Rocky Mountain Lodge and Cabins

Resurrection Rolls, Crescent Rolls

2010-04-03T08:20:00.006-06:00

We have a number of family traditions for holidays, and one of the favorites by our kids over the years have been our Crescent Rolls "Resurrection Rolls". They're a sweet treat, which also tell the Easter story of Christ's death and resurrection. Enjoy!

RESURRECTION ROLLS

1 tube Crescent rolls
melted butter
large marshmallows
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar

Mix together cinnamon and sugar mixture, set aside.

Read Matthew 27:57-61

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Unwrap cresent rolls. The cresent rolls represent the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.
The marshmallows represent Jesus.
Dip the marshmallow in the melted butter. This represents the oils of embalming.
Dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar mixture, which represent the oils of embalming.
Wrap up the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical cresent roll up, but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside). This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after his death.
Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. The oven represents the tomb.
Let the rolls cool slightly. When the rolls are opened you discover that they are empty, representing Jesus no longer in the tomb, but He has risen.

Read Matthew 28:5-8

This is a wonderful, simple way to portray the Easter story to children, and they love eating them. Now that our children are all grown, this is still a family favority that we do every year, and now are passing down to our Grandchildren.

Have a blessed Easter and remember to celebrate the real meaning of Easter, the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

All content in this blog © Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins

Raspberry Cheesecake, Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe

2010-03-31T10:40:00.005-06:00

I love cheesecakes, any types of cheesecakes, and I'm always trying new ones out. This is one of our family's favorites, and we make it every year for Easter, along with a number of other times throughout the year just because. Enjoy our Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe...

RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE

2 c. chocolate graham crackers, crushed
1/3 c. butter, melted
3 Tbsp. sugar

Combine above ingredients and press into the bottom and 1” up the side of a greased 8 or 9” springform pan. Place in refrigerator.

2 ½ c. fresh or frozen (thawed), red raspberries
2/3 c. sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. lemon juice

In a blender, blend the raspberries until smooth. Add water, if necessary to equal 1 cup. Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan; stir in blended raspberries. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 more minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Remove ¾ cup sauce; cool slightly without stirring. Cover remaining sauce and chill until serving time.

3 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened
½ c. sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
2 egg whites
1 c. whipping cream
1 c. fresh or frozen (thawed) red raspberries
2 Tbsp. raspberry liqueur or orange juice

Combine cream cheese, sugar, flour and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixture until light and fluffy. Add egg whites, beating on low speed just until combined. Stir in cream. Pour half the mixture into crust-lined pan. Drizzle the ¾ cup raspberry sauce over cheese mixture in pan. Carefully top with remaining cheese mixture, covering sauce.

Place springform pan in a shallow baking pan in a preheated 375º oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until center appears nearly set when shaken. Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen crust from pan sides. Cool 30 more minutes; remove sides of pan. Cool completely. Chill at least 4 hours.

At serving time, top cheesecake with 1 cup raspberries. Stir liqueur or juice into remaining sauce and heat until warmed; spoon over cheesecake.

Serves 12

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.

All content in this blog © Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins

Pineapple Casserole, Scalloped Pineapple Recipe

2010-03-29T06:15:00.004-06:00

Here is another of our Easter recipes, which goes fabulously with ham. Enjoy this Scalloped Pineapple Recipe, or as we call it, our Pineapple Casserole. It's sweet and tantalizing and the perfect compliment to that Easter ham.

PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE

1 (20-oz) can pineapple chunks or tidbits
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, and fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Drain pineapple, reserving 3 tablespoons juice.

Combine sugar, flour, and 3 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice. Add cheese and pineapple. Mix well. Spoon into a 2 quart greased casserole dish.

Combine butter and cracker crumbs and sprinkle over pineapple mixture. Bake 30 minutes, or until crumbs are lightly browned.

Garnish with pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, and rosemary sprig for garnish (optional).

Serves 6

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.

