Tag Archives: culinary

Crustless Apple Pie from Chehalem Ridge

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.

Chehalem Ridge B&B serves 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 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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

oregon food carts aluminum roof

Here are more Oregon food cart pods! We have a whole blog post dedicated to PORTLAND food cart pods, since, well, there are so many and so very delicious foods carts in Portland. But did you know there are several Oregon food carts and food cart pods elsewhere in the Beaver state? Here’s a list, compiled by innkeepers with insider tips on must-visit food carts in Oregon.

Bite of Newberg Food Cart Pod
910 E 1st St, Newberg (corner of S. Center & E 1st)
This downtown Newberg food cart pod has a little bit of everything and a very big draw. Innkeepers rave about Hunny Beez, American Filipino Fusion and the Bee Hive Fries – fresh cut fries topped with smoked pulled pork, cheese, a pinch of Mango slaw and green onion that’s then topped with sweet chili mayo, siracha ketchup and Hunny Beez Sauce. The G&W Caribbean Smoked BBQ is also very popular for its great meats and a spicy slaw. Peruse your choices now, choose later! Stay nearby at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast, Franziska Hause Bed and Breakfast, The Setting Inn – Willamette Valley, The Willows Bed & Breakfast, and Willamette Valley Bed & Breakfast.

Menus for Bite of Newberg food trucks:

Bangkok Noi Thai menu 
GIFFT menu 
Bobablastic – menu coming soon
La Gran Victoria menu
Hunny Beez menu
G&W Caribbean Smoked BBQ menu
Marisco’s Maggie menu

The Annex Food Cart Pod
191 Monmouth Ave. N in Monmouth
This food cart pod does not currently have a website but you can read an article about it here. The newest food truck (there are two) is called The Loaded Grill and has a Facebook page. It’s a barbecue and deli-style eatery located next to the other food cart, The Donut Bar. The owners, a husband-and-wife team, opened The Loaded Grill alongside The Donut Bar as a way to support Limitless Ministries, the church that helped the couple obtain the parking lot in the first place. Stay nearby at MaMere’s Guest House. While at MaMere’s, also visit the independent food truck that’s half a block away by the Dry Town Tap House. Get delicious food and great drinks, while you listen to live music most summer weekends.

Mayla Thai Food 2 Go Food Cart
158 E Main St in Carlton
This stand alone Thai food cart is in the small town of Carlton. It’s next to the American Legion Hall and directly across from City Hall. Here’s a recent menu. When you go, make sure to try the mango sticky rice… you’ll be talking about it for days! Stay nearby at: R.R. Thompson House, The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast, and Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast.

Eugene Food Cart Pods

Eugene has many food cart pods! Head to the Beergarden (777 West 6th Avenue in Eugene) to enjoy several food trucks among more than three dozen rotating beer taps and hundreds of bottles of craft beer. The food trucks include: Bounty Meat & Cheese, with a focus on artisan cheese and charcuterie; Once Famous Grill, southern comfort foods; Moi Poki, DIY poke’ bar where you design your own bowl with protein, sides, and toppings; Lani Moku Grill, featuring authentic Hawaiian kine grinds; Coffeegarden, the gourmet coffee cart within Beergarden; Coco Loco, offers Mexican staples, some with an Asian zing; and Arekie Fusion, where Indian food meets Latin cuisine.

For more Eugene food cart pods check out this Guide to Eugene Food Truck Pods put together by Eugene Cascades & Coast. Also, use this link to keep track of the different food trucks in Eugene.

Tillamook Food Carts

Among the most popular food carts in Tillamook are: The Crescent Station (2 Main Ave in Tillamook), with made to order sandwiches, polish dogs, and barbecue — see the menu; Recess Food Truck (1910 Main Avenue North in Tillamook), flame-grilled burgers and chicken with fresh local ingredients; Tacos La Providencia (540 N Main Ave in Tillamook), popular food truck with adjacent picnic tables offers tacos, burritos & other Mexican staples — see a recent menu.

Flavors on First Food Cart Pod
1812 1st St in Tillamook
Flavors on First is a popular food cart pod. It includes Nani Papa’a, a Hawaiian Food Truck; Sab food truck, a Thai food with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free friendly options; The Brat Bothers German Grillsee a recent menu; and Smokin’ Steve’s, country BBQ.

In Tillamook, stay at turtlejanes b&b and Thyme & Tide 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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

girlfriends enjoying a glass of wine sitting at cafe chairs under a tree

There are nine Oregon food trails and several Oregon food loops that serve local fare with scenery on every side.

