Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Strawberry Mojito

 

 

               As the temperature starts to creep up in Texas, our herb infused cocktail for April is the perfect drink for sipping and enjoying together.  This month’s cocktail of the month, from The Oaks Bed and Breakfast is a Strawberry Mojito.  Our mint is looking amazing already this Spring and we wanted to take advantage of its bounty early.

               Simple in flavor and ingredients, this drink will be a crowd pleaser for sure.  Unless you are allergic to strawberries, be sure to put this drink on your must make list. If you are allergic change out with watermelon or blackberries.  This strawberry mojito is easy to scale up for larger groups to enjoy together.  If you have friends who do not drink alcohol, leave out the rum and finish off with sparkling water. 

Ingredients

 

3 fresh strawberries, diced

10-15 fresh mint leaves

½ medium lime, juiced about 1 tablespoon

1 ounce simple syrup

2 ounces of white Rum

Ice

Sparkling Water

 

Combine strawberries, mint, lime, and simple syrup into a glass and muddle the group together.  Stir in Rum.  Fill glass with ice, and then top with sparkling water.  Garnish with mint leaves, limes, and a fresh strawberry.

 

               While this is just a single serving for this drink, it can easily be made in a pitcher for friends to enjoy.  I just love how the mint really comes out in this drink when muddled well with the strawberries. The lime adds just the right amount of tart, to balance out the sweetness of the simple syrup. 

 

Mocktail version, sparkling water only.

               Let us know what you think and be sure to share your photos with us when you make one of The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, herb infused cocktails. As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!

 

Travel ~ Rochester, Minnesota

 

               Recently my husband and I had a chance to attend the wedding of one of his cousins, in Rochester, Minnesota.  We were excited to get away to somewhere different and have a little break from the daily grind.  Ironically, the weekend we were there, they happened to have a snowstorm.  This past winter has been pretty mild, without a lot of snow or bad weather.  That being said, we did not get out and do very much, beyond taking in the food. 

               While we were staying there, we rented a house, that caters a little more towards people who happen to be in town for the  Mayo Clinic but we needed a spot that could host multiple family members, so we could visit and chat outside of a hotel room.  The house location was convenient and efficient for our needs.  I would always recommend a larger space for bigger groups, since a bed and breakfast is not always an option.  The closest one for our trip was thirty minutes away and we wanted to be closer to the wedding venue, maybe next time.

               We were able to try a variety of food options while we were there and explore downtown just a bit.  I think a summer visit would have been nice, that way we could have taken a wine or brewery tour on the trolley.  Or made our way through the sculpture garden, but that was a little too chilly for our tastes this time around.

               While in Rochester we found and tried a vegan donut.  I know what you are thinking, that had to taste like cardboard, but really it was actually pretty good.  Light and fluffy for a cake donut and had great flavor.  If you did not know you were ordering a vegan donut you would have thought the batter was just a little different from a standard cake donut and munched it down.

               Of course, we had to find the local coffee shop and we found a couple that had some great lattes and cappuccinos.  Coffee is one of our favorite ways to start out in a new city, and these did not disappoint.  Lunch was in order and Thai food was on the list. This restaurant had so many plants inside that it made you think you were staying in a tropical forest instead of the “frozen North.”  Plus, the food was great.  Just the right amount of spice and fantastic flavor.

               The highlight of the trip was of course the wedding.  Held in a venue that was once an old hay barn owned by one of the Mayo brothers, the space was creatively used and looked beautiful.  We enjoyed seeing family that we do not usually get to see very often and danced the night away with the couple and their friends.  It’s always fun to see how other companies cater and serve food, in order to gather new ideas.

               No matter how long or short a trip might be, we always try to find the best in each adventure.  This one was no different.  We were excited to celebrate the newlyweds and explore somewhere new.  Our favorite restaurant stop was the Forager Brewery and café.  It’s too bad we did not have more time to visit, we would have loved to have explored their craft beer options and their lunch or dinner menu.  Next time!  Where will your next adventure take you?

Around Town ~ Market on Main

 

            Downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas has so many great shopping options for everyone on your list or in your family.  One of the newer spots to hit up is The Market on Main.  Located at 213 Main Street, this unique shop is full of gift ideas and shopping fun.  Not only can you experience freeze dried candy, but clothing, kitchen items and so much more.  The Market on Main is home to not just one vendor but over seventeen (17) women owned stores.  They are open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 – 6 and have plans to extend Friday and Saturday hours during the summer days.

