The On-line Version of our E-mail Newsletter

VOLUME 2003-4     April / May 2003

Good day to you all! It looks as though Spring has peeked out from behind Jack Frosts' stubborn presence at last. We don't know where April went... it sure got by us rather quickly. Hence, the collaboration of April and May in this months issue of the Yankee Gazette. For this we apologize. Several readers called to see if there was something wrong with their browser or if we have discontinued our monthly letter. The only thing that was wrong was my failure to sit down and write. We've been busy... and that is a good thing. And we are grateful that the weather has finally warmed to a comfortable level for more than a few hours at a time. This allowed us to take some time to search out new products to add to our ever-increasing inventory of quality New England style gifts, gourmet foods, decorating ideas and garden accessories.

Our most interesting and exciting excursion led us into the deep (and sometimes desolate) New Hampshire countryside. We saw signs that said: MOOSE CROSSING, beaver dams and, believe it or not, a Texas Longhorn steer who is by far the largest ‘pet' I've ever seen. We stood in about a foot and a half of snow while in our shirtsleeves and tasted some of the finest seafood we've ever experienced. Our host was friendly and knowledgeable and took us on a guided tour of a commercial sugarhouse. Sugaring is the process by which maple syrup is made, and... you guessed it... a wonderful line of real maple syrup, candy and associated products is in the works. And if that wasn't exciting enough, the following day we literally stumbled across a backyard sugaring operation that was going full tilt.

It was, in fact, the last weekend that sugaring would even be possible. The entire process is directly tied to the weather, or more accurately, the temperature outside. If you have ever smelled a wood burning stove on a crisp winter day, try combining that with the warm, sweet aroma of maple sap boiling and the condensation clinging to the rafters inside a sugarhouse. Steam pours out from everywhere, designated equipment is kept working by a wood burning arch that must be tended regularly. There is a lot of work involved and the gentleman that owned this sugarhouse spent over an hour of his valuable time to explain, from start to finish, just what is involved to bring the sap from the tree to the jug on your breakfast table.

These two experiences, the commercial aspect and the small, backyard sugarhouse, allowed to see first hand how it is done, why certain things are done and what is involved in capturing one of natures sweetest treats. It is common knowledge that real maple syrup is not cheap... now we know why. Real, hard work and the fickle temperatures of winter play the greatest role. Oh, and by the way, we have the Indians to thank for teaching this process to the early settlers. And now that we have seen it first hand, we are better able to answer any questions our customers might have concerning this most fascinating and historically correct method of extracting maple syrup.

For this month's specials please see the bottom of this newsletter. The coupon code for this month is
Note: These specials are expired. -- 15% off of any specials purchase, no minimum.

OVER 100 PRODUCTS ON SALE THIS MONTH!

The sale is good through May 31st.

Arias Windchimes Paine Incense Boxes North Country Moose accessories

Yankee Harvest is gearing up for Mother's Day by adding the delightful sounds of music to her most special day. Through May 30th, all Arias Windchimes and North Country Wind Bells are discounted by 15%. Our Lovely gift baskets are ready and available to ship to that special woman wherever she may be, anywhere in the world. The beautiful handcrafted resin incense boxes are discounted by 15% and our very attractive floral desk set, including mouse pad, incense box with twenty balsam fir cones, stationary and grocery pad is also discounted by 15%.

If the woman in your life enjoys the more rustic earth bound look, visit our ADOPT-A-MOOSE Program for some delightful and whimsical accessories, or Paine Products for a variety of fir scented products that are sure to please. The North Country Moose accessories are also on sale at a 15% discount. What better way to celebrate Mom and the show your patriotic support than by giving the red, white and blue Freedom Rings Bell this year? Its tones are reminiscent of the Liberty Bell and the sight and sound of this magnificent bell in her garden will make a statement when picnic time rolls around. Whichever bell or windchime you choose, they are a lasting reminder of Mom's Day while ringing their special music all year long.

Gift Baskets

Arias Windchimes

North Country Wind Bells and Moose accessories

Paine Products Incense Boxes

Adopt-A-Moose Products

Instant Flower Garden Florian Pruner North Country Garden Bells and Garden Guards

Being April, it only stands to reason that Yankee Gardener is hopping right now. Planting fever has set in. The promise of Spring has become more a reality and less a fantasy as daffodils lift their mighty trumpets and tiny green buds appear against a background of pale yellow forsythia. Easter has passed and the yard work beckons. Ahhhh, spring. Time to turn that winterized couch potato into YARD MAN!!!

