Innside the Whistling Swan

Chester, NJ Spring Craft Show - June 2-3, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Wed, 30 May 2012 02:02:00 +0000

Gift giving has always created angst for me. I like to choose something unique and personal - the perfect item that cannot be obtained just anywhere. That's hard to do when time is limited, however this weekend, after the last breakfast dish is put away at the Whistling Swan Inn, I'll be making a beeline to Municipal Field in historic Chester, NJ. Touted as one of the top 60 craft shows in the country, the Spring Craft Show will feature more than 150 regional artists selling a wide variety of hand-made items, including traditional crafts, fine art, furniture and country crafts.

Tom and I will be saving some time to stroll through the town, one of our favorite places since we were married 30 years ago. Chester has always been somewhat of a quirky town filled with splendid antique shops, coffee bars and some of the best ice cream in New Jersey.

Rain or shine, the show will be held from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and I'll be there, Christmas list in hand.

... and so the adventures continue... join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn
110 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-6369
www.whistlingswaninn.com
Check availability

Stanhope, NJ Spring Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:51:00 +0000

Stanhope Chamber of Commerce
meet at the
Whistling Swan Inn
Paula Zeliff-Murphy
Rich Kuncken
Rosemarie Maio
Jack Leffingwell

Since March, the Stanhope, NJ Chamber of Commerce has been meeting monthly at the Whistling Swan Inn to plan its 17th annual Stanhope Spring Weekend. The three-day extravaganza will be held June 8, 9, and 10, 2012, and will kick off on Friday with a genuine pig roast - yes, outdoors, on a spit and everything - at Shakey Jakes, located on Route 183. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this event, admission is limited to 90, and tickets are going fast. Admission is $30 per person, with all proceeds donated to the Borough's fire department and ambulance squad.

For weeks now, I've been hauling out my unused stuff in preparation for the town-wide garage sale on Saturday. As they say, "one person's trash is another's treasure, so in between serving breakfast, checking in guests and baking cookies, I'll be trolling the neighborhood searching for bargains. Some of the items I'll be parting with are an antique hat stand, a pair of upholstered chairs and some knick-knacks.

Capping the celebration on Sunday, June 10th, is the Spring Festival, which is a blast for the whole family. Main Street will be blocked off to accommodate a variety of vendors selling food and handcrafted items. The kids will enjoy face painting, bounce rides and tons of giveaways. Musical entertainment will also be featured.

A silent auction is one of my all-time favorite activities, and even though I never win anything - ever - I'll be bidding with the best of them on some of the services and merchandise donated by more than one hundred individuals and businesses. Prizes will include: sports memorabilia, theater packages, weekend getaways, gift certificates to local eateries and baskets of assorted goodies. Sponsored by the Town With a Heart Fund, the auction is always a highlight of the festival. Profits from the annual fundraiser are distributed to area individuals or families who are in need of emergency financial assistance due to extraordinary circumstances.

So mark your calendars and come out to the Stanhope Spring Weekend. Don't forget your sunscreen.

... and so the adventures continue ... join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
110 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-6369
The Whistling Swan Inn
Check availability

Spring at the Whistling Swan Inn, Stanhope, NJ

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

English boxwoods
flank the front walk

Spring has finally come to the Whistling Swan Inn, in Stanhope, NJ. Mother Nature teased us in March with balmy, 70-degree days; April brought a cold snap, but now I believe spring is here to stay. The garden foliage is abundantly green, with the tulips providing bright splashes of color.

Over the last two weeks, we've been sprucing up the landscaping in preparation for several outdoor events. The ancient rose bushes in the front have been replaced by English boxwoods, which are my all-time favorites. Dispersed among these beauties are pink and white impatiens.

The fine weather in the Skylands region of the state has brought our guests out of their rooms and onto the newly painted veranda. On Mother's Day, I had some downtime, and spent a delightful hour chatting with simply charming guests who were kind enough to show me their wedding album.

Tucked into a corner of the veranda is a comfy, two-person hammock. The quiet of this little northern NJ village was most conducive to an afternoon nap. While I couldn't spare the time for it, I caught my daughter, Nikki, taking a little siesta.

Sleeping Beauty

... and so the adventures continue ... join us.
Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn
110 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-6369
www.whistlingswaninn.com
Check availability

Whistling Swan Inn Chocolate Chip Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:10:00 +0000

Fresh-from-the-oven cookies

When I bought the Whistling Swan bed and breakfast inn last November, I inherited a plethora of tried-and-true recipes that guests consistently rave about. While I've tweaked existing recipes and added some of my own favorites to the menu, one treat I will not tamper with are the chocolate chip cookies. These delectable, bite-sized morsels melt in your mouth, and more than one return guest has asked if we still have the cookies, practically before saying hello.

