"Let Them Eat Cake"!

Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too! We are sharing two delicious cake recipes from our Wisconsin Innkeepers that you can prepare easily. The Apple Bundt Cake is perfect for a snack or baked for breakfast. The Hummingbird Cake, is a southern recipe, and very rich and decadent! It is a must try!

The other "B" in our name is breakfast, but many of our Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association Innkeepers also enjoy serving up welcome treats in the afternoon, so delicious goodies are also our Innkeepers specialty. And, really, there are no strict rules, so sometimes a dessert is served after breakfast! So, you can bake these Innkeeper recipes and/or visit any of our Wisconsin Bed & Breakfasts for truly special breakfasts and homemade treats! Enjoy!

 

Apple Cake

Recipe by The Livingston Inn, Madison:apple-cake-28-754 cake recipes

Ingredients:
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 t. vanilla
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 t. allspice
2 t. baking powder
2 cups peeled and chopped apples (approx. 4 small apples)
1 cup pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped dates

Directions:
Beat oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla on low speed until creamy. Add dry ingredients a little at a time and beat well after each addition. Fold in fruit and nuts. It’s a very thick batter. Bake in Bundt pan for 45 minutes at 350 degrees and test cake.  Bake at additional 5-minute increments if cake is still not baked all the way through.

 

Hummingbird Cake

Recipe by Apple Tree Lane B&B, Waupaca:hummingbird-cake-3 cake recipes

Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups oil
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple - do not drain
2 cups bananas, mashed, about 3-4 large bananas
1 cup pecans or walnuts chopped

Directions:
Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon. Mix together with whisk.  Add eggs, vanilla extract, oil, pineapple, bananas, and nuts.  Mix all until moistened. Spray 3 (9 inch) round cake pans or one 9x13 inch pan.  Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 30-35 minutes until cake is done in center.  Frost with Pecan Cream Cheese Frosting!

Pecan Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1 lb. box or about 3 2/3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

 

You can find more delicious recipes on our recipes page!

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10 Great Places for Cross Country Skiing in Wisconsin

Cross Country Skiing in WisconsinCross country skiing and snowshoeing are two of the most popular winter sports in Wisconsin, and are both an extraordinary way to explore the state's exceptionally beautiful winter landscapes. Many of the best places for winter activities like these are Wisconsin's State Parks and forests. These protected lands are beautiful any time of year, but when the snows begin to fall, they take on an extra magical quality that simply must be enjoyed.

Some trails are single-track for traditional cross country skiing, while others are built for skate-style skiers, and still others are wide enough for both. Wherever you end up this winter, make sure one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are at the heart of it all.

When it comes time to find the best places to stay in Wisconsin, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than our collection of Inns. Our member properties are located in all the best destinations around the state, ready to welcome you with the warm hospitality we've become known for. Find your special place this winter, and book a room at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast today!

Cross Country Skiing in Wisconsin

With over 700 cross country skiing trails in the state (and even more ungroomed trails), it's impossible to list all of the wonderful places for cross country skiing in Wisconsin. But, we do have a few great recommendations to get you started, including some properties that have trails on their very property. Travel Wisconsin provides a great snow report tool that can help you time your trip to optimal conditions. 

  1. Justin Trails Resort near Sparta has its very own network of groomed cross-country ski trails on their 200-acre property.  When you're ready to venture out for more, they are near Wildcat Mountain State Park, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and the Black River State Forest, all excellent destinations for cross country skiing. 
  2. Devils Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park near Baraboo both offer exceptional trails for cross country skiers. 
  3. Nine Mile Forest and Sylvan Hill Park in Wausau are two of the most popular places for cross country skiing in Wisconsin
  4. Getaway up north in Sturgeon Bay, and enjoy some wonderful winter recreation on the Ahnapee State Trail, at Whitefish Dunes State Park, where you can cross country ski along the bluffs of Lake Michigan.
  5. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay is the perfect place for Beginners to test out their stamina on cross country ski trails. 
  6. The Lapham Peak portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is located near Waukesha and is a great place for cross country skiing. It offers one of the longest downhill portions of ski trails in the state. There's a warming hut along the trail, and both rentals and lighted night skiing are available. 
  7. Mt. Ashwabay near Bayfield offers more than 40 km of cross country ski trails, and exceptional views of the area, including views of the Apostle Islands.
  8. Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca is a beautiful place to spend the day cross country skiing. The nearby Iola Winter Sports Club is also a great place to spend the day (or night!) on the 20+ km of trails. They also host a ski jump, if you feel so inclined.
  9. Copper Falls State Park near Ashland offers multiple loops of classic and skate-groomed trails suitable for a variety of ability levels. Skiers will enjoy winding through mature hardwood forests and enjoying the scenic views of the Bad River.
  10. Blue Mound State Park in Blue Mounds, home to the highest point in southern Wisconsin, features excellent cross country skiing opportunities for all abilities. 

