Delightful Madison, Wisconsin

Kringles

Some of these fly over states are just wonderful. Don’t kid yourself there is just as much sophistication in some of these cities equal to New York or San Francisco. Madison, Wisconsin happens to be one. Beautiful college town on Lake Mendota. When I think of Wisconsin I never really thought it was near any water. Wrong!!! The whole eastern side of the state is on the great lakes. Live and learn. Or in my case, drive and learn.

You can find stately old mansions, an accessible and charming downtown area, sailing and biking. I found a cupcake bakery and food carts down by the college on State Street. I also discovered a little old school bakery that offered something called a Kringle. Deceptive on the outside, just go in it has everything, Lane’s Bakery. What is a Kringle you ask? A thin and delicate butter-layered pastry with filling made from a traditional Danish recipe. Amazingly delicious They are big about the size of a laptop computer. Lane’s probably had 25 different flavors on the day I went.

Madison Sweets is a small little mom and pop shop on State Street where everyone walks, no cars allowed. They are serving up cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and candy. The inside is on the dark side for my liking but the products are fresh and tasty. I had the Nutella double chocolate cupcake and was it filled with Nutella, moist and darn near perfect.

Just outside of town I discovered Ehlenbauch’s Cheese Chalet. Every cheese known to mankind. Feeling somewhat wild and crazy I picked the Habanero cheddar. Nearly blow my socks off but I liked it. Touristy but fun

Unfortunately I found Culver’s frozen custard. Big mistake. For a girl trying to lose weight this was not a good idea. Culver’s are everywhere, easy to get to and park. It is like soft serve ice cream just richer and better. I think it has more eggs and I know that might not sound good but it is. Best invention ever, set me back a few pounds. Couldn’t adhere to the one bite rule

The food carts are also on State Street. There probably was a dozen to choose from. Although my dish may not look all that appetising it was. They also gave big portions and mine was only $5, sensational vegetable tofu Curry, full-bodied creamy sauce over soft brown rice not too spicy. My daughter Juliana is a vegetarian and I’ve been eating more tofu thanks to her……….