Pumpkin Butter recipe

By popular demand here is a very good pumpkin butter recipe. This butter is full of the flavors of the holidays. Thick and delicious, you'll spread holiday cheer as you spread it on fresh bread in the morning. We serve it here at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast with toast or homemade muffins or scones. We also make it to give as hostess gifts in pretty decorated jars during the holidays. Several guests have asked for the recipe so here it is courtesy of Safeway/Vons:

Pumpkin Butter

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

15 ounces 100% Pure Pumpkin

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

Combine pumpkin, sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon and cloves in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 months. Recipe makes 2 cups (32 servings-1 tablespoon per serving)

First Snow 2009

Yeah!! We waited up late last night for snow to arrive. It snowed a little but, it wasn't enough to stick. And then this morning about 10 AM the snow really began to fall. There are several inches accumulated on the ground right now. Oh, it is so beautiful. This is our favorite time of year.

Caio, his wife Barbara and their cute 4 year old daughter, Giselle spent several days here but had to leave this morning. Here is a picture of them just before they left. You can see Giselle didn't want to leave. She said she wanted to stay here and play some more. She helped to feed the animals in the petting zoo this morning out in the snow.

All of the animals came out to take a quick look at the snow. They ate their breakfast and went back to their cozy beds.

Hercules and Minnie have found nice warm spots near the fire to stay cozy.

Traveling with pets

We're proud to be pet friendly at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast. Here are some tips for traveling with your pet.

Assess your pet.

Be honest about your pet's ability to travel. Be sure your pet is in optimum health for travel. If your pet is very young or old, or is ill it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel. Check with your lodging choice to be sure your pet will be welcome. Some establishments have size limits.

Schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

Ask your vet about any flea, heartworm, or tick risks for areas you will be visiting. If your pet gets carsick or restless when traveling, ask your vet about appropriate medications or treatments.

Seriously consider having your pet microchipped. If your pet becomes separated from you many humane societies and shelters nationwide use scanners that will read these implanted chips and let you be reunited with your lost pet.

Make certain all vaccinations are up to date and obtain current health and rabies certificates no more than ten (10) days prior to your departure. These are required if your pet is traveling by air. You are also strongly recommended to have these documents if your plans do not include air travel. You may need to board your pet unexpectedly and many kennels will not accept pets without theses certificates. And, if your pet requires emergency medical care, having these will allow care to take place much more quickly and without dangerous duplication of vaccinations.

Obtain a secure carrier for your pet.

You need a sturdy, properly ventilated crate of adequate size for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in comfortably. Additionally it must comply with any airline requirements. Print your pets name and your name, address and phone number on the outside of the crate with permanent marker. Make sure your pet is accustomed to the crate before you begin your trip.

Verify that your pet's tags are current.

Your pet should wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing proof of rabies vaccination and your name, address, and phone number in case your pet becomes separated.

Before you leave.

Trim your pet's nails. Pets with freshly trimmed nails will be less likely to damage items in strange surroundings and will be easier to carry and restrain if necessary. Bathe and rid your pet of any fleas to avoid infesting its new surroundings.

Things to bring.

-A sturdy leash and an extra collar.
-An old blanket or sheet for the back seat of your car and to cover bedding and furniture at your destination.
-Food. Bring enough for the whole trip. If you feed canned, bring a can opener and spoon.
-Portable water bowl. If your pet is sensitive, bring water from home to mix with unfamiliar water.
-Treats, toys or chew items.
-All required medications, supplements and preventatives.
-Tweezers to remove foreign objects from fur or paws.
-Brush or comb, lint and hair remover.
-Waste removal bags.
-An old towel to wipe wet or dirty paws.
-Carpet cleaner for accidents.
-First aid kit.
-Flashlight for nighttime walks.

Be prepared for the worst.

While no one likes to think about it, many pets do become separated while away from home. To increase chances of a safe and quick return, bring a recent photograph and written description of your pet including breed, sex, age, weight, height, and any microchip or tattoo numbers.

While you're traveling.

Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times. Avoid sudden changes of diet. If you are unable to obtain your pet's normal brand, switch gradually over to the new food over a period of four or more days.

Obey all leash laws and make certain to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times when not securely in a room. Clean up after your pet.

Have a safe trip.

Happy Thanksgiving

Greetings from A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast and Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite. Today is a special day to take the time to be thankful for all that is good in our lives. It is an especially good time to be thankful for family and friends. Time to enjoy the company of those we love and care about.

We are very thankful for all of our wonderful guests; past, present and future. We have a full house for this Thanksgiving holiday and are thankful for that.

Wherever you are and whoever you are with, take time today to look around you and find things to be thankful for.

Warmest thoughts from Jenine and Josie

"I ate too much turkey,
I ate too much corn,
I ate too much pudding and pie,
I'm stuffed up with muffins and much too much stuffin',
I'm probably going to die.

I piled up my plate and I ate and I ate,
but I wish I had known when to stop,
for I'm so crammed with yams,
sauces, gravies, and jams
that my buttons are starting to pop.

I'm full of tomatoes and french fried potatoes,
my stomach is swollen and sore,
but there's still some dessert,
so I guess it won't hurt
if I eat just a little bit more."
- Jack Prelutsky, I Ate Too Much

Sugar Pine Cabin website launch

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The new website for the Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite has been launched!! Check out our new look at Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite
The new site is prettier and easier to navigate.

Also, look for our winter special at the cabin. Rent the whole cabin for up to 8 people for only $200 per night plus tax. When booking just select the special at the end of the reservation process or mention the special if you call us (877-624-7673)

It's Almost That Magical Time of Year !!

Now is the time of year to start thinking about Winter.
A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast or Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite
are the perfect places to be to enjoy the fun.

The $99.00 Winter Special starts December 1st through March 31st (excluding holidays) at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast. You can book any room for only $99. which includes a yummy continental breakfast.

The Winter Special at the Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite
starts November 1st through March 31st(excluding holidays). The regular rates for the whole cabin, which holds up to 8 people are $300. per night. The winter rate is only $200. per night for the whole cabin. Bring the whole family!

The Lower cabin normally rents out at $200. per night. The winter special is $150. per night.

Take advantage of these specials and book right away to make sure you get your special dates ..... before someone else gets them!

Get away from the stress and have some fun!!

Bring the kids to see the petting zoo and play in the snow.

Read a book and enjoy some hot tea in the cabin and watch the winter wonderland outside



Logs on the fire burning, hot chocolate, peace and quiet, warmth, love, ummmmm

You're in Paradise...:)

Almond Chocolate Biscotti

I made biscotti for the first time tonight. I love biscotti and it is so expensive to buy. This recipe was real easy. I found it on FoodNetwork.com. It takes some time and my biscotti broke up into smaller pieces than I would have liked. But, I think with some practice, this will be a favorite here at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast.

Chocolate Almond Biscotti
Recipe courtesy of Gale Gand
Prep Time:
30 min

--
Cook Time:
1 hr 10 min
Level:
Easy
Serves:
24 total pieces
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 egg whites
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup whole almonds, toasted
1/3 cup chocolate chips
Directions
In a standing mixer with a paddle attachment combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Mix together eggs, egg whites and vanilla extract. Gradually add egg mixture to flour mixture blending on low. Toss almonds with chocolate chips then add to flour mixture and blend just until combined.
On a well floured surface roll dough into 2 logs, 2 inches in diameter. Place on a greased sheet pan and brush with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees until light golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Allow logs to cool 15 minutes then cut into slices on the bias. Place slices on a greased sheet pan and bake in a 350 degree oven until toasted, about 15-20 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container.