Friday, March 8, 2013

You too can be "Chopped Champion"

If you are a fan of the food network show "Chopped, " They recently aired their first "Chopped Amateurs" show a few weeks ago.. The dessert round featured amoung many items, pound cake. Both Amateur chefs chose to make  "Pain Grille" or French Toast. It was thrilling watching them make whipped cream out of Earl Grey tea leaves( something I will not be trying myself) and carmelizing cinnamon chips with mascarpone and heavy cream.  Watching it, I sent a silent thank you prayer to God that my guests are never as critical as the Chopped Judges.

I thought I might share my own "Pound Cake Pain Grille" recipe. Now I'm an Innkeeper, and a busy one at that.. I 'm going to say it.. I'm going to say it.. Its OK to use store bought pound cake. We are all Innkeepers in our own right.. Some of you are just taking care of guests in your home for free and god knows you people need to feel good about taking a shortcut. Get a store bought pound cake. Its ok. Nobody will know. Nobody will care.  That being said.. if you are a perfectionist.. www.southernliving.com has got some great pound cake recipes- in particular the lemongrass and lavender infused one is pretty spectacular.

Back to the recipe... Loaf of pound cake.. make sure its thawed.. I usually buy mine fresh from the bakery( a girl has to have some standards).

Turn your griddle or grill on... its needs to be hot enough that it sizzles when you hit it with a spritz of water.

1.5 c of milk( if you want to get special, french vanilla cream rocks as a replacement to the milk)
3 large eggs.

Wisk the eggs and milk together and drench both sides of your pound cake in it.  Drop onto a Grill and flip when it browns.

To make this recipe standout its the triple berry compote thats so important. I briefly saute sugared strawberries, blueberries and raspberries in a tiny bit of butter and grand marnier and vanilla ...( too much of this will set the kitchen on fire but you will look super impressive so I recommend a crowd- one of them discreetly holding the fire extinguisher) and then lay over the french toast..

You've got a couple of topping options. Straight maple syrup never disappoints( but its got to be the real stuff not corn syrup with brown food coloring- this is NOT okay-we've got to draw the line somewhere).. Maple Praline syrup is going to make your guests worship you.. or you could go with a maple mint cream...

Mix 1 c heavy cream beat at high speed until stiff peaks form then gradually add
 1 1/2 tsp plain yogurt and 1 1/2 tsp maple syrup and 1/2 tsp mint extract.... Blend together and top over the berry compote. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf, or in the winter months a sliver of kiwi will do the trick as well.
This would probably be lovely with a cup of Earl Grey....

Enjoy.. think "Chopped" should do an Innkeeper Edition!


Saturday, November 10, 2012

Fall Recipe- Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding

It's my favorite time of year.. time to dig out the Fall and Winter recipes you tucked away in the spring for when the air has that fall nip and you need something warm on the inside.

One of my favorites that we serve guests always to rave reviews is Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding.. This is an easy crowd pleaser that can be modified for 2-20. This edition will serve 8 either in individual ramekins or in a round 2qt casserole. To serve individuals from the casserole.. I cut into 8 slices, like you would slice a pie and serve in a small cereal bowl.

You will need:
1/2 c raisins
1/3 c orange juice ( apple or cranberry juice works in a pinch)
8 slices Cinnamon Raisin Bread cut into 1 " cubes
3 Tbsp melted butter
2 c milk
3 large eggs
1/3 c sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Soak your raisins in a the orange juice for 15 minutes. Then drain off the extra oj. Set aside.
Spread your bread on a baking sheet and drizzle melted butter over it. Toast in oven @350 for 10 minutes, flipping them over once.
Spray your container(s) with pam.
Whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla and milk together.
Divide bread between 6 ramekins or place in small round 2 qt casserole. sprinkle oj soaked raisins over the top. Pour milk and egg mixture over casserole.  Allow to stand in fridge for 30 minutes so that bread soaks milk mixture up. ( This is important, otherwise it becomes very dry.)
Bake in oven at 350 for 30 minutes for ramekins or 45 minutes for casserole.

