queenglass's Profile
dried cherries
I recommend you try the dried cherries from Benjamin Twiggs side by side with the Shoreline from Meijers, there is a Huge difference. Benjamin Twiggs cherries are plump and tender, they are the very best. Benjamin Twiggs is the oldest purveyor of cherry products in Michigan, they have been around since 1966. They also offer a sugar free dried Balaton tart cherry.
Healthy holiday gift basket ideas
Benjamin Twiggs has an addictive Deluxe Cherry Berry Trail Mix that you could add to a homemade granola or possibly re-create. Dried Michigan Red Tart Cherries, Dried Cranberries, Dried Blueberries, Almonds and Pecans. Healthy and yummy.
Holiday party -- want different but easy tasty finger foods
Try the Benjamin Twiggs Cherry Pepper Jam Meatball recipe posted on Chow, those are excellent and always disappear like magic. I also put together a very simple Havarti cheese, cherry honey mustard(from Benjamin Twiggs) and Wasa light crisp cracker(no grains) appetizer that is out of this world, the sum of those 3 simple ingredients is incredible, I never fail to have guests ask what the exact combination is, they can't get enough.
Candy shops for stocking stuffers? [MSP]
I like to check out the Asian, Indian and Mexican specialty markets around town or out of town. Anything ethnic is fun and unique.
dried cherries
The dried cherries from Benjamin Twiggs in Traverse City, Michigan are the best I've ever had. They are plump, sweet and tart...excellent for snacking, baking, salads and more. They have a website http://www.benjamintwiggs.com where you can order them in in a wide range of sizes, from 2.5 oz up to 10 lbs.
Traverse City, MI
Hi Jeff,
Check out the new Warehouse District, right behind the Visitor's Center on Union, galleries, Right Brain Brewery, Cuppa Joe's, antiques and more. Great restaurants, too many to list, check out some of my other posts. The Old State Hospital grounds have been opened up for hiking and the buildings are being refurbished for some great restaurants, galleries and other shops. Also, the Tart trail is great for biking, skating, running or walking.
Traverse City, MI
Hi Tom,
Hattie's in Sutton's Bay is no more, but the owners opened a new restaurant in downtown Traverse City, "Hanna's," which is excellent. Sunday night fondue is spectacular, after 7 pm only. Trattoria Stella and The Cook's House are both two of the very best restaurants in the state, they use as much local and seasonal food as possible and list them in the menu or on the wall. Red Ginger is new downtown and offers excellent sushi and other great food. Window's is also no more, but the chef/owner, Phil Murray recently opened a new restaurant right downtown as well aptly named "Phil's on Front." If you want to enjoy dinner at any of them, I highly recommend reservations, although you can probably get in for lunch without one. The Wellington St. Market is new and has fabulous Indian food. A limited menu, but the food is unforgettable. Aerie, at the Grand Traverse Resort has a great menu too, although pricey. Lots of other great places to eat, but too many to list, I highly recommend a visit!
West coast of Michigan and Traverse City Dining Help
In Traverse City, for casual dining, Silver Swan,Cuppa Joe in the Warehouse District, Slabtown Burgers, Grand Traverse Bakery & Deli or Opa's Grill. For more upscale dining, try The Cook's House, Trattoria Stella, Red Ginger, Scott's Harbor Grill, Hanna(same owner as "Hatties" that is no longer in Sutton's Bay) or Red Mesa Grill.
Traverse City
Hi Jim,
Bud's is alive and well in Interlochen, Michigan! And they still have the best doughnuts around. They built a lovely new building, two stories, with more food and gifts. Those doughnuts are worth the visit, we get up early some mornings to grab some and bring them home, nice and warm! check out www.budsisback.com.
Traverse City
Hi Paul,
I live in Traverse City and still love this community. If you don't like crowds, just avoid Cherry Festival, wall to wall people that first full week of July, but other then that, it is still a gem and worth the trip. Cherry pies are all over the place, but if you want ones made with fresh local cherries, wait until mid to late July when the tart cherries are actually in season. Grand Traverse Pie Co. now has locations all over the state and beyond, and they do have great pies, but if you want to try others, I'd recommend Farmer White's in Elk Rapids, just north of TC, McColley's in Kalkaska, or drive up the Old Mission Peninsula and check out what the farm stands have available. Cherry Hut still makes great pies, though a little sweet, they are best with some vanilla ice cream.
If you want to get your hands on any cherry products, including cherry pie filling, dried cherries, cherry salsa, jams and preserves, I love Benjamin Twiggs, www.benjamintwiggs.com, they have been around since 1966, I think they are the oldest cherry products company in Michigan. Pie season is in full swing now...
Flying Fish Roe recipes?
I live in Northern Michigan and recently bought some flying fish roe at a local fish market. I enjoyed them on my deviled eggs, but didn't know what else to do with them. Any ideas out there or recipes where they can be featured? They were wonderful, light, a little sweet.
Thanks!
