Travel ~ Road Trip!

 

               The Great America Road trip, where you pile your family into one car and hit the road.  Have you made that trip? If so where have you ventured to?  We tend to make a road trip at least once per year, but sometimes those trips are little more than going from point A to point B.  The best road trips are when we can take a little bit of time and explore the road ahead. 

 

               We did this, for the most part, when dropping off number two at college.  We picked him up in Nashville, since it was “on the way,” and he was coming from another state other than Texas.  While there, we explored Nashville a little bit, but definitely could do with more exploration. Our highlights from our short visit, were the farmers market, where we picked up some micro greens and vegetarian jerky.  Surprisingly the jerky was pretty tasty.  We also stopped by and walked around Aphrodite’s Temple, which is a replica of the one in Greece. The temple was pretty amazing.  Once we retrieved the kid from the airport, we hit the road for real.

 

               Our end goal was Maine, and there are a few different routes you can take, and we figured since we were taking the Northern route, we would stop by and check out Niagara Falls.  That did not disappoint!  What an amazing experience to see and experience this natural wonder.  Imagine being an explorer and paddling along the river, to suddenly hear the roar of the water gaining ground towards the falls.  Turn back and bail out.  Hopefully no explorers went over the falls before realizing what lay ahead.

 

               From there we made our way to Maine to drop him off and hug the girl, before departing on a few days together.  We did not make our destination as soon as we had hoped, but we had great food and fellowship with the girl and her boyfriend’s family before hitting the road again.  We finally made it to Vermont.  A new State to explore and experience and it was worth the trip. 

 

               We found a fantastic Bed and Breakfast, The Feather Bed Inn, to spend the night and explore the Mad River Valley of Vermont.  Our inn keepers were wonderful and sent us in the right direction for dinner and fun.  All of her food recommendations that we tried were delicious and a would go back experience. Plus, the Inn itself was situated on a beautiful piece of property, with a pond that backed up to a hiking trail that connects all over the valley.  Most definitely worth a multi-day stay to explore those trails. 

 

               We also happened to be in the area when a local flatbread restaurant was having a flatbread festival to celebrate their origins and bring food to the people.  The flatbread was free, the line was long and the music was hopping.  This restaurant incorporated an art show along with messages about how food has changed over the years and how that has affected farmers.  A beautiful functional garden with pigs and chickens is also situated on the property and guests could walk around and see a little bit of how this family has managed their food and grows what they use on the flatbread.  The whole experience resonated with us and what we try to share with our guests. 

 

               Sadly, we had to leave the next day but would plan to return during any other part of the year to experience the valley.  Winter would be amazing, since the Featherbed is located minutes away from two ski resorts, and Spring and Summer allows for great hiking, biking and water exploration.  Since the valley is surrounded by low mountains the color change in the fall must be a sight to see.  Before we left, we did take a hike up to catch the view from one of the mountain tops.  What an experience!

 

               Of course, when we travel we love to find restaurants off the beaten path to dine at while out.  We hit the jackpot in Niagara with a delicious Korean family-owned restaurant and with an amazing  Asian Fusion in the Valley and Italian restaurant in Keene.  I don’t think any of our food choices were a disappointment, since we always walked away full and ready to explore. 

 

               Take the road trip with the family, explore parts of the country that you might not have seen yet.  There are so many great and diverse experiences here in Texas and in the United States as whole that could make your road trip the best ever.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Lemon Basil Elderflower Sake Cocktail

    

     For our Asian themed dinner I wanted a cocktail that had a unique flavor and taste from the area. Sake was my first choice to mix with others to make a cocktail our guests would enjoy. The addition of the Elderflower liquor and Brut Champagne brought it all together. 

     Of course, to add in our herb choice, I went with Lemon Basil to add in a bit more lemon flavor. The real star of this drink just might be the pomegranate juice. The juice gives the drink a distinct pink color with a little extra tart. 

     While there are a lot of liquids that go into this drink, the portions we have for mixing today make two. Grab your sweet heart and make up something to celebrate. You will want to mix this one up, and love it. 

 Lemon Basil Elderflower Sake Cocktail 

Serves 2

 

6-10 Lemon Basil leaves 

2 ounces Sake 

1 ounce Elderflower liquor 

1 ounce pomegranate juice 

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 

Brut Champagne 

 Muddle your lemon basil in your shaker cup before adding the liquid. This will help to release the flavors. Once muddled add all the liquid except champagne. Give it a good shake, pour into champagne flutes about 3/4 full. Top with champagne and garnish with lemon or basil. 

