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# Home in the Finger Lakes

Celebrating country life, and the joy found in getting back to basics.

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [Unsealing New York’s Past: A Call for Transparency](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/unsealing-new-yorks-past-a-call-for-transparency/) - For more than a decade, this story has followed me, through archives, along quiet roads, and down long pine driveways leading to places New York would rather forget. It began the day my mother and I decided to tour the Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane. She had an aunt who had spent time there,
- [Shackled Shadows: A Halloween Tradition in Palmyra](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/shackled-shadows-a-halloween-tradition-in-palmyra/) - Every town has its own way of doing Halloween. Some put pumpkins on porches, others go big with hayrides. Palmyra? Well… a 60-foot pirate ship appears on Main Street in the village. Because if there's anything we like, it's festive holidays and dressing up like pirates. And honestly, this isn’t surprising for us. Palmyra has a knack for slipping into character. From the Jolly Roger 5K,
- [The Heart of the Fair](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-heart-of-the-fair/) - Fair week is an exciting summer tradition. The rides, the scent of fried dough in the air, and the lights and laughter during a summer evening create a lively atmosphere. However, beyond the games and rides of the midway, there is something more profound that represents the true heart of the fair: the food competitions.
- [Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin Pie Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lake-shore-solid-pack-pumpkin/) - The traditional holiday pumpkin pie recipe that is found on the back of the Lake Shore Solid Pack Pumpkin can labels . A delicious Upstate New York homemade Thanksgiving tradition.
- [Selecting Seeds For Winter Sowing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/selecting-seeds-for-winter-sowing/) - Get a head start on your garden with winter sowing and our guide on the best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to start during the colder months.
- [Central New York Utica Greens](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/utica-greens/) - A traditional Italian-American that originates from Utica in Upstate New York, featuring escarole, prosciutto, pickled hot peppers, and garlic.
- [Full Circle](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/full-circle/) - Recently, I've found myself spending a lot of time in the first house my husband and I lived in after we got married. It's a small farmhouse, the original one on this farm. It is now a tenant house, and with our renter away, I've been caring for her dog and the house. It's a
- [The 5 Best Books For Beginning Flower Farmers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/flower-farmers-books/) - If you're looking to start a flower farm, these five books will provide you with all the information that you need. From planning and planting to harvesting and marketing, they have it all covered!
- [Rooted in Memory](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rooted-in-memory/) - My personal journey of transformation through gardening and how a simple hobby evolved into a healing sanctuary, intertwining memories, community, and the cycles of life.
- [Grandma Brown's Baked Beans](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/grandma-browns-baked-beans/) - Explore Grandma Brown's humble beginnings, its rise to local fame, and how to recreate this cherished recipe at home.
- [Step by Step Guide To Sprouting Lentils for Chickens](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/sprouting-lentils-for-chickens/) - Learn how to sprout lentils for chickens, this step-by-step guide will show you how to easily grow nutritious lentil sprouts for your backyard flock
- [The Skunk Survival Guide: Safeguarding Chickens, Dogs, & Your Sanity](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-skunk-survival-guide/) - Learn how to prevent skunks from being drawn to your farm and effectively manage the aftermath of a dog-skunk encounter.
- [The 5 Biggest Mistakes New Chicken Keepers Make](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-5-biggest-mistakes-new-chicken-keepers-make/) - Discover the top five mistakes new chicken keepers often make. Ensure the health and happiness of your backyard flock. Avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a successful chicken keeping journey.
- [Get a Head Start on Spring with Winter Sowing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/get-a-head-start-on-spring-with-winter-sowing/) - Learn how to get a head start your spring garden with winter sowing. From selecting the right seeds and containers to nurturing your seedlings this is what you need to know
- [10 Winter Sowing Mistakes & How To Avoid Them](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/10-winter-sowing-mistakes-how-to-avoid-them/) - Tips to avoid common pitfalls and winter sowing mistakes such as incorrect timing, unsuitable containers, and more, ensuring a thriving, healthy planting.
- [The Depot Blue Cheese Salad Dressing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-depot-blue-cheese-salad-dressing/) - The Depot Restaurant's creamy and tangy blue cheese salad dressing, a beloved specialty from a from a restaurant that once graced a historic train station in the village of Pittsford.
- [Selling Flowers at the Farmers Market](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/taking-flowers-to-the-farmers-market/) - If you are thinking about selling flowers at a farmers market, here are some of my biggest takeaways from my first experience.
- [2022 Cut Flower Garden: Which Seed Varieties I am Growing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2022-cut-flower-garden-which-seed-varieties-i-am-growing/) - Flower seeds I bought and will be growing for a cut flower garden that's packed with colour and great to make farm fresh bouquets.
- [Boosting Your Farm Market Sales with Value-Added Products](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/boosting-your-farm-market-sales-with-value-added-products/) - Discover the benefits of offering value-added products at your farm market, including handmade soaps, jams, baked goods, and fresh cut flower bouquets. Learn how these unique offerings can attract more customers and increase sales
- [Life and Loss on the Farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/life-and-loss-on-the-farm/) - Through the trials and triumphs, I am finding solace in the balance between pain and new beginnings. My story of endurance, love, and the ceaseless cycle of life that sustains us all.
- [We're Featured in Life in the Finger Lakes Magazine!](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/were-featured-in-life-in-the-finger-lakes-magazine/) - On a hot August day, a quick check of my email while standing out in the market garden of our small family farm in the Finger Lakes, kicked off a series of events that led to a dream come true. One of my photographs, a snapshot of a vintage enamelware pan filled with homemade simmer
- [Return to the River](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/return-to-the-river/) - This weekend, words eluded me. Often needing to marinate in my thoughts, I had consciously avoided contemplating the act of returning Mom to the St. Lawrence River on last time, fearing it would make her loss feel too final. Yet, amid the moments of solitude and family warmth on the Islands, I found the very
- [5 Simmer Pot Recipes To Make Your House Smell Amazing This Fall](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-simmer-pot-recipes-to-make-your-house-smell-amazing-this-fall/) - I absolutely love celebrating this cozier season in every way possible and want to bring all of Autumn's simple pleasures into my home. One of my favorite ways to embrace fall vibes is by infusing the spicy aromas of the season in my house. Homey fall scents instantly get me in the mindset of all
- [Beginner's Guide to Cold Process Soap: Mastering the Basics](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/guide-to-cold-process-soap/) - Start soap making with our beginner's guide to cold process soap. From selecting the right oils to safety tips, here is everything you need to know..
- [Old Farm Sayings: 20 Life Lessons from Our Grandparents](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/old-farm-sayings/) - Explore how old farming sayings teach us not just about agriculture but about life, resilience, and values. Discover how these pearls of wisdom remain relevant in our modern world.
- [Tips from a Palmyra Local: Viewing the 2024 Eclipse](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tips-from-a-palmyra-local-viewing-the-2024-eclipse/) - Experience the awe-inspiring 2024 solar eclipse from the charming town of Palmyra, New York. Gain insider tips and insights from a local's perspective on the best places to view this rare celestial event.
- [Egg Money: The Original Farmer's Wife Side Hustle](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/egg-money/) - During the Great Depression, many families were struggling to make ends meet. Selling excess eggs laid by the family's flock helped provide a much-needed immediate cash flow.
- [Gifts For Chicken Lovers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/gifts-for-chicken-lovers/) - Practical gifts for the chicken enthusiast.
- [Finding Chicks When Chickens are in High Demand](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/finding-chicks/) - Tips and tricks for sourcing chicks, navigating the market, finding reputable sellers and breeders, during periods of high demand and shortages.
- [Everything You Need To Know About Ordering Chicks From a Hatchery](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/ordering-hatchery-chicks/) - Ordering chicks from an out-of-state hatchery has its advantages and disadvantages. Here's everything you need to know about getting live chicks delivered through the mail.
- [Do Egg Prices Have You Considering Getting Chickens? Maybe You Should!](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/egg-prices/) - Are you feeling the pinch when shopping for eggs at the grocery store and wondering if it might be time to consider getting your own chickens? It is easy to find plenty of arguments online against getting backyard chickens. The New York Times published Egg Prices Are Spiking. Buying Chickens Is Not the Answer. The Washington Post
- [Fending off Foxes: A Guide to Keeping Your Backyard Chickens Safe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/fending-off-foxes-a-guide-to-keeping-your-backyard-chickens-safe/) - Learn how to protect your backyard chickens from fox attacks. Discover practical tips, advice, and best practices to keep your chickens safe and secure.
- [Everything You Need to Know About Brooder Temperature for Baby Chicks](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/brooder-temperature-for-chicks/) - Learn how to properly care for young chickens by setting the right brooder temperature.
- [Finger Lakes Concord Grape Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/finger-lakes-grape-bread/) - This quick bread originally published in The Cookbook For Goodness Taste in 1991, is a delicious way to enjoy the fall grape harvest.
- [3 Super Easy Ways to Freeze Fresh Strawberries](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/3-super-easy-ways-to-freeze-fresh-strawberries/) - So, I was told that this is the last weekend for strawberries. I hate when the strawberry season ends, but we have taken full advantage of the season, we have made preserves and eaten a ton fresh, but I still need to get some in the freezer. I whole-heartedly believe strawberries are best enjoyed just as they are:
- [Small Batch Blackberry Jam](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/small-batch-blackberry-jam-2/) - I am really starting to appreciate small batch jam making. We are just too busy lately for me to be able to devote an entire day to jam making and canning, and honestly, while it is nice to have a large supply of jams and jellies on hand I really don't need 10 jars of
- [Small Batch Raspberry Jam Made in a Bread Machine](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/small-batch-raspberry-jam-made-in-a-bread-machine/) - Some bread machines have a specific jam-making setting, use it to easily make a small batch of raspberry jam. You can use fresh or frozen raspberries, and all the work is done for you!
- [Small Batch Apricot Jam](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/small-batch-apricot-jam/) - This small batch apricot jam has a nice bright flavor, without being cloyingly sweet. It has the perfect balance of sweet to tangy.
- [Why Your Small Batch Jam Might Be Runny and How to Fix it](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/why-your-small-batch-jam-might-be-runny-and-how-to-fix-it/) - I am really starting to appreciate small batch jam making. We are just too busy lately for me to be able to devote an entire day to jam making and canning, and honestly, while it is nice to have a large supply of jams and jellies on hand I really don’t need 10 jars of
- [Drying fresh basil from your garden in a dehydrator](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/drying-fresh-basil/) - Earlier this Spring I planted two basil plants in my herb garden, one Cinnamon Basil, and one Sweet Basil. They have been doing remarkably well this summer, and because I used plastic mulch around them have not been smothered by weeds, unlike my flowers I had plans for my Basil, but summer happened and I
- [How To Dry Parsley in a Dehydrator](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/drying-fresh-parsley-dehydrator/) - Learn how to dry fresh parsley using a dehydrator with this easy step-by-step guide - perfect for preserving the fresh taste of parsley all year round!
- [Freezing Sour Cherries](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/freezing-sour-cherries/) - I think when someone mentions cherries the first thought that comes to mind are the sweet summer fruits, easily found at farmer's markets and in grocery stores. But for me sour cherries are where it is at. Also know as pie cherries or tart cherries, these bright red little gems are more pucker inducing than
- [Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rhubarb-barbecue-sauce/) - Thick and tangy, Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce outstanding on chicken or pork I think rhubarb season is winding down, but I want to share this Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce with you just in case you have some you are still trying to use up! Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce is a thick and tangy barbecue sauce that is surprisingly easy to make.
- [Old Fashioned Strawberry Preserves](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/old-fashioned-strawberry-preserves/) - Does anyone else do a happy dance when you see fresh strawberries are finally available at local farm stands and farmers markets? Because the strawberry season is over in the blink of an eye, I don't mind putting in some time in the kitchen to make sure I can enjoy strawberry treats all throughout
- [Pickled Garlic Scapes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pickled-garlic-scapes-2/) - Enjoy these pickled garlic scapes atop a salad, or as an addition to your relish tray. This hot water bath canning recipe is great for beginner canners.
- [Pickled Red Onions](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pickled-red-onions/) - These Pickled Red Onions are a zesty topping for burgers, dogs, and tacos. Process them in a water bath canner for long term storage, or make up a quick batch for the fridge.
- [Sweet Corn Relish Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/sweet-corn-relish/) - Here we are near the end of August and sweet corn season is winding down! It has been a crazy summer at our farm (but in a good way!) The corn has done remarkably well considering the soggy weather we have had lately all summer. I have tried to stay connected with you guys during
- [Vintage Redemption: When is it OK to Cut Up an Old Quilt?](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/vintage-redemption-when-is-it-ok-to-cut-up-an-old-quilt/) - There are usually a lot of factors that muddy the waters when we try to determine the value of a quilt, especially if you are entertaining the idea of taking scissors to the quilt and cutting it into a completely new project, so how do you know when it is ok to cut a vintage
- [6 Exciting New Colored Egg Layers To Add To Your Flock in 2023](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/new-colored-egg-layers-2023/) - Laying eggs in shades of deep blues to bright greens, these hens are sure to provide you with some of the prettiest colored eggs around!
- [The Best Livestock Guardian Dogs for Chickens](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/livestock-guardian-dogs-for-chickens/) - When it comes to keeping chickens safe from predators, a Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) is often the best protection.
- [5 Best Backyard Chicken Books That You MUST Read](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/books-on-raising-chickens/) - These books are a great resource to help you get started raising chickens, with everything from how to care for your new feathered friends to what breeds are best suited for different climates.
- [Vintage Style Santa Mugs Guaranteed to Add Charm to your Christmas Decor](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/santa-mugs/) - These festive mugs can be found in various styles and designs, and are perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to your home.
- [Amish-Style Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/amish-style-apple-cinnamon-baked-oatmeal/) - This Amish-Style baked oatmeal recipe features apples, wholesome oats, nuts and warming spices for a hearty and comforting breakfast.
- [Apple Cider Upside Down Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/apple-cider-upside-cake/) - Maybe it was the weather this weekend, which was decidedly fall-ish or that fact that apple picking has begun in our area, but when I shared this picture on my personal Facebook profile I got all sorts of messages and comments. After passing on the recipe a few times it occurred to me I should
- [Housel's Haunted House- The Upstate Halloween Display You Need to See](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/housels-haunted-house-the-upstate-halloween-display-you-need-to-see/) - Looking for a fun family-friendly Halloween activity? You still have time to check out this local unbelievable Halloween display in Canandaigua!
- [Raising Chicks During The Fall For A Bounty of Eggs Come Spring](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/raising-chicks-during-the-fall-for-a-bounty-of-eggs-come-spring/) - If you want a head start on your spring egg production, now is the time to raise chicks! Follow these simple tips, and you'll enjoy fresh eggs from your backyard flock in early spring!
- [Everything You Need to Know About Selling Eggs on a Roadside Stand](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/eggs-on-roadside-stand/) - Fresh eggs are a hot commodity, and there's no reason you can't sell them from your own small farm. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about starting and running a successful roadside egg stand. From the basics of getting started to marketing your eggs, we've got you covered!
- [How To Stock A Pantry](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/how-to-stock-a-pantry/) - Our great grandparents knew how to cook wholesome and delicious food from scratch and manage their ingredients and supplies in a way that took full advantage of inexpensive and versatile food items. Having a well-stocked pantry or food stockpile was crucial for our grandparents. Today we can apply to same principles to reduce our dependence
- [8 Tips To Help You Successfully Sell Chickens on Craigslist](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/sell-chickens-on-craigslist/) - Selling chickens on Craigslist can be a great way to find new homes for your extra birds, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Follow these tips to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible!
- [Thinning Your Backyard Chicken Flock](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/thinning-chicken-flock/) - as your flock grows, inevitably, you'll face the decision of whether or not to thin it out. So, how do you know when it's time to reduce the size of your chicken flock? And what's the best way to go about doing it?
- [First Saturday Lime Review](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/first-saturday-lime-review/) - I purchased First Saturday Lime to find out if it really repels pests and deodorizes your chicken coop and run.
- [Deluxe Carrot Cake With Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/deluxe-carrot-cake-with-coconut-cream-cheese-frosting/) - This carrot cake recipe is an adaptation of the Deluxe Carrot Cake found in the cookbook, Applehood and Motherpie. It is moist, perfectly-spiced and made with lots of fresh carrots and a cream cheese frosting with a coconut garnish that is as pretty as it is tasty.
- [Good Sources of Niacin (Vitamin B3) for Your Ducklings](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/good-sources-of-niacin-vitamin-b3-for-your-ducklings/) - Preventing problems in ducks due to niacin deficiency is as easy as offering your ducklings a healthy well rounded diet that includes niacin rich foods that they need to grow healthy and strong.
- [How To Grind Your Own Meat For Juicy Steakhouse Burgers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/how-to-grind-your-own-meat-for-juicy-steakhouse-burgers/) - How to grind your own burger at home, and an incredible recipe for a Burger Blend that will impress your family and friends.
- [After-School Applesauce Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/school-applesauce-cake/) - This post is all Rochester, from the Applehood and Motherpie cookbook After-School Applesauce Cake recipe to the essential ingredient that will have everyone asking for the recipe, this is pure hometown comfort food at it's finest. I have already gushed on and on about Applehood and Motherpie, so I will spare you that, but I
- [Sauerkraut Salad](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/sauerkraut-salad/) - Oh Sauerkraut, people either love it or hate it, it seems there is no gray area where fermented cabbage is concerned. I happen to love sauerkraut, but even if you are not a fan don't be too quick to brush off this recipe for Sauerkraut salad, surprisingly you can hardly taste the sauerkraut.
- [Strawberry and Onion Salad with Poppyseed Dressing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/strawberry-and-onion-salad-with-poppyseed-dressing/) - Strawberry and Onion Salad with Poppyseed Dressing from the iconic Rochester Junior League Cookbook Applehood and Motherpie, is a refreshing spring salad. Make this when local strawberries are abundant. One of my favorite salads from my favorite cookbooks… I can’t tell you how many times I flipped past this recipe, overlooking it because of its simplicity.
- [McCurdy’s Department Store Apple Spice Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/mccurdys-department-store-apple-spice-cake/) - This Apple Spice Cake is a piece of Rochester history! McCurdy’s Department Store Apple Spice Cake as found in the Junior League of Rochester's cookbook Applehood and Motherpie.
- [Five Things I Choose To Focus On My First Year Of Flower Farming ](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/focus-on-first-year-flower-farming/) - What I am investing my time and energy in during my first year of growing cut flowers.
- [Backyard Chickens and 2022 Bird Flu (HPAI H5)](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2022-hpai-h5/) - Nearly 23 million birds have died as a highly pathogenic bird flu virus tears its way through farms and chicken yards. Learn how to keep your birds safe.
- [Cranberry Pecan No Knead Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cranberry-pecan-no-knead-bread/) - Cranberry Pecan No-Knead Bread is a perfect breakfast that is not only easy to prepare but also delicious. A Dutch oven and slow rise is the secret to this no-knead bread recipe.
- [Old Fashioned Sour Cream Banana Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-best-banana-bread/) - Sour cream, bananas, butter, brown sugar, and pecans are combined in this tried and true recipe to create this old-fashioned banana bread quick bread that is moist and flavorful. Sour cream banana bread is not just a simple dessert. It is the ultimate comfort food. This quick bread is super moist with a tender texture.
- [Cinnamon Raisin No Knead Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cinnamon-raisin-no-knead-bread/) - Cinnamon Raisin No-Knead Bread with a beautiful artisanal crust and light and fluffy crumb baked to perfection in a dutch oven!
- [Chocolate Crazy Cake (Wacky Cake)](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/crazy-cake/) - Crazy Cake is a timeless cake that has been passed down through generations. Milkless, eggless and butterless, this cake originated during WWII rationing, when these ingredients were difficult to obtain.
