Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Badger Pass ski conditions

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK’S BADGER PASS SKI AREA – BEST SKIING CONDITIONS IN 19 YEARS!

The popular family ski resort has received more than five feet of new snow in the last two weeks, creating fantastic skiing and riding conditions.

“We are experiencing the best conditions I have seen in the last 19 years, and we are excited about the opportunity to open early with great snow,” said Colin Baldock, General Manager of Recreation for Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, the authorized concessioner. “New snow in addition to the hard work of our mountain operations and grooming teams allows us to open earlier than planned.”

Pre-season pass deals are available now through December 19. For the full 2010-11 season pass and lift ticket rate schedule, please visit www.YosemitePark.com

Pre-Season Pass Rates:

•Adult - $319.00 ($492 starting 12/20)
•Youth/Senior - $279.00 ($492 starting 12/20)
•Child (7-12 years of age) - $179.00 ($192 starting 12/20)

Courtesy shuttle buses from Oakhurst to Badger Pass Ski Area are available on the weekends to make it convenient for guests to relax and enjoy a day of fun in the snow. The complete shuttle schedule is available by phoning A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast at (559)642-6975.

Wilderness permits at Badger Pass will be available beginning December 11 at the Badger Pass Ranger Station. Glacier Point Road is groomed and available for cross-country skiing. All other wilderness trails remain unbroken.

Starting December 2, the Snow Report will be updated daily and is available by calling 209-372-1000. For road and weather information, call 209-372-0200.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Half Dome Cable Update

Yosemite National Park Announces Changes to the Interim Program for Half Dome Cables Day Use Permits. Permits to Ascend Cables will be Required Seven Days Per Week

Yosemite National Park announces that Day Use Permits to climb the Half Dome cables will be required seven days per week for the 2011 summer season to increase visitor safety on the cables.

Over the past several years, the popularity of the hike has resulted in large numbers of people using the Half Dome cables, particularly on weekends and holidays. Saturdays and holidays averaged 840 visitors per day, while peak days saw up to 1200 people using the cables. These large numbers of hikers generated significant safety concerns and there was a fatality and serious injuries sustained by park visitors due to these crowded conditions.

The park instituted an interim program for climbing the Half Dome cables in 2010 to address these serious safety concerns. Day Use Permits were required to use the cables on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the 2010 season. Although the interim program worked well on the permit days, visitor use on the cables during days in which permits were not required reached peak weekend levels, analogous to peak days before permits were required.

Therefore, to address the consistent crowded conditions on the Half Dome cables, Day Use Permits will be required seven days per week for the 2011 summer season. The Half Dome cables are generally in place from mid-May through mid-October, depending on snowpack and weather conditions.

The Half Dome Day Use Permits will be available starting March 1, 2011 for climbing the cables in May and June, 2011. Subsequent permits will be available at the beginning of each month for permits three months in advance. Reservations for a permit can be made through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Each person climbing the Half Dome cables will be required to have their own permit. Up to four permits may be obtained under one reservation. The permits are free, however, there is a non-refundable $1.50 service charge for each permit obtained.

During this interim program, visitor use and impacts are being monitored.
Yosemite National Park Rangers are studying visitor use and safety, assessing the visitor experience, and compiling data that will be analyzed by park managers. An Environmental Assessment process for a long-term plan for the Half Dome cables began public scoping in spring 2010.

A visitor use study on the 2010 Half Dome Cables Day Use Permit is available at http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/half-dome-cables.htm.
To learn more about the Half Dome hike please visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/halfdome.htm

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

First Snow 2010

We had our first real snow a few nights ago. We woke up to a winter wonderland. It was so beautiful. But, along with the beauty of the winter comes some work. The storm was initially windy and then it dropped a bunch of wet snow. When we went out to feed the petting zoo we found several large limbs from an oak tree had fallen onto the goat fence and partially on their house. The goats were fine but, I can imagine the panic they must have felt when that tree limb came tumbling into their pen. They were probably peacefully asleep in their little pole barn house when it came crashing down. We spent most of the morning cutting and removing the tree from the fence and clearing their pen so they could move around again. Billy Bob was taking full advantage of the fact that the fence was down. He kept escaping and running amok. He got into the feed bin and ate his fill of chafhaye and pig food. Scruffy is too tall to jump over so he stayed in the pen and tattled on Billy Bob. We finally were able to repair the fence enough to keep Billy Bob inside. When the weather clears up we'll finish the tree removal and fence repairs. In the meantime we'll sit here, watch the snowfall and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Fall Colors In Yosemite

Driving up to the Sugar Pine Cabin you'll see the most magnificent colors in the Maples and Dogwood trees. Fall is nearing it's end. The colors are brilliant, the sound quiet,the lake peaceful and the animals getting ready for winter. This peaceful setting will be covered in white snow soon enough and then our winter season begins!! Get out the snow shoes, sled,warm clothes. The fun begins!!