Whistling Swan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup of butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl cream butter and sugars together until smooth. Beat in vanilla and eggs one at a time. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Stir into the sugar mixture. Finally, mix in the chocolate chips. Drop tablespoonsful onto ungreased cookie sheets (actually, I like to use those SilPat sheets to minimize clean-up). Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on wire racks.

In case anyone was wondering, I make 12 dozen cookies per week.

... and so the adventures continue ... join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn
110 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-6369
www.whistlingswaninn.com

Romantic Weddings at the Whistling Swan Inn, Stanhope, NJ

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:04:00 +0000

Heather and Chris observe a
timeless tradition

My friend, Heather, got married this weekend. She and her mom, Marge, have been my book club pals for nearly 10 years, so when she got engaged to Chris last winter and chose the Whistling Swan Inn as the venue for her intimate, elegant New Jersey wedding, I was anxious to make it a perfect day for all of them.

Weddings are tricky to execute, because no detail, however small, can be overlooked. Fortunately for me, Heather was very clear about how she wanted her special day, and it took no more than a few meetings and emails to set the plans in motion. Armed with my lists, I was assisted by a competent team: husband, Tom, daughter, Nikki and friends, Joanne and Heidi. Together, we ensured that the wedding went off without a hitch.

Almost ready for the toast

Heather's cocktail reception for 35 was held in the double parlor, and guests also had the opportunity to relax on the newly refurbished veranda. The weather more than cooperated, so there were some splendid family photos taken in the freshly landscaped Victorian garden.

The end of a happy day

To say Heather was a beautiful bride would be an understatement...she was, in fact, exquisite. Maybe it was her youth, or the fact that she is a striking young woman ...or maybe it was the unbridled joy that comes with finding true love.

My friend, Heather, got married this weekend to a great guy, and Tom and I wish them many years of happiness.

... and so the adventures continue ... join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn
110 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-6369
www.whistlingswaninn.com
Check availability

The Mansion in May 2012 - Whistling Swan Inn, Stanhope, NJ

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:55:00 +0000

Well, it's official...I've just purchased my ticket for the month-long "Mansion in May" event. Since 1974, the Women's Association of Morristown (NJ) Medical Center has transformed some of Morris and Somerset County, New Jersey's most elegant estates into spectacular showcases, which attract thousands of visitors and raise millions of dollars in funds to support the hospital's programs.

Historic Morristown is only 30 minutes away from The Whistling Swan Inn, a New Jersey bed and breakfast located in the Skylands region of the state. This year's mansion is a 32,000 square foot English Tudor castle known as Glynallyn. Built in 1917, the it contains more than forty rooms, 575 stained glass windows, sixteen chimney stacks, terraced gardens, a dungeon and a moat. Why an early 20th century industralist would need a moat in Morristown, NJ, I cannot imagine, but hey, who am I to judge?

Over 60 design and landscape firms have been selected to return Glynallyn to its former grandeur. Tickets can be purchased either online or at specific locations. Tickets are $30 per person if purchased at the door after May 1st, however advanced tickets are $25 per person. The event also features a unique shopping and dining experience right on the grounds.

So next week, camera in hand like a tourist instead of the Jersey girl I am, I'll be there - rain or shine, warm or cold, seeing how the other half lived.

... and so the adventures continue ... join us

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn
110 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-6369
www.whistlingswaninn.com

Whistling Swan Inn, Stanhope, NJ in the News

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:25:00 +0000

As a shameless celebrity hound, I always thought it would be fun to be famous. I'm talking Star Magazine famous...and not in the "fashion don't" section. Alas, it was not to be, and I've reconciled it. However, the next best thing is for the Whistling Swan Inn in Stanhope, New Jersey to appear in the news.

Recently, my New Jersey bed and breakfast inn, was featured in an online article, "Travel Tips for Passengers Sailing out of New Jersey's Cape Liberty Cruise Port".

Written by Wayne and Judy Bayliff, husband and wife photojournalists, famous themselves for their pieces on exceptional vacation getaways, the article touts us as a great place to stay if you arrive early and "prefer the private comforts of a nice B&B to the largely impersonal brand hotels". No offense big brand hotels.

During their stay at the inn several months ago, Judy took some fabulous photos, including one of a delectable strawberry breakfast confection that's a guest favorite. Her close-up of my sherry decanter makes me want to pour myself a glass even though I don't touch the stuff.

