Author: Family Times

Ingredients 2 cups Hood® Lowfat Cottage Cheese 2 tablespoons Hood® Whole Milk in the Lightblock Bottle 4 large eggs 2 tablespoons sugar 1 large apple, grated (skin on), and more for garnish, if desired 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions STEP 1 Place cottage cheese and milk in a small food processor or blender. Process on high until smooth, about 1 minute. STEP 2 In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar. Add the cottage cheese mixture and combine until blended. Add the apple and vanilla…

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Fall has officially arrived in Central New York—and what better way to celebrate the season than with a scenic train ride? Click here for our picks (all of them are within three hours of Syracuse). Then don’t forget to check out our annual fall activities guide below; it features area apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and much more!

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The start of the school year is a great time to sign up your child or teen for a new after-school program or activity. And there are a lot of options in Central New York. Here are a few of them:GeneralBASCOLAges: Grades K-6.Offers: Before and after school programs.Location: Central Square Central School District; Liverpool Central School District; Lyncourt School; Solvay Union Free School District; St. Mary’s Academy (Baldwinsville); West Genesee Central School District.More information: bascol.org.Boys and Girls Clubs of SyracuseAges: 5-18.Offers: Academic Success; Character & Leadership Development; Healthy Lifestyles.Location: 2100 E. Fayette St., Syracuse (East Fayette Street Club); 201 Shonnard…

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The first New York State Fair took place in 1841. Nearly two centuries later, it continues to be a staple of the summer calendar. Here is everything you need to know about this year’s event: DATES AND HOURS The 2024 New York State Fair will run from Aug. 21 to Sept. 2 – a total of 13 days. The fairground will be open from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. each day (except Labor Day, when its hours will be 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.). DAILY ADMISSION AND PARKING The admission fee is $8 per person (unless someone in your family…

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When is the best time for your child to start swimming? The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that lessons begin at age 1, but infants as young as six months old can participate in classes that acclimate them to the water. Here are a few options in Central New York: Champions Fitness Center Classes offered: Children’s swim lessons.Where: 7687 Frontage Road, Cicero.More information: championsfitness.com/services. City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs Classes offered: Children’s swim lessons.Where: 7687 Frontage Road, Cicero.More information: championsfitness.com/services. Elevate Fitness Classes offered: Parent & Child (9 months-4 years); Introduction to Water Skills (ages…

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Ingredients: ½ cup heavy cream ½ cup whole milk Juice from two oranges Zest from one orange 1 tsp. vanilla ¼ cup honey Instructions: In a blender, add cream, milk, honey, and vanilla. Zest one orange, then cut and squeeze two oranges into blender. Blend until well combined. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 3 hours or until completely frozen. Serve. Recipe from Leanne Ziemba

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Beaches may not be the first thing you associate with Central New York, but the region is actually home to many family-friendly swimming spots. Here are nine you should visit this summer:1. Delta Lake State Park (Rome)Lake Delta was first created in the early 1900s. These days, the park’s sandy beach, playgrounds, and hiking and nature trails make it a family favorite during the summer months.Where: 8797 State Route 46, Rome. Admission fee: $7/vehicle.More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/deltalake.2. Emerson Park (Auburn)Come to this Finger Lakes park for its beach, then stay for its many other amenities, including playgrounds, disc golf, a dog…

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Miniature GolfBig Don’s Outdoor Fun Center Where: 8408 Button Road, Cicero.More information: bigdons.com.Fairmount Glen Miniature GolfWhere: 210 Onondaga Road, Syracuse.More information: fairmountglen.com.Four Seasons Golf & Ski CenterWhere: 8012 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville.More information: fourseasonsgolfandski.com.Gold Rush Adventure GolfWhere: 4853 NY-233, Westmoreland.More information: goldrushminiaturegolf.weebly.com.Hickory Hill Golf Center Where: 3451 State Route 31, Baldwinsville.More information: hickoryhillgolfcourse.com/amenities/mini-golf.Lakeview LanesWhere: 723 W. Broadway, Fulton.More information: lakeviewbowling.com/mini-golf.Mr. Pudder’s Mini Golf & Ice Cream Where: 687 W. Genesee St. Road, Skaneateles.More information: mrpudders.com.Palm Springs Mini GolfWhere: 9411 Maynard Drive, Marcy.More information: palmspringsminigolf.com.Shipwreck AmusementsWhere: 759 State Route 13, Cortland.More information: shipwreck-amusements.com.Tom Thumb Drive InWhere: 6143 East Lake Road, Auburn.More information: tomthumbdrivein.com.Victory…

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Blueberry CrispRecipe and photo courtesy of HoodIngredients5 cups fresh or frozen blueberries¼ cup sugar3 Tbsp. flour + ¼ cup½ cup oats, raw½ cup packed brown sugar¼ tsp. ground cinnamon¼ cup butter, cold½ cup chopped walnutsHood® Vanilla Bean Ice Cream DirectionsSTEP 1Preheat oven to 375˚F.STEP 2In a medium mixing bowl, gently toss blueberries, sugar, and 3 Tbsp. flour. Place fruit mixture in a 2-quart baking dish. *Thaw frozen berries, but do not drain. STEP 3To make topping, place ¼ cup flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl. Combine well. Add butter and cut in until mixture is crumbly. Stir…

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Now that summer is here, are you looking for some ways to beat the heat – without breaking the bank? Start with this list of Central New York splash pads and spray parks. There are plenty to choose from!Breitbeck Park – 91 Lake St., Oswego.Camillus Park – 1 Pool Road, Camillus.CFJ Park – 98 CFJ Blvd., Johnson City.Columbus Park – 9 Columbus Park East, Binghamton.Comfort Tyler Park – 1100 Comstock Ave., Syracuse.Donovan Memorial Park – Elm St., Chadwicks.Hulett Park – 609 Division St., Fulton.Joseph F. William Memorial Park – 7033 Lakeshore Road, Cicero.Lewis Park – 305 Lewis Ave., Syracuse.Lysander Park…

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