Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Lemon Lavender Gin Rickey

 

    Spring is in the air and summer is coming in fast.  Before the heat hits we wanted to share a delicious and refreshing cocktail with you, using fresh lemons and lavender.  I know what you might be thinking, lavender is great for baths and relaxing but it can also be a wonderful herbal addition to your cocktail.  Lavender has the ability to relieve anxiety and depression which makes it a wonderful addition to our cocktail of the month.  

    This cocktail springs from a traditional Gin Rickey and adds in a little extra punch.  Instead of using limes we are using lemons and adding in the relaxing lavender as a garnish for little bit more interest.  Now this cocktail can be made for everyone, with the addition of a little honey.  We prefer to lean more towards the tart side and skip the honey and just enjoy the flavors shaken together.  You can make it how you like it and enjoy with friends on these cooler summer nights.

Lemon Lavender Gin Rickey

Serves 2

3 ounces Gin

4 ounces fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 TBLS Honey (Optional)

4 ounces sparkling water

2 sprigs of Lavender

2 lemon wedges

Add the Gin, lemon juice and honey, if using, to a shaker cup filled with ice.  Shake until well mixed and the outside of the cup is cold to the touch.  Pour over two ice filled glasses. Top off with the sparkling water of your choice.  Garnish with the lemon wedge and sprig of lavender.  

    We think no matter which way you put this drink together you will enjoy the flavors.  Add a little sweet to cut the tart of the lemon or leave it alone and enjoy the refreshing coolness as you drink.  This drink is going to make those summer nights that much more refreshing. 

    As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Until next time, Cheers!

In the Garden ~ Drying Herbs

 

    One of my favorite items we grow in our garden happens to be herbs.  There are so many great varieties and options available, it can be a little overwhelming, but the reward is great.  Since we happen to grow so many I wanted to really focus this year on preserving and using my herbs in as many ways as possible. 

 

Parsley, sage and lavender

               We will often use fresh herbs in the majority of our cooking, especially certain breakfast items.  The herbs really give it the “fresh from the garden” flavor that we love and cherish.  Recently I’ve been reaching for my dry herbs more often and wanted to share ways to save herbs for future use. 

 

               Preserving herbs to maintain the most flavor and a natural state, would be drying.  There are four ways to dry your herbs.  Air dry, dehydrator, oven drying, and microwave.  I will briefly touch on all three and you can decide which is the best method for your time and energy.

 

               Air drying is probably the most natural way to dry herbs.  After collecting and washing, you gather your herbs into small bundles and tie them off with string or a rubber band.  Make sure your stems are long enough to hang.  Then in a cool, dark and well-ventilated area hang your bundles upside down.  You need good air circulation for this to work effectively.  In a few days time up to a week later, you can check your herbs for dryness by seeing how easily they crumble.  Once dry, remove them from the stems and store in an airtight container.

 

               Dehydrator drying of herbs is very similar but probably a bit faster than hanging to dry.  Wash and dry the herbs then place on the trays in a single layer.  Set the device to 95-110 degrees and follow any instructions from the manufacturer.  Again, the herbs are dry when they crumble easily. 

 

               Oven drying again starts the same as a dehydrator. Wash and dry and place on a baking sheet in a single layer.  Bake at the lowest temperature 180 degrees for 1-2 hours.  Check for dryness and store in airtight containers.

 

               Microwave drying will vary by microwave brand and how many herbs you are drying at a time.  This can be a little more involved because you will need to check your herbs more often to test when dry and will most likely be working in smaller batches based on the size of the microwave.  You will place the herbs on a microwave-safe plate or paper towel.  Cover with another paper towel and microwave on high until dry. 

 

               If you are like me and want to have a combination of herbs at the ready and in it’s own container look no further than a mixture of Herb de Provence.  This kitchen staple is great for a multitude of dishes and is made up of rosemary, thyme, oregano, savory, marjoram and lavender.  You can also find varieties with fennel seeds as well.  To make this great mix add in 2 tablespoons of each herb except for fennel seeds which is just 1 tablespoon worth.  Mix in a bowl and then store in an airtight container.

