I love to cook, so our Thanksgiving is prepared by me and my entire family with a few exceptions. We always have a selection of Fastachi nuts, seeds, and mixes for guests to nibble on while the turkey is cooking. I also love the ooey gooey deliciousness of Petsi Pies pecan pie so I always have to add one to our dessert table next to my mom’s and husband’s pie.  Many people would rather leave the cooking to others and luckily there are a lot of people making some amazing food to go. All you have to do is choose your menu and get your orders in on time.

  
My fantasy menu:

Starters:

Mushroom bisque from Ten Tables ($16/quart)

Roasted Squash and Leek Soup from Formaggio Kitchen ($6/ serving)

With a choice of:

Buttermilk Biscuits with Parsley and Sage or Double Corn Cornbread with Honey and Fresh Thyme from Flour Bakery ($2.95/biscuit $9/cornbread loaf)

A slather of Sofra’s house made crème fraîche butter with honeycomb will go perfectly with the biscuits.  ($9/pint)

For the cornbread and dinner rolls I’d serve Hi Rise’s own cultured butter. ($8.50/8oz)

Turkey & Vegetarian Main:

If you want to cook a little then pop in to Pantry, in Brookline. Pantry has everything measured and ready for you recipe, ingredients and all.  Their Turkey Roulade recipe serves two and all you have to do is pop in and pick up all the elements of the dish portioned out and all ready to go.  The Turkey Roulade and Cranberry Cornbread Stuffing with Mushroom Gravy and Green Beans ($24) is for two people. Each “Recipe Kit” is pre-portioned, locally sourced when possible, and simple to prepare. 

Wilson Farm is happy to cook the entire turkey dinner for you.  Thanksgiving “to go” includes a 10 to 12 pound Plainville Farm turkey, 2.5 pounds of mashed potatoes, butternut squash, traditional bread stuffing and 2 pounds of green beans almondine. There’s also a 16 ounce jar of Wilson Farm cranberry sauce, two 13oz. turkey gravy and 12 soft dinner rolls. Then just in case your guests have room included is a nine-inch, pumpkin pie. (serves 6-8 hungry adults $129)

We have, despite my initial trepidation, become a family that fries their turkey. If you, like me, are afraid of a huge bubbling vat of vegetable oil, let Summer Shack fry your turkey for you ($95/8-10 people) and it comes with gravy. Roasted turkeys and sides are also available.

The vegetarian guests would get a generous slice of Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie with Gruyere from Sofra ($22 serves 4-6)

One gravy is good but more gravy is better.  Flour has an apple cider, thyme pan gravy that sounds delectable. 

Sides Galore:

To me, the turkey is all well and good but the feast is really all about the sides.  So continuing along with the fantasy menu there will be.

Scallion mashed potatoes from Formaggio (sm ($9) serves 1-2, med ($18) serves 4-6, lg ($32) serves 10-12)

Brussels Sprouts with crispy garlic, pepitas and sherry vinaigrette from Sofra ($18 serves 4-6)

Hi Rise’s glazed Brussels sprouts made with honey mustard and toopes with crispy morsels of bacon.

Sofra’s Bread & Butter stuffing with leeks, celery and nigella seeds ($16 serves 4-6)

Formaggio’s housemade sausage stuffing ($8/sm, $16/med, $30/lg)

Mac ‘n cheese from Ten Tables ($16/quart)

Since this is a fantasy menu I don’t have to choose, thank goodness, because I want both the meat steeped stuffing and the vegetarian one from Flour so there will be: classic herb stuffing with butternut squash, kale and apples as well as the duck-fat country bread stuffing with currants, winter greens, smoked bacon and shallots.

Flour’s roasted cauliflower with almonds capers and golden raisins ($12 serves 3-4)

Garlic braised dark leafy greens from Sofra ($14 serves 4-6)

Formaggio Kitchen’s haricots verts sautéed with almonds because there always has to be green beans. Because I love my greens I’ll also take some creamed spinach ($9/sm, $18/med, $32/lg)

We’ll take one can of cranberry sauce because there is always someone who wants that jelly, but then there will also be a few other options.

Condiments:

Maple onion jam from Sofra ($8/pint)

Quince and cranberry relish with Syrian spice ($9/pint)

Flour’s cranberry, ginger, and orange chutney ($7/pint)

Cranberry relish from Hi Rise with apples, golden raisins, ginger, walnuts and Ruby Port (my homemade cranberry sauce always has Port) $12/pint $23/quart. 