- [Beautiful Beginnings](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/beautiful-beginnings/) - Planning a cut flower planting for spring 2022, during the long dark days of mid-winter. During these long cold dark days, my thoughts always turn to spring. With each spring comes a new planting season, full of possibilities and potential. But this year, more than ever before, the desire to tend to something beautiful and
- [Downsides to Ducks, The 100% Honest Truth about Owning Ducks](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/downsides-to-owning-ducks/) - If you want to raise ducks as pets, to sell eggs, or even for meat raising ducks has its pros and cons, it’s important to know the honest truth about caring for ducks before you begin.
- [The Ultimate Appetizer: Olive Cheese Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/olive-cheese-bread/) - This Olive Cheese Bread is an easy and delicious appetizer loaded with olives, melted cheese, on a crunchy loaf of french bread.
- [Old Fashioned Fluffy Frosting](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/old-fashioned-fluffy-frosting/) - I am officially the mother of a teenager. I am not even really sure how that happened, it seems like yesterday I had her. 13 years have gone by, in what seems like the blink of an eye. While I am trying to adjust to the fact that my baby is 13, My daughter already
- [Incredibly Delicious Made From Scratch Do Nothing Cake Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/do-nothing-cake-recipe/) - Looking for a quick and easy dessert to feed a crowd? This is your recipe! Do Nothing Cake is made from scratch with delicious results every time.
- [Faster No Knead Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/faster-no-knead-bread/) - This quick and easy yeast bread requires no kneading! Baking in a hot Dutch oven is what gives this loaf a beautiful crusty exterior and deliciously soft and chewy interior.
- [Eggnog Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/eggnog-cookies-2/) - Rich, soft, creamy and cakey these cookies are bursting with the aroma and flavor of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- [Italian Ricotta Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/italian-ricotta-cookies/) - These Italian Ricotta Cookies are soft and light and a holiday favorite at my house! Lightly lemon flavored and decked out in holiday sprinkles, no Christmas cookie tray is complete without these!
- [Anise Pierniki (Polish Christmas Cookies)](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/anise-pierniki-polish-christmas-cookies/) - These tender Polish Pierniki Christmas Cookies are a holiday favorite. The licorice-flavored cookies capture the holiday spirit with a generous topping of festive sprinkles.
- [Russian Gingerbread Cookies (Pryaniki)](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/russian-gingerbread-cookies-pryaniki/) - Pryaniki are a popular Russian cookie, often served with tea. These soft cookies have been loved for generations and they are a comforting and familiar cookie for the holidays! The rich gingerbread flavors are the perfect addition to your Holiday Cookie Tray. Table Of ContentsPryaniki HistoryHow to Make Pryaniki Making Pryaniki Glaze With Egg White
- [5 Things I Wish I Had Known About Premier 1 Electric Poultry Net Sooner](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-things-i-wish-i-had-known-about-premier-1-electric-poultry-net-sooner/) - I am sharing what I learned during my first year using the Premier 1 PoultryNet® Plus and what I wish I had known sooner.
- [Four Ways to Get Back to What Matters this Fall](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/four-ways-to-get-back-to-what-matters-this-fall/) - There is just something about Fall that seems like the "unofficial new year" to me. Perhaps it’s the kids heading back to school, the cool fresh breeze in the air, or the anticipation of beautiful fall colors, the idea of embracing daily routines and schedules that give our days structure (yes, I really do look
- [A Step By Step Guide To Creating An Outdoor Dining Area](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/a-step-by-step-guide-to-creating-an-outdoor-dining-area/) - When you've got a big outdoor area, there are so many things that you could do with it. You can turn it into a play area for kids, a nice area for relaxing in the sun or you could consider turning it into a great outdoor dining area. This is a great way to use
- [Haunted Places in Upstate New York](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/haunted-places-in-upstate-new-york/) - In the spirit of the season, I thought it would be fun to round up a few of the most popular haunted locations in our area.
- [Pizza Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pizza-sauce/) - I feel like this post is ridiculously overdue. My most popular post here on Home in the Finger Lakes is without a doubt Homemade Pizza Seasoning. It seemed only natural to create a pizza sauce to go with it, it took some time but I finally got a pizza sauce I am happy with. I
- [2021 Reader Survey](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2021-reader-survey/) - I want to keep providing you with the best content possible in 2022, so I’m asking for your feedback in this short survey.
- [Blackberry Pie](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/blackberry-pie/) - My sister-in-law has quite a few raspberry and blackberry plants in her backyard, and the blackberry bushes exploded with berries while she was on vacation, the day she got home she called us and told us that we could come and pick whatever we wanted, but it should be within a day or two.
- [Vermont Spice Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/vermont-spice-cake-with-maple-cream-cheese-glaze/) - Even if you have only ever spent a few minutes on my blog, it is pretty clear I LOVE spice cakes. But this cake. This Vermont Spice cake is the quintessential fall dessert. There’s just something about this combination of pumpkin, warm Fall spices and thick, maple cream cheese glaze dripping down the side
- [Brown Sugar Apple Blondies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/brown-sugar-apple-blondies/) - It recently got pretty chilly here, like into the 40's at night and 50's during the day. Considering it was 90° degrees out practically last week, that drop in temperatures can be quite a shock on a person. No matter how drastically the temperature drops or how quickly, I am always hesitant to fire up
- [Applesauce Puffs](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/applesauce-puffs/) - The kids made it through their first week of school, and let me tell you it was quite an adjustment period for them! But it was especially rough on my son, he had turned into a night owl during summer, and the 6 am wake-up call was a pretty hard on him for a few days,
- [Strawberry Rhubarb Pie](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/strawberry-rhubarb-pie/) - Sweet and tangy strawberry rhubarb pie is a classic summer dessert!
- [Finding Sour cherries in the Finger Lakes Area](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/finding-sour-cherries-in-the-finger-lakes-area/) - Sour or "pie" cherries, are tart in flavor and bright red in color, and as far as I am concerned worth their weight in gold. Sour cherries have an incredibly short season, and it can be hard to get your hands on them. But it is worth the effort of finding some, nothing compares
- [Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pumpkin-pie-spice-mix/) - In typical Upstate New York style the weather has been a bit bi-polar lately. Yesterday it was 90 degrees out, and today it is 65. Now I realize many were probably out soaking up what may have been the last hot day of summer yesterday, but I was parked in the AC day dreaming of
- [Homemade Apple Pie Spice](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-apple-pie-spice/) - About twice a year I usually take a trip to Sauder's in Seneca Falls to stock up on baking supplies. I buy large containers of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, pounds of sprinkles, and ridiculous amounts of oatmeal and rice . It has been a long time since I have bought a lot of spice and seasoning
- [The Best Upstate New York Apples For Baking](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-best-upstate-new-york-apples-for-baking/) - Guys, it is apple season! Ok, I might be rushing it a teensy weensy bit. But I have been getting some early variety apples from a friend, and I am pretty sure I read Starbucks will be selling pumpkin spice lattes soon, so it's not far! New York grows more apple varieties than any other state,
- [Apple-Cream Cheese Bundt Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/apple-cream-cheese-bundt-cake/) - A deliciously moist apple bundt cake with cream cheese filling and praline frosting. When I saw this recipe it immediately made me think of the Apple Praline Bread recipe a friend shared with me and I posted here, and I knew I HAD TO TRY IT! This Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is all of the Apple Praline
- [Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/baked-pumpkin-pie-oatmeal/) - Guys, it's October and that means it's officially pumpkin month, and to kick of pumpkin month for you today I have the perfect pumpkin-y breakfast! [clickToTweet tweet="Baked pumpkin pie oatmeal is a delicious breakfast that mixes up easily and tastes like a desert" quote="Baked pumpkin pie oatmeal is a delicious breakfast that mixes up
- [Homemade 1000 Island Dressing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-1000-island-dressing/) - If I had to make a list of the most charming towns in Upstate New York Clayton would make the list. In fact, I think I would place it pretty high on that list, but having spent summers there fishing off the village docks, and drifting around goose bay in a row boat, I might
- [Concord Grape Pie](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/concord-grape-pie/) - Nothing says fall in Upstate New York like a grape pie. This grapey Naples, NY confection is fairly new to the world of desserts, but it sure has made an impact. This annual treat is anticipated by many, and for some home cooks like myself worth the time-consuming effort it takes to put one together.
- [The Kopper Kettle’s Pecan Pie Recipe From Chef Eddie Anderson](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-kopper-kettles-pecan-pie-recipe-from-chef-eddie-anderson/) - Upstate New York Pecan Pie recipe from the Kopper Kettle Restaurant, a beloved family restaurant that was known for having the best pies in Rochester.
- [Pretty Egg Packaging: Vintage Style Egg Cartons](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/vintage-egg-cartons/) - Vintage Style Egg Cartons are a unique way to showcase your farm fresh eggs! These are the best supplies for irresistible farmhouse appeal.
- [Sugar Cookie Icing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/sugar-cookie-icing/) - The easiest and best Sugar Cookie Icing that's both delicious and looks fantastic! Use this recipe to decorate your buttery cut out sugar cookies for any occasion.
- [Cut Out Sugar Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cut-out-sugar-cookies/) - This recipe for Cut Out Sugar Cookies is a classic that's been around for generations. With this guide, you'll learn how to make perfect cut-out sugar cookies from start to finish. You'll also find helpful tips and tricks to ensure success every time.
- [Old Fashioned Spice Crinkle Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/spice-crinkle-cookies/) - Chewy and flavorful with a crackled sugar crust, these old-fashioned spice crinkle cookies are a great fall and holiday treat.
- [What's Next For My Backyard Flock in 2022](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/whats-next-for-my-backyard-flock-in-2022/) - As the end of the year inches closer, I've been reflecting on the lessons learned during my time raising and tending my backyard flock. I've also spent some time thinking about my goals, purpose, and direction I want to go in with my flock. Because you have been here since I brought my first box
- [Orange Confetti Shortbread Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/confetti-shortbread-cookies/) - Incredibly tender and flavorful Orange Flavored Confetti Shortbread cookies from Audrey Montanus, wife of legendary Kodak photographer Neil Montanus, as shared by her son and equally talented photographer James Montanus.
- [The Lady in White of Durand Eastman Park](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-lady-in-white-of-durand-eastman-park/) - A haunted tale of a heartbroken mother desperately searching for her lost daughter on the shores of Lake Ontario.
- [The Complete Beginners Guide to Raising Ducks](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-complete-beginners-guide-to-raising-ducks-2/) - Raising ducks offer unique benefits and challenges. Duck keeping tips, information, and everything you need to know about getting started.
- [The Most Important Chicken Keeping Lesson I Learned the Hard Way](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-most-important-chicken-keeping-lesson-i-learned-the-hard-way/) - Predators like foxes, coyotes, and even small carnivores like weasels are incredibly smart animals that shouldn’t be underestimated, I learned that the hard way. The attacks were incredibly stressful for not only my flock, but also myself.
- [Rochester Hot Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rochester-hot-sauce/) - A few months ago when I decided I wanted to recreate ALL of Upstate New York's regional foods, I sat down and made a list. And while making a Rochester Style Meat Hot Sauce in my kitchen did sound tempting, I was pretty apprehensive. Garbage plates may seem a culinary oddity if you aren't from Upstate
- [Upstate New York's Iconic Half-Moon Cookie Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/upstate-new-york-half-moon-cookie-recipe/) - Upstate New York is known for quite a few unique dishes. Utica greens, Chicken French, Salt Potatoes and Grape Pie are just a few of the well known (to locals) regional specialties we can't get enough of. But the most iconic of all sweet treats to hail from Upstate New York is without a doubt
- [Buffalo Sponge Candy](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/buffalo-sponge-candy-2/) - I am so excited to finally have a recipe for sponge candy to share with you! I have been testing out recipes and techniques for months now. I have had many failed batches and have spent quite a bit of time scrubbing scorched sugar out of pans. I am a total newb to candy making,
- [Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/buffalo-chicken-wing-sauce-2/) - Buffalo Chicken Wings, they are found at nearly every super bowl party, pizza shop, and sports bar. This messy finger food is an upstate New York original. Tracing its roots back to Buffalo, in a small family owned bar. The sauce that gives this spicy snack its signature taste is remarkably easy to make at
- [Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Creole Seasoning Blend Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/dinosaur-bar-b-que-creole-seasoning-blend-recipe/) - This Creole Seasoning Blend from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que needs to be in your pantry! Perfect for seasoning pork, steak, chicken, and seafood, and made from ingredients you probably already have.
- [Predator Attacks & Poultry Wound Care Essentials](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/predator-attacks-poultry-wound-care-essentials/) - Nothing is more stressful and devastating to a backyard chicken keeper than the realization that your flock has been attacked by a predator, if you have a well stock first aid kit containing a few poultry wound care essentials you'll be able to offer your birds medical care quickly, setting them on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
- [Real Life Laundry Hacks for Busy Families](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/real-life-laundry-hacks-busy-families/) - I never aspired to be a laundry pro, but I am truly a self- proclaimed expert on this subject. I handle laundry on a daily basis that would send most running to the hills. Farm clothes caked in what I hope is mud, but probably isn’t, and athletic clothes ripe with post-workout stench make daily
- [The Best Docile Chicken Breeds For Your Backyard Flock](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/docile-chicken-breeds/) - There are many great options for those looking to keep a calm, friendly flock in their backyard. This list of the most docile chicken breeds is sure to help you find your perfect pet!
- [Venison Steak Marinade](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/venison-steak-marinade/) - Last year my husband got a deer, and why not there are a ton of them wandering around the farm acting like it is their own personal buffet. The extra meat is handy to have in the freezer, but cooking venison is not like cooking black Angus steak, trust me I have ruined a few
- [Keep a Well Stocked Pantry: Buying Herbs and Spices in Bulk](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/bulk-shopping-25-essential-spices-pantry/) - Did you know that buying herbs and spices in bulk is an excellent way of saving money while stocking your pantry? It's true. When you buy herbs and spices in bulk, the savings can be significant. If you're not familiar with buying herbs and spices in bulk, it typically means purchasing food items by weight,
- [Broccoli Salad with Tangy Dressing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/broccoli-salad-with-tangy-dressing/) - Broccoli Salad is a delicious dish that is perfect for picnics and potlucks! This Broccoli Salad with Tangy Dressing is made with fresh broccoli, bacon, cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese and a tangy homemade dressing. The dressing is what makes this salad irresistible! It is made with a tangy and sweet combination of mayo, Greek yogurt,vinegar, and sugar- a perfect pairing to go with the crunchy salad.
- [7 Tips To Help You Practice Simple Living](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/simple-living/) - Simple living offers you the opportunity to create a sustainable and productive life, and while simple doesn't always mean easier, the rewards for living a more simple lifestyle are profound.
- [The Best Chicken Waterers for 2021](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-best-chicken-waterers-for-2021/) - There are many kinds of waterers to choose from for chickens, to help you out I've rounded up the best waterer options, along with tips to keep your hens hydrated.
- [Where to Get Day Old Chicks For a Backyard Flock](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/where-to-get-day-old-chicks-for-a-backyard-flock/) - There are a number of ways to go about getting chickens. Today I'm sharing my experiences and recommendations when it comes to buying day old chicks.
- [5 Underrated Hybrid Chicken Breeds That Are A Joy To Keep](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-underrated-hybrid-chicken-breeds-that-are-a-joy-to-keep/) - I love sharing what I’ve learned along the way, and today we are talking about underrated hybrid chickens. These girls tend to get overlooked in favor of fancier birds with unusual feathering, but I think these prolific layers with great temperaments are worth a second look!
- [Welcome to  Home in the Finger Lakes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/welcome-to-home-in-the-finger-lakes/) - Hello and welcome to my blog, Home in the Finger Lakes. I am Jen, and I want to help you make the most out of life in the country. Here at Home in the Finger Lakes you will find information and inspiration on slow living and embracing a simple country lifestyle full of home cooked
- [All-Natural Glass Cleaner](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/all-natural-glass-cleaner/) - I'll be honest keeping my house clean is a full-time job, which means I am exposed to a ton of different chemicals on a daily basis so few months ago I started moving away from conventional cleaners found in the grocery store and started using a combination of homemade and store-bought natural cleaners. All-Natural Glass Cleaner
- [DIY Glass Spray-Bottle for Homemade Cleaners](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/diy-glass-spray-bottle-for-homemade-cleaners/) - A little while ago I decided I wanted to try my hand and making my own natural cleaners. Looking for necessary supplies gave me sticker shock, $10 for this Empty Glass Spray Bottle??? No thanks, I still had essential oils to buy! So I started thinking about what I could re-purpose for a DIY Glass Spray-Bottle
- [How to Make Your Own Disinfectant Spray with Bleach](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/disinfectant-spray-with-bleach/) - Learn how to make and use a powerful household disinfectant spray with only bleach and water.
- [DIY Bacteria Busting Bathroom Cleaner Spray](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/diy-bacteria-busting-bathroom-cleaner-spray/) - Get your commode and bathroom clean and smelling fresh with DIY Bacteria Busting Bathroom Cleaner Spray, made with Castile soap, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils.
- [Homemade Grout Cleaner](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-grout-cleaner/) - Oh boy, do I have an awesome Homemade Cleaner for you guys today! It is a little crazy how excited I am about this homemade solution, but let me tell you I think I have tried every bathroom cleaner on the market in North America. If you have young boys at home, you are probably very
- [Cake Flour Substitute Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cake-flour-substitute-recipe/) - Today I was mixing up a cake for my mother's birthday that called for cake flour, I didn't happen to have cake flour on hand so I made up a quick batch using this Cake Flour Substitute Recipe. This Cake Flour Substitute Recipe has been so handy for me I really wanted to share it
- [Homemade Baking Mix (DIY Bisquick)](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-baking-mix-diy-bisquick/) - Why pay a premium just for the "convenience" of buying all the stuff I already have in my pantry? Use this to make pancakes, waffles, biscuits and much more.
- [Chicken Fajita Seasoning Mix](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/chicken-fajita-seasoning-mix/) - There was a time when anything even slightly Mexican that was cooked in my kitchen involved a fluorescent colored spice mix packet. At the time I just assumed it was more convenient. I will admit the packets maybe marginally more convenient than mixing up your own chicken fajita seasoning. But mixing your own fajita seasoning
- [Homemade Old Bay Seasoning](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-old-bay-seasoning/) - Old Bay Seasoning is a seasoning mix I have always used sparingly, a pinch in tuna salad, a dash on fish fillets, that's about it. When I recently discovered my tin can of Old Bay Seasoning seemed to be well past it's prime. I thought mixing up a fresh batch of a homemade version would
- [Gingerbread Cookie Mix in a Jar](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/gingerbread-cookie-mix-jar/) - Need a simple homemade Christmas gift? Use this Gingerbread Cookie Mix in a Jar recipe and your recipient can mix up delicious cookies whenever the mood strikes. This is Cookie in a Jar mix the perfect holiday gift for teachers, neighbors, and Co-workers. I became really obsessed with homemade gifts last year, at first, it
- [Beef Stew Seasoning Mix](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/beef-stew-seasoning-mix/) - Season your stew meat with Beef Stew Seasoning Mix before you brown it. The blend of herbs and spices adds flavor and the flour will thicken your favorite beef stew recipe. My husband is a fan of stews during the winter. I can't say I blame him, after working outside in the cold all day, warming
- [Homemade Brownie Mix](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-brownie-mix/) - Keep Homemade Brownie Mix on hand to mix up whenever a chocolate craving strikes. It has all the convenience of a boxed mix made with a made from scratch taste. Last week my laptop died. It was a miserable old thing that held on much longer than it should have. The past month has been
- [Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-ranch-dressing-mix/) - I have been playing around more and more with homemade substitutions for packaged convenience foods, it is something I have actually enjoyed doing and it is really helpful when it comes to keeping the grocery budget under control. Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix is the latest homemade mix to hit my pantry, it took me a while to
- [Homemade Pizza Seasoning](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-pizza-seasoning/) - Traditional Italian Herbs are combined with onion flakes, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary and red pepper flakes in this spice mix to take your pizza to the next level. I love making homemade pizza, it is an inexpensive alternative to visiting our local pizza parlor. But I couldn’t help but feel something was missing…I was using a good sauce,
- [Baker's Cinnamon Filling Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/bakers-cinnamon-filling-recipe/) - Oh my gosh, this cinnamon roll filling is it, guys! I love cinnamon rolls, but I could never figure out how to get the consistency of the filling right. some fillings turned out too dry and baked right into the dough, and some too thin and would run out of the roll to the bottom of
- [Chicken Seasoning Blend](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/chicken-seasoning-blend/) - Today I am sharing another homemade mix recipe, that I absolutely love. Chicken Seasoning Blend is a savory dry rub that really adds a unique delicious flavor to chicken. Chicken seasoning blend is a quick and easy way to add flavor to roasted, grilled and baked chicken. This dry rub mix makes a big enough batch to
- [Homemade Rice Seasoning Mix](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-rice-seasoning-mix/) - It has been a while since I have shared a recipe for a homemade mix. I really feel like it is time to get back into stocking my pantry with homemade mixes and seasonings, most of my mixes have been depleted and I have been mixing on the fly. Rice can be kind of boring, Homemade
- [Homemade Shake and Bake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-shake-and-bake/) - My mother denies this now, but growing shake and bake pork chops were always on the weekly menu rotation. And, in my mother's defense why not? Shake & Bake was, and still is all about convenience. Drop a few pieces of meat in a bag with the coating, give a quick shake and dinner
- [Why I Will Never Keep a Drake in My Mixed Backyard Flock](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/drake-in-mixed-flock/) - My experience with keeping drakes. And why I've choosen to have drake-free flock.
