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.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Fig Thyme Shrub

 

The end of summer is rapidly approaching, and we do not want to let go just yet.  To help ring out the summer and celebrate the start of fall, our cocktail this month is a Fig Thyme Shrub.  I know what you are thinking, what the heck is a shrub.  Well shrub is basically a mixture of sugar, vinegar and fruit that sets overnight to create a “drinking vinegar.”  Now, do not walk away just yet! These flavors together will make a sweet and tangy drink that will satisfy your taste buds and make you come back for more. 

 

The combination of sweet and tangy will have your taste buds seeking out more of this delicious drink.  With fresh figs from our tree and the hint of thyme, you are sure to enjoy this cocktail.  Keeping summer alive a little longer with just a hint of fall flavors is a great way to end the day when that cool summer breeze hits off the back deck.

 

The set up does take a little longer since the flavors have to meld together at least overnight in the fridge.  This drink is worth the wait.  Find some delicious figs and add them together with your vinegar, sugar and thyme and let it sit overnight in the fridge. That way when you arrive home from work, your cocktail is almost ready to go.  Below are the exact details of how to put your drink together.

 

Fig Thyme Shrub

To make the shrub:

2 cups of diced fresh figs

¾ cup sugar

1 cup apple cider vinegar

10 sprigs of fresh thyme

 

Cocktail:

1 ½ ounces vodka

½ ounce fresh squeezed lime

1 ½ ounces fig thyme shrub

2 ounce club soda/sparkling water

Fig and thyme for garnish

 

Make the shrub in a plastic or glass bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight.  Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer and discard the thyme and figs when finished.  To make the cocktail add crushed ice to a glass.  Add the vodka, lime and shrub; stir to combine.  Add the club soda or sparking water, stir again.  Garnish with fig and thyme!

 

You can keep any of the extra shrub in your fridge for up to two weeks.  If you want to make this a mocktail, include more club soda or sparkling water to replace the vodka.  As always drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!

In the Garden ~ Planting for Fall

 

Schools back in session and time is short, and it might seem a little early to be thinking about a fall garden, with the temperature still in the 100’s or high 90’s but it’s better to start planning now.  As gardeners in Texas, we are blessed with a longer growing season that our counterparts in the Northern part of the States.  We can almost have a garden year-round, if we have a green house or means of covering our crop to ward off the frost.  We do not have to worry about frost for many more weeks, so let’s start to plan our fall garden and  what we want to grow.

 

We like to start some seeds inside and directly sow others for our fall growing season.  We will even try to plant some squash plants that should yield some fruit in the fall that are not traditionally planted at that time.  Of course, we will start crowd favorites such as butternut squash and spaghetti squash, as well as at least a plant or two of zucchini or yellow squash.  Hopefully we have taken care of those pesky squash bugs, and we have a better fall with our squash plants. 

 

In order to start our fall garden, we have to get it ready for planting.   I like to make sure our beds are clean and then add a fresh layer of compost for the best results.  Nothing saps the nutrients out of a garden like plants do.  The vegetables you planted before take a lot of the amendments from the soil that you placed in the spring, so it’s a good rule of thumb to add some good nutrition back into the soil for a better harvest.  Compost, ground eggshells, banana juice or coffee grounds are all good choices, depending on what you are looking to grow.  Clear your beds out and mix well, before planting.  I like to let my compost sit for a few days in the fall before planting with a couple of days of good watering to help develop the nutrition level of the soil. 

 

Water is still really important for your fall garden, especially since it’s still pretty hot out and the sun and soil temperature are sure to dry out your garden faster.  You can help prevent the loss of moisture by providing a layer of mulch around your plants.  That will help to retain moisture and grow your best produce. 

 

What should you plant this fall?  Fall is a great time to plant all your greens.  Especially Asian greens such as Bok Choy, Pac Choy, and Napa.  We also plant Kale, Spinach and Broccoli in the fall garden.  Arugula and Snow Peas are great additions as well, since they all like the cooler weather and will produce longer.  This year I think I’m going to give Carrots a try as well as Beets.  My family enjoys fresh grown Beets, and we have in the past planted a few different varieties that taste amazing.  Carrots in Texas I feel are a challenge but the reward is well worth the challenge. 

 

For herbs we will plant cilantro again, since it most definitely is a cool weather herb.  As well as Parsley.  Our Parsley that is still hanging on from the Spring is looking a little rough but I think if I can keep it going and add some friends, we could have a great harvest to dry and make new fresh herbs with. 

 

Do not let the summer heat keep you out of the garden.  Instead dive back in and clean out your beds and get them ready for the fall.  Nothing is better than cutting fresh greens for a salad or stir fry for lunch or dinner.  Plus, I’m really looking forward to filling my herb jars for cooking with fresh, dried herbs from our home garden.  Start your seeds early and enjoy a bountiful harvest in the fall.

Around Town ~ Millhollin

    

Downtown Sulphur Springs, Texas has a myriad of shops and dining opportunities for visitors to enjoy when dropping in for a visit, and we stopped into Millhollin for our “Around Town” visit this month. Located at 222 Main Street and open Monday thru Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p. m, Millhollin is a unique shop that has been wonderfully curated with a diverse product offering. 

     Current owner, Charity Pepys, truly loves the customer service side of her business and finding items to fill the shop that sparks an interest for visitors. Her store is more about creating an experience when people come in and feel that they have stepped out of Sulphur Springs and into the city, or on to the board walk of an East Coast beach town. Each item offered in Millhollin is unique and original that brings meaning to the store and the customers who purchase the items.

