IRISH SODA BREAD

March 15th, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

 

Ingredients:

4 c unsifted regular all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

¼ c sugar (optional)

1/8 tsp cardamom or coriander (optional)

¼ c butter or margarine

1 egg

1¾ c buttermilk

Directions:

Combine in a large bowl the flour, salt, baking powder, soda, sugar and spice (if used).

Add butter or margarine, and cut in with a pastry blender or two knives until crumbly.

Beat egg slightly and mix with buttermilk; add to dry ingredients and stir until well blended.  Turn out on a floured board and knead until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes.

Divide dough in half, and shape each into a round loaf; place each loaf in an 8-inch cake or pie pan.  Press down until dough fills pans.  With floured knife, cut crosses on tops of loaves, about ½ inch deep in the middle.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.  Makes two loaves.  Bread is done when bottom of bread sounds hollow when tapped.  Turn the bread out into a basket lined with a towel. Irish soda bread tastes best on the day it is made; it tends to become stale if stored too long. You may be able to revive day old bread with a sprinkling of water and a quick toasting. While butter is a common topping, you can also use clotted cream or preserves.

Currant or Raisin Soda Bread:

Follow basic recipe above, including the sugar; omit cardamom or coriander.  Add 2 cups currants or raisins to the flour mixture with 1¼ teaspoons caraway seed (optional).  Blend with egg and buttermilk and proceed as directed in above recipe.

Whole Wheat Soda Bread:

Substitute 2 cups whole wheat flour for 2 cups of regular all-purpose flour in the basic recipe above.  You might add 1 to 2 cups raisins or chopped dates, if you wish; mix in with the dry ingredients before adding the liquid.

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March Madness Prevails at Boothbay Harbor Region Bed and Breakfast

March 14th, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

Our westward view over the Sheepscott

All those sayings that we are all too familiar with regards happenings in March just happen to be swirling around in my head today.  You know, sayings like:  “Beware of the Ides of March” or “March comes in like a Lion and goes out like a Lamb” or “When Irish Eyes are smiling – they’ll steal your heart away” – you know those sayings.  It all started this morning as I sat at my desk in the Owner’s Quarters here at Hodgdon Island Inn  looking out of the window.  The window showcases our westward view over the Sheepscott and it appears that our snow fortress is weakening. 

Our snow fortress is weakening!

 The walls of snow are melting away before my eyes.  I am reminded of that infamous “I’m melting “ scene in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy douses the Wicked Witch of the West with the bucket of water – only here on our tiny island in Boothbay, Maine, Mother Nature is doing the dousing and our once wicked white world is turning into a pool of spring greens and browns!

OMG!  March is a very busy month in the State of Maine! Kicking off the month  there was the annual yum-yum fest known as Maine Restaurant Week, March 1-12th, where one can get scrumptious three-course meals at a set price; then we had the 2011 Flower Show in Portland this past weekend, March 10-13th, titled “The Enchanted Earth”. The show is a collaboration of green industry landscapers, growers, gardeners and industry retailers dedicated to the continued success of everything about “Gardening in Maine”.

Beware of the Tides of March!

Higher tides than ususal predicted this weekend

Next up is the Ides of March (March 15th), but the TIDES OF MARCH is much more appropriate.  Why you ask? Because at every full moon, when the earth and the sun and the moon are lined up in space, the gravity of the sun and moon reinforce each other and the earth’s tides become particularly high.  It is predicted that the tides will be higher than usual, especially on Saturday hence the “Beware of the Tides of March”.

 Now we’re counting down to St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th.  For many it is a day of partying, parades, eating corned beef and cabbage and drinking green beer  (Sarah’s Cafe, fun restaurant on Route 1 in Wiscasset). For others it is a day of prayer and contemplation. For me it is a day filled with many memories, lots of love, much laughter, a few tears, good Irish music and an Irish jig or two.   I may have mentioned that I am first generation American-born of Irish ancestry, but I don’t know if I mentioned that I am also an Irish step dancer.  My mother, Sheila, was born in a town on the coast outside Dublin, Ireland not too dissimilar from Boothbay Harbor. 

Currant soda bread is cut in wedges to serve;whole wheat soda bread is featured.

But most importantly of all:  one must eat Soda Bread on this great day!  Now I could write an entire blog on Irish Soda Bread because there are as many different recipes for it as there are shades of green on the Emerald Isle, but we stick to the Byrne Family recipe which has been handed down for many generations.  I have shared this family heirloom with you in the recipe section of our blog I hope you enjoy it!

