Posts Tagged ‘Food’

Spring Herbs at Brenham Texas B&B Ranch

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

Spring at our Ranch B&B in Brenham is just around the corner and after this crazy, wild winter we are planning on a bumper crop of spring herbs. Some of our favorites include Aussie Sweetie basil, African Blue basil, Lemon thyme, Italian parsley, Tuscan Blue rosemary, Rose Scented geranium and cilantro. The Antique Rose Emporium is one of our favorite places to shop for them. It is also a great place for inspiration and reflection. We look forward to blogging about some of our incredible recipes from our spring classes using those great herbs!

Cranberry Lemon Martini Recipe

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010


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.

Holiday & Crystal Wine Glass Trail

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

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!

Fava Skordalia….Greek Split Pea Recipe….”Hummus Style”

Saturday, October 30th, 2010

Fava Skordalia  (Yellow Split Peas with Garlic)

2 cups yellow split peas, picked over and rinsed
2 bay leaves
2 tsp salt
4-6 garlic cloves
½ cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
3-4 Tbsp red wine vinegar
¾ Tbsp dry white wine
2 Tbsp dried oregano, crumbled, plus more for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper
 
All or a few of the following toppings:
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2-3 Tbsp pitted and chopped Kalamata olives
4-5 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
1 medium tomato, cored, peeled, seeded diced and drained
Few sprigs of arugula, coarsely chopped
Few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
EVOO
 
Place the split peas in a large pot, add water to cover by 4 inches and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low & simmer, skimming often, for 5 minutes.  Add the bay leaves and simmer for 40 minutes more, stirring occasionally and adding a little warm water as needed to keep the peas covered as they cook.  Add 1 tsp of the salt and simmer for 15-20 minutes more, or until the peas are soft and almost dry.
Puree the peas with a stick (immersion) blender, or transfer to a food processor and puree.  Let the puree cool completely; it will thicken considerably.
In a large mortar, grind the garlic with the remaining 1 tsp salt into a smooth paste.  Add 2 cups or so of the puree and continue grinding to incorporate the garlic.  Or use a blender or a small food processor.
In a large bowl, combine the garlic mixture, the remaining pea puree, the oil, 3 Tbsp each vinegar and wine, the oregano and pepper to taste, stirring vigorously to incorporate.  Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
If the skordalia seems too thick, add a little vinegar, wine or water to thin.  Spread on a large plate, sprinkle with oregano, garnish with toppings of your choice and serve

2011 Cooking Class Schedule Now Available!

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

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.

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… (more…)

Greek Food and Fun

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

“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 (more…)

Chili Recipe & Cook Off Windy Winery

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

After the long hot summer, the folks at Windy Winery are hungry for some good chili so…… on Saturday October 30th they are hosting a Chili Cook-Off (their second annual I believe)…..Open to anyone who want to join in the fun,  dust off that extra special chili recipe,  come out to cook and see who can make the best chili at Windy Winery!
And for all those folks who just want to eat the best chili at Windy Winery come on out and join in the fun!!  (Last year, we at the B&B took  our guests to the cook off and had a fabulous time!  We will do so again this year, so if you are looking for a great place to stay and some fun to be had…book your room now with us!)
Our favorite recipe originated with  our oldest son, who is a wonderful “cook by the seat of your pants” home chef!
Will’ s Chili Recipe (more…)

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…)

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!!!

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