Ski the Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski Event in 2020

Cross Country Skiing in WisconsinThe American Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski event is North America's largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon. It's an extraordinary event that will take place from February 22, 2020. In total, 12,000 cross country skiers from around the world will participate in the Birkebeiner (50k Skate/55k Classic), the 29K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 15K, the children's Barnebirkie, and Junior Birkie.

The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system, located between Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, attracts a variety of athletes around the year but is never more spectacular than it is during the winter.

The Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin

At the end of a long day on Wisconsin's cross-country ski trails, we know you'll be ready for someplace warm to relax and unwind. That's why we recommend staying at our collection of Inns, rated as the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Make the most of these cold winter months, and enjoy getting out and exploring the beautiful state of Wisconsin! A great getaway isn't complete without exceptional lodging, which is exactly what you'll find at our member Bed and Breakfasts. 

Our Innkeepers invest a lot of time and energy into making sure they offer the best places to stay in Wisconsin, which starts with offering you accommodations as close to feeling like home as possible. Start your day off on the right food with an impeccably-prepared breakfast. Our innkeepers take incredible pride in their recipes and provide you with a delicious meal at the start of your day! We take time to make sure every detail of your stay has been thoughtfully tended to. Use our search tool to find the best places to stay in Wisconsin this winter!

 

Stay and Play: A Guide to Water Sports in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts Near Lakes and RiversWe can't get enough of Wisconsin in the summertime. With 15,000 lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 659 miles of pristine shoreline along the Great Lakes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy water sports this summer. A number of our member Bed and Breakfasts are located near some of the state's best lakes and rivers. Stay and play, when you choose to lodge at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. We have 8 great places in mind, to help get you out on the water and having fun as soon as possible. Find an Inn from our member directory, and book your Wisconsin vacation today!

Water Sports Near a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast

Watersports like canoeing and kayaking have long been popular. So too have pontoon boats, sailing, and fishing charters. But have you heard of the latest craze in water sports? Standup paddleboarding has quickly become the fastest growing water sport in the world. Some of the best places to take part in these and other activities are on the waterways of Wisconsin, many of which are conveniently located near a Bed and Breakfast. Here are 8 great places to consider heading this summer!

Lake Superior

There's no doubt that one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin to explore via kayak or canoe is Lake Superior, located in the northwest corner of the state.  Not only is Lake Superior the largest and cleanest of the great lakes, but it's also home to popular areas like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and the ancient sandstone sea caves. The vibe of this northwestern corner of the state is peaceful and tranquil, with far fewer crowds competing for space on the water. It's a wonderful place to relax, take deep breaths of fresh air, so you return rejuvenated from your time spent on the water. Lake Superior also happens to provide excellent fishing for musky, northern pike, and trout.

Lake Michigan

The second of the two Great Lakes bordering Wisconsin offers just as many water sports and opportunities for recreation. In northeastern Wisconsin near the Door County Peninsula, sailing is a popular pastime. The Door County Peninsula itself boasts over 250 miles of incomparably beautiful shoreline. See if you can spot the 11 lighthouses that still light the way up north. Further south along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in east-central Wisconsin, especially near towns like Two Rivers or Manitowoc, charter fishing is popular. Two Rivers is a historic fishing port, and once operated the largest fleet of "Mackinaws" on the great lake. Two Rivers also happens to be the home of the popular "Kites Over Lake Michigan" Kite Festival on Neshotah Beach, which takes place August 31 - Sept. 1, 2019.

Travel further south along the coast of Lake Michigan, and you'll continue to find a wide variety of lake towns worthy of exploring, as well as popular beaches and attractions, and many of Wisconsin's finest Bed and Breakfasts.  

