Michigan

Lolli & Pops

A Sweet Shop

Easter is right around the corner! That’s big news. According to GoodHousekeeping.com, “In 2018, Americans were estimated to have spent $18.2 billion on Easter.” That means we take our lilies, lamb cakes, and jelly beans very seriously. All kinds of research has been done to find out our resurrection day preferences (hey, they’ve got to sell us what we want). For example, do you know the best selling candy outside of chocolate? Peeps! More than 700 million Peeps are purchased in America during easter. And when eating our chocolate bunnies, 76% of Americans eat the head first. (PopSugar) Why that’s important, we don’t know… but a large portion of our population can relate!

What we do know, is that there is a charming candy store in town, Lolli & Pops, ready for you to explore. And they offer all kinds of candy so you can fill those baskets!

From hand crafted chocolate confections, to macarons, and specially flavored gummy bears, they’ve got you covered.

Looking for that Old World treat that grandma used to give, or that you fell for on a trip abroad? Give Lolli & Pops a shot.

Maybe you wish you could find that childhood favorite? A lasting sweet impression of yesteryear… It’s possible Lolli & Pops has that too. From classic turn of the century peppermint sticks or Mary Jane’s, to mid century lover’s Bit-O-Honey, and children of the 80’s Now & Laters… they’ve got it.

We appreciate a place that dedicates a whole section of their products to Nut & Allergen free, as well as, Sugar free for those with specific dietary needs. We also respect categorizing the shelves by appeal, such as “Don’t Be Sour,” for those who love to pucker and squint. But we really love when people get creative with their flavor profiles! Cereal Milk and Waffles & Syrup candy bars? We’re so curious… What do those taste like? Inquiring minds want to know!

So if you’re looking to fill those baskets with special and unique candy… If you want to brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful treat… If you just need to satisfy your own sweet tooth… We have an idea for you! Lolli & Pops!

Thank you Lolli & Pops of 12 Oaks Mall in Novi! If you are in the area, you can find them at 27494 Novi Rd Ste B, Novi, MI 48377 (248) 378-1006

Or, for a Location near you, try lolliandpops.com! (And they deliver 😉 )

Vinsetta Garage

Custom Detroit Eats

We’re a family of six, four, and two… A dozen when you’re trying to make reservations for Sadie’s and Rachel’s families, plus Granny and Gramps. Which is why we always love a restaurant that can accommodate a crowd. I think overall we have good kids, but they’re not church mice. So, when you create a fun casual atmosphere- like a large gathering place in a cleaned up oversized garage, well, that sounds like an invitation for real family and friends. And when you can have all of that with a unique, interesting menu- with genuine options for little picky eaters and upscale twists on classics for adventurous adults, then you have accomplished a major feat. That is Vinsetta Garage, an eclectic eatery with a custom Detroit menu on Woodward Avenue in Berkley, MI.

The food is a fusion of beloved bar classics and trendsetting cuisine. Tikka Fries, Farro Hash, and Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon are just a few honorable mentions that the Vinsetta Garage has to offer. The Duck Burger had Rachel’s son with love at first bite. It was the Disco Fries, house-cut fries, with Ellsworth cheese curds, whole grain mustard gravy, chili flakes, and scallions, however, that were calling Sadie’s name.

It’s typical in our group that one or more person will order a pizza, even if it’s only for themselves; and they take most of it home for leftovers. (Who doesn’t appreciate pizza leftovers?) At Vinsetta’s you can get a tasty pepperoni and cheese pizza… but you can also get Sir Shakes’ Coney Pie with Winter’s 901-L hot dog, house-made coney chili, chopped white onions, cheese blend, smoked cheddar, and French’s mustard… serious coney/pizza lovers only please.

Does a menu item called Noodle Burger make you curious? Us too… Casserole-baked ground beef, smoked cheddar, elbow macaroni, and Woodshop MI maple bacon; think of it like a very mature version of the classic Hamburger Helper with a perfectly crisped cheesy topping. (Side of onion rings optional) Oh yeah, it’s good.

The place was relaxed, which makes for a comfortable experience, but it’s the attention to food-detail that will keep us coming back… right down to the potato chips, made in-house. (You know they must be tasty when Rachel doesn’t swap them out for fries.)

For more information check out VinsettaGarage.com or better yet, in person (and get that Faygo “Rock & Rye” ice cream) at 27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, Michigan 48072.

