Massachusetts Announces Ice Cream Trail
In an effort to support local dairy farms and small businesses, the state of Massachusetts has announced plans for an official “Ice Cream Trail.” “The project has been in the…
In an effort to support local dairy farms and small businesses, the state of Massachusetts has announced plans for an official "Ice Cream Trail."
"The project has been in the works for over a year and aims to promote local dairy farms that run their own ice cream sales and ice cream parlors that offer products made with local milk," Boston Today explained.
As of now, the trail is set to launch this July, appropriately during National Ice Cream month. As of yesterday, all dairy farms and local parlors that were interested in participating had to have their official submission complete. There were three different categories that were available to qualify under. They were:
- Dairy farms that serve and sell their single-serve products onsite or for customers to take to-go.
- Dairy farms that sell packaged products of theirs onsite. Products must be made by the privately owned farm, not another retailer's product.
- Ice Cream shops whose primary business is focused on the sale of single-serving ice cream products for customers to eat onsite where purchased or to take with them to-go.
"This ice cream trail will help to celebrate the Bay State’s dairy industry, support local tourism, and give a sugar rush to ice cream enthusiasts everywhere," the Massachusetts Association of Diary Farmers said.
The Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail's Purpose
Primarily, the intent is to help promote the local dairy farms in the area, in addition to the small business parlors. In addition, this should make the summer just a little more sweeter.
"It will result in a digital and print map of participating dairy farms and ice cream shops where people can find locally made scoops, pints, and more," Boston Today said.
One local dairy farm we hope to see participate here is Hornstra Farms. They are based in Whitman and Norwell, Massachusetts, with other small stations based around the state.
They have a history dating back to 1915, when "The Hornstra Family has proudly provided Grade A quality milk and dairy products to generations of South Shore families," they explain.
The farms offer homemade fresh ice cream made on the premises. In addition, the store attached has bottled milk, breads, and ice cream pints. Field trips to the farm are offered at different points throughout the year. This allows kids to view the many cows onsite and even observe the process of making the dairy products.
Furthermore, if you love what Hornstra does and live in the South Shore area, you can set up home deliveries. This consists of an old-fashioned milk drunk delivering your milk (and other dairy products) right in the branded silver milk box on your front porch.
3 New England Restaurants Ranked For Having Best Breakfast Sandwiches
As a father of four, my mornings are always a bit hectic. I enjoy being an early bird; however, I rarely have the time to prep a good breakfast. Therefore, I was quite thrilled to see that Tasting Table recognized three New England restaurants for having the best breakfast sandwiches in the country. I'm always looking for a good quick breakfast.
A morning in my world usually consists of a sunrise workout, followed by a scramble to get myself and the kids out of the house. Then I embark on an hour-long drive to the office. On the weekends, it's taking one of my kids to their sports game. Let's focus on the latter for a moment.
While I am more lenient on my breakfast choice (a banana or shake will do), I insist upon a healthy start for the little guys. Driving them all around New England on weekends requires a few drive-thru meals that you eat in the car. My preference is for the kids to have something substantial, with a protein they enjoy. A breakfast sandwich is often the choice.
The perfect breakfast sandwich should follow three simple rules. It's quick, both to order and make. It's fresh (not a microwaved egg slab pulled out of plastic). Finally, it's a balanced hand-held item that is not too heavy, processed or sugar-filled.
When trekking through interstates and unfamiliar towns at sunrise, it's easy to settle upon the quickest Dunkin' Donuts. Now, there are some other options that you (and I) should know about. These three New England restaurants ranking among the best breakfast sandwiches in the country.
Before we get into the list, it is necessary to give one other shout-out. The Portland, Oregon establishment named by Tasting Table has both the best restaurant and sandwich name. The "Yolko Ono" by Fried Egg I'm In Love.
Massachusetts - "Geno's Egg Sandwich"
Sofra Bakery and Café in Cambridge, MA, is the first stop. Tasting Table calls out "Geno's Egg Sandwich." This is a brioche bun filled with egg topped with halloumi cheese, feta butter, tomato concasse, and spicy green cilantro.
New Hampshire - "Egg Simit"
Next, we hop on 95 North and pull into the Elephantine Bakery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here the selected breakfast sandwich is called the "Egg Simit." It's the healthiest of the three choices based on pure ingredients. This sandwich consists of egg, hummus, beat pistachio spread, feta, and spinach on a sesame simit.
Maine - "The Breakfast Sandwich"
I actually had a very hard time securing a quick bacon, egg, and cheese this past spring while in Maine for a lacrosse tournament. Now I know I need to go to a coffee shop next time. Tandem Coffee has something so good, it doesn't even need a clever name. "The Breakfast Sandwich" is simply egg, American cheese, and smoked paprika. However, when you rest it upon a homemade buttermilk biscuit, you reach a new level.