               Another great mix to have on hand is Italian seasoning.  The basics in this flavorful mix are basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and marjoram.  Use a one-to-one measure to fill your vessel and close tightly.  Additional herbs you can add to this jar would be sage, fennel, or event garlic powder.  Which can also be made at home.

 

               Herbs are great fresh and dried.  We hope that you will take some of your herbs and dry them for future use.  The more you use the more you will have, especially since they will “shrink” when dried.  Just know that drying herbs is a great way to cut back your herbs to encourage new growth.  We hope you will take the time to save for the future and use what you grow by drying herbs.

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Travel ~ Brenham, Texas and Ant Street Inn

 

    In the heart of Texas lies the City of Brenham, the self-proclaimed home of Texas.  As travel changes this year for many people, driving to and from their destination is going to be a much more popular choice and a drive down to Brenham is a wonderful idea for a getaway.  Home of Blue Bell ice cream, the “baseball” capital, and a wonderful place to start your wildflower journey, Brenham hits the mark for a great travel destination in Texas. 

 

               Right in the heart of downtown Brenham is the best place to stay for your visit at the Ant Street Inn.  The Ant Street Inn occupies a building that was originally built in 1899 as a grocery, feed store and upstairs offices and saloon, 101 West Commerce St, is the address of this amazing historic building.

 

               The inside of Ant Street Inn is wonderfully decorated in period pieces and each room has a theme that matches the name.  For example, I stayed in the New Orleans room, and the décor matched what you would typically think of as a New Orleans style.  Beautiful dark wood with leather, and a queen-sized canopy bed complete with drapes.  You can create your own “cave” like sleeping experience in this room.  Do not forget to say hello to the alligator in the bathroom.  Ironically, I did not notice him until the next day. 

              

               Ant Street Inn boasts an attached restaurant where guests will dine in the morning for breakfast, that is run by a separate company who rents space from Ant Street.  We enjoyed dinner there and could easily see how convenient it is for guests to dine there multiple times, with the ease of just walking downstairs.  One of my favorite parts of the inn is the central area between the rooms.  Little sitting groups, snacks, movies and magazines adorn the space for guests to enjoy with friends or while making new friends. 

 

               Just outside the walls of Ant Street, is downtown Brenham which is a vibrant part of the city.  It is very easy to walk around and explore.  You can do two self-guided tours, one of historical buildings and another of the murals that are painted by local state artists during an art festival.  I love how the community has come together to bring art to the community and beyond. 

 

               Downtown Brenham has something for everyone.  A few places to dine, grab a cup of coffee or even a scoop of ice cream.  I’m pretty sure everyone sells Blue Bell down there.  A cute book store and a few boutiques adore the open spaces.  At least one of the historic buildings is currently still hosting the same business from when it opened, G. Hermann Furniture Store.  This family run business is still housed in the building where it originally started and expanded over time and is still operated by the original family. 

 

               As the county seat of Washington County, downtown Brenham also plays host to the county court house.  Sitting at the center of downtown Brenham, this court house was built in 1939, and is the fourth building to hold the title.  One of the more interesting historical sites is Toubin Park that holds a public cistern and a short history of the founding of the city and county.  For a little more in depth historical tour be sure to stop by the Brenham Heritage Museum. 

               No matter if you are taking a Texas tour or just want to visit somewhere new, Brenham and Ant Street Inn should be on your list.  Explore the natural beauty of the State right now and experience the wildflowers.  Stop in for some Blue Bell ice cream at the creamery or just get away for a visit.  

 

 

Our cocktail this month is a special request for a wedding we are hosting this April.  Our bride wanted to have an Amaretto Sour that is pink.  With a  little research we found a way to turn the drink pink and add a little bit of something extra to enhance the flavor. 

 

The Cranbaretto Sour has been born.  The great thing about this cocktail is that it is actually best to make in a big batch.  This serves our purposes very well, since it will be our signature cocktail on the day of the wedding.  We just need to prep the cranberries beforehand and we are off to the races.  In our single serve option, I think we needed a little more of the cranberry simple syrup.

