Souffle Trails

In so many ways, spring is a remarkable season to watch unfold. As the snow slowly recedes, we see birds return, days lengthen, lakes open and creeks babble. We also witness the earth begin to bake--literally--under the spring sun.

The baker in me is always fascinated by this. As the frost is heated out of the ground, it makes the soil rise, much like a souffle baking in an oven. The effect is most noticeable on trails that have been heavily trod during the winter, where our feet and snowshoes have driven the frost deeper into the earth. These trails rise high and light, sometimes with a delicate crust that breaks away when you step on it.

Like a souffle, the effect is short-lived. Soon the frost is dissipated and the ground settles back down. And it makes me think it's about time to dig out my souffle cake recipe again.

Chocolate Souffle Cakes

Serves 4

These little cakes are great for entertaining, as they must be prepared in advance and need only a little last-minute effort to get them on the table when you're ready for dessert. You can make the batter and hold the filled dishes in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to a month. After you've finished your dinner main course, pop them in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes and serve them simply garnished and hot from the oven. Recipe can be doubled or tripled.

• 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter, plus more for the ramekins
  
• granulated sugar for dusting
  
• 2 tablespoons coffee-flavoured liqueur such as Kahlua (or water)
  
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
  
• 4 ounces good-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  
• pinch salt
  
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• 2 egg yolks
  
• 3 egg whites, room temperature
  
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) icing (confectioner's) sugar
  

special equipment: four 6-ounce ramekins, about 3 1/2" diameter and 2" high

Lightly butter the ramekins. Dust with granulated sugar and tap out the excess.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix together the liqueur and instant coffee. Microwave on high for 10 seconds to warm the liquid, then stir to dissolve the coffee.

Melt the chocolate and 4 tablespoons of butter in a large metal bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and glossy. If you've used the microwave to melt the chocolate/butter, transfer the mixture to a large bowl before continuing.

Whisk the coffee liqueur mixture, salt and vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time.

In a medium bowl, use an electric beater on medium speed to beat the egg whites until foamy. Increase the speed to medium high until soft peaks begin to form. Increase the speed to high and slowly beat in the icing sugar. Beat just until the peaks are stiff and glossy, being careful not to overbeat or the egg whites will become dry and clumpy .

Gently whisk about 1/4 of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Add about half of the remaining whites and gently fold them in with a broad rubber spatula. Add the remaining whites and gently fold until just blended and no white streaks remain.

Divide the mixture evenly among the ramekins. Chill uncovered for at least an hour.

If you'll be serving the souffles within 24 hours, cover them each with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. If you'll be serving them later than that, wrap each in plastic, seal in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to one month.

To bake from the fridge:
Heat the oven (a toaster oven works great too) to 400 F. Set the ramekins on a shallow baking sheet for easier handling (not necessary if using a toaster oven), and bake until puffed and risen about 1 inch, about 16-18 minutes in my toaster oven.

To bake from the freezer:
Do not defrost first. Set the frozen ramekins out on the counter for 20 minutes while the oven (or toaster oven) is preheating to 400 F. Place the ramekins on a shallow baking sheet for easier handling (not necessary if using a toaster oven), and bake until puffed and risen about 1 inch, about 20-22 minutes in my toaster oven.

I like to use the toaster oven for these so I can watch their progress (my regular oven doesn't have a window). I take them out when they're high and airy-looking. Don't worry if your timing is a little off. If the souffles are a little underdone, they won't be as high and they'll be a little soft in the centre like a lava cake, but they'll taste wonderful. If they're a little overdone, they'll be a bit more cakey and will benefit from some whipped cream as garnish.

To serve:
Serve straight from the oven, still in the ramekins. These little souffles will start to lose their pouf almost immediately so have your dessert plates ready—lining them with a small paper doily or napkin will help prevent the hot ramekins from sliding around—and any garnishes you plan to use.

These are so rich and delicious, they can be served as they are with perhaps just a dusting of icing sugar and a mint sprig. But it's also fun to dress them up a bit. A few fresh raspberries or strawberries and a dollop of very lightly sweetened whipped cream make a nice contrast to the ultra rich chocolate souffles. A few chocolate shavings on top is, perhaps, gilding the lily, but I couldn't resist.

Enjoy!

Feeding the Chickadees

Many of our guests love hand-feeding the chickadees during the cooler months. The chickadees are around all year, but in the spring and summer they find enough food on their own without our help.

The neat thing is they don't even have to know you in order to eat from your hand. They're quite cheeky that way. Anyone with a handful of sunflower seeds is alright in their books.

Jim shot this video last week (that's my hand) and he slowed down the action a bit so you can actually see what's going on. They are fast little guys when they want to be. Although earlier this season I had one chickadee land on my hand, take a seed, then stay right there on my hand while he cracked it open and ate it so he could take another seed before flying off again. It was pretty amazing.

