Get Up & Go! Mini Golf & Ice Cream

Mini golf and ice cream are two staples of summer. Those living in Massachusetts are lucky enough to be able to combine these pastimes—it is hard to find a mini golf course that does not tempt with a frozen treat after the final putt. But if you are not searching for a hole-in-one before your dessert, there are plenty of locations worth visiting for the ice cream alone.

Get out and enjoy what’s left of the beautiful summer nights, whether that involves perfecting a putting stance or trying not to drip from a two-scoop sugar cone. Don’t forget to share your pictures with us on Facebook and Instagram! Use the guide below to discover some of the best mini golf and ice cream joints in your area.

Mini Golf

• Mulligan’s, 124 Leominster Rd, Sterling –This course is forest-themed, and they do a great job with water features and sculptures throughout. Stop here on your way home from Davis Farmland for one last adventure!

Ice Cream

• Pine Croft Dairy – 555 Prospect St, West Boylston – Stop for a bite to eat or just ice cream – either way you can’t go wrong!  Check their website a for live music calendar.
• Uhlman’s Ice Cream – 234 E Main St, Westborough – This old fashioned ice cream joint serves fresh flavors in oversized portions – what is not to love? When the ‘regulars’ each pick a different favorite flavor, you know that means that they are all good!

Mini Golf & Ice Cream – Two Great Treats at One Location!

• Trombetta’s Farm, 655 Farm Rd, Marlborough – Trombetta’s boasts an indoor miniature golf facility as well as homemade ice cream. A rainy day dream come true!
• West End Creamery, 481 Purgatory Rd, Whitinsville – The Creamery takes agri-tourism to the next level. Check out this site loaded with old school fun, including a great mini golf course and a delicious ice cream menu compliments of Bliss Dairy!
• Crystal Caves, 790 Southbridge St, Auburn – A great golf course loaded with water features and tricky shots. Make sure to check out their batting cages and ice cream shack if you have time!
• Kimball Farm, 400 Littleton Rd, Westford – Kimball Farm is a well-known ice cream stand, country store and entertainment complex that includes miniature golf and bumper boats.  Kimballs sets you up for a perfect day of old fashioned family fun!

• Green Thumb, 187 Turnpike Rd, Westborough – Don’t let their name or exterior fool you!  Yes, they are a Garden Center, but they also have a wonderful mini golf course and delicious ice cream and coffee shop.

@Common Cooks: Nut-free and Sesame-free Summer Recipes

Millions of Americans suffer food allergies. Peanut and tree nut allergies are among the most common allergies and sesame seed allergies is one of the fastest-growing.  Thanks to ingenious chefs and the internet, folks with these and other common food allergies can enjoy homemade summer recipes that are nut-and-sesame free and delish! This weeks’ Pesto and Hummus recipes provide the perfect example, delivering of the flavor without health-consequences. These recipes require minimal shopping and an even smaller amount of prep time–let your food processor and/or blender do the work!  Ingredients are in-season and available via local harvests, which is even more delicious! 

As always, be sure to read in our Grocery Guru section, listed below, for nearby options to buy fresh, local spinach, garlic and basil!

Nut-Free Pesto

Prep time: 2 minutes

Yield: 8 cups

Ingredients

• 4 cups spinach
• 2 cups basil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon

Required equipment

• Food processor or blender
• Mason jar (for storage)

Directions

1. Place spinach, basil, garlic, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into food processor or blender.
2. Pulse for 10 seconds, then turn up to high speed and slowly stream in the olive oil while the machine is running. Process for 40-50 seconds, or until smooth. Add more olive oil for less concentrated pesto.

Serve pesto mixed with pasta (cold or hot.)  Also can be used as a topping for baked veggies, chicken and seafood, or as a spread for bruschetta. Store remaining pesto in a jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (the pesto also freezes well.) Note: for a thinner pesto , add an extra tablespoon of olive oil.

* Recipe credit: Two Peas & Their Pod.com

Sesame-Free Hummus

Prep time: 2 minutes

Yield: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 1 can garbanzo beans or chickpeas (15 ounces), rinsed and drained
• ¼    cup water
• 1     clove garlic, crushed
• 1     tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼     teaspoon ground cumin
• ½    teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 2     tablespoons olive oil
• Paprika, for garnish

Required equipment

• Food processor or blender

Directions

1. Place garbanzo beans, water, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt and oil into food processor or blender.
2. Turn on food processor or blender at high speed for 2 full minutes, until mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with dash of paprika.

