Be Creative and Explore your Garden...Your Taste Buds will Dance!

Edible

  

Flowers
 

Such an amazing garnish! Decorate desserts, side dishes or my favorite a salad...SO pretty and tasty!
Or make a beautiful jar of fresh water with these yummy blooms and let the lovely flavor seep into the water for a refreshing drink that is also very colorful and incredibly pleasing to the eyes!

  

 

 

 

But make sure you follow a few tips before you plate this beauties on your dishes...

never eat flowers that come from a florist or nursery unless you
know 100% they are grown organically without any of those nasty pesticides.

Confirm that any flower you want to use in a dish is in fact edible, not all flowers are edible.

To clean edible flowers, shake each flower gently upside down to dislodge any critters hidden in the petals...not gross just nature (remember that the carrot and lettuce that you buy from the grocers at one time had critters on them) Then gently place them in a sink partially full of water and add a couple of tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, and gently agitate or swirl the flowers around with your hand to clean and then dry by remove flowers from water and place on a tea cloth (instead of the not so eco friendly paper towels), and gently roll to dry.

                Apple blossoms   

 

             Citrus blossoms

  Citrus Geranium - Use leaves to infuse ice creams or custards. Use the flowers to garnish desserts, drinks or veggie side dishes.

  Dandelion flowers

                      Hibiscus - Use to make a tea or garnish dishes.

                                                       Honeysuckle - Sweet honey           flavor.

                          Impatiens - Great for floating in drinks or
garnishing a salad.

                                      Johnny-Jump-Ups - Perfect for decorating cakes   and garnishing salads.

                                          Marigolds -  The flowers can be used as a substitute for saffron. If you plant these near tomatoes it will deter pests.

      Martha Washington - I used these gorgeous leaves to
decorate this cake.

                     Nasturtiums - Snails seem to stay away from nasturtiums and  they self seed!

                 Nutmeg geranium - Use leaves for infusing a lovely flavor

   Pansies - Have a sweet green, grassy flavor, great
for garnishing dishes.

   Peony - The petals are beautiful for floating in cocktails or
garnishing dishes.

 Pineapple Guava  - Has a sweet tropical flavor

                                                                         
Primrose Rose Geranium - Use leaves to infuse ice creams or custards, and use the flowers to garnish desserts, drinks or veggie side dishes



Roses - Are great for decorating cakes, floating in drinks or garnishing dishes!

Squash blossoms - Great for stuffing with ricotta cheese!



Violets - Related to Johnny-Jump-Ups, come in some amazing colors like yellow, purple, apricot, and other pastel hues.

So...be creative try something new...your friends and family will be impressed by just adding a bit of color and excitement next time you have guest over...after all flowers are not just for vases!

Are you a Passionate Vegetarian or Vegan?

The Camano Island Inn Restaurant recently put their new vegan/vegetarian options on their menu and OH MY GOODNESS they are all so FABTASTIC…so flavorful the Chutney's are A'MAZING! I was surprised I could eat this food every day and every meal literally!   Vegetarian / Vegan Options * Gluten Free   Vegetable Croquette $8 * Mixed Vegetables, Beets, Potatoes, ginger – Mildly spiced with Garam Masala With Mint and Coconut Chutney Dosa Pancake $8 * Crispy Rice and white Lentil Crepes stuffed with Potato Masala, served wit Lentil Vegetable Soup and Coconut Chutney Chickpea Rolls $8 Chickpea Masala Pinwheeled inside layered Paratta with Aoli Vegetable Samosa $8 Baked Pasty with Savory Vegetable filling of Potatoes, Onions, Peas and Chutney Fire Roasted Eggplant $16 * Spicy Sauce with Cilantro, Tamarind and Coconut Basmati Pilaf and Yogurt Rita with Papad          It got me to think a little more about the why are vegetarians so passionate? I started looking at all the wonderful foods that they eat and the many colors and flavors and decided that I had to write about some of the amazing and healthy foods that they love.           The PASSIONATE VEGETARIAN is sensual and I honestly believe that they celebrate with “all” their senses while their bodies and souls are nourished...      Let’s take for instance…taste, smell and sound, the snap of a green bean or the crunch of a sweet carrot, the scent of fresh baked cookies and the taste of a ripened red strawberry in our mouth, sensual right?        For sight…the orange-gold of butternut squash, the fuchsia tones of beets, the reds and greens of apples and the various browns of mushrooms can be celebratory because of the many colors.      For texture ...the smooth silken tofu or crisp stir-fried broccoli and let us not forget about chocolate and how when we break off a piece it slowly changes texture by melting deliciously in our mouth!           As I started thinking about all the different healthy foods that can be eaten raw or cooked I found this A-Z chart and wanted to share it with you as it made me want to go buy everything on this list and cook something magnificent and take a beautiful picture of all the alluring colors, shapes and sizes.        p.s…if anyone knows any other vegetarian food (not the titles of dishes), that start with the letter X I would love you to share with me!

