Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Rosemary Apple Cider Margarita

 

    I was recently asked to make a cocktail for a special event at Craver's Community Garden in Sulphur Springs.  Their annual Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held on Thursday, November 7 and since they are serving Pozole I decided a fall twist on the classic margarita was in order.  Empty Bowls is held to bring awareness of food insecurities in our area and to raise funds for a local food bank that serves members in our community.  From 5:30 - 8 p. m. at 420 W. Park Street in Sulphur Springs, you can stop by to enjoy our cocktail, some delicious soup and see for yourself a wonderful community space in action.  

    Empty Bowls closes out the year at Craver's for the season before they reopen in the Spring to help serve the community by growing produce for the food bank and hosting community events for children and adults alike.  The goal is to raise enough money to purchase the food bank a fridge to hold fresh produce during the growing season.  You can grab yourself a bowl for $20, and go home with a beautifully decorated bowl made by the Sulphur Springs High School art department, or you can bring in a bag of shelf stable food to donate to the food pantry and enjoy a bowl of soup as well.  

    Let's get to the good stuff.  I'm sure you have already guessed by now that instead of doing a lime based mix we are going to use Apple Cider as the base for our margarita.  The quantity I'm listing for is for two or three drinks depending on you glass size. 

Rosemary Apple Cider Margarita

3/4 cup apple cider

1/2 cup Tequila

1/4 cup Grand Marnier

1/2 cup lime juice

brown sugar to rim the glass

sprig of rosemary

Mix the apple cider, tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime juice together in a pitcher.  Rub a lime wedge around the glass and dip into the brown sugar.  Fill the cup with ice and top with the mixed drink.  Garnish with Rosemary.  You can also choose to garnish with apple slice or a cinnamon stick.  

    Make this drink your own.  If you like it a little more tangy keep it the way it is.  If you prefer to have a sweeter Margarita then add a teaspoon or two of agave nectar.  I like to use an apple cider that looks like it had been homemade. Therefore, you have to shake it or stir often because the spices settle to the bottom.  Believe it or not the apple flavor is not overwhelming, and it's a great fall twist to a classic drink.  

    Stop by on November 7 at Craver's Community Garden to try it out or book a stay at The Oaks to test the drink for yourself on our back deck.  Remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.  Cheers!

In the Garden ~ Iris Dividing

 

We have been at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast for just over seven years and our garden has evolved over that time as well. One of the first items we planted were irises. Which happens to be my favorite flower, so you can see why they ended up on the short list for planting.

 

In that time, we have added irises all over the yard. We keep trying different locations to see which ones do the best and where. We have multiple varieties of blooms that come up each year and every new bloom is just as beautiful as the last one. Now it’s time to split our plants and move or combine them with others. It might be a little late in the year to split but I feel like they should still thrive after replanting. Since the end of our summer is still so hot and the ground is still pretty warm, I think any splitting done now should still create new plants wherever planted.

 

Iris should be split every three to five years for optimal growth. Some of ours are on year six and some are at around four. I would say it’s time. I used a pitchfork to stir up my rhizomes for ease of splitting. You just have to be careful not to pierce or split them too early. It’s best to split with your hand instead of a tool.

 

Once your clump of rhizomes is out, it’s time to separate into individual plants. I also trimmed the leaves at this time to help with replanting. I plan to share or replant my unearthed rhizomes with others and will probably keep the ones that other experts say to toss in the compost, such as those without any leave growth. Why not try them all to see what does the best. Be sure to check for rot once removed from the ground. You do not want to introduce harm to other plants or other irises when replanting.

 

When you are ready to replant your bounty, is a great time to amend the soil for optimal growth. Keep in mind that your replanting might not produce flowers the first year.  Have no fear, they should grow beautiful blooms in subsequent years. Be sure to plant in sunny spots, where they can get about six hours of sun. Irises have proved to be drought tolerant and work great in our area. Plant about 12-14 inches apart so they have room to spread out, or closer if that is the look you are going for. With blooms should begin to show in early to Mid-April and lasting until the first part of May.

 

While the blooms do not last long they do create lovely burst of color throughout your garden earlier in the year. I love it when they stack their blooms on a single stem they are just beautiful. If you are looking to add to your irises and have some to share be sure to let us know. We would love to add new colors and varieties to our garden. We have plenty to share.

Travel ~ Maine Fall Colors

 

Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I was so happy to have the chance to visit Maine, to see some fall colors and of course our daughter.  Not one to waste an opportunity, we visited Arcadia National Park to check out some of the beautiful fall foliage around Maine.  We were not the only people to have this great idea.  Once parking was secured, we were able to take a nice walk around the lake and check out some of the beautiful fall colors. 

 

               There were people walking, riding bikes and even horseback riding throughout the park.  With a seven-day pass, you could definitely take advantage of seeing the color from many different vantage points.  Since we only had one day to visit the park, we took advantage of the easy hike around the largest lake on the peninsula to see the colors and take in the fresh air.

 

               Arcadia is close to Bar Harbor which many people use it as their city to stay while making a visit to the area.  With dining, shopping and sights to see, visitors are not short on things to do when visiting the area.  Fall was in full swing when we were in Maine, so it was the perfect time to see the colors and check out different things to do and new places eat.