Serve with Pita bread, chips or vegetables.

* Recipe credit: Livingwithout.com

Grocery Guru Advice

Supermarket: Price Chopper, 731 Boston Turnpike

Local Farms: Canal District Farmers Market, 138 Green St., Worcester.  Harvey’s Farm, 7 Maple Ave, Westborough.

Commons Ground: Tech Ideas for your Apartment Home

 Technology doesn’t have to stop at your desktop. Indeed, techie smarts can enhance your apartment home in ways large and small. As the world waits for the futuristic landscape of the Jetsons to take hold, check out the following technologies, available now at your nearest internet-based retailer! 

The WeMo Switch

Home automation has never been easier thanks to Belkin’s WeMo Switch, which lets any0ne control appliances remotely. No more worrying about whether you forgot to turn off the coffee maker or curling ironing before leaving for work. Simply turn it off from your smartphone, tablet, or any device that’s connected to the Internet.

(image via blessthisstuff.com)

From lamps to crockpots, plug any appliance you’d like into the Belkin WeMo Switch to control it remotely. PC Mag has all the details on this neat home lighting system.

Hue Light Bulbs

Mood lighting always should match the occasion. With Philips Hue Light Bulbs, setting the stage for a romantic dinner is as easy as setting the lights to concentrate on work or study. Just open the app and use the color wheel to select match tint with temperament.

(image via hisconsumption.com)

The Hue Light Bulbs are energy efficient (they use 80% less power than traditional light bulbs) and work with most existing light sockets. Read more about the light bulbs here.

Waterproof Shower Speakers

Singing in the shower sounds better with some background accompaniment. Thanks to the Abco Tech Waterproof Shower Speaker, your private concert will air in stereo. The Abco system uses suction cups attached to shower walls and allows for seamless streaming of music from any Bluetooth enabled phone or media player. The system even pairs automatically when it’s in range of a device. 

(image via the-gadgeteer.com)

The Abco system works in every wet condition – from the pool to the beach to the Jacuzzi. Learn more at The Gadgeteer.

Picopix Portable Projector

Say that three times fast! The Picopix Portable Projector, a Phillips product, is small enough to fit in a pocket but powerful enough to project images and videos up to 1o feet in height! Weighing in at less than one pound, the Picopix projector can be paired with a mini spider tripod to project movies, games, streaming videos and other media onto any wall surface in your home. The Philips Projector offers an incredibly sharp image with vibrant colors and high contrast. Check out Tech Radar for details on specifications and performance.

(Image via amazon.com)

Get Up & Go!: Beach Day Bonanza!

In Massachusetts, day trips to the beach are a summertime tradition. That’s because our state is incredibly blessed to have dozens of seaside beaches along more than 1,500 miles of the Atlantic Ocean coastline, not to mention countless freshwater beach options at local lakes and ponds.

With just a bit of advance planning, beach outings are easy fun. Make lunch the night before,  chill your favorite beverage in the refrigerator, pack up the beach towels and sunscreen, then set the alarm early enough to get a jump on traffic. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free adventure filled with blue skies and smooth sand.

Of course, leave the destination to us. This week’s “Get Up & Go!” gives you plenty of beach selections that are close to home, less than 30 minutes away or if you’re up for a longer trip, roughly an hour from the Commons.

Ah, summertime at the beach – it’s a breeze!  

Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester

The ‘backyard’ beach option, Lake Quinsigamond is an ideal place to enjoy a lazy day on the lake. The water is clear and in the peak summer months, warm to the touch. For a $5 daily parking fee, Lake Quinsigamond offers great amenities like accessible fishing, a non-motorized boat launch, a picnic area, restrooms, and showers. And it’s just 10 minutes away from Shrewsbury Commons.

Cochituate State Park, Natick

It’s nearly impossible to pronounce, but Cochituate State Park is a Metro West beach haven, featuring a large lake that is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. In addition to sandy sunbathing areas that are great for building sand castles, the park has accessible restrooms and picnic areas in close proximity. In addition, Charles River Canoe & Kayak offers on-site rental service for boating fun. Parking is $5 per day. Plan for a 30-minute drive from Shrewsbury Commons.

Walden Pond, Concord

More than a beach, this National Historic Landmark boats a picturesque location at the former home of famed poet Henry David Thoreau. The small beach is just the start as guests can visit Thoreau’s cabin in the woods or take a leisurely stroll along wooded walking paths around the pond. Parking is $10. Plan for a 50 minute drive from Shrewsbury Commons.

