Holiday Hours!!!!!!

We have begun our Holiday Hours!

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are from 10am to 6pm!

Thursday hours are 10am to 9pm,
with Candlelight Shopping occurring on
December 9th and 16th from 6pm to 9pm.

And Fridays we stay open from 10am to 7pm
so you can shop before going to dinner at
The Tavern on Main....YUMMMY!!!

Saturdays please visit us from 10am to 5pm
and Sundays, we have been getting a crowd at 11am to 5pm!!!

We have been working on alot of unique and wonderful gift baskets for grabbing & going, or you may choose your basket ingredients and we'll put it together for you while you wait if time allows or within 24 hours!
Call 401-568-4830 to place an order for a gift basket!
Choose a theme such as Candle Lovers, Tree Trimming,
New England Gourmet, Hot Stuff (spicy foods),
Snowmen, Jams & Tea, or create your own!

Update from Brown & Hopkins!

OH, 'tis the season to be busy!

I apologize for not posting in such a long time, but believe me, it isn't because I didn't want to!

We had a very busy fall season, and we are now fully decorated for Christmas, so please visit us soon!

At this time of year we get alot of questions regarding our hours, events,
and Candlelight Shopping in Chepachet....so here are a few answers!

We will hold our
Thankful Gathering
on Thanksgiving weekend and this year we are trying something new
and we hope you will participate!

When you visit us on Friday, November 26th,
Saturday, November 28th and
Sunday, November 29th,
please help us help our local food pantry by bringing a canned good
or other non-perishable item so we may help those less fortunate than ourselves!
We will reward your generosity by giving you a coupon
valid for 20% off any one item with a value of up to $100!

We are planning on additional Holiday Hours
starting December 2nd, and will post them as it gets closer.
For now, however, we will feature the following hours:

Thursday, November 18th 10am to 8:30pm

Friday, November 19th 10am to 8:30pm

And our normal hours are Everyday 10 to 5pm, and Sunday Noon to 5pm

Candlelight Shopping is slated for

December 2nd, 9th and 16th!

6PM to 9PM

Penny Social

Photo OP with Santa on the 16th

Horsedrawn Hayrides will be offered,
as well as seasonal refreshments and local entertainment!

For more info http://www.candlelightshopping.com/

Please join our Facebook page for the most up to date updates!!!! :D

www.facebook.com/brownandhopkinscountrystore

Are You Ready for Earl?

Word has it that we could be getting a little hurricane....

Let's get READY!!!!

At Brown & Hopkins we have the BEST smokeless lamp oil for your oil lamps, as well as replacement cotton wicks (1" and pixie), so check your lamps and make sure you are prepared in case the electricity goes out!

Oil lamps are a wonderful way to light your evenings....as they bring a nostalgic feeling to any setting. They bring the past to life, and they are pretty good to have around in case the power goes off!
Did you know the word lamp is derived from the Greek word 'lampas', meaning torch?
In ancient times, lamps were often made of terra cotta,
and used oilive oil or animal fats to light the way.
It wasn't until the 1700's that Swiss chemist, Aime Argand invented a lamp using a round burner, and a circular wick. Flame was also enhanced by the use of a glass chimney, which protected the flame and controlled air flow.
Some folks today like to collect oil lamps.....I have just one, which was my moms' and I am getting it ready ....just 'in case'.
Have a wonderful weekend and be safe!

Key Lime Cheesecake Squares

Here's a wonderful and easy recipe for a refreshing dessert!

Key Lime Cheesecake Squares

Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix

1 tbsp fresh key lime peel, finely grated

Cheesecake Filling

2 - 8oz packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla

2 eggs, room temp

1 cup Stonewall Kitchen Key Lime Curd
(we have it!)

Grease a 9 x 13 pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare sugar cookie mix as directed on package, adding lime peel.
Sometimes I will also add in finely ground walnuts or pecans (about 1/2 cup).

Press crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake about 15 to 20 minutes, until light golden in color.
Let cool 30 minutes.

While baking, prepare filling.
Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well blended.
Add eggs and mix just until eggs are incorporated.
Pour cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Spoon Key Lime Curd randomly on top of filling and then swirl with a blunt knife to combine.
Bake for approx. 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set.
Allow to cool in pan. Cut and serve. You may sprinkle with confectionary sugar if desired.

