Tag Archives: oregon bounty

National Waffle Day

National Waffle Day with Hazelnut Waffles

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

You’re sure to enjoy these Hazelnut Waffles

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

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

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

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

National Waffle Day on August 24th commemorates the anniversary of the first waffle iron patent issued. Celebrate by savoring your favorite kind of waffle!

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. Oregon’s statewide mask requirement for indoor public places was lifted on March 12.

After mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We recognize that there will be mixed feelings about this change. We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of a person’s individual decision to wear a mask or not, and most importantly kind to yourself.

Our inns are doing everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn  is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Oregon Lavender Farms

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It’s lavender time in Oregon! Here’s a few places to eat, drink and smell the flowers.

The Newberg Lavender Trail events run through July and because of our wet spring, several of the U-cut farms are extending visits into August.

Enjoy the beauty and scents of lavender as you travel the Oregon Back Roads through pastoral countrysides to each destination.

As a Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Newberg, the innkeepers of Chehalem Ridge B&B are happy to share the best places to find lavender in the Willamette Valley.

Walking distance from Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast in Newberg, sits the picturesque U-Pick lavender farm, Wayward Winds. Don’t miss their award-winning lavender essential oil or delicious lavender syrups. They have eight(!) different variations of syrup including inventive flavors like Lavender Pear and Lavender Ginger Peach.

At Mountainside Lavender Farm you can choose to walk the farm’s three fields of lavender to cut your own $6 bundles or you can buy ready-made bouquets.

Sip and dine on a lavender cocktail, lavender scented savory entrée, lavender-themed dessert, or lavender truffles at SubTerra Kitchen & Cellar.

Each lavender farm is unique and offers different activities year round, ranging from lavender bouquet cutting to mini-festivals with music, food, and vendors. Entry to each location is free.

Click Here to Download The 2022 Newberg Lavender Trail Rack Card & Trail Maps in PDF Format


In the Hood River Valley

Hope Ranch Lavender – Double mountain views in a field of lavender. Located just south of downtown Hood River, Hope Ranch Lavender is acres of sweet fragrance and tranquil beauty.

The Old Parkdale Inn is located in the Upper Hood River Valley on the north slope of Oregon’s tallest peak, Mt. Hood, in the quaint town of Parkdale. Outdoor adventure, lavender farms, wineries and fine dining are nearby. During harvest, guests can make a bouquet of fresh cut lavender from the bushes on the Inn’s grounds.

Lavender Blueberry Sorbet is a palette cleansing first course at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast, a dish produced from an explosion of Blueberries and Lavender in Oregon’s Hood River Valley. Ingredients

Hood River Lavender Farms offers quality products, exceptional views and vibrant gardens, and welcoming staff. During peak
lavender season ask about U-Pick or stop by during harvest to see them distill their beautiful essential oils.This July we will be celebrating our 18th Annual Lavender Daze Festival with live music, local vendors, and of course lots of lavender!

Mountainside Lavender

Just outside Portland, Mountainside U-pick lavender farm is Instagram-worthy thanks to the colorful fields framed by a mountain backdrop.

The Fulton House Bed and Breakfast is located in Southwest Portland and one block from Willamette Park and the Willamette River and the Willamette Greenway.

Southern Oregon Lavender Trails

An amazing lavender experience awaits you. Nestled among the vineyards and tranquil fields of Southern Oregon are six unique family-run lavender destinations.

Member inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild are located near many Oregon Lavender Farms and the Innkeepers will be glad to suggest day trips and adventures for touring the Oregon Back Roads.

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 Strawberries and Cream

National Strawberries and Cream Day is May 21

National Strawberries and Cream Day is May 21.  We think you’ll love this tasty French Toast

Strawberry Croissant French Toast

4 large day-old croissants
¾ c. milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons butter
Powdered Sugar
Sweetened Whipped Cream
Fresh Strawberries

Slice croissants in half lengthwise.  Whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour into a shallow dish.  Dip croissant halves into eggs mixture, coating well.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add four croissant halves and cook about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Repeat procedure with remaining butter and croissant halves. Spoon strawberries between the layers and some on top. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, top with sweetened whipped cream if desired. Who wouldn’t want sweetened whipped cream and maybe a splash of maple syrup!

Oregon Berry Season has arrived and you’ll find many sweet berry dishes being served 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. Oregon’s statewide mask requirement for indoor public places was lifted on March 12.

After mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We recognize that there will be mixed feelings about this change. We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of a person’s individual decision to wear a mask or not, and most importantly kind to yourself.

Our inns are doing everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn  is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

National Pi Day

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. Oregon’s statewide mask requirement for indoor public places was lifted on March 12.

After 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.

National Apple Pie Day is May 13

National Apple Pie Day doesn’t necessarily have to be celebrated with an apple pie, right.  Why not Apple Pie Cookies? The innkeeper at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast put a little spin on the classic apple pie and the results were amazing.

For quicker, easier assembly she used refrigerated pie crusts

Apple Pie Cookies

  • 6 green apples
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)
  • 5 ounces caramel sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Ground cinnamon

1) Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment and non stick spray;  set aside.

2) Remove pie crusts from refrigerator so they warm up slightly. This will make them easier to work with.

3) Peel the skin off the green apples, compost.  Continue peeling so you have bunch of fleshy, white peels of apple in your bowl.

4) Dust work area with flour and slightly roll out crusts. From one pie crust, cut out circles for the cookies.  Cut the second pie crust into 1/2″ strips.

