Asheville shopping for Beef Bourguignon is not as straightforward as one might initially assume. In my last blog on this topic I mentioned some of the variations employed as each person making this dish seeks their own interpretation.
In our Asheville Bed and Breakfast we always seek to strike a good balance between good food, what are the fresh seasonal offerings available and try and reduce just nuisance calories if possible. It is in that spirit that I will shop.
Most, but not all of the recipes for this dish call for bacon but many of the reviews and updates by folks in the know about this recipe state clearly that the bacon issue was to tenderize the tougher cuts of meat that used to be common in the store. Basically Beef Bourguignon, though now interpreted as haute cuisine, originated as peasant fare.
I have chosen to ditch the bacon avoiding the extra fat and nitrites and use marbled chuck roast.
I also mentioned Cognac as either a yea or a nay. This is what one of the recipes relates.
"Add the Cognac, stand back, and ignite with a match to burn off the alcohol." As you might remember this is said to add "depth" to the flavor.
I weighed this carefully, truly I did. I weighed the dimension of depth with my potential kitchen fire, working the nice fellows of the Asheville Fire Department to death and also the alarm I might see on the faces of my guests here At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn and ...Well, let's just say the depth of flavor potential didn't win.
I am not going to opt for the seriously expensive wine but rather locate a good bottle in the hopes that my wine and beef will marry well living happily ever after but not break the bank for the wedding.
For the mushrooms I am definitely going to lose the white buttons variety in favor of the far more flavorful bella.
Moderation will guide me in the garlic amounts as it does here at our Asheville NC Bed and Breakfast. It will for sure be fresh and it will be dead in the middle between the largest and smallest amounts suggested.
You see, while I and my husband really enjoy garlic, this dinner is for friends hence I will seek the midline to enhance everyone's enjoyment.
Gotta go seize the day on this shopping venture. May the force be with me.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
Friday, September 3, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Hurricane Earl may make OBX out and Asheville Bed and Breakfast In
Travel plans to the beach are always fun and I've enjoyed more than one in my time but sure looks like this hurricane may make OBX out and Asheville Bed and Breakfast in.
This hurricane is a large storm and it seems there is potential for significant erosion, flooding and even loss of life. The constancy of this being lost on some of the affected populations continues to baffle this ex-Florida resident. In discussions I heard on the news today the local Ocracoke officials were trying to make a safe determination as to what would be an appropriate time to have tourists leave the island. The newscaster further stated that while leaving the island was a mandate for tourists, it was not for local residents. Residents of Ococoke are at liberty to choose to remain on the island.
I have always thought that while no one would say that either a hurricane or earthquake was a fun time... at least there is very sufficient notice for hurricanes. People know they are coming, generally there is anywhere from days to a week to make provisions enabling you to fare well and seek safety.
Preparation is important even when the potential of a normal storm is coming. At our Asheville NC Bed and Breakfast we have all kinds of emergency items. Flashlights, emergency lighting in room, water and a generator. While emergency assistance may be required in dire times, it is equally necessary for each citizen to assume control of their own safety and maintenance and be an active participant by demonstrating responsible behavior. While anyone can understand wanting to save a house, lessen property loss or whatever other reason people give for staying, Mother Nature in fury cannot be thwarted, only respected. Staying can jeopardize your very life. Water weights is 8 pounds per gallon. Trying to stave off a wall of water is not a happening. Staying can only render loss of life and the property outcome will be as it would have been whether you stay or you go.
I send good thoughts to our friends on the Outer Banks with all our wishes for their positive outcomes along with my strongest hopes that when and if the officials ask them to leave the island they comply. It is my hope both for their own sakes and certainly for those first responders who will have to risk life and limb to assist them when the frightening reality of this storms potential can no longer be ignored as it is beating at their door.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
This hurricane is a large storm and it seems there is potential for significant erosion, flooding and even loss of life. The constancy of this being lost on some of the affected populations continues to baffle this ex-Florida resident. In discussions I heard on the news today the local Ocracoke officials were trying to make a safe determination as to what would be an appropriate time to have tourists leave the island. The newscaster further stated that while leaving the island was a mandate for tourists, it was not for local residents. Residents of Ococoke are at liberty to choose to remain on the island.
I have always thought that while no one would say that either a hurricane or earthquake was a fun time... at least there is very sufficient notice for hurricanes. People know they are coming, generally there is anywhere from days to a week to make provisions enabling you to fare well and seek safety.
Preparation is important even when the potential of a normal storm is coming. At our Asheville NC Bed and Breakfast we have all kinds of emergency items. Flashlights, emergency lighting in room, water and a generator. While emergency assistance may be required in dire times, it is equally necessary for each citizen to assume control of their own safety and maintenance and be an active participant by demonstrating responsible behavior. While anyone can understand wanting to save a house, lessen property loss or whatever other reason people give for staying, Mother Nature in fury cannot be thwarted, only respected. Staying can jeopardize your very life. Water weights is 8 pounds per gallon. Trying to stave off a wall of water is not a happening. Staying can only render loss of life and the property outcome will be as it would have been whether you stay or you go.
