Gourmet flavors

Delicious eats and more at Made in New England Expo

From artisan chocolates, baked goods and other sweet treats to spice mixes, hot sauces and locally roasted coffees, there will be plenty for foodies to discover at the Made in New England Expo. More than 80 vendors from across New Hampshire and its neighboring states will be selling their products under one roof during the two-day show, which returns to the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown for the fourth year on Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 5.

The event was originally conceived following the success of the Made in New Hampshire Expo, a similar multi-day show typically held in late March, said organizer Heidi Copeland, publisher of Business NH magazine and owner of EventsNH.

“We actually do have quite a bit of new vendors this year, because a lot of people at the beginning of the pandemic … were thinking about what they were going to do to make a living, and they ended up starting new businesses,” Copeland said.

Made in New England Expo. Photo by Matthew Lomanno Photography.

One such company is Mixed Up Nut Butter out of Vermont, which offers a line of craft nut butters made from different tree nut blends with pecans, cashews, almonds and more. Two new small-batch coffee roasters based in the Granite State will be there too — Critical Mass Coffee, which has multiple bagged blends of organic fair trade coffee; and Hato Viejo Coffee, a purveyor that sources its beans from the Dominican Republic.

Other newcomers to this year’s expo include Sunshine Baking, a New Hampshire company offering freshly baked shortbread cookies that launched earlier this year, and Pumpkin Blossom Farm, which has several lavender-infused products like a lavender honey and a lavender blueberry drink mixer, as well as soaps, lotions, bath sprays and more.

If you’ve attended the event previously, you’ll likely encounter some familiar faces. Chrismix Candy of Concord, for instance, will be back with its sweet and salty toffees, while Thistle’s All Natural, based in Loudon, will be selling its homemade zucchini salsas.

There is also a small overlap of businesses that have participated in the Made in New Hampshire Expo in past years, like Sap House Meadery of Ossipee, which will have canned selections of its craft meads; Loon Chocolate, a producer of small-batch bean-to-bar chocolates; and Smokin’ Tin Roof, a Manchester husband-and-wife team offering specialty hot sauces, jellies and mustards.

According to Copeland, food exhibitors are not required to offer samples, but per pandemic guidelines, those who do must provide them in individually wrapped or closed containers.

In addition to specialty foods and drinks, companies will be selling everything from jewelry, clothing and personal care products to candles, wildlife photography and various home decor. Copeland said the expo is a great opportunity for attendees to get some holiday shopping done while supporting local businesses.

“There’s always that chance that people are not going to be able to find things they want to order online, or they may be delayed,” she said. “Here, you can go pick something up that’s unique and locally produced, and the money you spend stays here and goes back into the local economy.”

Made in New England Expo

When: Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (Expo Center), 700 Elm St., Manchester
Cost: $9 admission for adults, $7 for seniors ages 65 and over, $2 for children ages 2 to 12 and free for children under 2 ($2 per child under 2 if bringing a stroller into the hall). Tickets are only available at the door (cash or check only).
More info: Visit madeinnewenglandexpo.com or follow them on Facebook @madeinnewenglandexpo
Face masks will be required for all attendees.

Featured photo: Made in New England Expo. Photo by Matthew Lomanno Photography.

The Weekly Dish 21/12/02

News from the local food scene

• Lamb dinners to go: Join St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (1160 Bridge St., Manchester) for its annual baked lamb dinner, a takeout-only drive-thru event happening on Sunday, Dec. 12, from noon to 2 p.m. Now through Tuesday, Dec. 7, orders are being accepted for meals featuring baked leg of lamb au jus, with rice pilaf, Greek-style green beans, a salad and bread for $20 per person. Contact Barbara George at the church office at 623-6115 or via email at bitos1254@yahoo.com to reserve your dinner, which will be ready for pickup at the church.