This year Yankee Gardener can make it easier than ever to turn your yard and garden into a blaze of color. Seed mats are the ‘in' thing for hard working people than have neither the time or desire to spend hours outside, but wish to have a beautiful outdoor space that can be enjoyed after a long, hard day. Instant Garden can do just that. Lightly till the soil, un-roll the mat and water. It's THAT EASY.

Keep the mats moist and soon your garden will begin to grow, giving you a lush, colorful flower bed that will not only draw butterflies and birds to your yard, but will grab that attention of your neighbors, as well. We offer a variety of four 10ft rolls, two 6 ft. rolls, two edges and two rings that are perfect for around the mailbox, fence post, trees, lamp posts, flag poles etc. In addition, our most popular garden mat is the Freedom Garden, a three-foot by five-foot mat that blooms into a beautiful American flag. What a wonderful way to display your flag this summer. Instant Garden is included in our Mother's Day special at a 15% discount.

Yankee Gardener's North Country Garden Bells are discounted 15% for Mother's Day as well as all other North Country products. Adorable and functional ideas for the garden area are the garden guards from North Country. These glass-eyed creatures have been known to scare away the peskiest of pests, hereby protecting your precious plants from raccoons, squirrels, opossum etc. North Country Garden Guards are not only great ideas for the garden, but a great gift idea, as well.

And last but not least, for all of you gardeners, Florian Ratchet Pruners, are on sale at 15% discount. Florian Pruners are top of the line, lightweight and easy to handle. They are especially good for those with arthritis or other manual difficulties, cutting up to 3/4 inch thick without strain on the user or the pruner. Florian comes with a Manufacturers Lifetime Warranty and is guaranteed to be the finest hand pruner you'll ever own. This item makes a wonderful Mother or Father's Day gift.

Instant Garden Products:
http://www.yankeegardener.com/instant_garden.html

Florian Ratchet Pruners and Pruning Made Easy Book:
http://www.yankeegardener.com/florian.html

North Country Garden Bells and Garden Guards:
http://www.yankeegardener.com/northcountrybells/index.html

Savory Soup Sacks Breezecake Bad Banditos BBQ Sauce Uh Huh Seasoning New England Cookbook Library

It seems that Yankee Grocery changes from minute to minute, adding new product every day and researching other new products for later on. Our line of maple syrups, candies and accessories is an upcoming addition that will take good deal of time in the planning. but will be well worth it when that portion of the site goes live sometime in late May (hopefully). In the meantime we've become very involved with the Connecticut Creative Cuisine Association. Several delicious products acquired through this energetic and creative group have become staples on our Yankee Grocery shelves, and since that last newsletter, we've added more.

Yup! We're still thinking 'soup' Well, look outside. It's fifty degrees and raining... damp, miserable, chilly... absolutely soup weather. It was sort of like that the day we were invited to soup tasting party and had our first acquaintance with SAVORY SOUP SACKS. This is thick, hearty, stick to the ribs fare with a heaping measure of great taste and nutrition as well. Add your own fresh ingredients and simmer. Just follow the easy directions and you will have a pot of delicious soup or chili that you family and friends will rave about. The sack includes a variety of beans or dried peas, spices and herbs. However, you can play around with the fresh vegetables to suit your family's tastes. Any way you turn it, this is soup that you can sink your teeth into.

BREEZECAKE is our newest dessert and what a dessert it is! Just add three eggs and water and you have a flavorful and rich Italian cheesecake that is quick and easy as well as yummy. BREEZECAKE is especially tasty with loads of fresh strawberries or blueberries, crushed pineapple thickened with a little cornstarch, or with a tablespoon of Kahlua or Amaretto drizzled over the top. The response to this delicious dessert has been overwhelming, much beyond what we had expected for a new product. Try BREEZECAKE soon. It is discounted this month for a Mother's Day treat: 15%.

To spice things up a little, we've added two new products that will do just that. BAD BANDITOS Old Number 9 (hot) and New Number 9 (mild) BBQ Sauce has got the taste that sizzles without compromising your tear ducts. It's all-natural, fat free, no preservatives and can definitely stand on it's own with pork, chicken, beef... and... we thought it would be great basted over shrimp before grilling.

BAD BANDITOS is a must for grill-side this outdoor season. Or, try it on sandwiches for a boost of intense flavor, or, mix it into a meatloaf for a surprise kick. The uses are endless if you are adventurous. Just remember, the heat does not overpower the taste. Get that BBQ ready For a Mother's Day outing and try BAD BANDITOS BBQ Sauce this month: discounted 15% then you will know for sure that it is absolutely essential that you have a good supply of both for Memorial Day.