    

     The bulk of the items available is apparel, making up “timeless in the closet capsule wardrobe pieces.” These are items that individuals need for everyday wear and are easy to mix and match to complement what customers already have in their closets. Along with unique gift items, household essentials that are beautiful as well as functional, there are beauty, jewelry, gifts, and so much more. 

     Many of the items within the shop also have meaning outside their product line. Multiple companies, give back to charities that are meaningful to the current owners, while still offering quality products. Serving the community and supporting charities is at the heart of their business. Having a family history of retail store in a small community and from studying retail design, all her skills have helped to make Millhollin successful. 

     One of my favorite features of Millhollin is their store front windows. The front windows are always ready for the season. They reflect the store items and time of the year so well, I love to swing by and see what might be new in the window. If you have not been inside or seen the windows be sure to stop by and check it out. 

     We are sure that you will be able to find something for a loved one, teacher or spouse or friend. Each season holds something new, so be sure to drop by often to find your next great gift. A cook book, candle or a new pair of jeans to add to your wardrobe, maybe in your future.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Prickly Pear Mojito

    A short while ago a friend had given me a Prickly Pear Syrup for making drinks with.  At long last I decided summer was a great time to make a new herb infused cocktail for The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, today we have a Prickly Pear Mojito.  This refreshing herb infused cocktail is a little sweeter than we usually make due to the Prickly Pear syrup but we mix it with a little more lime juice to cut the sweet.

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    The prickly pear cactus, also know as Opuntia cacti, has been used by Native American's for food, medicine and a source of water, as well as needles.  Prickly Pear gets its name from the  spines on the steams as well as the fruit it gives called pears or tunas.  I'm sure you have seen the prickly pear plant before and would recognize it in the wild, or possibly your neighbors yard.  

Prickly Pear Mojito

 1 1/2 tablespoon  Prickly Pear Syrup

6 to 8 spearmint leaves

juice of 1 lime (about 2 ounces)

2 ounces rum

1 to 1/2 cups cubed or crushed ice

2 ounces club soda

In a tall glass, place the mint leaves, lime juice and the cactus syrup.  Muddle the leaves for 20 seconds to release the mint oils using either a muddler or a wooden spoon.  Add the rum, and stir.  Fill the glass until 3/4 full with ice.  Top off with the club soda club soda.  Garnish with mint leaves.

    I really enjoyed this drink and you can make it sweeter with more syrup and less lime juice.  Want more mint flavor, add more leaves and muddle before adding the juice and syrup.  Make it  your own to enjoy with friends.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!

Back to School Bucket List

 

 

Back to School 2019

     The end of summer is rapidly approaching, and the new school year is about to begin. We want to help prepare you for that not to far in the future date and get ready for a new school year.  I know everyone dreads the first day of school and the end of summer.  No more lazy days hanging with friends and family.  It's time to get back into a routine and a schedule.  Let's make life easier with a few tips and tricks.

 

    First lets check that Summer Bucket list to see if everything was accomplished.  Did you make it to the beach or the mountains?  See friends from afar or travel someplace new?  Even if you did not cross the State line your time away from home made memories.  If you still have a visit planned, be sure to take all the pictures and be in the pictures with the kids.  One day you will want those pictures, and your kids will always think the best of you no matter what. 

 

    Back to school shopping.  I'll tell you a secret, with five kids back to school shopping starts at home.  We use what we have first and then buy new.  With four boys, sometimes we have a little more new than used, but that's okay.  At this point my boys do not really care what they wear so it makes picking up new items to supplement their wardrobe pretty easy. 

 

    Shoes on the other hand are a whole new story.  Each year, we start off with new shoes, especially since they keep growing and their feet just want to catch up.  Sometimes we end up with a second round of shoe purchases mid year, because someone mistreated their shoes or their feet got bigger.  Needless to say they put in a lot of hours in those shoes, and the wear and tear adds up. 

 

    One of our favorite back to school purchases is school supplies.  Only two of the boys work off a list now and the older two have to figure out what works for them and how they study.  By letting them determine what works, will help them while in college.  My daughter has told many stories about how she has supplied her classmates in college with supplies because they were not prepared.  Figure out in High School what works for you and then use that when you go on to higher education.  Teach your kids now how to study and take notes, that will lead them to success.

 

    Another great, back to school bucket list item is the first day of school pictures.  I always try to get one with all the kids at home together before they jet off to their first day.  A group and individual pictures to remember the year and how much they grow over the next nine months. 

 

    Meet the teacher is a great bucket list item to add, especially if you have younger aged children who have never gone to school or will be transitioning to a new school.  Meet the teacher allows them to see other students in their classroom, meet the teacher and find their desk before the first day.  As a parent you have the peace of mind to see your child thrive in a new school year and can be reassured of those who will be leading, teaching and guiding them over the next nine months.  If you are so inclined, have your student make a simple “back to school” gift for their main teacher to start the year off right.  After all teachers start well before students, and finish after students so their summer is even shorter than the one you just had. 

 

    Last but not least would be meal prep.  Those first few days of school are going to be crazy with new schedules and sports practice and bus schedules.  You do not want to have to worry about food on top of that.  If your students are not eating school lunch, pack lunches for the week and store them in the fridge until the next school day.  Have some freezer meals planned for dinner, so that all you have to do is pull it out the night before to heat in the oven or crock pot.  You could even plan breakfast ahead of time.  Overnight oats are a great kick start to the day, and simple to make in a big batch for the whole family. 

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