The inn is located along Interstate 80, which makes it very convenient for cruise guests to get to Bayonne and Cape Liberty easily. Wayne and Judy's article has already brought us a delightful couple from Canada who stayed with us on their way to the Caribbean.

Thank you, Wayne and Judy...now I'm famous.

...and so the adventures continue...join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn
110 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ 07874
973-347-6369
www.whistlingswaninn.com

An Evening at Morristown, NJ's Community Theater, Whistling Swan Inn, Stanhope, NJ

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:43:00 +0000

Since 1937, historic Morristown, NJ has been home to an excellent community theater that has evolved from the local movie house that I frequented during my college days in the 70's to today's Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC).

Located a mere 20 minutes from the Whistling Swan Inn, a Stanhope, New Jersey bed and breakfast, MPAC will feature "An Evening" with several big names. On May 12, 2012, at 8:00 p.m., Steve Tyrell will sing selections from "The American Songbook", reinvented for the modern day romantic. On the same bill, Debby Boone (yes, daughter of Pat Boone) will perform "Reflections of Rosemary", a salute to the timeless music of her mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney.

On May 17, 2012, 8:00 p.m., foodies may rather spend an evening with Lidia Bastianich, one

of television's most beloved chefs and host of "Lidia's Italy". A best selling cookbook author,

restaurateur and CEO of a food and entertainment empire, Lidia will lead a lively discussion about her life, career and, of course, her passion - food.

Mayo Performing Arts Center

100 South Street

Morristown, NJ 07960

For tickets call: 973-539-8008

http://www.mayoarts.org/

... and so the adventures continue... join us

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main Street

Stanhope, NJ 07874

973-347-6369

www.whistlingswaninn.com

Book a Summer Getaway at the Whistling Swan Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:21:00 +0000

After spending nearly fifteen years in a corporate marketing role, I've learned to be concise in transmitting the message, because the public's attention span is short. I know this because as "the public", my own attention span has decreased dramatically. The immediacy of technology has conditioned me, like Pavlov's dogs, to cut to the chase and to expect the bottom line quickly.

So here it is folks: the top five reasons to book a summer getaway at the Whistling Swan Inn, in Stanhope, NJ.

Luxurious rooms

Combining the opulence of the Victorian era with modern conveniences that our guests expect, each room is individually decorated and furnished with antiques and reproductions and exquisitely appointed with pillow-top beds or feather beds, luxury linens, high quality bath amenities, flat-paneled TVs and DVD players.

Five-star amenities

In addition to a full country buffet breakfast, the inn has a wide array of complimentary amenities, such as WiFi, always available hospitality bar which includes soft drinks, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and other snacks, and free bikes for guests to use during their stay.

Peaceful surroundings

Guests can enjoy a second (or third) cup of coffee on our wraparound veranda or take an afternoon nap in the two-person hammock. Our garden, with the background music of singing birds and the burbling water of the fountain, is a perfect setting to relax, refresh and reconnect.

Plenty to Do

The New Jersey Skylands region is teeming with activities. Lake Musconetcong,

where guests can rent rowboats for fishing, is within walking distance, as is a lovely hiking and biking trail along the river. Wine lovers can have a tasting experience at the Four Sisters Winery approximately 10 miles away. The serious shopper can browse through a myriad of antique shops in Chester and Andover. ... and the list goes on and on.

Romance, romance and more romance

The Whistling Swan Inn exudes romance. Guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast at an intimate table-for-two either in our recently redesigned dining room or on the veranda. We offer a variety of romantic packages such as hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries and in-room massage that can enhance the experience of a "just we two" getaway.

As your thoughts turn to "getting away from it all", you'll find it all here at the Whistling Swan Inn.

... and so the adventures continue ... join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno

Innkeeper

The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main Street

Stanhope, NJ 07874

973-347-6369

www.whistlingswaninn.com

Check availability

Voted one of the top 10 best inns in the US by Inn Traveler magazine

B.A.R.K.S. Garage Sale at Wild West City

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 01:25:00 +0000

My assistant innkeeper, Alice, knows I'm always on the lookout for good deals on furniture or accessories for the Whistling Swan Inn. I was almost giddy with excitement when she told me this week about the Byram Animal Rescue Kindness Squad (B.A.R.K.S) garage sale to be held at Wild West City, Netcong, New Jersey, on April 14-15, 2012.

This is the garage sale to end all garage sales, with over 200,000 - yes, I said 200,000 items. Clothing, furniture, tools, housewares, china, silver, crystal and jewelry will be on sale from 9:00-5:00 pm. B.A.R.K.S., a non-profit organization, works in association with the Byram Township Pound and has been helping stray and abandoned animals since 1973. All proceeds from the sale will benefit homeless animals like the little beauty in the photo.