The second spicy treat is UH-HUH, a spirited spice blend that can be used at the table with, or in place of, your salt shaker, Use it on meats, baked potatoes, vegetables, before or after cooking Use it as a dry rub or mix with a little good olive oil for a wet rub on grilled meats, swordfish or salmon, Keep it handy at the grill and by the stove. UH-HUH has remarkable flavor, contains all natural ingredients and is fat and gluten free. It is One Spice Fits All in a handy, dandy shaker. This two-time award winning spice blend has been noted to bring both pork and beef to perfection. One thing we've learned is that in order to win awards, you must do something special and this spice blend is, indeed, special. Once you've tried it will become an important part of your daily cooking routine. Discounted 15%.

Also discounted this month is our own Seasoning Touch of New England: all natural trio collection of New England's own Bell's Seasoning, Gravy Master, and Old Bay Seasoning. Get ready for crab boils, clambakes, picnics and all sorts of outings by stocking up on the BBQ essentials now. Save 15% by ordering the Seasoning Touch of New England by May 31st.

And for Mom's Day or any day, cookbooks are always a welcomed gift. Browse through our New England Cookbook Library and see for yourself. Choose from a select variety of affordable cookbooks that are sure to satisfy every level of cooking ability and interest. Discounted at 15%.

Savory Soup Sacks

BREEZECAKE Italian Cheesecake Mix

Bad Bandito's BBQ Sauce

UH-HUH Spice Blend

A Seasoning Touch of New England Trio

Best Witches Wreath Sparkling Pumpkin Jewels Monster Snot

Graveside Store Products:
Our Best Witches and Boo Hoo Wreaths are discounted 15%
Our hand-painted paper mache Jack-o-lanterns are discounted 15%
Candles of Doom – 15%

Pumpkin Masters Products:
Pumpkin Masters Sparkling Jewels are discounted 15%
Pumpkin Masters Pumpkin Masters Monster Snot discounted 15%
Pumpkin Masters Creepy Crawlers Pattern Book – 15%
Pumpkin Masters Spine Tinglers Pattern Book – 15%
Pumpkin Masters Halloween's Most Wanted Pattern Book – 15%

Yankee Halloween Graveside Store

Pumpkin Masters Products

Have you got some leftover ham from Easter? If you do, or even if you don't, this wonderful dish makes short work of ham in a most delightful way. It's even worth going out and buying a ham steak just to put this one together. It's sure to be a family pleaser and great for the remaining cool nights before the BBQ grill rules.

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 8 oz. frozen small white onions, unthawed
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 pound (3 cups) boiled or baked ham, cubed
• 3 tablespoons all- purpose flour
• 3 cups basic chicken stock
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups or one 10 oz. pkg. Broccoli florets, thawed

Return potatoes to pot cover and bring to a boil, cooking for ten minutes until almost tender. Add ham, onions and broccoli; return to a boil and cook until all the vegetables are fork tender, about ten minutes. and the ham is heated through. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh orange and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Serves 4 to 6 people

Serve with corn bread and a spinach salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and plated with orange wedges and red onion sliced paper- thin.

For desert: Keep it simple... cooked chocolate pudding (not instant) cooled thoroughly and mixed with 1 cup of Cool Whip. Serve in custard cups with a dollop of more Cool Whip. This can, and should, be made in the morning and covered with plastic wrap. Enjoy!

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED how we have become so enthusiastic about the products we carry? We look for superb craftsmanship, detail, and customer appeal. We taste, and send out to be tasted, the food items we offer you. It depends entirely on the reaction of our staff and our other tasters as to our decision to carry the product. We offer you the tried and true, the old New England products that have served millions of people over decades of production.

We offer you wonderful items that are crafted by hand and with love and dedication. And, in some instances, you tell us what you want through letters and e-mail and phone calls. We search by taking trips to see what is out there and to see if it feels right. We receive dozens of inquires from people who feel that their product is a ‘fit' for Yankee Harvest.

Believe it or not, many of the products we carry are there because they found us, not because we found them. We are not unapproachable. We welcome ideas and we welcome and are eager to help craftsmen with a Yankee Harvest ‘fit'. I suppose our enthusiasm comes from believing in the integrity of the product we sell and the integrity of the people that built that product from an idea.

As for Halloween, we love Halloween and have found that so do a lot, and I mean a lot, of others. It sparks the child in all of us, brings out the creativity, brings people together in communities just as it did in the days of the harvest when everyone worked together, when the harvest meant survival. Halloween is for fun, these days. Gone are the ominous overtones that surrounded it in centuries past. It has become a part of the American culture within the framework of fun, creativity and community projects. So, in July, we can let the fun begin!

