March 25, 2019
Lemon Panna Cotta is Perfect Spring Dessert
What could be more spring-like than a lemon dessert? Panna cotta means “cooked cream” in Italian. The sweetened, thick cream is the perfect ending to a meal any time of year. The brightness of lemon makes this version taste light and sunny. Panna cotta is sometimes called a custard, but a true custard is thickened with egg yolks, not gelatin.
Lemon adds a bright note to this creamy dessert.
Lemon Panna Cotta with Blackberry Sauce
1 cup whole milk
1 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup crème fraiche
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
Lightly oil six custard cups and set aside. Mix milk and cream in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and add vanilla. Pour lemon juice into a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin on top of the juice and let stand about 10 minutes. Stir sugar and gelatin mixture into milk mixture. Stir over low heat just until sugar and gelatin dissolve, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in crème fraiche and lemon peel. Divide among custard cups. Cover and chill until set, at least six hours.
Sauce
2 cups fresh blackberries
2 tablespoons packed golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons crème de cassis
Puree 2/3 of the blackberries, brown sugar and crème de cassis. Strain into a medium bowl, extracting as much liquid as possible. Stir remaining berries into sauce.
To serve, run a small knife around each custard cup. Place bottoms of cups, one at a time, in a bowl of hot water for 45 seconds. Place dessert plate on top of custard cup and invert, shaking gently, to turn out the panna cotta. Serve with sauce. This recipe make six servings.
Our chef notes that if you cannot find crème fraiche, heat one cup of whipping cream to lukewarm. Remove from heat and mix in two tablespoons buttermilk. Cover and let stand in a warm area about 24 hours until slightly thickened. Chill until ready to use.
February 18, 2019
Why Stay at a Bed and Breakfast Rather than a Hotel?
Why opt to stay in a bed and breakfast rather than in a large hotel? The website http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/info/trav discusses the many reasons travelers opt for smaller, independent inns and bed and breakfasts.
A Bed and Breakfast Offers Value
The article points out that hotels usually do not offer a big bang for your buck. The rooms can be small, you may pay for parking, and if there is a free breakfast it typically is a continental breakfast. Most amenities are available for an extra cost. At the Buckhorn Inn, you get a comfortable room and free nearby parking. We offer complimentary Wi-Fi, which has been newly upgraded. One of the best perks about staying with us is the hearty and delicious breakfast that comes as part of your stay. You enjoy fresh fruit, juice, and fresh-baked biscuits and sweet breads while you contemplate your choice of entrée. You may opt for a savory dish, like Country Eggs Benedict, a sweet dish like Bananas Foster French Toast, eggs cooked the way YOU like them with a breakfast meat, or a hearty bowl of oatmeal with delicious optional add-inns. And while you enjoy that, your mug will be kept filled with robust, regular or decaf coffee or tea.
Unique Rooms
Many people prefer the inns because they like a room with character. At the Buckhorn Inn you may
The Buckhorn Inn provides a serene oasis from the crowds viewing the eclipse.
choose from several different traditional inn rooms, premier suites, cottages, or guest houses. Each has its own personality and décor. Many of our guests find their favorite and always try to book “Cottage 5” or “the Red Room”!
Rich History
Many B&Bs have rich history and stories. At the Buckhorn Inn, we are proud of our 80-year history of serving guests. We have tried to keep the original charm and feel of Douglas Bebb’s vision, while providing our guests with the most modern amenities.
Personal Attention
Innkeepers go the extra mile to make sure you feel comfortable and welcome. Innkeepers John and Lee Mellor provide personal attention and assistance to all their guests. The bed and breakfast staff are great local experts and can provide you with great advice on what to see and do in the Gatlinburg area. Part of that personal attention is providing fresh-baked treats in the afternoon and providing a library of good books and DVDs.
Please let us know why you choose to stay at Buckhorn Inn!
January 7, 2019
Plenty of Winter Activities in our Area
Need a winter get-away? While summer is the peak tourist season, our area offers plenty to see and do.
Gatlinburg is gussied up through February for Winterfest. Literally millions of lights and displays make the area glow. This is a great time of year to stroll the downtown streets, admire the lights, and visit some of the shops and restaurants. Because there are not the crowds of summer and fall, now is the time to visit some of the local indoor attractions. You might want to check out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the new Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Guinness World of Records Museum. The mild
When the leaves are down the views go on forever.
seasonal weather also makes it a great time to visit Ober Gatlinburg. The resort has eight ski trails with varying levels of difficulty for beginners, intermediate, and experienced skiers and snow boarders. Certified instructors are available and an on-site shop rents skis and other equipment. The view from Anakeesta goes on for miles! Enjoy a meal or a snack, try your hand at zip-lining, or enjoy the treetop walk.
