I treasure this Pineapple Cookie recipe. It comes from my grandma. She has made this recipe longer than I can remember and I still love it. A great tropical addition is coconut! We tried this version together when she visited me on the island of Guam. Cracking coconuts with Grandma is a memory I will never forget!

Grandma Fuller’s Pineapple Cookies

1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Crisco
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 C Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1 Can Crushed Pineapple (10 oz with the juice.)
4 Cups Flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 C coconut (optional)
Cream sugar and crisco, then add pineapple, soda, salt and baking powder and coconut to flour and vanilla. Mix and drop on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Photo Credit Shared Ferret Flickr Creative Commons

This is a follow up piece to another I wrote recently on island escapes in New Brunswick.

Grand Manan is one of those island escapes where you’re surrounded by tremendous natural beauty. This small island off the coast of New Brunswick can be reached by car ferry from Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick. Blacks Harbour is approximately thirty five miles from Calias, Maine where you cross the U.S border. I had the opportunity to spend several days on Grand Manan and found it both charming and peaceful.

The small harbour is filled with fishing boats and the small village is dotted with sweet looking cottages and a few shops. There is a small museum near the ferry landing and a few quaint restaurants within walking distance. During my visit I stayed at Compass Rose Bed and Breakfast with a beautiful view of the water. It was peaceful, restful and charming. The meals at the B&B were well prepared and enjoyable. Of note were the cool summer temperatures. I visited in late July and there were several times that a sweatshirt or jacket was necessary.

Among my favorite moments on Grand Manan were the scenic views and the quiet drives through the countryside where gorgeous Lupin flowers were in bloom. The island is a place you’ll come to treasure with it’s hiking trails, kayak rentals, Machias Island tours and bird watching. I felt drawn to the beauty of Grand Manan and look forward to returning.

If you’re looking for a midwinter get away then Curacao is the place to escape your winter blues. The islands charming, authentic Dutch architecture will bring a smile to your face and transform you a million miles from your every day life. Curacao is the largest of the ABC islands; it’s sister islands are Aruba and Bonaire. All three islands are part of the Lesser Antillies. As you relax into the slower pace of life you will often notice locals calling Bon Bini! (Welcome).

If you’re looking to relax and unwind then Curacao is for you with its beautiful little inlets and hidden beaches. The island claims to have 38 beaches in all. If you’re adventurous you can set out to discover them for yourself. If you prefer you can find a secluded spot on one and watch the turquoise blue water and feel the tradewinds blow through your hair. The warmth of the sun will certainly lighten your spirit and remind you why islands are a treasure.

The Beach view from the Lodge Kura Hulanda

While on Curacao you can connect with your adventurous side by taking a jeep tour through the wild, stark, weather beaten terrain. You will certainly see cactus and the well known Dividivi tree with it’s classis shape which comes from the constant island tradewinds. You can visit the Christoffel Park, Curacao’s National Park and experience the highest elevation on Curacao and be up close and personal with the beautiful flowers and plants of this island paradise.

If you’re looking for a bit of history then visit the Dutch Colonial District of Curacao, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also visit the Museum Kura Hulanda, an anthropological museum that focuses on the predominant cultures of Curacao. It offers a world-class chronicle of the Origin of Man, the African slave trade, West African Empires, Pre-Colombian gold, Mesopotamian relics and Antillean art.

For your stay on Curacao consider the Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino or the Lodge at Kura Hulanda. Each are offering mid winter deals that are fantastic!

The one bedroom suite at Lodge Kura Hulanda

To book this package, visit www.khspecials.com . Lodge Kura Hulanda and Hotel Kura Hulanda, are both members of Leading Small Hotels of the World, and are one-of-a-kind, five-star properties in Curaçao offering unique ambiences paired with first-class service.