All content in this blog © Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins

Glazed Ham, Glazed Ham Recipe

2010-03-28T16:52:00.008-06:00

We serve ham every year for Easter dinner, and this is our favorite glazed ham recipe. Enjoy!

CRANBERRY BURGUNDY GLAZED HAM

10-14 lb. bone in cooked ham
whole cloves
1 (16-oz) can whole cranberry sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup burgundy or other dry red wine
1 Tbsp. prepared mustard

Place the ham, fat side up, on rack in a shallow roasting pan. Score fat in diamond pattern; stud with whole cloves. Bake in a 325 degree oven about 3 hours, or until meat thermometer, inserted into the thickest portion of ham without touching the bone, registers 140 degrees.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, stir together the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, wine, and mustard. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Spoon half of the sauce over ham during the last 30 minutes of roasting. Reheat the remaining sauce and serve with the ham.

Serves 8-12.

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.

All content in this blog © Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins

Spinach Quiche, Breakfast Quiche

2010-03-26T10:00:00.005-06:00

Today is national Spinach Festival Day, so in honor of that day we're featuring one of our spinach recipes that we serve at our Colorado Bed and Breakfast Inn, Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins.

SPINACH SAUSAGE QUICHE

1 9-inch pie shell, unbaked
1/2 lb. bulk sausage
1/4 cup chopped shallot
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 box frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained
1/2 cup herb stuffing mix
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups half & half or cream
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
Paprika

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a skillet cook the sausage, shallot and garlic; drain. Add the spinach and stuffing mix.

Place pie shell on a cookie sheet. Cover the bottom of pie shell with Monterey Jack cheese. Top with sausage mixture.

In a separate bowl combine the eggs and half and half, whisking slightly to combine well. Pour over sausage mixture.

Bake for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and paprika and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Makes 6 servings.

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.

All content in this blog © Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins

Ranch Dip, National Chips & Dip Day, National Holidays

2010-03-23T09:28:00.008-06:00

Today is National Chips & Dip Day. Here's our favorite Ranch Dip recipe, and links to some of our other favorites as well.

RANCH DIP

3 Tbsp. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
16 oz. sour cream

Combine above ingredients together. Cover and refrigerate. Serve with chips, vegetables, and bread pieces. Enjoy!

Other dip recipes:

Layered Taco Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip

Wine Festival of Colorado Springs

2010-03-04T11:11:00.005-07:00

WINE FESTIVAL OF COLORADO SPRINGS

The Colorado Sprins Fine Arts Center is celebrating it's 19th year of the Wine Festival of Colorado Springs, the premier wine festival in the Colorado Front Range.

This weekend, March 5th & 6th, features 300 wines, wonderful food, seminars, wine tastings and pairings, auctions, a wine market, and a gourmet winemaker dinner.

The 2010 theme is "The Wines of South Africa: Old World Meets New".

All proceeds will benefit the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.

Reservations are required for all events, except for the Grand Tasting, where walk-ins are welcome. Tickets can be purchased HERE or by calling 719-634-5583.

Combine your time at the Colorado Springs Wine Festival with a stay at the Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins. Enjoy our signature 3-course gourmet breakfast in the morning when staying in our Bed and Breakfast Lodge, or have some private, quiet time when staying in our Cabin or Cottage rentals.

All content in this blog © Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins

Colorado Springs Chefs' Gala & Silent Auction

2010-02-15T12:33:00.012-07:00

COLORADO SPRINGS CHEFS' GALA & SILENT AUCTION

The Colorado Springs Chorale's 25th Annual Chefs' Gala & Silent Auction takes place on Sunday, February 21, 2010.

The "always awesome" granddaddy of the region's culinary competitions has been selected by the Colorado springs Gazette's "GO" Magazine as "Best of the Springs, Best Charity Benefit" and "Best Food-Music Hybrid" by the Colorado Springs Independent magazine.

