Sorry that we are late today. We are taking the long weekend
off to enjoy some local festivities. What better place to celebrate Simcoe Day,
than in Simcoe County. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.
the Simcoe smashup (single) 2 oz proof rum • 2 tbsp mixed
berries, fresh or frozen • 1/4 oz simple syrup
1/8 lime wedge, peeled
• soda water
In a cocktail shaker, add berries, simple syrup and lime
wedge. Muddle or mash with a bar spoon. Fill shaker with ice and add proof rum.
Shake sharply and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a mixed berry
skewer. Top with soda water.
Simple syrup measure equal parts sugar and water in a small
saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes, stirring to dissolve sugar. Let
cool; refrigerate.
the Simcoe smashup (party size) 1 ½ bottles proof rum (750
mL) • 2 1/2 oz mixed berries • 2 1/2 oz simple syrup • 2 whole limes, peeled
& chopped • soda water
In a large pitcher, add berries, simple syrup and chopped
limes. Muddle or mash with a bar spoon or muddler; add proof rum. Stir well.
Pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a mixed berry skewer & top
with soda water.
We will be hitting the 42nd annual Kempenfest on Saturday
(runs from August 3 to 6) along Barrie’s waterfront.
This year’s event features
art and craft exhibits, antique dealers, a midway, live entertainment on two
stages and more.
The Huronia Festival of Arts and Crafts will attract 375 art
and craft exhibitors, 80 of which are new to the festival this year.
Kempenfest will also include the annual Salute to the Troops event Friday Aug.
3 on the main stage.
The main stage weekend lineup includes The Caverners –
Beatles Tribute and Hotel California – Eagles Tribute on Friday and Creedence
Country, Glory Days – A Springsteen Experience, The Dock House Band, Crisis
What Crisis – The Music of Supertramp and April Wine on Saturday.
Sunday
features North of Nashville Star, KICX House Band, Marc Ekins Band, Bareback
Riders, Crad Brownlee and Jason Blaine. Things wrap up on Monday with Billy and
The Kid and The Martels.
Wristbands, which give access to both stages all
weekend, are now on sale through www.ticketpro.ca.
(www.kempenfest.com.)
If you would like to brush up on your Simcoe facts, visit
the Simcoe County Museum, 10 minutes outside of Barrie, Ontario. The Simcoe
County Museum was created in 1928 by Women's Institute members Mrs. C.P. Stocking
and Mrs. R.A. Sutherland. The collection was first displayed at the Barrie
Public Library, then the Barrie Registry Office. In the 1950s, the County
of Simcoe took responsibility for the collection, and the first wing of the
Museum was opened on Highway 26 (at the current location) in 1962. Over
the years, the museum has grown significantly, and now is composed of a five
gallery facility with sixteen outdoor heritage and display buildings. (http://museum.simcoe.ca)
For a great ‘Simcoe County foodie experience’ check out www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca.
They even offer an online Simcoe Food Route.
Don’t miss the Fifth Annual Savour Simcoe – Celebrating our
Heritage, Agriculture and Regional Cuisine. Mark your calendars for Savour
Simcoe 2012 (Sunday August 26th 12pm-4pm) which will again take place on the
beautiful outdoor grounds of the Simcoe County Museum surrounded by trees and
the artifacts of our rich agricultural history. (In case of inclement weather,
the event will be moved indoors.)
Remember to check out where magazine for our summer contest
& bi-weekly recipes. http://www.where.ca/central-canada/ontario/muskoka.
where is now featuring one proof recipe every other week until September.
Weekend Forecast
Saturday: Isolated showers and a high of 33 degrees
Sunday: Thundershowers and a high of 27 degrees