm, watching a snowshoe hare for a few minutes, being startled by a ruffed grouse that explodes from its snow nest or siting mouse tracks that end at wing marks—it never gets old. And with it comes a better understanding of the extra-ordinary—a reverence for the life-systems before me in this winter landscape, where all that appears to be dead is actually alive. No matter how much time I spend outside, I come away with a natural high, thankful for the chance to be fully present. Here. Now. Winter. W

During this season, the landscape reveals itself and all its complexities. Intense color gives way to details I may dismiss in other seasons.

lakelivingmaine.com

Once Upon a Winter BOOK REVIEWS FROM BRIDGTON BOOKS

JUSTIN’S LIST If you are ever out for a jaunt in the woods and notice a lilac bush or a lone apple tree growing in the middle of nowhere, take a closer look. Chances are there may be an old foundation nearby from a bygone era. Go downhill from the foundation to find the midden or dump from the old homestead. Go uphill and you may find the well. Our ancestors left many signs and clues as to where and how they lived, and Reading the Rural Landscapes, by USM History Professor Robert Sanford, is a wonderful tool for understanding them. Learn about “marriage trees,” “Indian cellars,” ”lichenometry,” and how the farms, homesteads and commerce of yesterday have shaped the land of today. While there is some overlap with Tom Wessels’ excellent book, Reading The Forested Landscape, Sanford writes primarily about human influences and effects, while Wessels’ work is more about the natural impacts such as storms, glaciers and wildlife. My favorite mysteries tend to offer more than the standard police procedural fare so common in the genre today. I want some interesting character development and/or to be immersed in another culture or time period. Peter May’s mysteries set in the Scottish Hebrides Islands are extremely well done and provide a terrific glimpse into this unique, northern world. In The Blackhouse, May’s first, Edinburgh detective Fin Macleod returns to his island roots to investigate a murder of an old schoolyard nemesis. Revisiting his childhood and adolescence

16 lakelivingmaine.com

and the famous “Guga Hunt,” Fin tries to unravel his own connection to the crime. In his book, The Lewis Man, a body is pulled out of a peat bog after fifty years. Foul play is suspected. The “person of interest” has dementia, and age-old island secrets come into play again. I can’t say enough about these great mysteries. There has been a lot of talk about Lauren Groff’s new novel, Fates and Furies, and it is up for several literary awards this year. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique rendition of a marriage over time. Divided into halves, “Fates” is told from husband Lotto’s perspective, and then in “Furies,” the same story is told from wife Mathilde’s point of view, dramatically altering everything. Greek mythology and drama are not prerequisites, but there are some literary references and symbolism, and this book is not for everyone. “Fates” drags a little bit toward the end, but when “Furies” begins, the story really takes off, and like most people, I liked the second part better. I try not to repeat authors too often in this column, but with all the hoopla surrounding WWII novels about Germanoccupied France, I wanted to give a huge shout-out to an amazing true story from that time. Avenue of Spies by Ian Kershaw is about Maine doctor Sumner Jackson, who married Toquette, a Parisian woman, and ran the American hospital in Paris during this time. The Jacksons could have easily escaped to America with their son Phillip before the Nazi onslaught, but chose to stay and help. They lived on Avenue Foch, one of the most upscale streets in Paris, where because of its attraction many of the top Nazis sequestered homes and resided during the occupation. Although they were literally surrounded by Nazis and Vichy collaborators, the Jacksons never wavered from what

they felt was their moral obligation to help the resistance, and they began to spy and smuggle out downed airmen. Lastly, I wanted to mention two powerful novels that would be perfect for book clubs. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng is an intense family drama of a Chinese-American family. It begins with the mysterious death of Lydia, the “perfect” sixteen-year-old daughter who is not as perfect as the parents had once believed. Narrated alternately between each family member in captivating prose, the family history is peeled like an onion, layer by layer, until the stunning conclusion. This complex, emotional story has potent themes of racism, lost opportunities and living vicariously through your children, adultery, and loss — to name a few. In The Orchard of Lost Souls by Nadifa Mohamed, three Somalian women are brought together during the 1980s, a time of political turmoil. Dega, a nine-year-old street girl, Filson, a young idealistic soldier, and Kawasar, an older widow, are flung together by fate and circumstance as their country is torn apart by civil war.