If you watch the video closely, you'll notice that one of the birds looks different than the rest. That's because a nuthatch decided to come for a free meal too. It's only the third time I've ever had a nuthatch land on my hand --they're generally quite shy and skittish compared to the chickadees-- so it was fortunate the camera was rolling. In case you're not sure which is which, the nuthatch is about the same size as a chickadee but more vibrantly coloured (kind of blue and orange) and more aerodynamically shaped.

We expect the chickadees will be demanding sunflower seeds for another month or so before the spring weather brings them their own bounty.

Fresh Snow for a March Break-away

We were delighted to wake up this morning to find fresh snow blanketing the ground and clinging to the tree branches. It means winter isn't over yet!

I was starting to wonder if these warm temps and sunny days were going to mean an early end to the season, but it's still looking like a frosty, fairytale landscape. Snowshoes are still the footwear of choice for hiking our trails, and the hills are still open for down-hill skiing and snow tubing in Huntsville.

For people who love the best parts of winter, a March getaway is the last chance to play in the snow until December rolls around. And while the snow is (sadly) starting to soften and give way, the mild temperatures mean we can sit out on the deck and catch some sun without getting cold. It's a nice way to ease out of the season. We hope to see you at the inn for a March break-away before the snow melts.

Val's Vitamin Scarves

Local resident and artist Val Sheekey is one of those women who makes me wonder how does she do it all? "It all" being an eclectic mix of creative, productive and volunteer work. She creates and sells a variety of handcrafts, including stained glass, metal work, and knit pieces. With her husband, Ray, she raises chickens and sheep; they garden; they rent out a rustic little cabin on their riverfront property. And Val is an active volunteer in the community, giving countless hours to VCARS victim's assistance program and the Canadian Mental Heath Association, just to name a few.

It's no surprise, then, that Val brings her sense of community and giving on her travels, too. Ray and Val spend their winters in Mexico but they don't do the tourist beat. Sometimes they pick coffee beans or help an innkeeper prepare and serve dinners; and they give in ways they can.

One of Val's initiatives is to provide vitamins for children and families living in the poor neighbourhoods near the fishing village where she and Ray spend the winter. Val raises money for the vitamins by knitting and selling scarves here at home. Last year she raised over $800.

Here's an excerpt from an email newsletter Val sends out from San Blas, Mexico:

"Last Thursday I delivered the vitamins. I went with a woman who didn't speak any English. We went into the poorest area of San Blas and it was pretty upsetting. I came home feeling pretty depressed. It felt like such a drop in the bucket. I said to Ray, You know how you complain that our couch is too low? Never do that again. Not one of the houses I saw even had a couch. They didn't even have doors on the houses. I'm thinking about it and trying to come up with a plan to do more."

Jim and I are trying to help by making Val's Vitamin Scarves available for guests to buy here at the inn. Val hand-knits them herself in a variety of gorgeous colours and lengths. They sell for $10 each, with all proceeds going towards the vitamins.

We hope you'll consider taking one home after your next visit to the inn. Not only do they support a good cause, they are beautiful, soft and quintessentially Canadian.

Another tidbit of information about Val and Ray... chances are high you'll meet their cat (actually, Val always refers to him as "Ray's cat") during a winter visit here at Fern Glen Inn. Kitty, aka Titou, graces us with his presence while his people are in the sunny south. He often entertains guests with his tail-chasing antics, but he rules our dog with an iron paw.

The Many Moods of Winter

Here we are, over three months into winter with very likely another four to five weeks of it still to go, and I am continually amazed at the variety of weather one season can bring. The word 'winter' is clearly an umbrella term that covers all sorts of conditions to suit all sorts of activities and moods.

Take for instance the deep, fluffy powder we get during a cold, snowy spell. Even with snowshoes on we sink knee-deep in it. Or a warmer, snowy spell that leaves every trunk, branch and bough frosted in marshmallowy mounds.

Sometimes the snow floats gently from the sky in big, lazy flakes. Other times it's heavy enough to take down fully grown trees. That's about the same time that we haul out the ladder and Jim climbs up to the roof and shovels some snow off the Coach House.












We even have the occasional, deceptively-spring-like day of rain, which compresses the snow but doesn't melt it all away. We always look forward to the inevitable re-freeze after a rain shower. The compacted snow hardens into a smooth shell over the land. While this makes snowshoeing somewhat less challenging, it's absolutely perfect for flying down our toboggan hill.

There's something to enjoy with every mood of winter.

What to Wear for Winter Activities

I like to say there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. There's nothing like a brisk winter day to prove this adage true. If you dress to stay warm and dry, you can have a great time outdoors in just about any weather.