               Not only can you shop while you visit the Market on Main, it is also home to Masterpiece Ultrasound, were you can view your baby in 4D.  The sweet baby faces can be viewed from 6 weeks to 36 weeks, with 30-32 weeks being the ideal time to view the best “chubby face” images while on the inside.

               Bring the whole family to see those baby faces and then pick out the best baby or mom gift while in the shop.  The Market on Main has something for everyone.  Recently the shop has changed hands and welcomed a new owner.  They are currently at capacity for vendors but you can always put your name on a list if you are not yet ready to take the plunge into a full shop of your own. 

               Let your creativity flow when you stop by the Market on Main and find many local, handcrafted gifts among those curated by the ladies who each create their space for the goods that they display.  Along with the small shops a local photographer hosts mini sessions on site and currently has a Spring or Easter display ready to capture images of your cute little bunnies heading into the Spring season.

               The Market on Main brings together women from all over Hopkins County who would otherwise might not be able to share their goods with the public in such a way as a physical store front. While some might have an online presence this shopping experience brings out a wider audience to their unique brand and products.

               While shopping next time downtown, be sure to stop by the Market on Main to find something worth taking home or gifting to a friend.  Do not forget about baby, they offer adorable Easter outfits for your little ones.  Share with us your wonderful finds from the Market on Main and keep your support and shopping local.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Old Fashioned

 

    March is right around the corner and we are celebrating the month with a classic Whiskey drink, the Old Fashioned.  Since we are making this for the Oaks Bed and Breakfast, our drink would not be complete without an herb resting on the side, and what better herb than rosemary to bring out the flavor of the whiskey. Once again we used one of our favorite whiskeys, from Teeling Irish Whiskey.

    The Old Fashioned is thought to originate around the early  1800's and were further adapted in later years.  The "“old-fashioned cocktails” referred to a general style before becoming synonymous with a particular drink," according to the website www.provi.com.  You can read their full article about the history on the link.  Basically consumers were not familiar with the term cock-tail, and soon found that ordering these mixed drinks proved to be a new way to consume some of their favorite whiskeys and bourbons.

    The Old Fashioned was born and still lives on today as a classical way to enjoy these libations. 

The Old Fashioned 

2 ounces Whiskey

1 bar spoon cherry syrup

1 bar spoon simple syrup

2-3 dashes of bitters

Orange peel

Bourbon Cherry

Rosemary sprig

Mix together your drink in a tumbler filled with a large ice cube or in a mixing cup.    You can mix in the glass you plan to serve your drink in or mix in a separate cup then pour over your ice.  Add all liquid ingredients together.  Garnish with orange peel, rosemary and cherry.  Enjoy!

    This drink is simplistic in the ingredients that it uses, while having a fantastic mix of complex tastes.  The perfect way to finish your night by the fire or watching the sunset.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated drive. Cheers!

In the Garden ~ GMO Tomatoes, Yes or No?

 

The Purple Tomato has deep purple flesh. Traditional breeders have grown tomatoes with purple skin before but not with this tone in the flesh.

Raven Villar/Boise State Public Radio

    How do you feel about genetically modified organisms, or more commonly referred to GMO plants and seeds?  While listening to NPR, National Public Radio, the other day on the way to afternoon school pick up, I heard a story about a new type of tomato that has been modified with snapdragon DNA.  This new purple tomato is the first GMO plant that will be made available to home gardeners. Previously any seeds created as a GMO were only available to commercial growers, so this new tomato variety could be the start of something new for home gardens.

    The purple tomato was developed with snapdragon genes in order to enhance the color and create a plant with "Anthocyanins have been shown to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. They're antioxidants, which can help neutralize unstable molecules in the body that can damage healthy cells and are linked with aging and disease."  These new tomatoes have the same amount of anthocyanins as a blueberry or eggplant according to the scientist who developed them.

    It still begs the question on whether or not you would grow or eat this new hybrid of tomato. Do the health benefits out weigh the science behind this new nightshade?  Or will this development go by the way of corn and soybeans in the United States and be thought of as damaging to our land and resources?  Could all these GMO foods be the reason there is a rise in food allergies in the population?  How about an increase in other diseases or cancer?  In the past GMO foods have also been thought to have been seen as having a loss of nutrition.  The new purple tomato is claiming the opposite is true by having more antioxidants than its cousins. 

amblerfarm.org

    These new tomatoes are claiming that their genes have an increase of healthy cells made for human consumption.  One of my favorite tomatoes that we grow are called Cherokee Purple, and they have a nice deep purple colors as well, but not as dark as the modified ones. Those seeds can be found as an heirloom tomato seed, thought to have first originated from the Cherokee Indians in 1890. 

