Christmas Gnome

This adorable Christmas Gnome is keeping watch  over the lobby during the holiday season.  He was sent all the way from Norway and was made by my cousin, Maritt Smenes.  He fits over a wine bottle and is the perfect little greeter full of Christmas cheer. 

Gift Certificates Available!

Pelican Cove gift certificates make great Christmas gifts!  Give the gift of memories of time spent together when you give a night at our beautiful Bed and Breakfast.  Certificates can be for a specific room or for a dollar amount of your choice.  Happy Holidays to all!! www.pelican-cove.com 888-PELCOVE

Happy Holidays!!!

Happy Holidays!!

Our tree is decorated and our gift to you is a complimentary night at Pelican Cove Inn.  Buy 2 nights at regular price and get the third night free for the entire month of December!  760-434-5995 www.pelican-cove.com

Ham Asparagus Strata

Great recipe that you make the night before. It is also really good vegetarian style. Just leave off the ham.

Asparagus Cheese Strata

1 pound fresh asparagus
2 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup coarsely chopped cooked ham
5 eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon each dry mustard and Worcestershire
2 Tablespoons instant minced onion
6 slices whole wheat bread
1/4 teaspoon each salt and garlic powder
Dash Cayenne pepper

Remove tough ends from fresh asparagus and cut into 1 inch pieces. Drop into boiling water to cover and cook rapidly until just tender (about 4 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Trim crusts from bread and fit into the bottom of a greased 7 X 11 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the cheese over bread. Top with ham and asparagus. Sprinkle dried onion on top.

In a bowl, mix eggs, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, garlic powder, cayenne and milk until well blended. Pour over layered ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or over night.

Bake, uncovered, in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and cook another 10 minutes or until firm. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Enjoy!

Our Street Fair Purchase

This is the adorable picture we picked up at the Carlsbad Street Fair.  It looks great in our Coronado room. Next Street Fair is the first Sunday of May.  Make a point to come and spend some time with us and at the Street Fair!

Street Fair November 4th!!

Get your holiay shopping done with unique items from the Street Fair in Carlsbad!  The Carlsbad Village Street Fair is on Sunday November 4th. Come stay at the Inn and enjoy the festivities without dealing with the traffic. You can walk to the fair from the Inn. Reservations at 888-PELCOVE. www.pelican-cove.com

Our Beach in the Fall....Fabulous

 

Tamarack Beack

Can you see the surfers?

 The beaches in Carlsbad are the BEST in the Fall months.  They are uncrowded and the air and water temps are still high.  Today, when I took these photos, the air temperature was around 75 degrees with light winds.  Absolutely perfect.  Come stay at Pelican Cove and enjoy our endless summer.  www.pelican-cove.com

Lots of room for you to lay out your towel

Breakfast Cookies

This recipe for Breakfast Cookies is so good!  A great grab and go breakfast.  Reminds me of Aussie Bites from Costco. 

Breakfast Cookies 1 cup wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
¾  teaspoon baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup butter
1 ½ cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups rolled oats

½ cup raw almonds, coarsely chopped
¼ cup each:  raw pumpkin seeds, raw sunflower seeds, shredded unsweetened coconut, raisins, finely chopped dried mango


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla and mix well.  Put flour, soda and salt in a separate bowl and mix together then mix into butter mixture until well combined.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Form dough into cookies using about ½ cup for each cookie.  Bake for 20 minutes.   Enjoy!

Talented Guest!

It is so fun getting to enjoy the talents of our guests.  This beautiful card was created by Heather MacFarlane when she came and stayed with us.  You can see more of her work at http://www.beachguildoffineart.com/gallery/heather_macfarlane/ .

ArtSplash 2012

ArtSplash was a big success again this year.  Above is our square.  The artist did a terrific job!  You can see more of past year and 2012 photos of ArtSplash at http://www.carlsbadartsplash.org/photo_index.htm .  Plan on attending next year.  It is held a short distance from the Pelican Cove Inn.   This year the music festival coincided with ArtSplash. Stay and make a weekend of it! 

