WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Taste of summer

Colchester, Vermont - March 11, 2011

If you're starting to think winter has Vermont in a vice grip and this snow may stick around a while, then Frank Brigante has the recipe for you. "We're all ready, no question about it," he said.

He operates the popular Brigante's Snack Bar. In the winter, its space on Severance Road in Colchester looks pretty bleak, but for 20 years, it's been a busy landmark in the spring and summer. "We have a lot of good friends who started as customers, and now they're friends," Brigante said.

Brigante now has a way to extend the length of his season.

The former social studies teacher is famed for his Michigan sauce; a spicy but not too-hot blend that adds kick to ground beef. Brigante sells his on hot dogs and burgers. "It's not something you have a lot, but when you do, you kind of crave it again," he said.

His customers who need their outdoor food fix in the snowy months can now make Michigans at home. The chef's secret mix-- including dried onion, pepper, garlic, salt, and other spices-- is available in small packets. "Our advantage is we can make it convenient for them," Brigante said.

Just add water, oil, and Worcestershire sauce and Brigante says it'll be as close as you can get to snack bar time in the winter.

Reporter Jack Thurston: It tastes like summer, Frank!

Frank Brigante: It does, thank you very much.

Thurston: It's good.

Brigante: Thank you.

The businessman isn't terribly interested in retirement, though he is keeping a lighter schedule these days. Making the spice kits connects him to the pride of products that are "Made in Vermont." "Small business is good business!" he said.

Frank Brigante is planning to be back at his stand for another summer.

Thurston: The snow will be melted by then?

Brigante: Promise!

A spice pack to make 2 lbs. of Michigan sauce is $4. A bag to make 5 lbs. costs $7.50. The packs are sold at a dozen area stores and online. Click here for more information.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News - Made in Vermont