Open and working hard

We are open for business and working hard to help atttract new visitors not only to our shop, but also to Montello. We are right in the middle of some of the best fishing and camping in all of Wisconsin. But, with money tight and so much to do in the Dells we have our work cut out for us. Last years visitors have returned and are sending friends who have seen their signs or solar lit logs and that is great. Word of mouth is the best advertisiement. Yet, I think we need more. After spending three days at a grant writing seminar, I am hopeful we can take some bigger steps to help revive our downtown and get back on our feet. There is money out there but we, as a town need to step up , ask for it and then follow through. So, between painting I am on the computer working to (what seem like a one man show) save our town!

Christmas in July ???????

WOW when we (The New Montello Group)decided to have Christmas in July we had no idea that the weather would be more like fall than JULY. So with that crisp fall air came the taste for fall pies. And with so little time for baking I found this wonderful Apple Pie Muffin recipe which made the whole family happy and the house smelled wonderful! I have been so busy painting Santas and getting ready that I had to squeeze a black bear or two in just to relax. I am hoping to get the photos up soon so everyone can see the totem pole I painted. I just love it.







APLE PIE MUFFINS
SERVES 18

Ingredients

Topping
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Muffins
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups diced peeled firm tart apples (such as Spy, Granny Smith)
Directions
Note:.
cinnamon could be added to the batter ( about 1 teaspoon or less).

Topping: In a small bowl toss together sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon until crumbly; set aside.

Muffins: In a large bowl whisk together brown sugar, oil, egg and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda and salt.
Stir oil mixture into flour mixture alternately with buttermilk.
Fold in apples, mixing just until combined.
Spoon into greased muffin cups filling 3/4 full.
Sprinkle topping over evenly.
Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and tops spring back.

Chrsitmas in July fast approaching

I am busy painting Santa beards and getting the snowmen put together. Each summer we like to run this event for the campers and visitors who are only here once a year. A great chance to try out some new items and get a jump start on their holiday shopping. July 17th through the 26th we will play Bingo games in the shop, have tasty holiday refreshments and fabulous inshop specials . I added aspecial or two to the website for those who can't get away to Montello, so stop in eaither online or in persona nd let us know what you think! Have a great weekend!!!!

Pattibears for online my etsy shop

66 W. Montello St. downtown Montello in person