Newest Pelican

Our newest addition to the Pelican collection here at Pelican Cove Inn.  A cute metal and glass pelican light.  Picked it up at our local hardware store.  Love that place!  You can get anything from a two inch piece of PVC to a set of beautiful wine glasses.  Worth stopping in if you come to Carlsbad. 

Mayra Andrade Memorial Fund

 

Last fall 2011, our dear Mayra was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. This aggressive, ugly disease took this beautiful life in July 2012. She was only 28 years old. She leaves behind a loving partner, Ivan and two beautiful girls, Emely (12) and Sofia (19 months). For the months of September (Mayra's Birthday month) and October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), Pelican Cove Inn will be donating 15% of all room income to the Mayra Andrade Memorial Fund. Come and enjoy a weekend with your loved one and support a great cause in the process. Get those gift certificates for Christmas gifts early and be done with your Christmas shopping. And, in the meantime, all you women out there....get those mammograms!!

Relax in the Back Garden

Our little back garden at the Pelican Cove Inn is a delightful way to spend a warm summer day.  The cool ocean breezes and lovely flowers make this a perfect place to read and relax.  Come stay at Pelican Cove Inn and enjoy our lovely weather!  www.pelican-cove.com

Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego

The Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego are such a great way to get an overview of San Diego without the hassle of driving.  You can walk to the Coaster station here in Carlsbad www.gonctd.com and take the train to Old Town.  You can then catch the Old Town Trolley http://www.trolleytours.com/san-diego/index.asp in Old Town and enjoy a tour of San Diego with stops at the main landmarks where you can get off and catch the next trolley that comes by.  They run every 1/2  hour or so.  I went with my parents the first time about 8 years ago and enjoyed learning so much about the San Diego area.  Really helpful thing to do if you have never been to San Diego and want an overview.  There is so much to do in San Diego that it can be a little overwhelming and this is an easy way to help organize your future visits also.  Give it a try next time you stay at Pelican Cove Inn www.pelican-cove.com.

Red, White and Blue Breakfast!

Happy 4th of July!  I made the blintz souffle with cherry and blueberry blintzes to make it patriotic.  My star cut canadian bacon could use some work.  I will have to practice. 

Cheese Blintz Soufflé

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter, melted

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup Orange juice

4 eggs

1 ¼ cups sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dash of salt

1 box (13 oz.) frozen cheese blintzes

 Directions:    
Pour butter into 11-by-7-inch glass baking dish.  Place blintzes in dish in single layer.  In medium bowl, beat remaining ingredients; pour over frozen blintzes. Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Remove from refrigerator.  Preheat oven to 350^oF.  Uncover and bake 45 to 55 minutes or until puffed and golden.

NOTE:  I like using the fruit blintzes better.  When using the Cherry or Blueberry I sprinkle with nutmeg.  For the Apple sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

TGIF Jazz in the Park Series Starts Friday!

The Carlsbad TGIF Jazz in the Park series starts this Friday, June 29th at Stagecoach Park. Every Friday throughout the Summer, live music will be played in different parks throughout Carlsbad. Such a fun event to attend. Get out and enjoy some great music and beautiful weather. The schedule can be found at www.carlsbadca.gov/services/departments/cultural/Pages/tgif-jazz-concSched.aspx . Come stay at Pelican Cove Inn http://www.pelican-cove.com/ and enjoy the fun! ** picture from carlsbad-vacation.com **

Moonlight Amphitheatre

Last night I enjoyed a lovely production of "Westside Story" by the Encore Youth Theater at the Moonlight Amphitheatre.  What a lovely venue!  Sitting outside and enjoying a live production is a great way to spend and evening.  Check out the schedule at http://moonlightstage.com and plan a weekend to stay at the Pelican Cove Inn www.pelican-cove.com and enjoy a production at the Moonlight Theater.  It is just 20 minutes away from the Inn.  You can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy it on the grass before the show.

Carlsbad Beach Fest

This is a photo of a sand sculpture done for the Beach Fest in 2010.  This annual event is happening on June 9th this year.  It is a terrific way to get out to the beach and enjoy some fun in the sun.  Stay at Pelican Cove Inn and walk to the festivities.  www.pelican-cove.com

The Beach Is Calling You!!