And the last of this month’s fun activities here in the Pine Tree State is Maine Maple Sunday set for March 27th .  Most sugarhouses offer free maple syrup samples and demonstrations on how pure Maine maple syrup is made. Many farms offer games, activities, treats, sugar bush tours, music, and so much more. 

March isn’t the only month with lots of things to do and see here in Maine .  Come and see for yourself.  And as always, if you need a place to stay, we’ll be here on our tiny island and as is customary in Ireland, Richard and I will  bid you “cead mile failte” {Cade (rhyming with “wade”) meala fault cha. Fáilte is said quickly} – a hundred, thousand welcomes!

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Hodgdon Island Inn is located about an hour northeast of Portland; three hours from Boston; three hours from Bar Harbor

March 7th, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

Follow signs to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

By Air

Fly into Portland International Jet Port (www.portlandjetport.org ); rent a car, call for a limousine service or make arrangements to be met by a Boothbay Harbor Region(www.boothbayharbor.com) taxi.  Private planes may fly into Wiscasset Airport; rental cars and taxi services are available.

By Car 

From Portland (www.portlandmaine.gov) follow I-295 to Brunswick.  Take Exit 28 or Exit 31 to Route 1 North.  Follow Route 1 through Wiscasset.  Just across the river bear right onto Route 27 out of Edgecomb south to Boothbay (www.boothbay.org).  After 9.3 miles, bear right at the Boothbay Civil War monument, across from the town common. Go straight at the stop sign.  After a quarter mile, bear right onto Barters Island Road.  The Inn (www.boothbaybb.com)  is about 1.2 miles down the road (you will go past the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (www.mainegardens.com) and cross over a bridge under construction) and our driveway will be on your left just before the Trevett Swing Bridge (www.youtube.com), General Store and Post Office.

 

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INNKEEPERS AT HODGDON ISLAND INN, BOOTHBAY, MAINE SEND ANNIVERSARY WISHES BACK HOME TO MOM & DAD

March 2nd, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

The Four Popovers: Pamela, Dad, Mom & Richard

On March 5, 1949, a young couple in Kentucky got married.  That was the year that the New York Yankees would beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series.  It was the year that a horse named Ponder would win the 75th running of the Kentucky Derby.  The average price of a new home cost $7,450.00 and the minimum hourly wage rate was 70 cents an hour.  Harry S. Truman was President of the United States; Margaret Chase Smith was the Senator from Maine; NATO was established; Newfoundland joined Canada; soap operas debuted on television; the first VW Beetle was sold in the US; the very first automatic street lights were installed in New Milford, CT; the first Polaroid Camera sold for $89.95 and to celebrate the company’s 80th birthday, the first Pillsbury Bake-Off was held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.  Movies that year included Adam’s Rib, Twelve O’clock High, On the Town, and Roger’s and Hammerstein’s South Pacific debuted.  Folks were listening to Hank Williams “Lovesick Blues”, Vaughan Moore’s “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and Gene Autry’s   “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”.  William Faulkner received the Nobel Prize for Literature and Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” opened.  And some very talented people were born that year:  Vera Wang, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Lionel Ritchie and Bruce Springsteen to name a few.

Ben & Pat Riley married on March 5, 1949 - fast forward 62 years

Fast forward 62 years and we know that some things have changed a lot and some hardly at all, but one thing remains steadfastly the same:  that young couple is still married and going strong!  As the parents of two sons (the eldest of which happens to be my beloved husband, Richard) and one daughter; the grandparents of two; and the favorite companions of a Maine Coon Cat named Bro, they are kept pretty busy.  In addition, Dad loves to read and star gaze, Mom loves to cook and bake, they care for all sorts of birds and animals, and they love everything Maine:  Maine lobstah, Maine chowdah, Maine blueberries (preferably in the form of yogurt or a crisp), fresh hot popovers, the jagged mountains, the rugged coastline and everything in between from Kittery to Bar Harbor. 

They love everything Maine!

Richard and I thank them for their love and support and for their company on all the Maine adventures through all the years.  We hope you will join with us in wishing them all the very best on this their 62nd wedding anniversary! 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM & DAD WITH LOVE!

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BOOTHBAY, MAINE INNKEEPERS’ NITE OUT: DINNER IN BATH, AN AUSTEN PLAY IN BRUNSWICK AND NARY A MUMMIE OR A ZOMBIE OR A SEA MONSTER IN SIGHT …

February 24th, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

Our "first date" in our new home ...