All the growers and crafters along these trails are committed to sustainable practices and supporting the agricultural legacy of their regions. So, go ahead — eat your heart out!

Here are the nine food trails in Oregon listed alphabetically:

  • Central Coast Food Trail
  • East Gorge Food Trail
  • Great Oaks Food Trail
  • Great Umpqua Food Trail
  • Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail
  • North Coast Food Trail
  • Rogue Valley Food Trail
  • South Willamette Valley Food Trail
  • Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail

Below you’ll find information on each regional food trail, as well as links to their websites, Oregon food trail maps, print-at-home brochures, and Oregon food trail itineraries.

Choose a Trail then nearby Lodging

Central Coast Food Trail: This is the newest addition to the Oregon Food Trails! It showcases locally sourced seafood, wild-foraged ingredients, small farms and ranches, and artisan experiences. Stay at: Baywood Shores Bed & Breakfast and Brey House Ocean View Bed & Breakfast Inn.

East Gorge Food Trail: This trail boasts many family-owned farms and family experiences, like orchard u-pick, canneries, and farm-to-table dining. You’ll also find crafted cider, beer, and wine on your route. You can also enjoy this trail car free! Stay at Old Parkdale Inn B&B

Deep Roots, Bold Artisans, Open-Air Adventures

Great Oaks Food Trail: Once the nation’s largest hop-producing county, you can still see hops growing on this self-guided culinary journey through many quaint towns within the Willamette Valley. Stay at: MaMere’s Bed and Breakfast and Airlie Farm. Get the printable Great Oaks Food Trail brochure. Before you go, check out these Great Oak Food Trail itineraries!

Great Umpqua Food Trail: Forty-five stops filled with epicurean delights make up the Great Umpqua, with no shortage of wineries, breweries, u-pick farms, cafes, and more. Stay at: C.H. Bailey House. Get the printable Great Umpqua Food Trail brochure. Before you go, check out these Great Umpqua Food Trail itineraries!

Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail: This trail leads to historic farms that grow fresh produce, hops, grapes, and more — even the wool used in clothes. Get the printable Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail brochure. Stay at Airlie Farm and MaMere’s Guest House.

North Coast Food Trail: There are 80 stops to savor the bounty on Oregon’s North Coast on this trail. From breweries and wineries to farmer’s markets, bakeries, and more… your next farm-to-table meal is around the corner. Stay at: Thyme & Tide or turtlejanes bed & breakfast. Get the printable North Coast Food Trail brochure. There’s also a North Coast Food Trail map you may print and use right now.

Rouge Valley Food Trail: A self-guided adventure to farms, artisans and restaurants in Southern Oregon. This region grows more than 70 varieties of grapes! Stay at: Prospect Historic Hotel-Motel & Dinner House. Get the printable Rogue Valley Food Trail brochure.

South Willamette Valley Food Trail: This trail includes more than 50 stops, including valley grazing and family-friendly farms, as well as world-class wine. Get the printable South Willamette Valley Food Trail brochure.

Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail: Berries and bagels and more — much more! There are 43 stops to tempt your tastebuds along Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast. Stay at: WildSpring Guest Habitat. Get the printable Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail brochure. Before you go, check out these Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail itineraries!

Must-See Oregon Food Loops

Hood River Fruit Loop: This scenic 35-mile drive takes you through the Hood River Valley past more than two dozen stands offering wines, ciders, fruits, veggies, and more. Stay at Old Parkdale Inn. Get the printable Hood River Fruit Loop map.

Union County Farm Loop: This 55-mile loop which stretches from La Grande to Union, covers 500-acres of orchards, plus farms, ranches and more. Stay at Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast; particularly if you’re en route to fishing for trophy-sized fish in Joseph. Get the printable Union County Farm Loop brochure.

River to Hills Farm Loop: Follow segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Oregon Trail between Boardman and Pendleton on this 60-mile loop. You’ll pass farms, kid-friendly museums, secret gardens, fields of lavender, and tasty Oregon-made treats. Stay at Wilson Ranches Retreat B&B. Get the printable River to Hills Farm Loop brochure.

Marion Farm Loop: This route spans from Donald to Jefferson and has 24 different stops, from family-owned farm markets to gardens and wineries. Stay at: Chehalem Ridge B&B, The DreamGiver’s Inn, The Setting Inn – Willamette Valley, and Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfast. Get the printable Marion Farm Loop map.