Attendees feast on the entries prepared for competition by local chefs including appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

The silent auction is open for online bidding from February 8th thru 18th at http://www.biddingforgood.com/cschorale.

Some of the chefs participating include top chefs from the following restaurants:

The Blue Star
Nosh
Briarhurst Manor
Cheyenne Mountain Resort
The Cliff House
Jack Quinn's Irish Pub & Restaurant
Jake & Telly's Greek Tavern
Pizzeria Rustica
The Margarita at Pine Creek
And many more

Click Here for More Details and to reserve your place.

Need Lodging for the event? Stay at the Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins, just 6 miles west of Colorado Springs IN the mountains. A great way to get away for not just a fun event, but also enjoy some time away, and feast on our gourmet 3-course breakfasts in the morning as well.

All content in this blog © Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins

Pancakes, How to Make Pancakes

2010-02-16T05:25:00.011-07:00

PANCAKES

February 16th is National Pancake Day! Yes, there IS a National Pancake Day, isn't that funny? My family have always loved all kinds of pancakes. And when the kids were little and I didn't have anything ready for dinner, we'd have "breakfast for dinner", and pancakes were always a top option. Over the years we've tried many different types of pancakes. And in my quest for the perfect pancake, I found a recipe that I thought was delicious, and tweaked on it a bit to make it even better, then came up with variations to change it up a bit. Here's our recipe for pancakes and how to make pancakes, along with several variations.

BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

3 cups plus 2 Tbsp. cake flour*
1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 3/4 cups buttermilk (or milk)
2 large eggs
3 tsp. vanilla extract
4 Tbsp. butter, melted
Vegetable or Canola Oil
Butter
Syrup

*If you don't have cake flour you can substitute 2 3/4 cups plus 1 1/2 Tbsp. all purpose flour and 1/4 cup plus 2 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Mix together flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar in large bowl; set aside.

In a medium bowl whisk together buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. Pour in butter in a stream while whisking.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Set aside for a few minutes to allow flavors to combine.

Preheat griddle to 400 degrees. Drizzle with oil and ladle about 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto hot oil. Cook about 5 minutes, until batter begins to have air bubbles. Flip and cook on other side 3-4 minutes more.

Serve with butter and syrup.

Makes 6-8 servings.

VARIATIONS:

SOURDOUGH PANCAKES:
Use 3 cups buttermilk and 3/4 cup sourdough starter.

APPLESAUCE PANCAKES:
Use 3 cups buttermilk and 3/4 cups applesauce and add 1 tsp. cinnamon to dry ingredients.

BANANA WALNUT PANCAKES:
Add 1 tsp. nutmeg and 1 cup chopped walnuts to dry ingredients; mash 3 overripe bananas and add to wet ingredients.

BLUEBERRY PANCAKES:
Add 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries to batter. If using frozen blueberries, rinse and drain before adding to batter.

CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES:
Decrease flour by 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 1 cup mini chocolate chips

All content in this blog © Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins

Haiti Relief Fundraiser

2010-02-28T07:50:00.007-07:00

HAITI RELIEF FUNDRAISER

Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins is one of 10 Bed and Breakfast Inns, Cabins, and Cottages participating in a Haiti Relief Fundraiser.

Member inns will donate 10% of our proceeds to the Red Cross to help benefit the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Stay with us for the next TWO weekends, March 5th thru 7th, and March 12th thru 14th and we will donate 10% of our your stay to help with the Haiti relief efforts.

Visit our website at http://www.rockymountainlodge.com/ and check our all of our facilities... stay in our Colorado Cabin Rental, our Colorado Vacation Cottage, or our Rocky Mountain Bed and Breakfast Lodge, and while enjoying a weekend getaway you'll also be benefiting others in need.

For other participating inns, Cabins and Cottages, see the Authentic Inns and Cottages of Pikes Peak website.