The challenge for many visitors to the near north is knowing what kind of clothing will do the job. The good news is it's not very complicated.

Snowshoeing and other winter activities often have you exerting yourself in fluctuating levels of intensity. You heat up on the uphills but cool down quickly on level ground or when you stop to take photos. For these reasons, try to wear layers that you can easily take off to cool down and put back on to warm up.

If possible, avoid 100% cotton clothes, especially for the layers next to your skin. Because cotton is very absorbent, it will hold moisture when you perspire, making you feel damp, clammy and susceptible to cold. Better choices are wool, silk and synthetic materials designed to wick moisture away from your body.

For the upper body, a good combination of layers is:

• long sleeve shirt (of two if light)
• fleece or wool sweater (one that zips up is best so you can unzip it to cool down a bit without taking the whole thing off, but a pull-over will work)
• winter coat with a water-resistant outer fabric

For the lower body, a good combination of layers is:

• longjohns or tights made of silk or a wicking synthetic material
• snow pants (if you don't have snow pants, wear a combination of fleece or warm pants with a top shell that is water- and wind-resistant)

For your feet:

• wool socks are highly recommended; don't wear 100% cotton socks as your feet will/may sweat which will lead to them getting cold very quickly
• warm winter boots, ideally ones that go up past your ankle and have an insulation liner inside (go for warmth and functionality over fashion!)

For your head and hands:

• hat
• scarf or neck warmer
• warm gloves; bring mittens to wear over your gloves when you're sitting in the sled

Other stuff you may want with you out on the trail:

• a bottle of water or a thermos of tea, light snacks
• kleenex/tissue (there are no indoor facilities on the trails)
• sunglasses to cut the snow glare, lint-free cloth
• don't forget your camera!

One of my favourite stores in Toronto for outdoor gear is Mountain Equipment Co-op. They have a great selection of silk and synthetic long underwear and long-sleeve undershirts, fleece garments and specialized footwear. You can also find plenty of choices at department stores, Canadian Tire, Mark's Work Wearhouse, and any outfitter stores, especially those in and around Huntsville. For boots, if you don't want to get too high-end just yet, you can usually find good value at our local Canadian Tire store.

Don't let my list intimidate you. If all you have is cotton, wear cotton. But if you plan to do some shopping to build up your outdoor-adventure wardrobe, then try to stick with the alternative fabrics I mentioned. And you don't have to rush out and buy everything at once. You can always add a new piece or two every year. Quality gear will last you for years. You can haul out your winter adventure wardrobe when the snow starts flying and enjoy getting outdoors and active no matter what mother nature throws your way!

Winter Activities in Muskoka and Almaguin

Winter just might be the most playful season of all. There is so much to do, especially once you get out of the city, get bundled up, and head outside. I've put together a list of some of the popular winter activities in Muskoka and the Almaguin Highlands to get you started planning your perfect winter getaway.

Cross-country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Skating and Tubing
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Hwy 11, just north of Huntsville
Cross-country ski trails groomed for both skate-ski and classic style; snowshoe trails; toboggan hill with free inner tubes available to use; and even an ice skating trail through the forest! A favourite winter hike is the short trail to Stubb's Falls.
Ski, skate and snowshoe rentals available at reasonable rates.

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Hidden Valley Ski Hill
Hwy 60, just east of Huntsville
Downhill skiing and snowboarding in the heart of Muskoka.

Cross-country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Dog sledding, Winter Hiking
Algonquin Park
Hwy 60, east of HuntsvilleMany day trails along the Hwy 60 corridor are open for hiking or snowshoeing; plus there are three cross-country ski trails with loops ranging from 5km to 24km. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at local outfitters. The visitor centre (including interpretive displays, bookstore and restaurant) is open weekends throughout the winter, and daily during the school break season March 7-22. The park office is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Shopping & Dining
Huntsville; from Hwy 11 take exit #219 or #221 and follow signs
Browse the shops, boutiques and galleries of Huntsville's historic down town. Savour a meal or sample some sweets from a variety of restaurants, cafés and bakeries.

Snowshoeing, Tobogganing, Snow angel making, Getting toasty by the fire
Fern Glen Inn
Fern Glen Rd, west of Hwy 11, north of Huntsville
You don't even have to leave the inn to enjoy the peace and quiet of a winter wonderland forest, or the sheer fun of playing in the snow. We'll fuel your day with an abundant, healthful breakfast before you hit the trails or slope. 

Complimentary snowshoes are available for guests to use on our private trails that wind through our 120-acre property. There are toboggans for the hill, bird seed to hand-fee the chickadees, and a real wood-burning stove to warm up by in the rustic cabin lounge. Of course, it's up to you to bring a sense of adventure and a hearty appetite!