Spring Fragrances in the Ozarks

We just love springtime when the flowers bloom and permeate the air with a sweet, wonderful fragrance. We've been walking the dogs lately and probably causing a stir by sticking our heads into bushes and plants and inhaling deeply.  Even the dogs are shaking their heads. Everything is just so green and lush right now and Jan was just told today she has been awarded the Commercial Garden of the Month by the Eureka Springs Garden club. Here at the bed and breakfast we're also one of the gardens to be included in the Garden Tour in May. Don't you just love Spring growth??

Richard and Jan....5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast

Eureka Springs Queen Kitty

Does this look like a Black Panther to you? Perhaps not, but in her mind, she's a stealth hunter. Just ask her. She's Mojo (a.k.a. Miss Ojo), and she considers herself the protector of the inn and likes to keep this corner of Eureka Springs safe for guests.

Here's one of Mojo's adventures. Jan told a guest that Mojo was like a black panther, stalking things large and small. While relaxing on their deck, the guest saw Mojo stalk a deer. She'd crouch down, scoot forward silently and then turn into a wimpy ball of fur when the deer turned toward her. The guest wrote about this black panther hunt in their room guestbook. A few weeks later during breakfast Jan shouted into the kitchen that the black panther was at it again (that was Richard's cue to go rescue something from Mojo). A guest, who had read those comments from the previous guest, punched her husband in the shoulder and said, "See, I told you they had black panthers here". We all had a good laugh after we explained that the black panther was a 10 pound cat with fantasies of grandeur.

It's good to know that 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast has a Queen Cat watching over our accommodations.

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.