If April showers bring May flowers, you can look forward to abundant gardens at DINE member inns this summer. We’re closing in on May and we certainly know there have been no shortage of April showers in the backyards of DINE member inns.  The good news is that means that May flowers are not too far behind!  We’re in the thick of gardening season at the inns and no doubt in your home too.  That’s why we thought  these gardening tips from New England’s distinctive inns would come in handy right about now. 

From Jane at the Deerfield Inn: In the fall, dig three times more crocus bulbs than you think you need into the lawn, so chipmunks can enjoy some and you can enjoy the rest sprinkling the lawn with color in the spring.

From Judy at the Chesterfield Inn: Plant plenty of mint and rosemary in the herb garden-they look great and smell great in bouquets with cut flowers.

From Jill at Captain’s House Inn:

• Using a rain gauge will help you from overwatering your lawn.  You only need to water about 3/4″ to 1″ per week.  Try to water as early in the day as possible and as infrequently as possible.
• To keep your plants flowering, remember to deadhead. 

From Mary Ellen at Manor On Golden Pond: Kill weeds with a natural toddy of 1 ounce of white vinegar, 1 ounce of inexpensive gin, and 8 ounces of water. Pour on the weeds and say good-bye. No sipping allowed until done.

From Rosemary at the Gateways Inn: We have a Mother’s Day Brunch here at the Inn, and decorate the tables with potted herb plants as centerpieces. The Mother at each table gets to take it home for planting in her garden. Try it at your house!

There’s nothing better than a good rack of lamb for feeding a crowd at Easter or in the springtime.  Today, Rabbit Hill Inn shares their signature recipe for Lamb Rack to inspire your spring feasts.

Lamb Rack with Herbed Dijon Crust and White Truffle Tomato Cream from Rabbit Hill Inn (serves eight)

 Ingredients:  

4-8 bone lamb racks                                       

 ½ cup Dijon mustard

1/3 cup white wine                                        

¼ cup olive oil

2 Tbls garlic, minced                                      

 ¼ cup freshly chopped herbs

3 Tbls white truffle oil                                    

 ½ cup tomato puree

1 cup heavy cream                                          

¼ cup brandy

½ cracker or bread crumbs                             

1 shallot, minced

Salt & pepper to taste

 Preparation Method:                                                                  

1) Combine mustard, wine, olive oil, 1 Tbls garlic, herbs, and salt & pepper in bowl and combine with bread crumbs.

2) Salt and pepper lamb racks to taste and sear till browned on eye side of rack

3) Put lamb in roasting pan seared side up and rub with Dijon crust.

4) Roast in 400°F oven for 12 to 25 minutes or till internal temperature reaches 135° F.

For the tomato cream:

1) Combine shallots and 1 Tbls. garlic in sauté pan with enough oil to sweat them.

2) Add brandy to deglaze.

3) Add tomato puree and cream.

4) Salt and pepper to taste.

5) Allow to reduce by half and whisk in truffle oil.

6) Serve warm over roasted lamb racks

Tart and delicious enjoy making this lovely cobbler at home or visit Gateways Inn where it is a signature summer dessert.

Yesterday we launched a series by offering two spring recipes, starting with dessert first.  Scroll down to see adorable Bunny Biscuits from the Captain’s House Inn and Kim’s Heritage Cupcakes from the Deerfield Inn.

Today Rosemary Chiariello, Chef and co-owner of the Gateways Inn has shared a recipe and photo how-to for creationg a Berry Cobbler.  Read on for step by step instructions.

BERRY COBBLER  from Gateways Inn  

(8-10 SERVINGS)   

5 Cups of Berries- Blackberry, Blueberry or a mixture

1/ 2 Cup Sugar + 2 Tablespoons  

2 Tablespoons Quick-Cook Tapioca

1 ½ Stick Unsalted Butter   

1 ½ Cup All Purpose Flour

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ Cup Milk

1 Large Egg

Method:

1). Mix together the berries, the ½ cup sugar, & tapioca. Set aside for 10 minutes-to  soften tapioca grains. Then add 2 Tblsp. butter, and heat over low flame on stovetop in  saucepan. Cook until it comes to a full boil, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.   Pour directly into individual dishes (4 oz. white ceramic oven-safe ramekins),  set onto a baking sheet. Fill about ¾ full.

 2).Make the topping- In a food processor, mix the flour, the 2Tblsp. sugar, baking  powder & salt.  Add in the butter, and pulse. Lastly add in the milk & egg.