Dessert:

A selection of Formaggio’s cheeses local cheeses (this is an all American holiday after all) paired with a little of Hi Rise’s fig and almond conserve ($12/9oz jar). 

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie from Formaggio Kitchen ($27)

Sofra’s Candied Pumpkin Revani – Syrup-soaked semolina cake ($24)

1 double crust apple pie from Flour ($26)

a roasted pear and cranberry crostata also from Flour ($28)

Hi Rise’s cranberry crumble because I secretly love an oat crumble more than pie crust ($15/6 inch or $22/8 inch)

Pear, Almond and Golden Raisin Umm Ali from Sofra ($24)
A pecan pie, an apple crumb, a pumpkin and a sweet potato pie from Petsi Pies ($24 each)

South End Buttery’s chocolate salted caramel cupcakes ($18/ 1/2 dozen) because to some there is no dessert unless there is chocolate somewhere and for our little guests cupcakes are way better than pie.

Because there can always be pie for breakfast, I will add in a frangipane and pear tart from Praliné ($20/ 4 servings, $30/6, $38/8)

Now that is a feast!  

This is just a small selection of what you can get and I love that Flour has thought about breakfast too with treats like: pumpkin spice bread with candied pepitas, gluten-free chocolate chip and coconut muffin cake, a delicata squash, goat cheese and onion jam crostata, old fashioned gingebread with coffee glaze just to name a few. 

If you want to make any of this fantasy menu your reality- juat make sure yoi get your order in on time. Check online, call or stop in to meet the deadline.

I enjoy shopping, whether I’m window shopping, going to a few favourite stores at the mall (Nordstrom, Kiehls, Polarn O. Pyret, Victoria’s Secret (they have the best pyjamas), Williams Sonoma) or popping into local stores I love (Half Crown, Didriks, Hatched, Magic Beans, Henry Bear’s Park, Porter Square Books, Crate Escape/Raining Cats & Dogs, Polka Dog Bakery, Flock, Olives & Grace, Follain, Laura Preshong Jewelry Gallery, Art Beat).  On the other hand, a weekend at the mall this time of year brings out anything but Christmas spirit in me and a weekend at the mall or driving from shop to shop is not a weekend well spent in my book.  I tend to do most of my shopping before Thanksgiving just to avoid the crowds, but I always need a few more things.  My solution is to shop in unexpected places.  Then I can enjoy the experience.  Grab a coffee and shop for a few items here.  Stroll through a garden and pick up a few more gifts there.  Then the holiday remains something I look forward to and not something I resent.  Here are a few places to find great gifts without the crowds.

  
Tower Hill Botanic Gardens has a beautiful gift shop.  Take the family to see their light display or just for a walk through the gardens.  Then stop in the shop for everything from books for the family gardener to colouring books for your tween, ornaments for your relatives, and edible treats for the hostess.  

  
Huron Village is a fun little village to shop in.  With Observatory Hill just down the road you can have two shopping experiences in one.  If you bring the family, you can leave one parent at Full Moon with the kids for dinner while the other pops out to do some shopping.  Huron Village has: Susi, the Ouimillie pop up at Half Crown, Grey Mist, Marimekko, Magic Beans, Bryn Mawr Book Store and Easy Chair Antiques.  Observatory Hill will host their holiday stroll on Sunday, December 13th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Stop by Hi Rise Bread Company for their Holiday Bazaar, decorate cookies, eat freshly roasted chestnuts, shop, have your face painted, enjoy sweet bites and savory nibbles as you stroll and gget a holiday photo taken as well.  

   
    
 Pantry in Brookline is a great place for this busy time of year to grab the ingredients and recipe for dinner, a gift card for a local teacher, and believe it or not a few gifts for the cooks in your family (or soon to be cook – like your college student).  

Hi Rise will have plenty of wares for sale from artisans at the Holiday Stroll today, Sunday, but they are also a great stop for holiday shoppping.  Their perfectly curated wine crates and shelves with whiskey, gins, and more.  There are coffee cakes, Panetonnes, spice cakes, jams and more that make great gifts as well.  

  
Forge Baking Co. is another great spot to stop for your morning coffee and pick up some unique, fabulous gifts.  Their boutique has whiskey maple syrup, caramel sauce, gorgeous wooden cutting boards and so much more.  

Gather Here is a fiber crafter’s paradise. The gift of a class for just the right person young or old will make someone’s holiday. If you are the crafter in the family then stop in and get materials for a short project (there’s still time!).  

