How to Can Applesauce {Guest Post}

I would like to thank my new friend, Kay, for her willingness to share her wisdom in this guest post! When I found out she was into canning I just knew I needed her wisdom on my blog :) I can't wait to go apple picking and try this recipe for myself. Happy canning to all readers! I would love to hear how your adventures in preserving your harvests are going!

The Hanover Hub {Review}

I love how many great local restaurants are popping up everywhere! The Hanover Hub came into town a while ago but I was unable to make it until recently.

The first trip was with my friend, Susan. We were at an all day training together and needed to go somewhere fairly quick. She recommended the Hub Comfort, a three cheese blend grilled cheese sandwich. They make their own fries and chips and that's the only thing they fry in the oil so as someone who eats gluten free, there is no worry of cross contamination. The fries were very good and had a nice blend of seasoning on them already. Their gluten free roll is amazing, so light and fluffy!

 The second time I visited was with my daughter. We were both not terribly hungry so we decided to split the Hubba-Cado with avocado, tomato, onion, lettuce and a tomato pesto. It was so delicious!

I wanted to try the chips this time. They were also good with the same seasoning but there is no way I could eat a whole portion myself and I definitely prefer the fries for when I return.

I met a few teacher friends there for a catch-up lunch this week. I really went outside my norm for my sandwich- The Philly Hub Sub, otherwise known as the best Philly cheese steak I have ever had. (This is only half the sandwich, I started to dig in before remembering to take a picture.) It also came with a spicy chipotle mayo that was amazing and a little went a long way.

The Hub also had a delicious gluten free dessert made with almond flour and a chocolate topping that was amazing! I look forward to trying a breakfast sandwich as well as one of their specialty coffee drinks. There is quite the selection of sandwiches it will take quite a few visits to try them all! Check out their web site and let me know what you would order if you go!

Red Brick Bakery & Tea Room {Review}

Last year for my birthday, my sister April gave me a tea date. Unfortunately it has taken us almost 11 months to fulfill that date but it was worth the wait! Our morning started with a ride in her convertible! 

                               

She found quite the diamond in the rough in Red Lion, Red Brick Bakery & Tea Room. Initially it doesn't look like much but once you walk through the entrance way you feel like you were transported to a cafe in Europe!

Once inside, the cafe is inviting, well decorated and charming. We were ecstatic to see that there was an outside deck seating as the day was perfect for an al fresco brunch.

The bakery does not carry gluten free items on a daily basis but if you call ahead they can make accommodations. I had just picked up my favorite gluten free bread from Byers Butterflake Bakery at Eastern Market before coming and they were willing to make my selection with the bread that I brought. And on a side note, if you eat gluten free you MUST try their bread! Only 4 ingredients and SO good. You should call by Tuesday if you want to pick up at Eastern Market on Friday or Hanover Farmer's Market on Saturday. $6 per loaf and well worth it and they also freeze well and make the most amazing grilled cheese!

I ordered the Italian Breakfast Focaccia with house-made toasted focaccia (keep in mind I had my bread instead of theirs) filled with scrambled eggs, smoked provolone, ripe tomato, baby spinach and pesto spread and seasonal fresh fruit (substituted a salad for the fruit). Everything about this was delicious and delightful. The pesto made the sandwich and the balsamic dressing was so good I dipped my sandwich into it!

April ordered quiche with a salad, a savory custard tart with today’s special ingredients (If I recall it was ham and cheese). We shared a fresh squeezed lemonade with lunch.

After lunch came the tea and cake. They had gluten free carrot cake for us and we ordered a vanilla black tea.

The carrot cake was moist, had an amazing texture and was not too sweet. I thought I would be disappointed with not having the cream cheese icing but since it was still morning it was just right. We could not finish the cake so we each took most of our pieces home for later.





Unfortunately due to time constraints, we also did not finish our tea but they provided us with go cups so it didn't go to waste :) We both greatly enjoyed this tea room and can't wait to go back! Here are a few more pictures of our time together.

The smell of the tea reminded me of my Strawberry Shortcake doll I had when I was little.

I can't wait to go back here for another meal! I was fortunate to visit their booth at the Red Lion Street Fair last weekend and got a coupon for a free lunch! I can't wait!