So, that is where our enthusiasm comes from... the people we work with from day to day, the people that build a product or craft or piece of artwork from an idea deep in their heart. We are excited about upcoming projects, just like the Maple Syrup and sugaring, and we are excited about all of the people that have purchased Freedom Garden and will be displaying them this summer. . a living Stars and Stripes. Speaking of... if any one would like to send us an address of a loved one who is overseas... please feel free.

YANKEE GAZETTE SUBSCRIBERS ONLY MAY COUPON SALE:

ALL SPECIALS BELOW ARE GOOD FROM NOW THROUGH 11:59 PM, May 31, 2003 -- On-line Orders ONLY

15% off of any specials items purchase, no minimum -- over 100 items on sale!

Note: These specials are expired.

To take advantage of this sale, just order one or more of the products listed below. When you get to the checkout, on the page where you select your credit card and shipping method you will see a box that says: ENTER COUPON CODE. Enter the following code in the box:
Note: These specials are expired.

and click the "continue" button. Your 15% discount will be deducted on the next screen:

You may also order products that are not part of our sale, but only sale products will have the 15% discount deducted. For instance, if you order $15 worth of products that aren't on sale, and $15 worth of the sale products listed below, the 15% would only be deducted from the $15 worth of products that are part of the sale.

Any questions, please e-mail webmaster@yankeeharvest.com

HINT: You might wish to print out this list of products below for reference while you shop. Remember, only the products listed below qualify for the 15% discount.

Arias Dew Drops 12 inch Windchime [ACS6110]
Arias Misty Morn 16 inch Windchime [ACS8210]
Arias Babbling Brook 24 inch Windchime [ACS4130]
Arias Chapel Bells 27 inch Windchime [ACS6230]
Arias Vespers 33 inch Windchime [ACS6330]
Arias Whitewater 33 inch Windchime [ACS8430]
Arias Sunrise 42 inch Windchime [ACS6530]
Arias Cotillion 56 inch Windchime [ACS6630]
Windchime Dual Hook Hanger Bracket [ACSBRKT15]
Arias Chapel Bells Gold Windchime [ACS6230GOLD]
Arias Chapel Bells Copper-Bronze Windchime [ACS6230BRNZ]
Arias Chapel Bells Forest Green Windchime [ACS6230GRNN]
Arias Chapel Bells Brown Windchime [ACS6230BRWN]

Freedom Rings Bell [NCFRB]
Block Island Buoy Bell [NCBIB]
Portland Head Bay Buoy Bell [NCPHB]
San Francisco Bay Buoy Bell [NCSFB]
Island Pasture Buoy Bell [NCIPB]
Boothbay Harbor Buoy Bell [NCBHB]
Camden Reach Buoy Bell [NCCRB]
Long Island Buoy Bell [NCGLILB]
Bar Harbor Buoy Bell [NCBARHB]
11-inch Handcrafted Scroll Hanger Bracket [NCHB11]
20-inch Handcrafted Scroll Hanger Bracket [NCHB20]

North Country Moose Door Bell [NCMSDRBL]
North Country Moose-Spruce Bookends [NCMSBKEND]
North Country Welcome Moose Hanger Bracket [NCWELMSHB11]
North Country Moose Hanger Bracket [NCMOSHB11]
North Country Standing Cat Hanger Bracket [NCSCATHB11]

Paine's Pine Cones Incense Storage Box [PPBOXPCONE]
Paine's Moose Incense Storage Box [PPBOXMOOSE]
Paine's Flowers Incense Storage Box [PPBOXFLWR]
Paine's Blueberry Incense Storage Box [PPBOXBERRY]
Yankee Harvest Desk Top Floral Gift Collection [PPCDESKTOP]

American Flag Patriotic Freedom Garden [YIGFREEDOM]
Shade Loving Flowers Garden 10 ft. Roll [YIG10SHADE]
Shade Loving Flowers Garden 6 ft. Roll [YIG96SHADE]
Butterfly Wildflowers Garden 10 ft. Roll [YIG10BTRFLY]
Sunflower Garden 10 ft. Roll [YIG10SUNFLWR]
Sunflower Garden 6 ft. Roll [YIG96SUNFLWR]
English Cottage Flower Garden 10 ft. Roll [YIGCOTTAGE]
Candytuft Flower Ring - 10 Wedged Tiles [YIGCANDYRING]
Sweet William Flower Ring - 10 Wedged Tiles [YIGSWEETRING]
Candytuft Flower 4 inch x 8 foot Edging Roll [YIGCANDYEDGE]
Cardinal Climber 4 inch x 8 foot Edging Roll [YIGCCLIMBER]