Winter Hiking
In this area about half the days in winter have high temperatures at more than 50 degrees F, making it very comfortable for hiking. Fewer tourists means more quiet. The absence of the leaves opens new vistas. It is easy to spot the stone walls, chimneys, foundations, and other reminders of past residents of the area. If there is snow on the ground, spotting and identifying animal tracks adds to the fun of your hike. If the weather has been below freezing for a length of time, you will see frozen waterfalls, sparkling icicles, and azure blue skies. Please note that as of today the federal government shutdown is still in force. That means that for most national parks there will be no park-provided services such as restrooms, trash collection, facilities, or road maintenance. For information go to the park website https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.html. Before you start out, be sure to check the weather in the area you intend to hike. In addition to temperature and precipitation, wind is an important consideration. Limbs blowing down create danger. Our guests report that some of their favorite winter hiking trails are: Rainbow Falls, Porters Creek, Max Patch, and Andrews Bald. Please share some of your favorite hiking adventures!
December 10, 2018
Get on Board the Buckhorn Inn Belle!
Are you familiar with the Buckhorn Inn Belle? For New Year’s Eve 2018 we will transform the Buckhorn Inn dining room into a Mississippi River steamboat gambling salon. We look forward to welcoming our guests to our celebration of the year that was and the year that will be aboard the Buckhorn Inn Belle! As we cruise down the Mississip, we promise not to make any bights in the bend too sharply and no gentlemen will be asked to back-and-belly any heavy freight. Festive attire is encouraged for this night to remember.
Our own Sharon Mellor will be in the pilot house for the evening.
The evening will begin at 6:00 pm with champagne, hors d’oeuvres and Ragtime and Dixieland piano. Our house gambler, Two-Eyed Jack, will be on hand to deal you a hand of poker for prizes to both winners and losers. Dinner, presented by Chef Frank Downs, will be served at 7:00 p.m.
Buckhorn Inn Belle Dinner Menu
Departing from Minneapolis
Wild Mushroom Gruyere Phyllo
Mediterranean Skewer with Anchovy Aioli
Arriving in Cairo
Shrimp and Lobster Ceviche with Cucumber, Chives and Frissee
Meet me in St. Louis
Argula, Prosciutto, and Beet Salad with Chevre and White Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette
Gettin’ the Memphis Blues
Seared Five Spice Duck Breast with Asian Slaw, Hoisin Sauce, and Micro Greens
Let’s Geaux to Baton Rouge
Horseradish-Crusted Beef Tenderloin with a Leek and Roasted Garlic Cream, Chateau Confit Herbed Potato, Hone-Glazed Baby Carrot, Minted Peas in a Tomato Cup
Arrival in N’Awlins, Dahlin’
Orange, Raspberry and Chocolate Cake with Crème Anglais, Fresh Berries, and Floral Garni
During dinner, watch out for any card sharps who may try sleight of hand at your table–we understand rounders may be about. And remember that all Gamblers and Fancy Women must register with the captain before the steamboat leaves the dock!
November 12, 2018
Stay Toasty with Mugs of Something Warm
This cool and crisp weather makes it the perfect time to fill your Buckhorn Inn mugs with a warm beverage. Coffee and hot tea are good ways to start the day but we have some other ideas to warm your hands and heart.
Our orange Buckhorn Inn mugs are quite popular with guests.
Hot Chocolate
This “from scratch” recipe makes a superb hot chocolate.
2 1/2 squares unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
Dash of salt
6 cups milk
Whipped cream
Cinnamon and/or chocolate sprinkles
Melt chocolate with water over direct heat, stirring constantly. When creamy and smooth add sugar and salt. Return to heat and cook four minutes longer. Slowly add milk and heat until chocolate mixture and milk are well-blended and hot throughout. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, and garnish with cinnamon and/or chocolate sprinkles. Fills four large mugs.
Mugs Full of Mulled Cider
Served with a dash of nutmeg, mulled cider is wonderful to wake-up to on a chilly morning.
1/2 teaspoon allspice
2 sticks cinnamon
6 whole cloves
1 quart cider
1/3 cup brown sugar
Tie the whole spices in a cheesecloth bag. Heat the cider and sugar. Drop in the spice bag and let simmer until the cider is fragrant and spicy to your taste. Top each serving with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a curl of orange peel. This recipe is also refreshing served chilled during warm weather.
Mulled Wine with Cranberries
This easy recipe comes to us from Real Simple magazine http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes.
