Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Flowers are Blooming Like Crazy!


It's late Spring, the weather is finally getting consistently warm, and the flowers are obviously happy about it!  Annuals and perennials alike are showing their glorious colors and shapes, and the effect they have on everyone's spirit is quite amazing!  After the long winter, and a cold damp early Spring, it's so invigorating to see the splashes of color popping all over our property.  A freshly mowed lawn adds to the serenity, and the frolicking bunnies and squirrels make everything just about perfect.  We hope everyone is enjoying this rejuvenating time of year... and if you'd like to see all of these wondrous colors up close, just come to the Apple Bin Inn for a relaxing getaway in beautiful Lancaster County!  See you soon!!
By the way... if anyone can tell us the name of the unknown variety at the bottom of this post, please add a comment and let us know ~ Thanks!



Pink Geranium
 
Double Knockout Roses

Picasso Ivy Geranium



Purple Lanai
 

Nasturtium - the edible flower
  
White Peony (smells fantastic!)

Rhododendron

 


Who knows what this is???


Sunday, May 15, 2011

It's Baseball Season in Lancaster County!

For sports fans like us, summer means one thing... baseball season!  And one of the best ways to enjoy a professional baseball game is to come to a minor league ballpark... with its clean, wholesome, and family-friendly atmosphere, well-behaved smaller crowds, prices that won't empty your wallet, and just plain fun! So while you're visiting Lancaster County, we highly recommend you enjoy an evening of Lancaster Barnstormers baseball at Clipper Magazine Stadium. You'll be amazed that ticket prices range from just $5 to $12, and believe it or not, stadium parking is free... try getting that at a big league ballpark!  There's a wonderful variety of food and drink concessions that are also reasonably priced, and there's even a great kids' play area for the youngsters.  For most games, if your child wears their Little League jersey, you can even sit on the grass beyond the outfield fences for free, and maybe even catch a home run ball!  So come on over to Lancaster County this summer, enjoy a fun getaway at the Apple Bin Inn (just 10 minutes from the stadium), and celebrate our national pastime.  
As the umpire says... "PLAY BALL!" 

Clipper Magazine Stadium ~ Home of the Lancaster Barnstormers

Friday, May 6, 2011

A Special Recipe for Mother's Day!

As Mother's Day arrives this weekend, it's once again time to think about that person we too often take for granted... Mom!  So why not turn the tables this weekend and cook her a special breakfast... ideally served in bed, with a rose bud and an extra hug!  
And we have just the recipe that will warm her heart and bring a loving smile to her face... our scrumptious Apple Cheddar Quiche.  Based on a recipe from Captain Schoonmaker's B&B in High Falls, NY, it has become a favorite of our guests here at the Apple Bin Inn, and we know your Mom will feel pampered when you serve it to her!

 
Apple Cheddar Quiche at the Apple Bin Inn
Ingredients:
1 unbaked pie crust                                                    
2 large apples                                                             
¼ cup sugar                                                                
Cinnamon to taste
6 eggs  
1 cup Half & Half
1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese           

-  Preheat oven to 350o F. 
-  Peel, core, and slice apples.  Sauté in butter.  Halfway through, add cinnamon and sugar,
and continue cooking until apples are fork tender.
-  Place unbaked pie crust in quiche pan.
-  Place cooked apples on the bottom. Cover with cheese.  Beat eggs and Half & Half together and pour over apples and cheese.  Swirl any syrup left from the apples over the top before baking (you can also save a few apple slices to place on top). 
-  Bake 40 to 50 minutes until filling is set.  Cut like pie, and serve with sausage or bacon.  

Complete her plate with a sprig of mint leaves or grapes.
Accompany with a small bowl of fresh strawberries with french vanilla yogurt and brown sugar,
along with orange juice, and coffee or tea, and Mom will smile for days! 

Warm wishes for a Happy Mother's Day,
from our family to yours!