Vegan Fudge on Mackinac Island!

Mackinac Island is famous for fudge and no trip to this lovely,magical island is complete without sampling and purchasing some fudge. I only live a couple of hours from Mackinac Island so naturally it's not difficiult for me to visit from time to time.On my last visit I was so impressed to see that fudge shops are now making vegan fudge that I decided to start making my own vegan fudge. 

Craving fudge? This recipe is so easy to make that your family and friends will think this fudge came right from beautiful Mackinac Island.



Vegan Chocolate Fudge:                      

1 can of coconut milk (13.5 ounces)
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
3 cups of quality dark dairy free chocolate chips
1 cup of pecans or walnuts (optional)

1. Line a 8 by 8 inch square pan with parchment paper with an overhang on all sides.

2. Place the can of coconut milk in a sauce pan (If there's too much liquid be certain to drain some of it otherwise the fudge mixture won't thicken). Cook over medium heat on your stovetop. When the coconut milk begins to steam, sift in the 1/2 cup of confectioner's sugar and whisk to combine. Do not overheat.

3. Add the chocolate chips and stir until fully melted. Don't burn the chocolate. If you prefer a nutty fudge you can add 1 cup of pecans or walnuts to the mixture.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared 8 by 8 inch pan and spread evently.

5.  Let the fudge cool for 30 to 40 minutes.

6.  Place in the refrigerator for two hours until fudge is firm.

7.  Use the parchment paper to remove the fudge from the pan then slice the fudge into squares.

8.  Keep the fudge stored in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Find a Hammock & Rest!

Walking through the woods on a sunny August afternoon, I met an empty hammock hanging on two trees. Do I dare get on the hammock? Why not? The allure of traveling is that you never know who or what you'll encounter. For two hours I rested on the hammock, with the lush trees above and beside me. A view of a sparkling lake just a few yards away and nobody in sight except for me and the hammock. Alas, two hours later a few people passed me by and I asked one of them to take a picture so that I could hold a vivid memory of those carefree and relaxing two hours on a hammock that was left alone in the woods for me to enjoy.

Travelling can be exhausting; so go ahead and rest on a hammock.

HAMMOCK HISTORY:

It began about 1,000 years ago in Central America by the Mayan Indians. They used their extraordinary skills and designed a hammock. Original hammocks were woven from the bark of the Hamak tree. The Indian nations of Central and South America had an extenstive trade route and word spread quickly about the new invention. As time progressed hammocks were made with better fabrics and materials, the styling changed too. When Columbus embarked on the Bahamas and saw natives lounging in hammocks during their siestas he decided to take some hammocks back to Europe and the appreciation for hammocks has never stopped.

Take time in your travels to enjoy a hammock. The world loves hammocking!

Land of Netherlands!

GO DUTCH and experience a country filled with unique attractions and landscapes; open fields with tulip bulbs and windmills, picturesque canals, bicycle trails, cheese markets, fishing villages, one of a kind city Amsterdam....it's all here, a small country with big opportunties.

It has two names; Holland and Netherlands

The official name of the country is the Kingdom of Netherlands. Holland is actually the two provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. However, the name Holland is often used when referring to the Netherlands.



AMSTERDAM: No city compares to Amsterdam. It's in a class of its own. The most bicycle friendly city in the world (847,000 bicycles). 

Rent a bicycle and experience the authentic way to travel around the city.

Anne Frank House; take a tour
Canal Cruises; see Amsterdam by water
De Hallen; don't miss the Food Hallen for a variety of amazing foods
Heineken Experience; take a tour and learn about this classic beer
Jordaan; narrow lanes with art galleries, bars, and restaurants
Markets; for artisan foods, books, clothes, and more
Museumplein; famous museums: Rijkmuseum, Stedelijk, and Van Gough 
Vondelpark, 47 acres of public space; live concerts, and outdoor theater

EFTELING: Undeniably one of the best amusement parks on the planet. Everyone who lives in the Netherlands has probably been here. A fairytale setting with spectacular rides. Efteling opened on May 31, 1952 and it's here to stay. Located in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands.
Efteling Amusement Park:
efteling.com/en

VOLDENAM is a fishing village best explored by foot. Walk along De Dijk and to the old quarters of Volendam known as Doolhof. This is where you'll find wooden houses painted green. If you'd like to try local fish,  Smit -Bokkum estabished in 1856 is a very popular place to eat.