 3). Turn out the topping mixture on to a floured cutting board, and pat out the dough, to about 1” .Sprinkle with extra flour, as needed , since the dough will be a bit sticky.  Using a biscuit cutter approx. 3”, or just slightly narrower than ramekin opening,  cut out dough rounds, and place on top of each ramekin of berries. Brush with some  milk or egg white, for a glossy finish, and sprinkle with sugar. 

4). Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, f. Bake the cobblers for 20 -25 minutes.  Serve while still warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Enjoy!

As we count down to Easter and consider entertaining friends and family this spring, our thoughts turn to berries, bunny-shaped cookies and BBQs.  Innkeepers from  Distinctive Inns of New England have shared a number of wonderfulspring and Easter recipes to celebrate nature’s spring and summer bounty.  Look for every-other-day recipes from Distinctive Inns of New England throughout the week just in time for your Easter dinner and spring entertaining.

If you’d rather leave the cooking to celebrated innkeeper-chefs, simply book your spring getaway or Easter dinner escape at your favorite Distinctive Inn of New England.  You’ll find a number of  special Easter dinners and brunches at member inns.  For those without restaurants, there are plenty of places to enjoy dinner nearby. 

Bunny Biscuits - just in time for Easter

English Easter Garibaldi Biscuits from Captain’s House Inn

Ingredients

4oz caster sugar, plus extra for dusting

4oz butter, softened at room temperature

1 free-range egg, separated

8oz plain flour, sieved

good pinch mixed spice

2oz currants

1oz candied peel

3 tbsp milk

Preparation method

Preheat the oven 325 degrees F. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk until well combined.

Fold the flour into the mixture, then stir in the mixed spice, currants and candied peel. Stir in enough milk to form a stiff dough.

Roll the dough out onto a floured surface and cut out the biscuits with a fluted cutter. Place onto the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove the biscuits from the oven, brush with the reserved egg white, sprinkle with sugar and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until pale golden-brown.

Remove the biscuits from the tray and set aside to cool on a wire rack

Kim’s Heritage Chocolate Cupcakes from Deerfield Inn

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons butter, softened

1 ½ cups white sugar

2 eggs

¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup milk

Preparationn Method:

Preheat oven to 350◦ degrees F (175◦ degrees C). Line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk; beat well. Fill the muffin cups ¾ full.

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Frost with your favorite frosting when cool.

Recently, New York Times travel reporter, Joe Sharkey, revealed he was the most recent victim of what he refers to as the hotel fee-fest.  In a recent article entitled ” A Stingy Traveler Stung by Hotel Fees“ Sharkey reveals that while he normally chooses midlevel hotel brands, a recent conference visit dictated that he stay at the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.  Not surprisingly, when he checked out the bill was higher than expected due to bellman gratuity fees  (even though he never used one) and housekeeping fees (even though he left a tip for the housekeeper).  Sharkey revealed in his story that the nickling and diming of hotel fees usually come in the form of added Internet fees, service fees (the Biltmore charges $28 per day for “service fees) and amenity fees.  Among the most pesky hotel fee  annoyance is the Internet fee, according to surveys of business travelers. 

The scary thing for upscale travelers is what’s in store.  In his article, Sharkey revealed “The fee-fest is back in full force”, said Bjorn Hanson, dean of the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management at New York University. In 2008, hotels added a total of about $1.75 billion in fees and surcharges. That fell to $1.55 billion in 2009 because occupancy dropped so sharply at the high-end hotels during the recession. For 2011, the figure will be higher; “in fact, it’s likely to be a record,” Mr. Hanson said.

As hotel fees climb and climb, luxury inns remain stalwart in offering fee-free added value.  In fact in a recent blog posting we revealed that Cape Cod’s Captain’s House Inn offered more than $200 in added value for items like complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, DVDs, port and sherry, snacks and much morewhile  a nearby Cape Cod resort enthusiastically nickled and dimed their guests for these items.  Choose a hotel and it may be service with a smile, but that smile will cost a hidden fee of $15!  Arrive at a country inn or B&B  and not only the smile but the greeting by name is complimentary, along with the hugs goodbye and the candlelit breakfast.

Gas prices are $1 higher per gallon than they were at this time last year, according to a recent news update, and travelers are getting increasingly frustrated with high gas prices. Yesterday we introduced the new Thrifty Nifty Carpool Packages from Distinctive Inns of New England, offering up examples of great packages for couples from Captain’s House Inn, Gateways Inn and Deerfield Inn.  As we mentioned yesterday, DINE members have created seven different carpool packages offering two couples who carpool together special savings on spa services and dinners to feed the body and soul and gas cards to feed the gas tank.  Today, we’ll explore the Thrifty Nifty Carpool packages offered in New Hampshire and Vermont. 