Carson Beach, Boston

The locals say Carson Beach is the best in Boston because it has soft natural sand, a picnic area with stunning views of the Harbor, and a great bath house equipped with restrooms and showers. They also have nice walkways to check out the view, pretty landscaping and athletic courts to work up a sweat. Parking is free and the beach is accessible via the Red Line and JFK/UMass station. Plan on a 50 minute drive from Shrewsbury Commons.

Boston Harbor Islands, Boston

The Boston Harbor islands are a unique local treasure, offering a one-of-a-kind beach experience. Part of the federal government’s National Parks system, visitors must take a ferry from Boston’s Long Wharf ($15 for adults. $9 for children, see schedule.) Ferry travel is very convenient, with boats running every half hour during the summertime. Check out Spectacle Island and Lovells Island, which feature sandy beaches and majestic cityscape and ocean views. Spectacle Island has a snack shack, a visitor’s center, restrooms and scenic walking trails. Lovells Island, best known as the site of legendary shipwrecks, is more rustic and does not offer full bathhouse facilities. Plan on a 50 minute drive from Shrewsbury Commons, plus extra time to park and board the ferry.

Commons Get Up & Go! Summer Adventures in Hiking

Exercise and fresh air are just part of the fun!

Overcast days in the summertime sure can be a bore. They are too cool for the beach or pool. A movie might work, but maybe you’re saving that for a date or a special occasion. And if you’re well ahead on your summer reading schedule … well, what is there to do? The answer: Hiking Adventures. Thanks to the rustic beauty of Massachusetts and smart policies on preservation and conservation of open space, there are plenty of nearby adventures minutes from your door.

Before we tell you where to go, be sure to remember these important family hiking safety and ‘adventure’ tips:

• Research trails. Always make sure the trail you select isn’t too long, or too strenuous  
• Pick trails that are associated with a destination or view, such as a peak, ocean, or countryside. This helps keep your kids' interest intact and is an important part of the adventure factor!
• Wear appropriate shoes!  DO NOT WEAR FLIP FLOPS, SANDALS, BOAT SHOES, MOCCASINS, DRESS SHOES, LOAFERS OR SNEAKERS WITH NO TREAD. Boots are best, but sneakers with treads or walking shoes with treads are OK for most trails.
• Always pack a backpack! Must-have items include wipes/tissues, sunscreen, bug spray, sweater/sweatshirt, a cell phone and plenty of water and snacks. Also consider bringing lip balm, binoculars, a camera and a first aid kit
• Pack ‘safety’ whistles for every hiker. These will come in handy if somebody becomes separated from the group!
• Dress in layers on cool days and bring layers on warm days. When climbing higher elevations, you may be surprised by the cool temps up top. 
• Research a field guide before you go. This will help you point out interesting trees, birds, animals, even insects!
• Stay together! One tip is to have the slowest hiker lead the way, creating a safe pace for the group.  
• Stay on marked trails. Pay attention and stay on course!
• Don't litter! Mother Nature gets cranky when things are left behind – and State Forest officers issue hefty fines!

When you go, be sure to take plenty of pictures of your adventures and share them on our Facebook page!  If you have a favorite local hiking spot, please feel free to share those details with your neighbors as well!

Happy trails!

15 Minutes From Shrewsbury Commons (or less)

• Cold Harbor Trail, Northborough

Located off of West Street, Cold Harbor offers 2.2 miles of easy-to-hike trail alongside streams and marsh. Bring your binoculars and a field guide to check out the local beaver families hard at work!

• Callahan State Park, Framingham

There’s plenty of free parking available and  Callahan promises that its 6.5 mile loop is the most popular trail in Metro West thanks  to countryside views, including ponds, fields and farms.  All of the trails are rated for beginners and very family friendly. Trails are available for mountain biking as well – so if you have one, bring it along!

30 Minutes From Shrewsbury Commons (or less)

• Vaughn Hill, Bolton

This three-mile hike is a bit more challenging, with a more nuanced terrain and a few hills to climb.  The trails also get rocky at the peak, so consider the age of your hiking group before going. The adventure here is found at the Beaver Pond that is abuzz with activity, year-round. 

Commons Ground: Three ways to Live Eco-Friendly

Living sustainably doesn’t mean living off a steady diet of granola and kale or wearing Birkenstocks. In some respects, it simply means making smarter choices about energy consumption. The Commons team is passionate about green living and want to give you information that helps you lead an eco-friendly lifestyle without compromising on comfort or convenience. Let’s take a look at three convenient ways to make your lifestyle more energy efficient.