 If you are looking for a little sweeter version of this drink, then you could top off with a Prosecco or Moscato. Overall, it is pretty dry but still refreshing. By using a champagne flute you have a more measured drink. As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.

At the Oaks ~ Asian Coursed Dinner

 

When we first opened The Oaks Bed and Breakfast we offered a monthly dinner that featured four courses and was scheduled by reservation only. We wanted to keep up with that plan but with five children who are pretty active, it quickly had to be let go.

 

 

In keeping with the dinner vibe we switched our mindset and plan, to a live auction donation. This dinner donation can be found at two regular spots each year, one at the Saint James Catholic Church Auction and the second at the Live Broadcast of the Symphony Auction. Any other donations are made based on the need of the organization or charity. Each menu is different and set for those who are scheduled to attend and enjoy the meal.

 

This year for our Saint James group we curated an Asian Themed dinner covering five courses, to tempt the palate. All dietary considerations are covered in our dinners and we have no problem creating menus with those needs in mind.

 

 For this meal we even brought to the table a specialty cocktail featuring sake. Be on the lookout for that drink next month in our cocktail of the month. Until then we hope you will enjoy reading about the menu we featured for this wonderful dinner.

 

Our first course started with passed appetizers while everyone was arriving and drinks were ordered. Asian shrimp wonton cups, Sticky Thai meatballs, and Thai red curry deviled eggs, tempted our diners to start the evening off. Each choice has a myriad of flavors that were different with each choice. The overwhelming favorite, the deviled eggs. Anytime we serve deviled eggs they are always a crowd pleaser.

 

 Our second course is a soup course and we selected miso soup for our guests. This simple but flavorful soup hits the spot on taste buds and tummies. Miso is not to filling so as to take up valuable space for the remaining courses.

 

The third course is our salad course which we served non-traditionally with three different selections to tempt the tastebuds. Homemade Kimchi, a Sweet and tangy cucumber salad, and a Spicy Korean carrot salad filled out the plate. Each one a little different than the other with hits of spicy and sweet to tempt the palate.

 

Our fourth course is our main course where we served Ahi tuna with Bang Bang cauliflower and Crispy Okra that is pan fried with other seasonal vegetables. The pink tuna mixed with the creamy Bang Bang sauce and crisp vegetables brought everything together for our guests. This course might have been my favorite!

 

Last but not least was the fifth course, Japanese Cheesecake. This light and fluffy cheesecake topped with fresh raspberries and powdered sugar was a delight after such a wonderful meal. You might be wondering what makes this cheesecake different? Well the base of the cake is the middle itself. No graham cracker base just the wonderful lightness of the cake itself. With a small amount of cake flour and meringue, this cheesecake was heaven in each bite. The texture is lighter and not as dense as traditional cheesecake, a wonderful change to the norm.

 

We hope you enjoy our recounting of the dinner. And we hope that you will be the next person to make a bid at one of the two auctions for this delicious meal. The menu will be different but just as amazing and adventurous as before. Thank you from us at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Spicy Grapefruit Margarita

 

Over here at The Oaks bed and breakfast, we love a good margarita, and often the spicier the better.  This month we are bringing to your bar, a Spicy Grapefruit Margarita that is paired with a jalapeno and lemon basil. 

 

               We kicked up the spice a bit by zesting the jalapeno to create more kick with this summer special, and the garnish with the lemon basil just adds a little kick of citrus to an already delicious drink.  Another key component to this drink is to use only fresh squeezed juice.  Juice that grapefruit and lime directly into your shaker cup, when mixing this delightful drink. 

 

               Of course, you can dial up your sweetness and spice by adding more honey or jalapeno or less.  Make this drink your own and enjoy it with friends.  You can even make it a mocktail by removing the tequila and orange liquor.  I would splash in some nonalcoholic  orange bitters to grab that flavor and an additional amount of grapefruit juice to help fill the glass. 

 

Spicey Grapefruit Margarita

Serving size 2 drinks 

½ cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

3 TBLS fresh squeezed lime juice

2 TBLS agave or honey

3 oz white tequila

2 oz orange liquor

Salt to rim the glass

Lemon basil for garnish

 

Before you mix your drink prepare your glass.  Rub a lime wedge or grapefruit wedge around the glass and then salt with your favorite option.  Take all your liquid ingredients and pour into a shaker cup that has been filled with ice.  Vigorously shake your drink to mix together.  Then pour it over your salted, ice filled glass.  Garnish with grapefruit, lemon basil, lime or jalapeno slices.

