New England Innkeeper

12/13/2024

With a rich heritage that stretches back to colonial New England, bayberry candles have become a symbol of hope, prosperity, and connection. But what exactly makes them so special? And why have they become synonymous with New England’s holiday celebrations? CLICK BELOW TO READ MORE...

To answer these questions, we did some deep-dive research (and we really mean DEEP DIVE) – and now we’re ready to share what we found with you. Let’s explore the fascinating history, cultural significance, and enduring charm of bayberry candles.

Bayberry candles. Bayberries. Candleberries. Just saying the name of them instantly manifests a variety of history, memories, and connotations to mind. Old Cape Cod. The pilgrims. The Christmas season with its bayberry candle traditions. Crystal-pure flickering light. A shade of green somewhere betw...

11/28/2024

The most American genre of films: Thanksgiving movies.

Oftentimes, the movies depicting Turkey Day happenings tend to be quieter, indie-film affairs. Sometimes the best underrated Thanksgiving movies fall under the radar. You may need to seek them out. Lucky for you -- we've compiled a list. CLICK THROUGH BELOW...

The most American genre of films: Thanksgiving movies. There are precious few of these "Day of Thanks" cinematic gems, but the scant smattering we do have access to represent a diverse selection exploring comfort food, family dynamics, multicultural traditions, American history, and the nuances of m...

11/15/2024

Stop for a second and imagine this bread on a turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving! CLICK BELOW FOR THE RECIPE...

Our New England Innkeeper recipe for Pumpkin Sourdough Bread with Cranberries is a true feast for the senses, conjuring all of the cozy, vibrant tastes of fall.

There’s something magical about the warm scent of freshly baked sourdough in the air, especially here at New England Innkeeper, where we’re practically spoiled by the aroma of fresh bread wafting through our kitchen daily. And this particular recipe for Pumpkin Sourdough Bread with Cranberries i...

11/01/2024

You LOVE a home full of the heartwarming autumn aromas of pumpkin, warm spices, and buttery streusel -- don't you?

Stop what you're doing and check out Charlene's recipe for Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Walnut Streusel Topping. This recipe is a tried-and-true favorite from our innkeeping days that comes together quickly and easily - and it's perfect for the fall-season stretch between now and Thanksgiving! CLICK BELOW FOR THE RECIPE...

The arrival of autumn in New England never fails to make us nostalgic for our Ogunquit, Maine innkeeping days. The brilliant reds, oranges, and golds of the fall foliage created the perfect backdrop for cozy mornings with the fireplace casting a warm glow, while the soft crackle of wood smoke linger...

10/26/2024

CLICK BELOW FOR THE RECIPE: It's almost Halloween and our latest recipe for Smoky Pumpkin Tequila Chili with Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash is a delicious way to savor the autumn season without subjecting your taste buds to a pumpkin-spice flavored beat-down.

A fiendishly-spicy and elegantly-understated celebration of fall!

In case you hadn’t noticed, here at New England Innkeeper, we absolutely ADORE the fall season! It’s not just the gorgeous foliage, or the Halloween vibes, or the fact that we can finally cozy-in-to our favorite stylish sweaters and light scarves – it’s definitely ALSO the food. As the autum...

10/24/2024

It's like some kind of Bread ASMR mindfulness meditation :-)

The crackling sound you hear is moisture escaping through the crispy crust of the freshly baked sourdough bread. One of our favorite sounds!

10/01/2024

Are you ready for a fun dessert that brings out your inner kid – with a grown-up twist?

CLICK BELOW for our New England Innkeeper recipe for Boozy Baileys Banana Split No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes that mixes an eye-candy presentation with a serious fun factor – PLUS they taste AMAZING! These delicious, alcohol-infused, and Instagram-worthy desserts are simple to make and certain to impress your guests. There’s no doubt: In an Internet full of Baileys Irish Cream desserts and no-bake cheesecake recipes, this one is among the very best!

Are you ready for a fun dessert that brings out your inner kid – with a grown-up twist? Our New England Innkeeper recipe for Boozy Baileys Banana Split No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes mixes an eye-candy presentation with a serious fun factor – PLUS they taste AMAZING! These delicious, alcohol-infused, ...

09/10/2024

The Publick House Historic Inn Blueberry Cream Pie is one of the things we're going to miss most about summer -- a true masterclass in simplicity done right! Have you ever tried it?

CLICK BELOW FOR: our very own New England Innkeeper version of the recipe (based on best aspects of their "SECRET" official recipe) PLUS the history behind this scrumptious seasonal slice with talking points from Michael Glick (General Manager of the Publick House) and Joanna Nicolich (a longtime pastry chef at the Publick House).

There’s a certain ephemeral magic to a New England summer that feels both timeless and fleeting, and nowhere is that magic more deliciously captured than in a slice of this Publick House Fresh Blueberry Cream Pie. Picture the delicate sweetness of blueberries at their peak ripeness, so fresh they ...

08/20/2024

For those who know celebrated photographer Benjamin Williamson Photography’s work, this exhibition marks an exciting shift. Known for his dynamic wide-angle scenes that showcase Maine’s iconic landmarks and dramatic weather, Williamson has long been celebrated for capturing the region’s essence.

However, “Lobster Buoys as Art” (at The Gallery Camee Davidson in Readfield, Maine) represents a new chapter—one where he delves into quieter, more nuanced narratives that reveal the hidden beauty in everyday objects. CLICK BELOW TO SEE MORE...

There’s a compelling narrative in these images. You can almost feel the grit of salt spray on your skin and hear the distant clatter of a lobster trap hauled aboard.

“Lobster Buoys as Art” is a must-see for anyone who loves the coast of Maine or who finds inspiration in the interplay between color, texture, and story. Through this fine art exhibition, Benjamin Williamson offers a deeply human window into the lives of those who work the waters while also delivering an aesthetic experience that teases the eye (and mind) with delicious layers of bold color and a highly enjoyable excess of elemental materiality.

There’s something distinctly captivating about the Maine coast. It’s a place where the land meets the sea in a jagged, unpredictable line, where weathered wood, choppy waters, and the quiet hum of a working harbor define the landscape. For photographer Benjamin Williamson, some of the most utili...

08/18/2024

Today is the 55th Anniversary of the morning Jimi Hendrix blasted out the Star Spangled Banner as part of his closing set at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair.

Last autumn, Charlene and I made a visit to the original site of the concert (in Bethel, New York) to see the monument that commemorates the event — it was the first time I had been back to the site since a visit in 1994 for the 25 Year Anniversary event.

This morning, I thought it was probably as good a time as any to share these few photos I took on location during our 2023 stopover — along with a few interesting facts about the Woodstock monument.

Today is the 55th Anniversary of the morning Jimi Hendrix blasted out the Star Spangled Banner as part of his closing set at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Last autumn, Charlene and I made a visit to the original site of the concert (in Bethel, New York) to see the monument that

08/04/2024

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Peanut Buttercream! ↓ RECIPE IN COMMENTS ↓

Peanut butter and chocolate. Really, what more do any of us need? A masterpiece of a cupcake. Soft, yielding, and with an airy crumb. An inspired frosting. Light and creamy, delivering a satin melt-in-your-mouthfeel. When it comes to cupcakes, this recipe is an absolute showstopper. Quiet luxury for the taste buds.

07/12/2024

Can you name the place?

07/12/2024

Presenting Charlene's recipe (SEE COMMENTS) for a Cream Cheese Stuffed Brunch Lemon Bundt Cake – baked in cast iron!

Have you ever thought about your beautiful, but neglected, cast iron Bundt pan and sighed? You know, that crazy-heavy one you’ve almost forgotten about, tucked away in the shadowy depths of your darkest kitchen cabinet, patiently yearning for its moment to shine?

Well, dust it off, my friend, because today we’re taking the classic Bundt cake and giving it a makeover worthy of a five-star breakfast spread. Allow us to reveal the latest Innkeeper-Approved™ recipe for our Cream Cheese Stuffed Brunch Lemon Bundt Cake!

07/11/2024

Have you ever been to Barnacle Billy's Inc. & Barnacle Billy's etc in Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine?

ARTWORK:
Eric J. Taubert; Barnacle Billy’s. Perkins Cove, Ogunquit. LTD. 1/10; aluminum archival dye sublimation (matte) print; 24 x 24.

SEE MORE: https://barngallery.org/barn-gallery-mid-season-2024/

AND visit Barn Gallery in Ogunquit, Maine 7 Days a Week (Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 5 PM and Sunday 1 – 5 PM) until October 14, 2024.

Eric J. Taubert; Barnacle Billy’s. Perkins Cove, Ogunquit. LTD. 1/10; aluminum archival dye sublimation (matte) print; 24 x 24.

SEE MORE: https://barngallery.org/barn-gallery-mid-season-2024/

AND visit Barn Gallery in , 7 Days a Week (Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 5 PM and Sunday 1 – 5 PM) until October 14, 2024.

06/22/2024

Craving a summer side dish so good it should come with a warning label? Look no further! This Cast Iron Smoky Buffalo Blue Cheese Sweet Corn recipe takes fresh summer maize to a whole new level. CLICK BELOW FOR THE RECIPE...

Fresh corn kernels sizzle in a cast iron skillet, caramelizing in butter and lime juice. Then comes the explosion of flavor: a dousing of an egregiously-elevated and sinfully-smoky buffalo sauce that’ll leave you begging for seconds (and thirds). Crumbled blue cheese adds a creamy tang, while chopped celery and parsley offer a cool contrast. A spicy sprinkle of Thai chili powder flings this dish effortlessly over the top, reducing you to always-groveling for “just a little bit more” of this sweet, salty, spicy, smoky, funky masterpiece.

Craving a summer side dish so good it should come with a warning label? Look no further! This Cast Iron Smoky Buffalo Blue Cheese Sweet Corn recipe takes fresh summer maize to a whole new level. Forget limp cobs and boiled mediocrity – here, fresh corn kernels sizzle in a cast iron skillet,