Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Valentine's Day brings thoughts of flowers, stuffed animals, mushy love cards and chocolates. Chocolate covered strawberries are always a big hit, and with a little practice, they are very easy to make.

Start with plump, but not too ripe, strawberries that have nice greenery on the end. A long stem is nice, but these are usually more pricey, and not necessary for dipping. Rinse them off, and dry them completely. This is a crucial step, as the chocolate won't adhere well to a wet berry.

There are several products for dipping fruit, but you can do just as well with chocolate chips and a little Crisco. I use Nestle's Semi-Sweet Morsels, and about 2 TBSP of Crisco for every cup or so of chips. The tricky part is melting the chips correctly. I have to be honest and tell you that I don't have a double boiler, and have never used one in my life! To melt the chips in the microwave, place them in a microwave safe container and zap them for 30 seconds at a time. Stir after each 30 second increment, and it's a good idea to pull them out when they still look just a little chunky, so you don't burn them. Stir them well after taking them out, and this will disburse the heat well enough to smooth it out.

I have an amazing little gizmo that I bought on QVC that melts the chocolate evenly, and is perfect for dipping fruit. I don't know if they still carry it (bought it a couple years ago), but here's a picture (made by Cook's Essentials)

So after you have dried the berries well, stick a toothpick through the end of it and dip into the chocolate, letting the excess drip off. I like to give it a little twirl and shake to get even more off. There is such a thing as too much chocolate! Invert the berry, sticking the toothpick into a piece of styrofoam (I put waxed paper over the styrofoam to keep it from getting nasty). You can also just hold the berry by the crown to dip, and lay it down onto waxed paper, not using a toothpick at all. I just prefer the control of using the toothpick to dip and twirl. Place the berries into the refrigerator for an hour or so for the chocolate to set. If you don't want to do anything fancy to them, that's it! Place on a pretty plate for presentation and enjoy!

If you want make them a little more decorative, you can use almond bark to make swirls and loops on top of the chocolate. Melt the almond bark in the same manner as the chips. I have tried using white chocolate chips before, and just couldn't seem to get the melting down. Almond bark works wonderful - just let it cool for a few minutes before putting it into a sandwich baggie to decorate (or pastry bag - but I'm lazy and hate cleaning these!). Cut a very small hole in the corner of the bag, and holding the strawberry by the toothpick, squeeze the bag while turning the berry. Don't squeeze too much - depending how thin it is, and how warm it still is, it may just come out on it's own. Hold it over the container that you heated it in to avoid a big mess and save what you don't use. Don't try to be perfect - the beauty is in the zigzags and loops and swirls. Do you think anyone will notice before shoving it in their mouth anyway? :)

The Galveston Rebirth Race

When	Saturday, September 12, 2009, 8:30 – 9:30am
Where	Throughout East End
5K Run / Walk	$27.99
Wheelchair	$22.99
Kids 12 & Under	$22.99
Contact	(409)765-7834
Details	On the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ike’s historic landfall on the upper Texas coast, supporters of Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) will gather to participate in the Galveston Rebirth Race. On Saturday September 12, 2009, the race will begin at the Mardi Gras Arch in front of the historic Tremont House hotel. Participants in the 5K will run or walk through Galveston’s historic downtown, East-End, Silk Stocking, and San Jacinto neighborhoods. “Historic Galveston Island has seen its fill of calamities,” says Clay Wade, director of events for GHF. “Its rich architecture remaining stands as a testament to survival of storms, fires and progress. “The preservation programs of GHF have, for more than 50 years, been the catalyst for its continued existence,” says Wade. “We are very excited to offer this fun, and healthy, new event to our line-up of our other fundraisers. Support of the 5K run/walk will enable GHF to persist in keeping Galveston historic.” Galveston’s commercial and residential districts contain a diverse mix of historic homes and buildings dating as far back as the early 1800s, including the home of Michael B. Menard, one of the city of Galveston’s founders, built in 1938. Galveston is also home to Ashton Villa, built in 1859 by James Moreau Brown, then one of the richest men in Texas. Bishop’s Palace, built between 1887 and 1892, is another Galveston landmark, named by the American Institute of Architects as the 14th most important Victorian building in America. “Texans have long recognized that the historic buildings and neighborhoods of Galveston are some of the local places that make the island unique,” says Dwayne Jones, executive director of GHF. “This run will highlight several of our historic neighborhoods and the threatened cast iron buildings downtown, but it is an even larger symbol of our ability to endure and triumph over Hurricane Ike and its consequences. This will be one of a number of local events that recognizes our inner strength as well as Galveston's resilience as a coastal community.” All proceeds from the Galveston Rebirth Race will go towards supporting GHF and its mission of preservation, community redevelopment, stewardship of historic properties and public education. Incorporated in 1954, Galveston Historical Foundation is one of the nation's largest local preservation organizations. Over the last 50 years, the foundation has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, public education, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation and stewardship of historic properties. Today, GHF has over 2,000 memberships representing individuals, families, and businesses across Texas, the US and abroad and exerts a profound impact on the culture and economy of the Island. For more information or to register, go to www.galvestonhistory.org or call 409-765-7834.