Putka Pods!

Putka Pods.....little seed pods shaped like
teeny pumpkins (about the size of a dime),
which are dyed as their original dried color is brown.
I think the brown would be nice, however,
I am not in charge of the decision to dye them...LOL

This year we ordered them in a mix of
green, orange, and plum......beautiful hues for fall decorating.

These are unscented, and we use them to surround
a candle for a fall display, or to mix in
with other potpourri to create interest.
You can also scatter them on a table
(because ours are unscented they won't mark your furniture)
with leaves, acorns, little green apples

and chipmunks ($14.95 each...different stances)
for a whimsical display!
We love them! Just $2.95 for a 2 cup bag!
These don't last long.....

Artichoke Pizza Turned Into an Edible Work of Art!

I finally did it!
I made a pizza that tasted great, and looked great and the best part.......crunchy crust...not too thin & not too thick!

Here's my recipe!
It is a tweaked variation of a Stonewall Kitchen Recipe,
so I shall name it

Liz's Artichoke Pizza

Olive Oil

Stoneground Whole Wheat Flour

1 pound pizza dough (I used Stop & shop)

1/2 jar SK Artichoke & Caper Relish

1/3 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

1/4 cup chopped red pepper

1 small jar sliced black olives

1/4 cup red onion, sliced

3 oz. Feta Cheese, crumbled (I used the fat free)

4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded.

1/2 can of quartered artichoke hearts (drain well, pat dry)

sliced grilled chicken (optional)
coarse ground black pepper

Note: You may buy 2 pounds of dough to make two pizzas, as all the ingredients that you'll need to purchase will make 2 pizzas and then some....

Preheat oven to 500 degrees.

Lightly oil pizza pan or stone (do not use a coated non-stick pan).
Roll or pat dough on oiled pan til almost the size needed, then place oiled side onto a surface sprinkled with 1/4 cup of the flour, and finish stretching the dough 'til the desired size. Gently place, flour side down, on pizza pan. Brush the crust edge lightly with olive oil.

Spread the Artichoke & Caper Relish over the dough.
Sprinkle the remaining ingredients in given order, ending with the grilled chicken pieces if desired.
Place pan on middle rack for about 5 to 7 minutes,
then move to upper rack for remaining 9 to 12 minutes.
Watch carefully during last 5 minutes.
Pizza is done when the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Slice and serve...

and I do apologize if you don't hear anything
from your family or guests for a few minutes....

They will be too busy enjoying their pizza
to tell you how amazing it is!

Enjoy!!!!!

I LOVE the Sound of This Recipe!!!!

Has it been hot where you are?????

It's been so hot and humid in New England,

that last weekend at the 4th of July parade I swear I was a sprinkler!
I can't bear to turn the oven on,
so I thought I'd try and find a recipe that sounded,
well,
NOT HOT!!!!!!

And this is what I came up with!

Mango Chicken Salad Wrap featuring Stonewall Kitchens' Mango Chutney!
I bet this would also be delightful served over a
fresh bed of spinach and other refreshing greens!
As you know, we carry many of the delightful sauces, relishes, jams,
jellys and chutneys made by Stonewall Kitchen in Maine.

Mango Chicken Salad Wrap
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
2 Tbsp. pecans, chopped
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup mayonnaise
½ tsp. curry powder
¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup celery, chopped
½ tsp. each salt and pepper
½ cup Stonewall Kitchen Mango Chutney
6 8-inch sandwich wraps


Combine chicken with remaining ingredients except the spinach and wraps, mix well. Place a generous scoop of chicken salad in the center of the wrap. Top with baby spinach. Fold in the edges and roll up. Repeat with the remaining wraps. Serve chilled.
Enjoy & stay cool!

Kids Say The Darndest Things!

A few weeks ago we were visited by the 3rd graders at a local elementary school when they had a field trip. The theme was "Hometown Tour", and they visited the police and fire station, the library, the town hall....and Brown & Hopkins!!!!!

The kids each received a little bag of candy, a wooden nickel valid for a free bag of candy when they visit us with a parent, and a post card of the store.