 

               Make this drink your own and mix it up with different bases to find the one you like the best.  Increase the sweetness as you desire or decrease to make your drink more tart.  Mix in additional jalapeno for extra spice or remove it to eliminate all spice.  Either way, this drink will be a summer favorite for sure.

 

               As always please drink responsibly by having a designated driver.  We hope you will let us know if you make this cocktail and tell us which you like it the best.  Cheers!

Around Town ~ Farmer's Market

 

               Have you ever been to either of the famer’s markets that are close to Sulphur Springs?  We took a couple of Saturdays to check them out and let you know which one is our favorite.  Greenville and Winnsboro both have vibrant farmer’s markets where you can find unique items and handmade goodies for your whole family to enjoy. 

 

               We started out in Winnsboro and really enjoyed our visit there.  The market offers one long, covered area where vendors from the area are there to share their love of homemade and home-grown goodness with others.  Canned goods, homemade bread, meat and fresh grown vegetables dress the tables just waiting for someone to stop by and take them home.  Farm fresh eggs, and sourdough are offered, along with locally grown mushrooms that were full of flavor and deliciousness. 

 

               One of our new found favorite vendors is a fresh pasta maker.  All kinds of pasta are available for purchase.  Stuffed pasta, noodles, and even sauce are offered.  Such a wonderful selection and a must buy when shopping at the Winnsboro farmer’s market. 

 

               Other unique vendors, such as homemade hot sauce and unique jelly’s can be found at the farmer’s market.  A few vendors have made handmade jewelry and kitchen items like hot pads and oven mitts.  I love to see the fresh vegetable options that are grown with care and harvested for customers to enjoy at home.

 

               The Greenville farmer’s market is similar to Winnsboro but offered some different choices for fresh vegetables.  The mung beans and sprouts were a new choice and a wonderful option for guests who are looking for something different to add to meals.  Fresh melon, vegetables, and eggs are also offered in Greenville. One stand had an entire table of okra.  Such a great summer vegetable that is prolific.

 

               Greenville offered a little more in the handmade jewelry and t-shirt options so depending on if you are looking for those or vegetables, either farmer’s market can have something for everyone.  We prefer those markets that have more fresh vegetables than those that offer handmade jewelry and clothing. 

 

               Both markets had fresh homemade bread and a variety of fresh grown vegetables and fruit for guests to bring home.  Each vibe was a little different, Greenville was a little more tight and chaotic while Winnsboro seemed to be more open.  I’m sure that is all due to how the vendors set up at each  market. 

 

               Grab some friends and take an early morning adventure to either market, you will leave satisfied.  Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local farmers and feed your family fresh grown or homemade goodness.  With each market located in the downtown community, after your visit you can shop or dine at local restaurants.

In the Garden ~ Fall Planting

 

               Believe it or not it’s time to start thinking about your fall garden.  I know we are in the thick of summer and it seems like those 90 plus degree days will never end but fall will be here before you know it.  You won’t want to miss out on getting your garden fall ready.

 

               One of our favorite vegetables to plant for the fall is greens.  All the greens, to make big, beautiful, healthy salads.  Plus, we tend to plant hardy greens, that cook well, so that adds versatility to your garden and what you grow.  A few of our favorite greens to plant for the fall garden is spinach, arugula, kale and bok choy. A mix of varieties and flavors makes cooking more fun as well as treating your palette to a variety of flavors for the fall.

              

               Another favorite that could also be considered a green is cabbage.  While cabbage might take little longer to grow, 60-90 days until mature, it will withstand colder temperatures if your area gets an early cold snap.  There are choices to be made when growing cabbage as well.  Are you an all green type of grower or do you like to mix it up with purple cabbage?

 

Time to close up the head

               Broccoli is another great choice for a fall garden.  Broccoli really tends to thrive in cooler temperatures, such as 65-75 degrees but will get started while it’s still a little warmer. Maybe start those seeds inside where the climate is a bit cooler than outside and transfer when you have a strong seedling started.  A little tip I learned is to snip off the first heads as baby broccoli and that should yield to larger heads at the finish.

 

               Along with broccoli, cauliflower is another great fall vegetable to plant.  Now cauliflower tends to be a little more picky about the temperature in which it grows, so plant those a little later when you can be assured of cool temperatures for this temperamental plant.  Afterall, you do not want it to bolt before you produce heads. Once the heads start to grow, if you pull the leaves over top, the heads are protected from the sun and heat, and will grow to a beautiful white color.

 

               If you loved your peas in the spring, bring them back for the fall.  Fall peas taste just as yummy and crisp as those spring peas. Plus, who doesn’t love to just pluck them from the vine and enjoy while picking the rest of the vegetables.

