VixieWixieCakes joins the greenhappenings-h2o family

Greenhappenings-h2o welcomes VixieWixieCakes to the growing family of sites powered by Dandelion Creative, LLC.


Sussex...naturally and greenhappenings-h2o - are happy to support the work of this young Sussex County talent. An aspiring Cake Artist, this recent Sussex Tech Culinary grad is currently enrolled at SCCC. She hopes to soon be attending the Culinary Institute of America where she'll continue her training in Baking and Pastry.
Victoria has already created some unique sculpted and traditional cakes -each beautifully crafted and creatively designed. We feel she shows huge potential for success and who knows? she may one day beome a Food Network star!

Follow Vicki's most recent creations and updates at:
http://vixiewixiecakes.blogspot.com/

vixiewixiecakes.com

VixieWixieCakes...custom cakes with a dash of magic!

MOHAWK HOUSE Sparta NJ- A Green Happenings Favorite

MOHAWK HOUSE, Sparta -Offering Sussex County inspired
FARM TO TABLE delights.


Green Happenings had the distinct pleasure of experiencing first hand the culinary mastery of Chef Stefan and the delightful hospitality of owners Rachael and Steve.  The Sunday afternoon lunch was beyond words-hitting all the high notes of taste, ambiance and hospitality that have skyrocketed Mohawk House to the top of our list of local favorites.  
The establishment is one of the first in Sussex County to actively seek partnerships with local farmers and producers. The ambition: to offer patrons unique dishes flavored with the best of Sussex Fresh. 
Dedicated to incorporating locally grown produce and locally produced ingredients into their menu selections, Rachael and Steve are sure to continue to delight their patrons while at the same time, supporting the local agricultural community.  Their vision: To contribute to the preservation of the rich agricultural heritage of Sussex County by supporting the sustainability of our local farmers. 


While this vision is great for agriculture in Sussex County-it's even better for food lovers!


Without compromise, Mohawk House sources the best ingredients from the most reputable local producers for their Farm to Table selections.  And the selections are abundant!
Under the masterful direction of Chef Stefan Sabo each dish is well thought out, prepared with care then perfectly plated and presented.  
 *read more about Chef Stefan:
http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2009/09/03/sparta_independent/news/23.txt




In celebration of the local Honey Harvest
 Mohawk House presents: 
A honey inspired menu September 12 and 13th

*Liberty Farm Sweet Onion and Goat Cheese Tart - Rosemary Roasted Plum Tomato, Arugula, Honey Dressing.

*Olive Oil Poached American Red Snapper - Quinoa, Sundried Tomato, Key Lime and Honey Essence.

*Honey Glazed Long Island Duck - Leg Confit, Basmati Rice Cake, Fine Herb Salad, Lavender Jus.

*Artisanal Cheese Selection - Truffle Infused Honey, Hickory Smoked Almonds.

*MOHAWK HONEY BLOSSOM COCKTAIL - HONEY LIQUER, CITRUS VODKA, VANILLA SYRUP, POWDERED HONEY RIM*


Find out what Sussex County is buzzing about-Honey inspired FARM TO TABLE creations at Mohawk House, Sparta NJ.

Carol Decker Print Auction-Lusscroft Farm Wine & Cheese Event

LUSSCROFT FARM WINE AND CHEESE EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Carol Decker-Nationally known wildlife artist and Sussex County resident has made this beautiful print-from her 2009 collection available for silent auction at the 5th Annual Lusscroft Wine and Cheese Event- Saturday, September 12.

Lusscroft Farm has a special place not only in the hearts of Sussex County residents, but in our nation's agricultural history.  In it's hay day, Lusscroft Farm achieved recognition for its contributions to the dairy industry.  Later the property became a research and education facility for many Rutgers University students and later still the farm was home to "unforgettable summer camp fun" for countless 4H members.

Lusscroft Farm features several outbuildings and a main house-referred to as the mansion- which are in great need of restoration and repair.  Funds generated through the 5th annual Wine and Cheese event-held at the farm- are dedicated to those efforts.  Proceeds from the winning bid on this beautiful print will be donated in their entirety to the cause. Opening bid starts at 200.00.  Auction closes at 3:15.

Tickets for the Wine and Cheese Event are still available.
The event features locally grown foods, prepared by the budding culinary masters of Sussex Technical High School (under the direction of their chef instructors), NJ wines offered through Cava Winery.  Special label selects from this 2009 fundraiser will be available for purchase at the event and locally at Cava Winery in Hamburg.  A generous portion of the proceeds will be donated to the restoration fund.

Music, a picturesque setting-ideal for photography-great food and friends- the 5th annual Lusscroft Farm Wine and Cheese Event.  Saturday, September 12th.

For specific details click on our link to the Sussex County Board of Agriculture website.

An Apple a Day...your NJ Grown favorites

Apple picking season is on its way.  We've been polling readers to find out their favorite NJ Grown choices-and with 30 varieties of apples grown in NJ alone, this was no small task-whether you enjoy the crisp crunch of a first bite-or sweetly baked apple crisp- our Apple a Day blog will make your mouth water!
Granny Smith is a top pick of our Green Happenings readers-maybe it's the color?
These tart tasting apples are great for all-purpose use.








