Cookie Testing Begins for the Eureka Springs Cookie Tour

Our first experimental test for the Sweet Treats Cookie Tour began with Maida Heatter's Chocolate-Nut Icebox Cookie. This is a easy recipe. The texture and the form of the cookie is very good, actually it's excellent. As a matter of fact I feel that the texture improves the taste. My first batch of cookies did not produce a strong enough chocolate taste for me and I believe this is a result of the quality of cocoa used.

When I eat chocolate I want to taste the chocolate. I am going to try this cookie again, however I am now online figuring out how to place an order for Wilbur's Cocoa. I have used their chocolate before and found that Wilbur's produces a fantastic chocolate that delivers a chocolate taste like no other.

The next experimental test will be another one of Maida Heatter's Chocolate recipes - stay tuned!

........Jan (5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast)

Richard's response: I know that Jan said there wasn't enough chocolate flavor for her, but I and two other tasters snarfed our way through a couple dozen of these cookies and found them delightful. Bring on some more Jan!!

Chocolate Cookie Fantasy Wish

It's time for us to start thinking about our 'Bed and Breakfast Inns of Eureka Springs' Association annual Christmas Sweet Treats tour. Jan is scouting out all our cook books for special cookie recipes. She is really focusing on Maida Heatter's 'Book of Great Chocolate Desserts'. Me being the chocoholic, I'm not disappointed in her choice. Could this be a Julie meets Julia moment? I am wondering what great cookie recipe she will find, because you know how I hate being the one who has to taste all those experimental workings (sly smile now showing). Can't wait for the taste tests to begin.

For the fifth year now, on Saturday, December 10th, our association will be putting on this event. Here's what it includes.

• Nine unique bed and breakfasts included on the tour.
• Yummy cookies & treats (2 per inn) with recipes to add to your collection.
• Holiday decorating ideas from each of the beautifully decorated inns.
• A chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Finish your shopping in Eureka Springs' unique shops and art galleries.
• Enter our giveaway contest for a chance to win one of three $100 gift certificates good at any of the Sweet Treats Cookie Tour participating inns.

Will post more on the cookie tastings as they happen. Jan promised me a new cookie recipe a week.

Keurig Coffee Makers & Room Makeover

We now have Keurig Coffee makers in all of our rooms. No more messy grounds or filter packs. Pop in a K-Cup and brew a great cup of coffee. If the two of you have different tastes, that's no problem as we have regular and decaf coffee, flavored coffee and teas. Since these are single cup servings, each of you can choose what you want.

Also, we are doing some work on the Carriage House room, tiling the jacuzzi area plus some other upgrades that should make this room even more inviting.


Jan & Richard
5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast

Butterfly Lodging in Eureka Springs

All we can say is, "Wow". This year the number of butterflies swooping through the garden is amazing. Even driving down Arkansas highways there were dozens and dozens that dodged the car as we drove along. From what we can determine most of the butterflies here in the Eureka Springs area are Spicebush Swallowtails.

We thought, hey, we could really make some money if we could charge caterpillars for the nights accommodation they spent on our plants. Not just overnight accommodations but with breakfast included, specifically, Richard's parsley. Throughout the garden it was like watching a battlefield in action with Richard trying to pick the parsley faster than the caterpillars could eat it.

But in the end, it was beautiful. Large, black-spotted butterflies adorning our yard....natures canvas. In the mornings when it's cooler, we take our 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast mugs and watch the butterflies rising with the sun.