1 1/2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
2 pieces star anise
3 cups dry red wine (try a cabernet sauvignon)
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
Combine the cranberry juice cocktail, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the wine and cranberries and bring back to a simmer. Serve warm with a few cranberries in each mug.
These are some of our favorites, but we would love to hear yours. Please feel free to send us your warm-up recipes and we will share them on this blog.
November 5, 2018
Five of the Best Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains
Today’s guest blogger http://www.trip101.com shares five of the best activities to enjoy in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Perhaps the most renowned mountain range in North America, the Great Smoky Mountains border North Carolina and parts of Tennessee, and offer a virtually unlimited selection of world class outdoor activities. Opportunities abound across the “Smokies,” an iconic portion of the Appalachian Mountains, where diversified forest ecosystems thrive among untouched and protected spaces alike. From spruce-fir forests to river valleys, the Great Smoky Mountains offers a proven solution for outdoor adventure in the American southeast. Check out our top five activities worth pursuing in the Smoky Mountains, to fill your travel itinerary with easy, lifelong memories.
1. Clingmans Dome
Dedicated hikers and lovers of awe-inspiring sights and sounds will fall easily in love with Clingmans Dome. Welcome to the highest mountain peak in all of the Smoky Mountains, with an elevation of more than 6,600 feet. Venture to the peak of this coniferous environment, for sweeping, uninterrupted
The observation deck of Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains.
panoramas of the surrounding landscapes, together with a simply unmatched sense of accomplishment.
Clingmans Dome is halfway in North Carolina and halfway in Tennessee, and provides hours of hiking enjoyment to dedicated travelers. Drive Clingmans Dome Road, and then take to a rather steep pathway up to the summit itself, fitted with an observation tower for extended viewing enjoyment. When visibility is at its best from the top of Clingmans Dome, you can see for more than one hundred miles in all directions, and into seven individual states. Take in a picture-perfect sunrise or sunset from the peak, and cross-country ski to the destination come wintertime.
2. Cades Cove
Located in Tennessee, well within the confines of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove qualifies as a staple site in the southeastern portion of the United States. The original home to decades-old settlers, Cades Cove is today beloved for its easy access and scenic wildlife surroundings. The historical element of the site alone is enough to satisfy qualifications for the National Register of Historic Places.
A geological “limestone window” defined by dated erosion, Cades Cove is home to rock formations that are more than 400 million years old. Take note of the fact that you must plan ahead if you plan on visiting Cades Cove, given the fact that it is the single-most visited location within the confines of the National Park itself. Home to Cherokee natives, European settlers and now generations of satisfied travelers, Cades Cove offers the unique synthesis of panoramic landscapes and educational immersion alike.
3. Mount Le Conte
For a truly unique Smoky Mountains experience, you need to stop by Mount Le Conte. The pride of Sevier County, Mount Le Conte offers you access to the highest peak housed entirely within the state of Tennessee. Better yet, on the way to the summit you will have ample opportunities to experience more than 5,000 feet worth of forest. The sandstone and the shale that comprise large portions of the
Mt. LeConte offers spectacular views.
mountain are easily 450 million years old, if not more.
Annual snowfall at Mount Le Conte totals nearly forty inches per year, so if you plan on visiting this site during the winter you would be advised to dress accordingly. Interestingly, Mount Le Conte is also renowned for its lodge near the summit itself, so if you’re looking for some award-winning hospitality along your way to the mountain’s peak, that’s an opportunity worth pursuing. If you spot a train of llamas trekking alongside of you, don’t be alarmed: llamas deliver supplies to the lodge three times a week during peak operational months. Intermediate hiking conditions and frequent opportunities for photos make the hike up Mount Le Conte worth every second of your investment.
4. Andrews Bald
From the bottom of the mountain to the summit, you can expect an elevation gain of nearly 900 feet, coupled with lasting opportunities for photos and fresh, outdoor air alike. If you’re looking to reach Andrews Bald, you’re going to want to embark on the nearby Forney Ridge Trail, which eventually delivers you to your destination. Well-maintained hiking endeavors and stone steps pave the way to the summit itself, part of a park-wide manicured effort to keep this location easily accessible to all guests.
Andrews Bald is the destination for you if you’re looking to bring the entire family along for the ride. Again, this hike is an all-time favorite among dedicated Smoky Mountains hikers, so you’re going to want to get an early start, and prepare to accommodate other hikers en route to Andrews Bald itself. All in all, the hike’s popularity witnesses to its worth, as a family-friendly, worthwhile endeavor in the Great Smoky Mountains.
