The Weekly

Winter Wine Dinner
Jan 28 & 29; 6:30 pm
Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub
467-2962
$60 / person

Concert: Lanesboro Arts Center presents Julie Johnson & the No-Accounts
A mix of Minnesota roots music on the flute, bass
flute, mandolin, and guitar (Julie with Doug Otto
& Drew Druckrey). This is the culminating
performance for Julie Johnson's 4-week Artist
Residency here in Lanesboro; Julie has been
working on composing and performing
Minnesota-based folk music. She has performed
classical, jazz, folk, blues & world music in
various venues throughout the world!
Jan 29; 7:30 pm
St. Mane Theatre
467-2446
FREE

USED BOOK SALE
All used books will be
$1.00 or under. There is a great variety of
cookbooks, children's books, fiction and
more. Consignment books not included.
Wed Feb 2 ;10 – 6 pm
Lanesboro Local Marketplace

Old Village Hall Dinner

The Old Village Hall is having one of their wine dinner weekend--tonight and tomorrow! Here is the menu:

Appetizer
Duck Heart Pate with Classic Relishes
1996 Santa Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon

Appetizer
Curried Lamb Crepe Rolls
2006 Pacific Rim Dry Riesling

Salad
Lobster Tail Salad with Charmoula
2007 Toad Hollow Chardonnay

Entree
Elk Osso Buco with Gremolata and Persian Gnocci
OVH Cellar Selection

Dessert
Raspberry Double Chocolate Flourless Torte
Villa Bianchi "New Age" Blanco

Cleaning Tips!

26 tips for cleaning, restoring, and fixing! A lot of them were surprising to me... be sure to read through the whole list; there are lots of things I’m going to try as soon as spring comes around!

List derived from http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/hot-tip/50-hot-tips-to-try-in-2011-136951

1. Remove grease spots in your garage with kitty litter. This is best done when the oil has been freshly spilled, but the kitty litter can also help soak up oil from old stains. (Good thing I have a kitty now! ;)

2. A crumpled handful aluminum foil can be used to scrub pans if you’re out of scrubbing brushes. 

3. Keep your silverware from tarnishing by storing it on top of a sheet of aluminum foil.

4. Polish your silverware and leather using a banana skin. Buff with a soft cloth when you're done. (This sounds so strange to me...but I imagine it might work on shoes too?)

5. Coffee or tea stains can be removed from rugs with beer.

6. Dishwasher detergent can easily be replaced using 2T baking soda and 2T borax.

7. To clean your washing machine, run a full cycle with no clothes and 3 cups of vinegar. (Does anyone know how often washing machine needs to be cleaned? I had never heard of the fact, and I’m pretty sure my mom has never done it..right, mom?)

8. Baking soda can be used as a de-icer on slippery sidewalks. (It may not be a lot cheaper, but I may try this after our next Minnesnowta ice storm!)
9. Sprinkle a bit of Borax in your toilet and let it sit for 5 minutes before cleaning with brush or rag. The bowl will be disinfected without using bleach.

10. Use white bread to clean walls and wallpaper. Make sure you cut the crust off to avoid scratches. This is an alternative for Mr. Clean wipes or sponges...and is a better use for white bread than eating it would be! (I’m a bit of a health freak, and VERY against white bread.)

11. Fix a sticky drawer by rubbing a candle on the runners. 

12. Use small pieces of banana skins to deter aphids in your garden by burying them near the insect prone plants. Cut the pieces small so other critters are not attracted.

13. Keep your freezer from smelling by putting a couple of bowls of coffee grounds inside overnight. (Excellent idea! I was just noticing today that my freezer really does smell...)

14. Slice wine corks thinly to create your own non-skin pads for vases and other decorations to avoid scratching your furniture. (I LOVE this. I think cork is so cool, and this is a great use for it!)

15. Buff your stainless steel sink with flour to keep it shiny and new looking.

16. Prevent a frozen car or bike lock by placing a fridge magnet on the lock overnight during a rain or snow storm. (This would have been helpful to know last year...I left my bike at one apartment and a sudden snowstorm froze the lock solid! Matt and I had a terrible time getting it out...)