We serve this as a "breakfast dessert course"  during our fall and winter months. Seriously people, dessert should be served at every meal.
However, you could also serve it as a light breakfast prior to a huge meal, say Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Monday, October 22, 2012

Weddings at Fallen Tree Farm

Its a gorgeous fall day in the Cumberland Valley with temps predicted in the 70's for the rest of the week.  We look forward to peak foliage season this week ( and then raking leaves next week)
We just ended what we affectionately call "Wedding Season" which starts September 1st and runs through the thrid weekend in October every year.. We host several weddings/receptions, elopements, and just ceremonies during that period. Its a joyful time of year not just for the changing season but for all the happy families that stay with us and enjoy the joining of two lives together. This fall we had lots of different personalities and each came with its own set of wonderful memories.

We had a few firsts- Bride and Groom see the Farm for the first time just days before the event. Stationed in Africa Anthony and Christina relied on Anthony's mom Donna to make critical decisions regarding the wedding. Donna worked diligently with us and the caterer to make their day special.

We had a skype attendee- Amanda Shaffer's uncle, stationed in Afghanistan attended the ceremony via skype.  He had his very own chair in the front row. Technology is so cool.

We had a Springer Spaniel Ring Bearer- Ellie Mae dutifully charged up the aisle with bling attached to her collar so that her owners, Teresa and Rick might exchange the outward symbol of committment. Her outward symbol of committment was sparkly velvet red collar.

We had a Groom on horseback, my horse's back to be exact! Magic, my 25 year old quarterhorse added Groom Bearer to his resume when he carried Rick to the altar to meet his bride. Although he and I rehearsed it several times during the week there was no way to recreate 115 guests, booming sound system and a billion cameras as he carried his French Revolutionary Costumed Groom to the ceremony. Between the Tri Corn hat and the sword, Magic wasn't sure what the plan was, but he was good anyway! He's played polo, done the hunters, competed at Harrisburg, dressage, team penning, calf roping, paper chases, fox hunting and pony club.. so this was an easy one but I was still really proud... Groom professed to be a "pretty good rider" once he gets his feet in the "holsters"so Magic gets a gold star.

If you are looking for a unique outdoor wedding venue we might be what you need. 200 year old bank barn foundation can be made elegant or rustic and most importantly, yours, for a whole or half weekend package which includes lodging in the Inn and the staff working to set up and coordinate your event. Several dates left in 2014 and now is a fabulous time to tour the property while the foliage is turning.

Looking forward to turning guests into friends,
Kim and Brent Hanlin, Innkeepers

Friday, August 10, 2012

While the Innkeepers are away.....

Its been ages since I've found time to blog... but I've found some today since Brent and the girls and I snuck down to Cape May Point for a week's vacation! We've left the Inn in the trusty hands of our Guest Innkeeper ( and big sister) Donna, and our housekeeper, Meta.  I'm certain our guests will keep them on their toes, but they are excited to meet and take care of all of you.

If you've never been to Cape May, you're missing something... amazing sunsets, beautiful ocean views, antique stores,!, Duty free shopping just a ferry ride away in Delaware, plenty of sand and sun and amazing eateries. The point is especially wonderful. A quiet little beach community, with a general store, a gorgeous park with nature trails and the lighthouse. We've been getting in lots of jogs and bike rides with the girls and dreaming about someday owning our own beachhouse.  Not suprisingly, Brent is most interested in the condemned bldgs that he is sure he "Can fix right up". 

This week the lighthouse had an artisan festival where I indulged in my new love, jewelry! Ever since I cut my hair short, I can't stop buying this stuff. Lucky for all of us, my taste leans toward the pretty pebbles rather than the shiny rocks.  The girls frequently dig in my jewelry box.. no point in putting something to terribly precious in there.

While down here we've begun working on our cookbook Many of you have asked for recipes time and again. I always print them out and say 'someday" I'll get to a cookbook. This winter's plan is to GET TO IT. We'll be photographing the food like crazy this fall as the weather turns and there's a bit more time after wedding season..

