What Is A Smith Island Cake?

The Smith Island Cake is one of Maryland's most unique desserts. Once found only on Smith Island and nearby mainland communities, this unusual cake is available throughout the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

No one is sure when the Smith Island women started baking cakes composed of several pancake-thin layers that are iced with chocolate or other types of icing.

Historians claim the cakes originally had as few as four layers although a modern day Smith Island cake usually has more layers. A perfect Smith Island cake today is often considered to have 10 layers and stand about three inches high.

Commercially produced Smith Island cakes come in a wide range of flavors. Home made versions often fetch premium prices at bake sales and fundraiser auctions.

2015 Maryland Fall Turkey Season Totals

Hunters reported taking 116 wild turkeys during Maryland's three-county fall turkey season. The one week season ended on Nov. 7. The harvest was 13 percent lower than 2014, when hunters harvested 134 birds.

Harvests by county:

Allegany County 36
Garrett 49
Washington 31


source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar

Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar
November 14, 2015
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Patuxent Research Refuge

The 2015 Patuxent Research Refuge Holiday Bazaar will include a variety of new and gently used collectibles, books, crafts, artwork, and other items. Food and bake goods will also be offered for sale at the event.

The Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar supports the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and the Patuxent Research Refuge.

For more information, visit www.friendsofpatuxent.org.

Maryland Oyster Season 2015-2016

Maryland's 2015-2016 oyster season opened October 1st in Maryland. For the first month of the season, only hand tonging, patent tonging and diving are permitted.

Oyster harvesting is expected to increase when watermen begin power and sail dredging on Nov. 1. Maryland's oyster season runs from Oct. 1 through March 31.

Maryland’s watermen harvested a total of 393,588 bushels with a dockside value of $17.3 million in 2014-2015.

The 2014 Fall Oyster Survey indicated that the oyster population is continuing to hold steady.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Honey Harvest Festival

Honey Harvest Festival
Patuxent Research Refuge, MD
September 20, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The 2014 Maryland Honey Harvest Festival will be held at the Patuxent Research Refuge on September 20 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Supported by the Maryland State Beekeepers Association, the festival features arts and crafts, honey tasting, candle-making demonstrations, and more.

The Maryland Honey Harvest Festival is free and open to the public.

source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival 2013

The 33rd Annual Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival will be held on weekends throughout October in Montgomery County, near Germantown, Maryland.

In addition to pumpkins, Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival includes hayrides, pony rides, hayloft jumping, food, crafts, animals, entertainment, pedal tractors, the Twisted Pumpkin Corn Maze, Spider Web, and more.

Annapolis Farmers Market

The Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market, located just outside of downtown Annapolis will open June 6, 2013. The market will run from 3 to 6 p.m. every Thursday through September 5.

The Farmers’ Market is located in the parking lot of the Tawes State Office Building at 580 Taylor Avenue in Annapolis.

It features fresh produce including tomatoes, corn, melons, berries and peaches, as well as homemade jerky, candy, baked goods, and more. New this year, the market will offer local wines from Great Frogs Winery, fresh fruit-and-herb ice-pops from SOCO Artisan Pops, and meat from Enticement Farms.

The Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market is hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

For more information about Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Markets, contact Lisa Barge at the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation at 410-222-7410 or visit aaedc.org.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Winter Seafood - Oysters - Perch

A variety of local seafood is available in Maryland during the winter season. Oysters are available in many areas, either shucked or in the shell.

Several species of fresh fish are also available in seafood markets and restaurants. One of the most sought-after species of locally harvested fish is the yellow perch. Yellow perch harvests began in January, and end when the commercial quota is achieved in late February or early March. White perch are also available in Maryland seafood markets during the winter.

Both types of perch are small in size but are highly regarded for their mild, sweet flavor. In addition to yielding fillets, female perch often contain roe (fish eggs). Perch roe is considered a local delicacy. Roe is usually prepared by rolling in flour and frying or fresh roe can be mixed with poultry eggs and served scrambled.

Maryland Crab Soup

Maryland Crab Soup

One of Maryland's most iconic dishes is Maryland crab soup. This delicious soup is easy to prepare and suitable for a variety of occasions.

Although it can be made using high quality lump backfin, cooks often use crab claw meat for this dish. Crab soup can be made with fresh-picked or frozen crab meat. In either case, authentic Maryland crab soup should contain locally caught and processed Atlantic blue crab meat.

The quality of the soup is dependent upon its ingredients. Whenever possible, fresh locally sourced vegetables should be paired with Maryland blue crab meat. The variety of vegetables can vary with local availability. Frozen or canned vegetables can be substituted, although some loss of flavor may result.

Maryland crab soup can be simmered on the stove, or allowed to cook all day in a crock pot. Either method produces a hearty, well balanced soup that can be served as a light lunch, appetizer, or as the main component of a full dinner. This flavorful dish can also be served at holiday meals or other special occasions.

Maryland Crab Soup Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz. crab meat
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
1 large or 2 small carrots
2 medium potatoes
2 medium tomatoes (fresh) or 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
1 small onion
1/2 cup fresh white corn  (optional)
1/2 cup fresh lima beans  (optional)
1/4 cup celery (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
1 tablespoon Old Bay crab seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
dash red pepper (optional)


Directions

Inspect crab meat closely and remove any shell fragments.
Peel and dice vegetables into small pieces.
Combine crab meat, vegetables, stock, and crab seasoning. Simmer 30 minutes on medium heat or cook 1/2 day or more if using a slow cooker.