MORE PLACES TO VISIT IN NETHERLANDS:

EDAM: Known for its famous cheese, Edam has lots of history and charm.

THE HAGUE: City on the North Sea and the seat of the Dutch parliment.

ROTTERDAM: Europe's biggest port city; second biggest city in Netherlands.

Book a flight with Dutch Airline KLM (oldest airline in the world) to Amsterdam and let your journey begin in the "land of the Dutch."

Spotlight on Stroopwafels:

A Dutch treat, a STROOPWAFEL is a waffle made from thin layers of baked dough with caramel syrup filling in the middle.

Wooden Clogs?

You can find wooden clogs all over the Netherlands:

KLOMPEN (Wooden Clogs): They've been worn by the Dutch people for hundreds of years because they kept their feet drier than leather shoes. Most Dutch people no longer wear Klompen (wooden clogs) but they're still available for purchase throughout the Netherlands.

The Dutch are very likable people so come to their land known as
NETHERLANDS!

Boyne City in Six Hours (A Pure Michigan Resort Town)

Situated on the sparkling blue waters of Lake Charlevoix, Boyne City is a walkable city with lots of charm. Boyne City beckons summer tourists with its idyllic setting and warm hospitality. It's proximity to Boyne Mountain Resort and Young State Park brings in the crowds who enjoy the dining and shopping options and some of the best scenery in Northern Michigan.

9:00 am Arrive in Boyne City and park wherever you wish for free. Boyne City doesn't have parking meters like other cities. How nice is that?

9:05 am  Time for Breakfast! Breakfast options? My favorite is Boyne City Bakery owned by chef Gildas Berrou who was born and raised in France. Outstanding breads, crepes, pastries, and sandwiches to choose from and a friendly staff. What a magnificent way to start your day.

10:00 am  Boyne City might be small but there's no shortage of unique shopping options. Here's a partial listing:

Alpine Chocolat Haus; boxed chocolates, fudge, caramel corn, ice cream, & other sweet treats.

Boyne City Hardware; everything from beach chairs to garden supplies, to tools under one roof.

Country Now & Then; artwork, glassware, furniture, pottery, jewelry and more.

Forgotten Treasures; consignment shop with an array of items.

Grain Train; natural foods grocery market (there's one in Petoskey too).

Inspired Living; lots of yoga inspired treasures.

Local Flavor; book store and internet cafe.

Peninsula; action sports retailier.

11:15 am  Visit Boyne District Library at 201 East Main Street. This two level library has lots of good books and comfortable seats for reading. The staff is friendly and helpful.

12:30 pm  Lunch at Lake Street Market, 306 South Lake Street. This place is bustling with people at lunch time for good reason. Lake Street Market is known for their delicious sandwiches, salads, pizza, and baked goods. They have free samples too. Don't miss out on the brownies made with shortbread crust or the famous chicken salad. There's outdoor seating out front or you can get carryout and head to the beach.

1:15 pm  Peninsula Public Beach on the shores of Lake Charlevoix has a pleasant sandy beach and picnic tables under shady trees. Relax, or take a swim.

Boating on Lake Charlevoix is extraordinary and another way to enjoy nature.

Boat Rentals: Boyne Watersports, 1 Water Street

It's 3:00 pm and you've been in Boyne City six hours. From Boyne City you can take a short drive to Boyne Mountain Resort, Petoskey, Young State Park, or Walloon Lake.

If by miss Boyne City you can always come back for dinner. Two outstanding restaurants are Boyne River Inn and Cafe Sante.