Surprisingly, this time around, we haven’t seen hotels and motels offering the gas savings packages they did when gas prices last spiked in 2008.  Yet, the B&B industry has come to the rescue of travelers with their B&Bs Kick Gas! promotion where more than 150 inns and B&Bs, including DINE members have come to the rescue of travelers sidelined by high gas prices.  Add gourmet breakfasts, afternoon tea and/or refreshments and wonderful amenities like on-site spas, in-room fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, and it’s clear that DINE member properties are the better way to stay.

For travelers seeking an eco-friendly travel option, why not double the pleasure and double the fun by traveling together with friends and family. Take advantage of these carpool specials when traveling to New Hampshire or Vermont.

“Kick Gas” Nifty Thrifty Carpool Package at Chesterfield Inn, Chesterfield, NH:  Double the pleasure, double the fun. Carpool with another couple to the Chesterfield Inn. Book two rooms for two nights (one room per couple), enjoy a full country breakfast each morning and afternoon refreshments each day, along with free wi-fi connections, spacious guest rooms and fine dining available. You will receive 10% off your room rate and a $25 gas card for the trip home from now through June 15, 2011. Call 800-365-5515 for reservations.

Carpooling on the Road Less Traveled at Inn at Thorn Hill, Jackson, NH: When two couples arrive together in one car and stay in two of the Luxury Main Inn rooms or suites for two nights, each couple will be rewarded with a special rate of $199 to $246 per room per night. These rooms normally cost $300 to $ 400 per night, so by driving green each couple saves some green too. In addition, the special rate for carpoolers also includes one three-course candlelit dinner, full country breakfast daily and afternoon tea and cookies daily for each person. But that’s not all! To reward two couples for driving together, there is also an eco-friendly $25 credit on the bill that can be used toward gas for the car.  Stay two nights in two rooms, and you’ll save and be rewarded for your sustainable travel too (or should we say two!) through June 15, 2011. For reservations call 800-289-8990.

 “Couples Fuel the Tank” Nifty Thrifty Carpool Package at Manor on Golden Pond, Holderness, NH: Who said fuel was only for cars, houses and trucks?  It’s time for you to refuel your mind, body and soul with a couples retreat at the Manor On Golden Pond. Grab another couple and drive together to the inn for your “refueling” stay including dinner in the Van Horn Dining Room and spa treatments at the Seasons Spa. The  “Couple’s Fuel the Tank”  package includes two night accommodations in two luxury Jacuzzi chambers ( one per couple per room) ,  full country breakfast each morning, afternoon tea each day,  dinner one night for four, 50-minute  Manor Signature massage for each guest (total 4), gratuity on dinner and a $25 gas gift card per couple(2 total).  The package price for four is $1740, or $870 per couple (2 couple minimum) from April 15 – June 15, 2011.  For reservations call 800-545-2141.

Nifty Thrifty Carpool Package from Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford, VT:  From now until June 30, grab your best pals, hit the road and you’ll be rewarded with a special package saving $75 per couple when two couples carpool together and stay two nights in two rooms.  The package includes accommodations for two nights (one couple per room), afternoon tea and pastries daily, candlelit dinner on both evenings for each person, signature turndown service nightly, full country breakfast served fireside daily, plus a $75 carpool credit toward the bill for the gas tank! Rates vary depending on room from $559-$879  per couple for the two-night package through June 30, excluding Memorial Day weekend. For reservations, call 800-76-BUNNY (800-762-8669).

All packages are subject to availability.  Remember, both couples must arrive together and stay two consecutive nights in two rooms to take advantage of these great deals and be sure to mention this Thrifty Nifty Carpool package before booking!

 Distinctive Inns of New England are rewarding their guests with incentives for their gas tanks.  “Take the Prius to see us,” says Brian Mulcahy of the Rabbit Hill Inn, as he encourages couples to travel together while celebrating the 11^th birthday of the Prius on Earth Day.  Members of the Distinctive Inns of New England have created seven different “Nifty Thrifty Carpooling Packages” to reward with discounts that can be used to fuel the tank and delicious complimentary breakfasts and afternoon treats to fuel the guest.  It’s all part of the national “B&Bs Kick Gas!” promotion being organized by the Professional Association of Innkeepers International’s Better Way To Stay campaign.

