Tranquility in Freeport, Maine - Brewster House Bed & Breakfast

We recently had an opportunity to try out a video production software, and created a short video for the website.

Our objective was to provide an enticing introduction to Brewster House - one that would make the prospective visitor want to come to the area, but would also specifically entice them to stay at Brewster House.

The result is below. Let us know how you think we did at achieving our objective!

New England Foliage Tour - Maine Fall Colors

As we've noticed in prior years, our neighbor's maple tree across the street is always the first sign that fall is on the way. It begins to turn in August - well before the other trees, so it acts as a reminder to begin making plans to visit Freeport for fall foliage.

The most frequently asked question is "when is the peak viewing time?" The answer, for Freeport, is usually the first two weeks of October, with good foliage usually from the last few days of September through the end of October (sometimes even into November).

This year, however, because of the mild winter and early spring, all the vegetation seems to be a little ahead of schedule, so we wouldn't be a bit surprised to see the foliage be a week, or even two weeks, earlier than normal.

Will it be a good year for the colors? The factors that make a good year are a long hot summer with plenty of moisture. That's exactly what we've had this summer - gorgeous weather, but adequate rainfall, too.

Peak foliage is a moving target - with microclimates changing at different times. In general, the more northern and western parts of Maine turn color first, and the colors move southward and eastward. Of course, this is only a generalization, and specific areas will vary.

To make your foliage visit easy to plan, we are offering several versions of our Fall Foliage Surf & Turf special. The full special includes a booklet with information on the area and turn-by-turn self-driving tour of nearby foliage areas, two nights at Brewster House, a $100 shopping spree at L.L. Bean, a $50 gift certificate to Azure Cafe, a $50 gasoline card and a two hour cruise for two on one of Portland Schooner Co.'s antique schooners. The "Lite" version includes two nights at Brewster House, the same foliage tour and a $25 gas card. If you prefer to extend the full tour to a third night (there is a lot to see!), we will extend the full Fall Foliage Surf & Turf special for a third night for $100.

If you want to time your visit, and can afford to wait until the last minute (realizing that can make it difficult to find availability in small B&B's like Brewster House), you can check the progress of Maine's foliage on the state's foliage website. It will have foliage reports available beginning this week.

Recipe: Coconut Macaroons (gluten-free!)

Like many B&B's, at Brewster House we're finding an increasing number of our guests need, or prefer, gluten-free foods.

One of the treats we enjoy serving qualifies, and it is delicious! It is our Coconut Macaroon cookies. These wonderful treats have just a bit of chocolate at the base, to make them a little sweet, and they are mouth-wateringly good!

Here's the recipe:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut

Ganache:

• 4 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy (whipping) cream (I've also used a good chocolate bark as it dries quicker and can be melted in micro)

For cookie:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large stainless steel bowl whisk the eggs until well beaten. Stir in the
sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the coconut, making sure
that all the coconut is completely moistened. You may need to add a little
more coconut if it seems to "eggy" as it all should be moist but not runny.

Place small mounds (about 1 tablespoon) of the batter on the parchment-lined
baking sheet, spacing a couple inches apart. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes
or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for
about 10 minutes and then place on a wire rack to cool. Dip or spread the
bottoms of the macaroons in the melted chocolate and place the macaroons,
chocolate side up on cookie racks. Let dry 30 min. or so. Unless you've
tempered your chocolate when melting, don't put them in the refrigerator as
the chocolate gets a chauky coloration to it. I store them in an air tight
tin can lined with wax paper. They will last 3-4 days (so the recipe says,
although, they've never stayed around that long! ha!).

Ganache:

Place the chopped chocolate in a medium sized stainless steel bowl.
Set aside. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to
a boil. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to
stand for 5 minutes. Stir with a whisk or spoon until smooth. Let cool to room
temperature before using.

Makes about 2 dozen Macaroons.

P.S. - the recipe is easily cut in half!

Bon Apetit!

Let's Look at Lighthouses: Tenants Harbor Light

Tenants Harbor Light c. 1870's

In addition to the many Maine Lighthouses that can be visited from land, there are several that require a visit by boat. Some of these are open to the public, if you can get there, while others are not open, some are even privately owned. Tenants Harbor Light, also known as Tenants Island Light, is privately owned.

In 1857 (this date is given by the U.S. Coast Guard, though some authors state the construction was 1854) a 27 foot tower was built on Southern Island, putting the light 66 feet above the high water mark. A work shed attached the tower to the keeper's dwelling. The original tower was white and the dwelling brown.

In 1934 the lighthouse was one of a number of lighthouses auctioned off by the government, and was bought by a resident of nearby Rockland, Maine. After passing through several owners, the lighthouse was bought in 1978 by noted artist Andrew Wyeth and his wife. It has remained in the Wyeth family since then, being presently owned by Wyeth's son, Jamie, also an artist in his own right, and his wife.

Andrew Wyeth build his studio inside the old bell tower, reportedly modeled on Lord Nelson's quarters on his ship, Victory, reflecting Wyeth's interest in history. There is also a period cannon visible on the grounds.

The lighthouse is visible only from the water or air. There are lighthouse tours available in nearby Port Clyde, that pass close to the lighthouse, allowing very nice photo opportunities for visitors. Reportedly Jamie Wyeth will often appear to wave at the passing boats.

For more information:

US Coast Guard, Maine Lighthouses
Tenants Harbor Light History