1. Maximize Machines

Machines work for you, but they don’t have to work all the time. Here’s how you can reduce the energy consumption of three major appliances:

Washing Machines

Save water and energy by washing full loads only.

When possible, use cold water to wash clothes. According to Energy Star, heating water accounts for 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes.

Clothes Dryer

One of the simplest ways to make your dryer more energy efficient is to clean the lint filter. This step helps improve air circulation and reduce fire hazards. Get into the habit of cleaning it before each load.

Dishwasher

Always run your dishwasher with a full load. For many people, that means running it once every two or three days.

Instead of rinsing off your dishes (which wastes water and energy), simply scrape off any food. With the aid of detergent, most modern dishwashers are powerful enough to clean your dishes without pre-rinsing them first.

2. Work Your Windows

When the weather gets frightful, a closed window is so delightful. Keeping drapes closed in the wintertime reduces heat loss. Alternately, keeping those drapes closed in the summer can mean cooler indoor temperatures, and reduced energy costs.

Although any curtain is better than nothing, opt for insulated curtains, when you can. These curtains often have a high-density foam layer that helps maintain your indoor temperature.

Hang these curtains floor to ceiling. It’s not just for aesthetics. Floor to ceiling curtains blocks cold or hot air from entering and leaving through your windows.

3. Smart TVs

TVs present a great way to save energy. Replacing your 10 year old model with a newer television can save up to half the amount of energy consumption. When you’re shopping for a TV, here are two energy-saving features to look for:

Automatic Brightness Control- Sensors raise and lower the screen brightness for optimal viewing, and better energy management.

Local Dimming- On LED TVS, this energy-saving feature dims or turns off sections of backlighting to produce deeper blacks.

Almost all new TVs offer power saving, or sleep, modes. After a period of inactivity, your TV will automatically shut off. This saves on energy.

Energy Star® rated TVs for 2014 rates TV efficiency here:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=most_efficient.me_tvs_under35_inches

Remember, little changes can significantly reduce your energy consumption. Let us know on Facebook and Twitter if you have any go-to energy saving tips!

@CommonsCooks: Steak Your Claim To Great Summer Taste

For many Americans, summer time grilling season can be the best time to eat steak. Combined with the easy availability of farm fresh summer veggies like eggplant, zucchini, summer squash and bell pepper, steak lovers can elevate their meaty meal with this simple, easy to prepare ‘salad’ dish.

           

Any cut of steak goes well with this recipe but we recommend hangar steak, a.k.a. the “butcher’s steak” (the meat cutters of yore would keep this cut for personal use because of its rich flavor and tender texture.)

Regardless of your favorite, when it comes choosing steak, be sure to remember the following:

• Ask your local butcher what’s best. It’s important to have a cut in mind and how much steak you want to buy, but a good butcher can steer you to the freshest cuts and best values.

• Understand the ‘grades.’ The U.S. government assigns four different grades to meat found in supermarkets and three are sold as steak. Ratings are based on tenderness, juiciness and flavor. “USDA Prime” is the most expensive and hardest to fine steak (less than 2% of American meat falls into this category) identified by significant ‘marbling’ (fat interspersed with lean meat.) “USDA Choice” offers very high quality with less marbling and is available in most supermarkets. “USDA Select” is widely available and features uniform, lean cuts.

• Fresh meat is red meat. Fresh steak will have a very bright red color. Meat slowly turns less red and changes to dark red with the passage of time. For darker cuts of steak, avoid meat with a distinctive sour smell or the hint of ammonia. Steaks that feel sticky at home should be returned for a refund.

As always, check out “Grocery Guru” below for the best places to get fresh, local ingredients. And, of course, do share pictures of your dinner creation with us and other residents on our Facebook page!

Grilled Summer Steak ‘Salad’

Prep and cook time: 40 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Veggie prep tip:  Cook veggies in batches, allowing more time for peppers and eggplant. This will prevent burning and/or uneven cooking.

