Valley Bounty: Cider

Long the preferred beverage of New Englanders, commercial hard cider production was almost extinguished by Prohibition, but is now experiencing impressive growth, celebrated this weekend at Franklin County’s Cider Days. Local hard ciders can be found at a growing number of package stores, bars and restaurants across the region. If you’re expecting something merely sweet and fizzy, you’re mistaken: look for crisp and dry varieties, or those infused with hops or black currants. And don’t forget sweet cider, bringing the […]

Kettles Full of Apple Chutney

Apple Chutney When our vegetable garden begins slowing down, we begin apple season. We harvest our own apples, visit friends who have apple trees, and gather apples from wild trees and abandoned orchards. It’s apple time early in the morning before work, late at night when we return home, and on our day off. We […]