Paddleboarding and Other water sports, located near a Wisconsin Bed and BreakfastLake Winnebago

Located in the same east-central area of Wisconsin, you'll find the state's largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago. Here, not only will you find some of the best walleye fishing in the country, not to mention perch, bass, and sturgeon, but you'll find 138,000 acres of water to explore.  Rent a pontoon boat for the day, and explore these warm, shallow waters. 

Lake Wissota & Chippewa River

Another popular destination in the east-central region of Wisconsin is Lake Wissota and the nearby Chippewa River. Rent a pontoon and take it out on the lake, or paddle around in a canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard. You can also rent tubes, and go floating down the Chippewa River. The river is scenic and slow-moving; perfect for a relaxing day on the water!

Kickapoo River

The Kickapoo River, which meanders along the valley floor of the Driftless Region for over 100 miles, can easily be considered one of the most scenic rivers in the state. It's located in southwestern Wisconsin and is one of the most popular places for canoeing and kayaking in the state. The towering limestone bluffs rising on either side of the river are simply breathtaking.  The most popular section of the river for paddlers extends from Ontario to La Farge, winding its way partially through Wildcat Mountain State Park.

Mississippi River

The mighty Mississippi along Wisconsin's southwestern border offers plenty of recreational opportunities.  Travel down the 250 miles of Great River Road, exploring the 33 quaint river communities along the way. It's a wonderful place to go birding and is considered one of the most important bird habitats in the country.  You can also get out on the river to enjoy the scenery and history of the area. The La Crosse Queen River Cruise is a beautiful way to spend a day. There's also a car ferry in Cassville, which is a fun and unique experience, as it's one of the last car ferries of its type on the upper Mississippi.

Waupaca/Chain O'Lakes

It's easy to get out and enjoy water sports in the Waupaca Area of central Wisconsin. Waupaca is part of the Chain O' Lakes, a series of 22 connected lakes that are popular for kayaking, boating, standup paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and so much more. These spring-fed lakes are crystal clear, each tinted varying shades of green and blue thanks to ancient glacial deposits. To say the area is beautiful is an understatement.

You can also rent both pontoon and speed boats to explore the lakes, in addition to canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.  You can even take a guided cruise on a paddle wheeler, which takes you through 8 of the 22 lakes. 

Yahara River Chain

In south-central Wisconsin near Madison, you'll find the Yahara Chain of Lakes. It's the perfect place to be if you want to mix water sports and vibrant city life.  The Yahara Chain of Lakes splits the city of Madison in half, providing visitors with miles upon miles of connected waterways, nature trails, parks, beaches, and picnic grounds to explore. Lake Mendota is one of the more popular lakes in the area and is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, standup paddleboarding, fishing, and sailing. Sailboat racing has actually been a part of Lake Mendota's culture since 1839. Races are still held by the local yacht club every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday during boating season.

Relax in Comfort at a Wisconsin Inn

After a busy day on the water, there's no doubt you'll be ready to relax. For the most comfortable night of sleep away from home, choose a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. We're conveniently located in many of the most popular destinations around the state, some with easy access to the popular waterways mentioned above.  Let these water sports be a part of your summer this year. Book your room at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast today!

11 Great Craft Breweries to Explore in Wisconsin

Craft BreweriesWisconsin has long been associated with good beer. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to enjoy the summer months in Wisconsin, without finding good beer (or a festival) nearby. Wisconsin's beer industry dates back to at least the 1830s when German immigrants brought their extensive brewing knowledge to the Badger State. The rest really is history and includes well-known names such as Miller and Pabst. Milwaukee even earned its spot as the unofficial "beer capital of the world." Though the beer industry has always thrived in Wisconsin, recent years have seen tremendous growth in the number and popularity of microbreweries. And, of course, many of our member Bed and Breakfasts are well-situated for you to explore some of the best craft breweries in Wisconsin. Now is the perfect time to book your room at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, so you can enjoy a refreshing adventure this summer.   

Craft Breweries in Wisconsin

Odds are that wherever you stay in Wisconsin, you'll find a great local brewery to visit. But, if you want a few suggestions, here are 11 of the top-rated breweries in Wisconson.

