Tag Archives: foodies

Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy

Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy

A Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy made with famous Hood River Valley Pears.  The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the Hood River Valley, the largest pear growing region in the nation. Many of our growers have cold storage units where we can pick up fresh pears almost all year round. This Gingered Pear and Raspberry Pandowdy has become a guest favorite.

Fruit Filling:

1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbs cornstarch
Pinch of fine sea salt
4 large pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 Tbs lemon juic
1 dry pint raspberries, fresh or frozen
1 Tbs cold butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 400°. Butter 4 small ramekins.
Fruit Filling: Rub the sugar, cornstarch and salt together in a large bowl, add pears and lemon juice and toss until evenly coated. Gently fold in raspberries and divide into ramekins. Dot with butter.

Biscuit:
1 3/4 cup flour
3 TBS plus 1 TBS sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp fine salt
10 TBS cold butter
1/3 cup chopped candied ginger
2/3 cup plus 1 TBS cold buttermilk

Biscuit: Whisk together flour, 3 TBS sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until the size of peas. Stir in the Candied ginger, pour in the 2/3 cup buttermilk and stir until the dry ingredients are moistened. The dough will be crumbly, with large pieces of butter still visible. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and gently press the dough together. Divide into four pieces and place atop the fruit. Brush the dough with the remaining buttermilk and sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Bake in the lower third of the oven for 30 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350° and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the juices are bubbly and thick. Allow to cool a bit before serving.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share Oregon, its environment, culture, and heritage with you.  Get to know our State like a local. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a world class city experience, or a new spin on business travel,  you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance when staying 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 Pancake Day

National Pancake Day

Pancakes are good any day of the year as is proven by the innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild. 

Today let’s honor the pancake.  Does the mere mention of pancakes send your senses reeling?  A plate of steamy hot pancakes can instantly lift your spirits and certainly can make your tummy happy.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild Innkeepers sure know how create pancakes that are tender, light and oh so tasty. Fresh local ingredients like crispy Hood River County Apples or sweet Willamette Valley Berries or fresh peaches picked up at a weekly farmers market make these unique ‘cakes’

Apple Pancakes with warm Apple Cider Syrup have become a guest favorite at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast and thanks to Ryan’s Hood River Juice Company for the Apple Cider Syrup recipe. In the Hood River Valley, known for its abundant apples and pears, this innkeeper’s been using a wonderful sourdough starter for the pancakes and mixing in one teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/2 cup grated fresh apple.

At the Carlton Inn Bed and Breakfast their farm fresh eggs will make their way into gourmet breakfasts at the inn like their Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

The Old Parkdale Inn B&B also serves hot-off-the-griddle Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes often throughout the year, made with fresh and frozen berries of the Hood River Valley.

And then there’s the Blueberry Pancake.  And Dutch Baby Pancakes.  Reserve your room today and ask the innkeeper what their signature pancake recipe is and maybe, just maybe, if the fruit they use is in season you’ll be treated to awesome pancake goodness.

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.

Cest la Vie

C’est La Vie Inn offers a quiet urban oasis for the traveler with discriminating taste in Eugene, Oregon.  Located in the Jefferson Westside neighborhood, walking distance to the Lane County fairgrounds, the food, brewery, and distillery scene in the Whiteaker neighborhood, and the Downtown/Market District with music and restaurants.  The Inn is just an hour from the coast or an hour to the mountains, there are unlimited scenic walking, biking, hiking, and sightseeing opportunities along the local paved paths, rivers, lakes and Oregon coast.  Relax and enjoy our lush gardens or sit by the babbling pond.

C’est La Vie Inn proudly offers four rooms to choose from, each with its own distinctive charm and luxurious amenities.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share Oregon, its environment, culture, and heritage with you.  Get to know our State like a local. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a world class city experience, or a new spin on business travel,  you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance when staying 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.

Dining with a view

You’re sure to work up an appetite exploring the great outdoors in Oregon’s Mt Hood Region. Here are but a few Outdoor Dining with a View options

Solera Brewery ~ a short block walk from the Inn leads to the Beer Garden of Solera Brewery ~ A close-up of Mt. Hood, and the Hood River Valley orchards in the rural setting

Riverside Grill ~ a Hood River restaurant situated on the edge of the Columbia River with panoramic views of the Columbia River and it’s Gorge

Rams Head ~ Timberline Lodge ~ You can’t get much closer to Mt Hood!  Casual food and drinks with stunning views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson

Vertical ~ Mt Hood Meadows ~ of the 9 dining options at the Ski Resort, Vertical has the most amazing view

Full Sail Brewery ~ Hood River ~ Overlooking the Columbia River

Horsefeathers ~ Overlooking downtown Hood River and the Columbia River

3 Rivers Grill ~ Great Views of the Columbia from both the inside and outside on their deck

The Hood River Valley has no shortage of spectacular Mt Hood Views.  There is an abundance of quality places to eat and dine and certainly some great places to explore on your own.  Imagine relaxing at a panoramic site, sipping on cider and snacking, all the while looking out over the Hood River Valley, Mt Hood or the Columbia River.  Our Innkeepers will share with you some of our favorite spots.

There are 6 Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member inns in this spectacular region.  For the perfect stay in the Columbia River Gorge visit the Hood River Lodging page of the Guild website.