I send good thoughts to our friends on the Outer Banks with all our wishes for their positive outcomes along with my strongest hopes that when and if the officials ask them to leave the island they comply. It is my hope both for their own sakes and certainly for those first responders who will have to risk life and limb to assist them when the frightening reality of this storms potential can no longer be ignored as it is beating at their door.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
Monday, August 30, 2010
An Asheville Bed and Breakfast Adventure into the Land of Beef Bourguignon
You are about to be part of an Asheville Bed and Breakfast adventure into the land of Beef Bourguignon. Now, obviously, I can cook. I own and operate At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn in Asheville, N.C. As a direct result of that fact, it is more than likely that I owe someone a nice dinner reciprocal in nature. That would be the case at this moment in my life which is why I have hatched this hairbrain scheme to prepare a feast for a few close friends all of whom have prepared more than a few feasts for me.
So, stay tuned and join me as I march forward into what I hope will be a viable culinary rendition of the famous (on occasion, infamous) Beef Bourguignon, or as Julia would call it Bouef Bourguignon. For reasons not entirely clear to me, this recipe seems daunting.
I have actually done some researching and will likely compile several different versions of this recipe to claim as my very own Asheville N.C. Bed and Breakfast rendition.
Some of the alterations made by other have been:
Varying the amounts of wine added. Some feel the original recipe has too much and some feel it perfection as written.
Some feel red table wine sufficient and some feel the quality of the wine matters very much.
Some add Cognac in the feeling it increases the layers and depth of flavor. Julia does not.
Some recommend Stew Beef and even higher grades of beef not caring for either the lack of tenderness or texture or both found when they used chuck roast or rump roast.
Tomato Paste (Julia and others) or diced tomatoes.
Beef Broth in place of some of the wine or let the meat merge only in its own broth.
Bay leaf or no bay leaf.
I could go on and on. I will let you know how this progresses but in my head I am already thinking scary thoughts. Stay tuned!
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
So, stay tuned and join me as I march forward into what I hope will be a viable culinary rendition of the famous (on occasion, infamous) Beef Bourguignon, or as Julia would call it Bouef Bourguignon. For reasons not entirely clear to me, this recipe seems daunting.
I have actually done some researching and will likely compile several different versions of this recipe to claim as my very own Asheville N.C. Bed and Breakfast rendition.
Some of the alterations made by other have been:
Varying the amounts of wine added. Some feel the original recipe has too much and some feel it perfection as written.
Some feel red table wine sufficient and some feel the quality of the wine matters very much.
Some add Cognac in the feeling it increases the layers and depth of flavor. Julia does not.
Some recommend Stew Beef and even higher grades of beef not caring for either the lack of tenderness or texture or both found when they used chuck roast or rump roast.
Tomato Paste (Julia and others) or diced tomatoes.
Beef Broth in place of some of the wine or let the meat merge only in its own broth.
Bay leaf or no bay leaf.
I could go on and on. I will let you know how this progresses but in my head I am already thinking scary thoughts. Stay tuned!
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
Friday, August 27, 2010
Asheville Bed and Breakfast Talks about Mountain State Fair
Asheville Bed and Breakfast talks about Mountain State Fair and the fun that our guests always have in attending that.
So, bring your inner child, release your pent up self, engage your crazy fun side and ride the rides.
Eat popcorn, dunk you nose in candy corn, people watch and spend your last red cent trying to win a stuffed animal (that you could buy for $5.00 anywhere and that would be highway robbery) for your best girl. If all that fails and you want to know your future, we'll they've got the covered too.
Join the guests at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast at the Mountain State Fair.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
So, bring your inner child, release your pent up self, engage your crazy fun side and ride the rides.
Eat popcorn, dunk you nose in candy corn, people watch and spend your last red cent trying to win a stuffed animal (that you could buy for $5.00 anywhere and that would be highway robbery) for your best girl. If all that fails and you want to know your future, we'll they've got the covered too.
Join the guests at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast at the Mountain State Fair.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn Awesome Breakfast
Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn Awesome Breakfast is the expectation of most of our guests. Frankly though, not everyone wants to start the day with a large offering. Some would much rather just amble into the morning enjoying a lighter fare containing their more ravenous intentions until the sun is higher in the sky. Now, lighter does not have to mean less than tasty.
We are perfectly set up for those folks with our:
Just in case you feel inspired, here is the recipe.