- [Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-browned-butter-cinnamon-cream-cheese-frosting/) - I adore Fall, it is my absolute favorite season. I love the crisp mornings, the colors of the changing leaves. I especially enjoy all the flavors of Autumn; cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger combined with apples, pumpkins and pears. I thought I would share one of my favorite cupcakes to make in the fall. They are
- [Buying Fertile Eggs Online](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/buying-fertile-eggs-online/) - Buying fertile hatching eggs online can be a risky proposition. If you are new to buying fertile eggs, today I am sharing what I learned a lot about sourcing, handling and incubating fertile eggs.
- [Garden Planning: How much will feed my family??](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/garden-planning-how-much-will-feed-my-family/) - How much of each vegetable should you plant to feed your family for the whole year. This list is a great reference to consider when planning your garden.
- [Vanilla Half Moon Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/vanilla-half-moon-cookies/) - The quintessential Upstate New York treat from Utica. These Vanilla Half Moon Cookies are a soft and fluffy cookie, that are iced with half white, half chocolate frosting.
- [Foxes on the Farm & Protecting the Chicken Flock](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/around-the-farm-friday-red-fox/) - The red fox is a quick, skillful hunter who will wreak havoc on a flock of chickens. These are the steps we have taken to protect our flock from fox attacks.
- [Should I Add Apple Cider Vinegar to My Chickens Water?](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/should-i-add-apple-cider-vinegar-to-my-chickens-water/) - Some chicken owners believe there are many reasons why you should add apple cider vinegar to your chicken's water. Learn about the possible benefits, and how much, and how frequently to add apple cider vinegar to your chickens water.
- [Should I Give My Chickens Garlic?](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/should-i-give-my-chickens-garlic/) - Garlic has many health benefits, and is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your backyard flock healthy and happy.
- [5  Gadgets to Boost Coop Security & Protect Chickens From Predators](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-gadgets-to-boost-coop-security-protect-chickens-from-predators/) - Five gadgets that will not only making keeping chickens easier, but help to keep your flock safe and happy.
- [Eveything You Need To Know About Deep Litter Bedding In a Chicken Coop](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/eveything-you-need-to-know-about-deep-litter-bedding-in-a-chicken-coop/) - When managed properly, the deep litter method provedes your chickens with dry, fluffy and absorbent bedding, and you will have a happier, healthier flock with less maintenance.
- [Coop Cohabitation: Can Chickens and Ducks Live Together?](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/coop-cohabitation-can-chickens-and-ducks-live-together/) - Domestic ducks can peacefully cohabitate with backyard chickens. Duck and chickens basic feed and shelter requirements are very similar, which makes it possible for them to be coop mates, but there are a few considerations that you will need to keep in mind when adding waterfowl to a chicken coop.
- [What To Do During the Dead of Winter To Prepare For Spring Chicks](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/what-to-do-during-the-dead-of-winter-to-prepare-for-spring-chicks/) - Winter is the unoffical chicken-planning season! Use this time to be sure place your hatchery order, and plan the housing and care for your new baby chicks.
- [When & Why To Feed Your Chickens Calf Manna](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/when-why-to-feed-your-chickens-calf-manna/) - As chicken keepers, we want to provide our flock with nutrition that will keep them healthy and laying lots of eggs! How and when to supplement chickens with additional vitamins and extra protein.
- [Blue Jays, The Surprisingly Aggressive Chicken Predator](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/blue-jays-the-surprisingly-aggressive-chicken-predator/) - It is highly unlikely a Blue Jay would make an attack attempt at a full grown chicken, but they have been known to hunt and kill chicks, and raid nests for eggs, and harrass bakyard flocks.
- [The Beginner's Guide To Raising Ducklings: Everything You Need to Know To Get Started](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/beginners-guide-to-ducklings/) - Raising backyard ducks is a great way to supply your family with farm fresh eggs, and their quirky antics and personalities make ducks a fun addition to your backyard flock. Raising ducklings is a little different that chicks, this is everything I learned when raising my first duck flock.
- [Raising Ducklings for the Second Time This Summer: What I Will Do Differently](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/raising-ducklings-for-the-second-time-this-summer-what-i-will-do-differently/) - There is a lot of information available online on raising ducks, but sometimes experience really is the best teacher.
- [5 Things To Do As Soon As Mail Order Ducklings Arrive](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-things-to-do-as-soon-as-mail-order-ducklings-arrive/) - 5 simple steps to give new ducklings the best possible start in life.
- [A Taste of Utica, The Community Cookbook Full of Regional Recipes From Central New York](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/a-taste-of-utica-the-community-cookbook-full-of-regional-recipes-from-central-new-york/) - A Taste of Utica is loaded with amaziing recipes, and offers a snapshot of local appetites, a peek into the kitchens of homecooks and their culinary traditions. This book serves as a documentary of Utica’s amazing food heritage.
- [Traditional Hot Cross Buns (Home Dairy Bakery Recipe)](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/traditional-hot-cross-buns-home-dairy-bakery-recipe/) - Hands down the most requests I get for Upstate New York recipes are for anything from Home Dairy. I receive several emails and messages every month about Home Dairy. Often the recipe requests come with a nostalgic story of afterschool walks to the bakery to get a half moon cookie, lunches with mom after a
- [Chanatry's Utica Greens](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/chanatrys-utica-greens/) - This delicious, authentic Utica greens recipe combines prosciutto, hot peppers and Pecorino- Romano cheese in a flavorful sauce with cooked escarole.
- [It's a Wonderful Lego Life](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/its-a-wonderful-lego-life/) - A Syracuse Family has designed, created, and submitted a Lego set based on the Christmas classic Movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Currently the creation is up for vote at the official LEGO website.
- [Have a Merry Christmas & Blessed 2021](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/have-a-merry-christmas-blessed-2021/) - I will be stepping away from my computer and social media for a little bit to focus on my family but wanted to leave you with little note before I do. As we reflect back during the year while celebrating Christmas 2020, we can all agree, this year has brought about many changes in everyone’s
- [Animal-Related Hobbies That You Can Do at Home](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/animal-related-hobbies-that-you-can-do-at-home/) - If the pandemic has gotten in the way of your usual animal-loving activities, such as going to the zoo or helping a local pet shelter, you may be feeling bummed out. Whether you have a pet now or don’t have enough time for one, adding different kinds of animal activities into your life fills you
- [Our 2020 Thanksgiving Plans](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/our-2020-thanksgiving-plans/) - If one thing is for certain it's that this Thanksgiving is going to look a lot different than other years.
- [Hallmark Holiday Movie Inspired Winter Essentials](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/hallmark-holiday-movie-inspired-winter-essentials/) - It's easy to notice the thousands of strands of twinkling lights, and seemingly fake snow in the background of your favorite Hallmark Holiday Movie. But one of my favorite aspects of these feel good holiday flicks is the female lead characters gorgeous wardrobe.
- [Canandaigua Chicken Francese (Chicken French) Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/canandaigua-chicken-french/) - Chicken Francese, (Chicken French), is a popular Upstate New York Italian American restaurant dish that can easily be made at home. This recipe from Canandaigua features golden brown tender chicken cutlets nestled in a buttery, lemon pan sauce.
- [Vintage Pig Pickin Cake Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/vintage-pig-pickin-cake-recipe/) - A boxed cake mix and few pantry staples are all you need for this utterly irresistible light and fruity cake.
- [Upstate New York Gift Ideas](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/upstate-new-york-gift-ideas/) - A few years ago a friend asked me "What would you put into an Upstate New York State themed gift basket". They were visiting from out of town and wanted to send a sample of Upstate New York back home to Texas. I have always loved this idea, and with the holidays right around the
- [Creamy Cucumber Salad](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/creamy-cucumber-salad/) - Creamy Cucumber Salad is a fresh and simple side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions in a sour cream and dill dressing.
- [I Bought Houseplants Online in the Middle of Winter, Here's How it Went](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/i-bought-houseplants-online-in-the-middle-of-winter-heres-how-it-went/) - If the long dark days of winter have you craving a little green and you are not finding the houseplants you want locally, is it a good idea to order houseplants online?
- [Orange Sweet Rolls](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/orange-sweet-rolls/) - This time of the year I always find myself craving fresh citrus. Maybe the long dark days of an Upstate New York winter, make the bright cheery citrus fruits especially appealing. Or maybe I just have Orange on the brain (Go 'Cuse!!). Either way, Orange Sweet Rolls are a perfect breakfast during winter. Orange sweet
- [Homemade Teriyaki Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-teriyaki-sauce/) - Daylight savings time is doing me in this year, it really doesn't help that I have a horrible head cold, I am literally sick and tired. So I am going to keep this quick, which is exactly how this Homemade Teriyaki Sauce mixes up. I think every family has their own meal that goes on the
- [Ranch Salad Dressing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/ranch-salad-dressing/) - I have a little confession to make, it is kind of sad too. We live on a farm, all summer long we have fresh fruits in veggies. What we don't grow a trade is easy to negotiate with other farmers. Would would think with all this produce at the peak of freshness within such easy
- [Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-hot-cocoa-mix/) - Cookie Moll left this recipe in the comments of my Homemade Baking Mix post, and it sounds amazing! There have been a few questions about the actual pouch size of the dried milk, so I contacted Cookie and she clarified the ounce size, thank you Cookie!!
- [The Best Homesteading Podcasts for New Homesteaders](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-best-homesteading-podcasts-for-new-homesteaders/) - Homesteading podcasts to keep you entertained while inspiring you to live off the land, grow your own food, and be as self-sufficient as possible.
- [Self-Sufficiency Projects To  Keep Your Family Fed and Entertained](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/self-sufficiency/) - Food production and preservation projects that are actually valuable skills.
- [Trudy McNall's Home Cooking Hungarian Goulash](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/hungarian-goulash/) - Hearty and satisfying Hungarian Goulash adapted from a vintage recipe from Trudy McNall is a filling and delicious winter meal.
- [Vintage Pineapple Quick Bread Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pineapple-bread/) - An ultra flavorful & moist pineapple quick bread recipe that’s easy to make. Canned Pineapple gives this bread a sweet tangy flavor that you will love.
- [Midheaven Candles](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/midheaven-candles/) - Midheaven Candles is a Finger Lakes based scented candle brand focused on delivering all natural home scents featuring the highest quality essential oil fragrances in a clean buring soy candles.
- [Selecting Egg Laying Chickens For My Backyard Flock](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/egg-laying-chickens-backyard-flock/) - My picks for the best hens for an egg laying homestead backyard flock.
- [Seven-Day Slaw-  Coleslaw with a Vinegar Based Coleslaw Dressing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/seven-day-slaw/) - Crunchy cabbage coleslaw in a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing.
- [DIY Bleach Cleaning Spray](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/diy-clorox-clean-up/) - Learn how to make a bleach cleaning spray with bleach, water and laundry detergent.
- [Meet Ontario County's Resident Reindeer](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/shortsville-reindeer-farm/) - Reindeer, who are native to northern Europe seem to be an unlikely sight in Upstate New York, but Moose and Little Buddy have found a comfortable home at a Shortsville homestead.
- [The Hometown Effort to Bring HGTV to Palmyra](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/bring-hgtv-to-palmyra/) - Palmyra is inviting Erin and Ben Napier of the HGTV series Hometown to come work their magic, and spruce up the ENTIRE town!! A group made up of lifelong residents, historians and town officials want to get the HGTV pros to come visit Palmyra or the new “Home Town Take Over” set to air in
- [Seriously Good Homemade Salad Dressings That Will Upgrade Your Next Salad](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-salad-dressings/) - A collection of favorite Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes that are all easy to make. From creamy blue cheese to tangy vinaigrettes these recipes will seriously upgrade your next salad
- [Garlic Pepper Parmesan Salad Dressing Inspired by The Changing Scene](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pepper-parmesan-salad-dressing/) - Inspired by a old newspaper clipping recipe for the house salad dressing from the Changing Scenes restaurant in Rochester, this creamy garlic parmesan salad dressing is super easy to make, and absolutely delicious!
- [The 2020 Home in the Finger Lakes Reader Survey](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-2020-home-in-the-finger-lakes-reader-survey/) - I’d love to hear your input. I will use this valuable feedback to prepare the editorial calendar for 2020, making sure I fill it with all types of content you love and want to read.
- [Seneca Falls: George Bailey's (It's a Wonderful Life) Bridge](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/george-baileys-its-a-wonderful-life-bridge/) - I wrote this article in the summer of 2013, but because watching It's a Wonderful Life is part of our Christmas tradition and with the upcoming 68th Anniversary Festival of It's a Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls this weekend I wanted to share this again. Table Of ContentsThe Town of Seneca FallsIt's a Wonderful Life The
- [Neighborhood Notes: Smell Well Soap Shop in Palmyra](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/neighborhood-notes-smell-well-soap-shop-in-palmyra/) - The Palmyra area is home to all sorts of trendy and unique shopping destinations, and The Smell Well Soap Shop is your local source for pampering bath and skincare products that make great gifts for your friends, family and even yourself. Shannon Banfield and her mother Robin Petix have turned a horse farm in Palmyra
- [Homemade Simmering Potpourri](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-simmering-potpourri/) - Table Of ContentsTips for purchasing spices for simmering potpourriIngredient Suggestions for a Wonderful Simmering PotpourriPackaging Simmering Potpourri for Gift GivingHow to Dry Orange Slices in the OvenGift Tags for Homemade Simmering Potpourri The weather has been getting a little cooler, Wegmans has hung their giant wreaths on the front of all their stores, Starbucks is using red cups,
- [My First Stitch Fix!  A Honest Review](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/my-first-stitch-fix-a-honest-review/) - Have you heard of Stitch Fix? Honestly, I would be really surprised if you haven't. Bloggers and YouTubers seem to love the service, it is heavily advertised, and so many times I have complimented friends on their clothes and got the reply "thanks, I got it from Stitch Fix" So when it became painfully clear
- [Setting Up Your Stitch Fix Pinterest Board](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/setting-up-your-stitch-fix-pinterest-board/) - Pinterest is the most direct way to communicate what you are looking for to your Stitch Fix stylist, and because your stylist is working on a very limited time frame you want it to be easy for her to visualize your style quickly. I have tried arranging my "Style" board a couple of different ways,
- [Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/fudgy-chocolate-crinkle-cookies/) - Rich and fudgy these crinkle cookies have an irresistible moist center and crispy crackly exterior.
- [Homemade Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/brewing-the-perfect-cup-of-coffee-at-home/) - Now making the perfect cup of indulgently creamy and remarkably rich coffee at home is easier than ever. Homemade Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer is rich and creamy, with just a hint of sweetness.
- [Homemade Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-peppermint-mocha-coffee-creamer/) - Making the perfect cup of indulgently creamy and remarkably rich coffee at home is easier than ever, just mix up a batch of Homemade Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer and keep it in the fridge to satisfy your coffee craving for a seasonal twist.
- [How To Celebrate Christmas Like a Hallmark Movie](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/how-to-celebrate-christmas-like-a-hallmark-movie/) - If you are wanting to celebrate the holidays like a Hallmark movie, here are some ways you can accomplish it in Upstate New York.
- [How to Get the Best Christmas Tree Farm Family Photos This Year](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/how-to-get-the-best-christmas-tree-farm-family-photos-this-year/) - A photographer shares her tips on how to make the most of your time with a photographer and get the best Christmas tree farm family photos this year.
- [Iced Coffee](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/iced-coffee/) - I am a huge fan of iced coffee, actually I am a huge fan of coffee. But there is just something about iced coffee during the summer. I swear the stuff gives me the strength to get through the long hot days of summer, and I was spending a pretty penny on it at my
- [Gift Ideas for "It's a Wonderful Life" Lovers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/gift-ideas-for-its-a-wonderful-life-lovers/) - Do you have someone in your life who LOVES It's a Wonderful Life? This Hollywood classic always leaves me with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside whenever I watch it, it is almost impossible to not be a fan of this Christmas movie! If you or someone you know loves It's a Wonderful Life as much
- [The 5 Best Finger Lakes Wines for Thanksgiving](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-5-best-finger-lakes-wines-for-thanksgiving/) - Tracey from Tasting the FLX graciously put together a list of the 5 best Finger Lakes Wines to serve this Thanksgiving.
- [How to Arrange a Holiday Cookie Platter Your Friends and Family Will Love](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/christmas-cookies-the-will-definetly-be-on-my-cookie-platter/) - During the holidays I really enjoy gifting friends and family with holiday cookie platters, here are my tips for put together the BEST cookies platters.
- [30 Rustic Farmhouse Finds For Christmas](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rustic-winter-farmhouse-decor/) - These Amazon Christmas farmhouse decor finds are perfect for anyone who loves decorating their home with cozy rustic touches.
- [Easy Ways To Refresh Your Home For Spring](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/easy-ways-to-refresh-your-home-for-spring/) - Spring has finally sprung! Hopefully you’re enjoying the first warm days of the season and sight of flowers and trees bursting into bloom. Many of us are deep into spring cleaning mode, but as you open the windows and clean out all the dusty corners, take a minute and see how you can incorporate some
- [Bringing Hygge Into Your Home And Life: Made Simple](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/bringing-hygge-into-your-home-and-life-made-simple/) - Hygge is often a term you will now hear bounced around. It is either on social media, accompanied by a picture of a cozy fire and someone looking warm and comfortable. It is in blog posts, perhaps such as this, and it is in the media. It is a Danish way of living that has
- [Give Your Bathroom a Spa Treatment](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/give-your-bathroom-a-spa-treatment/) - I don't know what it is about winter, but every year I find myself craving a cozy relaxing area to retreat to at the end of the day. Last year I created a cozy reading area, but this year I am all about recreating that sensation of the day spa in my own bath, but
- [Squeezing in Home Updates When You Are Busy](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/squeezing-in-home-updates-when-you-are-busy/) - Most of us probably wish we had more hours in the day. Between the kids sporting events, and my own commitments, I am just busy. Having a busy lifestyle means sometimes other parts of your life may sometimes have to take a backseat and sadly that can include your home. Because I am hosting a
- [Proietti's Greens and Beans](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/proiettis-greens-and-beans/) - Proietti’s in Webster has been serving up classic Italian comfort food since the 60’s. Recreate Proietti's Signature Greens and Beans, using escarole, cannellini beans, garlic and a easy French Sauce in your own kitchen!