With list in hand...I'll be there as soon as the last breakfast dish is put away.

... and so the adventures continue...join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main Street

Stanhope, NJ 07874

973-347-6369

www.whistlingswaninn.com

Check availability

Uncle Floyd Comes to The Stanhope House - April 1, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:56:00 +0000

On Sunday, April 1, 2012, Uncle Floyd will appear on the Roadhouse Stage at the Stanhope House, which is a short three-block walk from The Whistling Swan Inn. Showtime is at 7:00 pm and tickets are $10 per person.

I was introduced to Uncle Floyd more than 30 years ago when I first met my brother-in-law, Mike, who along with his friends, was a big-time fan of his show, which aired on NJ public television from 1974 through 1998. Called the "comedic king of the Tin Pan Alley piano", this Glen Rock, New Jersey native gained a devoted following with his slapstick comedy, piano music and antics of his puppet sidekick, Oogie.

It's amazing what can happen in 30+ years. Although no longer on the airwaves, Uncle Floyd performs almost every night of the year and can still draw a decent crowd, particularly in Atlantic City.

As for my brother-in-law, he's a big-time CPA who still gets a kick out of Uncle Floyd's humor. Who knew?

...and so the adventures continue...join us

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main Street

Stanhope, NJ 07874

973-347-6369

www.whislingswaninn.com

Check availability

Earn a Select Registry Loyalty Program Gift Certificate

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:09:00 +0000

The Whistling Swan Inn, located in Stanhope, NJ, is a proud member of the Select Registry family of distinguished inns throughout North America. Each year we are inspected (anonymously, I might add) to confirm that we are maintaining the highest level of service, quality and hospitality as set forth by the association's stringent criteria. When guests choose a Select Registry property, it is almost assured they will experience the finest in accommodations.

The Golden Quill Loyalty Program has recently been launched online. Now guests can enter their stays wherever and whenever they choose, in the comfort of their own homes. How cool is that?

It's very simple. The guest joins the program online and registers his B&B stay. The innkeeper is asked to confirm the actual stay. Once guests have accumulated 12 room nights, they will receive a $100 gift certificate directly from Select Registry that can be used toward their next bed and breakfast experience. What could be easier?

A few rules and restrictions apply, so it's always good to read the fine print. To learn more about this Association and its members or to locate a property for your next vacation, go to www.selectregistry.com.

... and so the adventures continue... join us

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main St.

Stanhope, NJ 07874

973-347-6369

www.whistlingswaninn.com

Springfest Garden Show in Sussex County, NJ

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:36:00 +0000

I'm mad about fresh flowers. Nothing screams "spring" like a colorful bouquet, and frankly, if money were no object, I would have a floral designer fill every room in the Whistling Swan Inn with fresh flowers twice a week. But alas, money is most definitely an object, so I will have to content myself with visiting the Springfest Flower and Garden Show, which opens at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on March 15th and runs through March 18th, 2012.

The show will feature daily lectures by well known speakers, including Ken Druse, an award-winning photographer, author and New Jersey gardener, as well as celebrity chef demonstrations.

A variety of educational exhibits will also be on display. The area’s premier landscape companies are invited to Springfest each year and donate their time and resources to build innovative and inspiring garden displays.

Don't miss The Garden Café. Its exquisite décor, encourages visitors to linger while they enjoy a delicious lunch or fine pastries with gourmet coffees, teas, and wine bar.

The mission of the Springfest Flower and Garden Show is to promote horticulture, environmental stewardship and educational activities. All proceeds from the show go toward funding improvements and maintenance of the agricultural facilities at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

The Fairgrounds are located at 37 Plains Rd. in Augusta, a mere 30 minutes from the Whistling Swan Inn. It's open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and tickets are $11 for adults. For more information call: 973-948-9948.

... and so the adventures continue...join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main Street

Stanhope, NJ 07874

www.whistlingswaninn.com

Check availability

Bed, Breakfast and Bridle in Stanhope, NJ

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:28:00 +0000

Since buying the Whistling Swan Inn in Stanhope, NJ, I've made some new friends, albeit some of them only over the telephone. My friend, Christine, manages the family-owned Spring Valley Equestrian Center, which is located in Newton, NJ, a mere 13 miles from the Inn.

The Equestrian Center offers horseback riding along the Paulinskill Valley Trail, which is a rail trail along the Paulins Kill River. The sixth longest trail in the state, the Paulinskill Valley Trail boasts 27 miles of some of the most breathtaking scenery in Sussex County, New Jersey.