 

A	is for Artichoke, Asparagus, Apricot and Alfalfa.
B	is for Beans, Bananas, Buckwheat and Blueberries.
C	is for Curries, Cabbage, Cranberries, Carrots and Cantaloupe.
D	is for Dill, Daikon, Dark chocolate and Dandelions.
E	is for Edamame, Eggplant, Endive and Edible flowers
F	is for Fennel, Figs, Fava and Flaxseed.
G	is for Garlic, Ginger, Greens, and Grains.
H	is for Herbs, Hominy, Honeydew, and Hummus.
I	is for Indian curry, Iceberg lettuce, Ice tea.
J	is for Jicama, Japanese eggplant, Jerusalem artichokes.
K	is for Kohlrabi, Kale, Kiwifruit, Kidney beans, and Kohlrabi.
L	is for Lettuce, Leeks, Lemon, and Lentils.
M	is for Mints, Mushrooms, Melons and Mustard
N	is for Nuts, Nori, and Noodles.
O	is for Oregano, Okra, Olives, and Onions.
P	is for Peas, Parsnip, Potatoes, Peanut butter, Polenta, and Pumpkin
Q	is for Quinoa, Quaker oats, and Quince.
R	is for Rice, Rhubarb, Radish, Raisins, Raspberries and Rosemary.
S	is for Sweet potato, Soybean, Shallots, Swiss chard, Spinach and Squash.
T	is for Taro, Tomatillo, Turnip, Tomato and Tarragon
U	is for Unsweetened chocolate, Udon noodles, and Ugli fruit.
V	is for Veggie-burgers, Vanilla, and Vinegar.
W	is for Walnuts, Watermelon, Watercress and Wasabi.
X	is for Xylocarp…this is a hard one.
Y	is for Yams, Yogurt, and Yellow peppers .
Z	is for Zucchini, Zest, and Zinfandel.

 

Our favorite local restaurants of 2012 | HeraldNet.com

A Following the Spirit of the Camano Island Inn highlight!!

Our favorite local restaurants of 2012 | HeraldNet.com - Entertainment

Ahhhh....Take me away

   

Remember the commercial "Calgon, Take me Away"? Now you can lose yourself in luxury without pouring some liquor or powder into your bathtub...you can have someone do all the work for you while you relax and relish in calm serenity and a sensation of pure delight in palette, body and spirit.

Welcome to the Camano Island Inn…

A peaceful waterfront hideaway located on Camano Island only 90 minutes away for the tensions of Seattle and our daily lives.  Life here moves at a much slower pace with fresh clean air...it is a bit of sophisticated sensibility.

At this beautiful waterfront destination the Camano Island Inn’s rooms are dreamy and luxurious; our dining room offers a completely different way of dining. Be "taken away" whe you wake up each morning with a complimentary chef signature breakfast after you start with coffee, orange juice, granola & our delicious honey yogurt, fresh baked pastries and fruit.

 

Be "taken away" from your kitchen into ours and be pampered, let our chef cook lunch and dinner for you...some our our light crispy calamari with a trio of dipping sauces, delicious fish and unique fingerling potatoe chips, a beautiful perfectly cooked salmon and YES we are vegetarian and Vegan friendly. Don't forget our happy hour between 3 and 5 pm where everything is 6 bucks...including a lovely selection of wine and beer tails!

Our spa is intimate with treatments that are designed to beautify your mind, body and spirit amid this waterfront escape. Our skincare line Heaven is exclusive, we have the wonderful Davines hair care, Youngblood makeup line and the wonderful Elemis…our estheticians and therapist are ready to “take you away”.

 

 

 

Hiking, walking or beachcombing our intimate destination brings you close to nature…you will definitely be relaxed...now you can say "Camano Island Inn take me away"!