- [Me Time Ideas For Moms Who Need A Break](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/me-time-ideas-for-moms-who-need-a-break/) - Hey Moms! When was the last time you had some uninterrupted time that was just for you?! I bet you have to go back a long way to remember when you last did something for yourself and by yourself. However, without a little me time from time to time, it's easy to get stressed or
- [Mario’s Via Abruzzi Hard Crust Herb Rolls](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/marios-via-abruzzi-hard-crust-herb-rolls/) - Served at both Mario's Pizza & Pasta and Mario's Via Abruzzi Customers would often line up waiting for freshly baked rolls to be brought out directly from the oven to the salad bar.
- [Premier Pastry's Chocolate Bourbon Pound Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/premier-pastrys-chocolate-bourbon-pound-cake/) - A rich, dense, dark chocolate bourbon pound cake recipe from Chef Paula Stadtmiller of Premier Pastry in Rochester.
- [5 Simple Ways to Show Yourself Some Love this Valentine's Day](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-simple-ways-to-show-yourself-some-love-this-valentines-day/) - 5 Simple Ways to Show Yourself Some Love this Valentine’s Day! Try one (or all of these) this Valentine’s Day to spark some self-love.
- [My 5 Favorite House Plants](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/my-5-favorite-house-plants/) - The picture-perfect blanket of pristine white fluffy snow has been replaced with a slushy sloppy mess that is a dirty mix of snow, salt, and sand, and there is almost an instinctual need to see something green and alive.
- [Organizations That Donate FREE Prom Dresses to High School Students in Upstate New York](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/organizations-donate-free-prom-dresses-high-school-students-upstate-new-york/) - Upstate New York organizations that support students and make prom dreams come true to those who may not be able to afford a dress for prom.
- [How to Grow Peonies for Fragrant Bouquets](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/how-to-grow-peonies-for-fragrant-bouquets/) - Peonies are an old fashioned flower with an unforgettable fragrance. They require a little patience to establish, but your patience will be rewarded with fragrant blooms for years! You know I love my fragrant spring flowers, especially lilcas, but I never fully appreciated the Peonies until my husband and I bought our house and there
- [Historic Canandaigua Boathouses](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/historic-canandaigua-boathouses/) - Rows of charming wooden boathouses on Canandaigua City Pier have a distinct old village "seaside "charm . The Historic Canandaigua Boathouses rustic beauty and unique personality make a visit to the Canandaigua Pier a Summer bucket list activity. If you ever find yourself in the Canandaigua area, make it a point to schedule time to
- [My 5 Favorite Old Fashioned Annuals for a Cutting Garden](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/my-5-favorite-old-fashioned-annuals-for-a-cutting-garden/) - I have a confession to make... I love flowers but have no patience for fussy or high maintenance gardens. I need plants that will thrive under neglect, adapt to hot dry locations, and most importantly provide me with pretty blossoms that I can fill vases with and scatter around the house. These 5 old fashioned
- [Magnolias in Palmyra](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/magnolias-in-palmyra/) - The large magnolia tree at Zion Episcopal Church in Palmyra is a sight to see in the spring. The blooms do not last long but while they are here, they are absolutely gorgeous.
- [5 Unexpected Ways to Bring Lilac Season into Your Home](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-unexpected-ways-to-bring-lilac-season-into-your-home/) - The lilac bush, (Syringa vulgaris,) was designated the official state bush of New York state in 2006, and it is no secret we love our lilacs in Rochester. The lilac is an shrub with showy, aromatic blooms in early spring. Lilacs have a heavenly scent, that is stronger than roses, one lilac bush can fill
- [The Legend of Christian Holler Road in Sodus](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-legend-of-christian-holler-road-in-sodus/) - The interesting history behind the country road Christian Holler in Sodus, New York!
- [Pinterest Inspired Thrift Store Vintage Apron Display](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pinterest-inspired-thrift-store-vintage-apron-display/) - I know I am beginning to sound like a broken record, with all the recent talk about my stash of vintage linens, but in case you aren't familiar, I had/have a low key hoard of vintage linens, and I gave myself the ultimatum: use it or lose it! And let me tell you the struggle
- [In search of Your Favorite Recipe For...](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/search-favorite-recipe/) - I am looking for recipes for some of Upstate New York's favorite regional foods, do you have one you want to share?
- [How to Keep your Teen's Football Gear Clean and Stink Free](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/how-to-keep-your-teens-football-gear-clean-and-stink-free/) - You love your athlete, but probably don't feel the same way about their laundry. Sports gear (especially gear that belongs to a teenage boy) can get incredibly stinky, these products have kept my son's football uniforms and gear clean and stink-free.
- [Fall Deep Cleaning Checklist](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/fall-deep-cleaning-checklist/) - You probably are familiar with Spring Cleaning, but you should also show your home a little love in the fall too! Here’s where you should start, and my tips for Fall Cleaning!
- [Soft and Feminine Easy DIY Farmhouse Fall Wreath](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/soft-and-feminine-easy-diy-farmhouse-fall-wreath/) - Create a soft and feminine farmhouse wreath for your front door. Instead of the traditional fall colors, Use a soft color palette for the florals, a neutral gingham ribbon, and white wooden letter for this easy DIY project. Fall is my favorite season, and I was so excited to change up my decor and start
- [The Purple Painted Lady Art Festival](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-purple-painted-lady-art-festival/) - If you're looking for a great country fall festival the Purple Painted Lady Art Festival is one that you need to put on your calendar! With over 300 artists on 60 acres of land, this Art Festival offers a wide variety of artists, crafters, and vintage and antique sellers in a family-friendly country setting that
- [Our Favorite Pumpkin Patches in Wayne County NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/our-favorite-pumpkin-patches-in-wayne-county-ny/) - Fall is finally here, and there is no better way to spend a weekend than visiting one of the great Pumpkin Patches in Wayne County NY!
- [Fabric Sweater Sleeve Pumpkins](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/fabric-sweater-sleeve-pumpkins/) - Repurpose old sweaters into Farmhouse Fabric Pumpkins. Perfect for fall harvest and autumn home decor. Make your own pumpkin patch, with just a few items and very basic sewing skills
- [The Coziest Blankets For Chilly Fall Afternoons](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-coziest-blankets-for-chilly-fall-afternoons/) - There’s nothing quite as comfy and cozy as curling up on the couch with a soft throw blanket and a cup of hot tea to read a book or watch a football game during the fall. I look forward to these snuggly afternoons all year! One of the easiest ways to bring cozy fall vibes
- [Ways to Bring Hygge into Your Home This Fall](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/ways-to-bring-hygge-into-your-home-this-fall/) - Hygge is trendy term that has been popular for a few years now. You might see Hygge mentioned in a social media posts, accompanied by a picture of a cozy fire and someone looking warm and comfortable, or maybe a picture of a cozy reading area with a steaming cup of tea perched near by.
- [Fall Festivals in Upstate New York You Won't Want to Miss](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/fall-festivals-in-upstate-new-york-you-wont-want-to-miss/) - I can’t believe we are in the second week of October, and with multiple seasonal events going on this time of the year; I’m looking forward to getting out and enjoying the crisp fall air and beautiful views. There are many fall festivals and fairs happening in our region this month, but today I thought
- [5 of the Easiest Crochet Projects for Beginners](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-of-the-easiest-crochet-projects-for-beginners/) - These 5 Crochet Projects are perfect for beginners, and many have video instructions so you don’t even need to know how to read a print crochet pattern.
- [Artful Agenda Review](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/artful-agenda-review/) - It’s no secret that I absolutely love paper planning, I currently have a stack of 3 planners sitting on my desk, and have already ordered 2 for 2020! But I do also love digital tools and apps to help organize mulitple calanders easily, make lists, and plan. For the record, I don’t think any digital
- [10 Natural DIY Cold and Flu Relief Remedies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/10-natural-diy-cold-and-flu-relief-remedies/) - Cold and flu season came in with a vengence this year. The third week of the school year and my family was down with fever, headaches, sore throat and cough. It was rough. When I called my kids in absent to school, the nurse had said some students had been tested for the flu, they'd
- [The Best Vintage Inspired Halloween Decorations from Amazon](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-best-vintage-inspired-halloween-decorations-from-amazon/) - October 31st is right around the corner and it is time to break out the candy, customs and sppoky decor. Vintage-inspired decor can create an eerie, old-timey, look in any space—plus, it's much different than the typical gory modern Halloween decor. I love the look of Vintage Halloween Decor, but I don't really want to
- [How to Order Half Moon Cookies From Upstate New York for the Holidays](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/how-to-order-half-moon-cookies-from-upstate-new-york-for-the-holidays/) - I love the idea of serving up nostalgic beloved local foods at the holidays, so I am going to do my best to help you get Half Moon Cookies delivered right to your doorstep.
- [2019 Christmas Festivals To Add To Your Calendar](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2019-christmas-festivals-to-add-to-your-calendar/) - With Christmas and New Year's Day right around the corner, now is the time to enjoy the best of the holiday season in the Finger Lakes.
- [5 Mother's Day Gifts That Aren't Things (or Flowers)](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-mothers-day-gifts-that-arent-things-or-flowers/) - How many times have your heard "I don't want anything for Mother's Day"? Maybe you've even said it yourself. The truth is the best gifts, of course, aren’t things. In my current season of life, the kids are busy in sports and on any given night scattered at different fields, and this year all I
- [5 Ways to Score Fall Fashion For Less](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-ways-to-score-fall-fashion-for-less/) - With fall in full swing, almost every fashion retailer is showcasing all of their best sweaters, jackets, and jeans. While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of shopping for all of the best seasonal styles, there are still many ways you can save on even the most popular looks. If you’re hoping
- [9 Things I Learned My First Month of Weight Watchers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/10-things-i-learned-my-first-month-of-weight-watchers/) - I've been doing the WW Freestyle Program for over a month now and have lost 15 lbs! These are my 9 biggest takeaways from my very first month on WW (Weight Watchers)
- [Halloween Events in and around the Rochester Area](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/halloween-events-in-and-around-the-rochester-area/) - Celebrate Halloween with activities, costume parties, trick or treating, and haunted tours in Upstate New York! 2018 Halloween Events in and around the Rochester Area for the kids and adults.
- [Happy Easter!](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/happy-easter-2/) - Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Easter! Whatever your traditions are over the Easter break I hope that is joyful & refreshing. My husband and 2 oldest just returned from a week in Myrtle Beach for a Softball tournament, and I am happy to have them all back home. We don't have
- [10 Upstate New York Festivals to add to your Calendar](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/10-upstate-new-york-festivals-you-should-check-out/) - 10 Upstate New York Festivals to Add to your Calendar that celebrate everything Upstate New York has to offer.
- [10 Unique Upstate New York Food Festivals](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/10-unique-upstate-new-york-food-festivals/) - From Sauerkraut to bagels, eat like a local at these 10 Unique Upstate New York Food Festivals.
- [Easy No-Bake Granola Bar Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/chocolate-coconut-granola-bars/) - My kids can blow through a box of granola bars in no time, even with couponing it is impossible to ever have enough. They are great in lunch boxes, paired with an apple for an after school snack to hold them over until dinner. I have actually tried several granola bar recipes, but they
- [No Sew Shirt Sleeve Pumpkins](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/no-sew-shirt-sleeve-pumpkins/) - I am so excited to share this fun little Fall craft with you guys! We have loved making these No Sew Shirt Sleeve Fabric Pumpkins this week, they are just adorable! And they are just as easy to make as they are cute. The supply list for these little pumpkins isn't long, and I bet you have
- [Ribbon Candy](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/ribbon-candy/) - I am not a huge candy eater, unless there is chocolate involved. But there is something about ribbon candy I look forward to all year. Just seeing it makes me smile, the bright festive colors, the satiny sheen, the perfect loops, even if you don't like hard candy it is impossible not to appreciate how
- [Syracuse Salt Potatoes in the Instant Pot](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/syracuse-salt-potatoes-in-the-instant-pot/) - Salt potatoes are an Upstate Summertime staple, they are great to take to a picnic as a dish to pass, and are easy to prepare, especially in the Instantpot! Not only do they cook cup faster, but the pressurized cooking results in a potato with an unbelievably creamy center. You'll love making salt potatoes in your pressure cooker!
- [Olive Cheeseball](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/olive-cheeseball/) - This olive cheese ball is a fun and festive appetizer for your holiday parties. Easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!
- [Vintage RG&E Pineapple Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/vintage-rge-pineapple-cookies/) - This Vintage cookie recipe comes from an RG&E recipe booklet put together by their Home Service Department. These light fluffy cookies Pineapple are a nice break from some of the richer Christmas cookies. It may seem odd for a company like Rochester Gas & Electric to put out a cookbook today, but it was actually
- [Northern New York Michigan Sauce Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/northern-new-york-michigan-sauce-recipe/) - Recreate the Northern New York roadside stand staple in your own kitchen! This sauce is a key ingredient for an Upstate New York Michigan, which is a red hot (usually Glacier hot dog) on a New England Style Roll, with meat sauce and onions.
- [Sibley's Department Store Bakery Apple Pie](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/sibleys-department-store-bakery-apple-pie/) - The turn of the century recipe for Apple Pie from Sibley’s Department Store, and holiday traditions at Midtown. I have been collecting recipes for quite a while, and usually, the backstory is just as good as the prepared dish. I have decided I want to try to find and make as many Upstate New York signature recipes
- [Oak Hill Country Club's Butter Tea Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/oak-hill-country-clubs-butter-tea-cookies/) - These Butter Tea Cookies from Oak Hill Country Club are buttery and mildly sweet, perfectly accented with a dollop of raspberry preserves.
- [Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Garlic Dill Pickles](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/dinosaur-bar-b-que-garlic-dill-pickles/) - Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Garlic Dill Pickles are spicy, crunchy homemade pickles. The recipe comes from the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: An American Roadhouse Cookbook. These pickles require no canning, you can store them in the fridge for up to a couple of months.
- [Dish Soap Apron Tutorial](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/dish-soap-apron-tutorial/) - The last time I was in my Grandmother's house after she passed away, I saw her dish soap apron sitting right there by the sink on her bottle of Dawn dish soap. I really don't know what came over me, but I snatched it right off the bottle and shoved it in my pocket. I
- [Freezing Summer Sweet Corn](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/freezing-summer-sweet-corn/) - It is funny how quickly summer can slip by, every year it seems summer goes by faster and faster. Here on the farm, our produce has hit its peak. From ripe and juicy tomatoes to fresh crispy cucumbers and peppers, the last weeks of summer are some of the tastiest in Upstate New York, and
- [71st Anniversary Celebration of "It's a Wonderful Life" in Seneca Falls](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/71st-anniversary-celebration-wonderful-life-seneca-falls/) - Mark your calendars, It's a Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls this December 8th, 9th and 10th! You know I love the movie It’s a Wonderful Life , in fact, it is a holiday tradition in our house to watch it, but after last years visit to Seneca Falls for the It's a Wonderful Life Festival, I
- [Upstate New York Scenic Fall Foliage Train Rides](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/scenic-fall-foliage-train-rides/) - From the Mountains to the Finger Lakes region there is no better way to take in all the colors and sites than on a train tour.
- [The Best Oven Baked (Foil-Wrapped) Baby Back Ribs](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-best-oven-baked-baby-back-ribs/) - I’m sharing my recipe for the perfect rack of ribs. Smithfield Extra Tender Ribs are dry rubbed, wrapped in foil and cooked slow and low in the oven for tender and juicy ribs that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Served with homemade BBQ Sauce, these ribs will turn out perfect every single time.
- [Hay Day on the Farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/hay-day-farm/) - Hay is tricky, a large part of your success is dependant on the weather. Hay needs hot low moisture days to dry, and if you remember there wasn't a lot of those days this summer. But we were still able to get through both 1st and 2nd cutting, and put up some good looking hay in the process.
- [What Really Happens When You Drop a Cat Off at a Farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/really-happens-drop-cat-off-farm/) - Yesterday afternoon, I took the short walk across my yard to the other side of our barn to take some pictures of my Concord Grape Vine for an upcoming post and was met with the sad eyes of a scrawny cat. I wish I could say I was surprised by the sudden appearance of a juvenile cat
- [Casual Farmhouse Christmas Tablescape](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/casual-farmhouse-christmas-tablescape/) - Blue-banded bistro plates, red poinsettias, French Strip table linens come together for an inexpensive Casual Farmhouse Christmas Tablescape.
- [10 Timeless Home Decor Items You Can Always Buy at Thrift Stores](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/10-timeless-home-decor-items-you-can-always-buy-at-thrift-stores/) - These timeless decor items bring a sense of history and character to your living spaces and are almost always available at thrift shops.
- [5 Reasons You Need to Attend The 2019 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Oak Hill](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-reasons-you-need-to-attend-the-2019-kitchenaid-senior-pga-championship-at-oak-hill/) - Earlier in the week I had the awesome opportunity to attend to attend the 2019 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Media Dinner at Oak Hill this week, and let me tell you, it was amazing. I have a gallery posted at the end of this blog post, sharing the highlights from that evening, but first I wanted to
- [Covering the hoop house with new plastic (Spring 2017)](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/covering-hoop-house-new-plastic-spring-2017/) - I thought it might be fun to share some of our farming activities today. Believe it or not, my husband has already been out planting sweet corn, but today we are talking tomatoes! A few years ago the farm added a hoop house (or unheated greenhouse, or high tunnel) to extend the growing season. You know
- [Chopping Corn Silage for Feed](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/chopping-corn-silage-feed/) - Corn Chopping Season! I am proud and a little relieved to say we have just finished corn chopping, and in record time to boot! Corn chopping is pretty much the official end to the growing season on our farm, and usually, by the point it rolls around we (well, maybe it's just me) are just
- [Meal Theme Nights to Break You Out of Your Dinner Rut](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/meal-theme-nights-to-break-you-out-of-your-dinner-rut/) - I have been using Plan to Eat for over a year now to help streamline my meal planning process. And while I love using the Meal Planning App, there has been the occasional bump in the road, usually in the form of the dreaded "Dinner Rut". My recipe database has grown significantly in Plan to
- [Enjoy your Fresh Cut Lilacs Longer](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/keep-your-fresh-cut-lilacs-longer/) - Enjoy your Fresh Cut Lilacs Longer with these easy tips to help keep your cut lilacs alive, and looking great in a vase longer.
- [Lovely Lilacs](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lovely-lilacs/) - Spring in Rochester It is no secret we love our lilacs here in Rochester! The city's collection of lilacs in Highland Park is world famous, even Martha Stewart has come to check out the blossoms during their peak in May. For myself, getting to the lilac festival is incredibly hard, it happens to take
- [The Perfect Non-Traditional Christmas Playlist To Get You in the Holiday Spirit](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-perfect-non-traditional-christmas-playlist-to-get-you-in-the-holiday-spirit/) - Ready to switch up your holiday music? I've put together a mellow non-traditional christmas playlist to help you get into the holiday spirit. This playlist has a coffeehouse vibe, most of the songs are by Indie/folk artisits. Who knows, they just might become the new classics.
- [Let's Have a Moment of Silence for My Christmas Tree](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lets-have-a-moment-of-silence-for-my-christmas-tree/) - After the lights were strung, the ornaments carefully placed on the branches and the crowning bow tree topper perched on the highest branch. It all came crashing down. Literally.
