Tag Archives: culinary

Pumpkin Pinots Pears

Pumpkins, Pinots and Pears and Oregon’s Bounty

Did you know that over 80% of the pears in the world were grown right here in Oregon? Mostly in the Hood River Valley in Northern Oregon. It’s the perfect time to take that drive called the “Fruit Loop” in Hood River, Oregon. Winding through orchards, farms, roadside stands and vineyards, the Fruit Loop sounds like a perfect thing to do while you are visiting an Oregon Bed & Breakfast.  Don’t forget to pick up some fresh fruit and a homemade pumpkin pie, or apple, or pear, or cherry.  They all go great with the Oregon Pinots.  

And then there’s the Pinots. Harvest of that lovely fruit that makes Oregon so famous for its wines will soon begin. Oregon’s prize winning, world renown, and absolutely palate pleasing wines are featured not only at our inns, but everywhere you go in Oregon.

Pairing some of Oregon’s wines with a few slices of several varieties of pears and of course pumpkin pie, makes for the perfect Autumn afternoon.

While you’re here search recipes, and see what dishes our innkeepers are making with Oregon’s “never ending harvest!”

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.

The Marionberry

The Marionberry ~ An Oregon Native

When you think about them, your mouth waters. When you eat one, the sweetness just makes you want more and when you serve them with a little oatmeal, brown sugar, and butter our guests are in heaven with dessert for breakfast.

That’s the Marionberry and it was born and raised exclusively in Oregon and is known as the “cabernet of blackberries” because of it’s rich, complex earthy flavor.  Again, the lush Willamette Valley’s spring rain and sandy soil provides the perfect medium to grow these lovely berries.  A cross between a Chehalem and Olallieberry, the marionberry or marion blackberry, created in 1945 at OSU, then released in 1956 has become the standard blackberry.  It was created to fulfill a need for a sturdy berry that could be frozen and put into processed foods and has now become the number one berry crop that is frozen then sold throughout the US and Canada.

The berry is used in pies, cobblers, crisps and can be served at any meal.

  • Using a ramekin, spray with non-stick spray, put 3/4c. frozen or fresh marionberries into the ramekin, sprinkle 2 tablespoons uncooked oatmeal over the berries, then sprinkle about 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar over the oatmeal and top with 1 tablespoon butter.
  • Bake about 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until berries are hot and butter is melted.
  • You can play with this easy recipe by adding whatever you like to the berries.  I have added hazelnuts, my homemade granola and even some cinnamon is good too.

Top the berry crisp with a dollop of fresh homemade whip cream and it’s like having dessert for breakfast.  Served up with an egg and onion scramble topped with fresh grated asiago cheese, a thick, warm, fresh from the oven square of cinnamon crumb cake, and several slices of sizzling turkey bacon it makes a simple breakfast at an Oregon Bed and Breakfast.

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.

National Donut Day

National Donut Day is the First Friday in June – June 5, 2020

National Donut Day is the first Friday in June, June 5, 2020.  We hope you have a chance to try this delicious baked donut recipe shared by the innkeeper at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.  Clean up is easier than with a fried version not to mention a bit less guilt-inducing!

Baked Pumpkin Donut

  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tbs. vegetable oil
  • 2 tbs. butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp. maple extract
  • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your donut shaped baking pan with non-stick cooking spray
  • In a mixing bowl, add in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, melted butter, granulated and brown sugars. Mix on medium until combined.
  • Add in both of the eggs and maple extract. Mix on medium until incorporated.
  • Add in the pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt and flour. Mix until just combined.

Use a piping bag, or spoon, to fill each donut cup about 3/4 full, making sure the center post is clear.  Innkeeper uses a 9 cavity donut silicone baking mold.  Bake until the donuts are a light golden brown and spring back when touched, 6-10 minutes.  Let cool slightly, flip pan over, glaze or roll in cinnamon sugar

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.