LOOKING FOR A FANTASTIC NEW RECIPE?  We found a great one on the Food and Wine website. Kate Newmann contributed this little slice of culinary heaven:

mith Apple and Brown Butter Custard Tart

• ACTIVE: 1 HR
• TOTAL TIME: 3 HRS
• SERVINGS: 8 TO 10 SERVINGS

• MAKE-AHEAD
• STAFF FAVORITE

INGREDIENTS

TART SHELL

1. Vegetable oil spray
2. 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3. 1/2 cup sugar
4. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
7. 1 large egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water

FILLING

1. 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 1 cup sugar
3. 5 large Granny Smith apples (6 to 8 ounces each)—peeled, cored and cut into 6 wedges each
4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
5. 2 large eggs
6. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS

1. MAKE THE TART SHELL: Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray an 11-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom with vegetable oil spray. In a food processor, pulse the flour with the sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the butter and egg yolk mixture and process just until the pastry comes together. Turn the pastry out onto a work surface and knead 2 or 3 times. Press the pastry evenly into the tart pan and refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
2. Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill loosely with pie weights. Bake for about 35 minutes, until the edge is set. Remove the parchment and pie weights and bake for about 20 minutes longer, until the tart shell is lightly browned all over.
3. MEANWHILE, MAKE THE FILLING: In a very large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add 1/2 cup of the sugar; cook over high heat until just brown. Add the apples, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat, turning once, until lightly caramelized, 12 minutes.
4. In a small saucepan, cook the remaining stick of butter over moderate heat until the milk solids brown and the butter is fragrant, about 7 minutes. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until thick and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, then beat in the browned butter, scraping the milk solids into the custard mixture.
5. Pour the custard into the shell; arrange the apples in a single layer of slightly overlapping circles. Bake in the lower third of the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the custard is puffed and richly browned. Transfer to a rack and cool before serving.

Look what Sussex County has cooked up-a food lover's weekend to remember!

Just a short ride from NYC, Philadelphia or Central Jerz Sussex County is a world away from the everyday.  

Plan your weekend food adventure- 

Sept 19 & 20.

The fun begins as you travel the winding roads and major roadways to your destination. Enjoy the scenic beauty of farms, fields and mountains.  Check out the local farm stands and grab some  "just picked" for snacking or taking home. Pack a cooler or mark a return route-but don't miss out on this season's harvest.

Can't find what you're looking for? No worries! Head straight to the Sussex County Farmer's Market located at the beautiful Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta. Easily accessible from Route 15, 565 and 206, The Market opens at 10 every Saturday and offers the best of Sussex Fresh all under one roof- you'll love the variety of locally produced and grown products, proudly presented the members and producers of the Sussex County Board of Agriculture.
From handcrafted goat's milk soap to homemade pies and more, the Farmer's Market at the SC Fairgrounds is a Saturday destination.


If Strudel, Knockwurst, Black Forest Cake, German beer and polka music are more your thing...you don't need the passport-just set the GPS and head to the 23rd annual OCTOBERFEST at Crystal Springs Golf resort in Hamburg.

Octoberfest @ Crystal Springs starts at noon and ends at 9pm.
Saturday 9.19 only.
Lumberjack contests, pig roast, pie eating contest, and plenty of kid friendly activities- all part of the fun in this beautiful resort setting.Crystal Springs Golf resort is a premier golf destination offering a variety of courses for play and amenities for relaxation.Hotel packages are available.

Sunday morning breakfast? Your choices are plentiful -from diners to cafes, Sussex County eateries offer hearty country breakfasts served up in some unique places like- the S&S Diner in Franklin- known for creating some of the best waffles and pancakes around.
OR
Everything Homemade in Lafayette Village-offers- well- everything... homemade!

Warm, tasty baked oatmeal dressed with sweet cream, dried fruits and nuts... home made muffins...zucchini bread stuffed with cream cheese-and an assortment of menu items and other mouthwatering delights are prepared fresh daily. Everything Homemade is well known for its excellent food and friendly service. You'll enjoy the quaint, country cafe setting.

Wrap up your food event weekend with a return to the Sussex County Fairgrounds for the best grilled food event ever: Champion of the Grill.  Our community's  top grill masters compete for bragging rights and the title of "CHAMPION OF THE GRILL". Heaping portions of food, fun and entertainment are all on the menu at this annual event, sponsored by the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce.

Of course an event this big could only be held at Sussex County's premier outdoor venue-The Sussex County Fairgrounds-where there's always something fun happening!  Free and ample parking, contemporary facilities and plenty of space for any size gathering, make the Sussex County Fairgrounds a perfect place to for any event or activity.

Spend the weekend in Sussex County-Head home happy®!

Deliciously Sussex

When we were asked to put together a list of "good eats" in Sussex County, we were surprised at the variety and diversity of offerings we've found.

Sussex County offers an eating experience that is deliciously unexpected.  Sandwich shops and diners- bakeries and restaurants- this patchwork of establishments makes it easy to satisfy any taste or budget- any time of the day.

But were are these great establishments and what do they offer?

Our Food and Entertainment section will provide a guide to those "well known favorites" and some newly discovered delights.  We'll feature those stops and shops offering hearty breakfasts or lite- pick me up options-and highlight the best places for "home cooked" comfort food and hearty meals on a budget.  We'll share some great places for family dining and places to experience the culinary creativity of our area's top chefs. 

If you're looking for elegant or casual dining- or something in- between- you'll find it in Sussex County.

We're  hitting the country roads, streets and towns - to bring you our first hand insights and discoveries.

We welcome you to come along as we explore the Bounty of Sussex County.