At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Granola
8 cups of rolled oats (not instant)
1 1/2 cup of toasted coconut
2/3 cup of sesame seeds
2/3 cup of flax seeds
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup of chopped raw cashews, almonds, pecans or walnuts (your preference)
1 cup craisins
2/3 cup honey
2 T. good quality olive oil
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 tsp salt
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl in which you can mix all ingredients effectively place the first seven ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, olive oil, vanilla and salt. Heat together until smooth and pour over the dry mix. Spread on buttered cookie sheet. Bake 35-45 minutes or until golden brown stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure uniform browning.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
We are perfectly set up for those folks with our:
Just in case you feel inspired, here is the recipe.
At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Granola
8 cups of rolled oats (not instant)
1 1/2 cup of toasted coconut
2/3 cup of sesame seeds
2/3 cup of flax seeds
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup of chopped raw cashews, almonds, pecans or walnuts (your preference)
1 cup craisins
2/3 cup honey
2 T. good quality olive oil
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 tsp salt
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl in which you can mix all ingredients effectively place the first seven ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, olive oil, vanilla and salt. Heat together until smooth and pour over the dry mix. Spread on buttered cookie sheet. Bake 35-45 minutes or until golden brown stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure uniform browning.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Asheville Area Bears- Providing A New perspective
Asheville Area Bears- Providing a new perspective. From the killing of some neighborhood goats to a close brush with a overly zealous tourist the Asheville bears are bringing a new perspective to the term wild bear.
Last week, after serving breakfast at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast we noted that we did not have a Check In that day so decided to take the afternoon off and take a drive to Cherokee. The vision was to take a hike north of the Cherokee Indian Reservation to Mingo Falls one of our favorite places.
We drove through the downtown tourista area first seeking to get some fluids for the hike. Perhaps the places I noticed that day have always been there. I'm sure they have but possibly not seen or noticed by me but what with all the hubbub about our Asheville bears I took special note on that day.
There are bear exhibits there. Baby bears free for the looking, holding petting. Larger bears too held there in storefronts to provide photo-ops for the tourists.
Something about that saddened me deeply. I mentioned going to Cherokee but didn't tell you why I first fell in love with that area. It was the Cherokee Indian Museum there. Basically, this museum takes the viewer on a sojourn of the Cherokee Nation. The great band of the Cherokee, their native culture, their respect for the land and all things abiding on the land. These native souls were known for their benevolent land conservancy measures and their respect and good stewardship of the gifts of nature. It also tells the story of the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears.
It was moving, informative and left one with a complete knowledge that in their dealings with the "white man" the Cherokee had definitely taken the high road always trying to honor their word, respect the land and all who occupied it. Back to the "bear exhibits" and the feelings seeing that engendered in me. Can a business person make money on bears and all activities surrounding tourism and bears? I think the answer is categorically yes. Are bears wild animals not living their destined lives while being held captive to provide these exhibits? I know the answer is yes. Are these exhibits a worthy display of the greatness, wisdom, land conservancy and good stewardship the Great Cherokee Nation is known for. A resounding NO!
Most of the guests At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn over our more than 11 years here I know would agree.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
Last week, after serving breakfast at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast we noted that we did not have a Check In that day so decided to take the afternoon off and take a drive to Cherokee. The vision was to take a hike north of the Cherokee Indian Reservation to Mingo Falls one of our favorite places.
We drove through the downtown tourista area first seeking to get some fluids for the hike. Perhaps the places I noticed that day have always been there. I'm sure they have but possibly not seen or noticed by me but what with all the hubbub about our Asheville bears I took special note on that day.
There are bear exhibits there. Baby bears free for the looking, holding petting. Larger bears too held there in storefronts to provide photo-ops for the tourists.
Something about that saddened me deeply. I mentioned going to Cherokee but didn't tell you why I first fell in love with that area. It was the Cherokee Indian Museum there. Basically, this museum takes the viewer on a sojourn of the Cherokee Nation. The great band of the Cherokee, their native culture, their respect for the land and all things abiding on the land. These native souls were known for their benevolent land conservancy measures and their respect and good stewardship of the gifts of nature. It also tells the story of the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears.
It was moving, informative and left one with a complete knowledge that in their dealings with the "white man" the Cherokee had definitely taken the high road always trying to honor their word, respect the land and all who occupied it. Back to the "bear exhibits" and the feelings seeing that engendered in me. Can a business person make money on bears and all activities surrounding tourism and bears? I think the answer is categorically yes. Are bears wild animals not living their destined lives while being held captive to provide these exhibits? I know the answer is yes. Are these exhibits a worthy display of the greatness, wisdom, land conservancy and good stewardship the Great Cherokee Nation is known for. A resounding NO!
Most of the guests At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn over our more than 11 years here I know would agree.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Asheville Bed and Breakfast Super Summer Pasta Salad
When the phone rang right after breakfast I knew that my Asheville Bed and Breakfast Super Summer Pasta Salad was going to save the day. Before my husband and I purchased At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn I was employed as a Registered Nurse. I worked with a colleague who has recently moved to Maggie Valley and the phone call was from Susan. We had made tentative plans about a week ago to go for lunch on this day.