 

               Carrots are another great option to plant in the fall.  Add these into the ground directly among your other plants and they will thrive in the fall.  After all carrots love tomatoes, so sprinkle in around your already growing tomatoes and see what comes up.

 

               A quick growing vegetable is the radish.  Succession plant these every two weeks to have fresh radish for your salad or as a garnish all throughout the fall.  By planting a new set every couple of weeks ensures you have new plants started when harvesting the first batch. 

 

               Beets are probably best known for being grown in the fall garden.  So many wonderful varieties are available for growers that you are bound to discover one you love.  They are even more versatile since you can eat the root and the tops, so nothing goes to waste when you grow beets in your fall garden.  These colorful root vegetables are a great addition to add in nutritious food choices to your daily diet. Beets are hardy after picking, if kept in a cool dry space.

 

               If you have never eaten celery grown fresh from the garden, you are missing out.  The taste is so much better than anything you can buy in the store.  Since celery can be used in so many different ways, you cannot go wrong with adding this to your fall garden.  While it does take a bit longer to mature 90 to 120 days, it will really start to produce when the temperatures drop. 

 

               While there are a myriad of choices and varieties to plant in your garden for the fall, do not let time slip away before you get started.  If you do not have a lot of space find out what goes well together and use the same pot for multiple plants.  Everyone can access fresh, grown produce with a little bit of effort. 

Travel ~ Mineral Wells, Texas and The Magpie Inn

     

   Mineral Wells, Texas boasts the home of Crazy Water.  The story goes that a woman who was suffering from her mind failing, came to Mineral Wells and drank the healing waters and recovered.  Thus, Crazy Water was born.  There are four levels of Crazy water to choose from, based on the mineral content.  One being the lowest amount to four being the highest amount.  No matter where you go in town you are bound to experience Crazy Water.  While I was there, I tried number two and felt that by itself, it had too much mineral flavor but with food, it evened out to have a "regular" water flavor.  When you plan your stay, be sure to check out the Crazy Water to discover your favorite and see if it helps you to feel better mentally.

 

    Of course, during my visit, I had to check out the downtown area of Mineral Wells.  It was a short walk from the Magpie Inn, where I stayed the night.  While making my way downtown I saw quite a few murals on the exterior of the buildings and just loved the different images they portrayed.  Murals are such an easy way to incorporate art into your downtown area that can also be a draw for people to visit.  Hint, hint City of Sulphur Springs. 

 

    I decided to step into one of the shops which ended up leading me to four different shops.  It was pretty cool how they were all connected and just flowed from one to the other.  There was a little eatery in one of spots.  Here you could order sandwiches or salads, along with some fresh meat, pasta and sauces as well.  It was cute little spot to enjoy lunch, grab something you might be missing for dinner, to a souvenir to take home and enjoy later. 

 

    One of the staple shops of Downtown Mineral Wells sports a two-story building that literally has something for everyone.  From olive oil to balsamic vinegars, housewares, kids clothes, and even something for the men in your life.  The Market has a little bit of everything, including a cocktail and coffee bar for guests to enjoy while they shop or just to sit awhile and enjoy. 

 

    I even managed to make my way to the brewery, Rickhouse Brewing, that is located downtown in the same building as the Crazy Water Hotel.  I tried a flight of beers and did not find one that I didn't like.  Each one was unique and with a story that resonated with the brewery, creating a history for why they brew the beer and the name given.  Their brew space is right where guests can see it all and I was really impressed with the quality and quantity of beers that they create in the space allotted to them.  You can regularly find musical groups playing at the brewery and a good conversation if that is what you are looking for.  Be sure to ask about the beer stories while you are there and of course find your favorite.

 

    My favorite part of my visit was staying at The Magpie Inn.  This Chef owned and operated inn is a short walk from the center of downtown and is a lovely getaway for couples.  Select from five rooms and enjoy a group breakfast or an in-room breakfast during your stay.  Be sure to look for Waldo, the tortoise, during your stay.  He is definitely part of the Inn experience.  Each room is designed with your comfort in mind and is welcomed retreat during a visit to Mineral Wells. 

 

    If you are visiting family or just looking for a getaway you can't go wrong with a stop in Mineral Wells.  There is plenty to do and see during your visit, and of course wonderful places to stay, eat and drink.  Explore Clark Gardens or hop on over to the lake or take a tour of local wineries or a history tour.  Don't forget to grab a bottle of Crazy Water and find out which level you like the best.