Praliné in Belmont is a newcomer and the definition of a hidden gem. It is a taste of Paris (some say even better than some of what Paris has to offer). In addition to being able to pick up a treasure box full of Macarons with flavours like blackcurrant violet, lemon, cookies and cream, chocolate and pistachio amont others, there are also classic French candies. There are also shelves full of beautiful dragées (sugar coated almonds), stunning tins of tea, French jams, and tiny jars of drunken cherries. For the holidays they also offer three types of Bûche de Noël (yule log) that you can order now for Christmas. I have my eye on the berries and cream yule log.

Formaggio Kitchen has everything from condiments and pasta to their world famous selection of cheeses and charcuterie. Special maple syrups, jams, beers ciders, and even little gifts like soaps and lotions can be found near the checkout counter. 

Fairs and Markets are not the church craft fairs that they used to be. You can still go to your favourite church bazaar but between the winter markets (Somerville Winter Market, Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market, Cambridge Winter Farmer’s Market or a market in your community), Eat Boutique’s pop up Holiday Market is fabulous and has parking (bonus!!), and all the neighbourhood pop ups there really is no need to head to a mall. These markets all have a great variety of gifts, the experience is a party in itself more often than not with little treats and sips for you as you shop. 

The Burlington Marriott is in the suburbs but perfectly situated so that there is plenty to do within minutes of stepping outside the door. The Marriott has a great space if you want to just hibernate and not leave the property.  The lounge area is spacious and has a sleek, long, modern gas fireplace there is hot chocolate by the reception and once the kids get tired of reading and playing cards you can linger longer and send them over to the computers in the “business nook”.  The pool is a nice size with plenty of room for a game of Marco Polo or diving for pool toys as well as swimming laps.  There is a hot tub, and a decent workout room as well.

The restaurant, Chopps American Bar and Grille, is a full-fledged restaurant with wonderful, attentive service and plenty of delicious options to please the palates young and old.

If you are going to venture out there are some great options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.  Bowling at Kings is a great experience whether you’re heading out with a bunch of adult friends or you want to take the kids for a few strings.  The bowling alley is set up into different areas some that are more child-friendly and quieter and others that are near the bar.  We went over the summer and enjoyed a little bowling and a round of  shuffleboard.  For the little ones, there is a Chuck E. Cheese nearby or you can take a family outing to Barnes and Nobles which is two stories of books, CDs, movies and more.  If you want something a little more active, head outside to one of the nearby trails or visit Bauer’s Own The Moment for a unique skating adventure.  If you want to settle into a super comfy seat and take in a movie, the AMC Burlington is just a few minutes away.

Nearby shopping includes LL Bean,the Eileen Fisher company store and more at Wayside Commons.  The Burlington Mall has just a great selection of shops as well as Bobby Flay’s Burger Palace, and camouflaged within the food court a tasty little Indian restaurant called Gourmet India.  If you like good, home cooked, Indian food, go just a bit further than the mall to find the hidden gem Ritu Ki Rasoi.  Another favourite of mine is Border Café which has a split menu of Tex Mex and Cajun/Creole. A quick snack, breakfast, lunch, cup of hot coffee, ginger tea or homemade soda is definitely worth taking in from Clover. This unique “food fast” local chain is popular for its tasty treats, Eco-friendly “everything is compostable” practices, and rolls of paper and crayons for the artist in you or your family. Tuscan Kitchen is also nearby where you can grab a bowl of gelato or stop in for a full Tuscan feast.   If you prefer ice cream to gelato then head over to the shops at 3rd Ave Burlington and indulge at Bedford Farms.  The pizza loving family will definitely need to stop over at Flatbreads.

Burlington Marriott has a fabulous family offer for the winter.  The Family Fun Package rates are $179-$399. PROMOTIONAL CODE: MAJ

  
North Adams is an interesting little spot in Western MA.  We like to go there in the Fall for a little hike, a little art, and a little r & r.  We also love going there in the Winter for some outdoor winter swimming, some small beans family resort downhill skiing and a little art and r &r.

