KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine
The town center of Kennebunkport is Dock Square. This small village has retained the feel and charm of the original fishing town and surrounding ship building facilities. It is located along the Kennebunk River – about one mile from the Atlantic Ocean.
The area was first established in 1663 with the name of Cape Porpoise by theMassachusetts Bay Colony. Maine became a state in 1820 and shortly after in 1821 the town was renamed to Kennebunkport.
This area of the United States’ northeast coast was created by the retreat of ice capes some 23,000 years ago. Due to difference of composition of rock – Kennebunkport resulted in sandy beaches. The actual land size is 49 squaremiles – 20 miles of land and 29 miles of water.
Approximately 100 years ago or so Kennebunkport became a resort, especially for the rich and upper class. This community is one of the wealthiest in Maine. This year round destination still attracts the affluent and the average tourists seeking the laid-back charm it has to offer.
Former President George H. Bush’s family has owned property on Kennebunkport since the 1980s. President G.H. Bush acquired the property built by his maternal grandfather – George Herbert Walker. During the time both President Bushes were in office – world leaders were guests at the complex named “Walkers Point.”
Several feature and documentary films have been filmed or based in Kennebunkport. Most noted was “Empire Falls” by Maine author Richard Russo.
Nearby is the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge named after the author of book “Silent Spring.” The refuge covers 9,125 square acres along 50 miles of Maine’s southern coast. Under its protection are 1,167 acres of marsh and uplands. It was established to protect and pre- serve key points of the migration of birds of many kinds – especially the endangered piper plover. The refuge is home to migratory birds, water birds, waterfowl, shorebirds , gulls, terns as well as land birds.
Many mammals roam the refuge land – most commonly the white-tailed deer, as well as raccoons, mink, moose, black bears and snowshoe hares. The waters of the refuge are a haven to a diverse shellfish and finfish population.
There is a small village within Kennebunkport, known as Cape Porpoise. Its harbor is deep and is naturally protected by more than 12 islands. The iconic Goat Island Lighthouse is situated in the harbor. Since 1833 and until this day its beacon gives off its warning of danger.
There is Arundel Beach which is small and rocky and it is dog friendly. Goose Rocks Beach is a pristine three mile beach. It is a great place to collect shells and take evening strolls. All four seasons offer beautiful and in- teresting activities. There are restaurants, markets, shops and galleries with great lodging available. Whale watching offers a great up-close view of sea life in the area. Rentals of all types of equipment to enjoy what Kennebunkport has to offer are available.
Apopular place to visit is the “Clock Farm” which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It is a rambling farm with some of the structures dating back to 1733. This notable landmark has a foursided clock with all four sides having Roman numerals telling the time. The clock was moved from a factory in Lawrence and placed on top of a tower on one of the barns.
The state of Maine only borders on one U.S. State – New Hampshire. Remaining borders are shared with Canada and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south. Maine became the 23rd state to enter the union -- it entered as a free state as part of the Missouri Compromise.
The foods of Kennebunk- port and Maine are diversified with many products from the area are featured.
Coastal Seafood Casserole
1 cup peeled & cooked shrimp 1 cup cooked crab 1 cup cooked chopped cod
2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 3 large eggs 1 ½ cups milk 1 can condensed cream soup 1 Tsp. Italian seasoning ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. ground pepper In bowl mix shrimp, crab & cod. In a buttered baking dish layer 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 cup shredded cheese & seafood mixture. In a small bow beat eggs, add milk, condensed soup, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper – mix thoroughly. Pour liquid mixture over baking dish. Top with remaining breadcrumbs & cheddar cheese. Bake 325-degree preheated oven for one hour & lightly browned. Serves (4) four.
Maine Blueberry Drop Cookies
Alternative to Chocolate Chip Cookies 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 Tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt ½ cup butter/margarine ¼ milk 1 egg 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract 1½ tsp. lemon zest 1 cup fresh blueberries In large bowl cream butter/margarine & sugar together, add one egg in at a time – mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add in milk, extract & lemon zest. Combine together the flour, baking powder & salt; blend into creamy mixture. Gently fold in blueberries. Cover & refrigerate for 4 hours. Preheat oven to 375-degrees. Drop by teaspoon on to ungreased or parchment lined cookie sheet – about 1½” apart. Bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool – transfer to wire rack to completely cool.
A Side of Rice
Goes Good with All Fish 1 tsp. sea salt ¼ tsp. ground cumin ¼ tsp. ground black pepper 2 cups brown rice ½ cup chopped shelled pistachios
¼ cup finely chopped fresh mint
¼ cup finely chopped parsley freshly grated lime zest 1½ cups water Put salt, cumin & pepper along with 1½ cups water in a small pot & bring to a boil – add rice & cook according to direction on the package. Transfer rice to larger bowl & fluff with a fork. Add pistachios, mint, parsley & lime zest. Toss thoroughly. This dish is tasty & gluten free. It’s good with grilled chicken as well as fish.
CELEBRATE LIFE EVERY DAY!
Let me hear from you: banjack303@verizon.net. Search YouTube for Look Who’s Cooking as well as phoenixvillenews.com for this column. Find Bette on Facebook by searching “Bette Banjack’s Downtown Kitchen.”