Come and spend Memorial Day laying in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Carlsbad.  This is the beach located two blocks from the Pelican Cove Bed and Breakfast.  A few rooms are left.  Book yours today!  www.pelican-cove.com

Carlsbad Magazine

If you have never picked up the Carlsbad Magazine, you are missing out!  The latest issue has some fantastic pictures of our beautiful city of Carlsbad.  Check out the magazine at:
www.carlsbadmagazine.com .  A great way to be reminded of the reasons we all LOVE Carlsbad!!

Cinco De Mayo AND Street Fair Together!

Come celebrate!!  Stay at Pelican Cove Inn and walk to one of our wonderful local Mexican restaurants to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  Since you can walk, you can indulge in your favorite Mexican concoction.  Spend the night at Pelican Cove and enjoy the Street Fair on Sunday.  What a fun way to spend a weekend!

Pre Summer Promotion!!

Wings Of Freedom Tour

The Wings of Freedom Tour will be coming to our local Carlsbad Airport on April 28th and 29th.  This event will bring historic aviation to McClellan Airport.  Get more information at http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/military/military-historic-warbirds-headed-to-carlsbad/article_6690abce-3b04-5f83-884f-83ac5153982a.html .  Stay at Pelican Cove Inn www.pelican-cove.com and enjoy this event.

Ale Festival at Pizza Port

The Ale Festival is happening here in Carlsbad at the Pizza Port this weekend We have quite a few guests staying here at Pelican Cove Inn that are attending.  Check the website www.pizzaport.com  to plan your trip to Carlsbad for the next Ale Felstival.  Staying here at the Pelican Cove Inn www.pelican-cove.com is a great way to enjoy.  We are walking distance from the Fesitval which comes in very handy after a few tastings!  The picture above is beer champagne.  Guests brought some in to share at breakfast.  Very interesting flavor.  Give it a try next time you are in town! 

Great Picture of Pelican Cove Inn

Thank you, Pearl, for taking this picture of the Pelican Cove.  Love it!!! www.pelican-cove.com

Easter Sugar Cookies!!

Love this sugar cookie recipe.  From Allrecipes.com . 

SUGAR COOKIES
1 1/2 cups butter softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar together.  Add eggs and vanilla.  Mix in flour, baking powder and salt.  Mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
Preheat oven to 400.  Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.  Cut into shapes and place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake for 6 to 8 minutes.  Cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond OR vanilla extract (I prefer almond)

Cream butter and cream cheese together.  Mix in sugar while beating with a mixer. When smooth add extract. 
Frost your cookies and enjoy!!!

Cinepolis Now Open In Carlsbad

This is a fun way to see a movie.  Comfortable recliners and food service in your seat makes for a unique experience.  The Angus Sliders are really good.  This is a fun outing when you are staying at Pelican Cove Inn www.pelican-cove.com .  Learn more about what is playing at https://www.cinepolisusa.com/Home/Cinemas

Roses, Roses Everywhere!

Roses are blooming everywhere!  Love this time of year.  The ocean air smells so fresh with the fragrance of flowers mixed with the salt air.  Come visit the Pelican Cove www.pelican-cove.com .

Lynn Forbes Sculpting School

This sculpting school/gallery is right here in the Village of Carlsbad.  What a fun thing to do on a vacation.  Stay at Pelican Cove Inn and attend classes during the day.  You will have a memento of your vacation that you will have created yourself. Check out the website at http://sculptureschool.net and arrange your stay at Pelican Cove by visiting www.pelican-cove.com .  Hope to see you soon!

Homemade English Muffins!

Need a bread to go with my Scotch Eggs for breakfast this morning.  I decided to make English Muffins.  I had never made them before.  I was surprised to find that they contain malt vinegar and also that you cook them on a griddle.  No baking.  Interesting.  I use my bread machine to make the dough.  Here is the recipe I used.