 

Creating New Traditions...Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 Family Traditions

Generations of families love to connect through their traditions...the ones that you grew up to count on and look forward to...however building and creating new traditions to go with the beloved old ones can be interesting and exciting for your gatherings and treasured memories.
 
Whether you sit together formally at the table and dad cuts the first slice of turkey with his precious carving knife, or you all gather casually to eat while watching football, or perhaps you spend this day of celebration serving hot meals to the homeless...changing things up a bit can be an enhancement to your traditional day.  It could even be as simple as how you cook your turkey...is it the traditional roasted bird, coffee rubbed, brined or salt encrusted or is it the southern deep fried turkey from the South? Why not add something new to your Thanksgiving tradition. 

My fondest memory of our family tradition was how my Mother would set the table...out came her beautiful pure white laced tablecloth, perfectly folded cloth napkins, shiny white china, stemware and silverware all of which she kept tucked immaculately in her china hutch only used for this traditional day and Christmas...our table shined and looked so beautiful and I remember thinking why couldn't the table look this beautiful every night at dinner? Today, I carry that tradition...not just for significant events...but everyday I love to dress my dinner table.

The Camano Island Inn staff hopes that all your traditions this Holiday are wonderfully warm, cozy and that you are surrounded by loved ones. 
 
We will be open as always and would love to have you and your family share in our traditional Camano Island Inn Thanksgiving Dinner...

Cranberry Sauce

Salad of Bitter Greens, Orange and Walnut Emulsion

Green Bean Casserole with Mushrooms, Caramelized and Crispy Onions

(not your cream of mushroom soup and canned onion recipe)

Ham and Turkey with Sweet Potatoes, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Pumpkin Tart

 

Reservations are required / 360-387-0783

 

 

Once Upon a Time...

This is the story of three little tails,Wine, Beer and Mock. They were lonely little guys trying to keep up with the big boys in the city...cocktails, micros, specialty beers, bright lights, action and the hectic world around them.

One day the three tails were talking and between them they decided to find a place to build some notoriety of their own. The three tails sat down had a drink of each other and discussed their new venture.

Without any direction or plan they went to the library and found an old drawing tucked inside of this book called “Images of America - Camano Island, WA and instantly there was a connection, this would be their new home.

Mock being the only one of the three able to drive, picked Wine and Beer up and the three of them started their venture. The I-5 freeway seemed long only because they were SO excited about their new start in life.  They enjoyed singing songs to the radio and talking about their plans and all the exciting activities on the Island like the Canopy Tours, Hiking, Shopping, Beachcombing, Kayaking etc...fun times ahead!

About an hour on the road just as they came to their exit of Stanwood/Camano Island, Mock’s car broke down...but nothing could deter them from beginning their new start. As they walked through the trees and land it was peaceful here and so quite. They came upon the frog and bumble bee and sat for a bit as they all had a drink and told stories of their tails and intently listening to every word that the dear frog and bumble bee spoke about this serene new place call Camano Island. “It is beautiful” the frog said “if you travel to waterside of the island there is an Inn that is gorgeous with flowers, berries and birds."  In his wonderful charismatic personality the bumble chimed in "Don't forget the bees, it is all the buzz”!  The bumble went on to say “the buzz is that the Camano Island Inn is looking for three tails…wine, beer and mock for their new Happy Hour, and this would be perfect for the three of you...They are sure to have a job for you!”

The tails parted ways from their new found friends frog and bumble but knew they would meet again on the waterside of the island, just as they spoke of.

As they came to their final destination 1054 S West Camano Dr, Camano Island, WA they were greeted by the most generous and amazing staff ever, who made them a part of their lovely Camano Island Inn family….where they now live happily ever after! The End...

But wait the story continues it certainly doesn't end here...yes they do live happily ever after...and we invite each and every one of you to join us for our new "Happy Hour" at the Inn, where we will be serving yummy bites of food and where you will meet Winetail, Beertails and Mocktails of course!  

Enjoy our 6 Buck

Happy Hour

at the beginning, middle or end of your week...

(starting Tuesday November 6, 2012)

Every Tuesday - Sunday

3 pm - 5 pm

"We have some fabulous tails to share with you"

FEATURING • Winetails • Beertails • Mocktails • Great Menu • Ambiance • Fabulous Views

MENU

Fish & Chips

Truffle Frites

Crispy Calamari

Mac & Cheese

Chop House Burger

Chef's Choice Linguine

Crab Cakes
 

(1 buck off beer & wine by the glass only)

*ONE PURCHASED DRINK MINIMUM…NO HAPPY FOOD TO GO

**SORRY NO HARD LIQUOR SPIRITS



Camano Island Inn
1054 S West Camano Dr
Camano Island, WA  98282
(360) 387-0783 

Fall is in the Air...