 

The good news is that when we make this for the event, we will be working in big batches and can make the color as close to pink as possible.  By adding a light dash of edible pink glitter, the bride should be thrilled to have this special drink. 

 

Cranberry Simple Syrup

1 cup fresh cranberry

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

 

Add the cranberry, water and sugar to a pot and bring to a boil.  You want the cranberries to burst to release their flavor and color into the simple syrup.  The longer you cook it the more it will thicken, so do not overcook. 

 

Cranbaretto Sour

Serves 8

2 cups Amaretto

1 cup lemon juice

1 ounces cranberry simple syrup

 

Add all the ingredients into a pitcher and give it a good stir.  Pour over ice and garnish with mint and extra cranberries if you want.  Add more cranberry syrup to adjust to the color you are looking for.

 

We can hardly wait to serve this drink for the wedding.  We know the guests will enjoy each drop.  What a special way to ring in your special day, than with a signature cocktail.  We hope you will give this one a try and let us know what you think.  Please be sure to drink responsibly and have a designated driver. 

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Cupid's Cosmo

 

            Hello February!  Did you feel like January would never end?  I know we did but at long last a new month is here, and we are ready to celebrate and make things happen.  Since this has been dubbed the month of love, we are taking a little twist on a classic drink to add to our herb infused cocktails.  Each month our cocktail creation is pulled from our love of gardening and growing flavors to tease your palate. 

               This month, our featured herb is Mint.  Even though it is winter, and mint usually takes a little break, ours is still hanging on.  If you do not have mint growing, your local grocery store usually will have it on hand.  This month it is both part of our garnish and muddled in the bottom of the shaker cup.  In the past it has been used to make a simple syrup as well.  With so many uses, how could you turn away from such a great herb? 

               Of course, we had to give this drink a cute name in recognition of Valentine’s Day.  Cupid’s Cosmo, is simple and refreshing while welcoming in the traditional flavors of a cosmopolitan. 

 

Cupid’s Cosmo

3-4 min leaves, extra for garnish

2 ounces Vodka

1 ounce triple sec

1 ounce cranberry juice

½ ounce fresh lime juice

Muddle some mint at the bottom of a shaker cup.  Pour over the liquid ingredients, then shake everything together, with ice.  Pour into a fresh glass and enjoy.  Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime wedge.

          

     Nothing too complicated in this one drink.  It’s great to enjoy yourself, with friends or at dinner with someone special.  Join us on Valentine’s Day and order this drink with your dinner.  It will not disappoint.  

               While the history of the Cosmopolitan is up for debate, its popularity was derived from the HBO television show “Sex in the City.”  From Miami to New York to Minneapolis the Cosmo has been made and drank all over the US and abroad, even if no one can claim it for themselves as the creator.  You can enjoy it locally with us or follow our recipe and enjoy it at home. 

               We hope you will give it a try at home or at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, when you happen to be staying with us.  Until then please be sure to enjoy responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!

Around Town ~ Beauty and Grace

 

Beauty and Grace is located at 224 Connally Street in downtown Sulphur Springs.  They are open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Of course, you can order any time from their website www.beautygracelifestyle.com.   Ana has lived in the Hopkins County area for most of her life and started her retail business in March of 2015, doing trunk shows, Canton and the like.  Her entrepreneurial spirit is what drove her to start her business and have a retail store front.  Her brick and mortar store opened in August of 2016 and has grown from there.

 

               When you enter Beauty and Grace, most likely you will be greeted by Coco.  Coco, is the shop mascot and sometimes guests stop by just to see him.  Coco shares his love of seeing new faces every day and hopes that the experience that you have at Beauty and Grace reflects the love and care that Ana and her team have put in to making it worth the visit.  Beauty and Grace is more than just a clothing store, it’s an experience where you can find the perfect gift, health and wellness items, and carefully curated products that reflect the image she wants to portray for her customers.