  • Urban Harvest Brewing in Milwaukee is relatively new as far as Wisconsin's craft breweries are concerned, but it's quickly become one of the most popular places in Milwaukee.  
  • There are a couple of reasons to visit Sheboygan: Bratwurst, and beer from 3 Sheeps Brewing. They even have some taproom-only brews, giving you extra incentive to visit their beautiful taproom. 
  • Sand Creek Brewing Company in Black River Falls is a microbrewery with a big reputation. They're actually one of Wisconsin's largest breweries and have won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup 3 times.  
  • Craft BreweriesAmherst's Central Waters Brewing is a true gem in Wisconsin's craft beer scene, dedicated to environmental sustainability. Central Waters Brewery solely utilizes green packaging and uses solar-heated water to run its operation. As the first brewery granted membership in the state’s Green Tier program for environmentally responsible businesses, Central Waters Brewing is a leader in environmental stewardship.
  • There must be a good reason that O'so's Brewery in Plover has been called the most “Wisconsin” Wisconsin brewery by WisconsinBeer.org. It's really something you have to experience for yourself, and the 40+ beers on tap will help you along the way. 
  • You can't take a tour of Wisconsin's top craft breweries without stopping at Milwaukee's Miller Brewing Company, which today is still made with the same yeast strain that started it all in 1855.
  • The Potosi Brewing Company, one of the oldest craft breweries in the state, is well worth the stop. They even have a National Brewery Museum on-site.
  • The Ale Asylum in Madison was the city's first craft brewery and features an eccentric range of year-round and seasonal craft beers.
  • Not too far away from the Ale Asylum, in Middleton, Wisconsin, is a veteran of Wisconsin's craft brew scene; Capital Brewery. Capital Brewery was established in 1984 and was once named the #1 brewery in the entire country by the Beverage Testing Institute. 
  • Another great brewery to try is H.H. Hinder in Waupaca. It's one of those places we'd consider to be a hidden gem of a brewery, certainly less famous but equally as good as places like New Glarus Brewing. H.H. Hinder is another environmentally friendly craft brewery producing exceptional beer and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of fun in Wisconsin's popular Chain O' Lakes region
  • Finally, there's Tyranena Brewing Company in Lake Mills. Their name is certainly unique and based on Native American legends.  It's an interesting story worth learning about, but their beer and brewery tours are the real star of the show, and their expanded outdoor patio is the perfect place to unwind on a hot summer day. 

For an even more extensive list of Wisconsin's top craft breweries, refer to Travel Wisconsin's Brewery Itinerary, which features a delightful range of regional breweries around the state. Odds are you'll also find a local craft brewery or taproom in whatever Wisconsin town you land in.  When it's time to unwind for the evening, enjoy the restful accommodations and exquisite hospitality at one of Wisconsin's finest Bed and Breakfasts. Find an Inn, and book your beer-laden adventure through Wisconsin today!

Quilts - keep one close!

Quilts – it’s a good idea to keep at least one close by here in Wisconsin! There’s an Amish Quilt Auction in Amherst (between Stevens Point and Waupaca) Saturday May 16 (www.maderauction.com) featuring over 300 quilt and wall hangings. We’ll recommend getting an early start – Artha Sustainable Living Center B&B is within a few miles, and the Stevens Point, Manawa, Waupaca, and Weyauwega B&Bs are less than a 30 minute drive. Make your reservations / mark your calendar for the August 29 quilt auction too. [caption id="attachment_1580" align="alignright" width="300"]Warmth under the 'wedding ring' quilt at Crystal River Inn, Waupaca. Warmth under the 'wedding ring' quilt at Crystal River Inn, Waupaca.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1579" align="alignleft" width="190"]Keep the chill away at Willow Pond B&B and Events in Weyauwega Keep the chill away at Willow Pond B&B and Events[/caption]  

Wake up early at a Wisconsin B&B Association Inn

On this day in 1869, influential Wisconsin naturalist, John Muir penned these words in his July 19 journal entry in an effort to capture the experience of awakening for the first time in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California:

Watching the daybreak and sunrise. The pale rose and purple sky changing softly to daffodil yellow and white, sunbeams pouring through the passes between the peaks and over the Yosemite domes, making their edges burn; the silver firs in the middle ground catching the glow on their spiry tops, and our camp grove fills and thrills with the glorious light. Everything awakening alert and joyful… John Muir, Entry for "July 19" from My First Summer in the Sierra, 1911. "California As I Saw It": First-Person Narratives of California's Early Years, 1849-1900
Courtesy of Library of Congress.