OBBG FOOd

Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast shares their Crustless Apple Pie today, National Apple Pie Day

Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast serves this Baked Apple as part of their three-course gourmet breakfast, typically with a more savory entrée because it is a bit sweet. Pairing the brown sugar and warm spices with a tart Granny Smith apple is the trick to achieving a good balance in the dish. To make the filling just a bit more Oregonian, we use hazelnuts, but you could use walnuts if you can’t find hazelnuts.  Fun fact: Oregon produces 99% of US hazelnuts, most of it in the Willamette Valley. You’ll see hazelnut orchards everywhere while you are out wine tasting.

They serve the Baked Apple with vanilla yogurt, because, you know, breakfast. But if you choose to put some other vanilla dairy product on it (maybe something from the freezer?), you won’t be judged.  Enjoy safe at home, and start making plans to joins us for breakfast soon!

Crustless Apple Pie (aka Baked Apple)

Servings: 4

  • Yield: 4 apples
  • 4 small Granny Smith apples
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon clove, ground
  • 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter, cut into 1/2″ cubes
  • 4 tablespoons vanilla yogurt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut just a little off the bottom of each apple so that it sits upright and stable. Core each apple with apple corer or melon baller, leaving the bottom 1/4″ intact. Peel upper third of apple to prevent from splitting.

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, spices, nuts and dried cranberries. Fill each apple equally with filling and pack it down into the cavity. Put in baking dish. Dot each apple with a small cube of butter. Bake until tender when pierced with a fork, about 30 to 35 minutes. Serve warm with yogurt over top.

You’re sure to enjoy sweet treats such as these at the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is proactively taking steps to welcome you back when traveling restrictions have been lifted. Our member inns have always engaged in exemplary cleaning practices, and typically we hold ourselves to even higher standards than the guidelines provided by our health agencies. We’re taking it up a notch so as to provide the very safest environments for you, our employees and ourselves. We’re 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

Strawberry Rhubarb

The innkeeper at Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast shared her Lemon Blueberry Biscuits awhile back.Today she mixes it up a bit using Oregon strawberries and rhubarb that are in season.

We innkeepers love to bake. Most every breakfast includes a delectable treat made with local and fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether that dish is an main course or a side, something sweet is always included, using what’s seasonally available.
Enjoy

Strawberry Rhubarb Biscuit or Scone
Yield: 12-18

Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2 Cups all-purpose flour
½ Cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 Cup vanilla yogurt
1 Large egg at room temperature
¼ Cup melted butter
½ Cup chopped strawberries
¾ Cup diced rhubarb

In a large bowl whisk the first 5 ingredients. Add egg, yogurt and melted butter. Stir until moistened. Fold in strawberries and rhubarb.
If you’re making biscuits you’ll drop about 1/3 cupful onto a greased baking sheet. For scones little bigger scoop. She also likes to line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Shorter time for strawberry rhubarb biscuits, a little longer for the bigger scone.

Glaze:
½ Cup confectioners’ sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla
Enough milk or water to make the glaze drip off the spoon.
Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm biscuit/scone.

Wake to freshly brewed coffee and a creative, healthy, delicious breakfast at Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast. I’ll let you in on a little secret too: The signature dish for Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is not a dish but “Wine before its time”. A variety of grape juice from the vineyard served with every breakfast.

Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is a little known gem located in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country. The Inn is surrounded by vineyards, spectacular views and has two large guest rooms, each with private baths offering a relaxed country retreat.

You’re sure to enjoy sweet treats such as these at the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is proactively taking steps to welcome you back when traveling restrictions have been lifted. Our member inns have always engaged in exemplary cleaning practices, and typically we hold ourselves to even higher standards than the guidelines provided by our health agencies. We’re taking it up a notch so as to provide the very safest environments for you, our employees and ourselves. We’re 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

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 maybe 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!

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.