A Local's Favorite

My guests always ask me what I like to do on the island, and while I don't get out of the house often enough, when I do, I like to do the "touristy" things. My two favorite things to do are The Duck Tours and Bishop's Palace.

If you've never been on an amphibious vehicle, you must do it! This is a vehicle that can go directly from pavement, into the water. Imagine! Added to the coolness of this thing is the driver/guide that will entertain you for the entire hour long tour with his "quack quacks" at pedestrians and Galveston residents, all while telling of the history of our fine city. The Duck is furnished with enough life preservers for all, and prior to starting, the driver explains where to find them and how to use them. Not to worry, they've never been needed on a Galveston tour! It picks up daily from 25th/Seawall, every 90 minutes, from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM. It is $15 for adults and $10 for children. Pretty cheap entertainment!

The Bishop's Palace was built from 1886 to 1892 and was cited by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 100 most important buildings in America. Galveston’s grandest and best-known building, the Bishop’s Palace is an ornate delight of colored stone, intricately carved ornaments, rare woods, stained-glass windows, bronze dragons and other sculptures, luxury materials and furnishings, and impressive fireplaces from around the world (including one lined with pure silver!). The docents will tell stories of the people that lived here and how it fared during the 1900 Storm and Hurricane Ike. It is located at 14th/Broadway, and guided tours are given every hour on the hour. The price is $10 for adults, $7 for students, and free for children age 5 and younger.

Galveston has something for everyone ~ from our beautiful renourished beaches to our history, from our amazing architecture to our exquisite restaurants. Galveston is a magical place, with interesting and unique people making up our little community. Come see what we're all about and play "tourist" with the locals!

Galveston Island Re-Birth Day Celebration!

When	Saturday, May 30, 2009, 12 – 8pm
Where	Throughout Downtown
Contact	(888)GAL-ISLE
Details	Downtown Galveston will celebrate its return with a Re-Birth-Day Celebration on Saturday, May 30. The festivities will include street entertainers, live music, Radio Disney, and tours of The Tremont House. Activities will begin with live music and sidewalk art and entertainment on the 21st to 23rd blocks of Postoffice Street from noon - 2 p.m. The party will move to the 23rd block of Ship’s Mechanic Row in front of The Tremont House from 2 – 4 p.m. for a mini-street party with live entertainment and tours of hotel. Next Radio Disney will broadcast live from 4 – 6 p.m. at Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand. Radio Disney will also treat visitors to games and giveaways. Finally, the celebration will move to nearby Pier 21 with live entertainment featuring Greek music and belly dancers on the new deck of Olympia at Pier 21. All areas will be decorated in a birthday theme. Galveston’s KGBC 1540 AM will broadcast live from the festivities. The Tremont House will reopen to the public in June. Located in the 1879 Leon H. Blum Building in the heart of historic downtown Galveston, the hotel sustained flooding on its first floor following Hurricane Ike’s impact on Sept. 13, 2008. The hotel’s restored lobby and Toujouse Bar area will continue to reflect a European-style hotel. A new stylish cafe featuring Starbucks coffee, a pizza oven and light fare will serve guests. In the evenings, it will transform into a chic wine bar. Hurricane Ike caused flooding of upward of eight to ten feet of water in downtown Galveston. Once known as the “Wall Street of the Southwest,” Galveston’s famed avenue, The Strand, anchors the historic downtown. Recognized today as a National Historic Landmark for its outstanding collection of 19th century architecture, The Strand is the heart of a vibrant downtown and waterfront offering shopping, dining, museums, entertainment, accommodations and nightlife. This 70-plus block historic downtown includes tree-lined Postoffice Street, home of The Grand 1894 Opera House, art galleries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, and live theater. Visitors also will find an eclectic mix of shops and warehouse galleries along 25th Street. Downtown Galveston’s Re-Birth-Day Celebration Schedule: • Postoffice Party Zone, 12 – 2 p.m., 21st – 23rd blocks of Postoffice Street • Mechanic Party Zone, 2 – 4 p.m., 2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row • Saengerfest Party Zone, 4 – 6 p.m., 23rd and Strand • Pier 21 Party Zone, 6 – 8 p.m., Pier 21 off Harborside Drive The Re-Birth-Day Celebration is sponsored by the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Historic Downtown Galveston Partnership and Mitchell Historic Properties. For more information on the Re-Birth-Day Celebration, call (888) GAL-ISLE or visit the website: www.galveston.com.