We at the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association couldn't agree more! Our member inns are here to make daybreak a  joyful experience. Not only will you be greeted with a delightful breakfast, but many times the grounds also offer spectacular opportunities to fully experience the wonders of nature. While our highest point (Timms Hill at 1,952 ft) is not exactly as awe-inspiring as the Sierra Nevadas, we believe sunrises at our 46 rural inns are definitely camera-worthy!  Case in point: Crystal River Inn, Waupaca. Innkeepers Robert and Deb Benada got these great shots around their inn.  To plan a getaway focused on bird-watching and nature preserves, we invite you to visit our birding map which will help you locate nearly 400 birding sites within 30 miles of one of our member B&Bs. [caption id="attachment_1261" align="aligncenter" width="559"]Morning Mist at Crystal River Inn, Waupaca. Morning Mist at Crystal River Inn, Waupaca.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1262" align="alignleft" width="215"]Indigo Bunting, Crystal River Inn, Waupaca. Indigo Bunting, Crystal River Inn, Waupaca.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1263" align="alignright" width="300"]Monarch Caterpillar at Crystal River Inn, Waupaca. Monarch Caterpillar at Crystal River Inn, Waupaca.[/caption]              

Calling All Hardy Explorers

Here in Wisconsin, we never let winter get in the way of a good outdoor event.   Stay at a Wisconsin B&B and you’ll always know you have a warm, cozy bed and warm, homemade breakfast to come back to.  So here are our picks for some terrific outdoor fests for each weekend in February, with links to B&Bs in the area, starting with the 24th annual Hot Air Affair in Hudson, February 1-3.  The weekend includes hot air balloon launches, a parade and geocaching.  The Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament will be held in Westby, February 1-2.  There’s the Sturgeon Stampede in Fond du Lac, February 8-10, with skating, broomball, ice bowling, and ice sailing.  The centerpiece of the Manawa Snodeo in Manawa, February 15-16, is the vintage snowmobile and motorcycle racing under the lights.  Rounding out the short month is the American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event in Hayward, February 21-23.  Also, feel free to take a gander at Travel Wisconsin's Snow Conditions Report and click on your favorite activity to see what the conditions are like. Feeling hardy?  We hope so. [caption id="attachment_1034" align="alignleft" width="216"] Ski Jump Tournament courtesy of the Westby House Inn, Westby.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1030" align="alignright" width="240"] Guest gears up for an afternoon of snowshoeing at Justin Trails B&B Resort, Sparta.[/caption]                 [caption id="attachment_1026" align="aligncenter" width="182"] Hudson Hot Air Affair[/caption]

A Warm Fireplace at a Wisconsin B&B Sounds Mighty Nice

Welcome to January 2013.  We’re declaring it the Month of the Cozy Fireplace, given the winter chill in the air here in Wisconsin.  Perhaps you’d like to book an overnight at an inn that stokes the fireplace every evening, thus complementing the warm hospitality dished out by the innkeepers.  There’s Inn at Wawanissee Point in Baraboo, where the massive stone fireplace in the living room is a popular spot for evening wine and cheese gatherings.  At Silver Star Inn B&B in Spring Green, the fireplace in the dining room is a nice accompaniment to the steaming hot coffee and homemade pastries served every morning. And at Cleghorn B&B in Waupaca, the fireplaces in the guest rooms are a special luxury we all wish we had at home.   [caption id="attachment_1018" align="aligncenter" width="434"] Inn at Wawanissee Point, Baraboo.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1016" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Silver Star Inn B&B, Spring Green.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1021" align="aligncenter" width="375"] Cleghorn B&B, Waupaca[/caption]

