Friday, January 27, 2012

Mystery Guest!

Late this evening Clover heard a knock at the door. When she opened the door she only found this crate. It had some ominous warnings.


She couldn't understand why there'd be a warning to not feed the labbit. After all, what harm would come from feeding a sweet, innocent labbit? How could a little white labbit survive barred up in a crate without any food?

She quickly opened the box and heard shuffling in the darkest corners of the crate. "Little labbit," she asked.  "Won't you come out?"

Silence.

"I'll bring you a carrot," she offered. She hopped away and returned with a carrot, and suddenly there was movement. Then...



...a pile of bones and sneakered feet came tumbling out of the crate. And climbing over them came this furry green labbit! Apparently feeding him turns him from a cute, fluffy white labbit into this green, mischievous grinning labbit.


He even seems to have lost his charming moustache with his diet. Other than his hue, he looked to be in good health (fat and bunchy, as a bunny should be) and he did seem rather happy to be free from his crate.

In any case, Clover told the little green labbit that the color of his fur didn't matter to her or their warren, so she invited him to stay, and he said yes!

The labbits, of course, are eager to feed this little guy, but he better get rid of all those bones. Labbits are vegetarian!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Labbits Like: Date Squares

Mmmmm, date squares! Vanilla-y creamy dates sandwiched in an oatmeal multi grain crust. Yum. This makes about two dozen date square, perfect for bringing to a party or sell at a bake sale. Print and share the recipe here.


Date Square with 5 Grain Crust

Ingredients:
3 cups dried, pitted dates
1 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup Bob's Red Mill 5 Grain cereal
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preparation:


Place the dates and water in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and have absorbed most of the water (about 5 - 10 minutes). 


Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature and then puree in your food processor until smooth. Set aside.


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter (or use a non stick cooking spray) an 8 x 11 inch (20 x 28 cm) or a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Set aside.










In the bowl of your food processor, place the oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon. Pulse to combine. Then add the butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the base of the prepared pan. 





Spread the dates evenly over the oatmeal crust. Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the top of the dates. Bake for about 30 - 40 minutes or until golden brown. Place on a wire rack to cool. Once the squares have cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator at least one hour or until firm enough to cut easily into squares.



These will keep, covered, in the refrigerator up to a week.

Yields: 20 - 24 squares
Recipe: Adapted from Rose Carrarini, "Breakfast Lunch Tea"

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Finally, A Taste of Winter


Southern Vermont hasn't felt like winter yet this winter! It's been unseasonably warm, and there hasn't been snow. Naturally, the labbits are very happy for today's snowfall. It makes Vermont so much prettier, and Clover does like to accessorize with hats. Hopefully temperatures will stay low enough for the snow to last, but Teddy tastes freezing rain in the forecast. Better enjoy the snow while it lasts...

Monday, January 2, 2012

Labbit Travels: Harvey, New Brunswick

During a recent holiday visit to New Brunswick, Pipkin made a point to stop by the giant fiddle in the town of Harvey. He'd heard of its existence but always seemed to be in Harvey at night, often visiting his friend (and fiddler!) Katherine Moller. He last heard Katherine playing fiddle in the barracks in downtown Fredericton in August. This time, he made sure he'd stop by the fiddle in daylight on the way home to Vermont. Every road trip needs oversize roadside attractions.


The giant fiddle was created in 2000 by Harvey craftsman Roland McLean, to honour Canadian fiddler Don Messer, also from Harvey. In the picture below, Pipkin climbed up on the chinrest to show you just how big (about 14 feet) the fiddle is!

Pipkin heard a rumour there's another giant fiddle in Nova Scotia. He's excited to explore more of the Maritimes in 2012.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!

Break out the noise makers and party blowers 'cause it's a new year! Be happy and healthy, and when you're up against a grumpus, just do as Clover and...


...get all up in their face with happiness. Happy 2012 everyone!