Archive for the ‘Tucson Treasure’ Category
February 21st, 2012 by pattiebell
A real show stopper when planted in masses in the garden, spring-blooming Parry penstemon sports light to dark pink flowers on 3-4 foot flower stalks. Not only is it attractive in bloom, it is also easy to care for. An added feature is the tubular shape of the flowers which are perfect for attracting hummingbirds. Parry penstemon grows along washes, on desert slopes, and in canyons in southern Arizona and in Sonora, Mexico, generally at elevations from 1500-5000 feet. You occasionally see it in masses in the wild, but it is more common to see one or two plants here and there. This area is irrigated, which allows for abundant spreading as the plants drop their seeds each year.
Posted in Spring, Tucson Treasure, Wildflowers | Comments Off
January 5th, 2012 by pattiebell
Where I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, violets peeking through the last of winter’s snow announced the arrival of Spring. This little patch of them growing right outside the Ranch House entrance (possibly planted by Merle herself in the ’50s?) seems to be wishing us a Happy New Year!
Posted in Spring, Tucson Treasure, Welcome, Wildflowers | Comments Off
December 21st, 2011 by pattiebell
One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the appearance of these floral favorites.
Every year I adopt one and enjoy the process of seeing it burst into bloom. This year’s may be a record breaker ~ SEVEN blossoms at once!
I have to keep adjusting it’s stance just to prevent it from toppling over.
Posted in Tucson Treasure, Welcome | Comments Off
December 20th, 2011 by pattiebell
These little delights are on the cover of December’s Bon Appetit magazine. I thought I’d give them a try.
Light, minty meringues, with their cheerful red swirls…what’s not to like?!
I just followed the recipe. Here’s the link. Lots of other good cookie offerings there as well.
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/12/peppermint-meringues
Posted in Food, Recipes, Tucson Treasure | Comments Off
August 2nd, 2011 by pattiebell
Sometimes simple is simply the best! I have added everything from sesame oil and seeds to fresh rosemary and orange zest to this shortbread, but sometimes this unadorned basic recipe is all you need!
Cream 2 sticks room temperature butter with 1/2 cup white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Gradually blend in about 2 cups unbleached flour until dough pulls together and is soft and smooth and no longer sticky. Form into a ball and cut in half. Pat each half into a buttered 9 inch pie pan until flat and even. With the tines of a fork score the edges all around. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes until golden. As soon as you remove the pans from the oven, cut each into 12 wedges and poke the decorative holes with fork tines. Allow to cool. Can be stored in pans tightly wrapped for a few days at room temperature.
You can experiment with adding different extracts, zests, spices and nuts for a variety of flavors and textures. Or not. Either way, enjoy the buttery crunchiness of this lovely traditional shortbread!
Posted in Food, Recipes, Tucson Treasure | Comments Off
June 28th, 2011 by pattiebell
Apparently the egg is malleable enough that the hatchlings can peck a semi-circle and squeeze out without breaking the shell. This was dry and firm when I found it. We have not had nearly as many quail babies this year as last, but a couple families are passing through regularly. We had to give up the quail seed blocks because the javelina were devouring them in a matter of days!
Posted in Tucson Treasure, Welcome, Wildlife | Comments Off
June 21st, 2011 by pattiebell
Sparkling salt water swimming pool…Cool shady porches…
Air conditioned splendor…
Tropical Fruit Smoothies and Ranch House Breakfast Chilequiles with Pumpkin Corn Muffins…Homemade Spicy Mexican Brownies with Prickly Pear Lemonade…
All this starting at $89 a night? It’s true, this is Summer in Tucson!
Posted in In the News, Tucson Treasure, Welcome | Comments Off
February 20th, 2009 by pattiebell
El Rancho Merlita is to be a feature property on the Tucson Treasures show by KMSB Fox 11 AZ. Rancho Merlita is a tucson gem, and will soon be open to the public as a Bed & Breakfast. The Rancho Merlita Ranch House living room is pictured below (click photo to enlarge).
In order to serve our guests better we would like to create a Tucson Treasures blog. What treasures have we discovered in Tucson and highly recommend? Read our blog posts to find out…
Tags: B&B, Bed & Breakfast, KMSB Fox 11 AZ, Tucson, Tucson Treasures
Posted in In the News, Tucson Treasure | Comments Off