SUE’S SELECTIONS One Night in Winter by historian Simon Sebag Montefiore is an engaging story based on an actual event known as the Children’s Case, when two youths of prominent Soviet officials were shot to death during a post-World War II celebration in Moscow. The story revolves around the ruthless investigation into the shootings. When Stalin demands answers, the investigation begins to spiral out of control and affect the lives of many innocent people. I’m so glad my friend recommended Elephant Company by Vicki Croke. It’s a fascinating, true account of one man, Billy Williams, and the elephants that he came to love while working for a British teak company in the jungles of Burma after World War I. He was a pioneer when it came to acquiring and training the elephants, and one of the few employees who survived the rigors of jungle living for so many years. During World War II, Williams and his elephant company worked behind enemy lines helping the forces fight the invading Japanese, as well as helping many refugees fleeing Burma. For a dark tale with some interesting twists and turns you must read The Truth and Other Lies by Sascha Arango. On the surface, Henry Hayden appears to be an honest, caring husband and famous author, but he has many dark secrets and is an accomplished liar. When his mistress announces she’s pregnant, his life starts to fall apart. Can his lies continue to hide the truth?

PERRI’S PREFERENCES tsundoku, n., Japanese - leaving a book unread after buying it, typically piled up together with other unread books. I have long suffered from chronic tsundoku but was never properly diagnosed until I encountered Lost in Translation: An Illustrated Compendium of Untranslatable Words from Around the World,

by Ella Frances Sanders. Expand your vocabulary with over fifty wonderfully untranslatable foreign words, such as komorebi (Japanese – the sunlight filtering through leaves of trees) or ‘akihi (Hawaiian – listening to directions and then promptly walking off and forgetting them). A great gift for logophiles, especially luftmenschen prone to boketto and hiraeth while gazing upon the mangaia. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that compels me to underline passages and dog ear pages (of course, I only do this to books I own). Changing the Subject: Art and Attention in the Internet Age, by Sven Birkerts, is just such a book, as is his earlier work, The Gutenberg Elegies: The Fate of Reading in a Digital Age. In his latest offering, Birkerts, once referred to as the master of reflection and slow time, explores the deep benefits of reading physical books in a digitalized world constantly “changing in ways that escape our easy reckoning.” He shows us how books are still relevant, and even essential, in today’s “vaporized, virtualized” reality. In The World Without Us, journalist Alan Weisman poses the question: What would the world be like if every human being suddenly disappeared off the planet? To find out, he conducted extensive research and interviewed hundreds of people involved in a wide range of fields, from marine biology and astrophysics to art conservation and religion. The result is a compelling, often horrifying, exposé of what humans have done to the planet and how nature might reclaim it. Diane Ackerman offers a rather different view of human impact in The Human Age: The World Shaped by Us by examining the “many shocks and wonders of the current “Anthropocene” in her typical lush, poetic prose. She extols amazing human technology, scientific advances, and artistic endeavors, and also explores our capacity for destruction in our bold march forward to shape the future. In 2011, writer William deBuys joined biologist William Robichaud on a twomonth trek through the mountains of Laos to seek out the fabled soala, a “polite,” antelope-like animal discovered in Southeast Asia in 1992 and never seen alive in the wild by a Westerner. The Last Unicorn: A Search for One of Earth’s Rarest Creatures is the story of their journey. Mr. deBuys writes lyrically about the forest flora and fauna and relates confounding, sometimes

