Wisconsin Cheese Fondue

A Wandering through Wisconsin Thanksgiving Tradition

Cheese Fondue has long been the treat of choice for the Wandering through Wisconsin team on the Friday following Thanksgiving. Stuffed with leftovers yet constantly hungry, fondue is always a welcome treat. While there are many kinds of fondue out there my family sticks with the traditional cheese fondue.

We use Bruno Miranda's recipe from the Tasty Planner Web site, though we often make a few small changes and have to double and sometimes triple the recipe depending on the company!

Please check out Bruno's recipe at Tasty Planner. But check out our notes below...

Notes on the Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white wine -Our favorite is the Chardonay from the Captain's Walk Winery in Green Bay, Wisconsin
  
  
• 1/2 Pound of fontina -We always look for the MezzaLuna Fontina from Roth Käse
  
  
• 1/2 Pound of Butterkase -I fell in love with Butterkase when I tried it at Paoli Cheese in Paoli, Wisconsin
  
  
• 2 ounces of buttermilk Blue cheese -Typically, I leave this out, as I'm not a huge Blue Cheese fan, maybe I'm missing out, but the recipe is delicious either way!
  
  

Our favorites for dipping include:

• Breads:Basically whatever looks fresh at the bakery... French bread, sourdough bread, naan, focaccia, etc. We also use any leftover rolls from Thanksgiving!
  
  
• Meats:Bratwursts, kielbasa, leftover turkey, any cold cuts from the deli, (ham is always a family favorite) we sometimes splurge and grill out a few steaks, and cut them up for dipping as well!
  
  
• FruitsGrapes, melon, apples, pears, a lot of fruits are surprisingly tasty with the cheese fondue!
  
  
• Vegetables:Steamed or raw broccoli, grilled mushrooms, blanched asparagus or snow peas, roasted brussel sprouts (usually we don't have leftovers of these from Thanksgiving, so we have to roast some more!) raw cherry tomatoes, bell peppers (red or green are our favorites), we also make mini potato pancakes out of our mashed potato leftovers and dip those too!

Fondue is a great treat for families and groups of friends alike. With so many recipes out there, it's easy to find a favorite! Whether you make fondue a Thanksgiving tradition, or add it to the list of things you want to try anytime of the year, we hope you enjoy it! Make it your own, and have fun with it!

Dairyland Greyhound Park in Kenosha, Wisconsin Closing

The Dairyland Greyhound Park in Kenosha, Wisconsin is closing its doors on December 31st.

Track racing has been impacted by the popularity of Wisconsin casinos. Attendance and revenues have been down lately, and this is forcing tracks to shut down. While this is causing over 180 people to lose their jobs, they certainly aren't the only living things being affected.

There have been a wide number of reports of how many dogs will be losing their jobs as well. One article we read claimed that around 900 dogs will be put up for adoption or euthanized. Another report puts the number around 500. The national Greyhound Pets of America group has released a statement about the number of dogs at the park, and what will be done with them. The precise number of greyhounds at the Dairyland Greyhound Park is unknown. An official list of the number of dogs should be available from the state by the end of the month. The Greyhound Pets of America group estimates the number to be between 300-500 dogs.

There have been news articles stating that dogs that aren't adopted by the December 31st closing will be killed. The Greyhound Pets of America group says that isn't the case. Apparently the track veterinarian, has said that no dogs will be left behind. The facility will stay until adoption groups can be found for all the dogs that aren't adopted by families or individuals.

If you've been looking for a dog, or have the room and love for an addition to your family, you can look into adopting a greyhound from the Dairyland Greyhound Park for $175. Read more about the adoption policies and see pictures of the available greyhounds at the Dairyland Greyhound Park official Web site.

While getting a dog shouldn't be a spur of the moment decision, these dogs need a home. If you can commit to adopting a greyhound in need, now is a great time to do so. Let other people know about this opportunity to adopt a greyhound, and spread the word.

Wisconsin is full of pets that are looking for good homes. Check out the Wisconsin Humane Society for additional animals that need a home. You can support this organization through donations or volunteer hours as well.

We hope you can do something to help some Wisconsin animals this holiday season. If you know of other opportunities to help, please let us know!

Wisconsin Weekend Events - November 20 - 22, 2009

Tomorrow, Saturday November 21, 2009 is opening day for the White-tailed deer gun season here in Wisconsin! While that isn't news to most Wisconsinites, it is worth mentioning. Be extra cautious when driving or where hunters may be at work.

If you're not planning on being out in the woods, there are plenty of other Wisconsin activities this weekend! Don't forget the list of Wisconsin Arts and Crafts Fairs going on throughout the state, and of course, check out some of the great events we have listed this week!

Whatever your Wisconsin weekend includes, we hope you have a safe, fun and relaxing couple of days. The holidays are approaching rapidly, now is the time to rest up and prepare yourself and your family for the upcoming excitement!