My sister is the art teacher at their school, and when they were told that her and I are sisters, one child innocently asked, "Are you twins????", which is quite amusing, since we look nothing alike and are over 10 years apart!!! I think he aksed that because if you close your eyes, and hear us speaking, we sound alike!!

Here are some excerpts from some of the thank you cards I received........

"You are very nice and your sister rocks! I want to own a candy store when I grow up!" Ethan

"It was very intresting that the shop was 201 years old. They must have yoused super strong wood when they built it." Logan

"Maby I will be a storekeeper like you someday." Julia

Well, I hope someone will want to be the next B & H shopkeeper, so I can retire someday!

So.....What's New?

For one thing....this little garden stake with the
crystal water droplet has been flying outta here!!!!
Just $9.95!

My niece emailed me the other day and
told me the blog looks seriously neglected!!!

I must agree,
BUT,
she wasn't aware that I have also been busy
updating our Brown & Hopkins Facebook page.
I am quite addicted to Facebook,
but I guess there are worse things to be addicted to!
Who remembers the Seinfeld episode where
George is dating this woman who he can't seem to get rid of,
so he starts smoking because he knows she doesn't like it?
Well, that's kind of me....
"I am on Facebook....and I can't stop now...I'm addicted!!!!!!!"!!!!
It is soooooo easy to snap a photo
and upload it to Facebook to show you what just came in!
With the blog, it's a bit more time consuming.
However, I promise, I will try to get back to a little more blogging
to keep the non-facebook folks in the loop!

With that bring said,

here are a few photos of new arrivals!

Lots of the Red ~ White & Blue!!!

Gorgeous light weight rose handbags...just $24.95 each!

My two great nieces who are in TX modeled their new
B & H tie-dye sundresses!
Available in sizes for one year olds up to 4 year olds!

Stay tuned for more updates!!!
Oh, and don't forget...we will be closed on the Fourth of July!!!
Happy Summer Everyone!!!!!

Tart Warmers ~ One Thing I Couldn't Live Without!

I love my tart warmers!
I have one in almost every room of the house!

Here are some new ones that we just received in!

Available in

Dark Mustard, Teal and Moss Green.

Just $12.95 each!

Look at the crackly, rustic, primitive glaze on them!

Most of our wax tarts are just $1.49 each,
and oh, how I wish we had smellaputer....
because this citrus & sage is such a wonderful fragrance....
Come on in for a sniff....

Magical Lampshade!

Lots of new stuff arrived this week,
including this Americana lamp......

Watch what happens when you turn this lamp to the "on" position...

Now you don't see 'em......

And now you DO!!!!! We call it our Starry Night Lamp!!!
$89.95 including the shade!

And if you come in on May 21 ~ May 22 or May 23....

say The Secret Words...
"Happy Birthday"
at check out and you'll receive 20% off!

It's my birthday weekend and I am giving you a gift!
Say the Secret Words and you'll receive 20% off any one item under $100,
excluding clearance items and antiques.
Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

Liz's Grilled Pizza Appetizer

I love easy...and I love delicious!

And this recipe is both of those things!

Liz's Grilled Pizza Appetizer

Ingredients

4 Soft Flour Tortillas (whole wheat preferred)

1 jar Stonewall Kitchen Roasted Vegetable Bruschetta Topping

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tomatoes; seeded and diced

Black pepper to taste

1 cup finely grated Italian blend cheese

Optional: Grilled chicken breast, finely chopped

Heat grill to medium.
Mix all ingredients, except the tortillas and the 1 cup of Italian cheese.
Place tortillas on hot grill for about 2 minutes, until crispy on one side.
Flip tortilla, and top with 1/4 cup of veggie mixture,
a sprinkling of Italian cheese, and grilled chicken if you like.
Close grill lid, and heat for a few minutes until cheese is melted and tortilla is crispy.

Transfer to cookie sheet and cut into 6 slices each with a pizza slicer.
Serve at once.
This is a tasty appetizer! Serves 4

Heck, I could even make a meal out of this!
Bruce absolutely loved this; hence I have no photos to show you.....it disappeared too quickly!
The balsamic vinegar in the bruschetta topping adds a nice zing to it!
It's going to be a great weekend for grilling!!

Entertaining Made Simple!

I love having these mixes on hand!

