"TOP TEN" ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER VACATION

Without exaggeration, there are endless activity options for summer fun in Vermont. But the votes are in from the Rabbit Hill Inn guests. Here are their TOP TEN summer fun choices -

10. The Tasters Tour ~ A very tasty journey through the Northeast Kingdom, including Cabot Cheese Factory, Goodrich Maple Farm, Grand View Winery, Ben & Jerry's, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Green Mountain Chocolates, and more.

9. Visit the Summit of Mt. Washington ~ 3 ways to get there: Drive the Auto Road, Ride the Cog Railway, or, if you dare, hike the trail.

8. Crystal Lake ~ swim & relax by this pristine, beautiful lake. Locals like to keep this spot a secret!

7. Bike The Kingdom Trails ~ 100 miles of awesome trails. Highly recommended by National Geographic Traveller. Bike rentals easily available.

6. Daytripping to Stowe, Woodstock, Montpelier, and several other neighboring hot spots.

5. Lake Willoughby ~ This grand glacier lake offers swimming, canoe & kayak rental and terrific nearby hiking trails up to Mt. Piscah & Mt Hor.

4. Zipline Adventure ~ Ready for something new? Nothing beats "the Zip".

3. Drive the White Mountain Trail & Kancamagus Byway ~ New England's most scenic 100 miles!

2. Golf, golf and more golf! 3 terrific courses. Great savings with our Golf Getaway package. Need we say more?

1. Franconia Notch State Park wins 1st place!~ This summer fun destination has it all. Endless hiking, bike path, waterfalls, covered bridges, swimming, kayak & canoeing, fishing, and an awesome Tram to the summit of Cannon Mountain. Everyone goes back for more!

Try This New Lobster Recipe

Summertime dining calls for fresh seafood. In our recent "Inn Good Taste" Cooking Class, Chef Tim prepared this terrific lobster dish. Try it at home, you'll be glad that you did!

Lobster, Roasted Corn, and Smoked Cheddar Ravioli

served in a Brandied Lobster Consomme

Serves 8

Ingredients for the ravioli:
32 wonton wrappers
3 cooked lobster tails
2 oz lemon zest
2 tsp olive oil
2 roasted corn cobs
4 oz shaved smoked cheddar
salt & cracked pepper to taste
1 oz water


Method:

• Cut corn off cobs
• Finely chop lobster meat, then mix with corn
• Add salt & black pepper to lobster mix
• Whip single egg with water
• With pastry brush, egg-wash the edges of wonton wrappers
• Place one ounce of lobster mix in center of each wrapper. Add a pinch of lemon zest & a sprinkle of cheese to each center
• Place top wrappers and press to seal edges
• Cut with a 2" round cookie cutter. This makes round ravioli.
• Saute in frying pan with 2 tsp of olive oil until golden brown on each side

Ingredients for Consomme:
3 Tbsp canola oil
1 lb lobster shells
1/4 cup brandy
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 galic cloves
3 shallots
1/2 fennel bulb
4 cups water


Method:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add shells and saute for 1 minute without stirring
• Start stirring occassionally until shells are brown
• Add brandy, garlic, shallots, and fennel. Cook until veggies are soft
• Stir in cold water and tomato paste and bring to boil. Boil for 15 minutes
• Strain through a fine sieve

Place 2 raviolis in each bowl. Ladle consomme over them and serve.