Wisconsin Weekend Events

Friday November 20, 2009 -
Broadway District Lighting Ceremony in Green Bay, Wisconsin. "Enjoy watching the Broadway District glow for the holiday season. There will be live music, carolers, carriage rides, Broadway Business specials and more! Kick-off your Holiday shopping in the Broadway District."

Friday November 20, 2009 -
45th Annual Venison Feed in downtown Tomahawk, Wisconsin on West Wisconsin Avenue. "Come celebrate the opening of hunting season with this unique event! Burgers are served at 11:30 a.m. until gone. Sponsors for this event are: City of Tomahawk, Nelson's County Market, Northland Stainless, Rodeway Inn & Suites, Silver Threads Boutique, Tomahawk Bowl, Tomahawk IGA, Tomahawk Lumber Co., Tomahawk Surplus, and WJJQ Radio. For more information please call the Chamber at 715-453-5334."

Friday, November 20, 2009 -
MAM After Dark: The Future Is Now at the Milwaukee Art Museum, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "MAM After Dark is a monthly art happening at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Each event offers a not-to-be-missed feature program, after-hours access to the galleries, music, food, cash bar, and more. Enjoy as you mingle with friends old and new."

Saturday, November 21, 2009 -
Ruby Nouveau Tasting at the Wollersheim Winery in Prairie dr Sac, Wisconsin. "Taste the 2009 Ruby Nouveau wine, the first wine of the new harvest, upstairs in the winery Sugarloaf and Vineyard Rooms along with an array of specialty Wisconsin cheeses. The Ruby Nouveau is an estate-grown dry red with enticing fruit flavors and a zesty finish. It is the perfect holiday wine as it is meant to be enjoyed young and pairs well with holiday foods, such as Thanksgiving turkey."

Saturday, November 21, 2009 -
Milwaukee's 83nd Annual Holiday Parade in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Johnson Controls volunteers will be collecting your non-perishable food items along the route to benefit the Hunger Task Force's Food For Families. Please help Hunger Task Force and Johnson Controls make a difference this Holiday Season.

Saturday, November 21, 2009 -
Holly Jolly Light Parade in Baraboo, Wisconsin. "Celebrating with small hometown charm, the parade has captivated audiences from young to old. Families from miles around have made The Holly Jolly Light Parade a part of their holiday tradition. Grandparents, moms and dads and all the kids bundle up and line the streets of Downtown Baraboo to enjoy the glittering floats, costumed characters, and novelty units that make up the Holly Jolly Light Parade."

Saturday, November 21, 2009 -
Every Woman Expo at the Wave Ballroom, in Appleton, Wisconsin. "A day of fun, shopping, seminars and a fashion show."

Saturday, November 21, 2009 -
5th Annyal Wonderful World of Women Expo at the Plymouth Arts Center, in Plymouth, Wisconsin. "Discover the art of relaxation, find your inner strength, wellness and peace. Renew your natural beauty. Try something new and have fun!"

Saturday, November 21, 2009 -
Christmas in the Village - ROUSE SIMMONS Day in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. "The Christmas Tree Ship, the ROUSE SIMMONS will be open for tours at the Rogers Street Museum from 2:30pm-4pm. The Christmas Tree will be lit that afternoon as carolers sing throughout the Fishing Village."

Saturday and Sunday, November 21 - 22, 2009 -
One of a Kind Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Show at the Alliant Energy Center, in Madison, Wisconsin. There will be stamping and scrapbooking classes, special events and more than 40 national vendors selling all of the products you need to the most modern stamping and scrapbooking projects.

Sunday, November 22, 2009 -
Green Bay Packers Football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Do you know of an event we've missed? Have you been to any of these events before? Will you be at one this weekend? We want to know! Email us at WanderingWisconsin@gmail.com. Find us on Twitter @wandering_wisco. Or just leave us a comment here on the blog.

Have a great Wisconsin weekend everyone!

Wisconsin Arts and Crafts Fairs for the Holidays

It's that time of year again, the holidays are quickly approaching and hundreds of talented artists and crafters are ready to show you their goods. Grab your money and your shopping bags and take advantage of these amazing holiday craft fairs going on throughout Wisconsin.

Saturday November 14, 2009
The Holiday Craft and Treasure Sale in Phillips, Wisconsin. Wander through the booths of arts, crafts, fresh bakery items and holiday gifts at the Municipal Building in Phillips. Bring the little ones, there will be photos with Santa Claus and childcare available for when you're ready for serious shopping. There will also be a silent auction and more! For more information call (715)339-3125 or visit www.pricecountywi.net.

Saturday November 14, 2009
The Holiday Craft Sale at Leeds Town Hall in Lone Rock, Wisconsin. You will find Christmas and miscellaneous handmade items by crafters from a wide area of Wisconsin. This show is free to the public with easy access to the building and a large, free parking lot. For more information call 608/583-2081.