Wind & Willow Cheeseballs are easy to prepare
with just cream cheese and butter,
and I haven't met one person yet that doesn't love them!


We have a wonderful assortment,
including some dessert mixes
that you may make into a spectacular pie!

Come on in and check 'em out today!

Lights ~ Camera ~ Action!!!!!

So, have you heard?

We're gonna be in the movies!!!!

A couple of weeks ago I received a call from director, Richard Griffin of Scorpio Films, asking if he could have permission to shoot the front of Brown & Hopkins for use in a film......

I say, "Tell me more....".

He says, "Well, it's called Atomic Brain Invasion."

(laughter....from me.....lots of it....)

I say, "Tell me more....".

He says, "It's a loving homage to the 1950's horror films, and it is set on Block Island, and we would have a shopkeeper out front sweeping the sidewalk, and a 50's car parked on the street. And it is G-Rated."

I say, "Fabulous, sounds fun, and of course you can shoot B & H!"

So today was THE day!

Cruisin' Bruce Palmer, RI radio personality, pulls up front with his vintage car...... a beautiful bright yellow!! Boy, I bet heads turn when he cruises down the street in that gem!

Bruce says, "Ok, Richard is here and it is going to be an action shot. He wants me to pull up quickly, onto the sidewalk, and crash into the building!".

I say, 'Well, I was wanting to do some work on it!!".

Richard walks in to the shop and introduces himself,
and says, "I have some 50's costumes in the trunk of my car."

I say, "You want us to dress up??????????????".

I am thinking, "I know Barbara is not going to go for that!".

He looks at Angela and exclaims,
"She'd be perfect! I have a little number that would fit her perfectly!".

Relieved, I say, "ANGELA!!!!! You're gonna be in the movie!!!!!!!".

We then borrowed a broom (for the shopkeeper actor)
from Jim at Farm Family Insurance across the street,
a vintage purse from Jerry at Post Office Antiques,

dressed her up and we were ready!

ACTION!!!!

CUT!!!!!!! And Richard checks the film....

It's a wrap!!!

Me getting a little creative with the chrome....

How cute is Angela!!???


Director, Richard Griffin; Cat Hainfeld, camera woman; me; and Cruisin' Bruce Palmer

You may view the trailer here....

We are all going to the premiere on September 10th at The Foxboro Orpheum...
it should be fun!!!

The Boutique is Brimming!

Attention all fashionista's.......

The boutique at Brown & Hopkins is looking
bee-----you------teee----fulllllllllll!!!!!

Crinkly tops for hot summer days ahead of us!

How about a printed cotton tunic with angled sleeves, and side slits?
Perfect with the leggings that are coming back, or over your bathingsuit!!
You'd better get in here before my sister does!!!
She helped me choose them at the show, and loved them all!!!!

Vintage silk ruffled & layered scarves.......are gorgeous works of art!

I guarantee you will be stopped in your tracks and asked,
"Where did you get that scarf?"!
These are just $21.95 each and they flutter like a butterfly!

Soon to flutter right on out the door!

And of course,
Sunreaders....sunglasses with different magnifications
so you can read your vampire novel at the beach.....

Need a little something to cheer up a friend or add to a birthday card?
These packets of bath salts are printed with vintage pics and sassy greetings.....
"Eat Cake Sistah!!!"

"Greetings from Menopause"
and
my personal favorite.......
"I Can't Hear You!!!!"
Oh, yeah....and they smell great!!!

Have you tried our hard milled French soaps yet???
Lavender, Lemongrass, Honey Almond (gosh, I could eat that one!)....
And we even have Soap on a Rope!!!! Dad would like that!!

Virginia from Grace Note Farms spoils her guests
with these fragrant and long lasting soaps...

And yes......this one way down there, on the bottom shelf, is Ginger Jasmine,
and so worth bending down for!!!!
We'll help you if you get stuck standing back up.....
and we'll carry your armload of stuff to the counter for you too!!!

Alot of new jewelry...some funky, and some chunky......


And as always, remember.........




Note: If you get together with girlfriends,
the "Girls Night Out" game is a great conversation starter,
and you'll probably learn a thing or two that you didn't already know.....
and have alot of laughs...
or maybe a cat fight, depending upon how you roll....
but my motto is
Live ~ Laugh ~ Love!

Stella's Growing Up!

