Murski Homestead Bed & Breakfast, Brenham, Texas » Brenham http://murskihomesteadbb.com Just another Inndx Blogs and Websites for Inns weblog Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:01:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Holiday & Crystal Wine Glass Trail http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/11/14/holiday-crystal-wine-glass-trail/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/11/14/holiday-crystal-wine-glass-trail/#comments Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:28:06 +0000 Pamela Murski http://murskihomesteadbb.com/?p=1880

Wine & Holiday Tours

The fun and delicious Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail hosts their holiday trail this year in December, first and second weekend!  Don’t miss getting to enjoy each winery, find out the history behind the properties and experience some first class Texas wine and holiday food.  Included in the ticket is a holiday food and wine pairing at each winery with a Texas Bluebonnet Wine  Trail Crystal Wine Glass gift at the 4th winery you visit!  Be sure to stay at the ranch which is conveniently located on  the Trail!

]]> http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/11/14/holiday-crystal-wine-glass-trail/feed/ 0 Greek Food and Fun http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/10/21/greek-food-and-fun/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/10/21/greek-food-and-fun/#comments Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:03:52 +0000 Pamela Murski http://murskihomesteadbb.com/?p=1626 “The sharing of food whenever a bunch of friends gather is typical of the traditional Greek way of life.  The meal begins with alcoholic drinks and a communal course of meze (or plural, mezedes), little plates containing various kinds of cold and hot foods: green & black olives; feta or other local cheeses drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano; raw, cured or simply cooked seafood & fish; pickled vegetables and spreads; garlicky dips; intensely flavored rice- & herb-filled grape leaves; and vegetable or meat stews.  Offered in small portions together with pieces of fresh country bread, the mezedes arrive at the table together with the drinks.  Each meze is something like what the French call an amusegueule (a taste-teaser), but together, several of them can become a substantial meal…….”

The Culinary Queens were at it again with some fabulous Greek food and spirits….Garides Ala Plaka (succulent prawns), delicious earthy chewy breads to soak up all the incredible juices, Fava Skordalia (yellow split peas with garlic –  “hummus style”),  Horiatiki Salata (tomato, cucumber & feta  salad),  Dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), Keftaidakia ( lamb meatballs),  Tzatziki (herbed yogurt/cucumber sauce),  Syka Sto Fournou (baked fresh figs with brandy & herbs), Peponi Me Ouzo (ouzo spiked melon),  and Portokalia Se Marothaphne (Port laden Navel orange orbs).  If you have never tried Greek cooking  or food, you are missing out!  These foods are “of the earth” and based on seasonality, freshness and bold flavours.  Several good cookbooks to learn from are “Greek Cooking for the Gods”,  “The Foods of the Greek Islands”,  and “The Complete Book of Greek Cooking”.  Look out for some great Greek recipes to appear in our Foodie Adventures at the B&B!

]]> http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/10/21/greek-food-and-fun/feed/ 0 Gardens Near Brenham Texas Bed and Breakfast http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/10/19/gardens-near-brenham-texas-bed-and-breakfast/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/10/19/gardens-near-brenham-texas-bed-and-breakfast/#comments Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:01:49 +0000 Pamela Murski http://murskihomesteadbb.com/?p=1276 On a recent to trip to Blackwood, an educational land institute within a 30 minute beautiful drive from  BrenhamTexas, I was delighted to see the way that the land has been preserved through gardens and nature through sustainable practices.  A formerly neglected tract of land has been turned into a living learning environment at Blackwood, including the construction of an amazing straw bale home.   It inspires me with my gardens and attempts to  work with the land and ecosystems that exist naturally at the ranch.  Encouraging our cooking class participants to shop, eat and live locally is part of our philosophy here at the ranch.

]]> http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/10/19/gardens-near-brenham-texas-bed-and-breakfast/feed/ 0 Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/10/04/texas-bluebonnet-wine-trail/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/10/04/texas-bluebonnet-wine-trail/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:53:46 +0000 Pamela Murski http://murskihomesteadbb.com/?p=1855

Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail

October is all about Texas Wine!!!  As avid supporters of just about anything local, especially when  it  has to do with food and drink, the B&B is  fortunate to be located in the midst of  the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail!  The October Wine Trail celebrates Texas Wine Month with the addition of THREE new wineries along the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail.   Your ticket (just $25 for a single ticket or $45  for “Ticket for Two”)  includes two select wine tastings, paired with a unique sausage dish at each of the 10 member wineries.  Be sure to book one  of our foodie classes where we always celebrate and incorporate local wines and food in our menus!
]]> http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/10/04/texas-bluebonnet-wine-trail/feed/ 0 Washington County Fair Brenham TX http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/26/washington-county-fair-brenham-tx/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/26/washington-county-fair-brenham-tx/#comments Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:07:45 +0000 Pamela Murski http://murskihomesteadbb.com/?p=1724
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, our guests get to experience all the fun without the hassle of parking as we will ferry them to and fro!     If you’ve never been to a county fair, you don’t want to miss ours which is the oldest in the state.  Be sure to set your calendars for the second week September 2011 and make your reservation with us now for an experience of a lifetime!
]]> http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/26/washington-county-fair-brenham-tx/feed/ 0 Fall Antiques Fairs Rooms Available http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/23/fall-antiques-fairs-rooms-available/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/23/fall-antiques-fairs-rooms-available/#comments Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:52:31 +0000 Pamela Murski http://murskihomesteadbb.com/?p=1833 Warrenton Antiques Fair Antiques Fairs Round Top Antiques Fair

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!

