Tastemakers: Crooked tree Breadworks‘ scones/Pleasantview Vineyards‘ Moonstruck

Crooked Tree Breadworks’ Scones

A baker’s dozen years ago Greg Carpenter looked around his hometown of Petoskey and realized that it was difficult to find a good loaf of bread. He set out to do something about it, and in 1996 opened Crooked Tree Breadworks with the simple mission of making a wholesome loaf of bread using ancient from-scratch techniques and organic ingredients to bake breads and pastries.
Carpenter built his bakery literally one loaf at a time and it has now has become a staple in the Petoskey area. Several retailers throughout Northern Michigan have picked up his wholesome breads, scones and his Addictive Granola (this is so good that stores across the state are carrying it and Carpenter and his team have a hard time keeping up with the demand).
Currently, Crooked Tree Breadworks is making five different scones. Now, scones have been a longtime British snack that Americans have taken on as a breakfast item. Certainly it is a matter of preference, but many American style scones are dry. Personally I prefer scones that are moist and flavorful and Crooked Tree Breadworks delivers on both counts. A particular favorite of mine is the Cheddar Scallion Scone. I take two of them to slice in halves and make BLT sandwiches. For breakfast, the White Chocolate Cherry Scone or the Cinnamon Raisin Scone are both worth seeking out (just personal favorites and nothing against the Mixed-Berry or the Currant-Orange scones).
Carpenter’s secret is using local and organic products in combination with the tradition of ancient bread-making techniques. To learn more, or to find a location that carries Crooked Tree Breadworks baked goods, go to breadworks.com or call the bakery at 231-347-9574.


Pleasantview Vineyards’ Moonstruck

The wine industry in Northern Michigan has been concentrated on the Leelanau and old Mission Peninsulas since its inception 35 years ago. The two peninsulas represent the greatest concentration of wineries in the state. In recent years other wineries have been opening outside of these two federally-designated viticulture regions. To date, Northern Michigan has 34 wineries, including one in the Upper Peninsula. The success of the industry has included major awards at international competitions and rave reviews from some of the world’s top wine critics, putting Northern Michigan on the world wine map.
While small in comparison to notable regions from California, France and Italy, Northern Michigan is growing. There are 21 wineries scheduled to open in the next couple of years with five of those this year. So there is a lot to celebrate during Michigan Wine Month.
They are certainly celebrating at Pleasantview Vineyards near Harbor Springs. Since opening two years ago, Pleasantview has seen tremendous growth with their focus on “food-friendly” wines. Located at the Highland Hideaway B&B, this scenic winery and vineyard is carved in the hills that neighbor Nub’s Nob and Boyne Highlands.
The last couple of years have rewarded vintners with near perfect growing conditions and Pleasantview has several reds that are exceptional, from the Goomba Grappa that works well with hearty foods, to the C.S. Grasllello that was delightful with a thick cut of beef on the grill. Several new reds will be introduced this spring.
For a great white, try their Moonstruck: a full-bodied fruity white that is perfect with summer salads and spicy cuisine. A great way to taste firsthand how compatible Pleasantview Vineyards wines are with food is at one of the many food fairs they host during the year, at which they pair their wines with cuisine from local food artisans. Another specialty at Pleasantview are the Wine Education Seminars that give the taster techniques on how to analyze flavor profiles. For more about their wines and events, visit pleasantviewwinery.us or call them for tasting room hours at 231-526-8100


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