Farmers' Guest House blog
March 30th, 2013

Stuffed Blueberry French Toast

I served this at our last quilt retreat and just received a request for the recipe.
 
Ingredients:
12 eggs
2 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon grated orange peel
1 Tablespoon vanilla
12 slices Texas Toast or one loaf of French bread sliced in 3/4″ slices
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
8 oz cream cheese
 
Wisk together the first 7 ingredients.  Place a layer of bread in the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish (six slices of Texas Toast or 1/2 loaf of French bread).  Sprinkle the blueberries over the top of the bread.  Cut the cream cheese in small pieces and distribute over the top of the berries.  Dip the remaining bread in the egg batter, fully saturating the bread, and lay on top off the casserole, completely covering the berries and cheese.  Pour the remaining batter over the top.  Let stand at least one hour so the bottom layer of bread soaks up the egg mixture completely.  Bake for 50 – 60 minutes, cut in serving size pieces and dust with powdered sugar to serve.  This pairs well with maple syrup and sausage.
March 25th, 2013

Galena: A Fodor’s Best Small Town in America

most romantic bed and breakfast in GalenaStay at the best bed and breakfast in Galena when visiting Northwest Illinois. Galena is a Fodor’s Top 10 Small Town and Farmers Guest House is widely recognized as the best and most romantic bed and breakfast in Galena. At Farmers Guest House we are the definition of country elegance. From the moment you walk through our red door, you will experience a getaway like no other. Only at Farmers Guest House can you completely relax and leave the real world behind. From our full new country breakfasts each morning to our WineTime™ at 5:30pm each evening, we make your escape restful and rejuvenating. Dive into our exclusive mattresses and you’ll know immediately why our guests come back time and again.

Susan’s full, new country breakfasts are often imitated, but never duplicated. Susan puts her heart and soul into creating one-of-a-kind breakfast entrees that leave guests satisfied and ready to start the day’s adventures. Another Farmers Guest House exclusive is our numerous table seating options. Want to join other guests at our harvest table and share stories of your adventure, great. But, if you’re on a romantic getaway and want a quiet table to enjoy breakfast with that special someone, you’re in luck at Farmers Guest House.

Northern IL Quilt Fest

When you’re planning your adventure to beautiful Galena, Illinois, a Fodor’s Best Small Town in America, don’t you want to stay in the best and most romantic bed and breakfast in Galena? Need help planning your trip? Just give us a call and we’ll help you out. 

March 23rd, 2013

Spring Oven Omelette

1 stick of butter or margarine, melted
1 c flour
1/4 tsp salt
16 eggs
2 1/2 c cottage cheese or ricotta
2 c shredded cheese
1/2 c chopped onions
1/2 c chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped asparagus
2 cups chopped, fresh spinach
 
Heat oven to 350.  Mix first four ingredients together in a bowl.  Add each additional ingredient individually until blended.  Pour into a deep 9×13 casserole and bake for 45 – 55 minutes or until lightly browned on top.  Or, this can be cooked in individual ramekins.  Serves 10 – 12.  Optional – add chopped, cooked bacon or sausage, or change up the veggies as desired.
 
March 13th, 2013

Quilt & Fiber Show Weekend

Galena Quilt FestivalThe dates are set and the plan is ready for the 2013 Galena Jo Daviess Quilt & Fiber Show. Join us November 8-10, 2013 for one of the most creative weekends in Galena all year long. Farmers Guest House, the best bed and breakfast in Galena, has some very special value-added opportunities for getaway guests that weekend. We have created special packages and opportunities for quilters to enjoy the weekend and return rejuvenated with  new creative spirit. Check out our Quilt and Fiber Show packages here. You’ll want to make your reservations early as the weekend is sure to sell out in Galena.

Farmers Guest House is your country elegant choice for lodging in Galena. We offer superb accommodations, a full new-country breakfast each morning and our exclusive WineTime™ each evening at 5:30pm. Choose from one of nine rooms and suites at Farmers Guest House.

All year long Farmers Guest House is your quilting retreat headquarters. We offer several dedicated quilt retreat getaways throughout the year. Plan ahead and book early. Review all of our quilt retreat getaways by clicking here

March 11th, 2013

Hashbrown Casseroles

There’s nothing like comfort food to warm you up on a cool almost Spring day.  Served in individual ramekins, each guest enjoys their own portion of heaven!

Hashbrown Casserole

2 lbs frozen hash browns
½ cup melted butter
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 pint (2 cups) sour cream
½ cup chopped onion, or 3 Tablespoons of dried onion
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of pepper
 

The night before, remove the hashbrowns from the freezer and place in fridge to thaw.

Preheat the oven to 350˚.  If using dried onion, rehydrate in 4 Tablespoons of warm water.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the hashbrowns until smooth.  Add hashbrowns.  Pour into a greased  11 x 14 or individual ramekins.  The number will depend on the size of the ramekins; I can get 18 8oz ramekins out of one recipe.

Bake for 45 minutes or until brown on top and bubbly around the edges.

March 7th, 2013

It’s Not Too Late

skiing in Galena ILWe received another 7″ of fresh powder in Galena, Illinois this week and skiing in Galena at Chestnut Mountain is in top of season shape. It’s not too late to make your plans for a late winter ski getaway to Galena and Farmers Guest House. 

Chestnut Mountain Galena is only 10 minutes from Farmers Guest House. Our country elegant inn is the perfect Galena lodging option for your Illinois ski getaway. We are conveniently located within walking distance to Galena’s historic Main Street where you will find over 80 local shops and numerous Galena restaurants. Your lodging package at Farmers Guest House includes a full new country breakfast each morning and our WineTime™ each night at 5:30 pm. Let us know you’re coming to ski and we’ll have indoor storage ready for your equipment and will dry your garments before you head out the next morning.