Satuday November 14, 2009
Wisconsin Heights Holiday Arts and Craft Fair in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. Head over to the Wisconsin Heights Middle and High School for the 13th Annual Wisconsin Heights Holiday Arts and Craft Fair. This show features quality arts & crafters, door prizes, raffles, baked goods, refreshments & child-care available. This is a fund-raising event that benefits scholarships, parent groups & school clubs of the district. Food pantry donations welcomed & encouraged. For more information visit www.wisheights.k12.wi.us/parents/craft.asp.

Saturday November 14, 2009
Trollway Holiday Fair in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. This is a unique holiday craft fair along Mount Horeb's Trollway! Experience Norwegian culture, quality crafters, door prizes, raffles, quilts, bake sales and refreshments. Food pantry donations welcome. Please call 1-88TROLLWAY for more information.

Sunday November 15, 2009
Jingle Bell Craft Fair in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Wander through this Holiday craft show with a wide variety of items available for purchase. This show enefits the Menomonee Falls High School Choir Department. Fill up on the food, beverages, and bakery items for sale while you find amazing crafts and arts! For more information please call (262)703-0224

Thursday - Sunday November 19-22, 2009
The Holiday Fair in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Come to the La Crosse Center, and discover the South Hall packed with holiday gifts and year round delights from over 100 crafters and artists. Santa will be there daily, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer will be stopping by too! For more information call (608)789-495 or visit www.lacrossecenter.com.

Saturday November 21, 2009
2nd Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair in Arena, Wisconsin. Find the perfect holiday gift for you, for your loved ones or for your home at prices that are hard to beat. Most of the lovely products offered are handcrafted by local crafters and artists. Valuable door prizes drawn every half hour. Yummy concessions and lots of free parking. This is a fun time for all! For more information, please call (608)753-2122.

Saturday November 21, 2009
Kohler School Friends Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair at the Kohler High School, in Kohler, Wisconsin. Stop by this annual holiday fair featuring handmade arts and crafts suitable for holiday decorating and gift giving. There will be music, food, a bake sale, and raffle. Shuttle service available to American Club's Wisconsin Holiday Market. For more information please visit www.craftfair.kohlerschoolfriends.com.

Saturday November 21, 2009
Serendipity Holiday Craft & Gift Fair at the Waupaca Recreation Center in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Admission to this event is free. The Red Cross hosts a "Round Robin" of craft shows. Guests have their cards stamped at each of FIVE shows that enter for over 100 free drawings. For more information, please call (715)258-5055 or visit www.newredcross.org.

Sunday November 22, 2009
The Tinsel Trail Arts and Crafts Show in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Swing by the Holiday Inn for the Steven's Point Junior Women's Club hosts over 100 amazing artists and crafters for the annual Tinsel Trail Show. For more information call (715)344-3572 or visit www.spacvb.com.

Friday - Sunday November 27-29, 2009
Holiday Craft & Gift Expo at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin. This is the Midwest's largest indoor craft fair. Head over to the Expo Center and have your pick of over 300 crafters selling their goods. There will be demonstrations, entertainment, gourmet food and wine! For more information call (262)506-4114 or visit www.craftfairwisconsin.com.

Saturday, November 28, 2009
Elroy Holiday Craft Fair and Quilt Show in the Royall Schools Complex, in Elroy, Wisconsin. This show features handmade arts and crafts suitable for holiday decorating and gift giving. Our third annual quilt show is judged by the viewers. For more information please call (608)462-8401.

Sunday November 29, 2009
St. Mary Craft Fair in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. This show features all handmade crafts. This is a great time to start your holiday shopping. There will be a craft raffle and a continental breakfast. For more information, call (262)786-0822.

Saturday - Sunday, December 5-6, 2009
Country Christmas Cookie & Craft Sale at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, in Lebanon, Wisconsin. Stop by Wisconsin's largest holiday cookie and candy sale. Located northeast of Watertown, you will find amazing amounts of holiday cookies, candy, crafts and more. For more information please call (920)925-3342 or visit www.stpetersoflebanon.com.

Wisconsin Weekend Events - November 6 - 8, 2009

Wisconsin Weekend Events - Hello November

Well it's been a few weeks since we've posted Wisconsin Weekend Events here on Wandering through Wisconsin - Sorry about that! We've had a little technical problem with the Blog for awhile, but I'm pretty sure it's back up and running, so we're back with the Wisconsin Events as well!

Can you believe it's November already? Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and then, GULP, Christmas, New Years, and 2010! I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet... Enough worrying about the future, let's focus on the weekend! Have a fun and safe Wisconsin weekend, whatever it is you decide to do!