Trail rides are given by reservation only. Please call 973-383-3766 in advance to schedule your ride. Novice riders need not be concerned, because instructions on the proper use of how to handle a horse both in the ring and on the trail are provided by the Center's instructor guides. The fee for a one-hour ride is $30 per person.

It's been a long time since I've ridden a horse. Well, OK, I've only been on a horse once, back in my early 20's, which is more years ago than I care to acknowledge. Despite being jounced around so much that I ached for 5 days, I never lost my awe of these majestic beasts, and it's clear why horseback riding is call the "sport of kings". Maybe this spring, I'll call Christine and try it again.

... and so the adventures continue... join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno

Owner/Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main Street

Stanhope, NJ 07874

973-347-6369

www.whistlingswaninn.com

Check availability

Guest Comfort is #1

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

At the Whistling Swan Inn, our guests' feedback shapes the way we do business. A comfortable guest experience is #1 on our priority list. The breakfast can be scrumptious, the linens exquisite and the room immaculate, but if the guest is not comfortable, he probably won't stay with us again.

Recently we attended an industry conference sponsored by the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) in Little Rock, AR. Held annually, the conference presents the latest and greatest on a wide variety of topics ranging from Internet presence to hosting elegant and romantic weddings at your inn.

One of the breakout workshops focused on what guests are looking for when they stay at bed and breakfast inns. Based on the survey results, most guests indicated that they did not necessarily want to sit a table in the morning and have to make conversation with strangers. They wanted choices.

Hmm, excuse the pun, but that was food for thought. By the time we'd arrived home from the airport, Tom and I had decided to reconfigure our dining room from its current state of a long table seating 10, to several smaller tables accommodating 2-4 guests. We're happy to report that guest feedback, particularly from those who are regulars, is universally positive.

... and so the adventures continue... join us

Ros

Ros Bruno

Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main Street

Stanhope, NJ 07874

973-347-6369

Romantic Getaway at the Whistling Swan Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I'm a sucker for romance. Since taking over the Whistling Swan Inn this past November, I've congratulated five young women who came down to breakfast sporting diamond engagement rings. The moment they walked into the dining room, their excitement was palpable and contagious.

February, of course, is traditionally the month designated on the calendar for romance, but at the Whistling Swan Inn, guests can book a romantic getaway all year long. Our romantic package includes:

Champagne or sparkling cider, iced upon arrival
Bouquet of roses
Chocolate covered strawberries, lovingly hand-dipped by myself
$50 gift card to one of our Stanhope, NJ area restaurants

Cost: $99 added to the room rate

Like I said, I'm a sucker for romance.

... and so the adventures continue... join us

Ros

Ros Bruno

Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main St.

Stanhope, NJ 07874

973-347-6369

check availability

Apple Walnut Crepes at the Whistling Swan Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:02:00 +0000

I've always been a foodie, but ironically enough, my interest in food extended only to eating it, rather than cooking it. So when we decided to buy the Whistling Swan Inn, my son, Matthew, had a lot of sage advice about what to serve my guests for breakfast.

"Basically Mom", he said, "B&B guests want good food, served elegantly, and they want it to be something they wouldn't necessarily cook themselves." So I set about finding new things to serve my guests that would meet Matt's criteria. This elegant dish is an adaptation from one I found in a cookbook tucked away on a hard-to-reach shelf.

Apple Walnut Crepes - Swan Style

Batter

3 eggs

3/4 C milk

1/4 Tsp salt

3/4 C flour

1/3 C water

Whisk batter ingredients until smooth. Lightly spray an 8-inch skillet with cooking spray and when hot, pour in a small amount of batter, just enough to thinly coat bottom of skillet. Cook both sides over medium-high heat, until golden brown. Gently remove from pan; place on cloth towel to cool slightly. Prepare the rest of the crepes. Makes 12 crepes; serves 6.

Filling

6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced semi-thin

2 T lemon juice

1/3 C raisins

1/2 C chopped walnuts

3 T brown sugar

3 T cinnamon

Pinch cloves

6 T butter

1/3 light cream or half and half

1/2 C dark rum or apple juice

Devonshire cream, thinned orange marmalade, chopped nuts, powdered sugar for garnish

Toss apple slices with lemon juice. Add raisins, walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Heat butter in large pan. Saute apple mixture on medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cream and rum (or apple juice). Continue cooking for another minute or two until bubbling. Do NOT overcook - apples should stay firm. Arrange crepes on 6 warm plates, 2 per plate. Using a slotted spoon, fill with apple filling and a dollop of Devonshire cream. Fold tops in toward center. Drizzle folded crepes with thinned marmalade and dust with finely chopped nuts and powdered sugar.