English Muffins
3/4 cup water
1 egg
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons oil
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 Tablespoon malt vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons yeast
Cornmeal

Put all ingredients (except cornmeal) in bread machine on dough setting.  When dough is done, roll out and cut into circles with 3 inch muffin cutter.  Place muffins on a baking sheeet sprinkled with cornmeal and lightly coat both sides with cornmeal.  Leave muffins on the pan and cover with a towel and let rise for 30 to 60 minutes.  Turn your griddle on medium high to heat.  Reduce heat to low and place muffins on ungreased griddle.  Leave on for 15 minutes.  Turn and leave on for another 15 minutes.  That is it!  Fork split them to toast.  Enjoy!

Beautiful Sunny Morning!

When so much of the news lately has been talking about the wind, rain and snow that has invaded so much of the United States, I snapped a picture this morning of the sun coming up on the Pelican Cove.  Blue skies and sunshine were plentiful today.  Flowers are blooming everywhere and are a feast for the eyes.  Come visit beautiful Carlsbad and stay at the Pelican Cove Inn www.pelican-cove.com .

R.O.C. Race

My daughter had asked if I had ever heard of the ROC Race.  I hadn't so I googled it.  This looks like so much fun!  Go to the link www.rocrace.com for more information.  What a fun thing to do while spending a weekend at Pelican Cove www.pelican-cove.com !

Breakfast Burrito Cups

These are the invention of my husband, Kris.  He makes the best breakfast burritos and we have never served them to guests because they didn't really present that well.  So we devised a way to make them more presentable.  Take a tortilla and line the sides of a nonstick egg poaching cup (the silicone kind) .  Then put in the cooked potatoes, bacon, ham, onion and chilies and soft scrambled eggs.  Top with cheese and bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees.  Everything is already cooked, so this is just to melt the cheese.  Top with a little bit of salsa, sour cream and chopped green onion and serve.  Yum!!! 

New Look For The Capistrano Room!

The Before..

The After...

We decided to change the feel of the Capistrano room and are really happy with the results.  Come see for yourself!  Visit the Pelican Cove Inn www.pelican-cove.com

Kia Classic Golf Tournament

The LPGA Kia Classic golf tournament will be held here in Carlsbad at the La Costa Golf Course (pictured above. picture by infogolf) from March 19th to the 25th.  Come stay at the Pelican Cove Inn and enjoy watching amazing golf.  The La Costa Golf Course is only 10 minutes away from the Pelican Cove Inn.  For more information on the golf tournament, go to http://www.lpga.com/kiaclassic.aspx?mid=1&pid=0
Hope to see you soon!

Carlsbad Flower Fields...Coming Soon!!!

The Carlsbad Flower Fields will be opening soon. This is such a beautiful sight to behold. The flowers grown are ranunculus. They offer such a treat for the eye with their brilliant colors. You can link to the Flower Field's website for a little more information. http://www.the flowerfields.com . Stay at Pelican Cove and make it into a weekend adventure.

New Village Arts Theater

What a wonderful way to spend a weekend.  Come stay at the Pelican Cove Inn www.pelican-cove.com.  Enjoy walking to the Village for dinner at one of our terrific local restaurants and then head over to the New Village Arts Theater for their production of Comedy of Errors www.newvillagearts.org . A perfect way to spend a weekend!

Not Winter Here...

You may have snow on the ground....we have sand.  Come visit beautiful Carlsbad for spring break.  Carlsbad is where to go for family fun!  www.pelican-cove.com

Green Tea and Chocolate Whoopie Pies

These were a fun new recipe we tried.  My husband found the recipe in the Sunset magazine.  Really good with coffee.  Not too sweet.  The Matcha Green Tea powder was hard to find so if you decide to make it, make sure you can get it in your area. Here is the link to the recipe:  http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/kitchen-assistant/tea-recipes-00418000074464/page7.html .  Enjoy!

Queen Mary

Visiting the Queen Mary is a great day trip from Carlsbad.  It is located in Long Beach and takes about an hour to get there. Very interesting history.  For more information visit www.queenmary.com .

Tall Ship

The Tall Ship Hawaiian Chieftain made an appearance in Oceanside Harbor early this month. What a lovely thing to see.  Also enjoyed the view looking out of the harbor towards the ocean.  Beautiful sunset.  Love our weather!!