Last week Richard and I decided it was high time we went out on our “first date” in our new home and what better time to do it than around Valentine’s Day.   So we made plans … dinner first, followed by a play.  We were both very excited and found ourselves looking forward to our night out!  It was a huge success, I am happy to report!

For dinner we chose a restaurant in Bath recommended by a fellow Barter’s Island Community Club member. 

Solo Bistro decor is "Maine Modern"

The Solo Bistro (www.solobistro.com) was super!  The décor is “Maine Modern” with pale wood tables and brightly colored chairs.  The choices were wide ranging and the prices competitive.  We opted for the three-course Prix Fixe menu of the evening.  We had no regrets as we savored our spinach salad with vanilla white balsamic vinaigrette; Maine Shrimp Risotto with tomato, leek, eggplant and Greek olives; and chocolate chip cookie sandwich with pumpkin marshmallow ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce.  Our waitress was friendly and attentive, but not intrusive and we left knowing that we would definitely put the Solo Bistro on the “must do that again” list.

Then it was off to Brunswick and the play.  The play was a production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at the Theater Project adapted by Joe Hanready and J.R. Sullivan and directed by Christopher Price.

The Theater Project (www.theaterproject.com) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit community-based theater in Brunswick, Maine.  Its mission is “to change young and old; to enrich and inspire their living, and provide a safe environment for original and dynamic exploration.”  If this production of P&P is any indication I would have to say that they wholeheartedly fulfill their mission.

Now I must admit I am a Jane Austen devotee and am pretty fussy about adaptations of her work, but I am happy to say that the performance and staging at the Theater Project was fabulous – just fabulous and did Miss Austen’s work great justice!

The auditorium seats about 75 or so and it was a SOLD OUT performance.  The ages of the audience ranged from vivacious and charming college students to low key and charming old timers (like us). But one thing was clear – everyone there was enjoying the play.  The set consisted of one small round dining room table, four would-be Chippendale chairs, two upholstered benches, two wooden benches, two topiaries and a crystal chandelier that magically appeared or disappeared as was needed to indicate that we had moved to Pemberly or to the infamous residence of the infamous Lady Catherine de Bourgh.  The furniture was moved in and out of position by two young ladies attired as servants who occasionally draped a lace tablecloth over the small round table and topped it off with a vase (pronounced with a short “a” sound of course) of flowers and who always curtsied. 

The ensemble cast was very good, especially the actress playing Elizabeth.  She was delightful and I would liken her performance to that of Jennifer Ehle’s in the A&E version also starring Colin Firth.  But it was the actor playing Mr. Collins, who in our opinion stole the show!  He was awkward, self-effacing, slimy, cow-towing … and that smile – Yuk! In short, he was perfect!

Richard and I thoroughly enjoyed it – we discussed it on the way home and again over the next few days.  And of course it inspired me to once again drag out my much beloved, dog-eared copy of P&P … you know what they say:  once an Austen devotee, always an Austen devotee.

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HODGDON ISLAND INN BOOTHBAY HALF HOUR’S DRIVE TO BATH AND MAINE MARITIME MUSEUM

February 24th, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

Bath, Maine - a New England City

If you have ever driven along Route 1 headed towards the Boothbay Region from the southern part of the state you have passed through Bath, Maine.  You would remember it – It has a very unique profile.  Bath, built along the shores of the Kennebec River and unlike the towns of Boothbay Harbor or Damariscotta for instance, is a city. On one side of Route 1, the view is that of a very typical New England city – tall white church spires, domed public buildings and preserved remnants of impressive 18th and 19th century mansions and storefronts.  On the other side of Route 1 is one of the city’s crown jewels: the Bath Iron Works (BIW). 

Massive cranes tower above Bath Iron Works where state-of-the-art military vessels are still built

This center of shipbuilding is outlined by the massive cranes which tower above the facility where state-of-the-art military vessels are still built.  And just beyond BIW is the other of the crown jewels in the City of Bath: the Maine Maritime Museum.

Now several times this winter, Richard and I have set off to explore any number of sites within a half hour’s drive of Hodgdon Island Inn and Boothbay, and somehow we have found ourselves back at this, and I quote, “mecca for boat lovers” and history buffs.

Maine Maritime Museum: the state's premier marine museum!

It is no wonder that the Maine Maritime Museum is the state’s premier marine museum!  The setting, on 20 acres along the Kennebec River, includes the award-winning Maritime History Building and Welcome Center (where the permanent and temporary displays are housed along with the gift shop), the restored original buildings from the Percy & Small Shipyard where wooden schooners were built in the 19th century; a late Victorian home; and the boat shop where volunteer craftsman build and restore small boats.  The displays and artifacts are amazing!  The staff welcoming and the volunteers enthusiastic and knowledgeable!