... and so the adventures continue... join us.

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

Three Months in Stanhope, NJ

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:54:00 +0000

Well, dear readers, February marks the three-month milestone of our new adventure, owning the Whistling Swan Inn. Between making sure our breakfasts are delectable, our rooms pristine and our guests comfortable, we're slowly getting to know the area we now call home. The inn is located in Stanhope, NJ, a charming village in Sussex County, which is in the northwest part of the state known as the Skylands region.

The Skylands boasts some of the best hiking and biking trails in New Jersey. Not being the outdoorsy type myself, this is somewhat lost on me, but Tom, an avid cyclist, is in, as they say, "hog heaven". Apparently, I'm in the minority, because many of our guests love walking over to the incline plane to hike the path along the Morris Canal. When the warm weather comes, I expect we'll see a lot more hikers and bikers at the Whistling Swan Inn.

Generally, when time permits, I stick to browsing through the Blue Heron Antique Shop as well as the myriad of other stores in and around town. You never know what treasures you'll find (I recently picked up a beautiful set of hand-painted Tuscan wine glasses). An added advantage is that I don't have to bundle up.

Although Main Street is short, it's an ideal place to walk. There are sidewalks up and down its length, and the traffic is light. I like not having to get into my car to go up to the deli. I've met all the women at the Stanhope Borough Hall, and also have had the opportunity to meet some members of our local police force without having to show them my license and registration.

... and so the adventures begin... join us

Ros

Ros Bruno
Innkeeper
The Whistling Swan Inn

110 Main Street

Stanhope, NJ 07874

www.whistlingswaninn.com

Check availability

March Brings Music Legends to Stanhope

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:39:00 +0000

Johnny Winter, rated by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time, will be playing at the Stanhope House on Thursday, March 10. Winter has been playing music professionally since he was a child. He had his first big break in 1968, when he attracted notice at the Fillmore East festival while playing with famous blues guitarist Mike Bloomfield. He was then signed for $600,000, the largest advance in the history of the recording industry at the time. His signature accomplishment is producing and playing guitar on blues legend Muddy Waters's series of classic 70s albums, two of which won Grammy Awards.

Another music legend, Graham Parker, will be performing at Salt Gastropub on Wednesday, March 2. Graham Parker is a British rock singer and songwriter, who is best known as the lead singer of the popular British New Wave band Graham Parker & the Rumour. Their 1979 album Squeezing Out Sparks is on Rolling Stone's Top 100 Albums from 1967-1987 list.

Both venues are very close to the Whistling Swan Inn: the Stanhope House is within walking distance and Salt is only a short distance away. Tickets are available on www.stanhopehousenj.com and www.saltgastropub.com -- they'll start selling out as March approaches, so be sure to buy tickets soon. Other acts playing Salt in the upcoming months include Larry Kirwan and Friends (Saturday, 4/08) and Big Boss Sausage (Monday, 3/14). Upcoming acts at the Stanhope House include Big Frank and the Healers (Friday, 2/11) and Milo Z (Saturday, 2/19).

Apple Thimble Tea Cakes Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:49:00 +0000

I came across this recipe when I was looking for new dishes to make for breakfast. The cakes taste like apple crisps, but are the size of mini muffins. At first they take a while to make, but once you get used to the method, you can make them fairly quickly. You can bake a few of them at a time or make an entire dish. The cakes freeze very well.

In the first picture you'll see what the shells look like. The easiest way to bake them is to fill up the mini muffin pan to the top with the crumb mixture and then use your thumb or a spoon to press the mixture against the sides to form the shell. Then you add one tablespoon of the apple mixture. After that, cover the mixture with more crumbs.

Bake the cakes until they turn brown. When you remove the pan from the oven, let it cool down completely before removing the cakes. Otherwise, they will fall apart and make a mess (I did that on the first pan I made!).

If you are having guests over for the holidays these cakes will be a special treat!

Apple Thimble Tea Cakes Recipe
3 large apples, peeled, cored, chopped
1/2 cup currants or raisins
1/4 cup water
2 Tbs sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon or apple pie spice
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg or mace
1 1/2 cups butter

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease 4 12-cup mini-muffin pans.
Peel, core and chop apples. Mix apples, currants, water, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon together in a saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer until apples are partially cooked, about 5 minutes; set aside.
Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl; cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup crust mixture.

