Tag Archives: foodies

National Cherry Pie Day ~ February 20

February 20, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

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.

Truffle Love at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast

February 8, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

Share some Truffle Love at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast. If you’re wondering how to participate in the truffle frenzy when you come to the Willamette Valley, we’d love to be your home base for all your truffle fun and clue you in to all of the events nearby. In lieu of larger gatherings and events this year, Taste Newberg has mobilized Chehalem Ridge B&B and several area businesses to offer truffle-themed products and/or smaller, personal experiences to its customers. Their blog has links to all the special events in Newberg and online.

As part of Chehalem Ridge B&B’s Truffle Love package, guests will also be delighted by a box of Briar Rose Fromage Blanc Truffles. We like to think of them as the “other” truffle.

Chehalem Ridge B&B is participating by discounting nightly rates when guests add a specially curated Truffle Love package to reservations at the inn throughout February 2021.

The Truffle Love package* includes:

* 10% discount on nightly rates

* In-room truffle-inspired 3-course gourmet breakfast

* Silk rose petals scattered in a heart on the bed

* One box of 6 Briar Rose Fromage Blanc Truffles (the “other” truffle)

* One bottle of Et Fille’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

* One in-room truffle-themed dinner provided by The Newbergundian Bistro, delivered by B&B staff to your guest room at pre-determined dinner time.

*The Truffle Love package can be reserved on Chehalem Ridge, excluding the 3-day weekend around Valentine’s Day.

Lemon Curd Coffee Cake

February 3, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

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!

National Blueberry Pancake Day ~ January 28

January 28, 2021 Mary Pellegrini

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!

National French Toast Day November 28

November 28, 2020 Mary Pellegrini

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.

December is National Pear Month

November 25, 2020 Mary Pellegrini

December is National Pear Month and here in Oregon we believe pears should be celebrated all year long. But we’ll especially celebrate the bounty of pears in December when it is National Pear Month.

This video reveals the most common pears grown in Oregon and Washington but some growers have expanded their orchards with many more heirloom and lesser known varieties.

Nutritional Benefits

Fiber: A medium pear has 6 grams of fiber, which equals about 24 percent of the recommended daily value. Did you know that the skin contains the majority of the fiber found in a pear?
Hypoallergenic: With an ever-growing population of food allergies, pears have been coined to be hypoallergenic. Safe food is good food!
Pectin: Pectin is an essential water-soluble fiber that helps to bind to cholesterol and remove it from the body making pears an excellent addition to anyone with high cholesterol.There are endless culinary possibilities for the pear: eaten fresh, in salads, baked or added to a skillet meal. This is one of our favorite: Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy at the Old Parkdale Inn
There are currently over 350 pear growers in Oregon
The pear is Oregon’s Official State Fruit
Pears are Oregon’s number one tree fruit crop
Oregon’s total pear production ranks 2nd overall in the United States and 2nd in terms of fresh pear production

Pumpkin Panna Cotta with Caramelized Pear

November 21, 2020 Mary Pellegrini

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.

Pears Make Their Way onto Menus at OBBG inns

November 5, 2020 Mary Pellegrini

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.

Plum Upside Down Buttermilk Cake at the Old Parkdale Inn

October 10, 2020 Mary Pellegrini

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.

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 at Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast

October 6, 2020 Mary Pellegrini

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.

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.