A Surprise Visitor to the Oranges
Each Spring we put out orange halves for returning Baltimore Orioles. To our delight this past weekend a bird we never expected. A...
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RAMBLINGS FROM THE RETIRED CHEF
Secrets from a 15 year bed & breakfast veteran
Welcome to The Retired Chef, a unique blog here for you to explore. The Retired Chef has added such value to my life, and I love having the opportunity to share my passions and thoughts with my loyal readers. Read on, and enjoy.
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Mother’s Day Eastern Bluebird Box Report
Well Mother’s Day found us checking on our mother Bluebirds and counting nests and eggs so far this spring. We are happy to report Box...
Bodacious Banana Bread with Crans and Crunchy Sugared Almond Topping
This is simply the best banana bread you will ever make. Low sugar, whole wheat flour, ground flax seed or hemp hearts and dried...
Spring Brings New Birds to the Feeders
At first glance you would mistake this beautiful warbler for an American Goldfinch. The Pine Warbler almost always hangs out in pine...
A Snowshoe Hare…”My what big feet you have!”
Well this was a first. Easter weekend a snowshoe hare showed up at Bluebird Meadows. I guess the Easter Bunny was busy. He was very...
Trillium Heaven
Every spring in southern Ontario the forests light up with our provincial flower. The trillium is one of Ontario’s most beautiful...
Patiently Waiting For The Snow To Melt
The Trumpeter Swan was nearly hunted to extinction for its meat and feathers in the early part of the 20th century. Thanks to the...
Blueberry or Raspberry Buttermilk Pancakes (Also Gluten Free conversion)
This has got to be my most requested pancake recipe. Guests from Europe routinely ask for the recipe, then go out and buy the necessary...
Lemon Surprise Layer Loaf
Lemon Surprise Loaf One of my favourite loaf recipes for spring, don’t you just think spring when you think of lemon desserts? This...
First Day of Spring Tomorrow!
Blue Jays are very common visitors to our feeders and can often be bossy and aggressive with smaller birds. They love peanuts, whether...
Patiently Waiting for Spring
This beautiful male Cardinal’s image was captured by Donna Tolmie on a recent visit. He is all fluffed up from the cold and is hiding...
How many more sleeps until spring?
I never tire of watching our birds. This winter we have had as many as 40 Blue Jays at our feeder at a time. I’m sure they are as...
Looking for something to do on the March Break?
We have lots of availability for March break ! Ski and snow conditions are still great and we can’t remember better winter ski...
A New Review up on our Tripadvisor Site !
Thank you Alex for your kind words and for taking the time to write a testimonial. It means the world to us ! “Excellent hospitality and...
Banana Chocolate Chip Whole Wheat Muffins
Makes 12-18 muffins 2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 tbsp. baking powder 1/2 baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups milk...
Basil Pesto & Goat Cheese Frittata
12 eggs 1/4 cup of 5% cream (you can use milk here if desired) 1 heaping tsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground peppe...
Pumpkin Apple Pancakes
1 cup of all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking pwd. 1/4 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 2 eggs 2 tbsp. brown sugar 1 cup 5% cream 4...
Saucy Chickadees
I think Chickadees make me smile the most this time of year. It doesn’t matter how cold or snowy it gets, they will still give you that...
High Bush Cranberries are Becoming an attractant
The high bush cranberries are attracting more than just birds. Love the photo on the left. Hang on little buddy. Hope these bring a...
Banana Buttermilk Whole Wheat Pancakes
½ cup whole wt. Flour ½ cup all purp. Flour 3 tbsp. Brown sugar ½ tsp. Baking pwd. ¼ tsp. Baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 cup buttermilk 1 egg...
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