Category Archives: Recipes

National Cherry Pie Day

National Cherry Pie Day

National Cherry Pie Day is February 20. Cherry Facts: Oregon’s Willamette Valley supplies 3,200 acres of sweet cherries and the Mid-Columbia Valley supplies 12,300 acres. The Hood River Valley anticipates the cherry harvest to start around the first of July. A little earlier in The Dalles Cherry orchards. Innkeepers at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, in the heart of the Hood River Valley, will be making cherry crepes, cherry scones, cherry cobblers and of course placing big bowls of cold, crisp cherries on the table to nibble on before, during and after breakfast.

Although this is not a cherry pie, this tart is a favorite at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast in the Hood River Valley.

1 cup (1/2 lb.) butter, at room temperature
2 large egg yolks
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 pounds fresh cherries, rinsed and pitted
2 Tbs. quick-tapioca
1 Tbs. lemon juice

In a bowl, with a mixer on medium speed, beat butter with 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in egg yolks. Stir in flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Divide dough in half. Press one portion over bottom and up sides to rim of a 9-inch tart pan with removable rim. Place other portion on a lightly floured piece of waxed paper. Set aside.
In another bowl, mix cherries, tapioca, lemon juice and remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes as you roll out second portion of dough with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 10-inch round.

Pour cherries into tart shell. Invert round over cherries. Press edges into rim of tart pan, pinching off any excess. Sprinkle tart lightly with sugar.
Place tart pan on a baking sheet and bake on the lower rack of a 375 degree over until top is golden brown, about 35-40 minutes.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, when you’re ready to travel again. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Lemon curd coffee cake

Valentine’s Day is coming up in a few weeks and you guys and gals out there better get moving and plan that special day or evening with the one you love. A romantic dinner and an over-nite stay at one our lovely Oregon Bed and Breakfasts is the perfect choice! A delightful stay and the whole day to enjoy one of Oregon’s premiere destinations. Whichever destination you choose; the snowy mountains, the green Willamette Valley, the gorgeous Southern Oregon region, the majestic coast or the scenic east, all of Oregon is aptly suited for little bit of romance for two in an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inn!

So, if you are so inclined, enjoy one of our inns and you may be lucky enough to enjoy this Lemon Curd Coffee Cake. It’s just enough sweet, has just enough lemon and has just enough coconut and butter in it to make it the perfect breakfast cake to eat with that perfect cup of fresh ground coffee! Contributed by Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

Lemon Curd Coffee Cake

1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
3 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 c. flaked coconut

Batter:

2-1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 c. cold butter
2/3 c. vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 c. lemon curd

Glaze:

1/2 c. confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon lemon juice

1) In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in coconut; set aside.

2) For batter, in a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, peel, egg and egg yolk; stir into crumb mixture just until moistened (batter will be stiff).

3) Spread 2 cups of the batter in a greased 9-inch spring form pan; sprinkle with 3/4 cup of coconut mixture.  Drop 1/2 teaspoonfuls of lemon curd over the top to within 1/2 inch of edge.  Carefully spoon remaining batter over lemon curd; sprinkle with remaining coconut mixture.

4) Place pan on a baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes.  Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; remove sides of pan.  Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm cake.

Makes 12 servings.

Baking it in the spring form pan makes it really easy to release and serve! Hope to see you enjoy Valentine’s weekend an inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and hope your stay is absolutely perfect!

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, when you’re ready to travel again. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

National Pancake Day

National Blueberry Pancake Day

Today is National Blueberry Pancake Day.  But who wants blueberry pancakes just once a year?  At the Old Parkdale Inn B&B, hot-off-the-griddle blueberry pancakes often throughout the year.

Oregon’s Hood River Valley has acres and acres of Blueberry Farms scattered among the Pear, Cherry and Apple orchards.  Harvest begins usually around the first of July and last for about 5-6 weeks.  During that time we serve up everything Blueberry:  Lemon Blueberry Biscuits, Blueberry Buckle, Fresh Berry Shortcakes, Berry Compote to put on top of Blueberry Pancakes of course.

‘At the inn we freeze quite a few pounds for use through the winter.  Last spring my dear neighbor gave me a sourdough starter.  Now we make pancakes at least once a week using this tangy Sourdough Starter.’

Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes at the Old Parkdale Inn:

The night before:
cup of sourdough starter
1 cup warm water
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Mix well and let ferment overnight

Reserve one cup starter and to remaining batter add:
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tbs sugar
2 Tbs oil
about a half cup of milk
whole wheat flour as needed

When the griddle is hot and buttered up, pour on the batter.  I like to add the blueberries to the pancakes on the griddle before flipping. Adds a bit of flair to the presentation. Serve hot-off-the-griddle with a fresh berry compote made with about 2 cups of blueberries, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, what fruit is available. Put fruit in a saucepan, add a little cranberry juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or fruit liquor. Throw a few fresh blueberries on top. The best!

