Wasaga Collingwood Connections

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 15 km

Start: Wasaga RecPlex – 1724 Mosley Street

Both Collingwood and Wasaga Beach are exciting towns to be in during the summer months – from waterfront events to concerts and festivals, you are guaranteed fun every time you visit. For those looking to travel between the two towns via bicycle, two routes are recommended; For a longer, more challenging on-road route, take the Wasaga Collingwood link to the Escarpment based routes. If you and your family are looking for a flatter, less challenging ride take the route which follows quiet streets until it reaches the heather Pathway.

Editor's Note: Riders looking to only cycle one direction can take the Wasaga Beach-Collingwood bus link, as it can transport bikes. See Digital Issue of beach BOOSTER for a link to detailed map.

Honey Mustard "Chicken Maryland" Bake

In Australia the term "Chicken Maryland" simply refers to a butcher's cut for a whole leg consisting of the thigh and drumstick. Chicken breasts with the skin on, worked equally as well. This recipe is ideal for using up some of the early offerings from your garden. It is quite easy to make and can be prepared as a quick midweek meal or served as a main course at an elegant dinner party.

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

4 Chicken legs and thighs attached ( about 2 lb )

Sea salt and cracked black pepper

1/2 lb bacon

1 1/2 lb baby potatoes halved

1 cup 35% cream

1/2 cup honey mustard

1 cup water

5 sprigs of thyme, 3 sprig rosemary

8 oz green beans (optional)

Chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 400 F. Heat the oil in a large flameproof, ovenproof frying pan over high heat. Separate the legs from the thighs and sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 4 minutes each side or until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the bacon and potato to the pan and cook for 6 minutes or until golden. Add the cream, mustard and water and return the chicken to the pan. Add the thyme and a few sprigs of rosemary. Bring to a simmer and cover with a lid.

Cook in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, add the green beans and cook for a further 10 minutes or until chicken is golden and potato is cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley