Eggs Benedict for Sunday breakfast at Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area bed and breakfast

Eggs Benedict for Sunday morning breakfast is extra special when you use farm fresh eggs. I am always at  the Ypsilanti Farmer's Market on Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning to get the freshest vegetables, fruits, flowers and eggs.  The taste of fresh is amazing.

For this version of Eggs Benedict, I added fresh Michigan grown asparagus that I roasted in the over first. So I put it together this way; English muffin, Canadian bacon, asparagus, poached egg and topped it with Hollandaise sauce and a garnish of fresh chives. For some people this is enough to eat, but I served this with home fried potatoes and a fresh tomato.

Here is easy Hollandaise sauce; 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature, 1-1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice,3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, pinch of cayenne, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan until it is sizzling hot. Put egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in the jar of the blender and process on low for 15 seconds. Take the the top of the blender off and with the blender on low, very slowly add the hot butter to the egg and lemon mixture through the open top

and blend for 30 seconds, until the sauce is very thick. Use it right away. Makes about 1/2 cup, or enough for about 4 -5 eggs.

Serving up Eggs Benedict

Traveling Michigan Avenue; Ypsilanti to Brooklyn, Michigan

This is a new series of posts from my daughter Martha as she travels the area exploring the highways and byways of our area. The trips all begin at the Parish House Inn and downtown Ypsilanti and then go wherever the road takes her. She will be our in - house guide, and can assist you as you plan your  next visit to the Parish House Inn and the Ann Arbor Ypsilanti area. CLICK HERE to select your favorite room.

 

Michigan Ave  -  US 12

  EXPLORING WITH MARTHA...

       Destination: Pizza Rolls

 I have been planning to make this trip ever since I went to the Ypsilanti Farmer's market last November and tasted the pizza rolls made by the Stone Hearth Bakery in Brooklyn, Michigan. My son, Joe and I decided to take advantage of a beautiful Spring day, and so we set our GPS and were off to explore Michigan Ave going west from our home base, the Parish House Inn, in Ypsilanti. Along the way we discovered some hidden gems that looked interesting for future explorations.

Saline is a bustling community and only 20 minutes down the road. In the center of the city is the Rentschler Farm Museum, circa 1901, a large historic farm house, barn and a very large yard. We plan to visit again to go on a tour and see the events. At the main intersection of Ann Arbor and Michigan Avenue, there are several restaurants, shops and a large parking area.
 

Clinton, only 30 minutes from Ypsilanti, I saw tree lined streets with older houses, quaint shops and restaurants with the Historic Clinton Inn on the corner of the downtown. It was as though we had stepped back in time. There 's even a golf course!

The Irish Hills, 40 minutes into our trip, brought my mind back to the lake areas of Southern Maine, where we lived for 8 years, where there are small resorts with individual cabins and camp grounds. There is a recreation facilities include a miniature golf course and an Old West Town. If you can picture rolling hills, small lakes and winding roads, this is it.

Brooklyn, about 50 minutes to our destination. Brooklyn is where the Michigan International Speedway is located, and is the center of activity when NASCAR races are there. We followed our directions, turning north on M50, and  found the Stone Hearth Bakery. Pizza Rolls it seems are their THING!....but they  also make lots of other yummy treats and a wide variety of breads. After deciding on which type of bread we wanted, and how many pizza rolls to get, we walked around a bit to see some of the shops and began our journey back to the Parish House Inn. 

It was a successful trip and we had a good time exploring.  There are many more places and sights to see as well.  In the summer, there are fresh vegetable stands and ice cream shops every few miles.   Looking forward to seeing you and sharing even more tips...

Parish House Inn

Martha Cleary
Innkeeper

www.parishhouseinn.com

parishinn@aol.com

734-480-4800

April Events

First Friday Art Walk Locations

Be sure to book your room for any of these events, so you won't be disappointed.

Event Description; Are you a wine lover? Than this is the event for you...check it out!

Michigan Wine CelebrationApril 11-12, 2015
Celebrate Michigan Wine Month at the SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail's "Michigan Wine Celebration"!Each winery along the trail will feature an appetizer or dessert prepared by a local chef and paired with their featured wine. The price also includes one tasting glass.
Tickets for this self-driven tour with 8 delicious Food & Wine Pairings are only $30! Each ticket purchase includes tasting up to 6 additional wines at each winery.
Designated drivers eat for FREE

For ticket information  go to ; Blue Man Group Information


For information about Eastern Michigan University  graduation ; www.emich.edu/commencement/

For information about  UM graduation ; http://commencement.umich.edu/springcommencement/spring-commencement/

WELCOME TO SPRING Special offer at the Parish House Inn

Room 4

ROOM 4  at the Parish House Inn here in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, has a new look, with freshly painted woodwork and the upper walls, new window treatments and a new bedspread.  We didn't stop there...the furniture has been re-arranged which will make it more user friendly. 

We have been busy updating all the rooms these past weeks and we hope you like the changes.  We would like your feedback, and so we have a special offer for April;

'WELCOME TO SPRING "  SPECIAL OFFER

When you stay at the Parish House Inn any Friday and Saturday weekend in April, your Saturday is half price. So take advantage of this April offer and plan  an early Spring getaway. Go to your favorite restaurants,  walk and explore the shops and enjoy the bright green leaves popping out on the trees and bushes.

Sound good?  Then just book your room online here. This is a limited time offer, so don't wait...do it today. I'll be looking for you,

Chris Mason
Innkeeper
Parish House Inn

Maple Syrup Making a "30 Minute Trip from Ypsilanti"

Maple Syrup Tours

The Parish House Inn bed and breakfast will be featuring "30 minute trips from Ypsilanti" to interesting off the beaten path locations in the coming months. All of the locations will be personally visited by us, so when you are our guest, you get the inside scoop. All you have to do is pick a date and book your room. 

This is our first featured "30 Minute Trip"....enjoy!


McLennan Gardens
10950 M-52
Manchester, MI 48158
Contact information to book a tour;
Cost is $5 per person, group pricing available
(734)428-7005
www.mclennangardens.com
mclennanmaplesyrup@gmail.com
42.159223
-84.042642

Just a short 30 minute drive from Ypsilanti, McLennan Gardens is billed as your maple syrup headquarters offering tours every Saturday in March. The tours begin at 9 AM and continue every 2 hours. You will experience the sugar shack process, handle tools and supplies, learn about tree tapping and selection and enjoy maple cookies or ice cream with maple syrup.  Activities for the whole family!
March is when the sap of the maple tree runs and maple syrup is made. It is an interesting multi-step process that has a long history in many northern states. Here in Michigan maple syrup making celebrated every weekend in March in various locations.

Chris Mason
Innkeeper
Parish House Inn
103 S. Huron Street
Ypsilanti, Mi 48197

Black History Month; Local artists exhibit at the Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Black History Month 

at The Riverside Arts Center

An Artists reception will be held Friday February 6 from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Riverside Arts Center in downtown Ypsilanti.  Local African American artists of all ages will be sharing their art, including visual,literacy and performance.  This art will be featured in the gallery through February 28,2015.

Participating Artists: Cydney Camp, Ashanti Johnson, Georgette Jones, Lauren Mills, Zakiya Newell, Byron Reed, Jainelle Robinson, Haneef Sabree, Maurice Sanders, Chadwick Smith, Natalia Sharisse, Gabriel Vunda, Marcus White, Alana Wynes

Ypsilanti has a rich African American history that began in the 1800's and continues to today. The artists among them share their work with the community in this exhibit.

The Parish House Inn is just two blocks from the Riverside Arts Center.

Chicken Salad with Green Grapes and Walnuts from the Parish House Inn

This is about love...of my brother and this chicken salad recipe ...it felt appropriate to share as we celebrate Valentine's Day with those we love.

This is a recipe from my brother Jim...he is a great cook and enjoys sharing his recipes with me.  On aobnvisit to Ypsilanti he made this chicken salad for me and I have enjoyed it ever since.  There are a lot of ingredients and each one is important, so don't leave them out.  I sometimes substitute dried cherries and toasted pecans and  the grapes and walnuts with equally delicious results.  

My Brother Jim's Famous Chicken Salad

1 ½ pounds chicken breast, shredded, not cubed

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

2 green onions, finely chopped

1/1/2 stalks celery finely chopped

1 small tart apple, peeled, cored finely chopped

½ cup walnuts, chopped

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

½ pound green grapes, sliced lengthwise

½ teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon sea salt

add mayonnaise to create a smooth texture

In a large bowl mix all ingredients together and adjust seasonings to taste. Serve on a bed of lettuce, garnish with additional chopped walnuts and green grapes.

PTD Productions Comedy and dinner near the Parish House Inn in February

The Parish House Inn bed and breakfast, just two blocks away from the Riverside Arts Center,76 N. Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI, is a perfect location for a weekend theater and dinner getaway. When you reserve for a Friday and Saturday in February, we will add a single rose bouquet, chocolate dipped strawberries and a set-up of wine or champagne glasses.

The near-by restaurants offer a variety of menus from Vietnamese, to barbeque to just a good steak and potato.  We are happy to make reservations for you at the restaurant of your choice.

February 2015 begins the season with a play where comedy is front and center. This PTD Production of the winner of the 2013 Tony award for best play,

Vanya& Sonia & Masha & Spike written by Christopher Durang. Be prepared to laugh-out-loud as you watch this hilarious tale unfold in stage. The peaceful retirement of Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia is interrupted when their movie star sister Masha returns, unannounced, with her twenty-something boy toy Spike, which was foretold by their psychic house cleaner, Cassandra. Spike is the catalyst for a weekend of rivalry and regret which leads to the raucous, absurd humor.

February 19 -28 at 8 PM, Sunday February 22 and Tuesday February 24 are matinees at 2 PM.

Tickets are $18 general admission, $12 for students and seniors. Go to www.ptdproductions.com for more information

Chris Mason, Innkeeper

Parish House Inn White Bean, Ham and Spinach Soup Recipe

There are a lot of bean and greens soup recipes out there, but I really like this one. Because you blend some of the beans, it thickens the broth and makes it a very hearty main dish option, served with crusty bread and a salad. Enjoy!

White Bean, Ham and Spinach Soup

4 - 6 servings

A very yummy and filling soup for Winter.  Especially good if you have some ham left from the Holidays.  Without it, it makes a good vegetarian option, musing vegetable broth.

2 Tablespoons oil 2 (16 ounce ) cans white beans, drained and rinsed 1 (12 ounce ) package fresh spinach ½ cup chopped carrots 2 cups chopped red onion 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chopped celery 1 teaspoon dried rosemary ¼ teaspoon crush dried pepper flakes 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 6 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 cup diced tomatoes or 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes 2 cups coarsely chopped ham ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired

In a large soup pot heat oil, add carrots, onions, garlic, celery, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook 5 – 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add white beans and chicken broth; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Place 2 cups soup in a blender and puree until smooth ( I use an immersion blender for just a quick blend) Stir in spinach and tomatoes and stir until spinach is soft. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Parish House Inn Ypsilanti Terrific Five Star Review ...

This video review is from a recent guest.  The background of the video is our breakfast room/kitchen area, and is also where guests enter the Parish House and check-in when they arrive.  Once checked-in, guests can help themselves to a cup of tea or cocoa and  nibble on one of our famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies anytime.  In the morning Martha and I are ready with coffee and a freshly prepared breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade muffins and breads and a main dish like eggs or pancakes. If guests are off to work, then conversation is limited, but if time is not an issue, then guests engage in lively conversations with each other and the innkeepers.

Our web site also offers a virtual tour of some of the rooms, so you can see the entire room.  Some guests say it helped them to choose a room for their stay....whatever the occasion.

We look forward to your stay,

Chris and Martha,
Innkeepers

Military Weekend Special now at the Parish House Inn

The Parish House Inn bed and breakfast is now offering a “Military Weekend Special” to all active and retired military personnel; any room, Friday and Saturday buy 1 night get the second night at half price. This is one way we can thank them for their service.

Gift certificates are also available for this special which and  make a nice surprise for a friend or family member who is in the military. With a gift certificate, they can book their stay for anytime that works for them.  A full breakfast is always included as well as use of our video library, popcorn tea and cocoa. 

The Inn is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and entertainment. Depot Town with the Automotive Heritage Museum, restaurants and shops is a short drive this time of year. 

Just call 734-480-4800 to purchase a gift certificate or to book your room.

Chris Mason

Innkeeper

www.parishhouseinn.com

734-480-4800

Ypsilanti Home Tour December 6 -7, 2014. Save 10% on stay at the Parish House Inn

Make a memory this Holiday season with a weekend stay at the Parish House Inn bed and breakfast for the 18th Annual Holiday Home Tour & 40th Anniversary Celebration of Ypsilanti Meals On Wheels.  

Saturday December 6, 2014,  the Candlelight Tour of Homes is from 5 - 9 PM with a Dessert reception from 8 -11 PM. There will be a Taste of Ypsilanti with food, music and beverages  at each location.  The Holiday spirit is alive and well in each of these beautifully decorated homes.....and will be an inspiration for your Holiday season

On Sunday, the tour of the homes is  from 1 - 5 PM.  Homes on the tour are in the College Heights, Normal Park, Huron River Drive and Downtown areas of Ypsilanti.  

Tickets for the Holiday Home Tour  are $40 and can be purchased at some businesses in Ypsilanti.  For ticket information and inquiries call 734-487-9669 or go to www.YMOW.org. 

When you call  to reserve your room for the weekend, be sure to say you are going on the Home Tour, and you will save 10% on your 2 night stay. The tickets can be added to your room as well....

Home Tour Tickets

This Pumpkin Apple Bread is served at the Parish House Inn

 This is my favorite Fall bread to serve with breakfast at the Parish House Inn.   You can add nuts to it you like or leave the apples out and it will still be yummy.  

Chris mason, innkeeper

PUMPKIN APPLE BREAD

This is very moist and spicey  with the addition of the chopped apples. Makes a great gift to share with family and friends as well.

Preheat oven to 350o. Coat 2 - 9x5x3 inch loaf pans or 5 mini pans with cooking spray.

3 cups all purpose flour

¾ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cloves

¼ teaspoon allspice

1 can (14 ½ ounces) pumpkin

¾ cup vegetable oil

2 ¼ cups sugar

4 large eggs

2 Granny Smith apples (or other cooking apples), peeled and chopped, about 2 cups

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice.
2. In another large bowl whisk together pumpkin, oil, sugar and eggs.
3. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture. Stir until well combined, and then fold in apples.
4. Divide evenly into prepared pans. Bake 50 -55 minutes for large pans and 45 to 50 minutes for small pans, until a toothpick comes out clean, or the top springs back.
5. Let cool for a few minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely.

This keeps in the refrigerator, for several days and of course freezes well.

Enjoy!

Recipe for Peach and Apricot Jam served at Parish House Inn

It's that time of year for us when the homegrown fruits and vegetables are in abundance at the Farmers Markets. I have made plain peach jam in the past and was never very happy with the result.  This year I found a recipe that originated in England, made some adjustment for our measuring system and  cooking method.  The result was not only foolproof but delicious.  I have made a batch a week for several weeks now, and so I will have plenty on hand.  because it doesn't use additional pectin, there is a longer cooking time.  I found that it could be a hit or miss situation until I used my candy thermometer.   It turns out perfectly every time.  So enjoy!

Chris Mason, Innkeeper

Parish House Inn Peach and Apricot Jam

Peach and Apricot Jam

makes 3 -4 half pints

1 pound peaches, peeled, stoned and cut into small pieces

1 pound apricots, stoned and quartered

3 ½ cups sugar

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1. Prepare jars by boiling them for 10 minutes add the lids and let sit.
2. Put all the fruit, sugar, water, and lemon juice into a large deep pot.
3. Gently heat to dissolve the sugar, then bring to a rolling boil.
4. Insert a candy thermometer into the pan and cook the mixture until the temperature reaches 225 degrees. You can put a teaspoonful onto a chilled plate and if it crinkles when a finger is pushed through it is done. If not done, boil another 2 minutes. This may take 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Use a potato masher to chop the fruit into smaller pieces as it cooks.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter.
7. Ladle into the sterilized jars, add lids and rims. Turn upside down on a cloth cover tray for 5 minutes. Turn upright and do not move them for 24 hours. These can also be processed in a canning pot for 10 minutes.
8. The jar lids should make a popping sound if they are sealing properly. If that doesn't happen, keep the jam in the refrigerator. It will keep for a long time...if you can keep it from being eaten, that is.

Thunder Over Michigan at Willow Run August 9 - 10

,

 Excitement is building for the Thunder Over Michigan air show this weekend, August 9 -10 at the Willow Run Airport.  This event  draws thousands to watch the very best airplanes, pilots and spectacular flying to the area. For all the details and ticket information go to  www.yankeeairmuseum.org/airshow

On the tarmac will be the CH-146 Griffon out of the 400 Tac Hel Sqn in Borden, Ontario. You  can come by and welcome the Canadian crew to Michigan at this weekend's air show. 

Other favorites to see are  the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, WWII Battle Reenactments, Screamin' Sasquatch, and dozens of rare warbirds.  To get tickets for this weekend's Baltia Air LinesThunder Over Michigan Air Show, go to www.yankeeairmuseum.org/airshow/purchase-tickets 

Chris Mason, innkeeper

Parish House Inn

Visit Library Park for Ypsilanti History during a stay at the Parish House Inn

Library Park

Historical marker for Elijah McCoy

When you stay at the Parish House Inn, in addition to shopping or dining in Downtown Ypsilanti, you can visit an interesting little park nestled right next to the B-24 coffee shop and the Ypsilanti Public Library.  It is called Library Park and was updated a few years ago when  the Historic building that houses the library next door was totally renovated. There are permanent tables with checker boards for table tops, benches, a fountain, and an Historical  Marker for Elijah McCoy. Ypsilanti is the second oldest city in Michigan, founded in 1829 (Detroit is older). the Ypsilanti Normal School, a teachers college, was founded in 1849 and became Eastern Michigan University. Elijah McCoy was an African American man who lived here in the mid 1800's and invented a self lubrication piston for the railroad engines, and the expression "the real McCoy" became associated with it.  He later went to Scotland where he was responsible for many more inventions during his lifetime.
So after a walk around the downtown area,  enjoy a cup of coffee or browse through the library and relax in this lovely oasis and read  all about Elijah McCoy. Eastern Michigan's school of business is across the street, so there is a lot of people watching to be done.

Chris Mason
Innkeeper

First Fridays Ypsilanti in Downtown, Depot Town and Cross Street

First Friday June venues

First Fridays Ypsilanti  is a year around event that
features FREE  art events, live  music and food in a variety of venues. You can walk from place to place from 6 PM until  and meet the musicians and  artists.

The map shows the locations and times of the venues, so make your plans to visit Historic Ypsilanti  June 6.  The July event will be on July 11, due to the Jul;y 4 Holiday.

Why not plan a getaway and book your room right on line? We are located in the downtown area...let Ypsilanti surprise you this summer.

Chris Mason
innkeeper

The Parish House Inn Ready for Summer after Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area cold winter

Glider on the patio

The Parish House Inn bed and breakfast is getting ready for summer! The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area has survived one the harshest winters on record and we have been busy preparing the outdoors for the spring and summer.

The glider has been sanded and re-stained is is ready for the cushions and relaxing on the patio. The lattice around the patio is also stained and ready for those climbing roses to show off their blooms in June. The roses were cut down last Fall and the new support built.  Now they are beginning to sprout and  will once again surround the patio with their  color and aroma.

 Every Spring there is a lot to do in the yard to prepare for the season.  After this past winter with the snow and severe cold, it has been a joy to be outdoors!  There will be  pots of geraniums and other flowers and herbs added to the grounds as the weather warms.  Looking forward to enjoying the patio with all my guests this summer.
Chris Mason, Innkeeper

Eastern Michigan University Graduation April 27, 2014

Congratulations to the Class of 2014.  

Graduation ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. for the College of Arts and Science and the College of Technology and at 2 p.m. for the College of Business, the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services.

Commencement is always a time of great joy and yet nostalgia for both students and parents. I know I was so proud of my children when I saw them walk across the stage to receive their diploma. They were now armed with a hard earned education that would launch them into their careers and adult lives.  Best wishes for a successful and happy future.

Chris Mason
Innkeeper

"INNS AND OUTS" BY THE PARISH HOUSE INN INNKEEPER

"Inns and Outs" , by Chris Mason, innkeeper

Because the house that became the Parish House Inn bed and breakfast once housed ministers and their families, it has attracted more than the usual number of guests who are also  ministers or in a related profession.  This past week I have had a retired minister and his wife, a minister who changed direction within his church,his wife who is  an organist for her church, and a man who is becoming a minister in midlife.  Over the years I have had the pleasure of hosting many church groups in addition to ministers and their spouses. We are fortunate to have Concordia University and the district headquarters of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, located on the banks of the Huron River on the East side of Ann Arbor.  It is just a short ten minute drive from the Parish House Inn, which is also set on the banks of the same Huron River. I always  look forward to hosting the alumni, parents, friends and guest of Concordia University. It is easy to go to our website and check availability and book a room right on line.

Concordia University Campus House

Here is a short history of the Inn;

The Victorian house that is now the  Parish House Inn bed and breakfast, was originally located next to the First Congregational Church on Adams Street in Ypsilanti.
The House was built in 1893 and was the home for the minister of the church until the 1950's when it was used as a Sunday school and office building. In 1987 the church decided to build a better building and because the location is in the Historic District, had to have the structure moved.   So it was moved to 103 S. Huron Street, totally 
renovated as a bed and breakfast which opened in
August of 1993.

Concordia University sign