- [Wellness Wins~ How I've Been Losing Weight](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/wellness-wins-how-ive-been-losing-weight/) - It has been a hot minute since I have written a blog post just to let you know what is going on in my life, with spring right around the corner I thought this is a good time to jump in to them again. Years ago I wrote about trying to lose a few pounds
- [Tart Cherry Filled Sweet Buns](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tart-cherry-filled-sweet-buns/) - A vatrushka is a Russian/Ukrainian open-faced pastry or tart. Made with various doughs and pastries and dozens of fillings, vatrushka are a traditional Russian/Ukrainian tea-time treat. After some reading, I learned it seems the most popular type is a yeast bun topped with sweet cottage cheese filling. I first ran across these treats on Pinterest,
- [2018 Prom Season: Organizations That Donate FREE Prom Dresses to High School Students in Upstate New York](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2018-prom-season-organizations-that-donate-free-prom-dresses-to-high-school-students-in-upstate-new-york/) - Sky-high costs put Prom out of reach some families, but these Upstate New York groups and organizations want to help make prom dreams come true.
- [What I Read In February](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/what-i-read-in-february/) - So let me ask you a question. Do you consider listening Audiobooks "reading" ? I ask because I have recently bought a subsription to Scribd. I love to read but findign the opportunity to sit down with a book can be a challenge. I have found I really do enjoy listening to books, especially when
- [Buckwheat Pancakes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/buckwheat-pancakes/) - Penn Yan made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for baking the world's largest pancake during the Buckwheat Festival. This Buckwheat Pancake recipe doesn't create nearly as big of a pancake, but it's definitely a winner!
- [The Best Free Stock Photo Sources for Bloggers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-best-free-stock-photo-sources-for-bloggers/) - When most people think about blogs, they think about the written articles, the words on the screen. But images and photos play a huge role in blogs, they capture the reader's attention, and quickly. Usually, people check out the images before reading the post and make a snap decision about whether they will stay or
- [BBQ Sauce and Rub Recipe With Free Printable Gift Tags for Father's Day](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/bbq-sauce-and-rub-recipe-with-free-printable-gift-tags-for-fathers-day/) - Do you have a father in your life who loves to BBQ? These BBQ Printable Mason Jar Lid Gift Tags and Recipes for Father's Day, and they are a quick and easy DIY gift he is sure to love!
- [The 5 Best Upstate New York Fall Festivals](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-best-5-upstate-new-york-fall-festivals/) - Every Autumn area towns host festivals celebrating everything from the harvest to the history of the Upstate region. With amazing stunning scenic views to take in, and activities for the whole family, Fall is the perfect time of the year to check out one of the many local festivals.
- [U-Pick Apple Orchards in the Rochester Area](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/u-pick-apple-orchards-in-the-rochester-area/) - Nothing beats a day on an apple-filled farm and orchard. New York is the second-largest apple producing state in the country, and with so many opportunities to get out and take part in the harvest, there’s no reason to avoid the quintessential autumn fun. Below is a list of the best places around the
- [Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cinnamon-roll-steel-cut-oats/) - Start your morning with a warm bowl of Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats, topped cinnamon sugar and a cream cheese glaze.
- [Coffee Station Tray](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/coffee-station-tray/) - You know all those super pretty coffee stations all over Pinterest right now? Yeah, I wanted one. BAD. In fact I even bought a vintage buffet to refinish for my new coffee station. I knew where I was going to put it, had shelves picked out, could see it all, and it was going to
- [Getting Started with Homemade Natural Cleaning Products](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/getting-started-homemade-natural-cleaning-products/) - If you want to switch from store-bought products to safer homemade cleaners this guide will help you get the right start!
- [Roasted Red Pepper Artichoke Bruschetta](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/roasted-red-pepper-artichoke-bruschetta/) - Mezzetta Roasted Red Pepper Artichoke Bruschetta for effortless summer entertaining School will be ending here soon and we will officially be in summer mode! I think we are all ready for a slower pace. The past few summers we have taken the family on a summer vacation, usually it fairly close, last year we stayed
- [Stress Free Thanksgiving Tips & Make Ahead Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/stress-free-thanksgiving-tips-make-ahead-spiced-orange-cranberry-sauce/) - Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is a big job, but that doesn't mean it has to be stressful. Even the chef should get to relax and enjoy the holiday. By far the best way to make sure your kitchen ( and Thanksgiving Dinner) is an enjoyable experience for everyone (yes, even the cook) is to have a
- [Coconut Cream Poke Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/coconut-cream-poke-cake/) - Poke Cakes seem to hit their peak popularity in the 1970s, originally a campaign created to increase sluggish sales for Jell-O gelatin. Women’s magazines featured full-page advertisements showcasing recipes for the fun and festive looking, new "Jell-O Gelatin Poke Cake." The cake/gelatin/cool whip concoction was marketed as the perfect dessert for the busy housewife, and
- [Zucchini Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/zucchini-bread/) - How is your garden doing? Our zucchini are nowhere near producing like they have been in previous years. I think the rain disrupted the setting of the blossoms, because we have big beautiful plants, just have yet to see the usual summer squash explosion that happens. I usually save making zucchini bread making for the
- [Soft & Chewy Muesli Breakfast Bars](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/soft-chewy-muesli-breakfast-bars/) - I have a healthy and delicious breakfast bar recipe for you guys this morning! And I know how hectic mornings can be so these bars can be made in advance and frozen. Soft and Chewy Muesli bars are made with the new Nature Valley™ Toasted Oats Muesli-Original, peanut butter, banana, and honey, they are a
- [Celebrate Ithaca's Role in Ice Cream Sundae History with a Tart Cherry Sundae](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/celebrate-ithacas-sundae-story-with-a-cherry-sundae/) - This quick and easy tart cherry sauce is the perfect topping for desserts - use it to top pound cake, waffles, yogurt and ice cream! It can be made year-round with fresh or frozen sour cherries. Ithaca, has long been known as an area having some of the best dining in Upstate New York, but
- [Thai Cucumber Salad](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/thai-cucumber-salad/) - I am going to be honest with you, I love cucumbers, but really could not care less about pickles. Somewhere between cucumber and pickle the whole thing just takes a wrong turn for me. What was once crunchy, juicy and fresh ends up suspended in a fluid like a science experiment; lifeless, salty and lacking
- [Sour Cherry Pie Filling](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/sour-cherry-pie-filling/) - If I had to pick only one kind of pie to eat for the rest of my life I would not even hesitate, sour cherry pie. No, let me be a little more specific, homemade sour cherry pie. Not the kind of pie that has canned cherry pie filling... ummm, EVER! Pie filling made from
- [Homemade Sazón](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-sazon/) - I love mixing up all my own seasonings and spice blends. Why buy a mix of spices I often already have individually in my cupboard? Just like Homemade Pizza Seasoning is a good all purpose seasoning, Homemade Sazón offers up all the flavors of Latino cuisine in one blend. Sazón simply means seasoning in Spanish, and it is a
- [The Perfect Porterhouse Steak and Garlic Butter Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/perfect-porterhouse-steak-garlic-butter-sauce/) - These tender and juicy Porterhouse steak are perfectly seared in a cast iron skillet and finished in the oven, served with garlic butter.
- [Philly Cheese Steak Cheesy Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/philly-cheese-steak-cheesy-bread/) - Philly Cheese Steak Cheesy Bread. Beefy, cheesy and incredibly crave-worthy, serve up a taste of Philly at your next gathering. Huge thanks to Moyer Beef for sponsoring today’s recipe! The recipe, opinions, and photos are all my own, but you probably knew that already. My family is still obsessed with Cheesesteak Sandwiches, and why not? Thinly sliced steak sitting on a
- [Insanely Delicious (and Quick!) Cheesesteak Sandwiches](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/insanely-delicious-and-quick-cheesesteak-sandwiches/) - These Insanely Delicious (and Quick!) Cheesesteak Sandwiches are the answer to a busy evening when you are exhausted and everyone is hungry. Beef strips are marinated in a flavorful mixture that does double duty: it flavors and tenderizes the beef, and is also stirred into mayo to create a kicked up spread for the buns. Autumn
- [Rhubarb Orange Jam](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rhubarb-orange-jam/) - I haven't posted many recipes lately, honestly, I have looked forward to cooking with seasonal, local ingredients so much nothing else has really inspired the process of creating an entire blog post. Luckily, a pretty bundle of rhubarb made its way to me and broke me out of my food blogger funk. After cooking with
- [Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/sparkling-strawberry-lemonade/) - Sweet, tangy and sparkling, Strawberry Lemonade is the perfect drink to help you ease into summer.
- [Fresh Strawberry Almond Muffins](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/fresh-strawberry-almond-muffins/) - Fresh Strawberry Almond Muffins I am pretty sure some of the best cooks are innkeepers at bed and breakfast inns. So, I am thrilled to share this recipe from the Vintage Gardens Bed and Breakfast in Newark, NY. Kimberly Meeks, the innkeeper of Vintage Gardens graciously shared her most popular breakfast recipes with me. And
- [Cornell Chicken BBQ](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cornell-chicken-bbq/) - I really do not consider myself a food nerd, but any recipe that has origins in Upstate New York will always intrigue me. I have been testing and trying recipes and dishes that have ties to Upstate New York. And while I don’t usually like to play favorites this one ranks pretty high on
- [Smashed Salt Potatoes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/smashed-salt-potatoes/) - So Memorial Day has come and gone, but you still have salt potatoes hanging around in the fridge. It happens, and my favorite way to dress them up is to just give them a good smash, dress them up with some olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh herbs.
- [Taste of Western New York:  Beef On Weck](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/taste-western-new-york-beef-weck/) - A beef on weck (also known as beef on wick) is a sandwich found primarily in Western New York, specifically in the Buffalo region. What separates this hot roast beef sandwich from a French dip is the roll. Served on a salt and caraway seed encrusted Kummelweck roll, which is simply shortened to “weck”, this sandwich has
- [Polish Open-Faced Sandwich (Zapiekanka) Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/polish-zapiekanka-recipe/) - The Polish Open-Faced Sandwich (Zapiekanka) is a popular street food in Warsaw, but you can make it right in your own kitchen, with only a few ingredients.
- [Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/crispy-chinese-chicken-salad/) - Always a hit at picnics, Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad with an easy homemade hoisin and ginger flavored vinaigrette.
- [Claremont Salad](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/claremont-salad/) - I was first introduced to Claremont salad at the Wegman's deli counter. I grabbed a prepackaged container of it to go with a rotisserie chicken one night when a homemade dinner was just not in the cards for me. I was instantly hooked on the sweet and tangy salad made of cabbage, cukes, carrots and
- [It is Possible to Make Impossible Coconut Pie with Homemade Baking Mix](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/impossible-coconut-pie/) - Make the classic coconut impossible pie with homemade baking mix.
- [Double-Streusel Coffee Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/double-streusel-coffee-cake/) - This Double-Streusel Coffee Cake made with homemade baking mix is a quick and easy coffee cake you can make anytime. I'm all for a good coffee cake, and when a reader commented that she used Homemade Baking mix with this recipe I had to try it out myself. This Double-Streusel Coffee Cake is good, but the original recipe
- [Double Chocolate zucchini bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/double-chocolate-zucchini-bread/) - I love zucchini when it first becomes available, there is usually such and abundance I take full advantage of the veggie surplus by sneaking it into as many baked goods as I can. I think good old fashioned zucchini bread is great, but usually after my 5th loaf has been packed away into the freezer
- [Big Soft Ginger Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/big-soft-ginger-cookies/) - One of my all time favorite flavors is ginger, I love it's aromatic and explosively spicy flavor. One of my favorite holiday cookies is Big Soft Ginger Cookies, they have all of the gingery flavor I love without all the crunch gingersnaps, I think I have already established my love of big soft cookies in
- [Apple Praline Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/apple-praline-bread/) - I love food, all kinds. But it is not just the eating part I love, all the best foods have a story. It is the food stories that that really makes me connect with food. Whenever I am given a recipe I love to hear about it; find out where it came from, how it
- [Honey Cornbread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/golden-sweet-honey-cornbread/) - I love corn bread, but it has not always been that way. I have made my fair share of dry gritty hockey pucks, but not anymore! This honey cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to BBQ, breakfast or brunch or just a quick snack. I have experimented with a lot of different corn meals, and I
- [Roasted Cabbage Wedges](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/roasted-cabbage-wedges/) - Cabbage gets a bad rap. I think maybe it has yet to recover from the Great Depression, when it was served frequently in various unappetizing forms. But cabbage is actually a great source of Vitamin K, C , B6, and yummy! It is my firm belief if it was roasted more during the depression instead of
- [Grilled Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/grilled-chipotle-lime-corn-cob/) - Labor day is approaching soon, the unofficial end of summer. Boy,that was super fast! Savor these last few days of summer with this delicious recipe for Grilled Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob that is perfect for bbqs, and end of summer meals. We have been picking, boxing, and delivering corn for a while now,
- [Pumpkin Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pumpkin-bread/) - All of a sudden fall is here, the temps have been dropping at night, the leaves are starting to turn and the pumpkins that the kids planted are ready to move from the pumpkin patch to the porch. As far as I am concerned fall is baking season. The only thing better than warming the kitchen
- [Roasted Delicata Squash with Onions, Spinach, and Cranberries](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/delicata-squash-onions-spinach-craisins/) - I love it when winter squash starts showing up at farm markets and roadside stands, they are as decorative as they are tasty! There are so many varieties, and honestly I haven't met one I didn't like, although cracking into a Hubbard can be somewhat challenging! My favorite fall squash variety is without a doubt
- [Colored Coconut to make Pretty Spring Treats](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/colored-coconut-to-make-pretty-spring-treats/) - It has officially been spring for a while now, but apparently mother nature is not feeling it. I don't know about you but I need some color in my life. Something bright and cheery, something a little a lot springy. Colored coconut is pretty and cheery, and very easy to do. It is perfect
- [Oatmeal Breakfast Bars](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/oatmeal-breakfast-bars/) - Oatmeal Breakfast Bars with banana, peanut butter, and raisins make a filling breakfast for those mornings you have to eat on the run.
- [Calico Bean Casserole](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/calico-bean-casserole/) - Calico Bean casserole is a classic picnic favorite. This recipe features Grandma Browns Baked Beans, ground beef, bacon and a mixture of canned beans.
- [Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/mixed-berry-baked-oatmeal/)
- [Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/raspberry-chocolate-chip-muffins/) - Some days lately it feels like spring is never going to come, but I am over winter, my mind has already moved on to the summer harvest of berries and fruits. I seriously daydream about picking berries and making jams and jellies. While images of fresh ripe berries have been dancing in my head for
- [Banana Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/banana-cake-with-vanilla-bean-frosting/) - Oh my gosh guys, I can not even begin to guess how many times I have made Banana Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting since I found this recipe. It is currently my daughter's favorite, and she has requested it weekly. We no longer wait for bananas to get over-ripe at home, we buy them
- [Cook for the Cure: The 10,000 Cupcake Challange With KithchenAid](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cook-for-the-cure-the-10000-cupcake-challange-with-kithchenaid/) - Most of us have been touched in some way by breast cancer, our family has been affected by this terrifying disease. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the impact breast cancer has on our mothers, sisters, aunts and friends, and to take steps to support initiatives that are working towards
- [Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lemon-poppyseed-muffins/) - Christmas Eve morning the Hubs and I took a last-minute drive to Sauder's to pick up a few items, while we were there I saw poppy seeds and instantly started craving Lemon Poppy seed muffins, and maybe salad dressing, but mostly muffins. But first, hi there! How were your holidays? I swear I blinked and
- [Spring Mix Salad with Pomegranate Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/spring-mix-salad-pomegranate-honey-dijon-balsamic-vinaigrette/) - I know, 95% of the recipes here are desserts. A salad just seems a little out-of-place, but you know I wouldn't share just any salad here. This is the salad that I want to have for lunch everyday. Apples, dried cranberries, and feta cheese are sprinkled over a bed of fresh greens and drizzled with a
- [Cinnamon Zucchini Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cinnamon-zucchini-cake-with-cinnamon-cream-cheese-frosting/) - Ok, I know I shared a recipe for zucchini bread last week, but my garden is suddenly bursting with summer squash, and honestly I fell a little in love with this cake today. I am a pushover for spice cakes and Cinnamon Zucchini Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is essentially a deliciously moist
- [Cinnamon Peach Crisp](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cinnamon-peach-crisp/) - Fresh peaches and topped with a streusel made with oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter make this Cinnamon Peach Crisp a family favorite. We are officially in the last week of our summer vacation! The kids head back to school next week but I couldn't let summer slip by without sharing a couple of peach
- [Spiral Apple Bread with Cinnamon Glaze](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/spiral-apple-bread-with-cinnamon-glaze/) - I loooooove apple season. It is without a doubt my favorite time of year. I grew up in Wayne County, and there is nothing like it in the fall. Someday take a drive through the Wayne County countryside in fall while the apple trees are heavy with fruit, it is GORGEOUS. I am a little further
- [Blackberry Coffee Cake with Lemon Glaze](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/blackberry-coffee-cake-with-lemon-glaze/) - I have a little secret, I am pretty competitive. I enjoy entering competitions, especially if there is baking involved. I love participating in the local County Fair Open Class domestics, and I have done pretty well, but the “Best of Fair” has always eluded me, and I have decided this is the year I
- [Elvis Presley’s Favorite Pound Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/elvis-presleys-favorite-pound-cake/) - It is my Mother's Birthday, it also happens to be Elvis's Birthday. Yes, my mother shares Elvis's birthday. My mother likes Elvis....a little more than a lot. It could be classified as borderline obsessed. So the shared birthday suits her just fine. But she is not alone in her undying love of Elvis, and every
- [Eggplant Parmesan](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/eggplant-parmesan/) - I have been talking a lot lately about how busy I have been all summer. Picking corn, boxing corn, delivering corn all over Upstate New York (not really, it just feels that way), and while I was busy, I was also driving a pick-up truck around the majority of then time, which gave me
- [Peppermint Butter Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/peppermint-butter-cookies/) - It's less than 10 days away now, guys! How are you doing on holiday prep? I am not going to lie, I am behind and need to get cracking, and by cracking I mean shopping. But I have been doing pretty good on getting cookies made for my cookie trays I will be gifting to
- [Fresh Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/fresh-oven-roasted-tomato-sauce/) - A couple of weeks ago, I shared a commercially prepared tomato sauce that my family tried and enjoyed. Some of you let me know that prepared tomato sauces contain just way too much salt for you to enjoy. If you subscribe to my email newsletter you might know a few weeks ago I had to
- [Baked Eggnog Doughnuts with Eggnog Rum Glaze](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/baked-eggnog-doughnuts-with-eggnog-rum-glaze/) - I love it when eggnog hits the shelves at grocery stores, I always buy it as soon as I see it, despite the fact that I don't really enjoy drinking. There is just so much to do with eggnog. The rich, sweet, and nutmeg-y flavor is perfect for seasonal baking. Eggnog cookies started my eggnog obsession, and
- [Blueberry Almond Granola](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/blueberry-almond-granola/)
- [Savory Sausage and Cheese Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/savory-sausage-and-cheese-bread/) - This is one of those recipes I wonder if I should really call a recipe. It is SO easy, especially if you use a pre-made pizza dough. My kids absolutely love sausage cheese bread. I use a mild country sausage that is made in my local grocery store, so it works for a quick breakfast,
- [Dinner's on the table in 20 Minutes with this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/dinners-on-the-table-in-20-minutes-with-this-beef-and-broccoli-lo-mein/) - Dinner's on the table in 20 Minutes with this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein. Tender Beef strips tossed with veggies and lo mein noodles in a flavorful sauce is the perfect weeknight meal.