I have to admit that my family prefers exploring at the beach, in the woods, around cities and towns but getting them into a museum is not always easy.  Right across from the Porches Inn is Mass MoCA, one of the few museums that we all appreciate.  Their exhibits are many and varied so there is always something that strikes a chord with each one of us.

https://www.nfb.ca/film/sweater/embed/player/

The Sweater, Sheldon Cohen, National Film Board of Canada

My Macy’s growing up was Eaton’s. The iconic stripes of an Eaton’s gift box always held something special inside. My bubbe used to work at the confection counter at Eaton’s in Winnipeg and would always bring a box of chocolate rosettes as a treat when she came to visit us in Ontario. My bubbe would tell stories of how Evelyn Hart of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet would come buy sweets from her. Eaton’s also played a part in a very important book that every Canadian child knows: The Hockey Sweater.  When I moved to New York, I said “Goodbye.” to Eaton’s and “Hello.” to Macy’s. I don’t shop in department stores often but I always go in to Macy’s at least once this time of year to look for gifts and see what is in the Martha Stewart collection. This week, Macy’s sent me a $25 giftcard to snap a few photos of my favourite finds and to help me cross a few things off my holiday shopping list.

My first visit to NYC was as a tourist and it was Christmas, so of course we went to Macy’s in to see the decorations and window dressings. It took my breathe away. I had never seen anything so elaborate and fancy. Once a year, Macy’s goes from being the all American department store to being a bit of a  fantasy world.  It begins in November with the awe and pageantry of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is one thing and continues through Christmas with the mailbox for letters to Santa and the holiday decorations. Then of course there are the 30% off signs that have me skipping up the escalators like a toddler after a visit with Santa.

Since I tend to get overwhelmed in department stores, what I figured out is that if I just go in and focus on the brands I know and like then I don’t have a panic attack.  My 1st stop is always Martha Stewart, but then you never know what distractions you might find along the way, but by then you’re in a good mindset so it’s all good. Here are some of my favourite finds.

Kate Spade has some very cute gifts.  So cute that it is more of a “one for you/two for me” shopping experience.

Another display that caught my eye on the way to the Martha Stewart section was Stonewall Kitchen.  Stonewall Kitchen is based out of Maine and they make some pretty delicious jams, sauces, and other such treats.  This tree shaped box filled with little jams is the perfect gift for someone this year and will find it’s way under grandma’s tree.

Eventually, I made it over to the Martha Stewart section and in addition to that dreamy country-chic bed I also found these:

For your sports fans these bags are pretty fab are are these accessories and toys.

Macy’s has lots of great deals online and in the store. Download the app for coupons from your phone, or just do a search online before you shop.

There really is nothing quite as exciting as a really good gift basket.  Some fresh fruit, some cookies, a little of this an a little of that.  It’s a bit like the jackpot of the holiday gifts.  A gift basket doesn’t have to be over the top to be fabulous but you want to avoid the generic ones.  I recently found some really cute gift baskets at Macy’s with Stonewall Kitchen products, which I love, but sometimes you want to make your own.  After a recent hosted visit to Brothers Marketplace in Weston, I knew I wanted to come here to make some gift baskets. Brothers had so many great locally made gifts to choose from and I could multi-task and feed the kids lunch or an after-school snack (depending on whether I went on a weekday or weekend) and get my groceries for the week too. Kim of Family Friendly Boston and I put together a few ideas.

‘Tis the season for citrus and these mandarin oranges are delicious.  They have stems and leaves on too if you want a little rustic look.  This basket has Tea Guys’ Peppermint, Chocolate Vanlla tea, Lake Champlain Salted Caramel dark chocolate Jubilees, and some Trappestine fudge.

February 2nd is La Chandeleur, a French holiday. Some say the holiday celebrates the sun and longer days of sunlight ahead.  As for Candlemas, that refers to February 2nd the date marking when Jesus was presented at the temple in Jerusalem. Before this religious tie in, Chandeleur was rooted in pagan traditions celebrating the fertility of the earth and the beginning of the end of winter. 

Where should you eat crêpes and drink hard cider to celebrate?  Well let me begin by saying that I think I like my crêpes and cider separately.

Okay so these are not just crêpes, but these Mille Crêpe cakes from Lady M Confections are a must try.  Head over to Newbury St. and pick up a few slices of cake.  I tried the chestnut, the red bean and the classic.  They were all delicious.

Our go to place for crêpes though is Praliné in Belmont.  They open at 7 a.m. so you can get one before school and work. They have lemon and butter, ham and cheese, lemon curd, salted caramel, and other fillings all made in house.  
Now onto the cider.  For the kids, no hard cider allowed, stop at the Boston Public Market and get my favourite apple cider slushie from Red Apple Farm. As for the grown up ciders, I recommend stopping at Formaggio and trying a variety (get some cheeses to pair with them too.) My latest favourite cider from there is Bantam Cider‘s Rojo and latest cheese obsession is a goat cheese called Aurelie. 