Every now and then....

Stella comes to visit us at Brown & Hopkins!

Here she is picking out candy......

She is Angela's cutie patootie pup.......

Everyone speaks in a higher tone when she is around......

that's just the way it is....

Rustic Angel Vine Topiaries!

We just received a limited supply of these sweet little carefree "live" plants!

They are going fast!

Come on in and check them out today!

Apple Spice Cake

Who loves butterscotch???

Have I got a recipe for you!

It's so easy, and I am guessing that you probably have everything

in your pantry except for two items....

4 cups of Granny Smith Apples and Spiced Rum Butterscotch Sauce (Stonewall Kitchen)

Of course, this dessert topping is yummy served over cheesecake, ice cream and more! And while I am posting this recipe for you to enjoy, who's to say you can't go get a store bought coffeecake or apple pie, and drizzle this over the top?! That will impress them enough! Heck, ya wouldn't hear me complaining!

But if you are in the mood to bake...here ya go!

Apple Spice Cake

Ingredients

1 stick butter, room temp.

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp salt

4 cups Granny smith apples, cored and shredded, leave peel on.

1 jar Spiced Rum Butterscotch Sauce (Available at Brown & Hopkins)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour a 10" Bundt pan.
Cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients and mix.
Spread batter in prepared Bundt pan.
Bake for 40-50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes and remove from pan.
Serve each slice with Spiced Rum Butterscotch Sauce
......and heck, how 'bout a little bit of whipped cream?

Enjoy!

Mother's Day Contest!

Would you like a chance to win a $100 Shopping Spree???

Here are the rules:

1) Join our Facebook Fan Page

www.facebook.com/brownandhopkinscountrystore

2) Copy and paste the following into a post on our page

"I LOVE Brown & Hopkins Country Store and I would LOVE to win a $100 shopping spree!"

3) Upload a treasured photo of Mom ~ Grandma ~ You and the Kids ~ You and Grandkids ~ Family....etcetera

4) Tag Yourself and others in the photo who are on Facebook (If you are not in the photo, then just tag the picture with your name, so it'll appear on your homepage)

Instructions are found on Facebook as well!

And that's all there is to it!!

Drawing will be held on May 6th!

Grand prize winner will be chosen at random (names in a hat)

and some runners up will be chosen as well!

Not on Facebook? Whatcha waitin' for??? It's a fun way to keep in contact with friends and find out what is happening at your favorite country store!!!

Here are just a few photos recently entered into the contest!!

Good luck everyone!

And remember.....

"A mother is the truest friend we have,

when trials are heavy and sudden, fall upon us;
when adversity takes the place of prosperity;
when friends who rejoice in our sunshine desert us;
when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us,
and endeavor by her kind percepts and counsels
to dissipate the clouds of darkness,
and cause peace to return to our hearts."

Washington Irving, American writer, 1783 - 1859

Say Cheese!

Cheddar Cheese, that is!

Did you know that Brown & Hopkins sells sharp cheddar cheese,

straight from a Vermont cow, well, sorta, kinda...LOL

Did you know that cheese has been a staple item on provisioners' counters since Colonial times, and so became known as "store" cheese.

Here's a recipe I found when looking through an old recipe book, dated 1968.

Cheese-Onion Bread

1/2 cup diced onion

2 T melted butter

1 and 1/2 cups packaged biscuit mix (Bisquick)

1 cup shredded store cheese (1/4 lb.)

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup milk

Simmer the onion in 1 T butter until tender and golden.

Combine the biscuit mix with 2/3 cup of cheese; add beaten egg and milk, mixing just enough to wet all ingredients; stir in the onion. Spread in well-greased 8" cake pan, brush top with remaining melted butter, then scatter remaining cheese over all. Bake in 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes. Serve at once. Serves 4 to 6.

This is a superb hot bread and is excellent with scrambled eggs or an omelet.

This cheese will be sampled on Friday and Saturday,

and would make a perfect addition to your Sunday dinner!

A little wine, a little cheese,
a little more wine, some cheese-onion bread.......you get the picture.....

Kidding aside, this is the creamiest cheese around,

and canot be bought at a grocery store.

It just tastes better when it is cut off the big block of cheese.....

In my best RI accent, "It's just like butta!".