All content in this blog © Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins

Chocolate Fudge Cake, Decadent Chocolate Cake

2010-02-11T10:31:00.005-07:00

CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

Valentine's Day would not be complete without some rich decadent chocolate cake. This cake is one of our absolute favorites and sure to please any chocoholic!

Click here for the recipe

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

2009-07-11T08:31:00.020-06:00

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest motor sports race in America and a long-standing tradition in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. First competed in 1916, this year marks the 88th running of the "Race to the Clouds."

The race is on the Pikes Peak Highway, right here in our own Cascade Colorado, where Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins is located.

In 2010, the race will take place on Sunday, June 27th with race related events all week long. Fan Fest, on Friday, June 25th spanning 7 blocks of downtown Colorado Springs, will feature motorcycle jumpers, beer gardens, a chili cook-off, live bands and the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders and is expected to draw over 35,000 spectators.

The race is run on a 12.42 mile course with 156 turns that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110 foot summit of America’s Mountain; Pikes Peak! As the drivers climb toward the summit, the thin air slows reflexes and saps muscle strength. The thin air also robs engines of 30% of their power at the summit. Competitors and vehicles must be in top shape simply to finish...let alone win!

This year the race has 11 classes and features a variety of automotive, semi truck, exhibition, open wheel, super stock car, pro truck and motorcycle classes with a field approaching 200 competitors.

Race Week begins Tuesday, June 22 with Tech Inspection at the Host Hotel. Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous inspection with a concentration on safety issues. That evening there will be meetings for all the riders and drivers at the Crowne Plaza. Practice and qualifying takes place Wednesday through Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 am on Pikes Peak.

The current record is 10:01.41 and was set by Nobuhiro Tajima in 2007.

You can find out more about the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb at their official website at http://www.ppihc.com/.

Visit Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins' calendar of events page at http://www.rockymountainlodge.com/calendar.htm for more upcoming events in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

And if you need Pikes Peak lodging for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins is a stone's throw away from the starting point!

EMMA CRAWFORD COFFIN RACES IN MANITOU SPRINGS, COLORADO

2009-10-19T07:02:00.020-06:00

Manitou Springs, Colorado is known for a few wacky events, and the Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Parade are one of the highlights of year. Why coffin races? Here's the story...

Emma Crawford moved to Manitou Springs in 1889 with her mother and fiance in hopes that the famous Mineral Springs would help with a cure for her tuberculosis. Sadly, in the summer of 1890 Emma died quite young, just before she was to marry Mr. William Hildebrand, an engineer on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Her wishes were to be laid to rest on top of Red Mountain. Her fiancee and eleven other men began the arduous task her carrying Emma's coffin up to the top of Red Mountain. It took them all day, working two shifts to scale the 7200 foot summit. After years of stormy weather on the granite mountain, the granite gave way and Emma's remains were washed down the side of Red Mountain. Emma was later buried in the Manitou Springs Cemetery in an unmarked grave. An official grave site was granted to her in 2004 to honor her life. Emma supposedly still haunts Red Mountain to this day.

In honor of Emma, Manitou Springs hosts a local parade and coffin races each year. Participants bling out their coffins, dress as Emmas and other ghoulish characters, march in the parade, and then race down Manitou Avenue in one of the most popular events of the year, which have been featured numerous times on the Travel Channel and in Newsweek. A wake in Emma's honor is also held at Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs the night before the races.

This year's 16th annual events take place October 29-30, 2010, as follows:

Emma's Wake: Friday, October 29 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs. Reservations Required.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Parade: Saturday, October 30 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm on Manitou Avenenue, downtown Manitou Springs, Colorado. Parade begins and Noon and the Races immediately follow.

And while you're here for the festivities, stay with us here at Rocky Mountain Lodge and Cabins in either our Colorado Bed and Breakfast Lodge near Manitou Springs, or our Colorado Cabin Rentals.

Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cookoff & Mardi Gras Carnivale Parade

2010-02-09T11:28:00.007-07:00

MUMBO JUMBO GUMBO COOKOFF

and

MARDI GRAS CARNIVALE PARADE

Once again Manitou Springs comes through with another fun local event... it's annual Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo cookoff and Mardi Gras Carnivale Parade.

