Recipe today...

Apple French Toast! One of my person favorites...

Ingredients:
5 apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoon white Karo syrup
8 slices French bread
1/2 cup butter
3 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons vanilla

Directions:
Melt 2 Table. butter in saucepan with 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 Table. Karo. Cook till bubbly. Pour into 9 x 13 greased pan. Add 5 sliced, peeled apples on top of brown sugar mixture. Beat 3 eggs slightly, add 1 cup milk and 2 Table. vanilla to eggs. Dip each slice of bread into mixture and put on top of apples.
Cover pan with foil, refreigerate overnight. Uncover and bake 350 deg. for 45 min. When ready to serve, invert each slice of bread so the apples and sauce are on top. Serves 4 (2 slices/person)

This recipe is brought to from the Bailey House Bed and Breakfast in Ohio via BedAndBreakfast.com

June Review!

Hi everyone! Now I know it's been awhile, but you're in for a treat today. Today, you will find out exactly how well June went! Bikers, hikers, shoppers, pet lovers, and art enthusiasts have come to visit this month, and here are the results:

"We had another wonderful stay at Coffee Street Inn. My husband and I stayed here when he proposed to me in '05 and again last year when I was pregnant with our first child. Now, we are here trout fishing and I'm pregnant with our second. Maybe next time we'll bring the kids! Thanks!" --A Mr. and Mrs. in the Latte room

"We enjoyed this very comfortable room in a great location. Yesterday we braved the rain in our bike ride to Rushford. Today looks more promising as we head the other direction to Harmony. The coffee in the room is some of the best and has given us the boost we need to hit the trail. We'll be back!" --A Mr. and Mrs. from Minneapolis, Java room, 6/16

"As always, we enjoyed coming to Lanesboro. This is our first stay at Coffee Street Inn and we love the location! (Gre up on farms so the sale barn wasn't so bad). The accommodations were great; we had all we needed and the staff was very friendly. Coffee Street Inn will be our first choice on return visits!" --A Mr. and Mrs. from Wellman, Iowa, Java room, 6/18- 6/21

"From Rochester, Minnesota, 6 cousins come together to relax and chat--reminisced about our childhood, tubed down the river, enjoyed a sidewalk cafe, and ate at Old Village Hall-- slept like babies and had a great time!" --Bonnie and the Jensen cousins, Cappuccino Suite, 6/27/10

"Once again, we had a terrific stay! Last year we were here off season and managed to find plenty to do. This year we had a hard time deciding what to do! We saw the radio production of "Over the Back Fence" and it was very funny! Kudos to the new pie lady and Pedal Pushers- we had to stop in every day for pie! The bike trails are always beautiful, full of colorful flowers and musical birds. Again we had to stop at Potiche to paint a memento for our trip. I love staying here and look forward to our next trip!" --The Nehrings from Mankato, 6/27-6/27

Well, there you have it--plenty to do regardless of rain or shine, whether you plan on biking or not. A recipe coming up yet tonight, and the weekend activity report tomorrow!

Weekend events...

Whew...I'm just sitting down after a long day. Are you? Well, sit back and enjoy the read! Here are the upcoming events in Lanesboro--

It's family weekend at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. Participating families will get to enjoy archery, fishing, rock climbing, shooting, a high ropes course, nature hikes, and other fun outdoor activities! Classes will also be offered regarding the outdoors.
Showing at the Commonweal-- "Enchanted April." 4 women share a villa in Italy, transforming the strangers into friends. The play is a romantic comedy set in the 1920's.
The National Trout Center grand opening is Saturday in Preston! Come to learn more about this fish which is plentiful in the area.
Also Saturday, the Lanesboro Arts center presents Laura MacKenzie with Gary Rue at the St. Mane Theatre. The will be performing music of Ireland, Scotland, England, France, and Northern Spain on a variety of wind instruments as well as voice.
Father's Day marks the 30th year of Art in the Park! 90+ art and craft booths will be featured, and homemade food and beverages will be provided by local organizations. Come to taste at the Art Center's pie booth, or try the vegetarian curry! There will be live music and other entertainment, a farm animal petting zoo, and a "make your dad a tie" booth. This will all take place at Sylvan Park where there is plenty of shade to help beat the heat!
Patchouli will be live in concert at Riverside on the Root Sunday evening, so come for a bite to eat after "Over the Back Fence."
On Monday, bring the kids for a 19th century homestead camp. Children ages 8-12 will measure out fabric, tend to the garden and chickens, saw and carry wood, bake cookies, and play children's games from 1899. Gee, I'd like to go!

