Focus On Cooking
Blog Posts
- The Journals of Abby and Mattie Sanderson of Whately Glen
In the winter and early spring months of 1874 and 1876, Martha “Mattie” Ann Sanderson (1854-1933) and her mother, Abby H. Rice Sanderson (1829-1902), kept a journal of their work schedules, domestic cookery, farm production and inventories, sewing projects, daily weather reports, church and prayer meeting attendance and numerous other tasks… - It’s Fall! It’s Time for Cooking with Pumpkin
This is not a blog about pumpkin spice. While today we decorate our yards and front steps with pumpkins and gourds and drink coffee flavored with pumpkin pie spices, long ago the pumpkin and its relatives — winter squashes — were a staple and necessary food item that were stored and eaten over the long and cold New England winters.
- What’s for Dinner?: Examining the Tools of Hearth Cooking
Generations of cooks have known the daily chore of putting food on the table for anxious mouths. Today, we have little trouble readying and preparing food—even if the result might not be perfect. Few modern American spend time butchering hogs, plucking feathers off chickens, grinding corn, or milking cows to make a meal.
- Baby It’s Cold Outside: A Sweet History of Chocolate in New England
Although cacao trees don’t grow in our climate, chocolate has a long history in New England, given our close economic connections to the West Indies. New England merchants supplied barrel staves, lumber, onions, salt fish, salt beef, and horses to the Caribbean in exchange for sugar, molasses, rum, and cacao.
- Pass it Round: Festive Drinks for Holiday Cheer
In this installment of Maker Mondays we want to treat you to some recipes for holiday drinks that were popular in early New England.
Cooking Events
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Wreath Walk
Take a walk, enjoy the wreaths! SEE THE WREATH GUIDE For more than 20 years, volunteers have been making beautiful, handmade natural holiday wreaths for the doors of the historic […]
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Champney’s Restaurant: Kids’ Count Down to Noon
Live kid’s music by Tom Carroll & Laurie Davidson. A countdown to noon with cider toast!
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Champney’s Restaurant: New Year’s Eve
Come gather with family and friends for dinner and live music.
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Champney’s Restaurant: Robert Burns Night
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 25.
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Champney’s Restaurant: Holiday Music by the Fire Tonight by John Waynelovich
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. on November 29 and December 5, 12, 19. Live music in the Tavern by local keyboardist John Waynelovich.
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Champney’s Restaurant: Hayrides by Clay Hill Farm
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. on November 29 – December 1, 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21. Perfect outside activity for a fall afternoon. Private 30-minute wagon rides by Clay Hill Farm on Old Main Street. Bring your own blankets and enjoy a wonderful outdoor activity in the country.
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Hands-On Cooking Workshop: Kids Can Cook
February 19, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sign up for this kid-friendly cooking workshop.
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Hands-On Open Hearth Cooking Workshop: A Special Evening
Come and prepare hearty tavern fare, including soup, meat roasted in front of the flames, and a delicious pie. Then, enjoy your supper by the fire.
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Hands-On Open Hearth Cooking Workshop: Baking in the Beehive Oven
Come learn how to fire the oven. We will bake bread and pie in the beehive oven.
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Hands-On Open Hearth Cooking Workshop: Basics From Hearth to Table
For the beginner, come try a range of hearth cooking techniques, recipes, and equipment. Learn how to make a boiled pudding!