Walk a Mile in our Shoes - Literally!

Anyone who lives in the northeast, or has been following the news, knows that after a slow start we are having one of the snowiest winters in years. Every week we receive a substantial snowfall with amounts ranging from 6" to 12". Another 18" is predicted tomorrow! This means that we've been having loads of fun cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. Guests Mischa and Jessica, pictured above, took advantage of the beautiful snow, braved the cold temperatures, and borrowed our snowshoes to give them a try. They took to it with ease! Across the lake someone was kite skiing for hours. Now that's a new winter sport I must try. With only 7 weeks until spring we have to enjoy winter as much as possible. Bring your cross-country skis or borrow our snowshoes to give it a try yourself. If you prefer downhill skiing, Wachusett Mountain is only 12 minutes away and Windblown Ski Area has 40 kilometers of groomed cross country trails only 30 minutes from us.

Espresso Cinnamon Brownies

Tom, our resident guest and food connoisseur, shared this recipe with me a few months ago. This weekend Emily came home with four of her co-workers so I decided to test the recipe on them. It was a huge hit! The hint of cinnamon really gives the brownies a nice distinguishing flavor. I served it with piping hot chocolate and whipped cream, because you can never have too much chocolate. Thanks Tom!

Brownies

1 1/2 sticks butter

1/2 lb. good dark chocolate (like Ghiradelli)

1/8 cup espresso coffee

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

4 eggs

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a small jelly roll pan or 8" square pan. Melt chocolate and butter over double boiler. Remove from heat. Add espresso, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whisk to combine. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking after the addition of each egg. Add salt and flour. Stir to combine. Bake for 22 minutes if using the jelly roll pan or slightly longer if using the 8" square pan.

Bring on the SNOW!!!

We’ve been waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Now finally the snow is really coming, just in time for the holiday weekend! With our skis waxed and ready to go we will be cross-country skiing across beautiful Upper Naukeag Lake this weekend. The conditions will be perfect for both alpine and cross-country skiing. Bring your skis and head right out the back door or get your discounted tickets to Wachusett Mountain and spend your day there. We have a pair of snowshoes for anyone who wants to try that too! Start your day with a hearty breakfast to keep you energized and return to a warm crackling fire and the most delicious hot chocolate you can imagine. Or, if you prefer to stay inside, just relax and enjoy the fire and the spectacular view with a glass of wine and homemade refreshments. Early check-in and late check-out. We can’t wait to see you!