Of course you can also go to a cider tasting nearby with: Bantam, Downeast, Lookout Farm, Far From the Tree, and Carr’s Ciderhouse all in the area.

I love Easter.  Well, we don’t celebrate Easter but I love the memory of Easter brunches in Toronto.  We used to go fairly often to my parents’ friend’s place; they were like family to us.  We would drive a good hour to get there and when we did we were rewarded with a table of the most exquisite brunch spread with salmon, pastries, charcuterie, cheeses, spring treats, and the most delicious looking tarts.  There would be flowers everywhere and the best food you could find0. One year, we were given stunning chocolate bunnies probably from a fancy Toronto chocolatier.  It smelled divine and was so beautiful I didn’t dare bite into it.

Every year, I love seeing what pops up in local shops for Easter.  I look forward to finding the different renditions of hot cross buns.  Some have icing crosses others have white crosses baked in.  Cardullo’s is overflowing with imported Easter treats from England, Switzerland and Belgium.

This year, the Go Local Boston crew went out and about to find some of the best options for your Easter basket. With chocolates from Boston’s oldest chocolatier Phillips Candy House to Boston’s most renowned “newcomer” EHChocolatier.  We went north to find bunnies and bees at  Harbor Sweets.  We went into Boston to visit newcomer from Japan: Royce’ chocolate.  We went back out to Cambridge to scout out Spindler Confections.  I went around the corner to find some playful non-edible basket items at Magic Beans and Gray Mist.  We studied the displays at Wilson Farm.  We oggled the shelves from top to bottom at Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe.  We sought out cookie bakers and decorators. We picked up gorgeous, unique treats from Italy via Formaggio Kitchen, and here is a look at what we pulled together for you.

I look forward to seeing the cookies from Hi Rise Bread Company every year because their talented staff do such a good job creating fun and detailed designs. It was a bit too early for Easter at the bakery but I’ll keep you posted on Instagram when they’re ready.  If you can’t make it to Cambridge, we also found an assortment of cute cookies created by different local bakers: Maca Boston,  Bisousweet Confections and A Dozen Eggs.

When it comes to chocolates, I miss the ones we had as kids in Canada. I get my nostalgic chocolate fix of Smarties and Roses Chocolates at Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe.  At Easter time, Cardullo’s has all different shapes and sizes of treats that are made especially for the Easter bunny.

As for local chocolate, you can pop over to Somerville and visit award-winning EHChocolatier where you will find chocolates made by perfectionists.  The shapes are so sweet and unique and the flavours are truly perfect.  For a small chocolatier, there is a lot of work going into creating new bonbons each season and batch after batch until the recipe is flawless.

If you head up Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge, past Porter Square you will find newcomer Spindler Confections with boxes of sparkling sugared pâte de fruits, boxes of chocolates with unique themes (I particularly like the “brown liquor quartet”), as well caramels, chocolate caramel pretzels and nut butter cups.

For your Easter Basket or as a centerpiece for your Easter Brunch, Pure Sugar Candy, goes bold with colours and shapes all made out of sugar.  Bisousweet makes cute cupcakes with Easter designs for your Easter egg hunt or Easter brunch.

You can stop into Formaggio Kitchen for something completely different whether it is local cheeses for brunch or some teas, honey and confections from all around the world as hostess gifts or for a basket that has something for everyone in the family.  Pictured above are the fondant candies that come in flavours like apricot, lime, mint, and pear.  In the background is a delicious strawberry and basil spring tea, with beautiful and delicious honey as well as a bar of Italian torrone (nougat). Pao de Brasil in Framingham has some impressive classic foil wrapped eggs as well.  Be sure to pick up some Pão de Queijo while you are there too!

Something simple but out of the ordinary can be truly special with just a little creativity and thought.  If you will be crunching on Matzoh for the week to come, here are some tartines to consider.

Cantaloupe, Feta & Mint

Ingredients: cantaloupe, feta, mint, a tiny squeeze of lime juice, honey, pinch of salt, matzoh

Peanut Butter Honey Banana

As a kid, after hiking at the Elora Gorge, I always used to get a peanut butter, banana and homey sandwich.  It’s a great breakfast or lunch for kids and grown-ups alike. Hate bananas? Substitute raisins, apple slices or just stick with honey.