funny, interactions with local people. He also laments the escalating threats posed by humans encroaching on virgin territory and the cultural, economic, and political machinations that encourage them to do so, thereby throwing the fates of both soalas and the forests into extreme uncertainty. A Carpenter’s Life as Told by Houses, a memoir by master home builder Larry Haun, is one of my favorite recent reads and a departure from my previous four recommendations. Haun leads us through his life via the houses that influenced him, beginning with his grandparents’ sod house on the Nebraska prairie to Quonset huts, tract houses and Habitat for Humanity homes. This intriguing, philosophical journey, copiously illustrated with personal photos, is an insightful history lesson presented by a gentle, thoughtful man. And now on to some fiction… Paolo Bacigalupi’s second futuristic novel, The Water Knife, takes place in a bleak, drought-scarred American Southwest. Dwindling water resources are controlled by the elite few living in lush, domed communities, while the rest of the population scrabbles to survive in dangerous dust-filled suburban slums. “Water knife” Angel Velasquez “cuts” water for a rich property developer, but runs into trouble when he meets cyber journalist Lucy Monroe. No person is who they seem to be and situations change on a dime as the plot twists, in often violent scenes, towards an unsettling conclusion. Set in occupied Korea during WWII, a young Japanese prison guard is ordered to find out who brutally murdered a fellow guard in The Investigation, by J.M. Lee. Based on the true story of a jailed Korean poet, the narrative unfolds through flashbacks and different points of view and becomes more about poetry and people, despite the grim circumstances of history. The tragic, often silenced, history of 20th century Vietnam is told through the eyes of Rabbit, a girl who can hear the voices of the dead, in She Weeps Each Time You’re Born, the debut novel by poet Quan Barry. As beautiful as it is gut-wrenching, I immediately read it again after finishing it the first time. But if nothing above appeals to you, try Kitchens of the Great Midwest, a fun, foodie romp by J. Ryan Stradal. You’ve just gotta love a father who wants to develop his infant daughter’s palate by feeding her braised pork shoulder... lakelivingmaine.com

PAM’S PIC KS FOR KIDS & YOUNG ADULTS Homes By Judith Nouvion People live in houses, but where do birds, spiders and other creatures live? Kids frequently see animals in the wild gathering natural building materials, but less often they see the results of their efforts, which are camouflaged in nature. Colorful photographs clearly show the homes of twenty animals in their natural habitat. The adventurous author/photographer travels from deserts to forests and the depth of the ocean to showcase a diversity of uniquely and exquisitely built homes. Ages Birth+ Early Rider By William Wegman William Wegman’s Weimaraner puppies are up to a bit of mischief since their normal means of transportation, using their four paws, seems to be a bit boring. Kids will love watching the pups ride bikes, trains, planes and perform tricks on a pogo stick and skateboard. Wegman’s humorous photos, paired with rhyming text and simple illustrations, make this a playful board book for reader and listener alike. Kids, don’t try this with your dogs at home! Ages Birth+

18 lakelivingmaine.com

Dad’s First Day By Mike Wohnoutka Oliver spent the entire summer playing ball with his dad, reading and singing together, so it only made sense that the night before Oliver’s first day of school they packed his lunch and backpack together. When morning arrived, his dad’s stomach felt ill and he had a hard time letting Oliver out the door. Dropping Oliver off was the hardest thing he had ever done and he started second guessing his decision to leave his son with an unfamiliar teacher. Bold illustrations help readers see how Oliver’s dad gets over first day jitters in this comical role reversal. Ages 3+ Rhinos Don’t Eat Pancakes By Anna Kemp Hey Parents, yeah you! Every time we kids ask a question or try to engage you in an activity, we always get “Please wait until I get off the phone, Dear” or “Go ask your father.” So, of course, when a purple rhinoceros showed up and ate all the pancakes and made himself at home, I tried to tell you, but surprise, surprise, I got the same old response. Kids will be delighted to see all the fun Daisy has with the rhino and what happens when her parents finally do listen! Ages 3+ Zoo At the Edge of the World By Eric Kahn Gale Wealthy families from around the world flock to the extraordinary, one-of-a-kind zoo at the edge of the world in South America. Marlin, son of the world renowned zoo proprietor and adventurer extraordinaire, is a chronic stutterer, although most people suspect he is mute. Only his pet monkey, Kenji, and father seem to understand his intelligence and struggles. In search for one animal not found in captivity anywhere, his father fearlessly captures the wild black jaguar, which adds to their already impressive collection. Marlin mysteriously connects with the Jaguar, which bestows an unexpected magical gift on him. Forego reading the reviews on the back of the book that disclose this gift. It is better to find out in this pageturning adventure of man vs. beast! Ages 8+ Fish in a Tree By Lynda Mullaly Hunt Ally will do anything, including acting out, to avoid school assignments involving reading and writing. Her weekly visits to the principal’s office often end with adults expressing disappointment and frustration. Classmates relentlessly tease Ally for being slow and stupid, but keeping her secret of not being able to read and write seems safer than admitting the truth. Ally soon discovers she can’t hide her secret from Mr. Daniels, her new 6th grade