17. Smooth caulk using an ice cube to avoid having it stick to your finger. This will also create a consistent and controllable line.
18. Use a strong salt water solution to get the grime left over from a wilted bouquet of flowers in a vase. A soak and strong shake should get most of it off with minimal effort. (Who doesn’t forget flowers in a vase too long?)

19. Keep your garden tools in a bucket of sand to keep them looking newer longer. (Definite to-do for spring and summer!)

20. Clean rough plaster walls using nylon socks to avoid lint that is left behind with regular rags. (I have noticed this lint annoyance when trying to clean walls at the Inn.)

21. Use clean leftover aluminum foil to sharpen scissors by folding multiple layers of foil into a pad then cutting into the pad a few times.

22. Clean and polish your windows with newspaper instead of paper towels or rags to avoid lint.

23. Shine your mirrors using a pot of strong tea that has cooled. First wipe the mirror using the tea then buff it with a dry rag. (Has anyone tried this? My mirrors are about due for a cleaning...)

24. Untreated wicker furniture can look new again if you scrub it with a stiff brush dipped in salt water. Doing this every year will keep your outdoor wicker furniture looking fresh. (Another Inn to-do!)

25. Before you throw it in the dump heap, repair cracked china by submerging it in milk and bringing it to a boil. As soon as it starts to boil lower the heat and simmer it for about 45 minutes. The milk protein can repair fine cracks.

26. Slow the drying of plaster by adding a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar to the mixture to give you some more working time.

The Weekly

Good thing these are all inside...it's going to be one cold weekend! If you're up for it, definitely come snowmobiling or cross country skiing (Coffee Street Inn still have a few openings for this weekend). I will actually be out of town exploring Decorah, IA. I doubt that it is less frigid than my current location, but the hotel is pet-friendly so Reno and the new kitty Mory can come along!

Bean Bag Tournament
sponsored by the Lanesboro Lions:
Money prizes for the top 5 teams.
Food and beer / pop available for purchase.
Jan 22; 11:30 am - registration
12 noon - start
Lanesboro Community Hall
467-3722 $30/ team

Karoke Joe at the Lanesboro Saloon
Jan 22; 8:30 pm – 12:30 am
Root River Saloon
467-3355

Special Brood Cow & Bred Heifer Auctions
Jan 24; 6 pm
Lanesboro Sales Comission
467-2912

A Note from the Commonweal Theatre...

14th Annual Ibsen Festival is on the way!
Believe it or not the 2011 season at the Commonweal will begin in just a few months. And as always we'll start the year with the Ibsen Festival. This season we are proud to offer An Enemy of the People. Pitting brother against brother, An Enemy of the People explores the power of the majority versus the individual -- and how individuals will often use "The Majority" to pursue their own personal agendas.

We are thrilled to once again have Jeffrey Hatcher adapting our Ibsen production, so we know the language will resonate clearly with contemporary audiences. As always the Commonweal will host lectures and concerts.

We would love to have YOUR business be an active participant in the Ibsen Festival.
If you have any ideas about how you would like to play a part in the 14th Annual Ibsen Festival, contact Irene ErkenBrack by January 30 so that we may get your event on the schedule.

208 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro MN 55949
800-657-7025

Recipe! --Blueberry Pancakes...

This was a life-changing experience for me...seriously! I just learned how to make pancakes. Well, the right way, anyways. As my husband seems to have a strong dislike of Bisquick and many other pre-made mixes, I have spent a considerable amount of time baking, researching cooking topics, and pouring over cookbooks. I did make pumpkin pancakes in early November, I believe, which Matt did like because they were so light. Do you know what the secret to light pancakes is?? Keeping lumps in the mix! The perfectionist in me always beat those lumps out completely...which was making my pancakes heavier. This discovery combined with an innocent-looking and conveniently on-sale container of blueberries sealed the deal. Here's the recipe I used; it turned out great!

Buttermilk Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or slightly less table salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups buttermilk (2 3/4 cups milk and 3 tbsp lemon juice is what I used, if you don't have actual buttermilk.)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.

