I’ve never been to Vermont, but after reading Thy Tran’s post on Bay Area Bites describing her road trip through the state—and the delicious local treats to be had along the way—I’m just about ready to jump in the car and head to the Green Mountain State.
Faced with the uncertain future of sugar maples, eating maple creemees whenever possible is an imperative. Sugar shacks dot the countryside, and if a sign and an arrow point the way to a creemee, I am there. Soft vanilla ice cream swirled with this year’s maple syrup—what better way to celebrate summer in Vermont?
Thy also writes about another Vermont specialty: Common Crackers are a modern-day descendant of the hardtack of yore, a kind of dry biscuit that soldiers and sailors used to sustain themselves on long forays.
[D]ry and crisp Common Crackers have sustained generations of Vermonters … they’re the New England embodiment of pragmatism. Originally purchased annually by the barrel, these crackers served as breakfast when soaked in milk, lunch when nibbled with cheddar cheese, afternoon tea when spread with jam, or dinner when served with chowder.
I want a maple creemee and a slice of six-year-old cheddar on a cracker with a pedigree: Vermont, you’re looking mighty tempting this summer.
I was born and bred in Vermont and after a decade and a half of living in Boston, moved back to my home state. There’s some great eating here ….that’s for sure!!!!
Some other Vermont treats worth a trip……..homemade apple pie (MacIntosh apples please!) at the Dummerston Apple Pie Festival. And if you want to eat it in a truly Vemont manner…..have a hunk of extra sharp aged Vermont cheddar along side your pie! mmmmmmm
Sugar on snow……..fresh maple syrup…boiled to soft ball stage and poured over plates of snow….to make a chewy, delicious candy…….served with homemade donuts and sour dill pickles…best if eaten at a church or community Sugar Supper…the menu is plain but good….ham, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls and for dessert ….the sugar on snow, donuts and pickles
Vermont sweet corn ….bought at a farm stand just a few hours after it was picked!
And of course…….Ben and Jerry’s …which I know you can buy anywhere…but it is afterall…a Vermont product!!!! :)
Enjoy your trip to Vermont!!!
Maple Cream Pie at the Wayside in Montpelier. Yum!