Come out to witness fabulous chefs compete with each other, armed only with crucial ingredients and their secret recipes!

Gumbo begins cooking at 8:00am. Public tasting will follow the judging (10:45am) 2 tasings for a dollar!

The always entertaining Mardi Gras Carnivale Parade takes over downtown Manitou Springs following the cookoff.

Need lodging while you're here for the big event? Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins is located just 5 miles west of Manitou Springs in the beautiful mountain community of Cascade. Consider staying in our Colorado Bed and Breakfast Lodge, or one of our Colorado Cabin Rentals.

Enjoy the festivities!

Superbowl Recipes

2010-01-26T07:52:00.010-07:00

SUPERBOWL RECIPES

One of the best things about the superbowl (besides the game), is the food! I've never been a big football fan, but since my hubby and kids like to watch the game I take pleasure in preparing (and eating) the food! Who doesn't love appetizers, finger food, junk food, and tapas?! I'll share several of our favorite Superbowl Recipes over the next couple weeks so you'll have plenty to make for the big game day. I'll add each recipe to this post as I post the recipes. Enjoy, and have fun!

Taco Dip Recipe

2010-02-05T06:37:00.006-07:00

This recipe has been a favorite in my family since I was a kid, and it seems to be an American classic that disappears quickly and everyone loves. It's an extremely versatile recipe and you can swap out any of the ingredients if you don't care for them. My hubby doesn't like olives so I'll sometimes make half without olives. Be creative!

LAYERED TACO DIP RECIPE

1 can refried beans
2 taco seasoning packets
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
3 avocados, diced
1 tsp. lemon juice
3 ripe tomatoes, diced
3 green onions, sliced
1 (6-oz) can olives, sliced
16-oz Colby-Jack cheese, shredded

In a casserole dish layer the above ingredients in the following order:

Refried Beans
Mix together taco seasoning packets, sour cream and mayonnaise and spread over refried beans
Black Beans
Mix together avocados and lemon juice and sprinkle over black beans
Mix together tomatoes, green onions and olives and sprinkle over avocados
Sprinkle cheese over all

Serve with tortilla chips.

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.

Buffalo Wings Recipe

2010-02-03T07:57:00.008-07:00

This is a traditional must have at any Superbowl party. We've tried numerous recipes over the years, and this one has been our favorite. Enjoy!

BUFFALO WINGS RECIPE

Vegetable, Canola, or Peanut Oil for frying
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup Crystal Louisiana Hot Sauce or Frank's Red Hot Cayenne Sauce
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
20 chicken wing pieces or 10 chicken strips, thawed and patted dry
Blue Cheese dressing
Celery Sticks

Combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Put the wings or strips into a large bowl and sprinkle the flour mixture over them, coating each wing evenly. Put the wings in the refrigerator for 1 hour (this will help the breading to stick to the wings when fried).
Combine the butter, hot sauce,ground pepper, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Heat until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well blended.
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees. Make sure you have enough oil to cover the wings entirely, at least 1-2" deep. Fry the wings in the hot oil for 10 to 15 minutes or until some parts of the wings begin to turn dark brown. Do not overcrowd your oil with too many wings at a time or your oil will cool too quickly and the wings will not brown properly and will be greasier instead of crispier. Lift wings and drain on a wire rack for about 20 seconds.
Quickly put the wings into a large bowl. Add the hot sauce and stir, coating all of the wings evenly. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Serves 4-6

Puppy Chow Recipe, Chex Muddy Buddies

2010-01-31T05:12:00.007-07:00

PUPPY CHOW

(Chex Muddy Buddies)

Our kids have always loved this sweet snack, and it's so easy and quick to make! When our son in law was overseas in Iraq our daughter would make this for him and send it in big batches. The troops devoured it! It's a great sweet snack for those superbowl parties, game day, or other parties. Enjoy!