Promenade Artisan Foods’ Blueberry Muffins

Not sure if you caught Click on Detroit, Live in the D last Friday morning? Their segment, “Get a taste of France at this Downriver Gem,” showcased Promenade Artisan Foods of Trenton, MI. We wouldn’t have missed it (and not just because the owner is our cousin)! Promenade Artisan Foods is getting the recognition they deserve, because their food is outstanding. Most everything they make is done in-house and from scratch (croissants & pastries, breads & baked goods, sauces, etc.), and I dare say: you won’t find better. Thankfully Click on Detroit shared their recipe for Blueberry Muffins for the world to enjoy. Obviously, we had to make them.

As found on clickondetroit.com:

Ingredients

3 Cups All Purpose Flour

1.5 Cup White Sugar

4 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Salt

2/3 Cup Whole Butter Milk

2/3 Cup Vegetable Oil

2 Large Eggs

2 Pints Fresh Blueberries

Method

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.  

In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients.  

Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a spatula.  Do not over mix.  Gently fold in fresh blueberries.  

Divide batter into 12 LARGE muffin cups.

Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick pulls clean.

Preferably, eat hot out of the oven, slathered in butter. (But room temperature is good too!)

In case you missed it, and want to see for yourself: Click on Detroit!

Loving Lately

It’s holiday-season crunch time… the last inning… the homestretch… the- you get the point. Decorations are up. Plans are set. Presents are bought, made, and wrapped (well, in some homes- not mine yet). There’s only one thing left to do… eat! Which in reality is numerous things; shop, prep, cook, bake, serve, clean, etc. But don’t think you have to do it all by yourself. I love that these days we have so many easily accessible handcrafted options; just a click or phone call away! And if you’re looking to put dessert over the edge and wow your guests (even if it’s just your kids, because let’s face it, they are the most important), have I got a tip for you: Baking Bros!

Birch Buck Cake

You know I love my home state of Michigan. And there is nothing more I’d rather do than showcase local talent. Baking Bros, of Lansing Michigan, is loaded with it. Founders, Stephen (the recipe guru) and Andrew (decorator extraordinaire), began their side business baking for co-workers, friends, and family. Of course, with ability like this, it’s only fair that they let the rest of us have a turn in line.

BakingBros Starting Lineup! Funfetti, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, and Lemon Blueberry

If you catch the tagline on the Baking Bros Facebook Page, you will see that they are categorized as a “Cupcake Shop” -which is fantastic… but can I just take a moment to showcase these macarons? 

Grey and Gold Chocolate Macarons

Because, I think they could just as easily refer to themselves as a “Macaron Shop”. And incidentally, how cute would those be served at a New Year’s Eve party?

What about a Christmas ham?

Thanksgiving Ham Cake!

Just kidding. That’s cake.

Really, it’s colored fondant.

I swear!

It’s true that holidays are in the forefront this time of year, but as I have mentioned before this is also birthday season for many of my friends. And I actually wish one of my kids was having a birthday right now, because I have a great idea. It’s so good, I can taste it. And it tastes like dirt (just go with it). It sounds like hammer and chiseling. Or maybe brushing? It sounds like exactly whatever archeologists do on their sites; because we are digging for dinosaur fossils! (I don’t know about your kids, but my boys love dinosaurs.) For this hypothetical party, I would order some fake bones, from like Amazon or something, and bury them in the beach area of our back yard (a good sized sand box would work too.) I’d have to make up some wild story about how a T-Rex must have had an epic battle and ripped this [insert dinosaur name here] limb from limb! (How else would the pieces get scattered around?) I’d have a big tarp where we would lay out our pieces, as we tried to put the puzzle of bone shapes together. Eventually, after a successful dig and fossil assembly, we’d be starving… we would wash up, eat something tasty and sensible (TBD), and follow it up with the perfect cake. Can you see it? I can. It looks like this:

Dinosaur Dig!

Are you kidding me! Is that the cutest dinosaur cake you’ve ever seen? Yes, it is. And I am seriously going to order it, as soon as I can talk one of my kids into a dinosaur birthday party. Coincidentally, it is Andrew’s birthday today, the artistic genius behind that idyllic cake. Happy Birthday Andrew!