 

               Besides the joy of seeing some beautiful colors, we had the chance to catch up with our oldest and watch two of her college soccer games live and in person.  What a difference being in person makes when following the team.  We now have a better idea of who is on the field and how they play, so that way when we yell at the TV, we know we have the right name.  Which is important since they can totally hear what we are saying.  Truly it was great to see her play in person and nice to meet the new players.

 

               Of course, we cannot forget that she is trying to recruit her brother to join her in Maine, so he had a chance to tour the school and attend some classes to see if his journey will be towards the East Coast as well.  Time will tell what he decides to do, but now he has a frame of reference for what she talks about when he is considering his decision.  I still do not know where he will end up.  However, I do have a feeling that the weather will also lead a little into his decision. 

 

               We all enjoyed our time together in Maine, and I know the rest of our kids cannot wait for their turn to go East and see their sister play soccer or just have the chance to visit, where she goes to school.  If you happen to be taking a journey to the East Coast and find yourself close to Castine, feel free to catch up with Isabelle, she would love to help show you around and have some visitors. 

 

               Plan your trip well, since some of the smaller more intimate places to stay, close for the season during winter.  Be sure to check your dates and plan your trip to see the fall colors, or experience a cooler summer along the Maine coast. 

Around Town ~ Everything Unique

 

For over 25 years Everything Unique has been a downtown Sulphur Springs staple. Ready to help you with all your home decor needs, and now so much more. At The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, Everything Unique helped us fill our shelves with beautiful items in our great room for guests to enjoy or purchase. As with life, Everything Unique has seen change over the years and has adapted to welcome in new products and services to help serve their customers.

 

Located at 124 Main Street in downtown Sulphur Springs, you can visit and shop six days a week, or 24/7 shop online at www.everything-unique.com. Steve and Carrie Nuckolls have owned Everything Unique for the last ten years and have been the driving force behind the changes made in store as shopping and dining habits of their customers have adapted over time.

 

With the addition of apparel in 2020, and the wine bar in 2023 Everything Unique offers customers a chance to shop for gifts, personal items, wine, and apparel in one location. You cannot forget their signature self-proclaimed tag line, The Christmas Store. One of my favorite pastimes is going in to see what each year’s theme will be and what their nutcracker selection will look like each year. Some of my favorite holiday pieces have come from Everything Unique over the years.

 

Bring your group of friends, men and women alike for a fun shopping trip to downtown Sulphur Springs to find the perfect item for yourself, a loved one or to enjoy a great glass of wine while browsing. Some of their best-selling items are related to the wine bar. The beautiful charcuterie boards, spicy bacon jam or cocktail mixers are crowd favorites. Do you want to up your charcuterie game, grab one of amazing cookbooks to better enhance your guest experience at your next dinner party.

 

Do you need a gift that will be loved at your next bunco or party night, look no further than their hilarious kitchen towels or devotional book selection. While upon first inspection the store might seem to cater more to women, there are great options for men in store as well. Especially if he loves to cook!

 

Everything Unique has many different opportunities for you or your group. Plan your next girl’s night out, or just because it’s Tuesday event. Their redesigned wine bar area is perfect for groups to get together and enjoy an evening of fellowship. With wine, beer, and charcuterie options available your group will be welcomed at Everything Unique.

 

Rediscover what downtown and Everything Unique has to offer the next time you are in Sulphur Springs. Shop their store in person, online or have a group event, and find out why it’s called Everything Unique.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Fireside

 

               Fall is slowly creeping into the air in Texas, with the morning’s cooler than the day, and the falling temperatures at night once the sun falls below the horizon.  What is a better way to welcome the change of seasons than a great fall cocktail.  Aptly named Fireside, this tangy concoction is sure to warm you up from the inside while sipping at night in front of a roaring fire in the firepit or outdoor fireplace. 

 

               The rosemary in this month’s herb infused cocktail brings out the flavor of fall, and the simple sweetness of the maple syrup mixed together with the tangy goodness of grapefruit.  Each item in this cocktail embodies the season with the flavors of fall.  I like the fact that this drink is full of wonderful ingredients that are typically harvested in the later half of the year.  Grapefruit and maple syrup each are found to be ready around this time of the year. While the rosemary can be cut all year round, it truly feels truly part of the year in the fall.  Early spring will bring out the blossoms while the flavor is full in the fall.

 

               I also enjoy the ease of making this cocktail.  Simple and quick to mix together and enjoy while watching the sun makes it descent and the embers burn away into the night.  Grab a few friends to enjoy this drink with at your next get together.

 

Fireside

 

1.5 ounces Vodka

¼ ounce Maple Syrup

1 sprig Rosemary

2 ounces grapefruit juice

 

In the bottom of the glass crush the rosemary and maple syrup together.  Add in the ice, then pour over the vodka and grapefruit juice.  Mix together well.  Garnish with an extra sprig of rosemary.