Plan your escape and make your late winter ski reservations with us and you’ll know why Farmers Guest House is the best bed and breakfast in Galena.

March 3rd, 2013

501 Excellent Reviews Can’t Be Wrong

Farmers Guest House is proud to say that we just received our TripAdvisor Excellent Review number 501. Without a doubt, Farmers Guest House is the best bed and breakfast in Galena.

“Historic Feel, Great Home Away From Home”

5 of 5 starsReviewed March 1, 2013 NEW

Great stay for a weekend getaway! Susan and Don were awesome and the room “Jennie” was comfortable in all aspects including the bed and temperature. Everything was very clean and it was fun to look around the house at all the history and architecture. Very close to downtown Galena.

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled as a couple
March 3rd, 2013

Bed and Breakfasts for Business

When you’re thinking about lodging for you next business trip, you might not immediately think a bed and breakfast stay, but why not? When business brings you to Galena, Illinois, Dubuque, Iowa you should consider Farmers Guest House, the best bed and breakfast in Galena, for your business trip to Dubuque. Farmers Guest House offers so much more than Galena hotels, or lodging in Dubuque, Iowa. Check out this great TripAdvisor review from a recent Farmers Guest House guest:

Top Notch Bed & Breakfast

Galena CottageI’ve stayed in B & B’s in Europe, but Susan and Don have outdone all of them with their hospitality. Bed was COMFORTABLE, Breakfast WONDERFUL. I’m a business traveler and usually stay in the big box hotels — went out on a limb and stayed at this B & B and if I could stay at one just like it, business travel would be much more palatable. Susan had breakfast ready for me before I left (even though it was out of their normal schedule), and had a sack breakfast ready on the day I headed back to catch a Chicago flight. I stayed an extra night at the B & B rather than returning to spend the night at a noisy hotel in Chicago. Definitely recommend to business folks.

Room Tip: The cottage in back would probably be fun for a summer weekend away from the City!
February 27th, 2013

Featured in About.com Bed & Breakfast Guide

Farmers Guest House is pleased to be featured in Michael Franco‘s Bed & Breakfast Guide on About.com. At Farmers Guest House, the best bed and breakfast in Galena IL, we are raising the bar on breakfast offerings at Galena bed and breakfasts. We set the standard for a country elegant getaway to Galena IL.

Baked Pears in Brandy Sauce

bed and breakfasts galena ilBeginning each breakfast with fruit is customary at Farmers Guest House in Galena, Illinois. However, it can be a challenge in February when the only fruits in season are pears, apples and lemons. This recipe was inspired by the winter season in the Northern Midwest. On a beautiful, snowy morning in the cold of the winter, a warm fruit dish is a perfect start to a wonderful breakfast at the B&B — or at your own home. This is a delicious way to use tasty, fresh pears and the bit ‘o brandy is a fine wake-up call before embarking on the variety of winter sports offerings in the area. Served warm with ice cream, it makes for an excellent dessert option while snuggling up near your fireplace.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Pears
  • 1 Cup orange juice with pulp
  • 1 Tbs cornstarch
  • ½ Tsp dried orange peel
  • 1 Tsp cinnamon
  • ½ Tsp ground cloves
  • 1 Tbs sugar
  • 4 Tbs brandy or rum, divided
  • ½ Cup raisins
  • ½ Cup water
  • Butter for pan

Preparation:

Place the raisins, ½ c water and 2 Tablespoons of the brandy in a small dish. Microwave for 45 seconds. Let stand while raisins hydrate. In a small bowl whisk orange juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, cloves, sugar and remaining brandy. Add raisin mixture. Peel, core and halve the pears. Place in a buttered, 9×13 baking dish flat side down. Add raisins and liquid to mixture in bowl. Pour over the pears. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Remove pear halves to a cutting board. Slice pear halves in 1/8” slices and arrange each half in a single serving dish. Pour sauce and raisins equally over each pear dish. Serve with cinnamon ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
February 26th, 2013

Most Romantic Bed and Breakfast in Galena

wine lovers weekend in GalenaLooking for a great romantic getaway in Illinois? Galena is arguably the most romantic getaway destination in Illinois. Brimming with rolling hills, cozy wineries and the country elegant Farmers Guest House; Galena is a wine lovers’ paradise and the ultimate romantic getaway from Chicago.

Farmers Guest House sets the standard for a romantic getaway to Galena.

Farmers Guest House is a country elegant bed and breakfast in Galena, Illinois that is nestled among the numerous historic buildings within the Galena historic district. Farmers Guest House offers an old world comfort and unparalleled amenities among the numerous lodging options in Galena. Farmers Guest House is steps away from Galena’s boutique shopping district – Main Street. Historic Main Street also offers some of the best dining and nightlife this great getaway destination has to offer.

Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic weekend getaway from Chicago or a group looking for a place to unwind during a family reunion, the warm and spacious surroundings of this magnificently appointed 1850’s farmhouse will leave you rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

Wine lovers weekend GalenaGalena is also a place for wine lovers. And, speaking of wine lovers, each spring one of the great things to do in Galena is attend Galena Wine Lovers’ Weekend. Vino connoisseurs indulge in the tastings, tasting dinners, seminars and viticulture fun at intimate restaurants like Fried Green Tomatoes. You won’t want to miss the Grand Tastings either. There are two on wine lovers’ weekend in Galena; Friday night and Saturday afternoon. You will be able to fill your days with romantic moments as you sip the weekend away.