5. Roaring Fork
Water stream flowing along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
With a name like Roaring Fork, you know the experience is worth your investment. A stream that cuts through the Great Smoky Mountains in the Volunteer State, Roaring Fork today is the home of both a historic district and a nature trail of the same name. Straight from the Little Pigeon River, the Roaring Fork stream is a must-see in the Great Smoky Mountains. Take the trail direct to the stream, along the way experiencing waterfall background, ample opportunities for relaxation and the chance to take life at a pace comfortable for you. Activities include touring historic sites. Historically preserved cabins, mills and more will greet satisfied hikers upon arrival, making Roaring Fork an ideal outing, especially for those individuals looking for a quick immersion into local lore.
The Great Smoky Mountains Abound with Family-Friendly Activities
No matter the corner of the Great Smoky Mountains in which you elect to spend your time, the massive acreage allows you to capitalize on authentic outdoor adventure, at a moment’s notice. From the waterfalls of the Andrews Bald trek to the limestone structures of Cades Cove, There’s an outdoor endeavor at the Great Smoky Mountains that can comfortably accommodate anyone’s individual preferences. Provide the entire family with the outing at the Great Smoky Mountains that they deserve, with any one of these five activities virtually guaranteed to deliver lifelong memories outdoors in Tennessee and North Carolina! If you are looking for more destination guides and accommodation reviews, hotels and vacation rentals, check out http://www.trip101.com
October 29, 2018
Soft Ginger Cookies are Perfect taste of Fall
By popular demand, we are posting the recipe for our soft, sweet, and spicy ginger cookies. We find the rich, warm tastes to be perfect for fall.
The ancient Chinese first cultivated ginger root, where it was often used as a remedy for stomach ailments. Traders on the Silk Road brought the spice to Europe. The term “gingerbread” came to refer to any baked good that included ginger and a sweetener such as honey or molasses. Europeans made hard gingerbread cookies, sometimes gilded with gold leaf. These were a popular treat at festivals and fairs. Ladies often gave their favorite knights a piece of gingerbread for good luck in a
Ginger and spice make these cookies nice!
tournament. Queen Elizabeth I is given credit for popularizing fancily decorated ginger cookies and they came to symbolize all that was elegant in England. http://time.com/4602913/gingerbread-men-history The colonists brought ginger baked goods to the New World. Early Americans appear to have preferred softer gingerbread and the first American cookbook contains three different recipes. The Marquis de Lafayette was partial to the soft gingerbread served to him by George Washington’s mother. Buckhorn Inn’s soft ginger cookies offer a delicious taste of history.
Recipe for Soft Ginger Cookies
1/4 pound butter at room temperature
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup molasses
3 tablespoons dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons milk
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
extra sugar for rolling
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter, sugar, and egg until light and fluffy. Then mix in molasses, corn syrup and milk. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, creating a stiff dough. Pinch off small pieces of dough and shape into 1 1/2″ balls. Roll in sugar. Place 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 11 to 12 minutes until tops are puffed. Cool cookies 2 minutes on baking sheets, then remove to racks to cool. These freeze well. The recipe makes about 40 cookies.
October 15, 2018
Harvest Festival Comes to Gatlinburg
The City of Gatlinburg is celebrating autumn and the harvest September 7 through November 25, 2018 with the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. This is a fabulous time of year to visit Eastern Tennessee. You can enjoy the beautiful fall colors, visit talented artists and craftsmen, enjoy the whimsical decorations, or take in one of the area’s special events. Many of our guests have marked their calendars for the November 8 Chili Cookoff. More information on this and other events is available at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event.
Gatlinburg is embracing the season with brand-new autumn-themed displays, life-size scarecrow people, and scarecrows created by individual business establishments.
Scarecrows Have Long History as Harvest Helpers
Scarecrows are used by farmers to protect their crops from birds. Historians tell use that people the world over have used scarecrows for more than 3,000 years. The first record of scarecrows is by the Egyptians who used them to protect their wheat fields along the Nile. Each culture designed their scarecrows differently. Greek scarecrows looked like one of their gods, while German scarecrows are distinctly witch-like.
Gatlinburg is celebrating the season with whimsical scarecrows.
Most scarecrows in the U.S. are human in form and dressed in old clothes. Some farmers use aluminum strips tied to the scarecrow to catch the light and scare away birds. Inflateable tube men have also been used in this fashion.
The scarecrow has been a powerful symbol in literature. Nathanial Hawthorne’s short story “Feathertop” features a scarecrow brought to life by a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Whether you prefer Ray Bolger’s scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” or Michael Jackson’s in “The Wiz”, we all root for the scarecrow who bemoans “If I only had a brain . . .”. And Indiana-born John Mellencamp featured the agricultural anthem “Rain on the Scarecrow” in his 1985 album “Scarecrow”.
