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National French Toast Day November 28

Nation French Toast Day is November 28

Remember the orange popsicle filled with vanilla ice cream?  Who didn’t love them then and who doesn’t still love them now? Here at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast we regularly order a case of fresh Organic Valencia Oranges to use in Orange Ricotta Pancakes, Fresh Orange Smoothies, Fruit Salads and more.  Recently I made this creamy French Toast with a Gluten Free White Bread but I prefer using a fresh Challah Bread. Challah makes the best French Toast and when combined with cream cheese, vanilla and orange, a 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.

Pumpkin Pear Panna Cotta

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.

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 the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

Plum Upside Down Buttermilk Cake

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.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Wildfire and Air Quality Update: While the wildfires burning across Oregon are not completely extinguished they’re under control and cooler temperatures, good, strong onshore flow and most importantly, some measurable rain will help flush out the atmosphere, get rid of the last of the wildfire smoke.

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.

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.

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.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is.

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

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.

National Strawberry Shortcake

National Strawberry Shortcake Day

National Strawberry Shortcake Day is, today, June 14 and the innkeeper of the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast shares a guest favorite

Shortcakes ~ this recipe will make 8 shortcakes.  The innkeeper stretches it a little, making 6 slightly larger cakes, making room for more whipped cream and berries, and perfect for the 6 guests that the Old Parkdale Inn can accommodate.

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 Tbs Grated lemon rind
1 Tbs baking powder
¼ teas salt
¼ cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces
¾ cup half and half
melted butter
2 teas sugar

Preheat oven to 450°
Shortcakes:  Whisk flour, sugar, lemon rind, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.  Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry blender until the mixture is a coarse meal.  Add half and half and stir just until moist. Don’t overwork the dough if you’re looking for tender shortcakes. Drop by large spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 15 minutes or until brown

You’ll want to mix your berries with 3 tablespoons sugar and a splash of lemon juice then refrigerate while juices develop, at least 30 minutes.  In Oregon and the Hood River Valley we are blessed with an abundance of berries: Oregon’s child the marionberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries being just a few.  Use the freshest ones you can find, mix it up.

Try adding a drop of almond extract to the bowl as you whip up some fresh cream.  Slice the Shortcake in half horizontally, spoon the berries with their juice onto each shortcake bottom. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and then the shortcake top.  Garnish with slivered and whole mint leaves, a little more whipped cream and a few more berries.

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, farms, wineries and fine dining are nearby. Three well appointed rooms with private baths offer complete privacy and the serene gardens are perfect for romantic and restful getaways.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn. Hospitality Update: Oregon is one of the top states where it looks like social distancing is working. Our inns have been proactively doing everything in our power to keep you safe, welcome you back, as travel restrictions are being lifted. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be. We know the Old Parkdale Inn is.

National Donut Day

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

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

Baked Pumpkin Donut

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

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

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Lemon Blueberry Biscuits

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Lemon Blueberry Biscuits shared by Yamhill Vineyards B&B

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

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

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

Glaze:

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

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

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

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

You’re sure to enjoy sweet treats such as these at the inns of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.  Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn

National French Toast Day November 28

Nation French Toast Day is November 28

Remember the orange popsicle filled with vanilla ice cream?  Who didn’t love them then and who doesn’t still love them now?  Here at the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast we regularly order a case of fresh Organic Valencia Oranges to use in Orange Ricotta Pancakes, Fresh Orange Smoothies, Fruit Salads and more.  Recently I made this creamy French Toast with a Gluten Free White Bread but I prefer using a fresh Challah Bread.  Challah makes the best French Toast and when combined with cream cheese, vanilla and orange, a dreamy

Creamy Orange French Toast

In a small bowl cream together 1/2 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp sugar and 4 oz softened cream cheese

In another bowl Whip together:

  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • zest from a orange
  • juice from that orange
  • cup of milk
  • 2 Tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tsp sugar

Spread the cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread.  I like to lay the sandwiches on a cookie sheet where the milk and egg mixture has been poured, flipping them after about 5 minutes.  The type of bread you are using will determine how long to soak.  Dryer bread a little longer that a very moist bread like Challah. Fry on a hot griddle until golden, about 3-5 minutes on each side.

Meanwhile, combine fresh orange juice from half an orange, 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a small sauce pot. Bring to simmer and take off heat.

Serve piping hot garnished with thinly slices oranges and a dusting of powdered sugar.

You can adjust this recipe to satisfy dietary needs.  I’ve used coconut or almond milk for lactose intolerant guests. A Vanilla Soy Creamer adds flavor. There are some very good non dairy cream cheese products available.

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.