Lemon Blueberry Biscuits

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Lemon Blueberry Biscuits shared by Yamhill Vineyards B&B

Lemon Blueberry Biscuits are sure to be a sweet treat at our tables of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Thanks to Sue, innkeeper at Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast for sharing this recipe.

‘Lemon and Blueberries made such a fresh and flavorful combination in all kinds of baked goods, especially these sweet biscuits’  Taste of Home Test Kitchen

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup lemon yogurt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tsp grated lemon peel
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel

Preheat oven to 400°.  In a large bowl, whisk the first five ingredients. In another bowl, whisk yogurt, egg, butter and lemon peel until blended. Add to flour mixture, stir just until moistened.  Fold in Blueberries.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 1 inch apart onto a greased baking sheet. Bake 15-18 minutes or until light brown.

In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients.  Stir until smooth.  Drizzle over warm biscuits.  If using frozen blueberries, use without thawing to avoid discoloring the dough.  Makes about a dozen sweet and tangy biscuits

You’re sure to enjoy sweet treats such as these at the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  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

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 dreamy

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.

Hood River Valley

October is National Apple Month

October is recognized as National Apple Month and Oregon is among the leaders in fine apple production.  Apples are a member of the rose family of plants and the blossoms are much like wild-rose blossoms. Oregon produces over 21 commercial apple varieties, with Fuji and Gala leading the state’s production but we know of one orchard, Kiyokawa Family Orchards in the Hood River Valley that grow over 90 different varieties! The state’s rainfall and mild climate make it a prime location for apple orchards. The most orchards can be found in Oregon’s northwestern region near and around Portland.  In 2015 Oregon produced an estimated 110 million pounds of apples.

History of the Apple – Oregon Growers

In 1847, Henderson Luelling brought more than 700 one year old grafted fruit trees from Iowa to Oregon by ox-team along with his wife and 8 children.  Today, in front of a military building in the city of Vancouver, WA, an historic apple tree with a plaque on it records the following story: ‘In 1847, Henderson Lewelling, know for promoting the fruit industry in Iowa, Oregon, and California, came to Oregon in a covered wagon with his wife, children and 350 fruit trees that had survived the long journey.’  It goes on to say ‘By 1850, their first crop produced 100 apples. It was the time of the Gold Rush in California, and when they rushed to San Francisco with the apple crop, prospectors were so hungry for fresh fruit that he sold them for $5 each. They used the money to build more orchards.’

Today, the Hood River Valley is one of the major growers of apples.  Kiyokawa Family Orchards in the Hood River Valley have been growing the finest produce available since 1911. The fertile soils found at the base of Mt. Hood and rarified, glacier-fed water sources create a unique growing environment.  The Kiyokawa’s take pride in promoting local and sustainably grown produce and utilize a farm management system that incorporates best management practices.

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.

National Apple Dumpling Day

National Apple Dumpling Day

National Apple Dumpling Day is September 17 and these Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings come to you from the the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast in Oregon’s Hood River Valley.  The Valley’s reputation for quality apples dates back to the 1900 Chicago World’s Fair, where 16 blue ribbons were awarded to local growers.  A Chicago newspaper reported that, “Since the Centennial Exposition, everybody in the world knows about Hood River apples.”

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

1 cup water
2/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp cinnamon

For the dumplings:

1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
4-5 tbsp milk
4-5 small apples

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a small saucepot, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon and butter. Bring to a boil and stir until the butter melts completely. Remove from heat and let cool while you make the dumplings.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and shortening. Mix with your fingers until dough has a grainy texture (will look sort of like cornmeal). Add the milk and mix until combined.

Roll out dough to 1/8th inch thick on a well floured surface. Cut into 4-5 large squares.

Peel and core your apples then place one apple on each square of dough. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over top of the apple then gently wrap dough around apple, sealing edges with a little water. Don’t worry if the dough doesn’t completely enclose around the apples—just do the best you can.

Place the dumplings in a greased pan and pour the sauce over the dumplings and around the sides of the pan.

Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.

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.