 

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Healthy Fall Foods

Fall is upon us and has brought with it a wealth of colors and smells, but one of the most important parts of autumn is the produce. The word “harvest” was actually the term originally applied to this season before the 16^th century. There are a ton of healthy fruits and vegetables available during fall. Let’s take a look at five fall favorites and some recipes to go with them.

1. Apples
These days, apples are available all year round, but really, autumn is when apples thrive. You’ll see a ton of apple varietals in beautiful colors. Every type of apple has a different taste and texture, from crunchy and tart to sweet and juicy.
Apples are a wonder fruit, rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They are good for the heart and can decrease the risk of diabetes and cancer. Most people like to enjoy them raw, though they are most popularly used in fall to make cider. Mulled cider is easy to make, delicious, and a great alternative to other holiday drinks that are full of calories, like eggnog.
To turn your apple into a warm and healthy dessert, stick it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. The baked apple is a very loose and adaptable snack. Let your kids top it with some cherries, cinnamon, nutmeg, or other toppings of their choice.
2. Cranberries
Cranberries are low in calories, low in fat, and cholesterol free. They are a fantastic source of vitamin C and fiber and are known to keep the urinary tract healthy. Cranberries also prevent plaque formation on teeth.
While they can be eaten raw, cranberries can be too tart to enjoy alone. Next time you make a salad with mixed greens, throw a handful of cranberries in for that extra bit of sweetness. An apple-cranberry crisp combines the delicious fruit with whole oats for a sweet after-dinner treat.
3. Eggplant
Eggplant goes with just about any palate or budget, not to mention the health benefits. Eggplant is a great source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and folate. In terms of minerals, eggplant is filled with calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous.
When prepared properly, eggplant really does go well with everything and often replaces proteins in meaty dishes. Eggplant parmesan pizza is a great way to get kids to try eggplant in a familiar form.
4. Winter squash
Although the name might say otherwise, winter squash actually come into season in the early fall and last into the winter. All forms of squash have a reputation for containing a ton of healthy nutrients, especially fiber, but winter squash tends to be even denser with nutrients. A winter squash, like butternut squash, contains more beta-carotene, potassium, and B vitamins than a summer squash. Beta-carotene plays a key role in fighting heart disease and cancer and is great for eye health.
Winter squash can seem a bit intimidating for the inexperienced cook, but it turns out that squash is actually a highly versatile ingredient. You can substitute squash for potatoes to make a delicious mashed maple squash or bake rich, delightfully sweet squash tea bread. If all else fails, you can toss them into your salad or roast them with a pleasant helping of other fall favorites.
5. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a type of squash, but deserve a section all their own. A Halloween favorite, pumpkins are for more than just carving. They are incredibly rich in antioxidants and vitamins, namely vitamin A. Pumpkins are extremely low in calories but are an excellent source of leutin, xanthins, and carotenes. When you’re carving those pumpkins, roast the seeds for a tasty, magnesium-rich snack.
The pumpkin pulp is what goes into all sorts of delicious fall recipes. You’re probably familiar with it in the pie form, but pumpkin pie is usually full of added sugar. Instead, opt for some mini pumpkin muffins (use whole wheat flour), which are low in fat but deceptively tasty.
Don’t be afraid to ask your local produce department what other vegetables and fruits are in season, or take a family adventure to your farmer’s market for fresh, in-season goodies.

~article information...courtesy of  http://www.sparkpe.org/blog/5-healthy-fall-foods/

 

Pumpkins in the cornfields,
Gold among the brown,
Leaves of rust and scarlet
Trembling slowly down;
Birds that travel southward,
Lovely time to play;
Nothing is as pleasant
As an autumn day!

    At the Camano Island Inn we are gearing up for some wonderful menu changes, events, new announcements and an incredible warm and spicy ambiance...just for you!
    
     So stay tuned and watch for our emails and check our facebook and twitter pages  https://twitter.com/camanoislandinn / http://www.facebook.com/#!/camanoislandwaterfrontinn regularly as you won't want to miss all the excitement!

      Stop by and visit us, we are located at:

1054 S West Camano Dr

Camano Island, WA  98282

(360) 387-0783