    The question still stands, would you grow new GMO purple tomatoes if given the chance?  Or will you stick with the old stand by of the seeds that you know and love from those that you saved or buy new?  Let us know what will be growing in your garden this Spring and Summer.

Travel ~ Creekhaven Inn and Spa Wimberley, Texas

 

    

The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, keeps me pretty busy and in town most of the time.  Recently I had the chance to take a short business trip down to Wimberley, Texas and it was so lovely.  I wish that I had a little more time to explore the area, to go wine or whiskey tasting.  What I did see and explore was worth the drive, even for meetings. 

               It never does cease to amaze me at how diverse the landscape is in Texas.  From the Piney Woods, to the desert, Texas almost has every landscape a person could desire.  It might take a few hours to do so, but the change from East Texas’ tall trees and grass that blends to mesquite and shrub brush, helps to distinguish Texas from other states.  Once I made it to Wimberly, I stayed with my group at Creekhaven Inn and Spa.  Their property is just beautiful! 

               It sits back from a flowing creek and has two buildings for guests to select from while planning their stay.  Do not forget to book your spa appointment while visiting.  They offer a range of spa packages for you to take advantage of during your stay.  They offer yoga on Saturday’s and have plenty of mats and blocks for guests to use if you did not happen to bring your own. 

               The rooms are well appointed for guest stays, with everything you might need for your visit.  A gas fireplace, in room coffee or tea service, a fridge for leftovers or cold drinks and lovely local bath products.  Each room is an experience in and of itself, so make your selection and relax in comfort for the duration of your stay. 

               On our second day after meetings, we made our way to downtown Wimberley to explore, shop and dine.  Their downtown is made up of cute little buildings that have a myriad of shopping options for everyone.  Women’s clothing, kitchenware, candy store, a store with handmade arts and crafts made by seniors in the community and so much more.  There are a few different places to enjoy your meals, besides breakfast at Creekhaven.  We ordered in from Wimberley Café, enjoyed Tex-Mex for lunch and had woodfired pizza to share.  There were more options to try than that, but time was short.  My favorite was the woodfired pizza.  I’m a big fan of mushrooms on pizza and they had a perfectly paired mushroom, burrata cheese, and arugula pizza that was amazing. 

               I did get a chance to walk along the creek close to the property and explore a little bit of nature.  Play at your own risk. It was a lovely space to commune and grab some images of the creek.  Be mindful of the weather and water levels, especially during the rainy season.  If the weather and water had been a bit warmer, I might have tested the water just a bit more.  But it was a little cool for my taste, so I stayed out and explored the bank.  In the morning deer could be seen all around the property and must be why they express the need to keep the gates closed by the Inn.  Take some time to explore Wimberley and be sure to book your stay at Creekhaven Inn and Spa, the longest running bed and breakfast in Wimberley.  I’m sure you will return relaxed and rejuvenated.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Gin Sage Paloma

 

    What a month it has been, and I felt like it might never end.  Why does January always seem to take so long to come to its conclusion?  At long last we have made it and now it's time for another new herb infused cocktail from the Oaks Bed and Breakfast, by the Tipsy Oak Lounge. 

    We did a twist on a classic Tequila drink and made it with Gin instead and let me tell you it does not disappoint.  The sweet and sour of the grapefruit mix well with the Gin in this paloma to make a smooth and refreshing drink. 

    The one thing I think I will do differently from my video is make my simple syrup a sage infused simple syrup.  Sage has a great smokey flavor and with just muddling I did not feel that alone brought it out enough.  However, adding it to the syrup would do wonders, along with a little more grapefruit juice.  A one-to-one ratio on the grapefruit to Gin I think would be best.  This is going to look like a little more juice or less Gin.  

Gin Sage Paloma

1.5 ounces Gin

1.5 ounces Grapefruit juice

1/2 ounce sage simple syrup

Splash of Club Soda or Sparkling Water

In a shaker cup muddle some sage at the bottom.  Fill with ice.  Add in all liquid except Soda or Sparkling Water.  Give it a good shake.  Pour into a salt rimmed glass, top it off with Club Soda or Sparkling Water, and garnish with grapefruit slice and sage. 

