Hard Ciders

Cider is made from fermented apple juice. As with wine, the character and quality of the resulting product will bear heavily on the variety and quality of the fruit used. Modern, mass-produced ciders more closely resemble sparkling wine in appearance. More traditional brands tend to be darker and cloudier. They are often stronger than processed varieties and taste more strongly of apples.

Back in college I studied abroad in London and quickly gained a likely for hard ciders. Particularly, Strongbow, a traditional English dry cider. It is not as 'sweet' as American Ciders but also not as easy to find now back in the US.

Here are a few American hard ciders I have found but haven't tried all of them...I would love to get your feedback if you have tired or do try any of the following.
- Ace Apple Hard Cider
- Doc's Draft Hard Apple Cider
- Farnum Hill Semi-Dry Cider
- Original Sin Hard Cider



If you have any recommendations on different ones to try please let me know.
Thanks!

Brilliant Idea for Leftover Wine

After a get together with friends or just your curiosity of wanting to sample various bottles of red wine leave you with leftovers? Then try this warm mulled wine perfect for the chilly nights ahead.

Mulled Red Wine
2 teaspoons black peppercorns, crushed
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1 3-inch cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
2 750-milliliter bottles of fruity red wine, such as zinfandel or Merlot
3 bay leaves
Zest strips from 1 orange
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar

Wrap the peppercorns, fennel seeds and cinnamon in a cheesecloth and tie closed with kitchen string. Bring the wine, cheesecloth bundle, bay leaves and orange zest to a slow simmer in a large saucepan and cover. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove cheesecloth bundle, bay leave and zests. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Serve warm in stemmed glasses or mugs.
Note: If not serving immediately then let cool completely and can be stored in a pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve reheat gently.

Fall Festivals

Fall is officially here and with that comes lots of festivals celebrating the turning of the leaves, apples and hay rides. Following are several festivals that I hope to make it too!

Octoberfest
Put-in-Bay, OH
October 11th -12th

This Put-in-Bay family tradition celebrates Oktoberfest with lots of food and live entertainment by the Maxx Band. Great family fun Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Enjoy your favorite German foods including spatzel, cabbage rolls, brats, sauerbraten, Wiener schnitzel and all your favorite German sweets! Held under the large tent located on Toledo Avenue near the downtown depot.
Tickets required - $4.00-$6.00
www.putinbay.com


Applebutter Fest
Downtown Grand Rapids
October 11th, 2009

If you're the type who appreciates life's simple pleasures, then this is the event for you. Take a quick trip south of Toledo to the village of Grand Rapids for an afternoon you won't forget! Always held the second Sunday of October, this festival features Heritage Craftsmen, juried crafts, entertainment, great food, vintage farm equipment, re-enactment groups and pioneer demonstrations, the traditional apple butter stir, and shops brimming with goodies.
www.grandrapidsohio.com


Family Fall Festival
@ Toledo Botanical Garden
October 11th, 2009
www.toledogarden.org


Little Boo at The Zoo & Pumpkin Path
@ Toledo Zoo
October 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 25th, 2009

The Toledo Zoo is the most exciting place to be this Halloween! Don't miss all the "ghost-travaganza" fun!

"Little Boo" is the perfect Halloween party for preschoolers who may be too young to enjoy Pumpkin Path. Trick-or-treat stations, games, and Fisher-Price's giant play area are just part of the fun! Costumes are encouraged. Pumpkin Path offers more trick-or-treat stations than Little Boo, but there are no age restrictions - if you can't make it out for Little Boo, your preschool poltergeists will enjoy Pumpkin Path too!
www.toledozoo.org/events/events_pumpkinpath.htm

Fall Festival @ Levis Commons
Perrysburg, OH
Friday, Oct 23rd - 25th

Pumpkins, Hayrides, Scarecrows and Candy, Oh My! Mark your calendars for The Town Center at Levis Commons’ annual Fall Festival ... 2009 promises to be the most festive Fall of all. Trick-or-Treat from store-to-store, get crafty with Fall projects, sing around the bonfire and cozy up with warm treats.

A few highlights happening each day...
Friday, the 23rd:
-Trick-or-Treating 5-7 p.m.
Put on your costume and come out rain or shine to Trick-or-Treat from store to store.
-Children’s Arts & Crafts 5-8 p.m.
Kids will enjoy a variety of imaginative hands on activities, including making slime with Toledo's new Imagination Station.
-Hayrides 5-8 p.m.*
Your family will enjoy a scenic horse-drawn ride around The Town Center. Hayride pick up will be located on Chappel Dr. next to Licata Jewelers.
-Costume Contest 7 p.m.*
Mary Beth and Rick from 101.5 The River will help to find the area’s best little ghosts and goblins.

Saturday, the 24th:
-Hayrides 5-8 p.m. Hayride pick up will be located on Chappel Dr. next to Licata Jewelers.
-Bonfire 6-8 p.m.*
Get cozy around the bonfire with warm treats and a sing-along with Kerry Patric Clark. Bring a blanket for a comfy seat.

Sunday, the 25th:
- Red Ribbon Run 8-11 a.m. 5k, 10k and Family Fun Run through Levis Commons. Come out and support a drug-free community. Click here for entry form.
-Family Fun 11 a.m.-2 p.m.Following the run, join us for our seat check, crafts, hayrides and more.
-Hayrides 11 a.m.-2 p.m.Hayride pick up will be located on Chappel Dr. next to Licata Jewelers.