• A piece of the pie: The Nashua Public Library will present a virtual event about savory pies and tarts on Monday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. featuring Chef Liz Barbour of The Creative Feast in Hollis. Barbour will demonstrate her favorite pie dough recipe and prepare a meat pie, with vegetarian options, and a seasonal vegetable tart. Visit nashualibrary.org to register and receive a Zoom invitation link to the event. Barbour has a full schedule of other virtual cooking events throughout the month of December. Visit thecreativefeast.com for more events.

• Brunch with Santa: Get your tickets now before they’re gone to Polar Express brunch at LaBelle Winery in Amherst (345 Route 101) on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition to assorted scones, muffins and rolls, the menu will feature a multi-course food offering and holiday-inspired cocktails. The event also includes a screening of The Polar Express and photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Admission, after taxes, is $41.31 for adults and $23.09 for kids ages 3 and up. Visit labellewinery.com.

On The Job – Justin Tanner

Justin Tanner

Engraver

Justin Tanner is the owner of Rustic Cabin Designs, a laser engraving business that does custom engraving on wood and sells engraved wooden signs at the Kearsarge Business Center in Warner.

Explain your job and what it entails.

We’re a graphics design shop that does custom graphics and logos with a laser engraver. Basically, on an average day, I’m taking people’s orders, doing the programming for the machines, doing the design work, working hands-on with the materials, cutting and sanding the wood, doing the actual laser engraving and then whatever sanding or staining is involved in the finishing process.

How long have you had this job?

We are only four months old; we just started in July.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

I had gotten laid off from my previous job … as a machinist. I was tired of the shop life, anyway. I was tired of punching a clock every day, working for someone else. I started looking for something different that I could do. I already had the skills, and I had just bought my own machine, so I figured, why not work for myself? I decided to take a leap and start my own business.

What kind of education or training did you need?

Formally, my education is only through high school, but I learned a lot of skills through on-the-job training. I have 20 years of experience working in a shop as a CNC machinist.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

Just jeans or a pair of shorts, and a T-shirt.

What was it like starting this business during the pandemic?

We definitely ran into some issues. The biggest one has been getting the supply. We ordered a lot of lumber online, and the delivery times are just so unpredictable right now, and that’s if [the lumber] is even available at all. It’s been taking two or three times longer than it should to get here.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

Try to learn as much as you can, and take any advancement opportunities that present themselves.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

I wish people realized the amount of time and work it takes. There’s the logistics of getting the materials; doing the programming and design work; the fixturing and workholding to actually get [the wood] into the [engraving] machine; the tooling for the machines, and the finishing process, so there’s a lot that goes into making a final product from scratch.

What was the first job you ever had?

I was a dishwasher at Colby-Sawyer College.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

Never give up.

Five favorites

Favorite book: The Dark Tower by Stephen King
Favorite movie: Happy Gilmore
Favorite music: hard rock
Favorite food: pizza
Favorite thing about NH: the history

Featured photo: Justin Tanner. Courtesy photo.

Treasure Hunt 21/12/02

Dear Donna,

Can you help identify this piece? It’s 14 inches long and marked US Standard. It also has measurements from top to bottom.

Brittney from Salem

Dear Brittney,

What you have is an older ring sizer. If you slide your ring on it you will be able to tell your accurate size.

Most of these were and still are used by jewelers in determining a person’s ring size. They are not uncommon. Most people like yourself don’t recognize what they are for, so they go unnoticed.

The value is in the $30 range. Not a high value for something so useful, right?

Kiddie Pool 21/12/02

Family fun for the weekend

The most event-y time of the year

Last week’s Hippo (the Nov. 25 issue) was our big Holiday Guide issue, packed full of Christmas/winter/general holiday-themed events happening through the end of the year. You can find the e-edition at hippopress.com. Here are some of the events happening this weekend.