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

Apple Valley Country Store in Hood River Oregon is one of the Hood River Valley’s favorite.  Located amongst picturesque orchards, forests and farmlands, the Wright family has been making homemade jams, jellies, and pies for over 25 years.

During the months of September and October we invite you to join in the harvest celebration. Fresh-picked local pears, fresh pear pies, scones, cookies and hand pies.  Huckleberry and pumpkin milkshakes. Weekend specials:  Our Famous Pear Dumplings, pumpkin cinnamon rolls, cobblers and crisps.

Fall in the Hood River Valley and Columbia River Gorge.  Experience warm days, cool nights, events, fall foliage and harvest aromas. Something for all your senses.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild use many of the abundant fruits in the Hood River Valley, serving up amazing Oregon Bounty breakfasts.  Come up during the week, take the road less traveled and enjoy much of the same tantalizing treats.

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 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. You can use fresh fruit, frozen fruit, puree fruit.

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 Peaches and Cream Day

National Peaches and Cream Day June 21

National Peaches and Cream Day is June 21 and the innkeeper of Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast shares a fond childhood memory and a recipe for Swedish Pancakes she serves at the inn.

‘Growing up, it was a struggle for my mom to get us out the door on the weekdays.  I really hate waking up, and my breakfast fare often suffered for it.  But on Sundays I could manage to get to the table because Dad was making breakfast before church.  His Swedish pancakes was a recipe from my mom’s Aunt Ann and we’d fill them with all sorts of stuff, not just the traditional lemon juice and powdered sugar.  I’ve taken this recipe and filled it with oh-so-sweet and juicy peaches and cinnamon mascarpone cream filling for this delicious breakfast for our guest.  Hope you enjoy and it gets you out of bed.’

Swedish Pancakes
6 each egg
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk

1.   Blend together the egg and melted butter until emulsified.  Add flour and sugar, blend until smooth.  Add milk slowly while whisking.

2.       Let batter rest 30 minutes. Heat pan over medium high heat and cook like a crepe.

Filling
8 ounces Mascarpone cheese
1 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbsp heavy cream
5-6 large ripe peaches, peeled and sliced

1.       Stir together the Mascarpone cheese, cinnamon and heavy cream.

2.       Fill each crepe with a schmear of the Mascarpone and peaches down the middle. Fold the crepe in half, then roll it up.

3.       Keep warm until serving.  This recipe makes 16 crepes, serving 5

Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast offers a peaceful retreat from adventure and the Willamette Valley below.  Perched on eight acres atop Chehalem Mountain overlooking the Willamette Valley and Coast Range, the inn’s four guest rooms and one suite, all with en suite bathrooms, offer a peaceful retreat between adventures with spectacular views of both mountain and valley.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share with you their version of Oregon Culinary Tourism and Geotourism.  Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts in any one of our many regions. Experience romantic getaways, historic treasures, and tucked away rustic retreats.  Whether your trip is for a quiet escape to a quaint rural or coastal town, taking in Oregon Geotourism, for a World Class City experience, or for a new spin on business travel, you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance by staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

National Apple Strudel Day

National Apple Strudel Day is June 17

National Apple Strudel Day is June 17 but the innkeeper of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast makes this easy Strudel year round, mixing up the filling with available fruits.

Ingredients•

•  1 Egg
•  1 tbsp water
•  2 tbsp granulated sugar
•  1 tbsp all-purpose flour
•  ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
•  2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
•  2 tbsps raisins

•  1 sheet of Puff Pastry, thawed

•  1 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Heat the oven to 375°F. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork. Stir the granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add the apples and raisins and toss to coat.  Make sure to toss the apples and raisins until they’re evenly coated with the flour mixture. The flour helps to thicken the juices released by the apples as they cook.

Sprinkle additional flour on the work surface.  Unfold the pastry sheet on the work surface.  Roll the pastry sheet into a 14×12-inch rectangle.  Place the pastry onto the baking sheet.  Spoon the apple mixture lengthwise down the center of the pastry.  Cut slits 1 inch apart from the 2 sides of the pastry rectangle to within 1/2 inch of the peach mixture.  Starting at one end, fold the pastry strips over the peach mixture, alternating sides, to cover the apple mixture.

Bake for 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Let the pastry cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

For some nutty crunch, ¼ cup sliced almonds may be added with the apples and raisins.  For a tasty spring strudel try using fresh peaches or fresh berries.  In the fall you can substitute Bosc pears and dried cranberries for a Pear and Cranberry Strudel.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get a photo of the apple strudel so we substitute with one of a Peach Strudel.

The Old Parkdale Inn has three guest rooms, each with amenities including a private bath, flat-screen satellite TV and DVD player, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, and Free wireless Internet.

Located on the famous Hood River County Fruit Loop,  the Inn is perfectly situated to tour the area’s gorgeous farms, wineries and orchards.

The innkeepers of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are ready to share with you their version of Oregon Culinary Tourism and Geotourism.  Get to know our State like a local; stay with one of our nearly 100 hosts in any one of our many regions. Experience romantic getaways, historic treasures, and tucked away rustic retreats.  Whether your trip is for a quiet escape to a quaint rural or coastal town, taking in Oregon Geotourism, for a World Class City experience, or for a new spin on business travel, you can be assured of combining gracious hospitality with ambiance by staying at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.