Yamhill Farm Loop: This is the newest loop! Pass vineyards, nurseries, pick up hyper-local natural foods, and more. Stay at: A’Tuscan Estate, Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn, The Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast, R.R. Thompson House, Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast, Franziska Haus Bed & Breakfast, and La Bastide Bed and Breakfast.

The Oregon trail of Waterfalls represents countless hours, many sketches, and endless conversations to help make your next Oregon road trip one to remember. We look forward to seeing you soon.

SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Cherry Tart on a glass serving platter

National Cherry Pie Day

National Cherry Pie Day is February 20. The Hood River Valley anticipates the Cherry Harvest, due 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 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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

ronment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Blueberry Croissant French Toast on a white plate with fruit and bacon

Blueberry Croissant French Toast served at the Old Parkdale Inn B&B, in the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of this Mt. Hood B&B.

National Croissant Day is January 30th but this buttery dish is served anytime at the Old Parkdale Inn

Blueberry Croissant French Toast blue pinterest pinThis Blueberry Croissant French Toast is a perfect breakfast entrée for both spring and summer, and super pretty when topped with fresh Oregon berries.

Let the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of the comfortable Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast be your lodging alternative to a hotel or motel in the Hood River Valley. And maybe if you ask ahead they’ll treat you to this decadent Blueberry Croissant French Toast.


Blueberry Croissant French Toast

6-7 Large Croissants, torn into pieces
8 oz Cream Cheese
1 1/2 Cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
12 Eggs
1 1/2 Cups Milk
1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Butter, melted
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
3/4 Cup Pecans

Thoroughly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non stick spray. Tear up croissants and place half in bottom of baking dish. Cut up cream cheese into small pieces and place them on top of croissants. Put half the blueberries on top of cream cheese. Layer other half of torn croissants on top, then the rest of blueberries. Beat eggs, milk, maple syrup and cinnamon together in a bowl. Pour egg mixture over croissant mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, scatter pecans over french toast. Melt butter & add brown sugar to it to make a glaze like mixture. Drizzle mixture over french toast. Bake in 350 degree oven for 50- 60 minutes. Watch carefully last 10 minutes to make sure pecans don’t burn. If getting too dark, put some foil lightly over french toast to stop browning. Makes 8 generous portions.

Substitute any juicy berry such at strawberries or the Oregon Marionberry. Or maybe Peaches? Peaches and Cream sounds pretty good, too.

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

a stack of Blueberry Pancakes on a white plate

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Warm hazelnut waffle with apples and currants and a glass of orange juice

Recipes from the Innkeepers

Recipes of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild will differ depending on the region of Oregon you are visiting as will your culinary experience. Whether it’s the locally grown produce, fresh farm eggs and cheese, sustainably raised meats or the wine your host may serve in the afternoon, we regard ourselves stewards of the land.

By purchasing the foods served at our bed and breakfast member inns from local farms, farmers markets, and local food Coops, our members support local and regional farmers. As well as the food we serve our families and guests, we take great care in the serving high quality beverages. Buying fairly traded coffee, tea and chocolate not only provides good quality drinks for our guests, but supports sustainable agriculture elsewhere. Recipes Oregon Bed and Breakfast

Baked Goods

Baked Pumpkin Donut – Old Parkdale Inn
Blueberry Croissant Baked French Toast – Old Parkdale Inn
Buttermilk Biscuit – WildSpring Guest Habitat
Apple Strudel – Old Parkdale Inn
Strawberry Rhubarb Biscuits or Scones – Yamhill Vineyards B&B
Lemon Blueberry Biscuits – Yamhill Vineyards B&B
Apple Berry Delight – Yamhill Vineyards B&B
Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins – Chehalem Ridge B&B
Strawberry Shortcakes – Old Parkdale Inn
Pecan Pumpkin Bread – MaMere’s Guest House
Strawberry Croissant French Toast

Cookies
Pfeffernüsse – Old Parkdale Inn
Monster Cookies – MaMere’s Guest House
Shortbread Bites – MaMere’s Guest House
Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies – A’Tuscan Estate
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Old Parkdale Inn

Cakes and Pies

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake – Old Parkdale Inn
Double Crusted Cherry Tart – Old Parkdale Inn
Lemon Curd Coffee Cake – Old Parkdale Inn
Plum Upside Down Buttermilk Cake – Old Parkdale Inn