As much as I would love to plan this party (and I would), I need to focus. Christmas morning is almost here! And do you know what would make that morning extra special? A cup of freshly brewed coffee and these Double Iced CinnaMuffins from Baking Bros. If you are lucky enough to live in the mid-Michigan area, they deliver! (The rest of you keep on the look-out for shipping options in the future 😉 )

Double Iced CinnaMuffins

Thanks to Stephen and Andrew for being so fun to feature! 

For more information and ordering options check out:

Baking Bros

828 Powderhorn

Lansing, Michigan 48917

www.thebakingbros.com

(908) 246-2626

All images in this post are courtesy of Baking Bros. and used with permission

Downtown Milford’s Holiday Window Reveal

Milford is the cutest little town. It’s like straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Last week, members of the community (and maybe others who weren’t) gathered on the sidewalks of Main Street to watch the local businesses reveal their holiday displays. It really was ideal. There was a chill in the air, enhancing the excitement, and a light snowfall set the perfect scene. Everyone was bundled up, huddled in small groups, making chitchat while waiting in anticipation.

It’s the kind of thing that small towns thrive on, a real sense of community. It’s the charm of not being lost in the crowds of a big city. It’s the invitation to make small talk with an unknown friendly neighbor about how the local weather, which the two of you share, has caught you off guard and left you both with snow covered deck furniture in need of putting away (or maybe that was just my occurrence). It’s experiencing the pride and joy of local business owners who care to enhance their community and make it special for every season.

Okay, maybe (in small part) the perfect snowfall was due to a machine projected from a hometown restaurant. (My kids loved filling me in on that.) But if that isn’t a testament of how far the local businesses were willing to go to make the evening magical, then I don’t know what is! It only added to the ambiance of an already idyllic scene. (And aren’t all Hallmark movies made on a set?) I mean, I couldn’t have been more charmed- even if you would have told me that all of the townspeople were paid actors.

We started by meeting up with some friends and their kids at the local coffee roaster’s shop, The Proving Grounds (a play on the GM’s Proving Grounds, the largest business in town.) While we were there, warming up and ordering something to keep us warm outdoors, we caught a glimpse of their display… Santa himself! He was checking his list (twice). Can you believe it? Right here in Milford.

Of course the kids were excited, but we left Santa to do his work and joined back in the hubbub of anticipation on Main Street. When the clock struck 6:30 pm, the wrapping papers were ripped off like it was Christmas morning, to expose the extraordinary secrets that awaited…

And SO many of the displays were special and thought out! Many were obviously themed for their specific shop, such as, the Milford Baking Co.:

and Music & Arts:

Restaurants, like the Blue Grill, had festively painted their windows to last for the whole season:

The live displays were captivating. Clothing stores displayed their merchandise and gift shops showed their wares… Like Nana’s Niche & Corner:

The kids in this display were emulating a snowball fight. Ah-dorable.

Shop owners could tell a whole story by sharing a glimpse of heartwarming relatable scenes. For example this present wrapping scene from The Clothing Cove:

I can’t really pick a favorite, but another window display from the same store was at the top of my list. The whole scene, full of penguins and ice fishing at what I imagine to be the North Pole, was transcendental story book. I couldn’t even snap a clear picture because of all of the kids faces pressed to the glass, and then I thought, “what better way to capture its essence and magnativity?”

Some stores shared playful displays:

Some went vintage (and enticed the kids with sugar cookies, literally just inside their doors):

One, Acorn Farms, had the most beautiful gingerbread house I’ve even seen! It was rotating in a fairy tale scene of marshmallow trees and life-sized gingerbread men and women:

The night was instantly one of my favorite holiday paving events. I’m thankful for such community members and businesses for making things special and memorable for kids (and us grown-ups). And I’m appreciative for this important guy taking time out of his busy schedule to pose for Santa selfies.

Happy holiday season everyone!

Loving Lately

So many things to love lately.

  1. Let’s start with deep dish (square) BBQ Chicken Pizza from Jet’s because it’s the best. Grilled chicken, red onion, and barbecue sauce on top of their perfectly balanced crispy crust with a little soft chew. I just can’t get enough of it lately. Towards the beginning of summer my in-laws came over and ordered one… and for a moment everything was right. Genius! It’s summer pizza, and “ba-da-da-da-da I’m lovin’ it.”

2. Haircuts. We’re getting ready for back-to-school over here. Look at those little hoodlums with their tight lines. (I really don’t know why they gave the scowls. They remind me of some Irish ruffians from the local football (soccer) club hanging out at the neighborhood pub.) Love ’em.