teacher. His compassion and the way he modifies her assignments give Ally hope, as he determines to understand dyslexia and educate Ally and those around her. This inspirational book is a must-read for kids, teachers, principals and parents, and is reminiscent of Wonder by R. J. Palacio. Ages 10+ Doll Bones By Holly Black Adventure and scary suspense makes this a great book for both boys and girls, so boys please don’t be turned off by the title. Best friends Zach, Poppy and Alice have created a fantasy game using action figures, each with a name, history and story. Without permission, Zach’s dad throws away his action figures because he feels Zach is too old to play with them. Instead of telling Poppy and Alice the truth, Zach pretends he is no longer interested in the game and their friendship starts to dissolve. Determined to reignite their friendship, Poppy convinces Zach and Alice to help her find the resting place of a porcelain doll that haunts her dreams. Although Zach and Alice don’t believe Poppy’s story, they agree to go on one last adventure to put the ghost to rest. Do they? Ages 10+ Nil By Lynne Matson The island Nil has a death grip on its captors. Teens are randomly plucked from society, passed through a scorching hot gate and tossed naked onto a pristine island known to its residents for its disturbing, perilous games. Gates randomly appear at undisclosed places and the key to getting off the island is by catching a gate. The Nil clock ticks and precious time becomes the enemy, since the prisoners are only granted 365 days before they die. Ages 14+ Sweet By Emmy Laybourne Camera flashes explode as the rich and famous stroll the ship’s deck, soaking in the glamour and attention of the rest of the crowd trying to get on board. This cruise is no ordinary cruise. It’s a launch for a new diet sweetener called Solu, and those lucky to have tickets will be the first to try it. Solu is 100% guaranteed to take off excess weight by the end of the week-long voyage. A cautious romance develops between Tom, the celebrity spokesperson for Solu, and a passenger named Laurel, neither of whom are interested in consuming the enticing sweetener. Days pass and passengers using Solu have clearly dropped weight and are having the time of their life, until its addictive side takes grip and life on board turns catastrophic. Ages 16+

Food + Wine Winter affords an opportunity to indulge in richer foods and bolder flavors. Not only are savory herbs and exotic spices naturally warming, the dishes they enhance lend themselves to an adventurous accompaniment of wines. To that end, we’ve asked chefs from a few of our favorite area restaurants to share some of their recipes with you, and J.Decor owners Julie and Rick Whelchel to provide their recommendations for a choice of red or white wine to accompany each one. Bon appétit and cheers!

3 bay leaves 1 13.5 oz. can coconut milk 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice Natural sweetener (stevia, honey, agave, brown sugar) to balance ginger (optional) Salt and black pepper Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional) Chopped cilantro, green onions or parsley

The kick of ginger gives this soup just the right heat for cold, winter evenings.