The local ski resort "Badger Pass" will be open soon which offers skiing,tubing,snow shoeing,cross country skiing. There is a wonderful ranger Snow Shoe hike you can join at the Badger Pass ski resort. It's about a two hour hike with a big group of people. It's alot of fun. They take lots of stops to see some of the most beautiful scenery that you wouldn't ever see on the road. The ranger talks about the history and animals on the way.
Check out our winter specials at www.abedofrosesbandb.com/. And the cabin at www.sugarpineatyosemite.com/
Come on up and join the fun :)





















Saturday, April 24, 2010

Spring cleaning

We've been getting ready for spring and the tourist season around A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast. We pull weeds, mow the lawn, clean out the animal pens, freshen the garden beds as well as the rooms and the common areas. The decks and stairs will be getting a fresh coat of paint as soon as the last rains dry out. We cleaned out all of the kitchen drawers and cabinets. After getting inspiration from HGTV we decided to paint the lower cabinets black to give it a more sophisticated look. We like it, what do you think?




Thursday, April 22, 2010

More Fee Free Days at Yosemite

WASHINGTON – To mark the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and to celebrate the launch of the Obama Administration’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced a schedule of free admission days to many of the lands managed by Interior.

All national parks, national wildlife refuges, and many areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management will offer free admission on June 5-6, August 14-15, September 25 (Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).
These dates are in addition to the previously announced free admission at all 392 national parks April 17-25 as part of the celebration of National Park Week.

“President Obama has made connecting Americans to the outdoors and our history a fundamental goal of the conservation initiative announced at Friday’s White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors,” said Salazar.
“The Interior Department was proud to host that conference and will be even prouder to host Americans who want to get outdoors to visit their public lands.”

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Snow?

Wohoo, we were getting ready for spring and winter is trying to sneak back for a couple of days. If you'd like to see some snow, you can stay at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast or Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite.

Tonight: Rain and snow likely. Snow level 5700 feet lowering to 5100 feet. Cloudy, with a low around 29. South southwest wind between 5 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Wednesday: Snow showers. High near 38. Southeast wind 8 to 16 mph becoming southwest. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday Night: Snow showers likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. West northwest wind between 3 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. West northwest wind around 9 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. North wind between 7 and 9 mph.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53.

Friday Night: A slight chance of rain and snow. Snow level 5600 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Sunday: A slight chance of rain and snow. Snow level 5400 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.

Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Monday: A slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.

Monday Night: A slight chance of rain and snow. Snow level 5300 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Yosemite Half Dome cable permits for May and June available March 1st

Click on the link below for an article about the permits.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2010/02/yosemite-half-dome-cable-permits.html

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Lincoln Exhibit coming to Oakhurst

Traveling exhibit details the President's life

Mark your calendar for the "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America Learning Station Exhibition" provided by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, in collaboration with the American LIbrary Association and with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The exhibit will be on display at the King Vintage Museum in Oakhurst March 5 through April 1.

"The Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America Learning Station exhibit" will follow the journey taken by Abraham Lincoln from frontier obscurity to our nation's presidency and will be documented through a combination of images, objects and the written word. There are seven Learning Stations in the exhibit and each one show artifacts of his life as a Self Made man - Father, Husband, Lawyer, Politician, Commander-in-Chief and much more. In addition to the Learning Stations, there is an eighth learning station created by the Museum to tell the story of the Yosemite Grant and why Abraham Lincoln is important to our area.

In addition there are special teaching trunks available during the exhibition for use by schools or civic organizations. Two teaching trunks will remain forever at the Museum as a valuable asset for use by teachers and their students. All who visit the exhibition will enjoy the rich history of our 16th President and the teaching trunks will give generations an opportunity to explore his life for years to come.

The museum hours for the exhibition will be Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. with the weekday mornings devoted to school tours. The cost for admission to the museum is $3.00. School tour reservations are a must and space is still available.. Contact the museum at kingvintagemuseum@sti.net or call 559-658-6999 or 559-676-3370 for more information or to make reservations for school tours.

Why was the Oakhurst museum chosen? In the early 1860's influential Californians started visiting Yosemite National Park. They decided that they wanted this land of beauty to belong to the state of California. During the Civil War, this group petitioned President Lincoln to grant the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to the state of California. In the middle of the Civil War, Lincoln took time on June 30, 1864 to sign the legislation, known as the "Yosemite Grant". Ultimately this land went back to the Federal Government, but the Yosemite Grant Act was seen as the beginning of the State of California Park System enjoyed today.

