New Years Eve

Ring in the New Year. It's hard to believe that 2009 is already about to be a memory, but that's no reason not to celebrate in style. There are many fun ways to ring in 2010 near Yosemite. Stay at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast and go to one of these wonderful dinner parties. Call (559)642-6975 or email bedofroses@sti.net if you would like to make reservations.


Ducey's, located at The Pines Resort at Bass Lake is offering an exciting Celebration Package, including a festive, 5-course dinner, live entertainment, dancing, party favors and a midnight champagne toast for only $87.50 per person. to plan ahead, you can see their menu or call (559) 692-8855 for reservations.



Erna's Elderberry House, the region's only five star restaurant, has a very special evening planned as well. Courses include a decadent Sonoma Foie Gras, a delicious celebration of Veal and Beef, and an enticing Raspberry-Champagne Tort for desert. And that's just a small teaser of what they are offering. The full menu, including seating times and pricing, is available online.



The Tenaya Lodge will also be celebrating New Year's Eve in style as they pair their delicious dinner and live entertainment as well as a champagne toast with discounts on lodging, and a special Champagne Breakfast the next morning. You can find out more, or make your reservations online.



After ringing in the new year, perhaps you would like to head in to Yosemite and partake in the special New Year's Day brunch at the Wawona. Their special brunch will be open from 10:30 until 2 New Year's Day, with favorites like Eggs Benedict, Cheese Blintzes with strawberry sauce, Pork Tenderloin with a Fig Port winesauce, broiled salmon with citrus fennel relish and much more.

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.