Archive for September, 2010

Cupcakes and Antiques

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010

Sisterbelles Cupcakes

By the time I located their vintage turquoise colored pull trailer, they were already sold out of 2 of the varieties they  made and during my  delicious repast under their adjoining tent, I soon discovered why they had a steady stream of customers…..it wasn’t just the cute setup or good looking  gals inside but the sweet treat that was hidden inside and could be had for only a mere $3!  Though they make and sell 12 different cupcakes, the  cupcake of the day (more…)

Washington County Fair Brenham TX

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

The Fair has officially come and gone and wow, was it lot’s of fun…rodeo, dancing, live bands, carnival, cattle judging & auctions, bull riding, BBQ cookoff and of course, “exotic fair food”!   Our guests this year turned us on to the  “deep fried pickles, twinkies and other funky fried foods”.  We did try some so be sure to ask me what my tastebuds had to say about them when you come for a visit!  Only a mile down the road from the B&B, (more…)

Fall Antiques Fairs Rooms Available

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Get your comfy walking shoes, hat and the truck ready. It’s time for the fall Antiques season! Washington County and neighboring Fayette County
transform into an antiques mecca twice a year (last part of March to
early April and last part of September to early October)  I took these photos 2 days ago and you can see the tents are up for mile after mile. … The B&B has a few nights still open. Call now 877-690-0676 to get your room or book online!   Don’t miss all the great fun and treasures to be found!

Red Wine vs. White Wine…what the experts say

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

We here at the ranch, found this bit of trivia from our local Windy Winery expert to be very interesting…..

The antioxidants found in wine can vary widely depending on the year and region in which the wine was produced. However, two other beneficial components of wine remain relatively consistent:  potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance in the body, and alcohol, which may help raise “good” HDL cholesterol, reduce risk of blood clots, and lower blood pressure. The key to obtaining any of wine’s benefits is enjoying your favorite in moderation.

Red Wine  (5 ounces)
120 calories      180 milligrams potassium      15 grams alcohol
White Wine (5 ounces)
118 calories      101 milligrams potassium
14.6 grams alcohol

CHEERS TO YOUR HEALTH!!!

Foodie Weekend Cooking Class

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

Easy French food was the order of the day for the B&B Foodie Weekend Cooking Class recently!  After a foray to the local Farmers Market, we settled into the kitchen to begin cooking.  The menu included Scallops Provencal, Warm Cremini Mushroom Salad with Arugula and Prosciutto, Roasted Leg of Lamb Persillade, Zucchini Gratin, and Fresh Strawberry Sorbet!  Look for some of the great recipes to come…..the lamb was especially succulent with no gaminess due to a new method of preparation I taught during the class.

The Method:

Lamb and Brine
1 (3 pound) boneless leg of lamb, trimmed  
2 Tb. kosher  salt
(or 1 Tb. table salt)          
2 Tb. sugar
6 medium garlic cloves, crushed
 
Garlic-Parsley Paste
1 medium head garlic, outer papery skins removed and top
third of head cut off & discarded
1 Tb. olive  oil
1 Tb. minced fresh
parsley leaves

Combine salt, sugar and garlic  with 2 quarts water in large bowl; stir until salt and sugar dissolve.  Open roast and remove all visible fat and connective tissue/coverings (this is a major step in reducing the gaminess!).  Lightly score
inside of lamb roast, making ¼ inch deep cuts spaced 1 inch apart in crosshatch pattern.  Submerge lamb in brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

While lamb is brining, adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 400 degrees.  Place garlic head cut side up on sheet of foil and drizzle with olive oil.  Wrap foil tightly around garlic; place on baking sheet and roast until coves are very soft and golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes.  When cool enough to handle, squeeze garlic head to remove cloves from skins.  Mash cloves into paste with side of chef’s knife.  Combine 1 tablespoon of garlic paste and parsley leaves in small bowl.

Remove lamb from brine and pat dry with paper towels.  Rub garlic-parsley paste into  scored surface working paste
into  cuts.  Season with salt and pepper.  Roll lamb into compact roast, tucking in to form a log/leg shape.  Tie with twine at 1 inch intervals.

Proceed with your favorite roasting method and enjoy the  fruits of your labor!

Texas Independence Day Celebration Near Texas Bed and Breakfast

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

Longhorns

 Washington On The Brazos located near Brenham, Texas celebrates Texas Independence Day in grand fashion.  Murski Homestead Bed and Breakfast, an original Texas homestead ranch B&B, located just down Hwy 105 is the perfect place to stay while enjoying Texas history and touring the area.  We recently stepped back in time  to experience some Texas history following suit by our guests after fueling up for the day with a hearty breakfast at the  ranch.   The following article gives a enticing glimpse about experiencing Texas history:  Washington On The Brazos Independence Day Celebration

Saddlehorn Winery

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

I enjoyed visiting and tasting the newest winery on the scene in Washington County:  Saddlehorn!  The owners of Saddlehorn are interesting, informative and have built a top notch sophisticated winery production/tasting barn with lots of granite, glass, stainless barrels and Texas furniture.  This winery is located not  too far from the ranch and is situated on beautiful country property between Brenham and Burton.  I can home with 2 bottles for  our sipping pleasure:  “Barn Red” and “Happy Trails White”!  You must make this a stop on your next wine tour of the Bluebonnet Wine Trail and add a stay at the ranch while here!

 

1662 Old Independence Road • Brenham, TX 77833
Toll Free: 877-690-0676 • Phone: 979-830-1021
Email: pmurski@sbcglobal.net
 
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