1 cup blueberries, fresh or thawed

1. Preheat an electric griddle to 375°F, or place a griddle pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the eggs, buttermilk, and 4 tablespoons melted butter, and whisk to combine. The batter should have small to medium lumps.

2. Test the griddle by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. If the water bounces and spatters, the griddle is hot enough. Spray surface with a non-stick spray or coat with butter.

3. Using a 4-oz. ladle, about 1/2 cup (for a 6-inch pancake), pour the batter in pools 2 inches apart. If you wish to make blueberry pancakes, arrange a handful over the cooking pancake, pressing them in slightly. When the pancakes have bubbles on top and are slightly dry around the edges, about 2 1/2 minutes, flip over. If any batter oozes or blueberries roll out, push them back under with your spatula. Cook until golden on bottom, about 1 minute.

4. Repeat with the remaining batter. You can keep the finished pancakes on a heat-proof plate in the oven at 175°F. Serve warm.

Recipe found at http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/07/blueberry-pancakes-pancake-101/

Re-vamped Package Deals!

Check these out! There is still lots to do in Lanesboro, despite the efforts of Old Man Winter!! Call our office (507-467-2674) and I can help you plan your relaxing getaway, family trip, or active outdoors experience. Mention this blog post and receive 10% off when you reserve one of the packages below. (Offer not in combination with any other offers.)

January "Snowed-In" Specials!

In-room breakfast any morning, in any of our single rooms!

Or...

Free hot chocolate and cookies!
______________________________________________________________________
Winter Packages! Offered November through March.

Romance and Relaxation Package
--One of our single rooms with private baths (Latte, Java, or Mocha) plus...
--One voucher for a sleigh ride for two (two possible locations)
--One dinner voucher for the Old Village Hall Restaurant
--One circulatory massage voucher for Prana Massage
--Wine and two signature wine glasses from Scenic Valley Winery, delivered to your room
--In-room breakfast at the time of your choice
--$295 total for one night...all arrangements and appointments will be set for you.
Stay two nights or more and receive a $20 discount! (Valentine's Day weekend excluded)

Ladies Getaway Package
--Our Double Espresso room plus...
--One breakfast or lunch voucher for Pedal Pushers Cafe or The Pastry Shoppe
--One drink and appetizer voucher for the Old Village Hall Restaurant
--One crafting voucher for Potiche Pottery and Gifts
--Two circulatory massage vouchers for Prana Massage
--$275 total...all arrangements and appointments will be set for you
Stay two nights or more and receive a $20 discount!

Family Retreat Package
--Our Double Espresso Room plus...
--One voucher for a sleigh ride for four (two possible available)
--One voucher for lunch at Pedal Pushers Cafe
--One crafting voucher for Potiche Pottery
--A group tour of the Lanesboro Arts Center
--$255 total...all arrangements and appointments will be set for you.
*Add a sleigh ride guest= $25 per person
*Upgrade to our Cappuccino Suite with whirlpool tub, living room and full kitchen= $80

The Weekly

Art Reception: Lanesboro Arts Center
presents artwork by 9-12th grade students from
Chosen Valley, Fillmore-Central, Lanesboro, and
Rushford-Peterson schools. Join us for this free
reception and see a variety of two-dimensional
and three-dimensional work. The exhibit is
supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Jan 15; 6 – 8 pm
Lanesboro Art Center 467-2446

Variety Show Benefit for Whalan Hall:
Old Pederson (AKA Phil Dybing) will MC
the Variety Show to benefit the renovation of the
Whalan Village Hall. Uff da! It will include lots of
laughter and music. Drawing will be held to
ascertain the winners of the Whalan Hall Raffle.
Jan 15; 7 pm
St. Mane Theatre 467-2111

Toad Runner Express
January 15; 8:30 pm – 12:30 am
Root River Saloon 467-3355

Fish Fry for the Eagles Cancer Telethon
Saturday Jan 15th: 5pm until the Fish is gone.
Sponsored by the American Legion.

Dogs like tasty treats, too!

