Live Free or Die

In September 2009, we visited State # 29 on our Alphabetical Tour of the U.S. - New Hampshire.

And unfortunately, these folks...Live (flavor) Free or Die.

I would like to share two things with you regarding Bed and Breakfast inns. First, in our experience, inns that are built to accommodate guests are usually more comfortable than old homes that are converted to inns. The Inn at Thorn Hill is a fine example of this.  Originally an old home converted to an inn, it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt as a wonderful, comfortable inn. 

http://www.innatthornhill.com/

And secondly, inns that are "full board," meaning meals are included, are not the best idea when they are located near cities or towns. You see, at The Inn at Thorn Hill, you will eat food served from the same kitchen and the same chef morning and night. Our only chance to experience other local cuisine was lunch.  And food in national and state parks is a whole other sad story.

Each morning our breakfast was served by Harry, Ron and Hermione!

Actually, several members of the staff were interns from the London School of Hospitality.

They were all extremely lovely while bringing us "bangers & mash" from the kitchen. http://www.ceebd.co.uk/ceeed/un/uk/uktv0027.htm

I have a friend who says, "As a cook, my wife is a very good Mother!"  I will borrow that line for this state.  As a dining destination, New Hampshire has a spectacular view!

In our civiLIZation, New Hampshire rates...

2 slaps of table = Adequate!

Enough to avoid a messy kitchen.

(I do NOT cook while on vacation.)

Apple Stuffed Cinnamon French Toast

This recipe has been a KEEPER since Christmas 2009, when we were served this delicious breakfast in Cape May, New Jersey while staying at The Queen Victoria Inn.  Fortunately, this inn sells a lovely cookbook and this particular recipe is the first one listed.  Interestingly, we shared the table with four couples from Hong Kong who absolutely reveled in the "strange custom of breakfast!"

This is a simple recipe that can be made the night before (love that) and will surprisingly result in a crispy French toast.  You begin with 12 slices of cinnamon bread.  I use Publix Bakery Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin Bread...you will have to ask for it because they keep it in the freezer.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (unless you don't plan on baking until the following morning).  Fit 6 slices of the bread into a baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.  Then take a 21 ounce can of apple pie filling and cut the apples into smaller pieces.  I used my brand new immersion blender from Cuisinart; it's purple!  (Thanks, Marc!)  

Spread apple pie filling on top of the bread. 

Then sprinkle one cup of brown sugar on top of the pie filling followed by the remaining bread slices. 

Are you getting the idea how good this is?

In a large mixing bowl, using a wire whisk, blend together 2 cups milk, 10 large eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.  Pour this mixture over the bread slices.

Bake in your oven on the center rack for 50 to 60 minutes until lightly puffed and brown.

Be prepared - the fragrance of apples and cinnamon baking will ignite pleasant memories!

Serve this French toast straight from the oven with warm maple syrup.

JOY TO THE WORLD!

Apple Stuffed Cinnamon French Toast

12 Slices Cinnamon Bread, thick sliced
2 Cups Apple Pie Filling (21 oz can)
1 Cup Brown Sugar, packed
2 Cups Milk
10 Large Eggs
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract         

Pulse the pie filling in a blender or food processor briefly to chop apples into smaller pieces. Spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with non-stick pan coating. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Fit 6 slices of bread on bottom of baking dish. Spread apple pie filling on top of bread. Sprinkle brown sugar on top of pie filling followed by remaining bread slices.

In large mixing bowl, blend milk, eggs and vanilla. Pour over bread slices. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until lightly puffed and browned. Serve hot from the oven.

** If desired, may be prepared in advance, covered and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking or bake for a slightly longer time until knife inserted in center comes out clean.**

Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes
Notes: Publix Bakery Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin bread works well in this recipe.
Serving Ideas: Serve with warm maple syrup.
Categories: Breakfast
Source: The Queen Victoria Inn Cookbook



So Let it be Written...So Let it be Done

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Ten_Commandments

In Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 movie, "The Ten Commandments," the Pharoah (Seti I) casts Moses out of the royal family and Egypt with this quote:

"Let the name of Moses be stricken from every book and tablet.  Stricken from every pylon and obelisk of Egypt.  Let the name of Moses be unheard and unspoken, erased from the memory of man, for all time.  So let it be written, so let it be done."

For years, we have used our own version of this quote when we encounter a bad dining experience.  It goes something like this:

"Let the name of (insert restaurant) be stricken from every obelisk and dining list in our civiLIZation.  Let the name of (insert restaurant) be unheard and unspoken, erased from any credit card statements and our memories, for all time.  So let it be written, so let it be done."

