Holland
A couple of weeks back, we went out to Holland for the afternoon. It’s about an hour and thirty minute drive from my place, but there was no better time to go than during Tulip Time (which you can see here). Holland is a coastal city on the western side of Michigan, which was founded by Dutch Americans. Dutch heritage is still a significant characteristic of the town, which results in your feeling like you are actually in Holland.
they actually make AMAZING whole wheat graham flour in the windmill.
Five Things
Homemade Root Beer
On this day in 1866 root beer was created, and quickly became an American classic. This week I decided to recreate the classic and it was everything I could of hoped for. The perfect root beer flavor with a slight hint of vanilla, and of course I couldn’t pass up making it into a float.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups sugar (I used sugar that has been infused with vanilla beans)
2 ¼ cups water
2 tablespoons root beer concentrate (I used Watkins)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (I used Watkins)
Club Soda
Directions
1. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Heat and stir until mixture starts to boil and sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool.
2. Add root beer concentrate and vanilla and mix thoroughly.
3. To serve, add ½ to 1/3 cup (according to taste) root beer syrup to 5 ounces club soda.
Makes 3 cups root beer syrup.
How To: Hummingbird Food
I heard a radio announcement that the last of the hummingbirds should be back in the state by now, so I promptly made a batch of hummingbird food. If you have never made it before the process is extremely easy, and only calls for water and sugar. Combine 1 part sugar to 4 parts water (ex. ½ cup sugar and 2 cups water). Bring the water and sugar to a boil and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool before adding to your hummingbird feeder. I like to color mine red to help attract the birds, but it’s not necessary.
Tulip Time
Fashion meets Food 