Winter wonderlands

• Charmingfare Farm (774 High St., Candia) has combined its Santa’s Big Party and Lighted Winter Wonderland events into one celebration, Santa’s Christmas. Individual tickets are not being sold; only packages are available, for $249 (one package is good for up to 10 people), with various times available to visit the farm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting Dec. 3 through Dec. 5 (and running through Thursday, Dec. 23). Horse-drawn wagons are divided into two sections of 10 passengers each. Attractions include a live animal Nativity; visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and live “reindeer,” and hot cocoa and sugar cookies provided by Mrs. Claus. See visitthefarm. com for available times.

• Santa Land returns to the Gilford Youth Center (19 Potter Hill Road in Gilford) on Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4. Kids can enjoy games, arts and crafts, cookie decorating and bounce houses. In small groups they’ll also be invited to Santa’s room for photo opportunities. Admission is free. Santa Land hours are from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. See gilfordyouthcenter.com.

Everybody loves a parade!

In addition to Manchester’s Christmas parade (see page 9 for details) other parades on the schedule this weekend include these:

• The Town of Nottingham’s Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a holiday parade Saturday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. at the community center (Stage Road). See nottingham-nh.gov.

• Experience Hampton will present its annual Hampton Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m., which will kick off at the Hampton-North Hampton town line and end at Winnacunnet Road. See experiencehampton.org.

• Portsmouth’s illuminated holiday parade and tree lighting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. at Market Square in Portsmouth, with remarks from the mayor and music from the Portsmouth Holiday Ensemble. The parade will then kick off from the Goodwin Park area on Islington Street at 6 p.m. See cityofportsmouth.com.

• The Exeter Holiday Parade returns on Saturday, Dec. 4, beginning on Portsmouth Ave. at 5:30 p.m. and ending at Swasey Parkway. Visit exeterholidayparade.org.

• The Hampstead Christmas Parade returns for its 57th year on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 1 p.m. This year’s parade is Hawaiian-themed. See hampstead.nhlions.org.

• The Merrimack Parks & Recreation Department will present its 28th annual holiday parade and tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 5, at Abbie Griffin Park (6 Baboosic Lake Road in Merrimack). The parade begins at the Commons Shopping Plaza (515 Daniel Webster Hwy.) at 3 p.m., with the tree lighting at 3:45 p.m. immediately following the parade’s arrival at the park. See merrimackparksandrec.org.

More chances to meet the big guy

• Goffstown’s annual Friday Night Under the Lights will take place on Friday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Goffstown Village, featuring the town tree lighting by Santa, caroling, holiday hay rides, cocoa, cookies and more. See goffstownmainstreet.org.

• The Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St. in Manchester; manchesterhistoric.org) will hold its annual holiday open house on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring children’s holiday crafts, raffles, photo opportunities with Santa Claus and more. All are welcome free with museum admission. The museum is also hosting its annual American Girl Doll Tea Party from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; the cost for that is $10 per person (register online).

• St. Joseph Hospital (172 Kinsley St. in Nashua; stjosephhospital.com) will hold its Christmas Around the World event on Saturday, Dec. 4, featuring free photo opportunities with Santa Claus, holiday-themed activities for all ages, sweet treats, live multicultural performances and more. Attendees can sign up for one of two time slots, either from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

• Windham’s annual tree lighting is happening on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m. on the Windham Town Common. Santa Claus will be in the gazebo for photos; there will be a bonfire and carolers from 4 to 5 p.m. See windhamnh.gov.

• Visit Santa Claus at Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua) for a socially distanced photo opportunity on Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon to 2 p.m. All kids will also receive a free gift. See nashuanh.gov.

• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org) will hold its Jingle Bell Extravaganza on Sunday, Dec. 5 (and Sunday, Dec. 12), with time slots available from 1 to 2:30 p.m. or from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The event includes a socially distanced meeting with Santa Claus, readings of The Polar Express, hands-on holiday craft activities, a magical science experiment and more. Pajamas are welcome. Tickets are $20 for non-members (free for ages 12 months and under).