You definitely don't want to miss this!

 On February 19th, a new exhibit opened in the John G. Morse, Jr. Gallery.  It is called “Cold Waters, Cold War:  The 21st Century Navy in Maine”.  It is an amazing story about the part Maine played in naval and defense operations during the Cold War.  If you’re a Tom Clancy fan, you definitely don’t want to miss this!  If you consider yourself a patriot, you definitely don’t want to miss this either!  The exhibit runs through August 7, 2011.

To get to the museum (www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org) from Hodgdon Island Inn, Boothbay:  take Barter’s Island Road, making a slight left on to Corey Lane which becomes ME-27.  Take ME-27 to US-1 South.  Take US 1 South to exit for ME-209/DOWNTOWN HISTORIC BATH/PHIPPSBURG (you’ll be on Vine Street). Turn LEFT under bridge on to Washington Street.  Go past BIW and MMM will be on the LEFT.

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MAINE COAST BOOK SHOP AND CAFÉ SHORT DRIVE FROM HODGDON ISLAND INN AND BOOTHBAY HARBOR

February 16th, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

A town in Maine called Damariscotta

In a town in Maine called Damariscotta (pronounced dam-uh-riss-COT-ta) on the Pemaquid Peninsula, about 15.5 miles from Boothbay Harbor, there is an incredible local book shop and café right on Maine Street.

The Maine Coast Book Shop and Café  is probably Number Two on Richard’s and my list of favorite places to escape to.  It’s about a 20 minute drive from the inn along River Road just off Route 27.  (An easy way to find the turn off for River Road is to remember that River’s End Farm is located just across the street from it).  River Road meanders (a quintessential Maine descriptor) along the Damariscotta River, past beautiful 18th and 19th century Federal and colonial-style homes and several impressive brick structures (Damariscotta’s sister town, Newcastle, was not only a thriving shipbuilding town in the 1800’s, but a brick making center as well) and the Glidden Point Oyster Sea farm.  The topography of the land is such that the drive is anything, but monotonous.  You go up and down and around bends, through stretches thick with trees and then along open fields until the harbor at Damariscotta pops into view.  I find myself momentarily reverting to that childhood habit of eagerly watching for that first glimpse of the town and its buildings reflected in the river and being the first one to shout out “there it is”!

Maine Coast Book Shop short drive from Hodgdon Island Inn

Richard and I are book lovers and avid readers.  I’m afraid we have yet to make use of a Kindle or a Nook, and it’s not because we are against the concept as we read the NYT daily on our iPhones, it’s more because there is something comforting to us when we hold that tome in our hands.  I also feel connected to my now deceased parents and grandparents as I turn pages – I can hear the shushed reminders to turn the pages quietly and be careful not to break the book’s spine … SIGH.

The book shop in Damariscotta has something for everyone.  They seem to have a sixth sense about what they stock and it’s very hard not to come out without making a purchase.  The staff is also very obliging and very knowledgeable.

Richard and I are proud members of the Cafe's "Coffee Club"

The café is an amazing place as well.  Richard and I are proud members of the “Coffee Club” (purchase ten coffee-related drinks and the next one’s free!).  There are many wonderful coffees to choose from as well as fine teas and fruit drinks, but it’s their cappuccino smoothies topped (translation: the space between the top of the liquid and the top of the domed cover is filled, and I mean filled), with real cow-made thick, rich sweet cream that do it for us.  They also offer an array of fresh baked goods, sandwiches, soups and chowders.

You can literally unwind and watch the world go by ...

Sitting in the café, looking out at Main Street, you can literally unwind and watch the world pass by.  The cars whizz by; drivers with their tongues between their teeth, attempt to parallel park; people glide in and out of any one of the very cute, very different and/or very eclectic shops, galleries or restaurants; run into the ReXall Drug Store complete with a 1940’s soda fountain; or just pop into the Post Office. Invariably they end up in the book shop or the café.

People glide in and out of any one of the shops, restaurants, galleries, etc.

“They” are mothers and daughters in the middle of a shopping spree, friends meeting to catch up, young people socializing after school, business folks checking in (free Wi-Fi), and oh yes, did I mention innkeepers catching their breaths?

If you’re in our area, this is definitely a must-see/do!