Weddings at Highclere Castle…or a Wisconsin B&B

Fans of the incredible PBS series “Downton Abbey” most certainly spent last Sunday evening glued to their TV sets for the season premiere.  At last, the wedding of Matthew and Mary!  And a wedding for Edith on the way.  Did you know you can actually book a wedding at Highclere Castle where the series is filmed?  Well, if that’s not in the (bridge) cards for you, then you’ll be pleased to know that many elegant Wisconsin B&Bs also host weddings.   Or perhaps an elopement is more your style, in the spirit of Lady’s Sybil’s runaway marriage to the chauffeur.  It’s all so thrilling, isn’t it! [caption id="attachment_1008" align="aligncenter" width="300"] More than a walk down the aisle, here comes this Bride down on a garden path, fragrant with flowers. Experienced wedding planners at the Oscar H. Hanson House in Cambridge do the work, so you can treasure every moment.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1009" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Weddings at Willow Pond B&B & Events in Weyauwega promise to be nature-inspired. Gardens and water features are the stage for wedding vows, while tents or the festive converted barn shelter the celebration.[/caption]  

Granola Recipe for Amateur Athletes

Granola Recipe for Amateur Athletes On August 18, Waupaca will be hosting the Waupaca Area Triathlon.  With its fantastic Chain O’ Lakes and beautiful countryside, this area of the state was meant for an event like this.  Innkeeper Kerri Thiel of the Apple Tree Lane B&B there has participated in the tri, which makes her especially qualified when it comes to catering to the needs of athletes.  “We have flexible check-in/check-out, covered secure bike parking, in-room massage, a very early pre-race high-carb breakfast buffet, and a full breakfast upon the athlete’s return,” noted Kerri.  She also makes a mean granola cup, available before or after the race, and shares that recipe here which she adapted from one found on Pinterest.

Winning Breakfast Granola Cups Yields:  12 regular size cups or 25 mini cups

 Ingredients: 4 T. butter ¼ C. honey ¼ C. molasses 3 T. brown sugar ½ t. cinnamon ½ t. ginger ¼ t. ground cloves ¼ t. salt 1 t. vanilla 2 c. Old Fashion Oats (not Quick Cook) ½ cup wheat germ ¼ cup flax seed ¼ c. sliced almonds ¼ c. dried cranberries or mixed dried berries  Filling:  Greek yogurt and berries of choice, garnished with a mint leaf.  Directions: In saucepan, add butter, honey, molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.  Heat until combined.  Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.  In a separate bowl mix together the oats, wheat germ, flax seed, almonds, and cranberries.  Pour the liquid over the dry ingredients and stir until completely coated.  Place the mixture into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to cool.  When ready to bake, grease muffin tin and fill each opening about 2/3 full.  Using your fingers, press into the center of the hole and then work your way around the edges to form a bowl.  Place the bowls into a 325 degree oven.  Cook 15-17 for regular size and 10-12 for the mini.  Let cool completely before removing from the tin.  Store in airtight container. When ready to eat, pull out and fill with Greek yogurt.  Top with berries of choice and garnish with a mint leaf. [caption id="attachment_687" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Picture yourself lazily swinging, post-race, on the grounds of Apple Tree Lane B&B. Replenish your energy with Innkeeper Kerri's crunchy homemade granola."][/caption]    

Warm Up with Soup (and Grilled Cheese)

Some might call it a classic combination – tomato soup and grilled cheese.  Of course, with it being Wisconsin, we always suggest making the sandwich using an artisan cheese.  Download the brochure of artisan cheese varieties and think about pairing two or three cheeses.  Then whip up this recipe for Italian Basil Tomato Soup from Green Fountain Inn in Waupaca and you will feel warm and cozy no matter what the mercury reading is outside.  Here’s one more idea: Search for B&Bs that offer rooms with fireplaces (wood-burning) and enjoy a warm-you-up breakfast made for you. Italian Basil Tomato Soup - makes 4 servings 1 pound Italian sausage 1 medium onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 (14.5ounce) cans diced Italian tomatoes 1(8 ounce) can tomato sauce 1/4 c basil, chopped 1/2 c lemon juice 2 TBL sugar 1TBL Worchestershire sauce 1 t salt 3/4 teaspoon hot sauce Heat a bit of oil in a heavy-bottomed soup pot over med-high heat.  Remove sausage from casings & crumble into the pot.  Add onion & celery and cook until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.  Add in the tomatoes and puree together using a blender (regular or immersion). Add remaining ingredients and reduce heat to low.  Cook just until heated.  Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and/or croutons. [caption id="attachment_361" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cooking Classes - a great inside activity for the winter - are held at the Green Fountain Inn, in Waupaca."][/caption]  
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