- [Chunky Blueberry-Almond Granola](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/chunky-blueberry-almond-granola/) - Chunky Blueberry-Almond Granola is perfect for breakfast, served with milk or over yogurt. One of the first recipes I shared here was a granola recipe. The recipe was good, the pictures not so much. I can not make Chunky Blueberry-Almond Granola fast enough at my house, we all love it. I have made this recipe SO
- [Apple Crisp](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/apple-crisp/) - Traditional Apple Crisp with a buttery crunchy streusel topping is a delicious fall treat when you don't have time to roll out pie dough. Apple season is in full swing here in Upstate New York, and I have a hard time resisting the season's bounty. I go to the apple shed and come home
- [Soft Brown Sugar Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/soft-brown-sugar-cookies/) - We have been busy here, like ridiculously busy. Calving season is in full swing (pics coming soon, I promise!), farm planting, I am recovering from the mother of all sinus infections, the kiddos recreational ball games, end of school year activities and functions, the list goes on forever. Recently during a rare moment of quiet
- [Lemon Cupcakes Decorated with Wild Violets](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lemon-cupcakes-decorated-wild-violets/) - I don't think I ever truly appreciated all flowers until I had kids. Sure, roses are beautiful, orchids sophisticated, a large bank of tulips in the spring is like a breath of fresh air after a long winter. But it was not until my daughter came teetering up to me with a bright bouquet
- [Baked Coconut Donuts](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/baked-coconut-donuts/) - Ahhhh Donuts. I use all the self control I have at the grocery store not buy one, then come home and make 10 and eat half. But really, I regret nothing. They were awesome and my donuts are baked instead of fried, and made with coconut oil so they are practically healthy, right? Ok, maybe not
- [Lemon Zucchini Bread with Lemon Glaze](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lemon-zucchini-bread-lemon-glaze/) - I love when the garden explodes with zucchini and summer squash. There is always more than we could ever use fresh, and I have not had a lot of luck freezing summer squash, so I like to prepare it into breads that freeze beautifully and pop those in the freezer for later. Lemon Zucchini Bread
- [Lemon Pound Cake with Mint Berries and Cream](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lemon-pound-cake-mint-berries-cream/) - My family adores strawberries, they wait all year for the short 4 week season when we can get fresh local berries. Frozen and shipped in out of season berries can not compare to the sweet bright red juicy berries available late June in New York, so during strawberry season I like to indulge in as many
- [Chunky Apple Spice Cake with Vanilla Butter Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/chunky-apple-spice-cake-with-vanilla-butter-sauce/) - I love surprises, the unexpected discoveries, the whim that becomes a favorite. Chunky Apple Spice Cake definitely falls into the pleasant surprise category for me. I had recently received a big box of Jonagold apples, the scent of the apples along with many recent trips to my childhood home had me feeling somewhat nostalgic. Baking was
- [Cherry Almond Kuchen](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cherry-almond-kuchen/) - I was so thrilled this year to be able to actually get sour cherries in the freezer so I can make homemade Sour Cherry Pie Filling! Sour cherry pie is my absolute favorite pie, but the way my family annihilates pies, they don't really seem worth the effort. I spend all that time rolling, chilling
- [Overnight Holiday Streusel Eggnog Coffee Cake that will Make Your Brunch a Breeze](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/overnight-holiday-streusel-eggnog-coffee-cake-will-make-brunch-breeze/) - The holidays are here, and so are the holiday parties! From dessert, parties to holiday coffee hours after church, or informal brunch get-togethers, there are so many opportunities to bake a special holiday treat to share with friends and family. Today I am sharing this Overnight Holiday Streusel Eggnog Coffee Cake that will Make Your
- [Magic Custard Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/magic-custard-cake/) - Not too long ago while perusing Facebook I happened to notice a super moist and totally unique cake that someone had made and shared in a cake and baking group. I knew I HAD to make this cake. With a name like Magic Custard Cake how can you not? Whats so magic about this
- [Frozen Fruit Cups](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/frozen-fruit-cups/) - I have learned something about myself this summer: I don't do the summer months well. I am not sure if it has to do with age, as I am creeping up to the halfway point of my 30's, or if this summer has just been extra unbearable, but I do not I am not gracefully
- [Strawberry Trifle](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/strawberry-trifle/) - It seems odd starting a story about a recipe in the dentists office, but the that is exactly where my Strawberry Trifle recipe came from. Last week I had to make a trip to my dentist's office for a cracked filling that was bothering me. When I checked in the hygienists and receptionists where all
- [Zesty Corn and Black Bean Salsa](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/zesty-corn-and-black-bean-salsa/) - We grow quite a bit of sweet corn here on the farm, and it seems like it is just not summer without corn on the cob, but when you are up to your eyeballs in corn every summer, you need different ways to serve it. Picking corn is not the most fun job on the
- [Pumpkin Snickerdoodles](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/pumpkin-snickerdoodles/) - Snickerdoodles get all decked out in pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice for fall, and I love it! Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are like a marriage made in cookie heaven between Bakery Style Pumpkin Cookies and Classic Snickerdoodles, I am pretty sure if you like either of those cookies you will love pumpkin Snickerdoodles! These cookies are soft, chewy
- [Farmers Market Blueberry Cherry Salsa with Cinnamon Sugar Tortillas](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/farmers-market-blueberry-cherry-salsa/) - This summer I have started going to the farmers market with my mother in law, or more accurately I go to I relieve my husband who goes first thing in the morning. Don't worry I am not sitting at home enjoying Saturday morning cartoons while the rest of the family is at market, I am
- [Thai Chicken Vegetable Soup](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/thai-chicken-vegetable-soup/) - We have been hit hard by a nasty virus. My oldest daughter came down with it first, it was relentless for a solid week, after about 5 days she developed ear infections. Around the time of her ear infections, the rest of us started dropping like flies. It is a miserable cold that once
- [Bakery Style Pumpkin Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/bakery-style-pumpkin-cookies/) - I seriously have a problem with these cookies, I just can not seem to stop eating them. It is such a problem I limit the amount of times I will make these a year. My youngest daughter seems to have inherited my taste for soft spicy cookies because when I made this batch she stood
- [Apple Chai Coffee Cake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/apple-chai-coffee-cake/) - It has felt more like Autumn here than August lately. The mornings are cooler, we have not been cracking even 80 degrees mid-day and the evenings have that damp chill to them, perfect for getting cozy with a piece of Apple Chai Coffee Cake made with traditional Chai spices. We love apple season at my
- [Crackled Butter Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/crackled-butter-cookies/) - Crackled Butter Cookies are buttery and sweet with a sugar-glazed top that forms crackled patterns during baking. Holiday baking can get a little elaborate and over the top. While I have nothing against delicate pastries, exotic ingredients and time-consuming recipes, simple old-fashioned recipes hold a special place in my heart. I love a cookie that is
- [Apple Cider Caramel Sauce](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/apple-cider-caramel-sauce/) - Apple Cider Caramel Sauce is pretty much Awesomesauce. The apple cider is boiled down to give this caramel sauce a rich apple flavor that is perfect for fall. I finally made my way over to The Apple Shed to pick up some apples and cider, and by the way I got a ton of grief
- [Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/skillet-chocolate-chip-cookie/) - Sometimes (especially with cookies) bigger is better. This Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie is the biggest and quickest cookie you can mix up. Have you ever made a skillet cookie? If you haven't you should. Seriously they are awesome, and this Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie is my official favorite weeknight cookie. Much to my families
- [Marinated Roasted Red Pepper Spread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/marinated-red-pepper-spread/) - I have a fond memories of relish trays. My grandmother always set out a divided crystal platter loaded with olives, pickles and carrots at the holidays, my mother's version while similar, was done in a tupperware container. While I am sure the purpose of the relish tray is to offer a light snack until the
- [Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/slow-cooker-bacon-cheese-potatoes/) - This Slow Cooker Bacon Cheese Potatoes may very well of been the best thing I have eaten all week, no kidding. Cheese, bacon, and potatoes, seasoned with Ranch Seasoning & Salad Dressing Mix what is not to love? I came across this recipe from the Recipe Critic while searching for potato side-dishes I can make
- [Harvest Pumpkin Scones with Spice Glaze](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/harvest-pumpkin-scones-spice-glaze/) - Am I the only one who feels a compulsion to work pumpkin into almost everything I bake right now? It's crazy, I buy the pumpkin in the huge cans, and can barely wait to get home and bake with it, but even with all my baking I sometimes find I have random amounts sitting in
- [Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/olive-garden-zuppa-toscana-copycat-recipe/) - It almost pains me to give my husband credit for this soup recipe, but really it was his idea. He dropped the not so subtle hint by sharing a similar recipe on my timeline. I tracked down the original recipe to Food.com and decided to humour him. The recipe was actually very good (sorry, I have never
- [Loaded Baked Potato Soup](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/loaded-baked-potato-soup/) - Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the perfect winter soup. Loaded with hearty potatoes, bacon, cheese and sour cream, this feel-good, hearty, savory, delicious soup is comfort food of the highest level.
- [Homemade Taco Seasoning](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/) - Homemade Taco seasoning came about for me because of poor planning. Meal planning is not one of the areas where I shine, but I am trying to work on that! Many weeks my meal "plan" is formulated while grocery shopping. I am usually standing in the middle of an aisle and randomly pick meals
- [Strawberry-Rhubarb Grunt](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rhubarb-grunt/) - When my husband and I got married we had no household necessities, we were both living at home and did not have much in the way of household goods to take with us to our new home. So our registry included most of the stuff that any functioning kitchen and household needs, and any cash
- [Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/thick-and-chewy-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars/) - I have had a killer craving for anything chocolate peanut butter for a few days now. When I finally decided it was time to give in to my craving, I knew I needed something way more substantial than Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies. I needed something I could really sink my teeth into, something that
- [Neiman Marcus Cheese Dip](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/neiman-marcus-cheese-dip/) - Neiman Marcus Cheese Dip is always one of the most popular items on the appetizer table at parties. Made with only 5 ingredients, this dip is a breeze to mix up but tastes like a million dollars. I love a good appetizer, but I have a special fondness for cheesy, salty apps, like Olive Cheese Bread. Neiman
- [Creamy Baked Onion Dip](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/creamy-baked-onion-dip/) - It is no secret I love indulgent appetizers. In fact, I have shared two of my favorite appetizer recipes here, Neiman Marcus Cheese Dip and Cheesy Olive Bread. Creamy Baked Onion Dip is right at home among these recipes, this creamy cheesy, oniony dip is full of flavor and will be a hit at your
- [Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/soft-chewy-gingerbread-cut-cookies/) - No holiday cookie tray is complete without a gingerbread man! These cut-out cookies are soft and chewy, with the classic spicey gingerbread flavor.
- [Lemon Blueberry Bread](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lemon-blueberry-bread/) - It has been a while since I posted a recipe, honestly I have been not spending much time in my kitchen lately. Even though I desperately want to finish up my kitchen project before the kids get out of school. Cooking, baking, painting... really none of it is going on in my kitchen. But I miss baking,
- [Coconut Lime Cupcakes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/coconut-lime-cupcakes/) - "Brother bought a coconutHe bought it for a dime.His sister had another She paid it for the lime." ~Coconut by Harry Nilsson Is it even seriously possible to think about Coconut and Lime without thinking of the song Coconut? Lime and coconut is a perfect flavor combination for summer. Tangy and sweet, Coconut Lime Cupcakes are fun and
- [Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/chocolate-chip-peanut-butter-cookies/) - Is there a better union of flavors than Chocolate and Peanut Butter? I think not. I find this blissful match irresistible in just about any form. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter cookies are great when you are needing a chocolate & peanut butter fix. These Chocolate chip Peanut Butter cookies are addictive, and my self-control is
- [Home style Baked Ziti](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/home-style-baked-ziti/) - If you asked me to create a list of comfort foods, baked ziti would definitely be in the top 5. I always double this recipe and make a pan for the freezer, it freezes beautifully! Everyone in my family loves this, even my super picky 6-year-old. A salad and fresh Italian bread are all the
- [Rosemary Roasted Fingerling Potatoes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rosemary-roasted-fingerling-potatoes/) - I love the little bags of multi-colored fingerling potatoes. These potatoes are much less starchy than larger varieties of potatoes, and let's face it purple potatoes are cool. When roasted they potatoes have a crisp flavorful coating and creamy almost sweet interior.
- [Cherry Almond Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cherry-almond-cookies/) - I think before I share this recipe I need to warn you, these cookies are addictive. I had to package them up and send them to work with my husband just to get them out of the house so I would stop eating them, seriously they are that delicious. My 6-year-old daughter was absolutely smitten
- [Cream Of Broccoli Soup](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/cream-of-broccoli-soup/) - Broccoli has always been one of my favorite veggies, but it was not until I was a little older when I really began to appreciate broccoli. See, when I was younger I would happily eat raw broccoli as a snack, but once it was cooked it started to lose it’s appeal for me, see overcooked
- [Waterloo NY Birthplace of Memorial Day](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/waterloo-ny-birthplace-memorial-day/) - We all know Memorial Day is day of honoring fallen soldiers, although some might be surprised to learn of the local origins of this celebrated federal holiday. Originally called Decoration Day, the earliest celebrations of today’s Memorial Day began during the aftermath of the Civil War to honor both the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil
- [Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/chocolate-cherry-thumbprint-cookies/) - Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies- This rich and decadent cookie is perfect for the holidays! I have to tell you, no matter how much I lament pitting a five gallon bucket of full of tart cherries by hand, I will never ever get sick of going down to my basement, cracking open my deep freezer and pulling
- [Merry Christmas](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/merry-christmas-2/) - A very Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating today! I hope your day is filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food.
- [Rochester Junior League Cookbook Applehood and Motherpie](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/applehood-motherpie/) - I love old cookbooks, especially community cookbooks. I have a collection of old church cookbooks, each recipe is neatly typewritten, quite the feat when I consider the amount of times I use the backspace key. I also have cookbooks compiled by schools, such as nursery and private schools, those are fun because they often feature
- [Vintage Gardens Bed and Breakfast (The Jackson & Perkins Estate) Newark, NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/vintage-gardens-bed-breakfast-jackson-perkins-estate-newark-ny/) - The town of Newark holds so much history that I find myself constantly returning and researching it. A short drive to many of the Finger Lakes attractions and historical sites, you definitely need to consider visiting. There is so much history in this town that was once the industrial and retail center of the county,
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/happy-thanksgiving/) - I hope you have an amazing day celebrating with family and friends. It’s the perfect time to take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for this year.
- [Day Trip Destination: Adirondack Experience](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/day-trip-destination-adirondack-experience/) - The Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX) explores people’s connections to the Adirondacks through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and culturally rich collections. At the Adirondack Experience, enjoy a few hours or the entire day on the expansive grounds as you engage in the stories and spirit dedicated to the heritage of the
- [The Local Dish: Best Restaurants in the Western Finger Lakes for Date Night](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/local-dish-best-restaurants-western-finger-lakes-date-night/) - Our favorite tried and true dining spots in the Canandaigua and surrounding areas for date night.
- [Thursday Things: The Flu, Dutch Ovens, and Grocery Pick-up](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/thursday-things-flu-dutch-ovens-grocery-pick/) - Happy Thursday Friends, This week I thought we would try something new! Each Thursday I’m gonna check in with you about some of the stuff going on in my life…musings, things I’m digging, and what we are up to. It’s my hope that we will get to know each other even better. I was recently
- [Connect with Home in the Finger Lakes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/connect-with-home-in-the-finger-lakes/) - It's been pretty busy here lately, we are in the middle of calving and planting on the farm and there are a ton of end of school year activities going on for the kids that are keeping me busy. Because it’s been a while since I've reminded you of all the places you can find me
- [Visiting the Original Family Homestead](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/visiting-the-original-family-homestead/) - So this weekend the family and I actually got off the farm. That's right, we got the corn picked and delivered and skedaddled out of town before the phone had a chance to ring, or anyone could stop by looking for more. And guess what? It was glorious. As you can imagine we don't pack up
- [Autumn Snow](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/autumn-snow/) - I know every year we say it when the first snow comes, but this snow really is earlier than usual. The average date of the first snowfall in Rochester is November 8th, I woke up to a winter wonderland October 18th, and was less than thrilled, but decided to make the best of a chilly
- [A walk in the woods](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/a-walk-in-the-woods/) - The weather has been absolutely gorgeous! It has been very mild here. But I really haven't taken the time to enjoy this unusually mild start to winter, and I should. Winters are long in Upstate New York, and I should be out taking in the fresh air and soaking up whatever Vitamin D nature feels
- [Happy Holidays, See You in 2016!](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/happy-holidays-see-you-in-2016/) - How did it get to be Christmas week already? I still have so much to do! It has been a such a fun year! I can't believe in January I will be celebrating 3 years of blogging here at Home in the Finger Lakes. I am so, so grateful for your love and support of
- [Ohh Deer, Merry Christmas](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/merry-christmas-deer/) - Christmas afternoon my husband and I were able to sneak out for a walk. It was kind of grey, and not really as warm as it has been, but a change of scenery was very much needed. We have both agreed between the eating, crazy schedules, and general hustle and bustle of the season a walk and
- [2015 Reader Survey](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2015-reader-survey/) - I love this time of the year. I really use the time in between Christmas and New Years to evaluate the state of my blog. I have been pouring over analytics, checking out what seemed to work well and what went over like a lead balloon, trying to figure out where to go in 2016.
- [Wishing you Peace and Happiness](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/wishing-you-peace-and-happiness/) - As we are getting ready to turn the page on 2015, I wanted to take a moment and wish you and yours a safe and happy New Year! 2015 was definitely a year for the books. There were milestones met & lessons learned, and next week I am sharing it all. The good, the bad, and
- [2016 New Years Resolution: Avoid Under-Cooked Seafood](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2016-resolutions-seafood/) - It seems like 2016 is flying by already! My Feedly account is full of other bloggers sharing their resolutions, words of the year, and goals. As nice as it would be nice to streamline my wardrobe and maybe drink less coffee and more water. My mind has been focused on more immediate issues. Let me begin
- [State of the Blog & Reader Survey Results](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/state-of-the-blog/) - State of the Blog & Reader Survey Results A couple of weeks ago I asked if you could do me a small favor and answer a couple of quick questions for my annual reader survey. The questions included the typical location & age inquiries, but I really wanted to get a better handle one how
- [Rochester Reads 2017: The Enchanted](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rochester-reads-2017-enchanted/) - "This is an enchanted place. Others don’t see it, but I do." The enchanted place is an ancient stone prison, viewed through the eyes of a death row inmate who finds escape in his books and in re-imagining life around him, weaving a fantastical story of the people he observes and the world he inhabits.