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, when you’re ready to travel again. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

 

National French Toast Day November 28

Nation French Toast Day is November 28

Remember the orange popsicle filled with vanilla ice cream?  Who didn’t love them then and who doesn’t still love them now? Here at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast we regularly order a case of fresh Organic Valencia Oranges to use in Orange Ricotta Pancakes, Fresh Orange Smoothies, Fruit Salads and more.  Recently I made this creamy French Toast with a Gluten Free White Bread but I prefer using a fresh Challah Bread. Challah makes the best French Toast and when combined with cream cheese, vanilla and orange, a dream comes true.

Creamy Orange French Toast

In a small bowl cream together 1/2 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp sugar and 4 oz softened cream cheese

In another bowl Whip together:

  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • zest from a orange
  • juice from that orange
  • cup of milk
  • 2 Tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tsp sugar

Spread the cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread.  I like to lay the sandwiches on a cookie sheet where the milk and egg mixture has been poured, flipping them after about 5 minutes.  The type of bread you are using will determine how long to soak.  Dryer bread a little longer that a very moist bread like Challah. Fry on a hot griddle until golden, about 3-5 minutes on each side.

Meanwhile, combine fresh orange juice from half an orange, 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a small sauce pot. Bring to simmer and take off heat.

Serve piping hot garnished with thinly slices oranges and a dusting of powdered sugar.

You can adjust this recipe to satisfy dietary needs. I’ve used coconut or almond milk for lactose intolerant guests. A Vanilla Soy Creamer adds flavor. There are some very good non dairy cream cheese products available.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: A two-week freeze was announced by our governor, Governor Brown. These new measures are intended to limit group activities and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon. The Two-Week Freeze measures will be in effect from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2, state-wide. These risk reduction measures are critical in limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing risk in communities more vulnerable to serious illness and death, and helping conserve hospital capacity so that all Oregonians can continue to have access to quality care.

The mandate hurts all of us, especially our inns and small businesses. Restaurants, bars and tasting rooms can only sell take-out. There is no in-restaurant dining or on-site wine tasting. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

Pumpkin Pear Panna Cotta

The Pumpkin Panna Cotta with Caramelized Pears has become a favorite at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast table.

Pumpkin Panna Cotta
1 1/2 Cups Half & Half
2 to 3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
3/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1 Package (1/4 Ounce) Gelatin
1/3 Cup Milk

Caramelized Pear:
1 Large or 2 Small to Medium Pears
1 1/2 Tablespoon Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 1/2 Tablespoon Sugar

Sweetened Whipped Cream

Place the milk in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it, stir gently and leave for 5 minutes to soften. Combine the half and half in a small saucepan with the syrup and pumpkin, and heat until the mixture just reaches the scalding point but does not boil, whisking often. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk in the gelatin mixture until smooth. Divide the mixture into 4 glasses or ramekins and refrigerate.

Cut the pear/pears in half, remove the core and peel, then cut into small dice. In a heavy frying pan heat the butter until sizzling. Add the pears, sugar and cinnamon and stir. Cook over medium heat stirring often until the pears and very tender and obtain a nice golden brown color. Remove from the heat and place in a covered bowl until needed.

To serve, allow the panna cotta to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Add a dollop of sweetened cream to each panna cotta, then spoon on some of the pears in their juice. Serve immediately.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: A two-week freeze was announced by our governor, Governor Brown. These new measures are intended to limit group activities and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon. The Two-Week Freeze measures will be in effect from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2, state-wide. These risk reduction measures are critical in limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing risk in communities more vulnerable to serious illness and death, and helping conserve hospital capacity so that all Oregonians can continue to have access to quality care.

The mandate hurts all of us, especially our inns and small businesses. Restaurants, bars and tasting rooms can only sell take-out. There is no in-restaurant dining or on-site wine tasting. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

Pumpkin Pinots Pears

Serving up Pears at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast

Imagine waking up in the morning to the slight scent of fresh brewed coffee, muffins baking in the oven and knowing someone has already been up for hours just to prepare breakfast for you. That’s what you can look forward to when visiting one of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild inns.

We recently asked our innkeepers to submit their favorite recipes and were pleased to see that once again, we are all about keeping it local and fresh. The recipe that follows is made with pears. Did you know that 84% of the nation’s pears are grown in Oregon and Washington? The volcanic soil provides pear tree nourishment, the rain and snowmelt provides moisture and of course our ideal temperature is a huge factor.

Mary and Steve Pellegrini have owned the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast in the Hood River Valley for over 17 years. Their recipe using Bosc pears is easy, tasty, and the presentation is gorgeous. She calls it, “Microwave Poached Bosc Pears with Raspberry Sauce”

  • peel one ripe pear per person but leave the stem on
  • cut a small slice from the bottom of pears to flatten so they stand upright
  • put pears in a microwave safe dish and pour one tablespoon of maple syrup over each one
  • cover and microwave about one and half minutes per pear until hot
  • place pears on individual small plates and pour about one tablespoon raspberry syrup over each pear
  • garnish with raspberries

If you are planning a trip to Oregon’s Mt Hood Region, stay with Pellegrini’s at the Old Parkdale Inn. We’re sure after 17 years of innkeeping, they has more wonderful breakfast recipes to share with you.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Plum Upside Down Buttermilk Cake

The Hood River Valley fall harvest is in full swing. This Upside Down Cake has been well received by guests at the breakfast table of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, a member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Old Parkdale Inn Plum Upside Down Buttermilk Cake

Place 1/4 cup butter in 8″ round baking pan and place in an oven preheating to 400º until melted. While it heats prepare about 10 plums by slicing them into wedges, getting about 8-10 wedges per plum. When the butter has melted swirl it around the pan. I use a pastry brush to make sure the sides are buttered too. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, mix it well into the butter then arrange the plum wedges in rays around the pan.