Number 3. True story: I’d been eyeing this popular blogger cookbook, hugely successful, awarded and recognized… and I like to support my fellow bloggers (even though they have no idea who I am). But, it’s kind of pricey. And because I have more cookbooks than I could ever really make all of the recipes, I really try to bargain hunt. But this one boasts recipes made by specific farmer’s market ingredients from like avocado to zucchini or something- so I splurged. (And on my way out I grabbed the bargain, Cook’s Country Cookbook– every recipe from every season.) When I got home I went through every page of my new collection of recipes. I quickly realized that the whole book was vegetarian, which is okay I don’t mind a “meatless Monday” now and again. Except to me the whole thing seemed like uninspiring side dishes. I don’t know how many vegetarian tacos I could eat? Then I opened my ‘bargain’ book- the first recipe was that mac n’ cheese with tomatoes pictured above. (Coincidentally enough it’s vegetarian.) It jumped right out at me and immediately I wanted to eat it. My mom used to bake tomato slices on top of her homemade mac n’ cheese! I love how the bursts of tomato and their little acidity gave a burst of juice and complimented the cheesiness. That was just page one, and the awesomeness didn’t stop there. Needless to say, I returned the pricey ‘popular’ book. Loving Lately: The Complete Cook’s Country TV Show Cookbook.

Quatro. I love Michigan summers. I’m sure most people who live in regions with similar climates (cold and snowy winters) love this time of year. Everything is green and the sky is blue. But I am so partial to Michigan! Our lakes and waterways get so much play and appreciation right now. The picture above is from the Tahquamenon River just a couple weeks ago, and for a minute I was in a time warp. It was so peaceful and could have easily been fifty- or one hundred- or so on- years ago. I love those little connections where we seem so small and insignificant and get to enjoy such vast timeless beauty… and I love summer in Michigan.

I really could go on. Right now the kids are healthy, I’m not stressing over pulling weeds or school clothes shopping. (I probably should be.) I’m trying new recipes and enjoying the prospects of writing… I’m just loving.

Loving Lately ???

Loving Lately: Our Annual Fall Drive

It’s official, because now we’ve gone two years in a row. We turn off the DVD player, take away electronics, set the phones down and tell the kids to look out the window. We spend almost the whole day explaining that the journey is the destination. The venture promised to bring donuts and apple cider, which we probably shouldn’t have mentioned early on… because for the duration the question du jour was “How long ’til we’re at the donuts?”

The day was gray and blustery, a perfect environment to be warm inside the car. It set a dramatic tone for the drive, adding an extra element of excitement. (This is what I am.) Our first stop, before heading out, was lakeside. The waves were really crashing, and one can’t help but get caught up with enthusiasm.

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And I’ll tell you something else. I could never get tired at looking at the tall seaside grasses blowing in the wind. Any season. Monet had his lily pads. I should have a gallery dedicated to grasses.

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After a hearty breakfast we continued north, to try and catch more of the color change. We had no place we had to be, the world was our oyster. Since we weren’t getting off the beaten path, this translates into stopping at those scenic views advertised along the highway. I love those nostalgic bella vistas! (And the kids don’t have a choice.)

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We eventually did make it up through the Leelanau Peninsula, which is one of my favorite places in the whole world. And it was a lovely blend of still green trees with bursts of those that peaked early. It was really beautiful. To give you an idea, a friend of mine captured this shot at Thumb Lake, not too far away, last week with his drone.

Image courtesy of Alex Childress Photography

Being that we couldn’t hold the kids off any longer we did find a picturesque road side stand, Farmer White’s in Williamsburg.

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Farmer White’s served excellent fresh cider, which I confess I really enjoyed. But most importantly, they served donuts.

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It was a nice stop, and it hit the spot. However, we still had daylight and open road. We continued further north and met some of our friends from Petoskey at another roadside gem, Friske’s Orchards in Ellsworth, Michigan. The orchard was huge and offered a lot of entertainment for the kids; such as, tractor rides, a corn maze, tetherball, and a playground; which is awesome; because kids that sit in the car for hours have some energy to burn. A successful color tour if I do say so myself.