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 (12-oz) pkg chocolate chips
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
6 cups Rice Chex or Crispix cereal
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Pour cereal in a large bowl; set aside.

Melt butter, chocolate chips and peanut butter in a medium saucepan. Pour over cereal and gently mix until well coated.

Pour powdered sugar into a large grown grocery sack and pour coated cereal into the bag. Close the bag tightly and gently shake until cereal is evenly coated.

Enjoy! It NEVER lasts long because it gets eaten too quickly!

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

2010-01-28T09:32:00.009-07:00

SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP

1 pkg. Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 (16-oz) container sour cream
1 (10-oz) box frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 small jar artichoke hearts, chopped (about 1 cup)
3-4 handfuls grated Parmesan cheese
2 loaves round peasant bread, and/or tortilla or pita chips, fresh vegetables, crackers, or other dipping items

In a large bowl combinesoup mix and sour cream. Mix in spinach, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours to blend flavors.

Cut out middle of one loaf of bread and fill with dip. Cut the middle of the bread into bite sized pieces, as well as the 2nd loaf of bread, or skip the 2nd loaf and use fresh vegetables, chips and crackers. Serve with dip.

Alternately, place dip in oven proof casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and dip is hot. Serve immediately.

Serves 16

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.

Artichoke & Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta

2009-10-13T10:13:00.007-06:00

New Recipe for Artichoke & Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta posted on my website. It's also included our Rocky Mountain Lodge and Cabins Cookbook, which can be purchased at our Gift Shop.

Swedish Meatballs, Swedish Meatballs Recipe

2010-01-26T07:57:00.005-07:00

SWEDISH MEATBALLS

4 Tbsp butter, divided
1 cup minced onion
1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
1/2 lb ground veal*
1/2 lb ground pork
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
3 Tbsp flour
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup half and half
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp salt
parsley, for garnish

*You can ask the butcher at the meat counter for ground veal if you cannot find it in your meat section. Or, you can substitute pork or ground beef for the veal if you cannot get veal. The veal, however, does add to the flavor.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion. Cook and stir 8 - 10 minutes or until onions are very soft. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine beef, veal, pork, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in large bowl. Add onions; mix well. Shape into balls (use 2 tablespoons of meat mixture for dinner-sized meatball or 1 tablespoon for cocktail-sized). Set aside.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Reheat skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 to 1/3 of meatballs. Do not crowd pan. Cook 8 minutes, shaking pan to allow meatballs to roll and brown evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 15 - 20 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to covered casserole dish and keep warm in oven.

Meanwhile, wipe out skillet. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, stir well. Combine milk, half-and-half, egg yolk, and salt in a small bowl. Slowly stir into the flour mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook and stir 3 minutes or until thickened. Remove dish from oven and pour sauce over meatballs. Place on serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately, or place in crockpot on low for a buffet. These are also wonderful as a main dish served over hot, buttered noodles.

Makes 72 cocktail-sized meatballs.

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.

French Onion Soup Recipe

2010-01-11T07:43:00.012-07:00

We love French Onion Soup! This French Onion Soup recipe is from my husband's Grandmother and we just love it. Enjoy!

FRENCH ONION SOUP

1 lb. sliced onions (2 - 2 1/2 cups)
2-3 Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup dry sherry
3 cups beef broth
3 cups chicken broth
toasted French bread or baguette slices, or croutons
6 tsp. Parmesan cheese
6 slices Gruyere or Provolone cheese
parsley

Saute onions in butter until clear. Add seasonings and sherry. Simmer for a few minutes. Add broth and cook for 20 more minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Ladle in 6 oven-proof bowls. Add bread, grated Parmesan cheese and a slice of Gruyere or provolone cheese on top. Bake until cheese is melted and starting to brown. Or, you can put them under the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese. Garnish with parsley.

Serves 6.

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.

