Monday, May 24, 2010

Asparagus Time in Michigan

It's prime season for asparagus in Michigan. Just north of Whitehall in Oceana County is the largest concentration of asparagus farms in the state. In fact, Michigan ranks third in asparagus production in the nation. So, it's only natural that asparagus will be on the breakfast menu at White Swan Inn B&B during the growing season.

When the first asparagus stalks show up at the local farm markets in late spring, I am always excited to introduce this wonderful vegetable to my B&B guests. Occasionally, I will note that a guest seems to be unsure about trying a dish featuring asparagus. Usually it is due to the fact that they’ve never enjoyed really fresh asparagus or have only been served some that has been “cooked to death.”

Asparagus and Red Pepper Tart

½ (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crust, room temperature

1 Tbs. olive oil
½ lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut in one inch pieces
½ cup chopped red pepper
¼ cup chopped onion
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. dried basil
2 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz. crumbled feta cheese
2 Tbs. Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large skillet, lightly sauté asparagus, red pepper and onion in olive oil, season with salt, pepper and basil. Unroll pie crust and place on ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on pie crust within an inch of the edge. Spread cooked vegetable mix evenly on top of mozzarella. Top with feta cheese. Fold edge of pie crust over vegetable/cheese mix. The crust will not cover completely vegetable mixture.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until dough is lightly browned.

Remove from oven, sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the crust and exposed vegetables and bake for 5 more minutes. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 2-3

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Vegan Breakfast Options

Vegan breakfast? No gluten or soy ingredients? No dairy or meat? No problem! White Swan Inn B&B is happy to accommodate special requests for breakfast options.

Recent guests enjoyed a delicious baked oatmeal and suggested that others might appreciate the recipe. This healthy alternative has no dairy, soy or wheat ingredients.

Vegan Baked Oatmeal

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups rice milk
1 13-15 oz can coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbs milled flax seed
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup applesauce (homemade is best)
1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 3-qt baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, reserving 1/4 cup almonds. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top with remaining almonds.

Bake uncovered 45 minutes. Enjoy!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Antiquing in Whitehall and Montague

Antiquing in the Whitehall and Montague area just keeps getting better. Several unique shops with all kinds of collections, one-of-a-kind finds, and items to bring back memories are clustered in the White Lake area of West Michigan.

Remember the "hokey pokey" from grade school days? Looking for the unexpected...? You'll find it and more at Colby's Hokey Pokey in downtown Whitehall, just a two block walk from White Swan Inn B&B. Incredible mix of new, used, re-invented and re-purposed furniture and decorative items creatively staged to reflect your personal style.
www.colbyshokeypokey.com Hokey Pokey... That's what it's all about! Open daily 11am - 6 pm.

An incredible array of signed memorabilia is just a part of the vast collections displayed at Colby Street Shops, Art & Antiques in downtown Whitehall. Diversity is the name of the game: from Roy Rogers to Pamela Anderson to Abbot and Costello to Bon Jovi all with certificates. Located in downtown Whitehall and open 7days a week 11am - 6pm. www.colbystreetshops.com

Wild Flower Refinishers & Antique Shop features a retail showroom as well as professional restoration services. Located in Whitehall on Industrial Park Dr. Open Mon-Fri 8am - 4:30pm and Saturday 9am - 2pm. www.wildflowerrefinishers.com

Just across the bridge in Montague are more antique shops. Montague Antique Mall, M&W Antiques and Collectibles, and Wildflower 2 are well-established shops with a vast assortment of treasures! Also in Montague, Eleanor Ann and Red Geranium include a mix of antiques with new decorative accessories and gifts. Hours vary.

Antiques are just part of the charm in the twin towns of Whitehall and Montague. Stay for the weekend at White Swan Inn and experience the unique atmosphere of small-town living.