Place a heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture into a mini muffin cup, and press it into the cup so that it covers the bottom and pushes up the sides of the cup.
Make sure the crust completely lines the muffin cup to the top. Place about 2 teaspoons of apple filling in the crust. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the reserved crust mixture on the apple filling.
Bake in preheated oven until golden brown – about15 to 20 minutes.
Servings: 48

20% Off Gift Certificates

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:16:00 +0000

This holiday give the gift that truly says I love you. Treat your loved ones to a renewing, relaxing, and restoring bed and breakfast getaway by purchasing a Whistling Swan Inn gift certificate.

Gift certificates must be purchased by 12/31/10 and used between 1/2/11-12/30/11. (Exclusion dates- February weekends, and Sept 1 thru Oct 31, holiday weekends).

Plan your 2011 getaway now - a great gift idea for yourself, your loved one, friends, Mom and Dad, the bride & groom, the anniversary couple, and everyone on your list! Call the Whistling Swan Inn now to help you put together a personalized gift certificate at 973-347-6369 or book online. Free second day express mail available!

Orange Marmalade French Toast Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:59:00 +0000

1 ¼ cup orange marmalade

10 – 4 x 4 x 1-inch thick slices, egg bread

1 ¼ cup whole milk

¾ heavy cream

½ cup sugar

3 large egg yolks

3 large whole eggs

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp grated orange peel

1 tsp grated lemon peel

Spray a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick spray. Spread orange marmalade evenly over one side of each bread slice. Cut slices diagonally in half, forming triangles. Arrange triangles crosswise in dish, marmalade side up overlapping slightly.

In large bowl beat the next eight ingredients. Pour custard over bread. Let bread stand one hour, basting occasionally, or cover and refrigerate overnight.

Bake covered in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 15 minutes more.

Halloween Season in the Skylands

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:25:00 +0000

Halloween season is here! I've been busy at the inn baking pumpkin bread, putting out candy, and putting up Halloween decorations (see the picture to the right).

But when I'm not hauling pumpkins and bags of candy around the inn, I'm going to be checking out some of the Halloween attractions in and around Sussex County. Here are a couple of them:

Hay Ride of Horrors, Haunted Mansion, and Corn Maze at Corrado's Farm

http://hayrideofhorrors.com/ab

outme.htm.

The 2010 haunting season is here!

We will be open on the following dates for 2010:

Friday - 10/15 through Sunday - 10/17

Thursday - 10/21 through Sunday - 10/24

Thursday - 10/28 through Sunday - 10/31

I went on the Corrado's Farm Hayride last year. Despite the reputation hayrides have for being corny, this one was actually scary. I jumped out of my seat more than once. The people who work at the hayride have done this for years and seemed to have honed their ability to scare the bejesus out of you. The costumes, makeup, and sets were all very well done. Highly recommended.

HomeGrownRadio Sixth Anniversary Harvest Fest

Date: 10/30/10

Venue: Fountain House

Time: 1:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Address:

439 Route 94

Fredon, NJ 07860

Outdoor concert by Citizens Band Radio, Stoney River Boys, John Byrne, indoor concert with Mystery Train, Yarn, Susie Q and special guests; must be 21, sponsored by Hoboken Eddie's

Ticket Price: $10

I've listened to Citizens Band Radio and the Stoney River, and thought they both had a good folksy, Creedence Clearwater-esque sound. $10 is a good deal for a 12 hour concert (I'm not sure I'd stay that long, though).

Harvest Moon Hayride and Night Time Corn Maze

Country music DJ, unlimited cider, toasty campfire

Alstede Farms, 16.95/person, also pick pumpkins by flashlight

Chester, NJ

I've heard good things about this hayride but know little about it. I have had Alstede Farms' cider before, though, and can say it's fantastic.

"Last Fling Pumpkin Sling"

Dates: October 30, 2010 - October 31, 2010

Location: Hensler Farms

Belvidere, NJ

Warren County

Description: Come and join us. Build a catapult to sling some pumpkins or come to watch the competition."

I haven't been to this one, but will be checking it out. Destroying pumpkins seems like a waste of food, but this seems like it'll be fun anyway.

October 30, 7pm

Without A Cue presents a performance of

"Addams Family Murder Mystery"

At Charlie Brown's Steakhouse - Hackettstown, NJ

Ticket price : $45.00

For reservations, please call 908-979-0446 - My personal favorite. We've had "Murder Mystery Dinners" at the Whistling Swan Inn before, and they've always been entertaining. Attendees are given characters to play (one of which is "the murderer") and each tries (or in the case of the murderer, pretends to try) to figure out who committed the murder. Trained actors play the detectives. I'm not sure how the murder mysteries at Charlie Brown's are performed, but when we held them at the inn, people knew what characters they'd be playing beforehand, and they showed up wearing costumes. The costumes were generally pretty amusing. One of the attendees showed up wearing a sailor's uniform and another dressed up like a Victorian-era aristocrat. Though $45 might seem pricey, these events are well worth the money.

