Caroline Dines

My weekend in Maine concluded with a family gathering to honor my Grandfather who passed away this April. My Grandmother, Great Aunt, and two of my aunts came for the day which went from being gloomy and overcast to sunny and warm (an unexpected treat which meant we got to dine on the porch instead of inside).  I started my day by eating a hearty bowl of steel cut oats that my Mom cooked up the night before. We topped them off with a scoop of apple butter and some sliced almonds and splash of milk.

This bowl filled me up enough but when the candy corn hit the table as an “appetizer” of sorts I couldn’t control myself! Big surprise. I probably had 30 pieces total…too much sugar! Oh well I am not planning on buying myself a bag because I know that would be disastrous. This was my fix for now.

I did manage to save room for our lunch of soup and bread though. My mom made a hamburg and potato soup which was a different take on a traditional beef stew. She wanted to use the local grass fed hamburg that we had in the freezer instead of purchasing regular old beef. While it was very simple; the potato, carrot and hamburg in the light broth were just perfect for the autumn day with a summer feel to it.

I had two bowls this size with plenty of homemade bread on the side.

We also split a bottle of wine 8 ways. I had a little more than my fair share but certainly no more than one full glass. The wine was from Trader Joe’s (picked it up before heading to Maine, the land of no TJ’s!) and was sparkling white made from organically grown grapes and was produced in Spain. Everyone loved it and at 5.99 a bottle I will be adding this to my cart the next time I go.

As I have pointed out before, my Mother’s side of the family is famous for their desserts and at family gatherings we usually have at least two desserts to enjoy. Today my aunt made a Swedish style Apple pie (no crust on the bottom) which had fresh Maine apples and pecans (I think)  in it.  

I cut myself a good sized piece (wish I had cut more since it was sooo good). The “crust” which was more like a cake consistency on the top was made with oil instead of butter.

Having a smaller piece of the pie meant that I could justify two of these babies. Granny’s famous brownies that I have discussed before.

This weekend home was absolutely what I have needed and I am so glad that it included a visit from my extended family. They always go by way too quickly though and I can’t wait for the next time already. You can tell in this picture Darin was getting antsy to get in the car and get home (having a long three and half hour trip is no fun to anticipate).

Lucky for us our ride home was made more enjoyable by getting to be “leaf peepers” and check out the beautiful foliage.  This shot was taken just up the road from my house and it always reminds me of my Grandfather because it was his favorite place to visit in Bethel. Darin stopped so I could take some pics and enjoy a moment thinking of him.