Wisconsin Events:

Thursday - Saturday, November 5 - 7, 2009 - Fall Holiday Open House in Middleton, Wisconsin. Music, art and demonstrations at University Avenue Middleton galleries and shops..

Friday and Saturday, November 6 - 7, 2009 - Apple Butter Festival and Spine-Tingling Tales of the Creepy, Deranged and Mysterious in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. "Come out to Apple Holler for a unique autumn evening experience that will leave your taste buds as well as your spine tingling. Our courtyard and pavilion will radiate with the perfect autumn ambiance, decorated with beautifully lighted trees, straw bales, corn stalks and a warm campfire. Enjoy a perfect fall meal at a picnic table under the stars or under the covered pavilion. Summon your appetite as you make the rounds at the Harvest Café where there will be and All-You-Can-Eat Chili Bar; with all the toppings, All-Beef Hot Dogs, corn bread with apple butter, a delicious Harvest Salad, Hot Spiced Cider, Harvest cider Punch, Pumpkin pie with real whipped cream and a cash bar where you can search out your favorite "spirits".

Friday and Saturday, November 6-7, 2009 - Wisconsin Cheese Festival in Madison, Wisconsin. "Celebrates the state’s growing number of dairy artisans and award-winning collection of American Original cheeses. Taste hundreds of unique cow, goat and sheep milk cheeses and learn more about the reinvigoration of Wisconsin dairy during this first annual cheese festival."

Saturday, November 7,2009 - Harvest Fair in Racine, Wisconsin. "Enjoy the bounty of Harvest time and shop our many booths with new and antique items. Our homemade luncheon and desserts are prepared and served by our Ladies Guild"

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Christmas Bazaar in St. Germaine, Wisconsin. "Craft Show with an emphasis on Christmas benefiting Big Brothers/Big Sisters held in the Community Center from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Fresh wreaths & garland for sale, bake sales & cookies, children's activities, a 50/50 raffle, holiday gourmet gifts and including a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus!"

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Wisconsin Dog Fair in Madison, Wisconsin. Check out the Wisconsin Dog Fair, held this year at the Alliant Energy Center. There will be demonstrations, vendors, educational seminars, breed rescue information and much more. You will have the chance to see over 150 dog breeds.

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Fall Holiday Open House in Superior, Wisconsin. Amazing art on display! Check out all the great local talent!

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Annual HCE Harvest Festival in Adams, Wisconsin. "Refreshments and crafts for display or sale, sponsored by the HCE at Adams-Friendship Middle School Gym, State Rd 13 Adams."

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Twenty-Second Annual Harvest Ball in Racine, Wisconsin. "Music (and dancing) for the President's 200th Birthday! Abraham Lincoln loved music!"

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Holiday Craft Sale in Lancaster, Wisconsin. "It is our only fundraiser and it supports the community by bringing a variety of Crafters & Artists to the area. We have a tremendous crowd of over 2,000 and a great tradition continues!! The Art Club sells Breakfast & Lunch ! The Crafters come from northern Wisconsin and southern Iowa plus Illinois & Minnesota, too!"

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Fall Tour of Homes in Platteville, Wisconsin. " Tickets are $8.00 in advance (at Change of Seasons, Erschen’s Florist, Hartig Drug, Platteville Chamber of Commerce and Something Different), or for $10.00 the day of the event. "

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Gallery Walk in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. "From 6-9pm Oshkosh galleries and businesses open their doors to feature artwork of all varieties and genres. Come join the hundreds of other art lovers who make Oshkosh the place to be on the first Saturday of every month."

Saturday, November 7. 2009 - Family Free Day at the Zoo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "All Zoo visitors receive free admission (the parking fee remains in effect). From the smallest of our residents like the Humboldt penguins, to the magnificent polar bears, there's something for everyone to enjoy."

Saturday, November 7, 2009 - Hockey Night in Monroe, Wisconsin. "Monroe Avalanche Varsity Hockey team vs the 2008-09 State Champions from Kenosha. Free popcorn and Blumer's Root Beer for all students attending. The first 100 students thru the doors will receive an opportunity to "Chuck A Puck" for a grand prize. Lots of prizes to give away to the attending students.
Our mascot Eddy the Yetty will there too!!!

Following the Varsity game is College Hockey! UW Platteville vs Mankato 9:30pm at SLICE. Admission is free for both games!Our concession stand will open serving our homemade Chilli."

Sunday, November 8, 2009 - Preparing for Winter at the UW-Madison Arboretum in Madison, Wisconsin. "Animals and plants that live here need to prepare for winter long before the first snow flies. This short walk introduces young people to how plants and animals prepare for winter."

Do you know of an event we've missed? Have you been to any of these events before? Will you be at one this weekend? We want to know! Email us at WanderingWisconsin@gmail.com. Find us on Twitter @wandering_wisco. Or just leave us a comment here on the blog.

Have a great Wisconsin weekend everyone!