I came upon these critters when I moved the trash cans they were hiding behind out for pick-up. Thanks to guest Steven Schlecht, who was celebrating his birthday with us, for the photo!
Arizona Highways Travel Show
April 26th, 2011 by pattiebell
Love Arizona??? Love Travel???
Join us, The Inns at El Rancho Merlita, and 100 exhibitors from throughout Arizona at the Arizona Highways Travel Show ~ May 14 & 15 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Discount coupons are available at:
Golden Rain Blossoms
April 21st, 2011 by pattiebell
Golden Rain Blossoms
The Goldenrain tree or “Pride of India” (tree species: Koelreuteria paniculata) is an ornamental species from Asia that has been widely planted in the Spanish cities of Madrid and Barcelona. The name “Goldenrain” refers to the bright yellow flowers that cover the tree with a golden color in late spring.
There are 2 of these unusual trees on the property. I have never seen one in Tucson before. They are similar to China Berries, with papery seed pods instead of “berries”.
2011 Top 10 Romantic Inn
March 31st, 2011 by pattiebell
Out of 30,000 Inns and Bed and Breakfast in North America, El Rancho Merlita Ranch House Inn, was chosen as one of the top ten most romantic by iLoveInns.com after months of research and deliberation. It provides the perfect location, world-class hospitality, personalized touch and loving environment that dreams are made of. As iLoveInns.com president and 30-year bed and breakfast connoisseur Deborah Sakach remarks, “These kinds of properties deeply touch the hearts of their guests.”
Butterfly Season
September 22nd, 2010 by pattiebell
Recently, when I was at El Rancho Merlita Ranch House Bed and Breakfast in Tucson, AZ, I was impressed by the number of butterflies flitting around. It greatly enhanced the peacefulness and the beauty of the ranch. Here are a few of the butterflies I enjoyed:
The Arizona State Butterfly - The Two-tailed Swallowtail
The state butterfly is marvelous!
The Arizona Sister - Adelpha bredowii eulalia
Mormon Metalmark - Apodemia mormo mormo
COCOA CHILE COINS
July 5th, 2010 by pattiebell
THIS COOKIE RECIPE CAME TOGETHER AS I WAS TRYING TO FIND WAYS TO INCORPORATE MESQUITE FLOUR INTO SOME OF MY BAKING.
SIFT TOGETHER: 1 C FLOUR, ½ C MESQUITE FLOUR, ¾ C UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER, ¼ t SALT, ½ t CAYENNE POWDER, 2 t CINNAMON, ¼ t CLOVES
CREAM TOGETHER UNTIL LIGHT AND FLUFFY (3 MIN. IN ELECTRIC MIXER): 1 C SUGAR, ¾ C BUTTER
MIX IN: 1 LARGE EGG, 1 ½ t VANILLA
ADD FLOUR MIXTURE. MIX UNTIL JUST COMBINED. TURN OUT DOUGH ONTO PARCHMENT PAPER AND ROLL INTO LOG 2 INCHES IN DIAMETER. ROLL LOG IN THE PARCHMENT PAPER. REFRIGERATE AT LEAST 1 HOUR OR OVERNIGHT.
PREHEAT OVEN TO 350. REOMVE LOG FROM PARCHMENT. LET SOFTEN ABOUT 5 MIN. ROLL LOG IN RAW OR SANDING SUGAR, PRESSING DOWN TO ADHERE TO DOUGH. TRANSFER LOG TO CUTTING BOARD. SLICE INTO ¼ INCH ROUNDSNN. PLACE 1 INCH APART ON PARCHMENT LINED COOKIE SHEETS.
BAKE 12 MINUTES AT 350, UNTIL SET AND RICH BROWN. COOL COMPLETELY ON WIRE RACKS. MAKES ABOUT 4 DOZEN.
NOTES: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE MESQUITE FLOUR YOU CAN USE ALL REGULAR FLOUR. TRY USING OTHER KINDS OF CHILE, LIKE CHIPOTLE, WHICH HAS A NICE SMOKY FLAVOR, OR MILDER CHILE COLORADOS.
Molasses Oat Cookies
July 5th, 2010 by pattiebell
These simple crunchy cookies are packed with flavor and super easy to prepare! I felt they could handle the addition of whole wheat flour, but you can use all white flour if you wish.
3/4 C white flour, 3/4 C whole wheat flour, 1 C sugar, 1 t baking soda, ½ t salt, 1 t ground ginger, ½ t ground cloves
½ C melted butter, 1 large egg, ¼ C molasses
¾ C oats
¼ C sugar for rolling
Heat oven to 375. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
Sift first 6 ingredients in large bowl. Add next 3 wet ingredients. Mix well. Add oats and stir to incorporate.
Scoop dough into balls using 1 oz. scoop. Roll balls in sugar and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Cool on racks. Makes about 18 cookies.
Night Blooming Cereus
June 19th, 2010 by pattiebell
Thanks to West Tucson guest Hope Green for sharing these great photos of our huge night blooming cereus. Thanks too, Hope, for the shoe sharing!!!
