Summertime Food

It's nice to lighten up and enjoy what's fresh.  However, I have a staple at the Lazy T that is good anytime of the year.  So I am going to share my favorite granola recipe.  It is so easy to make and change to suit your taste or allergies.  It makes a good snack, too.

Makes 6 1/2 cups, serves 12 (not at my table)

3 c. old-fashioned oats
1 c. slivered almonds
1/2 c. coconut
1/3 c. honey
1/4 c. canola oil
1 c. dried cranberries
1.2 c. dried banana chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Stir together oats, almonds, coconut, honey and oil in a large bowl.

Spreak in a rimmed baking pan and bake until oats are golden (about 30 minutes).  Stir often to prevent sticking.

Remove from oven, let cool, then stir in cranberries and banana chips.  Store in airtight container after completely cooled.

Substitute the fruit or nuts to taste or for variety.

Enjoy!

Coming up next is about being a first time Bed and Breakfast guest!  Answers to many questions I receive.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication", Leonardo Da Vinci

A home cooked meal, a comfy bed with great linens, bright stars and brilliant sunsets, peace and quiet, or exhilarating conversation.  It's pretty simple.  No themes and gadgets; no silly names and come-ons.  Life at the Lazy T is simple and sensible.  Life in Fredericksburg is the same way.  I ran a few errands the other day and when I came home my average MPH per my car was 20!
Baking brownies, coffee cakes, and pouring wine for new found friends is a great way to live.  It's like throwing a party many days a week.  Someone asked me if I had made any friends in FBG, I answered yes, at least 10 a weekend.  My world expands greatly guest by guest.
   

The Need to Keep Up

Well, it has been pointed out to me in no uncertain terms that I am behind on my blog even though I Tweet, FB, cook, clean, worked on design of new cards, rack cards and now website.  And by the way the Lazy T is having a record third year.  Now I am a full time resident of the Lazy T which means I completed the move from my home of 25 years.  So I am proud to say that I will attempt to keep up.  I really think my guests come first, but some people prefer to push that you are all things to all people. 

It's Spring in Texas and the drought is really bad.  Mowing will be a minimum but watering will be required entertainment.  With gas reaching record highs travel is well thought out.  The world is in turmoil and earthquakes won't stop.  I am sure I could think of more bad things, but I choose not to.

I choose to keep on keeping on.  People continue to need to get away from all the daily life issues that make their lives hard.  It is my job to see that they have the best value experience for their hard earned money.  There are more goodies and bigger breakfasts at the Lazy T.  There are more shared experiences and shared sunsets at the Lazy T.  There are more morning laughs, more music, and more star gazing at the Lazy T.  There is more of a drive for me to "Keep Up" at the Lazy T.  For you see, the guests who come as strangers and leave as friends are my reason to be at the Lazy T.

Happy to be bone weary but "keepin' up".  Hugs and Sunsets, kk

Lip Smackers

Lip Smackers

These are so cute that I just had to quickly share! XO

The Need to Satisfy

Being in the B and B business allows for all kinds of interest.  They all revolve around service but can be many things.  As the Innkeeper I get to do all the things I love to do, all the things I like to do, all the things I will do, and all the things I have to do.  The good news is it is a sliding scale that goes from large loves to small have to dos.  Number one love has to be the "need to satisfy."  "Satisfy" can take on many directions in a B&B.  Today I want to focus on satisfying the love of a great breakfast and a morning that can set the tone for a great day.

When I book a reservation one of the first questions I ask is "Do you have any food allergies?"  Most people are taken aback by this.  Some people have even written in reviews about the fact that I ask this question.  I am not a full service restaurant, but I do aim to please--back to "satisfy".  I have run into many different answers to this question.  Some people are gluten free, some allergic to eggs, strawberries, bananas, nuts, etc.  You know what?  It's really not that hard to work around these issues.  After having dealt with all the allergies there are many other questions.  You know what?  We all don't drink 4-5 cups of coffee every morning any more, however, SOME of us do.  Some of us have had 3 cups before we come to breakfast.  So asking, "Do you want coffee at Breakfast?" is a very important question.  Oh, and then there is the question, "Are you coming to breakfast?"  Funny, but there are a few people who book at a  B&B and never mean to come to breakfast.     So do you get how we get into "The need to satisfy?"

Now, my latest discovery in satisfying my guests.  When you ask about the allergies they all say "no".  Then you prepare the most beautiful gourmet breakfast and set it down in front of them and they say, "the only two things I don't eat are bananas and pecans."  This is right after a beautiful presentation of my Bananas Foster French Toast.  This has nothing to do with allergies, it has to do with "I don't like."  Another "I don't like" can often be eggs.  Therefore, I always have on hand my wonderful homemade Granola and a variety of fruit.  That doesn't mean they don't like your thyme potatoes though. So just remember you are there to satisfy.  Satisfy an allergy, satisfy a want, and satisfy a need.  The glory of the need to satisfy for any and all.

The "R" word--Resolutions

Ok, I was reminded today that I have not blogged in a month.  Some how a full house all through the holidays took on a life of its' own.  Lots of food, fun, delightful guests who are now new friends, and many bottles of wine.  Decorations up--decorations down.....the Charlie Brown tree was loved by all. 

So now I must discuss the "r" word.  I don't make resolutions except for the one that has to do with running the Lazy T.  I am pouring my heart and soul into 2011 to make this the best year.  The Lazy T has only been open for 2 years and 3 months.  The first 9 months don't really count because I wasn't on site full time to make it happen.  However, 2010 was a good year despite the economy.  This year I have a list of improvements to make every guests' experience better than ever before.  I resolve that the Great Hall will get a big upgrade through HVAC improvements, furniture additions, and a kitchen upgrade.  That is all a big challenge but WILL be accomplished.  Outside there will be the additions of a large fountain, more landscaping and improved lighting.  The BIG excitement for me is going to be the addition of a garden filled with herbs, tomatoes, garlic, and all things that I can use in the making of my Texas sized breakfasts.  Of course this fabulous garden will have to be Deer fenced so we get to enjoy it and not them.  AND in front of the garden will be the addition of a sunset watching patio!  I am really excited about this.  So you can see I have set a lot of goals for myself this year, and they are all goals to create a more pleasurable experience for you at the Lazy T.  Tell me what you think of my plans.  Any ideas?