Wedding Season yikes! There is a fair lot of you getting married this fall... We so look forward to making Nicole, Amanda, Lucy and Theresa feel like the most special women in the world on their nupital days. I've very much enjoyed the planning with all of you.

There's a ton happening at the Inn in the next couple of weeks...  Corvettes at Carlisle and school starting for the little kids at South Middleton School District and big kids at Dickinson and Messiah. The end of the summer season with Labor Day Weekend but we'll still be hosting any of you who want to join us for smores near the fireplace well into November.

Check back with us again for the Breast Cancer Awareness special the Cumberland Valley Bed and Breakfast Association will be doing in October.. Think Pink!

We'll be participating in B&B's for vets again this year in November running our Girls Getaway Weekend Specials in December.

I've jumped ahead a bit but only because I'm so excited at all the great things headed our way. Fall Foliage should be fabulous this year with the amount of rain we've had. The farm is never prettier.

Looking forward to turning guests into friends
Kim and Brent

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Spring Projects

Brent and I have the week off from our "regular " jobs to work on some new projects and some touch ups around the farm. The weather is to be wonderful, which is great because I've promised Magic, my 25 year old quarterhorse a couple of gallops this week. We'll be putting the finishing touches on the first part of the new quarantine barn for traveling equine visitors and working on the flagstone patio that will be used for dancing and cocktail hour during our weddings. Of course there are the regular jobs that always need done in the spring, painting the porches, and fencing. Plenty of white fencing to paint. Our new parking area has been seeded and graveled and will be ready for our Fall weddings.

Carlisle Events present Spring Carlisle April 25-29. We still have one room left for that event. If  you coming for the swap meet or auction why not stay with us as an alternative to local hotels? A fabulous breakfast is always included in the room rate and we'll be happy to help you find a great dinner spot with one our unique Carlisle Eateries.

We look forward to greeting new and return guests!-Kim and Brent

Friday, January 27, 2012

Keeping Busy During the Crazy Weather

If you've driven down the driveway recently or are planning to you'll notice that there's some significant work being done in the woods that border the drive. Right now with the crazy warm wet weather it looks as if we've asked people to make mud but in reality, a crew is taking out the old dead trees that continually fall down with each good wind, blazing nice wide trails for walking and riding and giving us some additional special event parking. Our apologies while this is going on. The plan is to have it completed by spring. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Inside there's some good stuff going on as well. We're refreshing the master bedroom in the Grey Mare's Quarters, with new bedding and a fresh coat of paint( goodbye pink, hello lovely neutrals!). In March a new spa shower will be installed in Graham's Retreat which will feature a luxurious rain shower head and body sprays inside new terrazo marble tiles.

The first section of the quarantine barn is nearly complete with plans to put an addtional two stalls in this summer. This will be for our traveling equines to stay in comfort, provided our daughters don't find a new pony in the meantime.. Its quite hard to keep stalls empty here, I've discovered and is there anything more fun than pony shopping?

Speaking of ponies... Ours are ready to make your child's birthday special. We've begun taking reservations for pony parties starting in April. Contact us via email if you are interested in how we can make your child's special day no stress for you and memorable for them.

Stay Warm and Dry!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

2012 PA Farm Show!

Its that time again, time for the largest agricultural exposition in the country, the 96th annual Farm Show. As a kid this was huge for my family. We'd take the day off from school to go see the butter sculptures, watch the "Garden Tractor Pull" and of course all the horse events, my favorite being the 6 Horse Hitch.

They have something for everyone from Culinary School Demos to Logging Horse Demos to  Square Dance Parades. The Mini Pony Pull will be popular with your kids while the Skid Loader Showdown will make husbands laugh.

The Show runs from January 7th- 14th and is something worth coming into the area for.  Fallen Tree is just 20 minute away from the Farm Show arena and has a great special for a two night stay for this event. Call us today for reservations.