Posts Tagged ‘culinary travel’
December 14th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
5 Tablespoons (2.5 oz) Cranberry Syrup Base
3 Tablespoons (1.5 oz) Citrus Flavored Vodka
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
Lemon Wedges
For each cocktail, fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add Cranberry Syrup and vodka. Cover; shake. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with cranberries and lemon wedge. Makes 1 drink. (I like to frost the rim with sugar before pouring drink into glass).
Cranberry Syrup Base:
In large saucepan combine one 12 oz. package fresh or frozen cranberries, 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Simmer 20 minutes uncovered. Remove from heat, cool. Blend mixture in food processor or blender. Strain, discarding seed and skin. Stir in 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup Limoncello and 2 dashes bitters. Mixture will be slightly thick. Cover and chill to store.
Tags: classes, cranberries, culinary travel, Food, holiday drinks, lemons, martini, Recipes, Texas B&B, vodka drinks
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November 14th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
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!
Tags: b&b lodging, Bluebonnet Wine Trail, Brenham, culinary travel, Food, holiday events, ranch, wine, wine trail
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November 3rd, 2010 by Pamela Murski
Tortilla Soup with Chicken, Avocado & White Mexican Cheese
Nothing says “Fall” better than a really good bowl of delicious soup! Earthy, slightly spicy, sublime, down home good is how I describe really good homemade tortilla soup. The soup is simple to make and is even better the day after it is made. Serve it with chunks of hearth style bread for soaking up all the delicious juices while savoring every bite. Fresh avocado and Mexican white cheese is a must! Pair it with a spicy red wine, such as the ”Saucy Red” from our local “Windy Winery” located just a few miles down from the B&B.
Chicken Tortilla Soup:
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Tags: chicken, chicken tortilla soup, Cooking, culinary travel, Murski Homestead B&B, soup, tortilla, vegetables
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October 27th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
It’s that time of year again! The 2011 Ranch Cooking Class Schedule is now available. This is the perfect time to plan a fantastic Texas Ranch Culinary Vacation to one of our Cooking classes or Foodie Events. Even if you have attended a cooking class before don’t let that detour you.
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Cooking Class Tart
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Cooking Class
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Hors d’oeuvres!
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Ravioli Cooking Class
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Sweet Potato-Maple Cream Soup
Foodie Weekends, are for those who like to cook, for Foodies and for Spectators who love food in all forms! Guests determine the depth of their involvement, with options ranging from a visit to an area farmer’s market, local winery, garden harvest, cooking with me or just enjoying the great food! Whether you are a Foodie, avid cook, spectator or wannabe cook, these events are all about creating memorable experiences in a relaxing atmosphere involving food, spontaneous cooking and creating ways to take the everyday recipe to the next level.
Every class and event is chock full of new recipes that you can duplicate at home! This is a great gift idea for that home cook you know. Itinerary and dates…
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Tags: classes, Cooking, culinary, culinary travel, Food, Murski Homestead B&B, packages, ranch, wine
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October 21st, 2010 by Pamela Murski
“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
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Tags: Brenham, Cooking, culinary queens, culinary travel, Food, Fun, Greek Food, Murski Homestead B&B
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October 7th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
Street foods have a rich and colorful history where all strata of society, from fishwives to royalty, have played a role in its evolution. Foods of the World—Street Food was chosen as the theme for the September Culinary meeting. My friends hall and back porch were converted into the “street” from which delicious foods such as Italian and Caribbean kebabs and Bolivian cheese empanadas were served. As we continued our “world tour” we sampled falafel from Arabia, spicy potato roti from India, and other delicious treats. Cranberry kvass is a popular thirst quencher in Russia. We were dubious about the mildly fermented creation, but were pleased to discover it was actually quite good. A favorite recipe
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Tags: chinese, Cooking, culinary travel, egg noodles, Murski Homestead B&B, Recipes, Salad, street food, vegetables
Posted in Sides/Vegetables/Pasta | Comments Off
October 4th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
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!
Tags: Bluebonnet Wine Trail, Brenham, culinary travel, lodging, Texas Wine, wine, wine trail, wineries
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September 26th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
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,
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Tags: activities, Brenham, culinary travel, Food, Fun, local scene, Murski Homestead B&B, rodeo, Washington County
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September 16th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
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Zucchini Gratin
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Leg of Lamb Persillade
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!