- [Reflections on Ethnic Foods in the Finger Lakes & The You Are What You Eat Event Hosted by the New York State Folklore Society](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/reflections-ethnic-foods-finger-lakes-eat-event-hosted-new-york-state-folklore-society/) - I recently attended a narrative stage discussion on ethnic foods in the Finger Lakes, organized by the New York State Folklore Society. The event, You are What You Eat held at the Auburn Theater, was really enjoyable, and found the whole experience informative, so I thought I would share my observations and takeaways. I realize immigration
- [The Easiest Recipe Calorie Calculator](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/recipe-calorie-calculator/) - Do you ever wonder exactly how many calories are in a serving of your favorite dish? Recently someone posted a comment asking about how many calories are in a serving of Applesauce Puffs. I did some investigating on the Internet and discovered there are many different sites that allow you to analyze and monitor your daily calories, most
- [Goodbye 2016](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/goodbye-2016/) - I was recently looking back through my archives and came to the realization I had only posted 20 times in 2016, and there was a period of time where I didn’t post a single thing for 3 months straight. In the past I have posted a year in review, sharing blog highlights and whatever else
- [I've Kind of Lost My Way](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/ive-kind-of-lost-my-way/) - This is a difficult post to write, probably because I am still right smack dap in the middle of whatever this funk is. But it needs to be said, and you deserve to know what is going on. To put it bluntly and get straight to the point: I've kind of lost my way with
- [The Popular Ball® freshTECH Electric Water Bath Canner + Multicooker  is on Flash Sale!](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/popular-ball-freshtech-electric-water-bath-canner-multicooker-flash-sale/) - The Ball® freshTECH Electric Water Bath Canner + Multicooker is no longer on flash sale, I hope you were able to get one if this sort of canner would be useful for you, both my best friend and I grabbed one and we will both be receiving it early this week. Because so many of my readers
- [Fall Baking Recipe Round-Up](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/fall-recipe-round/) - Today is the first official day of Fall! Fall happens to be my favorite season, and I have been doing some fall baking for a while now. But to celebrate the Fall Equinox I thought I would round-up all of my favorite fall recipes here at Home in the Finger Lakes into one post. Cookies
- [2017 Locktoberfest Coming to Seneca Falls!](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2017-locktoberfest-coming-seneca-falls/) - The New York State Canal Corporation has chosen Seneca Falls as one of the five locations throughout New York State to hold Locktoberfest which is a festival celebrating Autumn on the Canalways system. The event incorporates community markets, local artwork, Taste NY products, entertainment, and children’s activities. Collaborating with the Canal Corporation and partnering with
- [Seneca Knitting Mill, Seneca Falls NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/seneca-knitting-mill-seneca-falls-ny/) - Future home of the Women's Hall of Fame, the former Seneca Knitting Mill. While on a visit to Seneca Falls for a youth basketball tournament we found ourselves needing to kill some time. Our game was the last game of the day, and after a full day of games running late, and overtime, our
- [Kitchen Color Palette](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/kitchen-color-palette/) - Now that my brothers wedding is over, and I am feeling better it is time to get back to my big kitchen project that is literally looming over my head. We have decided to try to bring our kitchen into the current century, but to keep things in budget with the exception of the ceiling
- [Fall in Wayne County New York](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/fall-wayne-county-new-york/) - Being that it is national apple month and all I decided to share with you my story about growing up right in the heart of Apple Country in New York. I did not always love the sleepy little orchard town I grew up in, but I have come to appreciate it and love it, especially
- [North wind doth blow poem](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/north-wind-doth-blow-poem/) - Recently while my father was in the hospital we sat chatting, discussing the weather and the unavoidable snowfall that would soon be making it's way into our area, when he recited a poem. The poem was new to me, but it struck a cord. When I asked my father about the poem he said it
- [Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/circus-monkeys/) - I recently ran across this polish saying while surfing the interwebs when I really should of been doing something else, like laundry. I decided I had to share it with you for 3 reasons: I am of Polish heritage. You can never have too many sarcastic replies in your repertoire. So my time laying on
- [10 Halloween Movies For the Whole Family](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/halloween-movies-whole-family/) - These Halloween movies have all the fun of Halloween without being too scary. My list of 10 Halloween Movies For the Whole Family all are Rated PG, and keep with the spirit of the season, without being traumatic. Halloween is on a Friday this year, that means in my house my kids can stay up a
- [The Baking Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/baking-bible-rose-levy-beranbaum/) - I have been patiently waiting for the next "Bible" from Rose Levy Beranbaum, and this week, after a very long wait it is available ! The Baking Bible has all-new recipes for the best cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, candies, pastries, breads, and more, and I seriously can not wait to get my hands on it. Its
- [Give the Gift of Amazon Prime](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/give-gift-amazon-prime/) - The holidays are right around the corner, if you are stuck on that hard to shop for person, you may want to consider an Amazon Prime membership. I think it is a great gift both for yourself and for someone else. This year Amazon is again offering shoppers the option of giving the gift of
- [Reader Survey, What you told me](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/reader-survey-results/) - So, my laptop died last week and not having a computer seriously squelched my ability to blog. But I am back now, with a brand new computer, and working on getting myself caught up. Before my laptop kicked the bucket I posted a reader survey. And really, I can not thank everyone who took the
- [Rochester Reads Event: Sonja Livingston & Queen of the Fall](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rochester-reads-event-sonja-livingston-queen-fall/) - I think authors are rock stars – so meeting an author is a terribly exciting thing for me, so I just had to share my recent meeting of author Sonja Livingston. Last year I read Ghostbread by Sonja Livingston, and immediately connected with the book. A memoir of Sonja Livingston’s youth spent in some of
- [Why your facial scrub could be irritating Lake Ontario and a sweet solution](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/facial-scrub-bad-news-lake-ontario-diy-solution/) - I was just reading this NPR article about pollution in the Great Lakes from those tiny scrubbing microbeads found in various facial and body scrubs. The microbeads are included in products for "gentle exfoliation" but they could be causing irritation to the ecological balance of lakes. Lake Ontario has been effected the hardest, which has the
- [Your turn to talk: 2015 Reader Poll](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/turn-talk-2015-reader-poll/) - About 2 months ago I posted my Birthday Goals for the year. One of my blogging goals was to get more intentional about blogging. Becoming more intentional about blogging is a goal I have actually been chipping away at, unlike the lose weight one. I took an awesome 8-hour SEO workshop, which gave me quite a
- [Snow Goose migration makes a layover at our farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/snow-goose-migration-makes-a-layover-at-our-farm/) - Did you realize we here in Upstate New York are on the Snow Goose migration route or flyway? I always enjoy seeing them come in, they usually stop over in one of our corn fields to graze on the left over corn from chopping. You can usually spot them in the Fall and Spring, they
- [Happy Easter](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/happy-easter/) - Wishing you and your family an extraordinary and joyful Easter.
- [Countdown the the wedding...](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/countdown-the-the-wedding/) - Yay! My brother's wedding in 5 days, I am so excited! I have been doing some serious time on the treadmill and it paid off, I can officially zip my dress. I did have to take it in for a few alterations though, it still needed to be let out a little right by my
- [Whirlwind Wedding Week](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/whirlwind-wedding-week/) - Phew, What a week! I am so glad this week is going to be pretty laid back, I think I need a week to recover from last week! So because I got to busy with getting ready for the wedding and being sick. Let me catch you up. I ended up going to the Dr.s
- [And so it begins, calving season on the farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/calving-season-on-the-farm/) - Farming never really ends, it just changes with the seasons, but it ramps up so much in the spring the previous months feel like you where on vacation. I personally look forward to calving season all year, it is my favorite part of spring. But just like most things in life that offer some of
- [Farm Friday: My Hereford Helper](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/farm-friday-hereford-helper/) - Don't tell the other cows, but I actually have a couple of favorites. Along with our Black Angus Beef Cows we have a few Herefords. Herefords are another breed of cows that are used for meat, but they they don't have the exceptional meat characteristics of Black Angus. I have mentioned before how the black angus
- [Twin calves have arrived on the farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/twin-calves-on-the-farm/) - Well here we are 3 days into calving season, I figured when I walked the pasture Friday we would probably see a couple more calves within the next 48 hours, I never thought they would be from the same cow! Saturday mid-afternoon the hubs called and asked that I run out to the pasture and
- [Twin Calves: Meet Sissy, Rosie's sister](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/rosies-twin-sissy/) - Yesterday I told you about Rosie, one of a set of twin calves that were born on Saturday afternoon. I am very happy to report that she is doing awesome, and has been bouncing around her now shared stall! We had to unfortunately bring her sister in with her also. Separating our calves from our cows is
- [Farm Life Friday](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/farm-life-friday-black-angus-facts/) - Farm Life We are now up to 6 calves. 6 of 30, it is still early in calving season and I am tired. I am spending around 3-4 hours a day with the cows and calves. I am tired, sore, sun burnt and have a rash that may or may not be poison ivy. I have managed
- [County Fair 2013](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/county-fair-2013/) - Have you missed me? Ok, probably not. We have been enjoying the County Fair this week, and it has been a good week. We have won some ribbons, ate way to much junk food, rode some rides, and had a nightly social hour every day this week. It has been nice, the kids needed a
- [Back to school shopping](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/back-school-shopping/) - Every Spring I say the same thing, I am going to do a little back to school shopping over the course of the summer and avoid the headache come the end of August and maybe save a few bucks. Every year 2 days before Labor day I drag my slacker self to the local mall
- [The Redneck Round Up A.K.A The time I ate frog legs](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/redneck-round-aka-time-ate-frog-legs/) - I was going to try to get a post together with a recipe today, but my son is home sick and I really have painting to do, so instead as promised I decided to post pics of the frog legs from the Redneck Round Up I went to on Saturday. What is a Redneck Round
- [30-Something Things you Probably Did Not Know About Me](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/35-things-probably-know/) - Someone is having a birthday this week, yeah it's me, and don't ask how old I will be, I don't want to have to lie to you!! And because birthday's are a time to reflect and celebrate, I thought I would share a few things about me that perhaps you did not know. So
- [A New Years Wish For You](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/new-years-wish/) - It's hard to believe another year has come to a close and a new year stands in front of us! I hope the coming year brings you joy, opportunities and happy surprises. I think Neil Gaiman said it beautifully: May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you
- [The calm before the storm: Calving Season 2014](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/calving-season-2014/) - I normally do Wordless Wednesday posts on Wednesday. But spring happened, and all normal went out the window. With spring came: Calving Season Recreational Youth Softball Recreational Youth Baseball Planting Seeing that stuff listed all right there in black and white does not seem all that bad, but things are pretty chaotic and I am having
- [Vacation in Branchport, NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/vacation/) - I did it. We actually got away on a vacation this summer. After all the calves have been born, and first cutting of hay was tucked away into the barns, but before corn picking and weekend farmers markets. We dug the boat out of a barn, packed an impossible amount of stuff and kids into
- [Taking Time to Appreciate Autumn](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/taking-time-appreciate-autumn/) - Life. It gets busy doesn't it? Between the things we have to do, and the things we should do. Sometimes it is hard to just stop and take it all in. Every day from the moment I wake up until right up until I go to sleep there are a hundred different tasks for me
- [Birthday Goals](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/birthday-list/) - Guess what today is, it is my birthday! Last year I shared a fun list of 30 something things you probably didn't know about me, this year I am doing something a little different. Lately I have had a lot on my plate, and am all about list making to help me stay focused
- [Holiday Cookie Tray Tips](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/holiday-cookie-tray-tips/) - Tips and tricks to ensure that your holiday cookie tray is brimming with beautiful treats and your time in the kitchen is successful and enjoyable. Are you ready to start baking for the holiday season? I am! In fact I thought it would be fun to focus on cookies from now until Christmas. But before
- [Merry Christmas](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/merry-christmas/) - Merry Christmas! Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! I hope your home is filled with love, peace and joy. I appreciate each and every one of my readers and love hearing from you all. I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful people through Home in the Finger
- [14 Things I learned In 2014](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/14-things-learned-2014/) - As 2014 comes to a close I thought it would be fun to share a quick list of things I learned, or in some cases relearned in 2014! 14. If you lose your boot in the mud, and have to walk home through the cow pasture barefoot and end up with a cut on
- [Life lately: Week 1](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/life-in-a-snapshot-week-1/) - Because it is snowing like crazy here and I am procrastinating getting the groceries I thought I would share what I have been up to this week. It was a busy week, and the stomach bug paid a visit to our house, that was not pleasant. We are all recovering and looking forward to my
- [Life Lately: Week #3](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/life-lately-week-3/) - The kids were off this week, and we were pretty much snowed in. When it was not snowing it was really just too cold to go anywhere so we hunkered down at home and read, played some games and tried not to get cabin fever. What I was digging on the Internets this week These
- [Life Lately: Week #5](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/life-lately-week-5/) - What I was digging on the internets this week Why being 'nice' isn't always good Breakfast Quesadillas, going to try this! Sometimes 'plastic livestock' help you fight the good fight, in a rather entertaining manning :-) As soon as I find softball ribbon I am making these sleeve scrunchies Coconut Lemon Layer Cake (Easter Speckled Egg
- [Late Fall around the Farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/late-fall-around-the-farm/) - It seems like in Upstate New York Fall could almost be divided into two seasons. The bright pretty fall: And the "if it is going to be cold and miserable could it at least snow Fall?". It has clearly transitioned out of the first, and in my opinion better version of New York State fall. I
- [Summer at Last: Making Hay while the sun shines](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/summer-at-last-making-hay-while-the-sun-shines/) - "Making hay while the sun shines," is an old traditional phrase, basically it is a reminder to make good use of your time or make the most of an opportunity while you have the chance. There is no set harvest date for hay, in an ideal world hay would be cut before the grasses reach
- [Corn Harvest on the Farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/corn-harvest-farm/) - Summer has winded down, and I have to tell you I am looking forward to a slower pace. But before we can button up the field work and call it done the field corn needs to be harvested and stored for winter. I almost choked on my coffee when I reread "the field corn needs
- [Chillin with the cows](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/polar-vortex/) - So, I realize this post may just get lost in a sea of other voices who are just fed up with this winter. But I need to talk about this cold weather, and honestly if someone in Upstate NY complains about the cold, you know it must be bad. The cold makes every thing a 1000
- [Farm Friday- After the Rain](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/farm-friday-after-the-rain/) - It has been raining here, a lot! I would complain about it, but it seems wrong after the massive lack of rain we had last year. I took a walk after the rain ended. It was foggy, smelled like worms and made me realize exactly how much weeding I have ahead of me. Some wives
- [Evening Pasture Walk: Calving Season is winding down](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/evening-pasture-walk/) - I have not posted much about the farm lately. We are just beginning to get our bearings and settle into our new normal of calving/baseball/softball/planting season. And just as things seem to settle into a routine, we will soon have to re-adjust again. I could hardly believe it after a late evening pasture walk
- [Around the Farm Friday: Poison Ivy](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/around-the-farm-friday/) - We have this poison ivy growing up our barn. every year we battle it, and every year it comes back. I am very, very, very allergic. The last few times I have actually gotten the poison ivy rash I had to be treated with steroids. Here are some cute little rhymes from Wikipedia to help you identify poison
- [Cows, Calves and Cameras: My Top 3 picks for entry level dSLRs](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/big-red-had-her-calf/) - If you have been following along with the cows here on the farm, you might know I have a favorite, her name is Big Red and as far as I am concerned she is as close to dairy cow temperament a beef cow will ever get. (And yes, of as yesterday I also have a least
- [Cranky cow? Tips to stay safe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/killing-time-in-the-cow-pasture/) - When you think of "when animals attack" what is the first animal that pops into your mind? Shark? Bear? maybe dogs? Yesterday I had an unfortunate run in with a cranky momma cow. I never take being around livestock lightly, but I was seriously unprepared, and ended up sitting in the cow pasture for an
- [The Bull Stops Here: A new pasture mate](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-bull-stops-here-a-new-pasture-mate/) - While sitting on my new deck enjoying a hot cup of coffee, the quiet stillness of the morning, and the gorgeous filmy haze that hung in the air. I decided to take a little stroll down the lane way to check out the cows and calves that were milling about in the back pasture. By
- [New York State Produce Auctions](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/new-york-state-produce-auctions/) - I love auctions! They are a mix of shopping, social hour, and festive event that I just can not get enough of, and today I am going to let you in one a little secret,New York State Produce Auctions . They are not just for businesses, although most buyers and sellers are, they are open to
- [Secrets to Surviving the Winter With Chickens From The Chicken Coop](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/secrets-to-surviving-the-winter-with-chickens/) - If you’ve kept chickens during the cold winter months before you know just how challenging this can be. Here in the Finger Lakes it can get down to a chilly -12°F, which can make chickens very unhappy! In these conditions, if you’ve managed to stop their water freezing and can keep their coop warm, you’re
- [Oops we did it again...Twins on the Farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/oops-twins-farm/) - It is a good thing they are cute, because they sure are a lot of work! Yup, we had another set of twins on the farm! And they have been keeping me busy! If you have been following for a while, you might remember we had our last set of twins about 3 years ago,
- [13 Simple Fall Traditions](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/13-simple-fall-traditions/) - Apple picking, baking, taking a scenic drive to enjoy the foliage, there is so much to love about fall! Check out my 13 favorite fall traditions, maybe add a couple to your fall bucket list, and then I want to hear about you favorite autumn family traditions and how you savor fall. Attend a fall
- [Visiting Perkins Park in Newark](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/visiting-perkins-park-in-newark/) - This post was intended to be a wordless Wednesday post. While running errands last week I found myself with a few minutes to kill. It was a beautiful day and visiting Perkins Park in Newark to try to get a few duck pictures sounded like a good idea The thing about the Finger Lakes area is each town has it's
- [Kitchen Items you should buy at thrift stores](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/kitchen-items-you-should-buy-at-thrift-stores/) - 8 Kitchen items you should be buying at thrift stores. Use these tips to stock your kitchen with quality thrift store finds for a fraction of the price new.
- [12 Live! Folklife Concerts at Crandall Public Library](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/12-live-folklife-concerts-crandall-public-library/) - Live! Folklife Concerts are back this Spring with a Thursday evening series of 12 concerts during MarchApril-May, 7 to 9 pm (doors open at 6:30). The free series is produced and hosted by The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library in the Community Room downstairs off the Library’s Glen Street entrance, and is made possible
- [15 Unique Finger-Licking Good Chicken Wing Recipes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/15-finger-licking-good-chicken-wing-recipes/) - Buffalo Chicken Wings are found at nearly every super bowl party, pizza shop, and sports bar. This messy finger food is an upstate New York original. Tracing its roots back to Buffalo, in a small family owned bar. The sauce that gives this spicy snack its signature taste is remarkably easy to make at home.
- [Feeling Festive](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/feeling-festive/) - It is that time of the year, again! The odd time right before Thanksgiving where I not sure if I should decorate for Christmas, or if it is still too early. It seems there are two camps: The ones who believe anything after November 1st is fair game for Christmas decorations, and the other, and
- [Visiting Ameele's Farm in Marion, NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/visiting-ameeles-farm-marion-ny/) - Huge thanks to Moyer Beef for sponsoring this post and providing me the opportunity to learn all about New York Beef! The post, opinions, and photos are all my own, but you probably knew that already. Have you ever stood in front of the meat case at your local grocery store and wondered about people
- [2017 Annual Seneca Falls Canal Festival](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2017-annual-seneca-falls-canal-festival/) - The 2017 Seneca Falls Canal Festival information and history of the Aquacade of the 60's and 70's and the creation of Van Cleef Lake.
- [It's A Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/its-a-wonderful-life-in-seneca-falls-ny/) - It's a Wonderful Life In Seneca Falls For our family, watching It’s a Wonderful Life every holiday season is a cherished Christmas tradition. The timeless tale of a discouraged George Bailey who, with the help of his guardian angel finally becomes aware of what is truly important in life has touched many, it is easy
- [New York Custodial Asylum for Feeble-Minded Women, at Newark, N.Y.](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/new-york-custodial-asylum-feeble-minded-women-newark-n-y/) - After my visit to Willard I started thinking the old Newark State School grounds and buildings are very similar, in style and layout. I decided to dig around in Google and see if that was a asylum at one time or another. Guess what, It was! New York Custodial Asylum for Feeble-Minded Women, at Newark,
- [Phelps Sauerkraut Festival](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/phelps-sauerkraut-festival/) - Post Updated 8/1/2017 Nestled in the Finger Lakes region just north of Geneva in Ontario County is the small village of Phelps. First settled in 1793, today Phelps is a charming little community that once was the largest producer of sauerkraut in the world. I can only imagine the olfactory experience Phelps must have been
- [Squaw Island | Canandaigua Lake](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/squaw-island-canandaigua-lake/) - Squaw Island is an 11,000-year-old island located at the north end of Canandaigua Lake. It is known to be New York State's smallest Fish and Wildlife Management Area and one of the two known islands in the eleven Finger Lakes. Seneca woman and children sought refuge on the Island during the 1779 Sullivan Expeditions, and it is one of the few places on earth where 'water biscuits' form.