]]> http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/23/fall-antiques-fairs-rooms-available/feed/ 0 Texas Independence Day Celebration Near Texas Bed and Breakfast http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/07/texas-independence-day-celebration-near-texas-bed-and-breakfast/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/07/texas-independence-day-celebration-near-texas-bed-and-breakfast/#comments Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:53:12 +0000 Pamela Murski http://www.murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/?p=788

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

]]> http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/07/texas-independence-day-celebration-near-texas-bed-and-breakfast/feed/ 0 Saddlehorn Winery http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/03/saddlehorn-winery/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/03/saddlehorn-winery/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:40:34 +0000 Pamela Murski http://murskihomesteadbb.com/?p=1609 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!

  Saddlehorn Winery Owner Saddlehorn Winery Saddlehorn Winery Tasting Room

]]> http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/09/03/saddlehorn-winery/feed/ 0 Bed and Breakfast Recipe for Lemon Mousse & Berry Trifle http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/08/29/bed-and-breakfast-recipe-for-lemon-mousse-berry-trifle/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/08/29/bed-and-breakfast-recipe-for-lemon-mousse-berry-trifle/#comments Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:14:17 +0000 Pamela Murski http://murskihomesteadbb.com/?p=1280

Lemon Mousse Fresh Berry Trifle

I love the look of layered foods and dishes…..almost everything in life benefits from layering and textures.  This trifle is scrumptious and light all at the same time.  If you like Lemon Curd, you will devour this lemon mousse.  Couple with the sweet tart flavor of fresh berries such as strawberry, blueberry and raspberry and pound cake, it is a dessert worthy of starring at your finest dinner….with our without company.  (My granddaughter claimed it was better than birthday cake—both servings!)  It is a recipe that will some day find its’ way onto a Foodie Weekend menu.  Recipe:

Lemon Mousse Fresh Berry Trifle

Lemon Mousse Fresh Berry Trifle

 

1/2 cup plus 2 Tb. sugar
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
salt
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces
6 cups assorted fresh berries (if using strawberries, slice them)
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 loaf homemade or store bought pound cake, sliced 1/2 inch thick
Garnish:  lemon zest matchsticks

 

Whisk together 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, the egg yolks, wine, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.  Simmer, stirring, until thick, 3 to 5 minutes.  Stir in grated lemon zest and gradually whisk in butter pieces until smooth.  Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of curd.  Refrigerate until set,  about 1 hour or up to 2 days.
Cover mixed berries with remaining 1/4 cup sugar or more to taste if berries are really tart.  Let macerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
Whisk cream until soft peaks form.  Whisk curd to loosen.  Working in 3 additions, fold whipped cream into curd.  Layer a third of the cake in the  bottom of a 12 cup bowl.  Cover with a third of the lemon mousse.  Sprinkle with a third of the mixed berries and macerated juice.  Repeat twice with remaining cake,  mousse and fruit.  Refrigerate trifle at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.  Garnish with lemon zest before serving.
]]> http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/08/29/bed-and-breakfast-recipe-for-lemon-mousse-berry-trifle/feed/ 0 Early Summer Gardens Texas Ranch Bed and Breakfast http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/08/26/early-summer-gardens-texas-ranch-bed-and-breakfast/ http://murskihomesteadbb.com/blog/2010/08/26/early-summer-gardens-texas-ranch-bed-and-breakfast/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:36:25 +0000 Pamela Murski http://murskihomesteadbb.com/?p=1270 The summer brought on the grasshoppers and leaf cutters but the gardens  transitioned beautifully from Spring to Summer producing zinnias, gladiolus, sweet peas, roses, flowering basils, incredible cardoon blossoms, and so much  more.  Our  vegetable gardens at the B&B were chock  full of cucumbers, squash, thyme, fennel, colorful swiss chard, bell peppers, basil, yellow and red tomatoes.  We spied this fun cucumber that we had missed that was now firmly entrenched in the landscaping timbers!  What were your gardens like this summer? Cucumber Gladiola Daylillies Figs Cardoon Yellow Tomatoes Zinnia Gomphrena Sunflower Coneflower Daylilly

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