I’m Emma. I live in the upper right corner of the northeast U.S., in Aroostook County, Maine. I live to eat, and I love to travel.
Whether it’s an abandoned motel in South Carolina or an unsanctioned hiking trail in Hawaii, I’m all about crafting souvenirs between the ears. It’s been five six eight nine years since I lived overseas in France, so in June 2016 my husband and I are saying goodbye to Maine, and we’re taking to the skies with our bicycles in tow.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions, or illicit hiking opportunities you may have. Thank you for reading !
of agates and madeleines 
you are my favorite girl on the planet
Thank you so much for commenting on my blog; it has led me to yours, which is wonderful and I’m already enjoying what I’ve read so far. I love that you also enjoy cooking and eating new and exciting foods, and your photos are just gorgeous!
I love your blog! You have such a fresh approach and your stories and photos are the best. I especially love the chocolate one!
Love this Emma! I should be studying forest economics but I can’t tear myself away from your delicious adventures! Hope you are enjoying Presque Isle–the ladies of Nutting miss you!
Hi Britt! Thanks, Britt!! Good to hear from you – I miss the ladies of Nutting too:)
Nice! I look forward to meeting you next week.
Rich
p.s. I recognize the Olive & Sinclair label–I used some of Scott’s couverture last year and enjoyed it thoroughly!
Emma –
I meant to write about a post you made on your blog back in December but I have been very busy. Thanks for the link to the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter restaurant. I have a friend in the Twin Cities that I like to visit now and again (I live in SE Wisconsin), so it’s nice to find out about someplace new.
So I am returning the favor for when you come back to the Midwest. It’s a little out of your way (Eau Claire) but from what my co-workers say it’s the tops.
The name of the place is Norske Nook. Here is the web site:
http://www.norskenook.com/
I am told they have fabulous pies, and it seems sweets is a pleasure of yours. The next time I go up north I will stop at both places.
Warning: I am told to stay away from something called Lutefisk.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutefisk
It’s Norwegian. I looked it up and it may just be something to avoid.
By the way, I enjoy your writing. It’s always a pleasure to read someone who has a good grasp of the English language. Sadly I can’t partake in many of your sweets postings as I am diabetic.
Take care,
Otto.
Better late than never! I’m impressed by your dedication to come back and comment, so many months later. Thank you:)
Ah, the Gasthaus. It’s been over a year since I was there, but I was actually just thinking about it last week. Mmmm, spätzle.
My mum loves the Norske Nook! I’ve actually never stopped by, so it’s great to be reminded of its presence along that seemingly endless stretch of 94. It is actually not out of my way at all, because I always drive home (I have a cat), and by that point in the drive I’m keen for a yummy distraction. Fabulous pies sounds enticing and inviting and all sorts of delicious, I must visit on my next drive across Wisconsin!
But now now, lutefisk isn’t 100% horrible. It just has a 100% horrible smell, a 100% horrible backstory, and a 50% horrible taste. It isn’t for the faint of heart (or nose), that’s for sure.
Thank you for the writing compliment, that makes my day. And even if you can’t indulge in the sweets I write about, perhaps you can at least devour them visually!
Thanks so much for your comment, Otto, it means a lot!
Lutefisk! Ok, I’ll sample it when I go to the Norske Nook next – this fall. I’ll report back… if I survive. :)
Otto.
I wasn’t going to comment just yet… until I saw the B Boys quote above. Now I must! Loving the things I’ve read so far- and your photos are gorgeous. So glad Freshly Pressed led me to you!
Check me out at theusualbliss.com sometime for a little bit about life out West in Park City… :)
Quoting the Beastie Boys is one of my life’s chief objectives. I try to do it whenever possible, whether in print or in lyric. And I’m still deeply saddened about MCA… I wrote a tribute slash chocolate review back at the end of May, but it feels like time hasn’t really passed since then. It’s still heartbreaking.
I will definitely check you out – any friend of the Beastie Boys is a friend of mine;)
I saw them live twice. The second concert was in Seattle- I took my brother. It was his first concert and he high-fived MCA during their encore. Broken heart with the loss for sure!
That is just about the best story that could be told! What a wonderful memory for both of you. It is a regret of mine that I never got to see them live…
Hello Emma
Thanks for your lovely comment on my little blog. I just thought I would let you know that my blog has moved and is now bighungrygnomes.co.uk. Unfortunately, if you want to remain subscribed to my blog, you will have re-subscribe to this new address. I realise this is a little bit of a nuisance but I would really appreciate your continuing support and interest in my blog
Thanks
Fiona
Hi Emma, this is a fanatastic blog! My heart skipped a beat when I saw madeleine in the title (my favourite petite cakes). Look forward to tagging along in your culinary adventures
greetings from Colorado! I popped over here to see where you were from because of your fiddleheads and nettles at Tastespotting. My folks are in Presque Isle, as we speak, to visit my fam. My father is from Caribou. You probably know my cousins or something. Do you have a store front for your chocolate business yet?
Herro! I was searching for information about logging and came across your blog. Having just moved to Van Buren(literally five mins from the Canadian border) a week ago and not knowing anyone or really anything about where I am I’m sure I’ll appreciate many of your posts.. and you really can’t lose with chocolate. :]
I love hiking and exploring so if you ever find yourself in Van Buren let me know! Take care.
I find the name “Presque Isle” very funny. I imagine it’s on a peninsula? I’m an American living in Québec, so I understand being surrounded by French Canadians (and even being married to one).
I really enjoyed tripping across your blog. Thank you !
I’m so excited to have stumbled upon your blog! I arrived here after searching for information on Reishi tinctures. I am going to start there and then explore making it into bitters for cocktails. Here’s to drinking to your health, and Minnesotans! (I’m writing from St. Paul)
Rachel
Hi Rachel! Have you tried making reishi bitters yet? I’m curious!
Really love your blog — I’m originally from Maine, now living in the Pacific Northwest, but my home will always be Sebec Lake :)