5) Place round pie crusts on cookie sheet. Spread a thin layer of caramel sauce on each cookie, followed by a pile of white apple peels. Using the 1/2” strips, create a tic-tac-toe lattice pattern over each cookie.

6) Beat egg in bowl and add sugar and nutmeg until well blended. Brush cookies with egg wash.

7) Sprinkle cookies with cinnamon.  Use more or less cinnamon depending on your preference.

8) Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, or until cookies are a golden brown. Remove from oven, allow to cool for 5 minutes, serve and enjoy!

The Old Parkdale Inn is located in the Upper Hood River Valley, a renowned growing region for pears and apples. Located in the quaint town of Parkdale, Oregon with Oregon’s tallest peak, Mt. Hood, as a backdrop. Outdoor adventure, farms, wineries and fine dining are nearby. The complete privacy of the inn and the serene gardens are perfect for romantic and restful getaways.

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. Oregon’s statewide mask requirement for indoor public places was lifted on March 12.

After 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.

Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah FallsMultnomah Falls is the most visited recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with 2 million stopping each year to take in the views. As a local innkeeper I suggest visiting the falls on either ends of the day and midweek to beat the crowds. I also suggest taking the time to hike the 6 miles Wahkeena – Multnomah Falls loop so as to ‘discover’ 6 more waterfalls, if you indeed love to chase waterfalls.

Fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies, usually its highest during winter and spring. Multnomah Falls offers one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology exposed by floods. Five flows of Yakima basalt are visible in the falls’ cliff face.

The earthcache ‘Multnomah Falls’, GC98X65, studies the different types of exposed basalt layers.

Our Chasing Waterfalls and Oregon Waterfall Wednesdays series continues. According to Northwest Waterfall Survey there are well over 1000 waterfalls in Oregon! We’ve set out to witness the beauty of as many as we can. We’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

You can Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following our Pinterest and Facebook pages. Choose an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member in Portland or the Columbia River Gorge as your home base while chasing waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

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. Oregon’s statewide mask requirement for indoor public places will end March 12. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of the CDC. Our inns are doing everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

Winery Itinerary Service at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast

An Oregon Wine Country adventure would not be complete without a stay at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast. Since most visits to the Willamette Valley includes wine tasting, we’d like you to know that things have changed a bit from past years. Oregon wineries are requiring masks to be worn by all who are not seated at their tasting table. Easy, right? Also, due to social distancing, wineries have less capacity and most require reservations for tastings.

Still easy, but a bit more effort. Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast offers a Winery Itinerary Service for a $30 fee per itinerary. They have set up six unique itineraries with some of their favorite, smaller wineries. After you choose an itinerary they’ll set up your day of tasting at 3 unique wineries of the Willamette Valley. You can easily add the Winery Itinerary Service when you make your reservation online.

From Big Bold Reds to French-style Chardonnays

Wine ItineraryYour day could start with a cozy seating in Dominio IV’s delightfully refurbished 100 year old barn, then enjoying a delicious charcuterie and cheese board with a gorgeous view at Blizzard Wines and then end your day with a winemaker-guided tasting at Natalie’s Estate. For more information on their B&B’s Winery Itinerary Service go to www.chehalemridge.com. 

They’ll set up 3 wineries in 1 day for countless fun. Guests can choose from 6 different themed itineraries. For our Big Reds & Pinot Noir Itinerary, we will have you tasting at boutique wineries offering big bold reds, plus our valley’s renowned Pinot Noir.


Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast sits atop Chehalem Mountain, overlooking the Willamette Valley, home to Oregon’s Wine Country. On weather-friendly mornings breakfast is served on the guest deck with great views of the town of Newberg, pinot noir vineyards and fruit and nut orchards. Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast offers a peaceful retreat from adventure and the valley below.

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: Watch for updates as mask restrictions may lift soon under guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon is still requiring masks in some outdoor public spaces and all indoor public spaces, that includes the inns of the Oregon B&B Guild.

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of the CDC. Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

December is National Pear Month

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.

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: With guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon will again require masks in some outdoor public spaces and all indoor public spaces, that includes the inns of the Oregon B&B Guild. This measure is intended to slow the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant and went into effect Friday, Aug. 13. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of the CDC. Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

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The innkeeper of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast visited a family farm yesterday evening to pick up what might be the last flat of Blueberries. Pristine apples are in the slow cooker now and the aroma of spicy applesauce fills the air.

There’ll be large bowls of apples set out for their guests and the blueberries and pears will be baked into tasty breakfast treats. We came home with a flat of big juicy peaches too.

These delights of summer and fall can be found anywhere along the Hood River County Fruit Loop. Spend a glorious Fall afternoon on The Loop seeking out your favorite fruit or fruit concoction. The summer harvest will end around the middle of October, but in its place you will find a array of apples, pears and vegetables through the fall and enough choices from both seasons to satisfy, and if you enjoy picking your own fruit, U-pick is available at a few orchards. Your Farm to Table feasts begins here.

For a romantic afternoon drive we invite you to meander through the Valley’s forests, farmlands, and friendly communities. Pick up a sweet treat at Packer Orchards. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the patio of Stave and Stone Winery and Hood River Lavender. Then come home to a unique bed and breakfast of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  The innkeepers of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast will treat you to an amazing breakfast created with ingredients harvested right here in the Hood River Valley.

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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: With guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon will again require masks in all indoor public spaces, that includes the inns of the Oregon B&B Guild. This measure is intended to slow the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant and went into effect Friday, Aug. 13. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of the CDC. Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

December is National Pear Month

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

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.