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Traverse City’s Harvest

I’ve been craving the Korean beef tacos from Harvest Restaurant in Traverse City, Michigan. If you’re not from Michigan, you might not have heard of a great place called Traverse City. It’s a bay town that offers the best of what is trending across the country, i.e. food trucks, organic cafĂŠs with Vegan offerings, etc. and still manages to preserve the best of that “up north” feel that Michigan treasures so much. It was a few years ago now that my sister (the chef) and her family made their way up to Traverse City and visited one of those food trucks, the Roaming Harvest Food Truck to be exact. In the area known locally as “The Little Fleet” a variety of food trucks can be sampled. Other members of her family ventured out towards other good things, but in the end everyone wanted her Korean beef tacos. With those kind of reviews, I had to plan a trip myself. (Where wouldn’t you travel within reason to try good food?) The Roaming Harvest Food Truck is seasonal, like many of its menu items. They support local farms and businesses that supply their ingredients in an effort to provide the best and most sustainable food for their customers. Thankfully, the Harvest Restaurant is open year round, and the Korean beef tacos are always on the menu… along with the sweet potato fries that you can dip in a green cilantro style chimichurri. Yessss!

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If you get the opportunity, I encourage you to check out the whole town. Traverse City has so much to do, from the beach to great shopping downtown, sailing to wine tasting… and the food scene is booming. Of course if possible, make sure you try to hit up the Harvest Roaming Food Truck or Harvest Restaurant. Their seasonal items only last so long, and you’re sure to want to taste them. (And just know that if I am not there eating along side you, I am envious and wish I was.) For more information and the seasonal menu visit roamingharvest.com.

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Promenade Artisan Foods

Trenton, Michigan is a great town along the Detroit River with historic charm and a thriving trendy vibe. It contains downriver Detroit’s best kept secret of Elizabeth Park (unless you’ve been to Jazz on the River or had your wedding pictures taken over the bridge). It also just happens to be the home of the cutest café to ever open in southeast Michigan, Promenade Artisan Foods. If you are from the area you might have sampled their cookies, brownies, and pies etc., carried by many local markets, or maybe even placed a personal order yourself for a pie during the holidays. Of course, now if you are in the area you can visit the coffee shop/café/dessert place in person!

 

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Promenade Artisan Foods is celebrating their Grand Opening to the public this week! The owners Jonathan and Chelsie Brymer are a husband and wife team that have a love of family and passion for serving their community. They put that same love and care into every baked good they make from scratch and cup of coffee they pour -over (that’s a coffee joke). And speaking of coffee you are certain to enjoy another Michigan favorite as they are serving Chazzano Coffee of Ferndale to ensure you get excellence.

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I have had the pleasure of sampling a few of their menu items and delicious creations. The strawberry tartine is a lovely light treat, an open-face style multigrain toast with a Mascarpone cheese, fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of a balsamic reduction- really fantastic. Of course the kids loved the chocolate chip cookies, and a Nutella “pop tart” inspired pastry. But the biggest surprise was an Espresso Soaked Amaretti topped with pistachios, uh, genius! I think we should all have one every night after dinner.

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Also in all seriousness, don’t leave without a slice of tomato, feta, and bacon quiche. Because even if you’ve filled up on pastries and don’t have room for it when you are there, you are going to be so happy to warm it up for yourself for breakfast the next day. (And I know this to be true from experience.) For more information, store hours, and to see their seasonal offerings visit the Promenade Artisan Foods Facebook Page.

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Thank you Jonathan and Chelsie for sharing your culinary gifts and love of life with the metro Detroit area… And God bless you and your family with your new endeavor!

Love,

Sadie’s Nest

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: Honey

My husband has a great boss name Jason; who happens to be friends with a guy named Terry; who happens to be the president of the Michigan Beekeeper’s Association. Recently Jason gifted us a beautiful large jar of Terry’s Lazy T’s honey. How fortunate are we?

Honey, also referred to as liquid gold, has been used in the kitchen as a natural sweetener for ages. But did you know that it has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that have made it extremely useful for medicinal purposes as well? Many people believe it is a viable solution in dealing with allergies. Bees collect pollen which is then used to make the honey. The small traces of pollen that remain in the honey are comparable to vaccinations in that once consumed your immune system builds antibodies to the pollens. This is just one of the reasons why buying local honey is so important. It can help you build up tolerances to common allergens in your own area!

The sweet nectar in honey is loaded with antioxidants that have been linked in studies with promoting healthy brain function and boosting memory. In addition, honey has been successfully used as a cough suppressant and topically useful for treating minor burns and wounds. No wonder it’s considered so valuable!

For more information about the Michigan Beekeeper’s Association and keeping bees click on www.michiganbees.org