Tags: classes, Cooking, culinary travel, Food, Lamb, Meat/Entree', Murski Homestead B&B, packages, Recipes
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August 13th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
Cooking Class Fruit Tart
Fun, fun, fun and lots of good food……that’s how our cooking classes are described by our participants. We just finished up another great weekend of cooking, harvesting, shopping at the Farmers’ Markets, visiting and most of all tasting and eating our way through many dishes. One of the favorites was the Roasted Fresh Fruit Tart made with buttery puff pastry and fresh peaches, plums and berries procured at the Farmers Market!
Tags: activities, Brenham, classes, Cooking, culinary, culinary travel, Food, Fun, Murski Homestead B&B
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July 11th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
What a great time we had recently with the Foodie Weekend participants with adventures at several local farmers markets, harvesting herbs from the ranch gardens for class, snatching a few fresh figs for our dessert from a friends back yard after spying them ripening on the tree, an unexpected detour from the last market to take everyone on a scenic history drive through the country side back to the B&B, cooking together and lots of good food! One of the favorites’ from the Friday night heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails was this amazing Texas Slider, a Murski Homestead B&B classic recipe…..venison/turkey fresh herbed patty, oozing jalapeno jack cheese, house made remoulade, fresh avocado slices and buttered grilled bun! A little messy but oh, so, so good…….
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Cocktails, New Friends, & Foodie Weekend
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Murski Homestead B&B Texas Slider
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Foodie Weekend Hors d’ oeuvres
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Foodie Weekend Friday Night Hor d’oeuvres
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Foodie Weekend Farmers Market Fun
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Shopping Brenham Farmers Market
Tags: activities, Appetizers, Cooking, culinary travel, farmers market, Food, Fun, Herbs
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June 10th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
Dream of coffee, clouds of whipped cream and mascarpone cheese, sandwiched in between soft pillows of lady fingers and coffee liqueur? We love Tiramisu but wanted a version we could make and eat in the same evening and one that didn’t depend on Lady Fingers, given that we live in a small, country town. This recipe
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Tags: classes, Cooking, culinary, culinary travel, Desserts, Food, Murski Homestead B&B, ranch, Recipes
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May 29th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
White Chocolate-Walnut-Raisin Custard French Toast
For your French Toast afficionados, this breakfast treat served at the B&B for breakfast, brunch or dinner is a dish to look forward to with anticipation. It is hearty enough to suffice for any meal and will keep you full til the next meal. So many recipes for french toast are just fluff with no substance. The heartiness of the homemade bread is the key to the deep flavor and texture of this french toast. This french toast will get you going for the day……carbs and protein in every bite! (Be sure to use our recipe for the homemade bread found under our recipes….it is the key ingredient in this recipe!) We serve this french toast with our housemade venison ranch sausage at the B&B but your favorite sausage or peppered bacon will be equally good paired up.
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Tags: Breakfast, Brenham, Cooking, culinary travel, Food, Murski Homestead B&B, ranch, Recipes
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May 25th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
White Chocolate-Walnut-Cranberry Bread
Basic bread is a mixture of flour, liquid and a leavening agent that transforms into crusty, earthy goodness when baked. With the addition of beer, this hearty quick bread develops a yeasty flavor typically found in yeast breads and its’ substance from the addition of white chocolate chips, toasted walnuts and chewy cranberries. We serve it at the B&B toasted plain for breakfast, soaked in a custard and baked for french toast, and toasted and topped with natural peanut butter and bananas for a great sandwich. Any way you choose to eat it, it is darn good! Easy to prepare as well, so give it a go. The walnuts give an additional boost of protein. You can omit the nuts, cranberries and chocolate and substitute cheese and herbs for a savory dinner bread…….
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Tags: Bread, Breakfast, Brenham, chocolate, culinary travel, Food, Murski Homestead B&B, nuts, Recipes
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May 20th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
This incredible appetizer from Spain is called Bunuelos De Bacalao (Salt Cod-Potato Fritters with Garlic Aoli). They are an exceptional appetizer eaten out of hand while enjoying a glass of delicious Sangria! The dish will be added to one of our Foodie Weekends just in case you don’t try them at home….
