As the oldest child, I remember having special privileges – privileges like staying up late with mom to watch Dynasty. Once a week, we would make lemon bars, snack ourselves into the world of shoulder pads, and male stunt doubles in awful wigs playing the roles of over-privileged, fighting women. Lemon bars never made me […]
It’s strawberry season – a time for strawberry soup, strawberry tarts, and, of course, the ever-popular and completely adorable strawberry cut-out cookies. This year I thought I would jazz things up with a wee bit o’ rum for you. You’re welcome. The mojito is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful drinks. Ever. Add fresh strawberries, […]
Coconut French Toast with Orange Cream Cheese Syrup. What is extremely popular and a perfect breakfast for Mother’s Day or any day? This. This Coconut French Toast with Orange Cream Cheese Syrup is the talk of the town this month. There is nothing quite like her. She is nutty. She is comforting. She is refreshing. […]
When I was a little girl, the only thing I would eat at restaurants during breakfast time was strawberry and whipped cream-covered pancakes, waffles, or French toast. I was a picky palate and my grandparents spoke my language. I was their oldest grandchild and used it to my advantage when holding a breakfast menu. Oatmeal? […]
Blueberry Pancakes. I’ve never been one to get into food “holidays”. I mean, who celebrates Bread Machine Month? Please rise. National Pretzel Day? That’s just twisted. National Melba Toast Day? Anyone? Anyone? National Caffeine Awareness Month? Zzzzz. National Kahlua Day? Well, okay. Maybe that one is worth celebrating. But what kind of innkeeper would I […]
I made Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Quiche again today. This may or may not have resulted in a Hobbit-like second breakfast. Sweet baby Jesus, this is good. It’s bad for you. it’s good for you. It confuses the mind and comforts the soul. It is BLT quiche. Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Quiche 1 Pillsbury pie […]
Streusel-Topped Banana Bread With Maple Frosting. It’s been a long time since I’ve made banana bread. I keep tossing brown bananas into my freezer for smoothies but it’s been even longer since I’ve made smoothies so the freezer full of bananas. I was simply forced to make banana bread this week. I didn’t really have […]
Waldorf Salad. It appears I am not the only person on the planet who has the gift of making incredibly healthy food unhealthy. I am happy to carry on the tradition which has obviously been going on for decades. The proof? The Waldorf Salad – a must for every holiday table and a perfect snack […]
Yeast Biscuits and Country Gravy. When I am at my normal post, you will not see biscuits and gravy at the inn… until today. Today, the gravy was made with fresh herbs. Today, the biscuits were light and fluffy and moist. Today was lovely. Yeast Biscuits and Country Gravy Serves about 10 people with leftover […]
Sometimes seemingly simple things aren’t so simple like making perfect scrambled eggs – one of the most common and delicious dishes in all of the breakfast kingdom. Here’s an easy, gourmet twist on this breakfast comfort food just on time for your next breakfast. Perfect Scrambled Eggs With Fresh Herbs 3 tablespoons olive oil 12 […]
Ever since we were featured in Evening Magazine, these homemade danish pastries have been my most requested recipe. It simply whisked across the screen for 30 seconds and people were in love. I don’t blame them. I figure I’ve frosted 58,923 of these in my life so far. They were popular at Scandia Bakery when […]
The beauty of Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts might seem too fancy to accomplish at home but it’s not as hard as it seems. With the right recipe and steps (for example, NEVER underestimate the importance of a preheated deep fryer), you can make these gorgeous flared masterpieces at home. The biggest secret is in allowing the […]
Family is over for the weekend and bless-ed Bavarian Cream Doughnuts are the answer. They are, in fact, the answer to more things than one might even think. So while your family piles up on the sectional sofa to re-watch Star Wars – the good ones, not the new ones – for the gazillionth time, […]
Pressed Dill Potato Slices & Dill Dip. I admit it. I love to have fun with my food. This is especially true when I’m getting ready for a dinner party. What could make potatoes more fun? Well, I suppose almost anything would make basic spuds more exciting but I promise you that these pressed potato […]
Grandma Leonia’s Orange Bread. This week I want to go back in time. Back to my pink bedroom with pink curtains and my white chenille bedspread. I want to go back to my Holly Hobby nightgown and homemade, knitted slippers that hurt my feet when I tried to walk in them. I’d even be willing […]
White Cheddar Cheese Ball. The best hors d’oeuvres are gorgeous, filled with flavor, easy to make, and able to be prepared ahead of your dinner parties. This cheese ball has it all. She is gorgeous, gourmet, and practical to prepare. Party on, my friends, party on in style. White Cheddar Cheese Ball 8 ounces cream […]
Glazed Pecan Danish. Happy. Happy. Joy. Joy. That’s how I feel every time I make pecan glazed danish for breakfast. Sweet. Nutty. So many adjectives. Adjectives people have used to describe me to be perfectly honest. Still trying to decide how I feel about that. Glazed Pecan Danish Makes 12 large danish. Danish Pastry 1/2 […]
