We can't believe February is almost here. Where did January go? We have been taking a lot of Reservations for this next month. Don't wait to long to make your reservation for Valentines! Hope everyone is enjoying this mild Winter so far!

January is a great time of year to come enjoy the beautiful Ozarks.  Now that all of the Holiday rush is over, why not treat yourself to a relaxing stay at Crystal Cove!  We are running a Winter Special for the month of January.  All cabin suites are only $99.00.  At these low rates we are filling up fast. Rates subject to change without notice! Next month we will be going back to normal rates, so don’t wait! 

If you are like most people, there is always that last minute gift that you want to be extra special!  Here is an idea for you.  Here is what we are offering "Buy now pay later option for you!"  You can order a gift certificate today and have it in your hands today.  Just give us a call and we will help you in anyway we can.  We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! 
As we near the end of 2011 and prepare to welcome in a brand new year, it's the perfect time to sneak away from all of the hustle and bustle of this wonderful season and simply unwind.  If you find yourself in need of a little R&R after all of the shopping, parties and out of town guests have faded away, we warmly invite you to come recharge your batteries next the roaring fire at our Bed and Breakfast.  Winter is an incredibly peaceful and romantic time of year at Crystal Cove.   All of our luxury cabin suites have  a special rate of $99 per night through the entire month of January.  In addition, with each 3 night stay, all of our guests will receive our exclusive candlelight package ~absolutely free of charge ~ Our gift to you and yours.  So, pack your bags!  We look forward to seeing you again, or perhaps meeting you for the very first time.   Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!  Hope to see you soon!

Strawberry Chiffon Cupcakes

Peanut Butter Fudge Dreams

 

 

 All of this wonderful chilly weather has me day dreaming of hot spiced cider... 
  
What a wonderful way to warm up on a crisp October morning.   Our tried and true, Delicious Spiced Cider recipe, is a "no fail" way to immerse yourself in the wonder of Autumn.
 
Each harvest season we bring out the kettle,  load it to the brim with the sweet and spicy tastes of Fall, and keep it simmering right on through the upcoming holidays.  

Hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do... 
 
                                                           
                                                            
                                                         
                                                             
                                                              Delicious Spiced Cider

Ingredients
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 large orange, quartered with peel
1 handful candied red hots
2 quarts apple cider

In 3-quart saucepan, heat ingredients to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
Before serving, strain cider mixture to remove cloves and cinnamon, if desired. Serve hot.

It's cold...  Time to bring out the jackets, for sure!  It's a gorgeous, but obviously chilly day in the Ozarks.

It was a pleasure having the owners of Longevity Farms stay with us this past weekend.  If your ever in Shawnee, Kansas you should stop by and see them.   They grow a huge variety of organic fruits and vegetables.  What a neat couple!


I found this wonderful recipe for Pumpkin Spice Pound Cake and thought I would share it with you all.  It's one of the BEST that I've ever found...


Pumpkin Spice Pound Cake
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus additional for greasing bundt pan
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting pan
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin (from a 15-oz can; not pie filling)
3/4 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
For glaze:
2 T butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1-3 T cream or milk
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray bunt pan generously with cooking spray. Combine all ingredients and beat with mixer for several minutes.   Bake for 40-50 minutes.

Cream Cheese Icing


8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
powdered sugar (to consistency)
Vanilla
French Vanilla creamer
dash of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove

(Beat together until creamy...)

Once it's cool, drizzle cream cheese icing over the top and sprinkle with toasted pecans. YUM!!!