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Author Archives: mariamcgowan
Pomquet Acadian Trails (Sentiers Acadiens de Pomquet)
Last weekend, my family and I made a quick visit to the village Pomquet. Located on the Northumberland Shore, this area was settled in 1761 by Acadians and it is one of the friendliest places in Nova Scotia.
We hiked a series of trails that led us through the Monks Head Provincial Park Reserve. The trail started just behind Chez Deslauriers, an Acadian historic site overlooking the magnificent expanse of Pomquet Beach. There are five trails starting with the Beach trail and ending with the Coastal trail. These trails (with the exception of the Coastal Trail) shoot off the main trail to their own loop. We decided to hike along the main trail along the coast.
The trail led us through a field, a wooded area and along the rocky shore of St. George’s Bay that offered stunning views of Cape Breton from across the water. Every now and then we’d have an opportunity to look (from a safe distance) over the edge to see the cliffs below. These cliffs are rapidly eroding and many well posted signs reminded us of this.
The only animals we encountered were two friendly red squirrels, very cute to see as they were as curious about them as they were about us. What weren’t so cute were Poison Ivy plants that were scattered along the outskirts of part of trail. As long as you steer clear of them, there would be no problem. We discovered cranberries along the shore were abundant and ripe for picking. Note to self for next fall: bring a bag.
This was a wonderful easy to moderate level hike with amazing views.
How to get there?
Pomquet is a 20 minute drive from Antigonish. Follow the 104 hwy (east)and watch for the large Pomquet sign.
Map
Pumpkin Cookies
I received these cookies in a basket a few years ago. These beauties are soft and chewy. I add chocolate chips and sometimes walnuts.
Pumpkin Cookies:
1/2 cup margarine (or softened butter)
1 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp ginger
1 cup chocolate chips (or raisins)
1 cup chopped nuts
Cream butter and sugar together, mix well. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and pumpkin. Stir in remaining ingredients. Mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake in 375 oven for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Then invite me over for tea 🙂
Annapolis Valley Apple Torte
This torte cuts into firm slices, each studded with apples, a fresh change from apple pie.
Base
1/2 cup butter 125 mL
1/3 cup granulated sugar 75 mL
1/4 tsp vanilla 1 mL
1 cup all-purpose flour 250 mL
1/2 cup raspberry jam 125 mL
Filling
1 cup cream cheese, softened 250 mL
1/2 cup granulated sugar 125 mL
1 large egg 1
1/2 tsp vanilla 2 mL
Topping
4 cups apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 L
1/3 cup granulated sugar 75 mL
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 mL
1/2 cup slivered almonds 125 mL
Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla; add flour and mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into bottom and 1 inch (2.5 cm) up the sides of a 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan. Spread raspberry jam on the bottom crust. Mix filling ingredients until smooth and spread evenly over base. Toss peeled and sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon and arrange gently on filling. Sprinkle with slivered almonds.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for 30 minutes or until apples are tender. Cool and serve with whipped cream. Makes 10 to 12 servings.
To find fall recipes, go to novascotia.com
Next…my pumpkin cookies!
Roses are red. Blueberries are blue.
Oxford, Nova Scotia
“You ought to have seen what I saw on my way
To the village, through Mortenson’s pasture to-day:
Blueberries as big as the end of your thumb,
Real sky-blue, and heavy, and ready to drum
In the cavernous pail of the first one to come!”
Robert Frost
Last week I took a side trip to Oxford, “Blueberry Capital of Canada”. I dropped into the Wild Blueberry and Maple Centre (which also doubles as a Visitor Information Centre). As soon as I walked in the door I knew what I was having- blueberry ice cream, which I happily devoured on my way out of town.
Between a rock and a soft seat
Economy, Nova Scotia
Today, I decided to venture off the Trans Canada Highway and meander through the communities of Bass River and Five Islands on my way to Parrsboro. Route #2, “The Glooscap Trail“, hugs the coast of the Minas Basin. This area is known for its powerful tides, courtesy of the Bay of Fundy. This is a route where drivers wish they were passengers so they can fully appreciate the scenery.
I knew that I just had to pull over, somewhere, anywhere. So just outside the village of Lower Economy and just before Five Islands Provincial Park, I turned left at Soley Cove Road. This windy gravel road, led past farmers fields to a large guard rail. Now, one knows a of popular spot when you notice the car tire prints from the hundreds of cars who also stopped there before you.
After soaking up the beauty of the Bay of Fundy, I jumped back in my car and drove about 500 meters to a dead end. It was also where a funky coach was sitting in a field. As a friend often informs me, it must’ve been “good garbage week”. Because for someone, this couch would be a real “find”.
I like to think this couch is saying, “enjoy the scenery, with the comfort of home”.
Paradise, Nova Scotia
Ever been to Paradise?
Well, I can say that now I’ve been to Paradise. I was there long enough to snap a picture. I can’t say that I felt any different during my brief visit. I didn’t feel any sense of euphoria, I didn’t burst out in exultation. Certainly didn’t hear angels singing. But maybe that was because thirty minutes before I reached Paradise, I got a speeding ticket. Wouldn’t it have been interesting to get one in Paradise? I would’ve framed it.
You should go. Take your time. I know I will.
How to get there: Paradise (Nova Scotia) is on Trunk Highway #1, (Evangeline Trail) about 7 minutes outside Bridgetown. Take exit 20 off Hwy 101 and take a left if coming from Halifax or a right if coming from Yarmouth.
Download: Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley Driving Guide (4.41MB)
Peggy’s Cove in 15 minutes
Today I had the chance to go to Peggy’s Cove for work-related business. Once I finished my tasks, and before jumping in the car for a 25 minute drive back to Halifax, I wanted to spend a couple minutes with “Peggy”.
This small fishing village is a photographer’s paradise. Every where you turn there’s a photo op. Today’s blue sky made it perfect but, then again, fog would have added mystique and drama. Even the local fisherman working on their boats while tourists watched were photogenic.
Everything in Peggy’s Cove is a stones throw away. You can walk anywhere and everywhere there isn’t a “private road” sign. There is a mix of cars and people along the windy paved road leading up the hill and eventually to the rocks.
A fisherman’s glove caught my eye, doesn’t it look like it’s reaching for something? The tide was low during my brief visit and the water in the small cove was calm but just around the corner, it was a different story with wind and surf. So interesting to see how just a few feet away from this protected cove there were white caps.
My 15 minute break is up. I’ll start walking back to the car now.
Fried Green Tomatoes
One early Saturday morning, a friend and I set off to Halifax’s Farmers Market. I was on a mission. I had a hankering for fried green tomatoes and wanted to try making them.
After searching for a recipe online, I came across one calling for cornmeal and breadcrumbs. Perfect. So, as I sliced the tomatoes, I talked with a southern accent (like Jessica Tandy from the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes”). This drove my kids nuts. They got more annoyed when my husband chimed in but he sounded more like Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump”.
These tomatoes were yummy. Even more so when topped with something tart and that’s where I got the idea of adding goat cheese and chutney. Thought of adding a dab of the lavender jelly but thought I’d best save the near empty jar for my morning toast.
York ReDoubt…No Doubt #2
While on a recent visit to York ReDoubt National Historic Site, I couldn’t help but notice a pattern that was emerging as I snapped pictures. Doors kept popping up. I guess it is a fort after all and it’s supposed to keep people out.
So, here’s my collection of doors. What’s behind door #1?
What’s behind door #2?
What’s behind door #3?
The Right Coast Nova Scotia 