Ingredients: peanut butter, banana, honey, matzoh

Not a Pop Tart

Chocolate and candy coated fennel.  It is more sophisticated version of the birthday-cake-everything trend. The candy-coated fennel can often be found in Indian grocery stores. These were bought at Arax Market in Watertown.

Ingredients: chocolate spread (Nutella, or this non-dairy dark chocolate version from Le Pain Quotidien are what we use), candy-coated fennel or sprinkles, matzoh

Apple Cinnamon Nut Butter

If you have charoset leftover from the seder you can just use that, we rarely have any left so freshly grated apple is just fine too.

Ingredients: nut butter (88 Acres has some new locally made nut-free butters), grated apple, a pinch of cinnamon, matzoh

The Classic Avocado

You can spice this up by adding salsa, hot peppers and sliced tomatoes or be a purist and just do avocado with some nice kosher salt.

Ingredients: avocado, Kosher salt or Maldon salt, olive oil, matzoh

Spring Asparagus, Ricotta & Lemon Zest

Roasted asparagus is one of my favourite spring treats.  In a hot oven @ 450 degrees Farenheit drizzle a little olive oil and roll the trimmed asparagus on the tray to coat.  In 10-12 minutes they will be done. Then, sprinkle with salt.

Ingredients: asparagus, ricotta, lemon zest, salt, matzoh

Everything on A Matzoh

I love caraway seeds and that’s my go to savoury sprinkle.  I like it on quark especially, but cream cheese, ricotta, cloumage, goat cheese or just good butter work too.  My friend Kim brought me this Everything but the Bagel seasoning and its delicious too!

Ingredients: soft cheese (ricotta, cream cheese, quark, cloumage, goat cheese), caraway seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or any of your favourite spices, matzoh

Matzoh with Lox

Thinly sliced red onion, capers, tomatoes, or lemon zest all make great accompaniments for lox.  Schmear on some cream cheese sprinkle s little lemon zest or everything bagel seasoning and top with lox.

Ingredients: cream cheese, lox, seasonings, matzoh

The Matzoh Grilled Cheese

As a kid I never understood why my mom had to ruin a perfectly good grilled cheese by putting twigs on it.  Now I truly appreciate a sprinkle of dried oregano on my open-faced grilled cheese.

Ingredients: grated cheddar (as aged as you can get), dried Italian or Greek oregano, matzoh

The Bahn Mi

Okay so a Bahn Mi is all about the bread to some but to me its all about the pickles and the pâté.  So for Passover you’re not going to get a soft white baguette but you will get all the flavour.

Ingredients: chopped liver, roasted chicken or turkey, quick pickled cucumbers, grated carrots (these are fermented carrots), matzoh

Henry has been a judge for quite a few years now and as he gets older, he takes the job more and more seriously.  For the past couple of years, he has begged me for a ‘proper’ score card so he could judge more than just kids’ choice.  Instead, since I have so much trouble deciding which house should get what, I ask him to help with the deliberations.

The Boston Christmas Festival is a gigantic and varied artisan market at the Seaport World Trade Center.  It is a tradition for many that have been coming to the festival for years.  It opens midday on Friday for the weekend and the line flows out of the Seaport World Trade Center onto the sidewalk all the way past the building.  This is shopping local before #shoplocal was even a thing.

We love seeing who participates in the Gingerbread Competition each year and what new tricks they have up there sleeves. The Gingerbread houses are all available for sale this weekend to decorate your home or to be donated to a school, hospital or business of your choice. The proceeds of the sale go to support Housing Families, an organization that is working hard to end homelessness.

Participating in the competition this year were: Davio’s Lynnfield, Tupper Manor at the Wylie Inn and Conference Center, Harvest Restaurant & Grill 23, Treat Cupcake Bar, Del Frisco’s, teen pastry chef Brianna Ficaro, Katie Stotler (of Catalyst Café I believe), Karen and Paul of Southeastern Regional Culinary Arts, Cupcake City and Ginger Betty’s.

Here are the results of the 2017 competition:

• Best Decoration: Davio’s Lynnfield
• Most Creative: Treat Cupcake Bar
• Best Tasting: Brianna Ficaro
• Best in Show: Cupcake City
• Kids Choice:  Ginger Betty’s
• Honourable Mention: Harvest & Grill 23

Congratulations to all! Henry and I appreciated all the work that went into each entry and are always impressed with the creativity, talent and patience that it takes to make these Gingerbread structures.