Breakfast Entrees
Lavender Cheddar Spring Tart – Old Parkdale Inn
Breakfast Sandwich – Old Parkdale Inn
Southwest Eggs Benedict – Chehalem Ridge B&B
Asparagus Quiche – The Carlton Inn B&B
Caprese Baked Egg Cups – A’Tuscan Estate
Baked Spiced Oatmeal with Cranberries, Apple and Walnuts
A’Tuscan Estate

Pancakes, Waffles and French Toast

Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes – Old Parkdale Inn
Hazelnut Waffles – Old Parkdale Inn
Creamy Orange French Toast – Old Parkdale Inn
Dutch Baby Pancakes – Old Parkdale Inn
Swedish Pancakes – Old Parkdale Inn
Apple Puffed Pancakes – MaMere’s Guest House
Coconut French Toast with a Twist – The Carlton Inn B&B
Aebleskiver – Old Parkdale Inn
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes – The Carlton Inn B&B

Fruits Dishes
Pumpkin Panna Cotta with Caramelized Pears – Old Parkdale Inn
Breakfast Banana Split – Old Parkdale Inn
Poached Pear Delights – Chehalem Ridge B&B
Gingered Pear Pandowdy – Old Parkdale Inn
Apple Dumpling – Old Parkdale Inn

Beverages
Mulled Wine – Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast

Jams, Jellies and more
Ginger Pear Jam – Old Parkdale Inn

Desserts

Apple Pie Cookies – Old Parkdale Inn
Crustless Apple Pie – Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast
Lavender Blueberry Sorbet – Old Parkdale Inn
Red Velvet White Chocolate Cake Truffle – A’Tuscan Estate

Order Oregon B&B Gift Certificates Now

Blue box with gift box and message Gift Certificates available hereE-mail info@obbg.org or call OBBG at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers. We’ll get back to you for the details: who will be the recipient of your thoughtful gift, acquire your payment method and shipping information. We’ll send them by mail, to either you or the recipient, with delivery confirmation. The recipient will have a great time getting away to a high-quality destination of their choice.

OBBG Lodging Gift Certificates are available in $25 increments and can be redeemed at every Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member across the state. With 25 members to choose from that’s a lot of choices and with an 18 months expiration recipients have plenty of time to redeem them at the Inn of their choosing.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or small historic hotel.

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE-COVERED ANYTHING DAY

Chocolate lovers rejoice on National Chocolate Covered Anything Day today, December 16th. On this day, dip and drizzle your favorite foods in every kind of chocolate imaginable. Enjoy these Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies from A’Tuscan Estate Bed and Breakfast

INGREDIENTS:

10 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt, optional
½ cup dark chocolate (chips or melting disks)
½ cup white chocolate (I find melting chips work the best)
2 oz red melting disks

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and vanilla extract until creamed.

Add confectioners’ sugar and salt; mix until combined

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies on a white plate Scape bowl down and add flour while beating on low. Scrape bowl once more and mix until a crumbly dough forms. It will look like crumbs in the stand mixer, but when squeezed together in your hands will hold its shape.

Form dough into a ball and roll between parchment paper to 1/3-1/2 inch thick.  Cut using a 3–4-inch heart shaped (or any shape) cookie cutter and place onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are barely golden brown.  Cool 5 minutes on hot baking trays before transferring to cooling racks.

Now for the Dipping

Once your cookies are completely cooled line another tray with aluminum foil and prepare to dip

Melt dark chocolate in microwave for 50 seconds. Stir until completely melted. If necessary, heat again at 10 second intervals until fully melted. If the chocolate is too thick for your liking, add a tsp of vegetable oil and stir. Add more vegetable oil if necessary.

Dip one half of the heart in the melted dark chocolate letting excess drip back into bowl. Place on foil to harden.

Once dark chocolate had hardened, melt white chocolate in microwave for 50 seconds. Stir until completely melted. If necessary, heat again at 10 second intervals until fully melted. If the chocolate is too thick for your liking, add a tsp of vegetable oil and stir. Add more vegetable oil if necessary.

And Dip Some more

Dip the other half of the heart in the melted white chocolate letting excess drip back into bowl. Place on foil to harden. You can skip steps 10 and 11 if you prefer just dark chocolate.

Once all dipped chocolate has hardened, melt red melting disks in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until completely melted. If necessary, heat again at 10 second intervals until fully melted. If the chocolate is too thick for your liking, add a tsp of vegetable oil and stir. Add more vegetable oil if necessary. You’ll want this chocolate thinner than the dipping chocolate so that you can drizzle easily over the cookies.