Travelers often at odds with a good way to honor Earth Day can choose from a number of close- to-home packages offered by the Distinctive Inns of New England all of whom share a concern for sustainable travel.  Can’t make it on Earth Day?  No worries; every Day is Earth Day. The packages designed for two couples traveling together and staying for two nights are all offered through June 15, 2011 (note some holiday and blackout dates) and some throughout the summer. Choose from any of these packages, but be sure to mention the Nifty Thrifty Carpool Package when booking.  We’ll feature some today and some tomorrow, so be sure to tune in again then.

Nifty Thrifty Carpool Package at Captain’s House Inn, Chatham, MA: Grab your favorite travel mates and book any two rooms for two nights now through June 15th.  You’ll unwind and refuel and the Captain’s House Inn will fill your tank!  Simply bring your gas receipt (up to $75 max) and the amount you spent on gas to get to the inn will be deducted from your bill.  Each room will also receive a Captains House Inn reusable tote goody bag. Please note that some weekends require a three night minimum in which case an additional night per room must be added. Call 800-315-0728 for reservations.

A Special “Tank” you Nifty Thrifty Carpooling Package Package from Deerfield Inn, Deerfield, MA: When two couples travel in one car and stay for two nights in two rooms through August 31, this inn will take $50 off the cost of your stay to put toward the cost of gas.  To top it off, each couple will also receive a $25 Deerfield Inn gift card good toward a future stay.  All guests are treated to a lavish continental breakfast each morning and tea and cookies in the afternoons.  Driving a Smart Car or hybrid? Take an additional 10 percent off the lodging costs and if you carpool together in an electric car, the second night will be free as a special “tank you” for being eco-friendly travelers. Mention “tank” when booking this package valid through August 31, 2011.  For reservations call 800-926-3865.

“We Pay You To Carpool Here” Package at Gateways Inn, Lenox, MA:  Travel together with friends or family to the Berkshire Mountains and receive a $35 credit toward lodging costs as a reason to get “pumped up” for carpooling.  Simply book two rooms for two nights Sunday through Thursday and enjoy a two night mid-week stay, full breakfast for everyone daily (breakfast here features cake too!), all service gratuities, and a credit $35 on lodging per couple to help fuel the tank. Room rates start at $215 nightly; this package is offered through June 15, 2011. For reservations call 888-492-9466.

Signs of spring are springing up all over New England. The Manor on Golden Pond is anxiously awaiting the return of butterflies to their gardens.

The Distinctive Inns of New England, nine premier New England inns, have plenty in store to enrich your April and May.  While we may be approaching Mud Season in Northern New England, there’s plenty of great packages, culinary adventures and relaxing R&R in store.  For armchair travelers, look forward to the following promotions and ideas coming from Distinctive Inns of New England via the Facebook page and blogs.  If you haven’t already, be sure to “Like” Distinctive Inns of New England on Facebook and if you’re a good friend, you may want to share some of the upcoming tips, recipes and jokes with your own fanbase too.

April is National Humor Month: Be on the lookout for some funny (mostly clean) jokes from Distinctive Inns of New England innkeeper.  Want to win a $25 gift certificate to any of your favorite Distinctive Inns?  Post your own joke on the DINE page and we’ll send you a $25 promotional code for your next stay.

April means Earth Day:  We’ll share some of our best eco-friendly/shop local secrets for your next escape to a DINE property.  In addition, with Earth Day comes gardening, and we’ve got some great gardening tips to share from master gardener/innkeepers. 

Speaking of Earth Day, DINE members have created a number of Thrifty Nifty Carpooling Packages to honor those who drive lean, not mean.  Be on the lookout for more information on a series of offers from DINE members serious about rewarding eco-friendly drivers.

Spring Recipes: We’re looking forward to sharing some of our best spring recipes in the upcoming months.  Look for everything from Dijon Crusted Rack of Lamb from Rabbit Hill Inn to Berry Trifle from Chesterfield Inn and an exotic Coconut Lime Soup from Manor on Golden Pond.

Date Your Mate: Did you know that May is National Date Your Mate Month?  We think that’s reason to celebrate at DINE inns.  Be on the lookout for a series of Date Your Mate packages posted on www.DistinctiveInns.com .  If you’re looking for a reason for a romantic getaway, Date Your Mate Month is it!

Stay tuned for a series of fun and informative tips for your health, your happiness and your reasons to escape to a distinctive inn in April and May.  Thanks in advance for sharing these ideas from DINE inns with your fanbase!