Heat oil to medium high in a 6-8 quart sauce pan. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring often, until onions are limp. Add carrots, ginger, bay leaf and thyme, cook for 30 seconds more and then add hot stock and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to a simmer until carrots are fork tender, about 15-25 minutes. Remove from heat, discard thyme sprig and bay leaf. Blend with immersion blender or transfer to blender (if using blender, blend in batches being sure to only fill blender half way, as hot liquid becomes explosive in a blender). Start by pulsing, then purée until smooth. Return soup to sauce pan and adjust flavor with salt, fresh black pepper, fresh lemon juice and a natural sweetener to taste. If too thick, add more stock. Garnish soup with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs.

2 Tbsp or more vegetable or coconut oil 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped 3 garlic gloves, minced 4 c vegetable or chicken stock, heated 2 lbs organic carrots, peeled and sliced 2-3 Tbsp grated fresh ginger (or 1-2 ground) 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

white (W) Kungfu Girl Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington $13.99 Rock star winemaker, Charles Smith has delivered another winner with this Riesling whose acidity is a good counterbalance to the dish’s rich nature and its sweetness matches that of the fragrant sweetness of the sautéed ginger, carrots and coconut milk.

enter Lovell Inn owners Prince and Rose Adams share thirty-five years of experience in the hospitality field, the past twelve of which were running an awardwinning restaurant in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. When they moved to Maine, they brought the flavor of the tropics with them. A native New Yorker and graduate of New York Restaurant School, Chef Rose focuses the menu at CLI on fresh, quality ingredients, locally-sourced whenever possible. www.centerlovellinn.com

GINGER CARROT COCONUT SOUP

red (R) Cline Pinot Noir, Sonoma, California $17.99 Pinot Noirs are a favorite match for ginger-based foods and this deep, velvety red is no exception, offering strawberry and vanilla flavors softened by its French oak aging.

FRESH SEAFOOD IN AN AROMATIC CURRY SAUCE Rose uses shrimp for this recipe, however, lobster, scallops, mussels or any firm fish, such as swordfish, will do. For a real treat, include all of the above to make a fantastic seafood curry bouillabaisse. 1-1/2 lbs wild caught shrimp, deveined 2 Tbsp or more vegetable or coconut oil 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped 1/2 c sliced celery 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground) 3 Tbsp mild, unsalted curry powder 2 bay leaves 3 thyme sprigs 1 Tbsp tomato paste 1 cinnamon stick 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk 2 kaffir lime leaves or 1 tsp lime zest 1 c chicken or seafood stock, heated Jalapeno, red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice Natural sweetener (stevia, raisins, honey, agave, brown sugar) to taste Salt and black pepper peeled and diced apple, chopped cilantro and shredded carrots Jasmine or basmati rice Heat oil to medium high in a large, deep pan. Add onions and celery, stirring often, and cook until onions are golden. Add garlic, ginger, bay leaf, thyme, cinnamon stick, curry and hot pepper. Cook while stirring until aromatic, about 30 seconds more. Immediately add coconut milk, stock, tomato paste and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half and has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, about 10-15 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 4 minutes. Adjust flavor with salt, freshly ground black pepper and a natural sweetener to taste. Garnish with diced apples, chopped cilantro and shredded carrots. Serve with jasmine or basmati rice. W Hugel Gentil, Alsace, France $16.99 This fruit-driven and floral white is a blend of lakelivingmaine.com

Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Silvaner and Pinot Blanc creating a sophisticated, off-dry and full-bodied white wine with structure sufficient to handle the complex flavors and heat of this beautiful dish. R Jam Jar Shiraz, Western Cape, South Africa $13.99 This semi-sweet red wine is packed with juicy berry flavors that work well with the heat of the curry. Its lower alcohol level and Shiraz’ inherent acidity stand up well to the richness of this dish.

ret and Amy Baker are a husband and wife team who own and operate 76 Pleasant Street in Norway, Maine. The couple opened their restaurant in a 1896 Colonial Revival home in 2010, after moving East from Lake Tahoe, California. Both are industry veterans with decades of experience between them. 76pleasantstreeet.com

