Each year, Christmastime brings friends and family together from near and far. All across the state, we gather for traditions of baking cookies, visiting Santa, and watching Christmas movies. My family began my favorite Christmas tradition before I can even remember- the tradition of our Christmas tree. Visiting a local Christmas tree farm to browse, select, and cut down our tree is an annual event that never gets missed. The Tree Farm Over the years, we have visited several

There are few things in life that go together better than artisan wines and cheese. Lucky for us Wisconsin residents, our state is home to both. Picturesque wineries dot landscapes across our state, complete with vineyards and orchards alike. Visiting these wineries is the perfect way to truly experience Wisconsin’s incredible variety of wines. Of course, when it comes to high quality cheese, there simply is no better place than Wisconsin. Our cheesemaking heritage began befo

Have you ever admired a fancy cheese board on social media and thought, “There is no way I could make that. Where would I even begin?” Well confession, even I have had those thoughts! That’s why I started small, and put together my first ever all-Wisconsin cheese board! I began with just a board and blocks of cheese, and ended up with a photo-worthy product. Check out below how I went from point A to point B quick and easy. The Board First, select your vehicle for the cheese

A true family company, Inthewoods Sugar Bush has been passed down for generations in the Wagner family. Together, their family mixes maple traditions with the latest technology to make their products. Their maple syrup is award winning, and has claimed multiple Best-in-Show and blue-ribbon awards. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Manitowoc, they tap approximately 1,300 maple trees each year. On average, these maple trees must be at least 40 years old before being tap

Inspired by Oprah, and her annual list of Favorite Things, I too have put together a list of my favorite Something Special from Wisconsin ‘things’ this year. The Something Special from Wisconsin program highlights high quality products grown and produced right here in our state. Businesses who take part in the program guarantee at least half of the ingredients, production or processing activities come from Wisconsin. Shop for the products on my list below, as well as hundreds

Original spice blends from Spark Spices can spark up any entrée, side dish, or appetizer this holiday season. Their spice-maker has 30 years of dried spice experience and works to create unique spice blends ensuring that your taste buds will spark! As a true family business, all aspects of preparing their product for sale is done by family members. Visit their website for great recipe ideas full of unique flavor experiences. I recently made their zesty snap cranberry dip, and