 

               While simple the tastes of each element can be enjoyed with every sip.  Be sure to use your favorite Vodka when making this drink, and a good all natural maple syrup.  No imitation syrup here.  Leave the log cabin syrup at the store.  Of course if you want to make this drink a mocktail, just leave out the vodka and add in a little more syrup and grapefruit juice.  If you want it a little sweeter add in a bit more syrup.  You can make this drink to your specifications. 

               As always enjoy your drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!

In the Garden ~ Farm to Table Breakfast

 

               Have you ever wondered about what breakfast is like at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast?  Today is the day that we want to share with you some of our secrets to the amazing meal we provide our guests every time they stay with us.  We truly feel that a great day starts with breakfast, and what is a better way to start than with a farm to table breakfast experience.  Welcome to our bed and breakfast where we’re proud to serve a farm to table breakfast that encompasses the rich agricultural heritage of North East Texas.

              

               Some of you locals may remember my in-laws, Bernie and Susie Thesing, who now live out in the country and take care of a little hobby farm filled with animals and produce.  The animals on the farm provide food for our table and theirs, and the garden provides produce.  Some of the best eggs I have ever eaten have come from the farm and are far superior to the eggs you can purchase at the grocery store.  There is just a better taste from an egg of a chicken that has had the joy of roaming the land and discovering the bugs that hop across their path. 

 

               As a rule, studies have shown that the benefits of pasture raised eggs include:

1/3 less cholesterol, 1/4 less saturated fat, 2/3 more vitamin A, 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids, 3 times more vitamin E, and 7 times more beta carotene.  Who does not want to have more benefits from such a tiny specimen?  You can even see the difference between a store-bought egg and a pasture raised egg.  That is our first step in providing a great farm to table meal for our guests to enjoy.

 

               The second item we pretty much always use for breakfast is fresh herbs from the herb garden.  Summer is the best time to enjoy the fresh cut herbs, sauteed into a delicious meal, and one of my all-time favorites, incorporates fresh tomatoes as well.  Our crustless tomato quiche is a crowd favorite.  The flavors of the fresh herbs mixed with the sauteed onion, baked with shredded mozzarella cheese, is nothing short of mouthwatering.   The summer is the best time for this dish, because we can usually pull tomatoes from the garden to include them as the topper.  Each bite is a little taste of summer.

 

               Now that the seasons are attempting to change, we will start to utilize those amazing fall garden staples.  The remaining hot weather spinach will need to be used or saved, and sweet potatoes that were planted earlier in the year are going to be ready soon. When we prepare breakfast we always take into consideration the dietary needs of our guests.  Most often that means gluten free items, which works out well, in a veggie and fruit heavy meal.  You cannot forget about the fresh sausage or bacon from the farm. 

 

               The fresh meat that we use, tastes and looks so much better than their storefront counterparts.  I will say when we have that fresh bacon and sausage, it goes quickly.  The guests love the flavor and the family does too.  Any meat that we do not grow ourselves we try to locally source from farms we know. Our beef often comes from The Tully Family farm or we shop at Tolleson Family Market for those odds and ends we might not have on hand. 

Around Town ~ Marlene's Sass and Class

 

Have you been looking for the perfect store in downtown Sulphur Springs that has personalized attention for each of their customers?  You are sure to find what you are looking for or be pointed in the right direction at Marlene’s Sass and Class, located at 212 Main Street or online.  You can stop in Monday through Wednesday from 10 am - 6 pm and Thursday through Saturday from 10 am – 8 pm, or shop when you want from the comfort of your home.  The best shopping experience is definitely the one you get when you stop by the store and visit with the ladies inside the shop.

 

               Marlene’s has been located in downtown Sulphur Springs since March of 2017 and recently celebrated their seventh year in business.  Their options range from apparel, shoes, Kendra Scott Jewelry, to Consuela handbags and so much more.  The colorful array of options in the shop are warm and welcoming to any visitors that stop in.  Since there are choices for casual wear to work attire, Marlene’s has choices for everyone. 

 

               If you are needing a new look to rebrand yourself for business or just need to find the perfect fit for a pair of jeans, Marlene will have what you are looking for.  With a variety of sizes and options, there is something for everyone.  With football season just getting started be sure to grab your game day shirt to help support your local team.  The graphic tees section is full of great options to add to any wardrobe to help pull an outfit together.

 

               Marlene truly loves to help dress everyone for their next event, social outing or everyday occurrences.  Let her become your Fashion Assistant and dress you for that upcoming wedding or business meeting.  With personalized services such as gift wrapping and alterations, any changes needed to your outfit of choice, can be easily made and perfected for your body type. 

 

               Very often you can also spot Marlene’s at special events around town or in the county.  The store supports many of the downtown events hosted by the city or Downtown Business Alliance or the Chamber of Commerce.  She is always looking to introduce her store and products to new customers who are looking for just the right fit.  Marlene’s regularly hosts special events held in house, such as permanent jewelry parties and sip and shop events, you may find yourself falling in love with what she has to offer.  Be sure to stop on by this season, to discover what’s new for fall.

               Not only does she like to spoil her customers, but Marlene is always willing to give back to the community and supports many of our local organizations, when they are looking for donations.  Our community does well to support and help each other when needed.  Stop on by to see what’s going to be new this fall, and find your perfect look for the season.