Cooking with Kerosene

9-18-2010 Houghton, MI to Ephraim, WI

Today was a full day of riding, again.  As we drove down from the UP of Michigan, we saw leaves at their peak.  In fact, some of the trees were beginning to drop their leaves already.  The colors were intense!

Our side trip today was to a cheese factory.  We were disappointed they were not in operation today.  However we did get some cheddar, pesto and pepper cheeses to enjoy for the next few days.  Shipping 3 pounds of cheese was almost $30.  Too bad, so sad….we didn’t get any shipped home.  I did sample a fresh cheese curd, tho’.  It was still along the lines of a string cheese stick in consistency, just more rubbery and not stringy.  I think the grandkids would like them.

We drove around the northern part of Green Bay and into what is referred to as The Thumb of Wisconsin.  We were headed towards Door County, which is considered to be one of the top vacation spots in America.  It is surrounded by Lake Michigan to the north and east and the bay of Green Bay to the west.  The county is 70 miles long and has 300 miles of shoreline, including 5 state parks, 10 historic lighthouses and 30+ beachside parks.  Due to its natural beauty the county is also a magnet to artists and is a year round arts community.  Professional artists call Door County home and their works are found throughout the county at galleries, studios, on stages and in concert halls.  Art education classes are in constant demand.

Towns in Door County include Sturgeon Bay, Carlsville, Jacksonport, Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Ellison Bay, Rowleys Bay and Gills Rock.  The island off the coast is named Washington Island and can only be reached by boat.  Each little town is small and has its own flavor.  The homes are quaint, the shops are unique, and restaurants abound. 

Our first stop was in Sturgeon Bay.  We were hungry!  We walked into this little restaurant, called Scaturo’s, and it was a combination bakery and family owned restaurant.  We had delicious sandwiches and took off again.

About 30 minutes later we arrived at our destination for the next three nights.  We were staying in Bay Breeze Resort in Ephraim.  It is located right across the street from the bay.  Fall decorations were all around the motel and the summer flowers were still in full bloom.  They had corn stalks w/corn wrapped around the light poles and hay bales and Halloween decorations all around.  Very pretty.

Across the bay from our resort

We spent the afternoon walking, sitting by the bay, and looking at the boats and birds.  Terry and I saw an eagle fly overhead, twice!  There were several ducks dining on the algae that had washed ashore.  

Our resort

Sailboat anchored out in the bay

Sunset

That evening we participated in a Door County tradition:  a fish boil.  We had to make reservations ahead of time for this one.  I was the only one who was brave enough to try it.  The other three chickens ordered ribs and chicken.  When we arrived to the restaurant we stayed outside around the fire.  Since it was cold, it felt good!   Anyway, there was a large cast-iron pot over the roaring fire.  Inside the pot were potatoes that were boiling.  About 3 pounds of salt had also been added to the water.  After the potatoes had cooked about 10-15 minutes, onions were added for about 8 minutes.  Then the guy brings out white fish that had been caught that morning.  It was cut into chunks.  He added them to the pot and let them cook for just a few minutes.  As the fish cooked the oils of the fish rose to the top of the pot and began to run over the top.  Just as the oil began to run over the top, the guy threw about a quart of kerosene onto the fire.  This caused the fire to just explode, bringing the pot to a real roaring boil, causing the water to boil over the sides and the oil to burn out.  The fire is doused as the water boils over.  They immediately remove all the food from the pots and everyone goes inside to eat.  As we were seated with our plates, the server came around and picked the bones out of my fish.  The fish was delicious!    Terry and Martha said the fried chicken was very good and Dave gnawed all his ribs to the bone.  To top off the meal, it is traditional to serve a big hunk of cherry pie.  We all were full as ticks after our meal.

Start with a big fire and put potatoes and salt in pot.  Outside logs help stop wind from blowing out fire.

Onions have been added.  Almost time for fish.

These whitefish were in the lake earlier in the morning.

Throw on the kerosene to burn off the fish oil.

Supper's ready!!!

P.S.  Terry saw a restaurant the next day that advertised Fish Boils on Fridays.  Under that sign was another that said Restaurant Closed Due to Fire.  Guess those fish boils can be dangerous!