Lovely Walks

A theme to which I am apt to return time and again is lovely walks in the neighborhood. One thing that I enjoy is looking at all of the historic architecture, especially the churches. Here is a photo that I took of St. Paul’s constructed 1859-1867. It’s a lovely morning for a walk … 

Fresh Strawberries

This morning’s breakfast was Stuffed French Toast with fresh strawberries. The berries were so gorgeous, I just had to share. Tip: Wash strawberries in cool water. Store in an airtight container with the berries standing up on end (stem end down). Refrigerate.

Rosemary

For this first time ever, I have successfully over-wintered Rosemary in a pot outdoors. I am thrilled to have fresh rosemary to cook with that I thought that I would share my favorite way to use it. Start with fresh rosemary that has been washed and dried off. Put some olive oil and fresh rosemary in a skillet, then warm over medium heat. Once the rosemary has lost its bright green color, remove from pan. Use flavored olive oil right away to flavor eggs, potatoes, asparagus or mushrooms.Image

Changing of the Seasons Underway

Two sure signs of the change from Winter to Spring –

Our porch furniture is back, waiting to be enjoyed, after a long few months in storage!

New spring-like bird-themed throw pillows lighten up the living room.

But we haven’t officially proclaimed winter over until the annual uncovering of the fountain. We’ll keep you posted!ImageImage

When Life Gives You Lemons …

    The first day of daylight savings time is not an innkeeper’s favorite day of the year, especially when it is gray and rainy.  But when life gives you lemons … make Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins : ) Last night’s guests awakened this morning to the sweet and citrusy smell of lemon poppy seed muffins baking and fresh coffee brewing. To complete the breakfast special, we had chicken omelettes topped with sherried baby portobello mushrooms. Yum! Post-breakfast nap anyone …?Image

Sugared Peach Muffin Recipe

2 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. + 2 T. granulated sugar, divided

1 T. baking powder

1 c. Honey Vanilla Yogurt

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

2 lg. eggs, lightly beaten

1 t. orange extract

2 c. peaches (fresh or frozen), peeled and cut into 1/2″ chunks

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare muffin cups (12 standard or 10 1/2-cup ramekins) with baking spray or with butter and flour. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 3/4 c. of the granulated sugar and baking powder. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, butter, eggs and orange extract. Stir yogurt mixture into dry ingredients. Fold in peaches. Divide between muffin cups. Using the back of a spoon, shape each cup of batter into a slight mound. Sprinkle muffins with the remaining 2 T. sugar. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until done. Muffins are firm to the touch when done. Recipe from A Taste of Morning p. 50.

 

Welcome to A Taste of Morning

Good morning and welcome to the first blog entry for Laurie, innkeeper at The Morning Star Bed & Breakfast in lovely Manhattan, KS. 

    I’ve borrowed the title A Taste of Morning from my first cookbook which was a collection of breakfast recipes from the B&B. I thought that it worked well for what I will be doing with the blog, i.e. giving people a taste of what goes on at the B&B. 

    Today, once we are done cleaning up inside, we’ll be heading out to the garden to clean the flower beds. It’s early, but many of the perennials – including our lilies – are poking up out of the ground. It won’t be long now before the garden is in bloom.

    Please check back for pictures, recipes, gardening tips, book reviews, exercise tips, guest stories, specials, and of course, news about the girls (i.e. our Boston Terriers Ginger, Abbey & Penny.) And so much more! I would love feedback on what you would like to read about or see. 

    Have a great day!