Scrumptious Fritters and Garlic Aoli
Bunuelos De Bacalao (Salt Cod Fritters)
1/2 pound skinned and boned dried salt cod
1 pound medium potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt
Pepper
2 egg yolks
Solid vegetable oil, for frying
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Tags: Appetizers, Cooking, culinary, culinary travel, fish, Food, Murski Homestead B&B, potatoes, Recipes
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May 4th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
Do you have Rosemary growing in your garden? Are you a Martini fan? If you answered yes to those questions, you will want to try this recipe, one of Murski Homestead B&B’s signature drinks! Cooking class participants at the ranch oohed and aawed over this cocktail (any leftover Rosemary syrup can be used over pound cake, in iced tea, over fresh fruit, to make a sorbet or ice cream…..so don’t throw away a single drop!)
Rosemary-Peach Martini
Martini Time!
1/2 oz. peach syrup
1/2 oz. rosemary simple syrup***
1/2 fresh squeezed lemon
ice
Put all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into Martini stem, garnish with fresh lemon slice and serve immediately.
***Rosemary Simple Syrup: heat 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 6 (4 inch) sprigs fresh rosemary. Bring to boil, cover, turn off heat and let steep 20 minutes. Strain syrup and store in refrigerator in clean sterilized bottle.
Tags: Brenham, Cooking, culinary, culinary travel, Drinks, Food, Herbs, Murski Homestead B&B, ranch, Washington County
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April 24th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
You love that incredible chewy dense delicious texture of French bread but don’t have the time or patience for all the kneading, then this no knead recipe is for you! It delivers all that same great taste experience you know and love. We recently featured this bread in one of our cooking classes at the ranch. We made an extra loaf just in case….. It was a good thing we did because there were only a few crumbs left!
No Knead French Bread
Crusty No-Knead French Bread
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Tags: activities, Bread, Brenham, Cooking, culinary, culinary travel, Murski Homestead B&B, ranch, Recipes
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April 16th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
Tags: activities, Brenham, Cooking, culinary travel, farmers market, Food, gardens, plants, shopping, Washington County
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April 12th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
Incredible wines and tastings with unbelievable scenery are found in Washington County and the surrounding area! At Murski Homestead we feature local fare and local wine which are used in our cooking classes, Vintner dinners and special Foodie Weekends. One of the most recent additions to the scene it the Bluebonnet Wine Trail, wine fun that is not to be missed! The wineries along the trail will offer a pairing of two cheeses from local artisans with two wines. As an added bonus, receive a packet of Texas wildflower seeds at each winery you visit (while supplies last).
Tags: activities, Brenham, classes, culinary travel, Drinks, Food, Murski Homestead B&B, Washington County, wine
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April 9th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
Pleasant Hill Winery Anniversary Celebration: April 10 & 11, 2010 noon – 5:00
Come out and enjoy the spectacular wildflowers and take pictures in our fields. You may bring a picnic to pair with Pleasant Hill’s award-winning wines. Relax and share a bottle with some “pleasant” company. Enjoy a tour, tasting, and a piece of anniversary cake. Make your stay complete with a room at the ranch!
Tags: activities, Brenham, culinary travel, Food, Fun, local scene, Murski Homestead B&B, wine
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April 6th, 2010 by Pamela Murski
Delicious Crunch Lemon Ginger Cookies
Yum! Yum! Yum!!!! Incredible crunch, incredible taste keeps you coming back for more! Great with coffee, ice cold milk, or your favorite sweet dessert wine…..served anytime!
Delicious crunchy cookies can’t be beat! A special treat and something to look forward to when served in the afternoon with an iced beverage of choice on the century old front porch at the ranch! The fresh taste of lemon, coupled with toasted almonds and candied ginger, give this cookie a flavor and crunch that brings your hand to the cookie jar every time you pass through the kitchen… Be sure to slice them very thin to get that wonderful crunchy texture. The recipe
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Tags: cookies, Cooking, culinary travel, Desserts, ginger, lemons, Murski Homestead B&B, nuts, Recipes, wine
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