    This is a great drink to have on any day of the week and can of course be made into a mocktail by excluding the gin and adding more Sparkling Water.  Be sure to stop by the Tipsy Oak Lounge to enjoy your herb infused cocktail.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. 

Travel ~ St. Louis Food scene

 

What is your favorite part about travel?  For us it is a chance to try out new food.  On a recent trip to St. Louis, Missouri to watch our daughter in a collegiate wrestling match, we explored some new places to eat.  I think food tends to be one of the best parts of traveling and a great way to experience the culture and new flavors.  Food off the beaten path, local dives, or just somewhere different, from other cities, states and countries is a great way to explore to find new dishes and tastes to consume.

 

                 The best restaurant on this stop is by far the Balkan Treat Box.  Only open for about four hours a day, the line might be long but well worth the wait.  I can imagine the wait in the summer is better than winter, but we braved the cold and stood in line.  Everyone in line confirmed it was worth the wait, and it did not disappoint.  Order your food by number unless you happen to be a native speaker, the dishes we ate were wonderful.  The #7, a woodfired eggplant “sandwich” topped with fresh veggies, cheese and thin sliced hard-boiled egg was by far the best item on the menu we tried.  The wood-fired flatbread really pulled the entire dish together, along with the combination of spices and dressing.  The Rice pudding was delicious and after a full meal, perfectly portioned for sharing. They offer daily specials, including a fish of the day.  If you are in St. Louis, I highly recommend you stop by the Balkan Treat Box. 

 

               Our next favorite stop was the St. Louis Foundry.  A repurposed electrical component manufacturing plant, made into a mixed-use space.  The restaurant portion of the foundry is reminiscent of a food court with stalls, with varying food choices.  This location is great for large groups who cannot decide what they want to eat.  There is definitely something for everyone at the Foundry.  From woodfired pizza, poke bowls, Asian-Mexican fusion to South Indian street food, no one is walking away hungry.  Since we met our daughter’s team at the Foundry, everyone ordered something different. No two meals were alike, if ordered from a different stall, and for those who consume alcohol there is a bar in the center for guests to purchase drinks from as well.  Along the outside of the building there are shops that can be reached from inside the food court area or by walking along the open space between the two sides.  Live music, VR and even a putt-putt stop there is entertainment and food for a great night out.  Everything we tried in the Foundry was delicious.  You could make multiple trips here and still have more food to try.  Grab your indecisive friends and family and meet up at the Foundry for lunch or dinner.

 

               Overall, we had a great trip to St. Louis to watch our daughter compete and had a great time finding new and exciting places to eat and enjoy our time together.  The chance to try new food makes each travel journey a new and exciting adventure.  We can hardly wait for the next one to see what new culinary experience we can have. 

Breakfast at the Oaks

 

               It might not come as a surprise to many of you but at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast, we serve breakfast.  While that might not be the case at some bed and breakfast locations, we have always felt that part of the best guest experience is around the breakfast table the next morning.  Breakfast serves as our chance to get to know our guests better and discover more about what brought them to Sulphur Springs. 

 

            Many times, overnight guests are passing through the area, and we want to make sure they do not miss out on the experience that is Sulphur Springs.  You would be surprised how many guests have not made the journey downtown to explore the square and step inside the glass bathrooms.  Even on these cold winter days, that is a must see stop while visiting Sulphur Springs and the Oaks bed and breakfast.

 

            Before we say goodbye to our guests or have a great day, we sit down to enjoy the first meal of the day together.  I for one can not continue on my day without breakfast, as I’m pretty sure I would wilt away from hunger.  We always choose to serve a hearty breakfast filled with great food and even better conversations.  For your enjoyment, I want to feature my favorite breakfast’s that we made and served our guests while in-house.  This month’s favorite is our polenta stacks.

 

            While this does take a bit of time to create the end result is worth the time.  This meal can be made gluten free and dairy free if that is how you choose to make it or need to make it.  We start off by preparing the polenta first, so it has plenty of time to cook and absorb all the liquid to make it ready to eat.

 

            Next, we start with spinach and mushrooms.  Gather more spinach than you think you will need.  Once it cooks down the fullness of leaves will diminish, and you might find that you need more in order to serve your group.  Slice your mushrooms and add in your favorite spices to flavor them so that they complement the spinach and polenta. 