Lots going on again here. I do have a few favorites though... for example, my parents are finally coming to visit on Saturday! Just for a day trip, but this is what I would suggest for them to do: First, check out the National Trout Center. My dad will probably enjoy that. They may even bike to Preston, as they have been looking to get out on the trail during their visit. Next, they should enjoy the shops in Lanesboro. My parents would enjoy going to Scenic Valley Winery to taste-test a few varieties, stopping at Pedal Pushers Cafe for a snack, and heading down the main drag to Slant Avenue Mercantile. They might walk over to the dam from there, possibly even doing some tubing. After grilling out here at Coffee Street, they should definitely go see "Enchanted April" at the Commonweal. After a day that full, I figure they won't want to leave, and will stay the night. Then they will be able to go to Art in the Park on Sunday. So there you have it-- lots of great things to choose from in town.. you should be here this weekend!

Dogs!

In the midst of a busy week for me, since it is finally sunny and warm after over a week of rain-- I have a video for you..

Coffee Street Inn is the only pet-friendly inn in the area! I enjoy having guests' dogs around, and my dog enjoys playing with them. I thought you might enjoy this video of my dog Reno, a lab/pointer mix, and the owner's westie Tascha. They have only met a few times and are still getting used to each other...this video shows a bit of their personalities and relationship thus far.

Amish Breakfast Casserole

Here is the breakfast recipe for the week, one I've tried for myself: it's great considering Coffee Street Inn is in Amish Country! I recently went on an "Amish Tour" where I got to explore an Amish farm, a store with many interesting items, a hand-crafted furniture store, a bakery, and a goat farm. The banana bread was great! Three more tours to try in the area, so I will be keeping you informed about what I learn.

Ingredients:
1 lb. sliced bacon, diced
1 med. Sweet onion
6 eggs, lightly beaten
4 c. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
2 c. shredded mild cheddar cheese
1-1/2 c. small curd cottage cheese
1-1/4 c. shredded swiss cheese

Directions:
In large skillet, cook bacon and onion until bacon is crisp, drain. Mix together the remaining ingredients, stir in bacon mixture. Transfer to a greased 9 x 13 pan.
Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are set and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Yields:

Serves 8 - 10

This weeks recipe is brought to you by Eastholm in the Rockies. To see more, visit http://www.bbonline.com/recipe/eastholme_co_recipe1.html

Weekend Review

Not a bad weekend, though weather wasn't great. We had great guests staying with us! All the rhubarb items were a hit, especially the pie brought by my boss--Cleo-- for Saturday afternoon. I even got "out on the town" a bit on Sunday! "Over the Back Fence," a live radio production much like Garrison Keillor, was showing at the Commonweal Theatre. It was great! I enjoyed the humor, improv, music, and general banter between the hosts. Afterwards, Cleo and Matt and I headed over to Riverside on the Root for live music and dinner outside! I so enjoyed the music and chatting with the new acquaintances next to me.

I'll have a new recipe for you all this week, but wanted to take a minute to talk about one of our guests here at Coffee Street Inn. Wesley Nelson stayed with us for an extended weekend to do some biking. He has biked all over the country, but he says that the Root River Trail is his favorite! He was out and about for most of each day he was here--he estimates biking about 150 miles across a four-day span. Don't think you could do it? No excuses, people...Wesley is 80 years young! I'm looking forward to getting out on the trails more as I can find the time.

Rhubarb Festival Weekend!

It's going to be another busy weekend here in Lanesboro! The Rhubarb Festival officially kicked off last night with a performance from the Rhubarb Sisters who were warming up for their signature gig this Saturday. Also yesterday, Wednesday farmer's markets began! At the farmer's market, you can find fresh meats, eggs, and baked goods, along with locally grown plants, herbs, and shrubs.

