Maine...Favorite Seasons!

September through mid- October is my favorite time of the year in Maine. The weather remains mild—days are often perfect weather-wise, with temperatures in the 60s to low 70s, nights cool, dropping into the 40s or lower in the mountains or up north. That said, this is  New England, so be prepared for anything, including rain, fog and, in the northern parts of the state or over the highest peaks, perhaps even snow. And truly, there's nothing prettier than a dusting of white atop a mountain in full fall color. Don't let the rain stop you from enjoying the outdoors..just put your rain slicker on, pull on those rain boots and off you go!

Old Victorian on Eastern Prom

Eastern Prom and view of Fort Gorges

Since family and friends will be coming to The Maine House for their very first visit, we are going to start off with a shopping excursion in Kittery, then motor over through the Yorks and Kennebunks, and up to Portland, always sticking to the roads closest to the coastline in order to visit beaches and see lighthouses and wander about the smaller villages. Don't miss the view of the bay from Eastern and Western Promenade which surrounds the city of Portland.

The Inn on Peaks Island

Catching Casco Bay Ferry in Old Port

Lunch at Diamond Cove

In Portland, We plan to ferry out to one of the islands sitting along Casco Bay, perhaps Eagle Island, Diamond Cove or Peaks Island, or maybe reserve a trip aboard Lucky Catch Lobster Tours to learn everything there is to know about the tasty crustaceans. Must visits include the Portland Museum of Art and Victoria Mansion (previous post), and a glass of wine by the Bay....I feel a stop for lunch at DiMillo's is in order!

The following day we are driving up through Freeport, which is home to L.L. Bean, and Brunswick (don't miss the Bowdoin College Museum of Art) and onto Bath, with a visit to the Maine Maritime Museum and a detour down to Phippsburg and Popham.

We will continue the day driving north, passing through Wiscasset, then dropping down the Pemaquid Peninsula to see the lighthouse and Fort William Henry and stopping in Round Pond for lunch or dinner at one of two dueling, classic, no-frills lobster shacks on the postcard-perfect harbor.

There are more adventures to experience....stay tuned!

 Estelle's welcomes home our travelers with homemade breads

 and a favorite and easy Chicken Tenderloin dish!

CHICKEN TENDERLOINS WITH CRANBERRY MUSTARD SAUCE

One lb. Chicken Tenderloins

Flour

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons oil

2/3 cup dry white wine

2/3 cup chicken broth

3 tablespoons country-style Dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 1/2 tablespoons water

1/2 cup  Dried Cranberries

1/4 cup sliced green onions, green part only

Lightly toss chicken pieces with flour; shake off excess. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and oil in a large skillet. Add half of the chicken; cook about 2 minutes, turning once until chicken is golden brown on each side and cooked through. Add more butter and oil if needed. Remove to a platter; keep warm. Repeat with remaining chicken. Add wine, chicken broth and mustard to skillet, scraping up browned bits. Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir into skillet. Add dried cranberries. Boil 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce thickens. Stir in green onions; cook 1 more minute. Pour sauce over chicken and serve with rice and a tossed salad.