 

               Ana has focused on carrying brands that are created from other businesses like hers.  Small mom and pop shops where she can get to know the people behind the brand.  She has learned stories about how those brand have started and she has shared her story with the brands she carries.  When you shop with Ana at Beauty and Grace you are not only supporting her small business but also other small businesses.

 

               Her shop has evolved over the years to include gift items, health and wellness and organic baby items.  One of her favorite items is right at the front of the store, Amber perfumes.  Tiny bottles, in a bowl that have a subtle scent that multiple guests enjoy, and one that Ana can’t live without.  Sweet Grace, Rowe Casa Organics and Amber are some of her top sellers but beyond those brands are many more to explore in house.

 

               One of the newest items to grace the shelves, is the refillery.  Bring in your own vessel and take home, non-toxic perfumes, hand and body soap, laundry concentrate, dish soap and so much more.  Each item is paid by the ounce and a great way to try out a new product without committing to a full bottle. You can reuse any type of vessel you want, such as an old mason jar, bottle or container you have used previously.  The Refillery is a sustainable, clean, and non-toxic option for consumers to change the way they live and experience something new.

 

               One of my favorite sustainable options Ana offers at Beauty and Grace is the 10% off your total on “Tote Bag Tuesday.”  Any guest who brings in their own carry bag, can receive 10% off on their total purchase in store on any item.  I love the encouragement of helping guests to remember to use reusable bags.  She does have bags in store to purchase if you happen to not have one.  I know every store loves for people to carry their bag around town.  Who wouldn’t since it’s a simple and cost-effective form of advertising.  By encouraging reusable bags helps to reduce waste in our environment. 

              

        Her community impact goes much further than that, including giving back to local organizations, and collaborating with other small businesses with pop ups in front of her store.  Her next pop up is Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  She will have vendors, a food truck, flowers, permanent jewelry and photo minis for guests to indulge in. Ana is also a board member for the Chamber of Commerce.  She will also be the co-chair of Main Street Uncorked for 2025.  We are looking forward to see the changes she makes to this great event. 

 

               If you haven’t stopped by Beauty and Grace recently, we encourage you to do so and find your next favorite item in shop.  From holistic tinctures, herbal soaps and natural personal care items to clothing, there is something for everyone at Beauty and Grace. 

Your Garden ~ How does your garden grow?

 

No matter if you have a small space or a large space let’s talk about how you can grow a garden to help feed your family, and possibly your neighbors. One of my favorite gardening methods is square foot gardening. Basically, you take a square foot of space in your garden bed and maximize it to produce multiple items, grow more food with less space. Square foot gardening can be paired well with companion planting for the best yields. In case you were wondering, there is a book you can purchase as well as take a course to learn more, check out the following website: https://squarefootgardening.org

What if you live in an apartment or condo with just a balcony. No worries you can grow your favorites in containers. Make your outdoor space look amazing with beautiful containers and fresh produce. The drawback might be that you are limited to what you can grow but again companion planting can help add variety within your small space. You might have to water more as well since raised beds and containers tend to dry out faster.

For larger space you can utilize direct sow or raised beds. We always liked raised beds for their function and ability to reduce the amount of bending over we have to do when working the garden. Either way I think that making sure your paths are well tended helps to keep your weed pulling to a minimum. Rows and rows of beautiful veggies and flowers are the end game no weeds.

Within each type of garden, vertical growing can be utilized. By using cattle panels to create arches for food to grow upwards or to train your tomatoes and peas towards the sun. But did you know there is another type of vertical gardening, tower gardens. These tall towers grow food through a mix of hydroponics and heights. Small cutouts are placed on the side of the large tube where the plants will be placed. Their root system will live in a solution instead of dirt. No weeds should be growing here. Anything you can grow in the ground can grow in these towers. It’s expensive to get started but could be a solution for those who do not have a lot of space or time but still want healthy, homegrown food to eat.

There is so much satisfaction to growing and eating food you put the hard work in to produce. Reward yourself by starting to plan now with your new garden space and start preparing your garden for spring planting.