I had honestly forgotten about it and with my reminder phone call came a flash of inspiration.
I really didn't want to deal with the hassle of going out for lunch and sometimes it is noisy in restaurants and I really wanted a moment for Susan and I to "catch up" with each other. I decided to have the lunch here at our inn. This salad would make anyone a fine dinner as well. Served with a crusty roll, it is a feast in the making.
So, the next time you just don't want to go out or want to make a regular ho-hum day a bit special for someone, consider making my Super Summer Pasta Salad. or one of the other recipes I have listed. Experiment. Make someones day!
You'll be glad you did and so will your guests.
Supper Summer Pasta Salad
1/2 bag of tri-colored Fusilli Pasta
Large bag of fresh spinach
1 head of broccoli
1 apple peeled & cut up
1/3 cup of toasted sunflower seeds
1 medium red onion quartered and sliced very thin
1 c. diced (home grown if you have them) tomatoes. Fresh, red tomatoes if you don't.
1/2 c. corn (great sliced off cob but niblet fine too)
2 celery stalks washed and cut fine
1/2 cup julienned carrots
2 tsp. Tarragon
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
1 c. Paul Newman's Balsamic Vinagrette Lite
Plain Greek Yogurt several tsp.
2 T. honey
Boil your pasta leaving it al dente.
When you pour the water off the cooked pasta have your fresh spinach washed and pour the boiling water over the fresh spinach. It won't thoroughly cook it but will give it a beautiful color.
Put your broccoli in a glass measuring cup with 1 T. of filtered water,cover with a paper towel and microwave about 1.5 minutes just to blanch it so it still has a bite.
Wash and dice tomatoes.
Julienne your carrots.
Ready celery.
Get a quality bottle of good Balsalmic vinagrette dressing. I used Paul Newman's light version of this. Delicious. Pour about 1 cup of this dressing in a blender and add several tsp.of Plain Greek Yogurt. Blend.
Add about 2 T. of honey. Taste till you like it.
Place cooked pasta in a bowl large enough to allow adequate mixing. Add all the veggies, tomato and apple. Pour in the dressing. Stir gently.
Add tarragon. Plate and top with toasted sunflower seeds and freshly grated parmesan. Serve with some fresh, washed grape clusters.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
Labels: Recipes/DinnerPatti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
I had honestly forgotten about it and with my reminder phone call came a flash of inspiration.
I really didn't want to deal with the hassle of going out for lunch and sometimes it is noisy in restaurants and I really wanted a moment for Susan and I to "catch up" with each other. I decided to have the lunch here at our inn. This salad would make anyone a fine dinner as well. Served with a crusty roll, it is a feast in the making.
So, the next time you just don't want to go out or want to make a regular ho-hum day a bit special for someone, consider making my Super Summer Pasta Salad. or one of the other recipes I have listed. Experiment. Make someones day!
You'll be glad you did and so will your guests.
Supper Summer Pasta Salad
1/2 bag of tri-colored Fusilli Pasta
Large bag of fresh spinach
1 head of broccoli
1 apple peeled & cut up
1/3 cup of toasted sunflower seeds
1 medium red onion quartered and sliced very thin
1 c. diced (home grown if you have them) tomatoes. Fresh, red tomatoes if you don't.
1/2 c. corn (great sliced off cob but niblet fine too)
2 celery stalks washed and cut fine
1/2 cup julienned carrots
2 tsp. Tarragon
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
1 c. Paul Newman's Balsamic Vinagrette Lite
Plain Greek Yogurt several tsp.
2 T. honey
Boil your pasta leaving it al dente.
When you pour the water off the cooked pasta have your fresh spinach washed and pour the boiling water over the fresh spinach. It won't thoroughly cook it but will give it a beautiful color.
Put your broccoli in a glass measuring cup with 1 T. of filtered water,cover with a paper towel and microwave about 1.5 minutes just to blanch it so it still has a bite.
Wash and dice tomatoes.
Julienne your carrots.
Ready celery.
Get a quality bottle of good Balsalmic vinagrette dressing. I used Paul Newman's light version of this. Delicious. Pour about 1 cup of this dressing in a blender and add several tsp.of Plain Greek Yogurt. Blend.
Add about 2 T. of honey. Taste till you like it.
Place cooked pasta in a bowl large enough to allow adequate mixing. Add all the veggies, tomato and apple. Pour in the dressing. Stir gently.
Add tarragon. Plate and top with toasted sunflower seeds and freshly grated parmesan. Serve with some fresh, washed grape clusters.
Patti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
Labels: Recipes/DinnerPatti and Gary Wiles Innkeepers At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn Your Asheville Bed and Breakfast
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