Hoe hoe hoe

Gifts for the gardener

Ready to shop! Every time I turn on the radio or open a newspaper, there are articles about supply chain issues. Even the reliable old U.S. Postal Service is saying deliveries may well be delayed. So share some garden produce this year or shop at a local, family-owned business when you can.

Food is a great gift. You don’t need fancy fruit shipped from Oregon if you made plenty of tomato sauce or quince jelly this year. Share the harvest. A quart of dried cherry tomatoes contains a lot of love and work. You had to grow, harvest, wash and dehydrate. Only people dear to my heart will rate such a gift.

My dream gift? A friend, loved one or reader sending me a nice card, along with a homemade certificate for four hours of weeding in my garden. Or two hours. Working in the garden with a friend or relative can be a great way to strengthen a friendship. Politics don’t matter in the garden. I might suspect my brother-in-law didn’t vote the way I did in the last election. But if he will bring his chainsaw and help me take down and cut up a 12-inch-diameter box elder I want removed, send me the gift certificate!

Books are great gifts, and books printed in the United States should be readily available at your local bookstore. My first choice for a book to give? Doug Tallamy’s Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard. It explains how what we plant can affect the planet, especially our pollinators and birds. And all of us, really.

I’ve re-printed my last gardening book and will be selling it at a discount directly to you, signed. It’s a collection of my best articles organized around the calendar year. It’s titled Organic Gardening (not just) in the Northeast: A Hands-On, Month-by-Month Guide. Signed and mailed to you for just $19. Send a check to Henry Homeyer at PO Box 364, Cornish Flat, NH 03746. I will try to figure out how to reduce the price on my website, Gardening-Guy.com where it is currently for sale at $21 if you want to use PayPal.

What else at the bookstore? Essential Native Trees and Shrubs for the Eastern United States by Tony Dove and Ginger Woolridge is a great companion for Doug Tallamy’s book. Michael Dirr has written lots of great tree books. He is informative and opinionated. Allan Armitage is just as opinionated and thorough about flowers as Dirr is about trees. Or get a gift certificate and let your gardener pick her own books at the local bookstore.

If deer are a problem in the garden of your loved one, I find nothing better than Fend Off Deer and Rabbit Repellent Odor Clips, available at Gardener’s Supply and other retailers. A package of 25 sells for about $20. I use one or two per shrub to keep deer away all winter. They clip on with a clothespin-style attachment. They contain just garlic and soy oil, no chemicals.

Courtesy photo.

I recently wrote about using hardware cloth (wire screening) to keep voles from chewing off bark and killing young trees. Since then I have used plastic spiral tree guards that are easy to install and will protect against sun scald in winter, too. They are inexpensive and can be reused (I will remove them in the spring). They are sold as Rainbow Professional LTD White Spiral Tree Guards at OESCOinc.com or by calling them at 413-469-4335. They sent my order out the very day I called.

Also available from OESCO are some pruners that I like a lot. OESCO is a small company based in Conway, Massachusetts, catering to orchard professionals. The pruners are made by a German company, Löwe (not to be confused with the American retailer Lowe’s). The pruners are of the anvil type, designed and manufactured well. They sell a size nice for small hands (Löwe 5.107) and a larger size, too. OESCO sells replacement blades and parts.

Of course every gardener needs a good weeding tool. The CobraHead is my favorite and has been for years. They now have a mini-Cobrahead designed for smaller hands. Available from CobraHead.com or 866-962-6272 or at your local garden center. It has a single curved tine like a steel finger that will tease out roots from below while you tug a weed from above. I emailed the owner, Noel Valdes, who told me there are plenty in stock.

I found a wonderful shovel for digging in tough areas with lots of roots. It’s called the Root Slayer and is available from Gardener’s Supply and a few other retailers. I’ve used mine all summer and love it! Great for cutting though sod, too. It has a sharp blade and teeth along the sides for slicing roots.

Lastly, think about a gift certificate at your local nursery or garden center for plant purchases in the spring. Plants are always good.

Featured photo: Gardening books make great presents. Courtesy photo.

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