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.