- [Amish and Mennonite Food Stores in New York](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/amish-and-mennonite-food-stores-in-new-york/) - Upstate New York is home to a growing community of Amish and Mennonite families. Drawn to the area's fertile soil and available farmland, they have become a pleasant fixture here. It is very common to see horse-drawn buggies on the roads, young Mennonites in their late teens and early 20′s are often seen riding
- [Free Fishing Weekend in New York State](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/free-fishing-weekend-new-york-state/) - June 24-25, 2017 you can get out and experience the great fishing on the lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams of New York, no fishing license required!
- [6 Pantry Staples You Should Know How To Make From Scratch](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/6-pantry-staples-you-should-know-how-to-make-from-scratch/) - 6 Pantry Staples You Should Know How To Make From Scratch Do you know what I absolutely hate? Buying something at the store, and when I come home and put it away, realizing I already had that item. It happens to all of us, and it is usually something really noticeable, like a jar
- [20 Fun Things to do in the Finger Lakes this Fall](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/20-fun-things-to-do-in-the-finger-lakes-this-fall/) - The Finger Lakes are exceptional year around, But I think the region really shines in the autumn. The fall foliage is some of the most beautiful in the country, and it is hard to resist all the farm stands brimming with the season’s harvest. Whether you want to take part in the harvest at a U-Pick orchard,
- [Mac's Drive-In Waterloo, NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/macs-drive-in-waterloo-ny/) - This nostalgic restaurant offers carhop and in-house service. The menu is all-American, old style short-order food cooked on a flat top right in front of you.
- [Collecting Vintage Pyrex](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/collecting-vintage-pyrex/) - Have I mentioned I LOVE vintage Pyrex? Ok, only like 8 million times. I am in my kitchen a lot, and nothing makes me happier than the bright cheerful colors of vintage Pyrex. I keep it out on display, but I also use it. This pretty glassware has ties to Upstate New York. Pyrex was
- [Finger Lakes Farmers Markets 2017](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/finger-lakes-farmers-markets-2017/) - It is almost Farmers Market Season here in the Finger Lakes! Not only can you get the freshest produce around at your local farmers market, these markets make it easy to talk with and get to know the people who harvested, raised or baked our food. It's a simple gesture to buy from these local vendors, but the
- [Easter Brunch Around the Finger Lakes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/easter-brunch-around-finger-lakes/) - Easter is one of those hectic holidays, the egg hunts, the baskets, church service, keeping the kids clean and photo ready in their Easter outfits, if the thought of hosting your family’s Easter meal on top of all that makes you want to hide alongside the eggs out in the backyard or behind the
- [Women March in Seneca Falls 2017](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/women-march-in-seneca-falls-2017/) - A note from Jen: I typically avoid sharing politically related topics here. However, I have written many times about Seneca Falls and its rich history. This is a nonpartisan march and organizers are expecting 100s of women to participate. The historical significance of women convening at the birthplace of the woman’s rights movement to create a
- [The Babcock Family: Life on the WWII Homefront in Rochester, NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/the-babcock-family-life-on-the-wwii-homefront/) - While looking for something completely different on the Library of Congress website I happened to run across a collection of photos titled Rochester, New York. The Babcock’s , a typical American war worker’s family. The photos look like they were created to be used as American propaganda during WWII, and offer an interesting look back that
- [Lady In Granite, Penn Yan, NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lady-granite/) - I am excited to have a guest writer today! The local legends surrounding the mysterious face of a woman showing in a white marking on a granite gravestone in Penn Yan is shared here by Chris Clemens, a local history buff, and friend I almost met at the Willard Tour. Thank you Chris for sharing this!
- [5 Things You Should Do In The Finger Lakes in June](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/5-things-finger-lakes-june/) - 5 Things You Should Do In The Finger Lakes in June Don't let spring slips by without enjoying these fun springtime activities in the Finger Lakes. Try A New Ice-Cream Flavor June is the perfect time to hit your favorite ice cream shop. Skip vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. Locally handcrafted ice cream flavors seem to
- [The Perfect Sunday in Sodus Point](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/perfect-sunday-sodus-point/) - Last week we decided to pack up the boat and kids and hit Lake Ontario for the day. It ended up being a perfect day at “The Point”. Have you ever been to Sodus Point? It often feels like this area of Lake Ontario is overshadowed by the Finger Lakes, but it is the perfect destination
- [Upcoming Public Tour of Willard Asylum for the Insane](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/upcoming-public-tour-of-willard-asylum-for-the-insane/) - updated 4/22/2016 Willard Asylum for the Insane In a nutshell Willard officially opened in 1869. By 1877 Willard, at 475 acres (1500 patients) was the largest asylum in the United States1 . In 1995 Willard Psychiatric Center closed its doors, but a portion of the campus is a New York State Department of Corrections rehabilitation facility for inmates. Obviously,
- [No Plans For 2016 Willard Asylum Tour](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/no-plans-2016-willard-asylum-tour/) - First, I would like to point out I have no affiliation with the Willard Tour, or it’s organizers, nor am I a spokesperson for the event, but I have been notified by the executive director of the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Child Care Center that there will not be a tour of the former Willard Asylum
- [Seneca Sea Salt](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/seneca-sea-salt/) - One of the things I love about the Finger Lakes region is it is absolutely a Foodie's paradise. We have award-winning wineries, microbreweries, farms, artisan cheeses, spectacular restaurants, and now we have our own sea salt! Seneca Sea Salt I know if you are thinking back to middle school geography this is somewhat of a
- [Willard Tour: Elliot Hall](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/willard-tour-elliot-hall/) - Elliot Hall was built in 1931 and was used as the institution's on site hospital and admitting offices. Elliot Hall was used right up until the early 80's as the medical center for Willard. Doctors were brought in from neighboring communities to perform medical procedures and surgeries. One of the people on the tour said
- [Local Shopping for the Syracuse Fan At Herb Philipson's](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/local-shopping-herbs/) - It's the most wonderful time of the year to buy local! I have spent many-a-holiday-seasons working at one store or another at the mall, and here is what I know for a fact: Local stores do the holidays better Better attitudes, better service, and better products, and all that makes for a better shopping experience
- [New Store in Palmyra: Farm House Fabulous](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/farm-house-fabulous/) - I love to share an inside scoop on fabulous local finds, and I am very excited to introduce you to a brand new local store that I know you are going to love! Just opened yesterday, Farm House Fabulous in the village of Palmyra is THE place to buy the beautiful “shabby chic” or “chalk painted”
- [The Stone Wife: Fictional short story inspired by the Lady in Granite](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/stone-wife-fictional-story-inspired-lady-granite/) - You know I love a good story, combine that with local legend and lore and I can't get my hands on it fast enough! So when the short story The Stone Wife by Bethany Snyder popped up on my radar I had to check it out. I purchased the story from Amazon and flew through it.
- [Lawrence Mocha: The Willard Grave Digger](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lawrence-mocha/) - When a reader recently emailed me suggesting I update my Willard posts to correct the name of the Willard grave-digger and patient from "Lawrence Marek" to his actual given name Lawrence Mocha. I was happy to make that correction, even happier to learn that Lawrence Mocha will most likely be properly memorialized in the cemetery to
- [Lawrence Mocha to be Memorialized May 16th, 2015](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lawrence-mocha-memorialized-may-16th-2015/) - Lawerence Mocha, the Willard Grave Digger will be given a proper memorialization May 16, 2015! After years of work the Willard Cemetery Memorial Committee, with the help of John Allen of the Office of Mental Health, has made contact with a relative of Lawrence Mocha and the family has given their consent to proceed with a
- [I'm Guest Posting Over at Exploring Upstate!](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/im-guest-posting-over-at-exploring-upstate/) - I just wanted to pop in really quickly to let you know that today you can find my latest blog post about a local deteriorating barn and its historic past over at Exploring Upstate. This large crumbling cow barn was once the center of a lively farm operation, and now is one of the few
- [Secrets and tips for perfect cut-out cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/secrets-tips-perfect-cut-cookies/) - I want to let you in on a little secret, for many many years I flat-out avoided making cut out cookies. I had whole batches that instantly made their way into my garbage can, some spread to much and where unrecognizable as the holiday symbol they were supposed to be, some baked unevenly, and some
- [Upstate New York Summer Food Bucket List](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/upstate-new-york-summer-food-bucket-list/) - Summer is a time to relax, enjoy the weather and eat some really good Upstate New York food. To help you really get a taste of summertime in Upstate New York, I have put together my list of Upstate New York Summer Food Bucket List of favorite regional summer foods. Beat the heat with an
- [Researching Ancestors Who Were Committed to Asylums in New York State](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/researching-ancestors-who-were-committed-to-asylums-in-new-york-state/) - Since sharing the information of the upcoming Willard Tour I have received more than a few emails, I have tried to answer all of them and I have been more than happy to share lodging recommendations, and other basic information, but there is one request that has had me at a loss: "How do I research
- [May 17th 2014 Willard Tour Update](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/2014-willard-tour-update/) - @cpclemens tweeted me this updated article from Finger Lakes Daily News with a few more details of the Upcoming Willard Tour. I have listed a few of the highlights below, but check out the full article, there is a little background on Elliot Hall, one of the buildings visited during the tour. The three-hour tours of the former
- [Willard Tour: The Cemetery](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/willard-tour-cemetery/) - This post is part of a series. To see all the buildings I visited on the Willard Tour click the links below. Morning at the Asylum by the Lake Grandview Hadley Hall The Morgue Elliot Hall Brookside The Bleak House The Cemetery (you are here) The final stop on our tour was the Cemetery where 5,776 Willard
- [Willard Asylum: Hadley Hall](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/willard-asylum-hadley-hall-projector-room/) - This post is part of a series. To see all the buildings I visited on the Willard Tour click the links below. Morning at the Asylum by the Lake Grandview Hadley Hall ( You are here!) The Morgue Elliot Hall Brookside The Bleak House The Cemetery Hadley Hall had to be my favorite building on the
- [Willard Tour: Gilbert House/ Bleak House](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/willard-tour-gilbert-house-bleak-house/) - This post is part of a series. To see all the buildings I visited on the Willard Tour click the links below. Morning at the Asylum by the Lake Grandview Hadley Hall The Morgue Elliot Hall Brookside The Bleak House (You are here!) The Cemetery Our tour guide told us that the Bleak house was given
- [Morning at the Asylum by the Lake in Willard NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/morning-at-the-asylum-by-the-lake-in-willard-ny/) - This post is part of a series. To see all the buildings, I visited on the Willard Tour click the links below. Morning at the Asylum by the Lake (You are here!) Grandview Hadley Hall The Morgue Elliot Hall Brookside The Bleak House The Cemetery Saturday morning my mother and I took the rare
- [Willard Tour: The Morgue](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/willard-tour-morgue/) - This post is part of a series. To see all the buildings I visited on the Willard Tour click the links below. Morning at the Asylum by the Lake Grandview Hadley Hall The Morgue ( you are here) Elliot Hall Brookside The Bleak House The Cemetery Possibly the eeriest stop on the Willard tour was the
- [Willard Tour: Brookside](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/willard-tour-brookside/) - This post is part of a series. To see all the buildings I visited on the Willard Tour click the links below. Morning at the Asylum by the Lake Grandview Hadley Hall The Morgue Elliot Hall Brookside (you are here) The Bleak House The Cemetery The Brookside house served as the home to the medical directors
- [Willard Tour: Grandview building](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/willard-tour-grandview-building/) - This post is part of a series. To see all the buildings I visited on the Willard Tour click the links below. Morning at the Asylum by the Lake Grandview (You are here!) Hadley Hall The Morgue Elliot Hall Brookside The Bleak House The Cemetery The first stop on the tour was the Grandview
- [Spring 2015 Snow Geese in the Finger Lakes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/spring-2015-snow-geese-in-the-finger-lakes/) - I look forward to seeing this every year. I know I wrote about it two years ago, but it never gets old, and two years is an eternity in the world of blogging. Every year snow geese pass through our area, and they usually stop over in one of our corn fields to graze on the leftover
- [Book Review: A Taste of Upstate New York: The People and the Stories Behind 40 Food Favorites](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/book-review-a-taste-of-upstate-new-york/) - I remember when I first learned that salt potatoes are a regional dish. I was shocked that the rest of the country is oblivious to what is clearly the best way ever to prepare potatoes. Salt potatoes are so popular in Upstate New York I can not imagine a family picnic, carnival or fireman's chicken barbecue
- [Summer Bucket List 2013](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/summer-bucket-list/) - We live on a farm, which is nice in a lot of aspects, but come September when the kids go back to school, and they realize all their friends went of vacations and actually did stuff over summer break I feel like I have dropped the ball, when their "what I did over summer" paper
- [Deteriorating Barn in Macedon](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/deteriorating-barn-in-macedon/) - I often pass this deteriorating barn in Macedon on Route 31 when I am out running errands. Precariously situated on the edge of Wal-mart sprawl, it silently sits empty awaiting it's fate. I honestly can not recall how long the barn and farm-house has sat empty, but believe it has been a while. Recently a "Land
- [Lake Ontario Beach Glass Hunting](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/lake-ontario-beach-glass-hunting/) - I was in Williamson on Monday with the kids who are off for spring break this week. The kids have been whining that everyone else is at a beach for spring break, so I decided to take them to B. Foreman Park on Lake Ontario, not even close to what they had in

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- [Celebrating country life, and the joy found in getting back to basics.](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/) - Top 10 Recipes About Skylar, NRD This is a fake profile! Tell your readers about your yourself and your experience and what kind of recipes they'll find here. Learn more about me → Recent Recipes Recently Updated
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- [U-Pick Farms in the Rochester Area](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/u-pick-farms-in-the-rochester-area/) - Looking for something to do? Head out to one of the U-pick farms in the Rochester area to make some family memories this weekend. We've compiled all the best spots to get your fruit picking on across in the ROC. Enjoy! STRAWBERRIES Mid June- Early July Bauman's Farm Market 1340 Five Mile Line Rd, Webster,
- [Contact me](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/about-home-in-the-finger-lakes/contact-me/) - If you have any questions or comments, you can contact me through this handy form, or shoot me an email at: Jennifer@homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com I’d love to hear from you! If you are a blogger, brand or company looking to collaborate, please take a look at my Partnerships page for more information. Due to the large volume
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- [How To Start A New WordPress Blog On Bluehost](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/how-to-start-a-new-wordpress-blog-on-bluehost/) - After blogging for 7 years at a few different sites, I frequently get asked about starting a blog by friends and family. I have helped my friend start her first blog earlier this year, and when I was recently asked about starting a blog by a friend who lives out of state I decided it
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- [Work with me](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/about-home-in-the-finger-lakes/work-with-me/) - A little bit about Jennifer and Home in the Finger Lakes Jennifer is a stay-at-home-mom, professional blogger, farmer's wife and coffee connoisseur, and the founder of Home in the Finger Lakes, a place to find not only simple family favorite recipes, but encouragement, inspiration, and motivation. Home in the Finger Lakes was created to
- [Willard Asylum, Ovid NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/willard-asylum-ovid-ny/) - The institution which is now commonly referred to simply as Willard has gone by a few names in the past. Willard officially opened in 1869 as Willard Asylum for the Chronically Insane. By 1877 Willard, at 475 acres (1500 patients) was the largest asylum in the United States. In 1995 , the then Willard Psychiatric Center
- [Dehydrating Fresh Herbs](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/dehydrating-fresh-herbs/) - Dehydrating Fresh Herbs was one of the first food storage methods I really jumped into, and I found I really enjoyed it. Growing herbs is remarkably easy, and with just a little planning you can not only to enjoy them fresh but also preserve them for use later in the year, long after the

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- [Soup and Salad](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/recipes/soups/)
- [Recipes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/recipes/)
- [Homemade Seasonings and Mixes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/recipes/seasonings-and-mixes/)
- [Upstate New York and the Finger Lakes Region](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/finger-lakes/)
- [Home & Farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/farmhouse/)
- [Beverages](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/recipes/beverages/)
- [Upstate New York Food and Recipes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/recipes/upstate-food-recipes/)
- [Featured](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/featured/)
- [Canning, freezing and dehydrating](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/recipes/long-term-food-storage/)
- [Blog](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/blog-blog/)
- [Things To Do](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/finger-lakes/things-to-do/)
- [Hobbies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/hobbies/)
- [Farm Life](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/farmhouse/farming/)
- [Life](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/life/)
- [Easy DIY Projects & Crafts](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/farmhouse/easy-diy-projects-crafts/)
- [Home Decor](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/farmhouse/home-decor/)
- [Organization](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/farmhouse/organization/)
- [Housekeeping](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/farmhouse/housekeeping/)
- [Local Guides](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/finger-lakes/local-guides/)
- [History](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/finger-lakes/history/)
- [Local Gems](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/finger-lakes/local-gems/)
- [Dips, Dressings & Sauces](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/recipes/dips-dressings-sauces/)
- [Backyard Flock](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/backyard-flock/)
- [Backyard Chickens](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/backyard-flock/backyard-chickens/)
- [Backyard Ducks](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/backyard-flock/backyard-ducks/)
- [Homemade Cleaning Products](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/farmhouse/homemade-cleaning-products/)
- [Cut Flowers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/farmhouse/cut-flowers/)
- [Cold Process Soap Making](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/cold-process-soap-making/)
- [Garden](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/category/garden/)

## Tags

- [Blog](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/blog/)
- [Autumn](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/autumn/)
- [Farm](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/farm/)
- [Spring](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/spring/)
- [Cattle](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/cattle/)
- [Summer](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/summer/)
- [Historical Sites](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/historical-sites/)
- [Apples](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/apples/)
- [Books](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/books/)
- [Willard Asylum](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/willard-asylum/)
- [Willard NY](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/willard-ny/)
- [Tourist attractions & local treasures](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/tourist-attractions-local-treasures/)
- [Cemetery](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/cemetery/)
- [Local History and Lore](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/local-history-and-lore/)
- [Food storage](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/food-storage/)
- [Cherries](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/cherries/)
- [Fall](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/fall/)
- [Shopping](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/shopping/)
- [Homemade Cleaning Products](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/homemade-cleaning-products/)
- [Jam](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/jam/)
- [Breakfast](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/breakfast/)
- [Cookies](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/cookies/)
- [Finger Lakes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/finger-lakes/)
- [Seneca Falls](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/seneca-falls/)
- [Upstate NY Regional Dishes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/upstate-ny-regional-dishes/)
- [Events](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/events/)
- [tips](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/tips/)
- [Blogging](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/blogging/)
- [Stitch Fix](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/stitch-fix/)
- [Christmas](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/christmas/)
- [Productivity](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/productivity/)
- [Planning](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/planning/)
- [appetizers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/appetizers/)
- [houseplants](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/houseplants/)
- [Weight Watchers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/weight-watchers/)
- [Holidays & Celebrations](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/holidays-celebrations/)
- [Garden](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/garden/)
- [Flowers](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/flowers/)
- [Cleaning and Organization](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/cleaning-and-organization/)
- [Thrift Shopping](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/thrift-shopping/)
- [Crafts](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/crafts/)
- [Vintage Linens](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/vintage-linens/)
- [restaurant recipes](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/restaurant-recipes/)
- [Halloween](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/halloween/)
- [Historical](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/historical/)
- [Palmyra](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/palmyra/)
- [ducks](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/ducks/)
- [chickens](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/chickens/)
- [vintage recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/vintage-recipe/)
- [Flock Feed & Supplementation](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/flock-feed-supplementation/)
- [Utica Greens](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/utica-greens/)
- [predator protection](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/predator-protection/)
- [Homemade Pantry Staples](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/homemade-pantry-staples/)
- [Applehood and Motherpie Recipe](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/applehood-and-motherpie-recipe/)
- [Freezing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/freezing/)
- [Dehydrating](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/dehydrating/)
- [Canning](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/canning/)
- [Winter Sowing](https://homeinthefingerlakescom.bigscoots-staging.com/tag/winter-sowing/)