Sweet and Spicy Cornish Game Hens With Cornbread Stuffing. When I was single, I used to go for long drives in my pumpkin-orange, ’76 Chevette. I would drive until I got lost and then find my way back, making stops along the way to experience new stores and new restaurants. In losing myself, I would […]
Black Bean Salad. If I were voted president, the world would be less consumed with guarding wetlands and more focused on saving cilantro fields for I have never met a cilantro dish I have not loved. Of course, if I were voted into office, Nutella crepes would be on the food pyramid, every ladies’ restroom […]
Ham and Cheese Quiche. Amen. They say Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche, but real men like this ham and cheese quiche. It’s simple, delicious, and surprisingly manly. Ham and Cheese Quiche Serves 6-8. Preheat oven to 350°F. 1 Pillsbury pie crust (or 1/2 this homemade recipe) 10 large eggs 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup flour 8 ounces […]
Nutella Crepes Topped With Fresh Berries and Almond Whipped Cream. Because no American can get enough French crepes. Because it’s Sunday. Because they are darling. Just out of the pan crepes filled with Nutella, topped with homemade whipped cream, fresh berries, slivered almonds, and dusted with powdered sugar. Because, well, just because. Nutella Crepes Topped […]
Homemade Blackberry Pie. If there’s one thing a girl needs to know how to bake, it’s a Homemade Blackberry Pie. The good news is that it’s easier than it looks. Not to mention, it’s practically free if you have berries growing nearby. Don’t worry, you don’t have to make it perfect. There is something, well, […]
Have you heard met Parisian Hot Chocolate (also known as Le Chocolat Chaud) yet? Well, now you have. You’re welcome. Parisian Hot Chocolate Makes about 4 six-ounce servings. 2 cups whole milk 1 teaspoons vanilla 10 ounces 65-70% chocolate (I recommend Valrhona Chocolate Guanaja 70%), broken or chopped into small pieces Dash of flaky salt […]
Mini Almond Mazarin Tarts With Fresh Fruit. Buttery crust and almondy filling but the real topper is the glazed fresh fruit. Fancy yet simple. Plain yet colorful. Mini Almond Mazarin Tart With Fresh Fruit Preheat oven to 350°F. 2 sticks (one cup) butter 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar 2 cups of flour 1 teaspoon […]
I had planned on trying this recipe years ago. Really. I did. I mean, who doesn’t rush to make a chocolate cheesecake? My first job was at a bakery. I didn’t have to wait until my forties to realize what a great job I had way back when. Nope. I was entirely grateful and savored […]
I love wheat bran muffins with every fiber of my being; but, I simply adore Honey-Glazed Bran Muffins. They are easy to make and a good-for-you breakfast treat that tastes like dessert. Honey-Glazed Bran Muffins Makes 12 regular-size muffins or 6 large muffins. Pecan Glaze 1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup […]
These Cinnamon Rolls With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are being brought to you after lots of practice. Practice making the dough. Practice making the filling. Practice making the frosting. And, well, you know. The practice of eating them warm out of the oven. I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve always been good at the […]
How to Make Perfect Pancakes… and then one day it dawned on her that she owned a bed & breakfast yet there was not a basic pancake or maple syrup recipe anywhere on her blog. And so she had pancakes to solve the problem. But, you know, she only had one. How to Make Perfect […]
This Balsamic Red Onion and Sausage Tart is guest approved. It is savory with a touch of sweetness. It is the Balsamic Red Onion and Sausage Tart… With Fresh Herbs and Le Gruyère Cheese Perfectly Melted On Top. But, you know, I had to stop the name somewhere. Balsamic Red Onion and Sausage Tart Makes […]
Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins. The blueberry season opens in 72 days, 9 hours, 54 minutes and 28 seconds here in the Northwest. You know, either that or in about 2 1/2 months. I do believe, however, it is imperative to have a perfect blueberry muffin recipe for any day of the year. Blueberry Cream Cheese […]
Coconut Shrimp in Orange Sauce. Fresh. Fried. Sweet. Savory. The gang’s all here to please you. Although this recipe takes a little effort, it brings a big payoff with delicious flavors. Coconut Shrimp in Orange Sauce Coconut Shrimp & Salad Canola oil or vegetable oil One pound shrimp 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon coarse […]
Cornbread Muffins and Whipped Honey Butter. When I was little, the only thing I was allowed to order off the menu was grilled cheese and a glass of water. This was how my parents were able to take our family out to eat but still keep things within the budget. It might sound like I […]
Was there ever a potluck where the seven-layer salad was not present when we were kids? Although similar, it seems everyone has their own special take on how a seven-layer salad should look. Mine? Well, I prefer 3 times 7 – hence an abundant 21 layers. The trifle bowl is the very best bowl for layered […]