 

            Now you are ready to make your cream sauce.  You do not have to have cream sauce to top your dish, this was an added layer I wanted to supply for looks and flavor.  I added parmesan into my polenta and the parmesan cream sauce just pulled those flavors together on the top.  We poach our eggs directly into a water bath and do not have a special pan to cook them in.  However, you choose to make your eggs is up to you.  We add an egg for extra protein.

 

            I stack each layer one on top of the other starting with the polenta and work my way up with spinach, mushrooms, egg, and sauce.  Change your order up to whichever way is more appealing to you.  We serve all our breakfast items with a homemade pastry, fruit and side of sausage or bacon, if not already made into the dish. 

 

            We hope that you might give this breakfast a try at home for your family or guests.  Or book a night with us and make a request for breakfast.  We do fulfill requests when guests ask.  Enjoy and we can hardly wait until next month to share with you our favorite meal we serve. 

Garden ~ Freeze Prep

 

If the forecast is to be believed we will have some snow in the coming days. Let me help you make sure your garden is ready for the turn in the weather. I know my children are excited about the prospect of snow, and you can be too with a little prep work.

 

Let’s start off with potted plants. If they are normally outside be sure to water them in the day leading up to winter weather. This will help protect your plant before a freeze by drinking in extra moisture. If your plants need to come inside be sure to spray both sides of the leaves with insecticide suitable for your plant, to kill off any unwanted insects. You do not want to introduce new insects to any plants already inside your home.

 

On to the garden, you can add a layer of mulch or compost to any plants you still have in the ground. If you happen to be growing some winter greens, you can take some cuttings but do not cut too far back, you do not want to kill your plant. Be sure to water your garden as well. The same principle applies to plants directly in the ground as those in pots.

 

There are still some plants you might need to cover to protect the plant from freezing. A frost cloth or heat retaining blanket might be useful. If you do not have either of those, a small blanket with a plastic bag to cover with can work just as well.

 

Be sure to cover and protect all your water spigots. After you have watered your garden turn off all your automatic water timers and cover the ends with an insulated product to help prevent it from freezing. The last thing anybody wants to deal with is a broken water line.

 

In the end prepare as best you can to keep your garden healthy and warm before this winter storm. After all any snow we get will only help your soil. It can provide nitrogen that is pulled out by the plants during growth. We love it when nature helps to replenish the soil naturally. We hope each of you stay warm and safe.

Around Town ~ Nail Luxe

               

            Hello 2024!  What a whirlwind 2023 was and boy are we looking forward to 2024 to see what this year holds and how it will shape up.  To shake things up this year for your entertainment, I am going to start a new series where we look at the different shopping and services that our town has to offer.  I’m sure most people are aware of many of the places we will visit, but just in case you haven’t yet tried it out, we want to tell you about our experience.

 

               First up we visited Nail Luxe located in downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas at 230 Main Street, suite A.  Their hours of operation are 9:30 a. m. – 7:30 p. m. Monday through Friday.  Saturday from 9 a. m. – 7 p. m. and Sunday 11 a. m. – 5 p. m.  Just as the name suggests they offer all nail services, from pedicures to manicures, along with gel polish, dips and more.  In addition to nail services, they offer massages, waxing and eye lash extensions.  Before you go, you can review other services on their website, which offers the option to schedule an appointment online as well.   When you select your service, you can even select the technician.  This way if you find a technician you like, you can always use them.  What a great way to build relationships with your clients.

 

               We went in for a pedicure today to help keep our feet and skin heathy during the dry winter months.  It always amazes me how much the cooler temperatures dry out a person’s skin.  Overall, our pedicures were efficient and comfortable.  We were walk-in’s and we were able to be served right away once everyone was at the location. 

 

               Since we were there on a weekday, we received a discount on our services, which was unexpected but nice.  The offer a discount on the weekend as well just in a smaller amount and based off the total spent.  The store front is conveniently located downtown on the corner of Main Street and Davis Street.  Close to the parking near the police station.  The inside looks clean and fresh.  The brightly colored chairs stand out well against the white background of the floor and walls.  Our technicians were pleasant and did a good job over all on our pedicures. 

 

               If you are out and about shopping and need a break or are planning a spa day with friends, be sure to stop by Nail Luxe and experience what they have to offer their customers.  If you have a business in Sulphur Springs, you would like us to visit and highlight please reach out to Allison at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast so we can stop by and let more people know about what you have to offer.