On Saturday from 3:00-5:00pm there will be a Root River Canoe tour--participants may see Great Blue Herons, Brook Trout, historic sites, and will be shown all of the necessary canoe strokes. From 6:00-8:00pm there will be an artist reception at the Lanesboro Arts Center. "The Magic Hours" is an exhibit of pastel and oil paintings by Sarah Lubinski. After the art show, head on over to Riverside on the Root restaurant for dinner and live music!
On Sunday, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" will be performed at the Commonweal Theatre.
Check out this site for more specific Rhubarb Festival festivities! http://www.rhubarbfestival.org/

Admittedly, I am a bit nervous for this weekend. Have I ever grown or cooked rhubarb? ...No. Despite this fact, guests here at Coffee Street Inn will be treated to various rhubarb dishes this weekend.
Saturday--Broccoli-cheese quiche (topped with bacon) and sausage-spinach quiche will be accompanied by a rhubarb crumb coffee cake! At 3:00pm, a beautiful rhubarb pie will be served with coffee.
Sunday--Crepes (French pancakes) with rhubarb sauce are on the menu.

Blueberry-Cream Cheese Strata!

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread cut into 1" cubes
6 ounces cream cheese in ½" cubes
1 ½ cups blueberries
8 eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 cup milk
1 cup half & half, half milk, half cream
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:
Spray a 9" x 13" pan with spray and spread ½ of the bread cubes in the bottom. Spread the berries & cream cheese on top of the bread. Top with remaining bread cubes.

Whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, milk, half & half, cinnamon, & nutmeg. Pour over the bread. Press bread down lightly to soak. Cover with foil & chill overnight.

Bake the strata, covered, at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil & bake another 30 minutes. Serve with syrup on the side.



This recipe made available by Bent Creek Lodge via this website: http://www.lanierbb.com/recipes/

Memorial Day Weekend

What a perfect time to begin this blog, as summer has really kicked off. A three day weekend and 85 degree weather encouraged hundreds of people to flock to Bluff Country, which found itself unable to hold them all! I found myself telling caller after caller that Coffee Street Inn was full, then that all of Lanesboro was full including the campgrounds. Chatfield and Rushford housed the overflow, but Lanesboro was still buzzing from Friday through Monday. I find myself very thankful that Coffee Street Inn is about two blocks off the main drag in Lanesboro. It is quiet, with a great view of the Bluffs, and I can make out the smell of steaks and hamburgers wafting from our grill...which is available for guest use.

On Friday, Forestville was giving horse-drawn wagon rides through its 19th century village site! The old main street, town square, the Marsh Hotel, and distillery sites were featured. The wagon tour was guided, and each passed through ruins of the town's earliest settlement.
Saturday night and Sunday afternoon crowds at the Commonweal Theater of Lanesboro were treated to "Picasso at the Lapin Agile." This hilarious comedy by Steve Martin had guests roaring and brought great reviews. You can read more about the comedy and the Commonweal Theater by following this link: http://www.commonwealtheatre.org/
For those preferring a more classical performance, the a cappella group, "From Age To Age" performed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Sunday morning.
On Monday, breakfast (for only $2.00!) and a bake sale began at 7:00 am. All proceeds went to Southeast Minnesota Honor Flights and will help pay for the next Honor Flight leaving from Rochester in October. A special Memorial Day program and short parade honored our fallen comrades, as patriotic music, speakers, and a gun salute with taps took place.

Well, that's the weekend in review! Coffee Street Inn's breakfast menu for the weekend was a hashbrown casserole on Saturday, apple french toast on Sunday, and blueberry-cream cheese strata on Monday-- all were hits! Stay tuned for a recipe and information about the coming weekend-- the Rhubarb Festival!

Hello and Welcome!

Hi, and welcome to my first blog!
The goal of this blog is to inform and fascinate you with stories and information about the Historic Bluff Country in which I now live! Hopefully, you will get to know the area and be able to plan a trip here. As the innkeeper for Coffee Street Inn in Lanesboro, the heart of Bluff Country, I will also keep you updated on our own lodging specials. Recipes and pictures will be shared to keep your mouth watering and your eyes popping, and to keep you coming back to this blog! Those who frequent Coffee Street Inn and post on this blog will be able to sign up to receive a free night's stay with the purchase of ten nights. Sounds like a lot of nights? It won't after to read about everything that goes on in Lanesboro and the surrounding area all year long!

I hope you enjoy my tales and wails; please come visit this site again!