Some of the most colorful names for scarecrows come from the United Kingdom. There the figure may be called hay-man, murmet, hodmedod, tattie bogle, mommet or mawkin.
By whatever name, we find scarecrows to be the iconic decoration of the harvest season!
September 10, 2018
Buckhorn Inn Tropical Fruit Chutney
At Buckhorn we sometimes offer a chutney as an accompaniment to meat dishes. To those unfamiliar with chutney, it is a lovely taste treat. Chutney originated in India as long ago as 500 BC and usually refers to a relish made from fresh fruits and spices. It comes from the Indian word “chatni” which means “crushed”. British colonials took chutney home with them and made it their own. They also brought the condiment to outposts in South Africa and the Caribbean where chutneys were made from local fruits. In England commercially-made cooked chutneys are readily available these days. They are typically made of fruit, often apples or pears, onions and raisins. These ingredients are simmered with vinegar, brown sugar and spices for several hours. The most famous commercial chutney in England is Major Grey’s Chutney. The name is based on a mythical colonial British officer who made his own chutney to accompany curry. Chutneys can be sweet or sour, spicy or mild, thin or chunky and can include such seasonings as garlic, ginger, mint, turmeric, cinnamon, cilantro or hot chilies.
Chutney typically is used as a flavorful topping for meat dishes or curry. But you might want to experiment by using chutney:
- With cream cheese on crackers for an appetizer
- Mixing it with mayonnaise as a spread for ham or turkey sandwiches
- Over steamed carrots or other vegetables
Ingredients
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
1 2-inch cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
1 ½ cups finely diced mango
1 ½ cup finely diced papaya
1 finely minced garlic clove
½ Scotch bonnet or habanero chili finely chopped
Pinch of ground cloves
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
In a large saucepan combine the vinegar, honey, brown sugar, coriander, cinnamon stick, cloves and bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Add the pineapple, mango, papaya, garlic, ginger and pepper and season lightly with salt and white pepper. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Let cool. Discard the cinnamon and bay leaf. Serve at room temperature or chilled. The chutney can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. This recipe yields about 3 cups.
July 30, 2018
“Throwback Thursday” for Buckhorn Inn 80th Anniversary
In 2018 Buckhorn Inn is celebrating our 80th anniversary with Throwback Thursday! Each Thursday in August our talented chef, Matthew Poole, will incorporate into the menu his modern take on some historical recipes. Innkeeper Lee Mellor is in possession of the original hand-written recipes used by our cooks in the 1930’s!
These handwritten recipes served the Buckhorn Inn kitchen well in 1938!
Desserts figured prominently in these early recipes. We found recipes for Fluffy Banana Cake, Texas Pecan Pralines, and Heavenly “Goo” topping for shortcake.
Savory recipes from 1938 include stuffed pork chops, roasted turkey and porcupine meatballs. Don’t worry– there is no porcupine meat in these meatballs! The name comes from the way rice grains poke out of the meatballs when they are done. The rice resembles the quills of these little animals, common in Israel. In Hebrew these meatballs are called Ktzizot Kipod.
Throwback Thursday Honors Long Culinary Tradition
The Buckhorn Inn opened its doors for business in August 1938. Many Knoxville residents visited this new Inn for lunch. Yes–in those days the Inn served three meals a day. Leisurely, plentiful lunches were a hallmark of the times. Douglas Bebb was passionate about the meals served at the Inn. He raised his own chickens to provide the very freshest eggs and his garden produced an abundance of fresh vegetables. He was an excellent cook and prepared all the meat dishes served at the Inn.
The ladies pictured here are Buckhorn Inn staff members Ella Huskey and Grace Price Branam (on the right). Mrs. Branam was the original cook for Buckhorn Inn.
The guests especially looked forward to the Sunday luncheon buffet. It was Mrs. Branam’s (the cook) day off, so Mr. Bebb cooked the meal in its entirety. He was rightfully famous for his corn pudding. In fact, his recipe was featured in the book Ford Times published by the Ford Motor Company to encourage driving vacations.
In those early days, a staff of four served the three meals a day. Tennessee was dry in those days, yet the pre-dinner cocktail hour was an honored tradition. The guests would simply bring their wine and spirits with them. Ellen Bebb, daughter of Douglas, reports that some of the guests would take turns hosting cocktail hours in the cottages. But the greatest honor was bestowed when guests were invited to Bebb House to share cocktails with their hosts.
Join us for a taste of history during dinners this August. Visit our website https://www.buckhorninn.com/dining/weekly-dining-menu to review our upcoming menus.
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