Tried a New Recipe Today

One of the many reasons I enjoy repeat guests is because I can try out new recipes on them and (hopefully) they will be honest enough to tell me what they think. I tried this last week and it went over well, so this week I tried it again and managed to take a picture before serving it. I always wondered if the people who get those perfect shots of food just throw it away after? I could have messed with this plate a thousand different ways to get the perfect picture, but it would have been cold by the time I got it to the table. And I really have better things to do than to make a beautiful entree just for a picture! Eat it, you say? Uh...no. My breakfasts are rarely healthy. Outstandingly good, but not necessarily good for you. There's a reason most of my guests skip lunch!

Anyway, here's the recipe. It really makes a nice moist pancake and the bananas are outstanding!

Nutella Pancakes with Carmelized Bananas

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup Nutella
• 1 & 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 bananas, sliced
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Whisk eggs in a bowl with Nutella until smooth; add milk and oil, whisking until combined. In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients; allow batter to rest for 5 minutes. Spoon batter onto hot griddle; cook both sides until golden brown. In the meantime, make topping by melting butter in skillet over medium heat; add sugar and cook, stirring until mixture becomes slightly browned - watch carefully so as not to burn. Add bananas, cooking until softened, about 2 minutes. Add maple syrup and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and spoon onto pancakes. If desired, serve with extra maple syrup on the side.
Yield: Approximately 15 pancakes

The Beauty of Morning

For twelve long years before becoming a B&B owner, I worked swingshift. My hours were 3 PM to 11 PM, and I got to sleep in as late as my little heart desired. Most days, it desired to sleep until noon. Maybe it's the getting older thing, or the responsibility of owning my own business, but my body can't do that anymore. 6 AM rolls around, and much as I try to force myself to go back to sleep, I can't do it.

So recently, I've tried to embrace the morning by going outside to work in the yard. I know that others have long ago realized that morning is the best time to have a few quiet moments to yourself. I've always been a bit slow to realize anything, and this is no exception. But the peace and beauty and sounds and light and smells in the morning are something to carry with you all day and help you get through anything thrown in your way. The birds and the squirrels have all been busy for hours, and while they don't appreciate my intrusion, I have work to do also. This morning it was weed pulling and putting in some Mexican Heather that my neighbor brought me (I have the best neighbors!) Since Hurricane Ike, the yard has been a struggle and a wallet buster. So many things needed replacement, and the weeds that were brought in with the salt water have been the strangest looking things. Two hours out there, and there is still much to be done.

Tomorrow is a new day and when that one eyeball peeks at the clock at 6 AM, I hope the other eyeball will open without too much effort!

The Ten Commandments of Human Relations

1) Speak to people. There is nothing so nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

2) Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, only 14 to smile.

3) Call people by name. The sweetest music to anyone's ears is the sound of his own name.

4) Be friendly and helpful. If you want friends, you must be one.

5) Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a joy to you.

6) Be genuinely interested in people. You can like almost everybody if you try.

7) Be generous with praise and cautious with criticism.

8) Be considerate with the feelings of others. There are usually three sides to a controversy; Yours, the other fellow's and the right side.

9) Be eager to lend a helping hand. Often it is appreciated more than you know. What counts most in life is what we do for others.

10) Add to this a good sense of humor, a huge dose of patience and a dash of humility. This combination will open many doors and the rewards will be enormous.