The entire community of Oakhurst will be celebrating this Exhibit with some "historic" events and everyone is invited to attend.

The list of events follows:
January 31 "Gone with the Wind" at the Met Cinema hosted by Ladies Tea and Jousting Society. "Gone with the Wind" inspired costume contest with awards.

February 12 Abraham Lincoln Gala Birthday Celebration. Kickoff celebration hosted by the Museum and the Oakhurst Chamber.

February 14 Valentine Chocolate Extraordinaire Dinner at ECCO celebrating "The Lincoln Marriage" hosted by the Wild Wonderful Women.

March 5 Opening Night Preview of the "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America Learning Station Exhibition" at the Museum by ticket only.

March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28. 7 p.m. "Abraham Lincoln Assassination" Drama at the Golden Chain Theatre. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday.

March 12 Ragtime Festival at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park 2 p.m. to 5 p.m..

March 13 Ragtime Festival at Golden Chain Theatre 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

March 19, 20, 21 "Civil War Living History" at Oakhurst Community Park. Produced by the National Civil War Association in conjunction with the Museum and the Chamber of Commerce.

Friday, March 19 "Education Day" for Students.

March 21 3 p.m. Oakhurst Community Band Spring Concert: presents "Remembering Lincoln" at 2 p.m.

The museum is a women's, men's and children's vintage clothing and accessories collection dating back to 1790 including military uniforms and war memorabilia. During the Abraham Lincoln Exhibition the feature exhibit in the museum will be "Journey through Life in the Nineteenth Century". The collection will feature artifacts from the late 1700's through the 1900"s plus some of the military and children's collection.

For more information about the events contact the museum kingvintagemuseum@sti.net or call 559-658-6999 or goto www.LincolnOakhurst.com. or www.kingvintagemuseum.org.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Half Dome Permit Information

The following information is from the NPS website. For more information you can find FAQ's at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdfaq.htm

Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are now required on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up. This is an interim measure to increase safety along the cables while the park develops a long-term plan to manage use on the Half Dome Trail.

Beginning in 2010, all people using the Half Dome Trail above the subdome must have a permit in possession on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays when the cables are up. A maximum of 400 permits will be issued each of these days. (Before the permit system, fewer than 400 people used this trail on weekdays, while about 800 people used this trail on weekends and holidays, on average.)

In 2010, permits are available up to about four months in advance to one week in advance only through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). Permits are not available in the park or on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand for permits will be very high; availability may last only a matter of minutes on the first day permits become available. Each permit has a service fee of $1.50 (which covers the cost of NRRS processing the permit; Yosemite does not receive any money).

Note: Backpackers with an appropriate wilderness permit can receive a Half Dome permit when they pick up their wilderness permit with no additional reservation required. Rock climbers who reach the top of Half Dome without entering the subdome area can descend on the Half Dome Trail without a permit.

The Half Dome Cables are usually in place and available for use the third Friday in May, conditions permitting. The last day to use them usually is Columbus Day Monday. We can not guarantee the cables will be available on any given date. If you choose to get a permit for dates in May or October, there is an increased chance the cables will not be in place.

If you are unable to hike Half Dome for any reason (including weather, cables not available, illness, etc.) on the day you have a permit, you will not be able to get a permit for a different date.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Web Cam

Here is a link to our local web cam. It is positioned just south of the Highway 41/49 junction. It is located about 5 miles south of A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast at a place called Deadwood. This is one of the highest points in the town of Oakhurst so if there is snow anywhere it will be here. The bed and breakfast is at a slightly higher elevation so we may have snow even if there is no snow on Deadwood.

Check it out:

http://www.sti.net/webcam/index.html

Monday, December 28, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

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)

Monday, December 7, 2009

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.


Monday, November 30, 2009

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.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

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

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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...:)








Thursday, November 12, 2009

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.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Babysitting

Today we babysat a new little pomeranian puppy named Penny. Jenine's sister just got her the other day. When she asked us to watch Penny while she went to sewing class we thought that sounded like fun!! She looks like a little angel in this picture sleeping on her stuffed sheep. She ran around chasing anything that moved and chewing anything that stood still. She loves shoe laces and electrical cords. Our little dog Minnie wasn't happy about sharing the limelight with such a cutie. Minnie didn't understand Penny's desire to hop and play so much. So, Minnie went to take a nap while Penny played and then Minnie watched while Penny took her nap. Boy, it's just like having babies around again!!