PASTA WITH PESTO TRAPANESE

(almond, tomato and basil pesto) 3 c sweet cherry tomatoes cut in half (a mix of red and yellow, if possible) 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped pinch red chili flakes 1/2 c roasted almonds kosher salt 1/2 c extra virgin olive oil 1 lb dried spaghetti, linguini or bucatini 1/2 c grated Parmesan or pecorino 1/2 c dried bread crumbs pan-toasted in 2 Tbsp olive oil Place tomatoes, basil, garlic, almonds, chili flakes and generous pinch of salt in a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until it forms a thick pesto. Taste for seasoning. Cook pasta in a generous amount of salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving one

cup pasta water. Place pasta in a large bowl and toss with pesto, adding splashes of pasta water to help distribute the sauce evenly. Sprinkle with cheese and crumbs (if using) and toss. Serves 4. W Inama Vin Soave Classico, Verona, Italy $16.99 This elegant lighter-bodied wine has aromas of sweet field flowers, but exhibits good minerality with a sweet almond finish. Because it’s aged in stainless steel, it retains bright, green notes that work in concert with the basil foundations in this dish. R Purato Nero D’Avola, Sicily, Italy $10.99 A classic Sicilian wine exhibiting black fruits and spices on the nose and a lovely round expression. This Nero balances tannin, acidity, structure and length, all needed for this classic tomato-based Sicilian dish.

CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK

1 4-lb whole chicken, butterflied and with breastbone removed (perhaps your butcher will do this for you) 2 Tbsp each, rosemary, thyme and parsley, chopped grated zest of 1 lemon 5 cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 c olive oil salt and pepper 2 bricks wrapped in foil or a heavy pan that will fit in the pan in which you cook chicken

Whisk garlic, herbs, lemon zest and olive oil in a bowl large enough to hold chicken. Place chicken in bowl and turn to coat. Cover bowl and place in fridge for at least 6 hours (can be done in morning before you head outdoors). Remove chicken from marinade, season on all sides with salt and pepper and let rest at room temperature while oven preheats to 425˚. Place a large, heavy cast iron or oven proof pan over medium high heat. Once

it’s hot, add enough oil to lightly coat pan. Carefully place chicken skin-side-down in pan and top with bricks or heavy pan. Turn heat down to medium and cook 20 minutes or until well browned (resist urge to move chicken). Remove bricks after 20 minutes and turn chicken over. Place pan in oven and cook another 25 minutes or until there are no signs of pink. Remove chicken from pan to a meat board, tent with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serves 4. W Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy $28.99 Light copper reflections are present in this elegant, dry wine. On the nose, it exhibits a balance of dry apricot, pear and bread crust, followed by a creamy mouth-feel and long finish, playing nicely to the lemon, garlic and herbs in this dish. R Ruvei Barbera d’Alba, Barolo, Italy $18.99 Barbera & Nebbiolo varietals are blended in this ruby red wine. Its scent exhibits blackberries, red fruit jam and spicy notes of vanilla and toasted hazelnut. Delicate tannins, low acidity and woody notes are a perfect complement to this rustic, panroasted chicken dish.

onathan and Natalie (Knickerbocker) Spak realized their shared passion for exceptional food and hospitality when they purchased the Oxford House Inn & Restaurant in Fryeburg in 2007. Jonathan has a degree in Culinary Arts from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and over fifteen years of experience as a chef. Natalie especially enjoys sharing kitchen space with Jon to prepare the inn’s wonderful homemade desserts and breads. oxfordhouseinn.com

CREAMY PARSNIP SOUP WITH SMOKED ALMOND & BRIE CROSTINI 1-1/2 lbs parsnips, peeled, cut in 1” chunks 2 ribs celery, washed, cut in 1” chunks 1 small carrot, peeled, cut in 1” chunks 1 medium onion, peeled, cut in 1” chunks 2 qts vegetable or chicken stock or water 1-2 leaves fresh sage 1 large potato, peeled, left whole salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

Place all ingredients, except salt and pepper, in a pot large enough to hold everything with an inch or two of head space. Bring to a boil, season, then reduce