Since 2008, we have dined here on several occasions (when Guy just had to have pizza) but our most recent visits have proven to be, at best...disappointing and at most...DISGUSTING. 

First and foremost - the place was dirty.  The health code score was not posted.  And several tables were not bussed for what appeared to be hours.  This is a huge red flag for me. 

We each had salads and shared a pizza.  Two of the female servers were wearing flip-flops!   I think there is actually a law about open-toed shoes in a restaurant kitchen - or there should be!  And if you are going to wear them... PLEASE get a pedicure !

But the final straw occurred as we waited for our check to be cashed out.  We watched an employee come in the back door from his break, flip his cigarette in the trash can and immediately walk into the kitchen and prepare pizza dough...without gloves!  As our grandson would say,

"That is YUCK!"

This restaurant doesn't even rate:

 1 slap of  table = Faking it! 
 Absolutely no desire to return.

(Your hand would get dirty anyway!  So NO slaps for you!)

Let the name of Diesel Pizza be stricken from every obelisk and dining list in our civiLIZation.  Let the name of Diesel Pizza be unheard and unspoken, erased from all credit card statements and our memories, for all time.  So let it be written, so let it be done.


As you can see, we are in need of a new restaurant to satisfy our pizza cravings.  Any recommendations?  Post a comment below, with your suggestions.


**One more note about the movie.  Back in 1956 while marketing this movie, Cecil B. DeMille donated hundreds of marble tablets with the 10 Commandments inscribed on them to municipal buildings throughout the country.  Imagine, all that uproar over the years has been about a promotional movie poster!**

Coastal Cuisine at the Snowy Beach

Cape May Point, New Jersey

When it came time to visit New Jersey - State # 30, our friends, Nancy & Steve, recommended a seaside resort called Cape May - the southernmost point in NJ. After finding a travel guide to the Jersey Shore...(not the show) we decided to visit for Christmas 2009.

You see, Cape May is a historic "whaling" town that celebrates all things Victorian. So not only did we travel to NJ, we also traveled back in time!

We stayed in a beautiful inn that served wonderful breakfasts each morning. 

The Queen Victoria Inn is only one block from the Atlantic Ocean and # 8 on our Rise & Dine list.

http://www.queenvictoria.com/

Cape May was not a prized "Dining Destination" for us. However, we did enjoy some nice meals of Coastal Cuisine and one extraordinary evening of fine dining.  But you must skip The Blue Pig Tavern inside Congress Hall. In spite of glowing reviews, the food was bland and overpriced.  (But I love my "Blue Pig" napkins from their gift shop.)

http://usnasw.org/

Following is a list of restaurants (with a link) we recommend when you visit this lovely town:

The Queen Victoria Inn

Breakfast is divine. Apple Cinnamon Stuffed French Toast!

http://www.queenvictoria.com/tea.html

Lobster House Restaurant

Waterfront dining. Have the Lobster Tail Stuffed with Crab & Shrimp!

http://thelobsterhouse.com/

Peter Shields Inn

Oceanfront dining. You must bring your own wine!

http://www.petershieldsinn.com/

The Ebbitt Room

Inside the Virgina Hotel

http://www.virginiahotel.com/ebbitt.html

This elegant dining room is tucked inside the Virginia Hotel. We dined here on Christmas Eve. Executive Chef, Lucas Manteca, prepares superb, innovative food that is beautifully plated. Since the chef takes advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients your menu will be totally different from ours; but trust me, it will be delectable. Three courses and dessert are served.

When we enjoy an evening of fine dining like this, Guy and I like to choose a winner for each course. We always order something different so we can sample more things on the menu...don't you?

The Ebbitt Room winners:

First Course - Liz

Oysters and Pearls

American Caviar, Torrontes Wine Pearl and Horseradish Panna Cotta

Second Course - Guy

Braised Wild Boar Ravioli

Tomato Porcini Sauce, Roasted Fennel Puree, Raisins, Huckleberries and Grana Padana

Third Course - Guy

Pistachio & Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Caramelized Turnips, Roasted Butternut Squash, Riesling Poached Pears and Creamy Manchego Quinoa

Dessert Course - Liz

Peanut Butter Cup

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Mousse, Peanut Brittle and Chocolate Pool

So it was a tie...2 courses each...everybody wins at this restaurant!   Accordingly, The Ebbitt Room rates...

5 slaps of table = Extraordinary!

Yes...Yes...Yes...Yes...Yes!

In my next post, I'll give you the recipe for Apple Stuffed Cinnamon French Toast
from The Queen Victoria Inn!