From the Mill to My Table: Flavor Adventures at Fly Creek

There’s something about browsing rows of local sauces and spices that feels like an adventure in itself. Fly Creek Cider Mill in Cooperstown is one of my favorite stops for just that. Every shelf is packed with smoky marinades, sweet cider glazes, and spice blends that get my mind spinning with recipe ideas. I love wandering here and imagining the flavors coming to life in my kitchen, especially when it’s time to fire up the grill or add a new twist to a weeknight dinner. And who am I kidding, I NEVER leave without a haul of apples and cheeses!

Unexpected Inspiration: A Flavor Adventure in Lake Placid

I have to confess: I can’t pass an olive oil store or stand without doing a tasting. And it all started the day I first walked into Saratoga Olive Oil in Lake Placid! After just one taste, I can already imagine how I’m going to use it: a splash of bourbon balsamic vinegar on steak, or a drizzle of Milanese Gremolata olive oil over fresh vegetables…

The Farm Store with No Cashier (and the Freshest Cheese)

Sugar House Creamery in Upper Jay, NY is tucked into the high peaks of the Adirondacks and very much off the beaten path. As we rolled up the driveway, we were even by their Brown Swiss cows.

Inside the tiny farm store? An absolute treasure trove of meats, cheeses, maple syrup, and local treats. But the real magic was in the honor system checkout. No cashier. Just a reminder that trust still exists. Sometimes you just have to go a little farther to find it.

We left with their bold, tangy Dutch Knuckle (an Alpine-style cheese) and a wheel of Little Dickens: soft, spreadable, and so bright in flavor.

Inspiring the Perfect Beet Salad

We had visions of a breezy lakeside dinner at The Docksider… and found ourselves in the middle of what I can only describe as the Lake George equivalent of Times Square on New Year’s Eve. So, in true travel problem-solving mode, we ducked into the side entrance straight into the bar.

One round of drinks later, we decided takeout was the way to go. In that short time, we’d somehow managed to become honorary members of the local bar crowd, cheering on the wildly overworked (and wildly hilarious) bartenders and exchanging snarky comments as the regulars drifted in and out.

Dinner back at the hotel was simply delicious especially this absolutely perfect beet salad, bursting with fresh greens, tangy goat cheese, sweet beets, and crunchy candied pecans. Honestly, if every wait in line came with entertainment and a salad like that, I’d never complain again. Plus beet salad has become one of my go-to jar salads!

Getting Spicy with Savory Spice Shop

You must know by now that I love discovering new spice shops so I was more than thrilled to discover the Savory Spice Shop in Peddlers VIllage in Lahaska, PA! While I could have brought home one of everything, I grabbed a couple new herb blends and haven’t looked back! I especially love when I can find good, quality herbs what don’t load up the mixes with salt.

Bringing a Spanish Tapas Favorite East

One of my favorite things about exploring Albuquerque was the number of nights spent gathered around the table with friends, small plates, and plenty of Tempranillo! These crispy Patatas Bravas, golden fried potatoes coated with a next-level bravas sauce, quickly became our favorite. They’ve since made many appearances in my kitchen (although I’m still perfecting that perfect crispy texture after adding the bravas sauce!).

Bringing Beauty to the Kitchen from Withy Hollow Flower Farm

We stumbled on Withy Hollow Flower Farm quite by chance this weekend and had the best time strolling the gardens with a bucket, snipping our stems (after a crash course on how to), and arranging them back in the garden shed. All while the owners warmly chatted away with us and their two adorable dogs checked on our progress. It was lovely and slow and it reminded me that time really is an ingredient, both in food and in life.