Recipe Contest Finalist - Pepperidge Farms

2010-01-21T20:34:00.005-07:00

I'm so excited I just have to share this. I submitted a recipe to Pepperidge Farms a few months ago for a contest they were having and found out today my recipe is one of the 5 finalists in the dessert category. It's now in the hands of voters to vote for the winning recipe. I'm calling out to all my blog followers to vote for my recipe.

Go to www.123puffcontest.com and click on the "dessert" tab, and then click on the Vote tab under my recipe... "Creamed Bananas in Puffed Pastry Shells" (the recipe can be found at the voting page), then click "submit vote".
And, you can vote once per day, every day, until it ends on February 1st. So vote every day until then. I'll let you know if I win.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Cripple Creek Ice Festival

2010-01-17T07:48:00.015-07:00

CRIPPLE CREEK ICE FESTIVAL

Cripple Creek, Colorado will be holding it's 3rd annual Ice Festival on February 13th - 15th, and 20th & 21st this year.

World renowned ice sculptors will use chainsaws and assorted tools to create larger than life "Under the Sea" sculptures ranging from mythical to magical, and spectators can enjoy watching the ice carving as the sculptors create their masterpieces.

This family friendly exciting event is free to the public. It will include several activities for adults and children alike, including an ice maze, an ice slide, the "Dueling Chainsaws" completions, a martini bar, and retail and food vendors will be around as well.

Schedule of Events are as follows:

Friday, February 12th:
Ice Preparation & Carving

Saturday, February 13th - Monday, February 15th:
Ice Carving (All Day)
Main Event Tent and Martini Bar (11:00 am - 5:00 pm)
"Dueling Chainsaws" Competition (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm)

Tuesday, February 16th - Friday, February 19th:
Ice Sculpture Viewing (Ice sculptures will remain open for the public to see)

Saturday, February 20th - Sunday, February 21st:
Ice Carving (minimal)
Main Event Tent and Martini Bar (11:00 am - 5:00 pm)
"Dueling Chainsaws" Competion (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm)

Monday, February 22nd - Sunday, February 28th:
Ice Sculpture Viewing (Ice sculptures will remain, weather permitting, and are open for the public to see)

For more information on this Colorado Ice Festival in Cripple Creek click here to visit their website.

Need lodging in Cripple Creek while you're here for the Ice Festival? Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins is just 40 minutes from Cripple Creek. Consider one our Colorado Cabin Rentals or our Bed and Breakfast Lodge near Colorado Springs.

Prime Rib Recipe, How to Cook Prime Rib

2009-12-21T08:08:00.013-07:00

Every Christmas our family has Prime Rib for dinner. Years ago I found a recipe for prime rib with an herb rub and a home made horseradish sauce, and it's delicious. Our family look forward to it every year. Enjoy!

PRIME RIB ROAST

with Herb Rub and Horseradish Sauce

ROAST:

4 lb. beef rib roast
1 clove garlic, cut in half
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Herb Rub (below)
Horseradish Sauce, if desired (below)

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare Herb Rub. Place beef, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Rub garlic over beef. Spread mustard over top and sides of beef. Spread herb rub over top and sides of beef. Insert thermometer so tip is in center of thickest part of beef and does not touch the bone. Roast uncovered, 1 1/2 - 2 hours, or until thermometer reads 140 degrees (medium doneness; 130 for rare; 150 for well done). Cover beef loosely with foil tent and let stand about 15 minutes, or until thermometer reads 140 degrees. Serve beef with Horseradish sauce.

Serves 8

HERB RUB:

3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 1/2 tsp. dried)
1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 1/2 tsp. dried)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Mix all ingredients.

HORSERADISH SAUCE:

1 cup sour cream
1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. horseradish (more if you want it hotter)
1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. coarsely ground pepper

Mix all ingredients together. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors.

This recipe, and 349 others can be found in our cookbook "Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins Favorite Recipes" which can be purchased in our Gift Shop. Click Here to order your copy.