Since Coffee Street Inn is pet-friendly, I figured it was just about time I post something for our canine companions. By the way, I don't have anything against cats (my husband may say differently...) but I have never had one and just don't know what they're like! So, I will stick to dogs for now. If any of you happen to have some kittens for sale or for free, let me know, and maybe I'll be able to diversify my blog content a bit. ;)

Apple Cinnamon Drops

1 large apple
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup oatmeal
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/8 cup whole wheat flour

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C).

Core, slice and mince the apple (use a food processor if you have one). In a large bowl, combine the minced apple bits, honey, water, cinnamon, and oatmeal. Gradually blend in the wheat flour, adding enough to form a stiff dough.

In a small bowl, add 1/8 cup wheat flour. Spoon the dough by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches (5cm) apart. Using the bottom of a glass dipped in the wheat flour (to prevent sticking), flatten each spoonful of dough into a circle. Adjust the size of the drops based on how big a treat you like to feed your dog.

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and flip each cookie to brown evenly on both sides. Reduce oven temperature to 325 ° F (180 °C). Return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Let cool overnight.

Makes about 3 dozen crunchy cookies, depending on how big you make them.


Puppy Pretzels

1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup water
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons soy flour, low fat
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
1 tablespoon dried liver powder
1 tablespoon bone meal flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg -- beaten (1/2 in recipe, 1/2 in glaze)
2 tablespoons cooking oil
3 tablespoons wheat germ
Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.

Combine dry ingredients. Add half of the beaten egg, oil and yeast-water mixture. Mix well.

Knead on a well floured board until dough is firm. Place in oiled bowl, cover and let rise until double in bulk.

Shape into pretzels and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 15 minutes. Remove and brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with wheat germ. Return to oven and bake at 300 degrees for about 15 minutes until nicely browned and quite firm.

Note: You may omit liver powder and bone meal flour if you have difficulty locating them.


Poodle Pasta

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
8 ounces beef liver
3 whole egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 tablespoons butter -- optional
Puree beef liver in blender until smooth. Add eggs and blend for about a minute.Put flour in a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center of the flour.
Pour liver and egg mixture into well along with olive oil. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Turn dough out on floured board and knead well for at least 5 minutes or until smooth and shiny.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and let dough rest in refrigerator for at least 1 hour, no longer than 2 days.
When ready to make pasta, divide dough into 8 equal portions, approximately 4 oz. each.
Form into desired pasta shapes with hands or use pasta machine.
Cook in rapidly boiling water until al dente. For thin noodles, approximately 10 minutes, for thicker noodles a few minutes longer.
Drain noodles and toss with 1 tablespoon butter per serving, if desired.

Instead of butter, try tossing noodles with 1 tablespoon olive oil, canola oil or other oil high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Recipes courtesy of http://www.bullwrinkle.com/Assets/Recipes/Recipes.htm

The Month in Review--December

Just a few notes left from our guests last month, but they're good ones!

"The Kelley girls were here, with our mom! We had a great time and loved the play "Little Women." Lots of food, lots of talk, lots of laughs. We will be back as soon as we can; thanks!" --a close-knit family in our Cappuccino Suite December 4 and 5

"Beautiful snowfall, candles, music, and theatre. The Java room was quiet and relaxing. Nice weekend in Lanesboro!" --A couple from Eden Prairie, MN in our Java room December 3

"My birthday! I loved the bed quilt and soft pillows, the shower curtain and painting on the wall, and the fluffy Martha Stewart towels-- thank you! The coffee and hair dryer were a great plus!" --Guests in our Mocha room December 10

Also, a post from Trip Advisor! Coffee Street Inn was recommended by Trip Advisor in 2010...we're excited to work at making the cut again this year!

