InnKeeping Tools of the Trade

We just returned from Austin, Texas where we attended a super INNKEEPING Conference and Trade Show put on by PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International). With three days full of workshops on cooking/nutrition, Information Technology, and other aspects of running a bed and breakfast, we are re-energized and looking forward to a great 2010 season.

Finger Lakes Winter Wonderland

The snowfall last weekend was absolutely amazing. It made our road a little dicey for awhile but the winter wonderland scene was magnificent. I did get a few great pictures and we'll post them soon. Our guests just happened to bring their snowshoes with them and the conditions were just right to try them out. They were up and down the road a couple of times. After a few sunny days, the snow is now quickly melting and the road is bare again.

Seneca Lake Wine Trail Discovery

As a fan of dry reds and Chardonnay, I rarely get excited about a sweet wine, much less one made from something other than grapes. That all changed this past Sunday when Bob and I visited a rather new winery on Seneca Lake, The Fruit Yard Winery. They did have a nice Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc but our real excitement was for their Peach Wine, and their Blueberry Wine. While it was just wonderful by itself, and would be great as a dessert wine, my intention is to use it in the blueberry sauce and peach sauce which we serve with our Stuffed French Toast. I have been looking for just what I found: a wine which will enhance the natural fruit flavor of these sauces. If you like fruit wine, do visit the Fruit Yard - in addition to the Peach and Blueberry, and of course, Grape, they have all kinds of fruit wines: Apple, Cherry, Melon, Cranberry, and more!! See The Fruit Yard website and do visit when you are here - as they are located almost right across from Apple Road.

Winter Wine Weekends extended to April 30 at Sunrise Landing

We are now extending our Winter Wine Weekends though April 30.
Stay two nights and the third at no additional cost - is our gift to you. Even more exciting is that you can select any of our packages or specials and add a third night at no additional charge. You will receive a complimentary bottle of Finger Lakes Wine, a PALATE Passport with Free Wine Tastings, Free Museum visits, and lots of other great stuff.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (scant)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup softened butter (2 sticks)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark or combination of both)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups chocolate chips (I use Hershey's or Gevalia dark)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 F.
Sift together flour, Baking soda, and salt. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in chips and nuts. Drop by small scoop (I use 1 5/8 inch size)onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10 - 13 minutes until slightly browned. Cool slightly. Carefully remove to cookie rack. Cool completely. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
NOTE: I vary recipe - sometimes using white chips and macadamia nuts, and sometimes using Heath Chocolate covered toffee bits, reducing granulated sugar in recipe slightly. I also sometimes add 1/2 cup Hershey's unsweetened cocoa - they are delicious (if you do this do not reduce sugar).
This recipe was adapted from Hershey's Classic Chocolate Chip Recipe.

Glenora Wine Cellars - Feast and Fest

Glenora Winery has announced an exciting new event, "Feast and Fest", to take place on the last Sunday of each month. Each event will will feature food and wine pairings from around the world. The first, scheduled on January 31st, 1:00 - 4:00 PM promises to be an excellent beginning, and is themed, "A Taste of Tuscany". Five courses will be prepared by executive chef, Orlando Rodrigues, and will be paired with hand selected Glenora Wines for guests to savor and enjoy with the foods. The cost is $15 per person and reservations must be made at least a week before each event. Jared Campbell, singer and songwriter from upstate New York will provide music for the event, which will take place in the winery tasting room overlooking beautiful Seneca Lake, on route 14, a mile and a half south of Sunrise Landing Bed and Breakfast.

Finger Lakes Wine Weekends

We have recently posted some new packages for the winter and early spring. One which we are particularly excited to announce is the Finger Lakes Wine Weekend Package in cooperation with the Finger Lakes Wineries and Finger Lakes Wine Country. It is a very versatile package as it can be added to any of our other packages and it costs absolutely nothing. Actually when you add an extra night and just stay three night, the third night is free, and you also get additional things added on, such as a free bottle of wine from the wineries. In additional to the free bottle of wine, many Finger Lakes wineries and other merchants are extending discounts and special offers, which you will get in the form of coupons - just for staying an additional night. Now how is that for a good deal!?