The World's Best Popcorn Popper

Just in! We are so excited to have the Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper in our store! This popcorn popper has revolutionized homemade popcorn. After receiving this as a Christmas present and using it at least once a week since, we decided it was a must for our own customers! There is so much to say about it, I hardly know where to start. First of all, it makes healthy all-natural popcorn that tastes as great as the movie theatre...well our movie theatre tastes old and stale, so that really isn't a good example. All it takes is 1 teaspoon of oil for a full 6 quart batch. And every single kernal pops thanks to its hand crank stirring system. And don't get worried about getting tired, even if Ed Begley isn't your neighbor, I think you have enough stamina to turn the crank for 2 minutes! Each kernal pops up big and fluffy because it has steam vents which allow moisture to escape. It is so easy to clean, just open and wipe and your done!

3-D Easter Bunny Cake = Cute + Yummy

I just got some great advice on how to bake the 3-D Bunny Cake with NordicWare's terrific Bunny Cake Mold from my friend Janice.

1. Start with a box of Betty Crocker's Pound Cake Mix. Make sure to butter and flour pan well.
2. Fill bottom half of bunny form to the ledge, but do not go over the rim!
3. Place this half on a cookie sheet to catch any spills in the oven as well as to keep it level.
4. Put top half of bunny on top of filled pan. You can tell which is the top pan because it is the one with the little hole in it. That hole is used for steam to escape, but it is also a great way to test the cake without removing the lid.
5. If you have any extra cake mix, fill a mini loaf pan.
6. When the bunny cake is done, take the cover off and let it cool completely. It will stand up perfectly when finished.

Janice likes to put the Bunny Cake into a cello bag with a ribbon on top and a little easter grass on the bottom. She also recommends trying it with a brownie recipe for a great 'chocolate' bunny look!

The Wisdom of Skiing Wachusett

After spending years waking up at 2:30 am to make it to Loon Mountain in time for the lifts to open, I have finally wised-up. There are ideal conditions right here in Massachusetts, "Waa, Waaa-Chusett"! It really is mountain skiing minutes away. And I paid half the price and drove 1/4 of the distance! With virtually no lines I was able to pack in a full day of runs. I did Ralph Run about 20 times. It is an easy, relaxing sloping run, great for the old legs. I found myself yelling, "Yah, Hah" while I was going down the trails. It had been too long! When I needed some refueling a delicious corned beef sandwich with swiss cheese and russian dressing, cole slaw and marbled rye was waiting for me at the incredible lodge. I was impressed with both the quality of the food and the price, which rivaled any of the great deli's of Water Street in Worcester. No wonder Ski Magazine ranked them as the best in the east for food on the mountain. Then it was back to a perfect day of carving down the slopes. I hope to get back there soon!

A Touch of Culture on Cape Cod

Sometimes it seems if it weren't for our children we would do nothing but work. Yesterday, with help from my daughter, we experienced a little culture right here on Cape Cod. Thanks to her first grade friendship with a little actress we were drawn to see "The Sound of Music" performed by very talented Cape Codders at the historical Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans, MA. Living on the Cape can sometimes take the fashion out of your dress, the style away from your hair, and very often the "popular" out what you know about pop culture, but if you take the time you will be surprised to find the cultural experiences available. It was our first show at the Academy in Orleans which at first it reminded me of old small-town theatres found in college towns dimly lit with layers of paint on antique beadboard and pipes crossing the ceilings, but once we climbed the creaky stairs we were pleased to find a theatre in the round (or square as it may be) where the ushers take each guest to their seat- because you would never find it without their savvy. After a witty introduction by the director, we were treated to a wonderful production of one of our favorite things, "The Sound of Music"! We loved it and we joyfully can't wait to go back for more!