Ingredients

·         1 pound hangar steak (or your favorite cut)

·         Salt (to taste)

·         Pepper (to taste)

·         1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grill

·         ¼ cup fresh rosemary (stems removed)

·         ¼ cup fresh thyme (stems removed)

·         3 garlic cloves, minced

·         1 eggplant, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

·         1 zucchini, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

·         1 summer (yellow) squash, cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

·         2 tomatoes, halved

·         1 bunch scallions

·         1 sweet bell pepper (any color), sliced  (remove seeds and stem)

·         ¼ cup favorite steak marinade/flavoring  such as:

·         Worcestershire Sauce

·         Teriyaki Sauce

·         Balsamic vinegar

·         Allegro

·         1 loaf, fresh bread (wheat, French or Italian)

·         (If cooking indoors, cast iron pan)

INSTRUCTIONS

1.       Heat a grill to medium-high or 400 degrees

2.      Clean grill, then apply small amount of oil to hot grill rack by pouring onto paper towels

3.       Wash, dry  and coarsely chop rosemary and thyme, and mince garlic

4.      Combine oil, rosemary, thyme and garlic in small bowl and set aside

5.      Slice all vegetables except for scallions

6.      Place herbed oil into small saucepan and heat on stove over low heat until first sign of ‘smoke’

7.       Remove herb oil from heat and set aside to cool

8.      Brush steak with herb oil, applying generously, then season with salt and pepper

9.      Grill steak for 18 minutes (for medium rare), turning once halfway through cooking time then remove from grill, cover with aluminum foil and set aside for 10 minutes

10.   Brush veggies with remaining oil, applying generously, then season with salt and pepper. Grill in small batches starting with pepper and eggplant. Wait 5 minutes, then add tomato, zucchini and squash later. Tomatoes will be ready when the skin splits open ((3 to 5 minutes.) Other veggies are done when they produce ‘juice.’ Place cooked veggies onto serving platter

11.   Lightly brush oil into slices of bread and toast on both sides, then arrange slices of grilled bread around edges of platter

12.   Uncover steak, slice thinly against the grain, and place atop grilled veggie ‘salad’  

13.   Add marinade/flavoring to 2 tablespoons of remaining herb oil, whisk together, season to taste with salt and pepper, then drizzle dressing over steak and vegetables

Grocery Guru Advice

Shrewsbury Commons

Meat market:                                  Fairway Beef Company, 48 Grafton Street, Worcester, MA (15 minute drive from The Commons.) One of the state’s last refrigerated meat outlets, all steaks are cut to order. Also offers fresh produce.

Get Up and Go! Five Under $25

The sun is shining in New England, which means it is the best time to get out, enjoy and explore.  With so many fun activities outside your front door, we figured it would be fun to find new adventures that won’t break the bank!  Here are five local things to do for under $25 this summer. In fact, these are five cool and mostly-FREE local events, so get up and go have some fun!

National Sand Sculpting Competition at Revere Beach, July 18th-20th.  This event is free and includes concerts and fireworks!  Bring the kids for sand sculpting lessons, check out the amazing exhibits and get your toes wet while you’re there!  Since we haven’t spent any of your money yet….bring your $25 just in case the aroma from the food trucks or world-famous Kelly’s Roast Beef grabs your attention!

Free Flicks Fridays on the Charles River at the Hatch Shell beginning Friday, July 11^th and continuing for the following six weeks.  This is a great opportunity to bring your family into the city. Break out some blankets or lawn chairs and pack a picnic basket.  Movies start at dusk and feature a variety of box offices smashes including Frozen, the Goonies and Despicable Me 2.  Aside from feeding the meters or parking lot fees, this is another freebie!

Shakespeare on the Common July 23^rd-Aug. 10th featuring the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night, which follows the journeys of twins separated by a shipwreck. Free culture in a beautiful setting – what could be better!  Shows take place at the Parkman Bandstand at Boston Common, Tuesdays thru Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 7 pm for the live performance. Public transportation is available via the Red Line. Or take the Green line, and then walk up Newbury to catch the best people watching experience in Boston.

Brewery & Vineyard Tours - Jack’s Abby Brewery in Framingham offers free 15-30 minute tours every Saturday from 1-5 p.m.   Rapscallion craft beers in Fiskdale provides free tours to check out Wachusett Brewing Company in Princeton Monday – Saturday.  If you prefer wine, visit Bolton’s Nashoba Vineyards on the weekends for free tours.  Call ahead for reservations. 

Jazz at Sunset at Shrewsbury’s Scandinavian Athletic Club Park.  This Friday night event, which is very close to the Shrewsbury Commons (an eight minute ride down Route 20), is inexpensive ($15 for adults, 5 for kids), summer fun. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets for a great family experience and some stellar music, including The Jeff Holmes Band and The New England Jazz All Stars.