Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

Contact: Lisa Simmons, MOTT

Lisa.Simmons@state.ma.us

617-973-8508

Vicki Cimino, Connelly Partners

617-521-5428

For Immediate Release

FRESH FROM THE BOG: THE HOLIDAYS ARE PEAK SEASON FOR
MASSACHUSETTS’ OFFICIAL STATE BERRY
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Cranberry-Inspired Delights from Massachusetts Chefs

BOSTON – September 18, 2012 – Cranberries go hand-in-hand with the holiday season. While cranberry sauce is a staple item on most Thanksgiving tables, this incredibly versatile berry can go far beyond the traditional dishes that we know and love. Six Massachusetts chefs have created dishes and drinks that will inspire you to add new menu items to this year’s holiday celebrations.

History and Stats
It was in Massachusetts that American Indians introduced Pilgrims to cranberries. The tart berry is grown on low, trailing vines in bogs of peat, sand, and clay that are flooded in the winter. They are also one of three fruits that can trace their roots to North American soil; the others being Concord grapes and blueberries. Massachusetts boasts 14,000-acres of cranberries, and the illustrious fruit is the Commonwealth’s official berry.

Experience
If you’d like to see cranberries being harvested first hand, you’ll have an opportunity during the 9^th Annual Cranberry Harvest Festival, which takes place October 6-7, at the A.D. Makepeace Company Headquarters at Tihonet Village in Wareham. This fun family event features cranberry bog tours, helicopter rides, pony rides, cooking demonstrations, juried crafters and artisans, musical performances, games for children, and much more. Most children’s activities are free.

Food and Drink
At Gala Steakhouse & Bistro at Orchards Hotel in Williamstown, Executive Chef Chris Bonnivier has created a signature menu using Berkshire Grown products. Chef Bonnivier’s CranRaz Flirtini features raspberry flavored vodka, Chambord, cranberry juice, and prosecco. Garnished with fresh cranberries, this cocktail is the perfect way to enjoy the spirit of the season. galarestaurant.com

Sushi-Teq, located on Boston’s Waterfront within the InterContinental hotel, specializes in sushi and 100+ premium tequilas. Its 1773 Signature Roll, which was created by Sushi Master Taki Takeishi, pays homage to the Boston Tea Party of 1773; the roll features tuna, cranberry, and agave jelly atop an inside out roll of cucumber, avocado, Boston Bibb lettuce, and asparagus with cranberry ponzu and shiso dressing. intercontinentalboston.com

Chef Paul Sussman at Back Deck, Boston’s new destination for professional backyard grilling, used cranberries as inspiration for his grilled pound cake with cranberry pear pecan compote. The pound cake is sliced into 1½-inch slices that are buttered and lightly grilled on both sides. The compote, which features flavors like Bartlett pear, cranberry, brown sugar, and cinnamon, is ladled onto the grilled pound cake and topped with whipped cream. backdeckboston.com

Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston and ArtBar Restaurant Pastry Chef Christina Allen Flores has created a chocolate cake with brandied cranberries recipe that will melt your heart. The cake’s ingredients include black coffee, espresso powder, and sour cream, while the brandied cranberries are prepared with cinnamon, sugar, and brandy. The cranberries lay atop fudge frosting with chocolate ganache glaze. artbarcambridge.com

At the Dan’l Webster Inn & Spa in Sandwich, Executive Chef Steve Chausse has combined autumnal flavors to create a cranberry apple rice pudding that complements any holiday-inspired menu. Topped with fresh grated nutmeg and served in individual serving dishes, this dessert channels Thanksgiving. danlwebsterinn.com

Petit Robert Central in Boston pays homage to the berry with Pastry Chef Milissa Laurence’s chocolate-cranberry bread pudding. Ingredients include one pound of bittersweet chocolate, heavy cream, fresh cranberries, and vanilla. This recipe is perfect for the budding culinarian. petitrobertcentral.com

About MOTT
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state’s economy, tourism generates more than $915 million in state and local taxes and $14.4 billion in travel related expenditures and supports 121,500 in-state jobs. Web site: http://www.massvacation.com/

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