Notes:

For a spicier soup, add additional crab seasoning. Red pepper may also be added to increase intensity.
If desired, cilantro or parsley can be added as a garnish when serving.

Related Information

Blue Crabs
Seafood Recipes

Accohannock Indian Tribe 2012 Fall Festival and Pau-Wau

The Nineteenth Annual Accohannock Indian Tribe Fall Festival and Pau-Wau will be held at Bending Water Park near Marion, Md October 20-21, 2012.

The 2012 Fall Pau-Wau, entitled "Healing of All Nations," will be held rain or shine in the dance circle under the NEW pavilion.

Demonstrations will include:

* Native American tool making, weaponry and survival skills

* Native American dancers and story telling

Vendors include:
* Native American crafts, materials, books, jewelry, music, food, and more

* Famous Accohannock Oyster Sandwiches, Seafood, Indian Tacos, Buffalo Burgers and more

Location:

Bending Water Park
28325 Farm Market Road
Marion Station, Maryland 21838
Public Welcome!
Donation $4.00 (Boy and Girl Scouts in uniform and children five and under are free)
Gate open from 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday Grand Entry at 12 Noon
Sunday Grand Entry at 1 PM

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for a delightful experience

NO ALCOHOL - NO DRUGS - NO PETS

For information see http://www.indianwatertrails.com/

or contact:
Beverly Council
phone: 410-623-2660
email: accohannock@verizon.net

source: www.indianwatertrails.com

Maryland From the Bay For the Bay Dine Out

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)  has announced a list of restaurants that will be participating in a week-long celebration to promote Maryland seafood. Some of the restaurants include Clyde's, Hank's Oyster Bar, DC Coast, McCormick & Schmick's, Matchbox, and Equinox.

From the Bay, For the Bay Dine Out  will run October 2-9, 2011, with more than 200 restaurants already committed to participate. DNR anticipates that more than 300 total restaurants will take part in the celebration.

During the promotion, restaurants will feature fresh Maryland Seafood dishes. Each restaurant has agreed to donate a dollar from every Maryland seafood dinner sold during the week to the Oyster Recovery Partnership, a non-profit organization working to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population.

For more information and to view the full list of participating restaurants please visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fromthebay/

Consumers can download the From the Bay, For the Bay mobile web app, on the fisheries mobile page on any web-capable mobile device.

source: MD DNR

From the Bay, For the Bay Dine Out

Maryland seafood will be highlighted during a week-long celebration called "From the Bay, For the Bay Dine Out."

The promotion will run October 2–9, 2011, with more than 150 restaurants already committed to participate. During the promotion, restaurants will feature unique presentations of fresh Maryland Seafood.

Each restaurant has agreed to donate a dollar from every Maryland seafood dinner sold during the week to the Oyster Recovery Partnership, a non-profit organization working to rebuild the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population.

For more information please visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fromthebay/
source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Releases Seafood Holiday Brochure

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Seafood & Aquaculture Program is offering a brochure filled holiday meal planning ideas. The brochure features several seafood recipes from the state, including crab ball, fried oysters, traditional Maryland oyster stew and smoked bluefish spread.

The Maryland Seafood Holiday Brochure is available on line at www.marylandseafood.org, by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Maryland Seafood Holiday, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401, or by calling toll free in Maryland at 888-841-5828. Outside of Maryland call 410-841-5972.


The following recipe is from the Maryland Seafood Holiday Brochure:

Smoked Bluefish Spread

1   pound smoked Bluefish
1   tablespoon horseradish
1   tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 pound cream cheese, softened
2   tablespoons mayonnaise
1   tablespoons dried parsley flakes

Skin the bluefish, remove any bones, and place the meat in a mixing bowl.  Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Place in serving bowl or mold and garnish.  Serve chilled.

Maryland Farmers' Markets

A trip to a local Maryland farmers' market is a great way to stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, herbs, flowers, garden plants, seafood, meats, cheeses, poultry, eggs, breads, jellies, jams, arts and crafts, and more.

Maryland farmers grow top quality turnip greens, cabbage, strawberries, asparagus, blueberries, peaches, corn, tomatoes, peppers, string beans, lima beans, watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydew melons, squash, pumpkins, and other fruits and vegetables.

Visiting a farmers' market is also a great way to find garden plants for the upcoming season. Independent growers usually offer high quality plants including tomatoes, peppers, squash, onions, and other vegetables.

Herbs for planting include chives, parsley, cilantro, sage, thyme, oregano, and more. Farmers' market vendors also sell house plants, annual and perennial flowers, shrubs and vines to beautify homes and yards.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, Maryland farmer's markets sometimes offer meat, seafood, dairy products and other items. Depending on the location, you may find grass fed beef, local pork, live chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, sheep, lamb, fresh eggs, cheeses, honey, fish, Chesapeake Bay oysters, blue crabs, quahog clams, shrimp, and more.

Maryland Farmers Markets - Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Farms occupy one-third of Maryland's land. Farming 2 million acres, farmers produce 33.5 million pounds of apples, 3.5 million tons of peaches and 1.6 billion pounds of chicken. Maryland farms also produce corn, wheat, soybeans, nursery products, maple syrup, hay, fresh market vegetables, livestock, dairy products and other goods.

Visiting a Maryland farmers market is an excellent way to shop for fruits, vegetables, produce, herbs, flowers, garden plants, seafood, meats, cheeses, poultry and other local products.