20 lakelivingmaine.com

heat to simmer. Cook until the potato is fork tender. Using an immersion blender, blend until creamy and smooth (or if using blender, blend in batches being sure to only fill blender half way, as hot liquid becomes explosive in a blender). Adjust seasoning. For Crostini Slice a baguette on a very sharp bias, place a slice of brie on it and top with ground smoked almonds. Set all on a baking tray brushed with olive oil. Bake in a 375˚ oven until cheese is bubbly and bread gets a little crispy. To serve Ladle soup into bowls and top with crostini. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serves 4 as a main course and 8 as a starter. W Milbrandt Traditions Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Washington $14.99 With notes of warm vanilla from oak aging, Honey Crisp apple, ripe pear and a hint of toast, this fruit-driven Chardonnay brings bright acidity and a clean finish to this creamy pairing. R Les Hauts de Lagarde Bordeaux Rouge, France $12.99 This garnet-red Bordeaux has lovely black currant and raspberry notes from the blend of organically grown Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. Its well-balanced, medium body and supple tannins are a lovely match for this creamed soup with Brie.

GRILLED HANGER STEAK WITH GORGONZOLA WHIPPED POTATOES, CARAMELIZED ONIONS & ROASTED CARROTS 2 vidalia onions, peeled, halved poleto-pole, then sliced in 1/4” crescents 2 Tbsp butter

Preheat a heavy bottomed pan, cast iron etc, add the butter and sliced onions. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent. Increase heat and cook, stirring frequently, until they are dark brown and well cooked. Season with salt, pepper and a shot of Worcestershire sauce. Can be done ahead and reheated. 1-1/2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into uniform chunks pinch fresh thyme drizzle honey salt and freshly ground pepper extra virgin olive oil Toss the carrots with the seasoning and roast at 400,˚ stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned, maybe 30-40 minutes. Can be done ahead and reheated.

4 potatoes, peeled and halved 1/2 c crumbled Gorgonzola cheese or any other bleu will do 2 Tbsp Butter 1/2 c +/- heavy cream Salt and freshly ground pepper Bring potatoes to a boil in salted water, reduce heat and cook until fork tender. Drain well, then transfer to bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Add butter and run on low speed until the butter has been incorporated. Increase speed of mixer to 3/4-ish and add heavy cream slowly, being careful to not add too much or they will become runny. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the cheese while still warm but just before serving. Grill, sear or broil two 12-oz steaks that have been seasoned liberally with salt and pepper to your preferred temperature. Remember to let steak rest a few minutes before serving or all the juices will run out. To serve Place a spoon of mashed potatoes just off the center of the plate. Leaning against the potatoes put 6 or 8 carrot logs. Slice the steak and fan out, resting halfway on the carrot/potato pile. Top steak with caramelized onion. Serves 4. W Eugene Meyer Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France $20.99 This off-dry French white complements the sweetness of the caramelized and roasted veggies and serves as a counterpoint to the pungent Gorgonzola, yet is full-bodied enough for Hanger Steak. R Travaglini Gattinara, Piedmont, Italy $33.99 This Nebbiolo-based wine offers intense fruit, perfect for the cheese element in this dish. Smooth tannins complement the veggies’ sweetness while its classic & robust nature make it perfect for this red meat pairing. Thank you to the purveyors of fine food and wine who so graciously contributed to this piece. If you haven’t already visited them, please be sure to tell them you learned about them in Lake Living. lakelivingmaine.com

22 lakelivingmaine.com

We have all of the gravel, stone, loam, and quarry products you need for your next lawn, driveway, or landscaping project. • Screened Loam • Crushed Stone • Crushed Gravels • Sand We deliver to western Maine and • Reclaimed Asphalt bordering NH towns. Call for delivery and pricing. • and much more!

207-452-8888

kandwaggregates.com 375 Pequawket Trail, Brownfield, ME

Locally Owned & Operated lakelivingmaine.com

24 lakelivingmaine.com