The girls in our family were looking through old cookbooks this week. Almost everything in certain books were combinations of processed foods with corny names… naughty names even. If there is one dessert that every girl should know how to make, it’s Better Than Sex Dessert. Good Christian women call it “Better Than Robert Redford […]
Cherry & Cream Cheese Bread Pudding. There are few things as beautiful as a perfect flavor combination. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that is something I was learning when I used to sit on a stool and watch the bakers do their magic on doughnuts, pastries, and bread. While all I could […]
Layered Blueberry and Mango Smoothies. When it’s not enough to braise the roast, simply splatter some hot oil. And when polka dot burns on your face aren’t enough, grab the hot part of the pan for the win. Short story: I burned my hand today. So I decided to blog something cold. It just felt […]
Frozen Lemonade Tarts are the best way to celebrate Girl Scout cookie season! I was a Girl Scout. I remember earning badges, skits that made us laugh, and quite literally crossing over the bridge from Brownies over to Juniors. I even remember learning how to cover matches with wax to protect them from the rain […]
Cream Horns and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. It’s my birthday. It’s not a big deal, really. I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve survived quite a few. One involved being snowed in but that was okay. I just pretend I’m Laura Ingalls Wilder (we share a birthday and we’re soul sisters). I’m pretty much a first-born […]
I’m not sure today’s Sunrise Orange Juice post is so much a recipe as it is a cute a hostess with the mostess tip. I discovered this by mistake while making breakfast for some of my first guests and it became the norm at The Old Hen B&B. Sunrise Orange Juice 6 cups orange juice […]
We don’t ask much from our waffles, really. Do we? I mean, we want them to hold their shape when we decorate them. We want them to be flavorful – but not too flavorful should they outshine their toppings. And most of all, we want them to be crispy on the outside and tender on […]
A favorite dish at my B&B is my rolled omelet. And because it is Christmas. And because I love you, I am posting the recipe today so you can make it for your loved ones tomorrow. This recipe plays well with Orange Blueberry Scones for the perfect brunch. Rolled Omelet Preheat oven to 350°F. 12 […]
When I started making Baked Eggs, I had only seen pictures of them. I’d never tried them but they looked so delicious, that I finally gave them a whirl. They are easy to make once you learn the secret. Today, I’m sharing the secret. Because I love you. Baked Eggs Makes enough for 6 servings. […]
These buttery Cream Cheese Mints are perfect for weddings, baby showers, parties, teas, and luncheons. They are beyond easy to make and require no cooking or baking. Cream Cheese Mints Place all of the ingredients into the mixer. 2pounds powdered sugar 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 4 ounces butter, softened (about 1/2 hour on the counter […]
This sexy Chilled Strawberry Soup Recipe is perfect for the strawberry season but can be enjoyed all year with readily available frozen strawberries. Once I served it to my B&B guests, it became a most-requested treat. Swirly goodness and mercy. Chilled Strawberry Soup Makes about six 8-ounce servings. 4 cups fresh strawberries, frozen 1/4 cup […]
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. So many potatoes, who can choose a favorite? This is my grandmother’s recipe that has been updated to be creamier and cheesier than the original. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Preheat oven to 350°F. 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes Cold water with 2 teaspoons sea salt in it (to prevent potatoes from browning) 1 […]
I learned how to make dinner rolls from Mrs. Jensen in 7th grade. I learned to never add hot liquids ingredients to yeast since hot liquids will kill the yeast’s ability to rise. I wish I could say that I caught on quickly, but I can remember at least two more times after Mrs. Jensen’s […]
Cheesy Asparagus Dip. What is a Labor Day BBQ without a dip? What is a three-day weekend party without an appetizer? Here’s a great way to use the woody ends of asparagus that you might normally throw away and make sure you have that yummy dip for friends & family while they wait for the […]
If there was ever a dessert meant for strawberry season, it would be the Strawberry Pudding Tart With Fresh Strawberry Glaze. Strawberry Pudding Tart With Fresh Strawberry Glaze This recipe will make one 9-inch tart or about four 4-inch personal-size tarts. Preheat oven to 350°F. Shortbread Crust 11 tablespoons high-quality unsalted butter, softened 1 teaspoon […]
A Spring Decoration: Robin Easter Eggs. These eggs make for the oh so prettiest display. They are simply boiled eggs made extra beautiful but could be made to last longer if you hollowed out the egg instead of boiling it. To hollow, poke uncooked egg with a pin at the top and the bottom of […]
How to Make Panoramic Sugar Easter Eggs. When I was still old enough to believe in the Easter Bunny, my mom was just getting into cake decorating as a hobby. One of the first things I remember her making was panoramic Easter eggs. She would make them and people would save them for years. I […]