Buttermilk Cake Butter:
1 cup flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ stick of butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
½ cup buttermilk
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.  In another bowl, cream the butter and ¾ cup of sugar together, then add the vanilla extract, egg and buttermilk and whisk till smooth. Add to flour mixture. Stir until just combined. Scrape the buttermilk cake batter onto the plum slices and smooth. Bake for around 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto serving platter. We’ve been serving this Oregon Culinary Delight slightly warm with a dab of Greek yogurt and some sliced fresh plums as garnish

The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is mid way between Hood River, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood and is a unique inn of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  The inn, with Pacific Northwest decor, is at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood in the bountiful Hood River Valley, Parkdale, Oregon. The perfect base for outdoor adventure or a quiet retreat.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

Pear Ginger Jam

Pear Ginger Jam at Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

Pear Ginger jam is a guest favorite at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, An inspected and approved member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild the Old Parkdale Inn is located in the Hood River Valley, the largest pear growing region in our nation. This jam is a beautiful gold color, with a not-too-sweet pure pear flavor, a little hit of fresh and crystalized ginger, and a bright lemony finish.

Pear Ginger Jam ~ Makes about 7-8 half pint jars

  • 5 cups cored and chopped pears
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoons grated fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons peeled, grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup minced crystallized ginger
  • 3 1/2 cups sugar, divided
  • 1 3/4 oz box powdered light fruit pectin (Sure-Jell in the pink box for less sugar)

Process:

Place pears, lemon juice, zest, and ginger in a medium saucepan over high heat. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar, and the pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred), stirring constantly. Stir in the remaining 3 1/4 cups sugar quickly. Return to a rolling boil, and boil exactly for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off foam. Ladle into prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (or longer if high altitude).

The thing about breakfasts at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inn is that they’ll be varied, wholesome and nutritious. And almost always local: we do local best. The important thing is that when you choose to stay at an Oregon bed and breakfast you let your innkeeper know (preferably in advance) about your eating preferences and we’ll do our best to comply.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke. And the harvest of Pumpkins, Pinots and Pears will go on.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

National Banana Split Day

National Banana Split Day August 25

Banana Split for breakfast?  How about this healthy, delicious and nutritious variation from the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast? Oatmeal Breakfast Banana Split is a fun breakfast recipe that will kickstart your day with the energy you’ll need to power through exploring Oregon.

You’ll need about one cup of prepared oatmeal for each ‘split’.  Use your favorite oatmeal recipe making sure it’s on the thicker side. You’ll be using a cookie or ice cream scoop to scoop into banana

  • Slice the banana lengthwise and lay in your bowl
  • Drop two or three scoops of oatmeal onto banana
  • Add fresh fruit.  Try peaches, pears , apples, and berries
  • Top with a tablespoon or two of Greek Yogurt
  • Sprinkle chocolate chips, hemp hearts and chia seeds
  • Drizzle with maple syrup or any fruit syrup
  • Don’t forget the Cherry on Top

The great thing about this meal is you can top this banana split oatmeal with whatever you like. In the Hood River Valley we have an abundance of berries, cherries, stone fruit, apples and pears. Try some fall flavors with pumpkin puree and seeds. Or go tropical with mangos, pineapple and oranges. The options are virtually endless.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

National Waffle Day

National Waffle Day with Hazelnut Waffles

The temperate climates and volcanic soils of Oregon’s Willamette Valley combine to create 99 percent of the U.S. hazelnut crop. Oregon hazelnuts are recognized for their large size and distinctive flavor and about 50% of the crop is exported annually. That leaves plenty for the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild to share with guests in unique and delicious ways.

You’re sure to enjoy these Hazelnut Waffles

1 c. spelt flour
⅓ c. oat flour
½ c. hazelnuts, toasted and finely ground
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. soda
¼ c. sugar
2 eggs
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ¼ – 1 ½ c. buttermilk

Mix dry ingredients, then add remaining ingredients, starting with
1 ½ c. buttermilk, and mix well. If too thick, add remaining buttermilk.

Bake in hot waffle iron. Serve with ground hazelnuts and powdered sugar on top. Serve with a warm syrup or fruit topping. Or both!  I found this Hazelnut Syrup recipe on oregonhazelnuts.org:

Hazelnut Syrup
½ cup chopped Oregon hazelnuts
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
¾ cup maple syrup
In saucepan, sauté hazelnuts in butter until lightly browned. Add syrup and heat through. Yield: about 1 ¼ cups

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.