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RASPBERRY BAVARIAN

February 16th, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

Ingredients

1 package (4-serving size) Jell-O Brand Gelatin, Raspberry flavor

¾ c boiling water

½ c cold water

Ice cubes

1 c  heavy or whipping cream, whipped

2 TBS sugar (or if following a low carb diet, add 1 to 2 TBS of sugar equivalent, such as Splenda or Equal. Adjust to taste.)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Raspberries (garnish optional)

Mint leaves (garnish optional)

Directions

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water.  Combine cold water and ice cubes to make 1 cup.  Add to gelatin.  Place bowl in larger bowl of ice and water.  Let stand, stirring occasionally, until gelatin is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

In the meantime, whip cream.  Put cold heavy cream, sugar and vanilla in mixing bowl. With an electric hand mixer or a standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat cream (you can use a hand whisk; it just will take longer).

Fold in whipped cream.

Spoon gelatin/cream mixture into individual soufflé cups with paper collars (see note below).

Chill until firm, about 2 hours.  Remove collars.  Garnish with raspberries and mint leaves, if desired.  Yields 4 servings.

Note:  To make collars, cut pieces of waxed paper or foil long enough to wrap around dishes and overlap slightly; fold in half lengthwise.  Wrap doubled paper or foil around dish, extending about 1 inch above rim.  Secure with tape.

 

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Barm Brack or Barm Bread

February 16th, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

Ingredients

2 c diced mixed dry fruits (raisins, currants, golden raisins, diced apricots, cherries, etc.)

1 c plus 2 TBS packed brown sugar

2 c cold, strong black tea

2-1/2 c self-rising flour

1 egg, lightly beaten

Butter

Directions

The night before baking, put dried fruit in a large bowl.  Sprinkle with brown sugar.  Add tea.  Cover and let soak overnight.  To bake bread, preheat oven to 350F.  Generously grease a 9”x5” loaf pan.  Sift flour into medium-size bowl. Mix egg into dried fruit.  Stir in flour just until well blended.  Spoon into loaf pan and smooth top.  Bake for 1-1/2 hours or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pan 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.  Serve warm or cold, cut in slices and spread with butter.  Makes 8 to 10 servings.

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COASTAL MAINE INNKEEPER’S WINTERTIME REMINISCENCES, RESOLUTIONS, RECIPES AND WRITING BLOGS – PART TWO

February 16th, 2011 by richard-pamela-riley

The sun is beginning to set on Hodgdon Island Inn

It is now Friday afternoon and the sun is beginning to set.  Richard and I have had a wonderful day here on our tiny little island in Maine. (I read somewhere recently that Maine has more than four thousand islands, but I will not digress).  We have progressed a little further on our current re-decorating projects (more on that later); we fed our resident seagulls and crows who are experts at landing on what you and I would deem slippery spots; we stretched our legs and walked over to the Post Office while dodging incoming cars to the Trevett Country Store at lunchtime; and stopped by our neighbor’s and got invited to have tea. As I said, it’s been a lovely day.

Maine has more than four thousand islands ...

That’s been one of the surprises that we have discovered in our new life here in Boothbay – there are so many places to explore (this week alone we have been to Newcastle, Damariscotta, Wiscasset, Bath and Brunswick), so many things to do; so many people to meet  and nasty bronchitis to get over once and for all.

SO, what all this boils down to is that I am way behind on my New Year’s resolution (like I am all alone here!) to test and post some new Hodgdon Island Inn or Pamela Byrne Riley-favorite recipes each month.  But henceforth (I have always wanted to use that word) I will endeavor (always wanted to use that one too) to adhere to my resolution.  Going forward, if I do not have a new recipe posted, let’s say, by the 15th of each month, you have my permission to nag me, okay?

This is NOT your grandmother's plum pud!

To get the proverbial ball rolling, I have already shared the much requested Baked Plum Pudding recipe which I was originally going to post in keeping with the old English tradition of serving a second plum pudding on New Year’s Day and will be posting my February recipes:  Barm Brack or Barm Bread in a tribute to my Mom and her favorite Irish saint, St. Brigid (see blog titled Nine Room Bed and Breakfast Inn On The Water Located Four Miles From Boothbay Harbor, Maine), second only to St. Patrick himself and  a super easy-to-make Raspberry Bavarian soufflé in honor of Valentine’s Day.

In honor of the Irish saint, St. Brigid, second only to St. Patrick himself.

Easy-to-make Raspberry Bavarian souffle

 

For March we must have something for St. Paddy’s Day of course, but the question is what?!

These recipes and more can be found at www.boothbaybb.com/blog

As always, please feel free to share your favorites and if you have any suggestions re: recipes for me to try, I would love to hear from you!

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