"The wife and I stayed at the Coffee St. Inn for our Anniversary weekend. Originally booked Sun. and Mon. nights, due to my wife having her Sat. plans cancelled, I sent an E mail and asked about adding Sat. I was told it was booked and started looking for plan B for Sat. Got an E mail the next day telling me our room opened up. Kate is a wonderful young Innkeeper, just learning the businees and catching on quick. The zucchini bread she made on Sun. morning was terrific. This place overlooks the bluffs on the Root River and has just the coziest little patio/garden area. Parked the car for 2 days, not needing it to explore the wonderful little town. Their Buffalo Bill Days celebration was going on and it was great. Wonderful parade and the fireworks over the bluffs were awesome. Only bad point is that the shops and restaurants close pretty early, we're not night owls, but there was only a few places to go after 9PM. One of them a very loud rowdy bar called the Root River Saloon, great for 20 somethings but not for us. The Riverside on the Root was much nicer but even they shut down at 10PM. Caught a live radio show at the Commonweal Theatre on Sat. Highly recommended. They have some very nice theatre here. Thanks Kate for the zucchini bread you left for us Tues. morning, you're a sweetie. Try this place!!" --Great guests who first stayed in August during Buffalo Bill Days, then again in October! (They made it for my anniversary and my birthday ;)

Me--bundled up against the cold!

This video, found by Lanesboro, MN in Fillmore County (check them out on Facebook!) best describes how I've been feeling lately. The cold has set in and we are all asking ourselves WHY exactly we live here. My parents are leaving tomorrow for a short trip to Las Vegas after already having a break from the bitter cold during a 10-day trip to Hawaii! Of course, those are both business trips... (right). I guess once your kids are out of the house you can do that sort of thing, which means I have a LONG ways to go. Ah well, a skiing trip is in the cards for Matt and I! I'll have to see about getting some mini "Reno" skis...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62RwHHFuf14

The Weekly

Just a few events this weekend, but skies should be clear as should the trails-- come and help fill them up!

Victorian Tea
Jan 8, 1 – 3 pm
Victorian House B&B and Events
467 – 3457 $18

Dinner on the Bluff: "Harpy Eagle - Spirit of the Ceiva Tree".
Escape the MN winter doldrums and join Emmy winning
cinematographer, Neil Rettig as he discusses
the raptors of the Tropical Rainforest. He will
be bringing his Harpy Eagle for an up-close
view of this rare and magnificent bird.
Presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed
by a buffet dinner.

Menu: hearty lentil and barley soup; shaved
zucchini salad with parmesan and pine nuts;
chile-honey glazed salmon; tortellini with
asiago-walnut sauce; warm winter
vegetables; fresh baked dinner rolls; kahlua-
spiked frozen mocha lattes.

Jan 8, 5:30 pm
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Reservations are required for this event and can be made by calling:
467-2437

$20

Favorite hot chocolates of winter...

So hot chocolate is quite possibly my favorite drink (year-round...not just when it's cold!) and I think now would be a fitting time to pay tribute to it's greatness. With freezing temps all over the United States, folks will be looking for hot drinks and hot meals. If you like the recipes (they're very simple) make a reservation at Coffee Street Inn and I will make you a complimentary cup!

Hot Chocolate Zinger:
This was a great drink at my first job-- the Kernel Restaurant in Owatonna-- during the winter months when business was slower than usual and I very cold vehicle to look forward to at the end of my shift. Sugar, coffee, and more sugar. :)
Standard mix of your favorite hot chocolate powder and water, but only fill cup 2/3 full
Add one liquid pouch of french vanilla creamer
Fill the rest of the cup with black coffee
Add caramel to taste

Matt's Hot Chocolate
This wonderful mix was brought to my attention just last year by my husband, Matt. It adds a lot more flavor with just two extra ingredients! I can't believe I never experimented with this before...
Standard mix of your favorite hot chocolate powder and water, leaving just a little space at the top of the cup
Add one tablespoon vanilla (or less, if you prefer)
Sprinkle the top with cinnamon

Classic Winter Hot Chocolate
This is a standard hot chocolate, and it typically made around and after Christmas.
Break a regular red and white candy cane into pieces and place in the bottom of your cup.
For best results, place desired amount of chocolate powder on top of candy cane and boil water in a separate container. I have found that this hot chocolate tastes the best when left sitting for 5 minutes or so so the candy cane can melt sufficiently and the cup is not burning hot when you grab it out of the microwave. Vanilla may also be added to this recipe, though you may find it to just be too much of a good thing!

Have other hot chocolate faves? Comment on this post or on our Facebook wall!
http://www.facebook.com/coffeestreetinn