Dip a fine tined fork into the melted red chocolate and drizzle over cookies. You may also use a baggie, just cut a very small tip off the corner.

A’Tuscan Estate offers beautiful accommodations and wonderful cuisine in the heart of Oregon’s Wine Country. A’Tuscan Estate is a 1928 Colonial Style Home with a decidedly European Flair a mere five blocks from downtown McMinnville with great restaurants, shops and wine tasting rooms.

Order Oregon B&B Gift Certificates Now

Blue box with gift box and message Gift Certificates available hereE-mail info@obbg.org or call OBBG at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers. We’ll get back to you for the details: who will be the recipient of your thoughtful gift, acquire your payment method and shipping information. We’ll send them by mail, to either you or the recipient, with delivery confirmation. The recipient will have a great time getting away to a high-quality destination of their choice.

OBBG Lodging Gift Certificates are available in $25 increments and can be redeemed at every Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild member across the state. With 25 members to choose from that’s a lot of choices and with an 18 months expiration recipients have plenty of time to redeem them at the Inn of their choosing.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or small historic hotel.

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Christmas Shortbread Bites from MaMere's Guest House

Christmas Shortbread Bites

On the 2nd day of Christmas the apprentice innkeepers at MaMere’s Guest House pulled out the sprinkles for these delectable holiday shortbread bites. Bet you can’t eat just one of the fun Christmas Shortbread Bites, a buttery shortbread, dotted with sprinkles, cut into tiny squares and baked until perfect deliciousness.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup  salted butter, cold and diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 Tbsp nonpareils sprinkles – mix up the colors for all the fun

Instructions

    • Butter a 13 by 9-inch baking dish and line with 2 sheets of parchment paper (one horizontally and one vertically. Consider a bit of butter between parchment sheets so they stick together, leaving a 1-inch over hang on all sides, set aside.
    • In the bowl of an electric stand mixer cream together butter and sugar until well combined. Mix in almond extract.
    • With mixer set on low speed slowly add in flour and mix until combined. It will take a while and will appear dry and sandy at first but it will start to come together. If it doesn’t you can add a few teaspoons of milk.
    • Mix and fold in 2 1/2 Tbsp sprinkles. Press dough into an even layer in prepared pan. Use your hands first then use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to help smooth it out.
      5. Chill dough in refrigerator 20 – 30 minutes. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350 degrees
      6. Lift dough from pan using parchment overhang on all sides. Cut into 1/2-inch squares using a large sharp knife (it works best to just cut long rows). Sprinkle more sprinkles over the top if desired and gently press into dough.
      7. Transfer about 1/3 of the cookies to an unbuttered baking sheet (also do not line pan with parchment or silicone liners) and scatter cookies out spacing cookies 1/2-inch apart.
      8. Bake in preheated oven 8 – 12 minutes (keep remaining that aren’t currently baking refrigerated). Repeat process with remaining bites, adding them to a cool baking sheet
      9. Cool completely then transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature.

An inspected and approved member of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild, MaMare’s Guest House and Event Center is located in historic Monmouth, Oregon, home to Western Oregon University, which was founded in 1866.

The Historic Howell House

The Historic Howell House, now home to MaMere’s Guest House, was built in 1891 by John Howell after moving to Monmouth to educate their children at Oregon Normal School, now Western Oregon University. The house displays Howell’s craftsmanship and serves as a kind of advertising for his trade.

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

plate of Pfeffernüsse German spice cookies in front of evergreen centerpiece

What Are Pfeffernüsse Cookies?

Christmas Cookies from the Innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. This one from the Old Parkdale Inn

Pfeffernüsse are German spice cookies. Pfeffernüsse translates to peppernuts, which makes sense. These cookies are flavored with a cozy blend of warm spices, including black pepper. They traditionally contain anise. This recipe calls for shortening and margarine instead of butter, as butter tends to spread. I had butter and didn’t want to go to the store. Hence my cookies did spread a bit more than they should have but they still tasted delicious

Ingredients

  • ½ cup molasses
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup shortening
  • ¼ cup margarine
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons anise extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Directions

  • Place molasses, honey, shortening, and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until creamy. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Beat in eggs.
  • Combine flour, white sugar, brown sugar, anise, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add molasses mixture; stir until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate dough until well chilled, about 2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Roll dough into acorn-sized balls and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until firm to the touch with slight cracking, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Dust cooled cookies with confectioners’ sugar. Store in an airtight container.

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.

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: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.