Video Blogging!

So, in order to show you folks even more of the wonderful house and gardens, what goes on here and the great activities in the area, we have decided to add HD video to our blog. Here is our first test post, the Esopus Creek running through our garden as the snow begins to melt.

Esther and Jared

A wonderful group of people celebrated Valentine's Day weekend with us this morning. It was a chance to relax and enjoy good company, and an excuse to eat pecan waffles with chocolate ganache, and custards with fresh raspberries, and strawberries dipped in (even more) chocolate. Esther is a photographer who works for the NFL. We feel quite blessed by the people who visit this house, and we think you can see by the warmth and joy in Jared's and Esther's smiles just what we mean. Check out some of Esther's vibrant portraits here: www.esthernisanova.com/ .

Dutch Babies

For a delicious breakfast, 'Dutch Babies', or small Baked German Pancakes, never fail to impress. Made from an eggy batter baked in the oven in cast iron skillets, the mixture puffs up to great heights and becomes golden and crisp around the edges. Timing is everything as it has to be served immediately, invariably starting to collapse the instant it is whisked from the oven.

3 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup all-pupose flour

pinch salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

confectioners sugar

Preheat the oven to 400-450F.

Butter four small 6 inch skillets.

Beat the eggs thoroughly in a mixing bowl and blend in the milk. Slowly sift the flour and salt into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Add the melted butter and mix briskly until the batter is smooth.

Pour the batter into the skillets and bake for 15 minutes.

While you're waiting, get the lemon juice and sugar ready - you don't want to lose a second once they're out of the oven!

Take the pancakes out of the skillets and sprinkle with lemon juice (not too much!) and dust with powdered sugar.

Serve immediately.

Pellegrino

We like to have a complimentary bottle of San Pellegrino sparkling natural mineral water in each room when guests arrive. As well as tasting really good it looks great!