Liz Armstrong, Innkeeper

Bed and Breakfasts Across the United States and Canada to Honor U.S. Military

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:14:00 +0000

In observance of Veterans Day, over 200 bed and breakfasts in the United States and Canada are providing free rooms on Wednesday, November 10, to honor those who have served or are serving in the military. Over 200 inns in 39 states and Canada have donated rooms for this holiday promotion.

The program was started in 2009 by the West Virginia Bed & Breakfast Association. “We just wanted to say thank you to the courageous men and women from our armed forces,” said Kathleen Panek, owner of the Gillum House in Shinnston, West Virginia, and originator of the concept.

The Whistling Swan Inn in Stanhope is taking part in the Veterans Day promotion. “This is a great way for us to honor our country’s servicemen and women,” said Liz Armstrong, owner of the Whistling Swan Inn. “We want to honor those men and women in the military who put there life on the line for our country every day. Not enough people realize what our serviceman and women face on a day to day basis." Liz’s father served in World War II, and the Whistling Swan wants to honor veterans by having them stay with them as they celebrate Veterans Day.

Bed and breakfasts are small hospitality businesses that offer a warmth and personality rarely found in hotels and motels. All rooms have private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and decorated areas. Known for their breakfasts and personalized service, bed and breakfasts are the perfect way to enhance a getaway.

Reservations have to be made directly with the participating inns. A military or Veterans Administration ID is required for each reservation. Each participating Bed and Breakfast is making at least one room available on the night of November 10 and availability is limited to a first come first serve basis.

Thomas Shepherd Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia secured a domain name and created a web site to enable Veterans to locate a participating Bed & Breakfast. For more information on the promotion go to www.bnbsforvets.org.

Viking Cooking Classes at Natirar

noreply@blogger.com (The Whistling Swan Inn) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Last Friday I visited Natirar, a large countryside estate in Somerset County, to attend one of the Viking cooking classes. Previously the vacation home of the King of Morocco, Natirar was bought last year by Virgin CEO Richard Branson, who has had it extensively renovated, with the intention of developing it into a resort. Currently the property contains only a restaurant and a public park, but there are plans to build a spa, horse ranch, and museum.

The estate is beautiful. After passing through the entrance gate, I went up a winding road, alongside which there were hillsides dotted with trees, stretches of well-kept lawns, and a stream that flowed through the grounds. There were large areas reserved for livestock and for vegetable and fruit gardens -- much of the food served in the restaurant comes from the estate itself. The road goes up a hill, on top of which is the main building of the estate, a 33,000-square-foot brick mansion, which was built in the 1910’s. The other buildings, which include barns, stone cottages, and a carriage house, date back to the mid-nineteenth century. The class was held in the mansion, in a room next to the restaurant.

The class I attended, "The Perfect Peach," began at 11 AM and ended at 2 PM. The atmosphere was friendly, energetic, and not at all intimidating. The class was hands-on and catered to both novices and experts. The instructor, Debbie, started the class by handing out recipes for five different peach dishes: Peach Ice Cream; Peach Apricot Tart; Peach Cheesecake; Grilled Poundcake with Caramel Sauce; and Peach, Shrimp, and Tomato Salad. She ran through the recipes and gave us some basic cooking tips, and then we broke off into groups to pre-prep the dishes. Each group only got to pre-prep one dish, but we were free to roam around and see what each group was doing.

Debbie then demonstrated how to prepare each dish and told us where we could get the ingredients locally. After preparing the dishes, we got to try each of them; all of them were good, my favorite being the Peach Cheesecake. The crushed almond Biscotti crust and the cream cheese and melted white chocolate filling were not only delicious, but were two things I'd never seen in a cheesecake before. Though I liked the Peach Ice Cream, I noticed some people in the class didn't (this was probably because it had liquor in it). At the end of the class, we were given samples of each dish to take home.

Overall, the class was excellent. The class size was small and there were two assistant instructors, so my group received plenty of hands-on instruction. This made the class much better than other classes I've taken, where there was sometimes only one instructor teaching over 30 students. At the end of the class I felt that I could prepare each dish we made in class. The class was $90, a typical price for this sort of class.

Photography: Ekem