North Country Maine Hooty Owl Garden Guard [NCGGMHO]
North Country Coastal Crow Garden Guard [NCGGCC]
North Country Maine Scare Cat Sitting Garden Guard [NCGGSCS]
North Country Maine Scare Cat Prowling Garden Guard [NCGGSCP]
North Country Mission Rose Garden Bell [NCGMRB]
North Country Island Pasture Violet Garden Bell [NCGIPVB]
North Country Boothbay Sea Rose Garden Bell [NCGBSRB]
North Country Camden Island Iris Garden Bell [NCGIIB]
North Country Cape Cod Cranberry Garden Bell [NCGCCCB]
North Country Long Island Lupine Garden Bell [NCGLILB]
North Country Bar Harbor Bayberry Garden Bell [NCGBHBB]
North Country Chesapeake Laurel Garden Bell [NCGCLB]
North Country Kennebunkport Lilac Garden Bell [NCGKLB]
North Country Outer Banks Magnolia Garden Bell [NCGOBMB]
North Country Pemaquid Pine Garden Bell [NCGPPB]
North Country Nantucket Mayflower Garden Bell [NCGNMB]
North Country 11 Inch Hanger Brackets [NCGHB11]
North Country 20 Inch Hanger Brackets [NCGHB20]

Florian Ratchet-Cut 701 Hand Pruner w/ Holster [YGFRC701]
Yankee Gardener Pruner's Gift Set [YGPRUNE]

BREEZECAKE Italian Cheese Cake Mix [YGBREEZE1]

Bad Bandito's Old No. 9 Hot BBQ Sauce [BANDITOSHOT]
Bad Bandito's New No. 9 Mild BBQ Sauce [BANDITOSMILD]
Bad Bandito's Twin Pak BBQ Sauce - 1 Hot & 1 Mild [YGBANDITOSTWIN]

UH HUH Spice Blend 2.5 oz. Bottle [YGUNHUH1]

A Seasoning Touch Of New England Trio [YGSEASTRIO]

APPLE LOVERS Cookbook [YHAPLC11]
BERRY LOVERS Cookbook [YHBRLC22]
PECAN LOVERS Cookbook [YHPCLC33]
PUMPKIN LOVERS Cookbook [YHPMLC44]
The Taste of Gloucester, A Fisherman's Wife Cooks [YTGC102]
The Joy of Muffins Cookbook [YHJOMCB]
The Quick Bread Cookbook [YHQBCB]
The Bean Lovers Cookbook [YHBLCB]
Wholly Frijoles! Cookbook [YHWFCB]
Best Barbecue Recipes Cookbook [YHBBRCB]
Chip and Dip Lovers Cookbook [YHCDLCB]
Secrets of Caveman Cooking Cookbook [YHSCCCB]
Easy Recipes for Wild Game and Fish [YHERWFGCB]
Chili Lovers Cookbook [YHDCLVCB]
Too Many Chiles Cookbook [YHTMCCB]
Take This Chile And Stuff It! Cookbook [YHTCSCB]
Salsa Lover's Cookbook [YHSLVCB]
Mexican Family Favorites Cookbook [YHMFFCB]
Quick and Easy Mexican Recipes Cookbook [YHEZMCB]
Kokopelli's Cookbook [YHKKPCB]
South of the Border Trio Cookbook Collection [YHSB3CBC]
South of the Border Deluxe Cookbook Collection [YHSBDCBC]
Baking with Sourdough Cookbook by Sara Pitzer [SDBAKEBK]

Our Best Witches Wreath [GSSBWW1]
Boo Hoo Ghost Wreath [GSSBHW2]
Hand-Painted Paper Mache Jack-O-Lantern [GSSJOL1]
Candles of Doom [GSVCOD024]

Pumpkin Masters Sparkling Pumpkin Jewels [YHPMSPJ]
Pumpkin Masters Pumpkin Masters Monster Snot [YHPMMSNOT]
Pumpkin Masters Monster Snot Collection [PMSNOTCOLL]
Pumpkin Masters Creepy Crawlers Pattern Book [YHPMCCCP]
Pumpkin Masters Spine Tinglers Pattern Book [YHPMSTCP]
Pumpkin Masters Halloween's Most Wanted Pattern Book [YHPMMWCP]

Remember, this is YOUR NEWSLETTER and we'd love to hear from you on what you'd like to see in future editions. Please e-mail your suggestions to: info@yankeeharvest.com

While we keep our troops in our thoughts and prayers, let us also remember this saying by someone that always had a way of putting things across the first time... Will Rogers

"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Have a glorious springtime and God bless!!!

Regards,
Your Friends at Yankee Harvest