Scranton Seahorse Inn

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

RhubarbCoffeeCakeYou know I love my rhubarb.  The only thing that I don’t like about it is that the growing season for rhubarb in Connecticut is too short.   I take advantage of the local harvest, including from my own garden, as much as I can.   A lot of our guests here at the Scranton Seahorse Inn have asked for this recipe – even from some that didn’t think they liked rhubarb.  The small chop on the rhubarb in this recipe doesn’t overwhelm but provides tasty tart bites.  The combination of the wheat and all purpose flour provide a nice nutty aroma and flavor.   I hope you enjoy this Rhubarb Coffee Cake recipe.
CAKE:
 1 pound finely chopped rhubarb
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
5 tablespoons butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup  sour cream
1/2 teaspoon orange extract or 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
STREUSEL:
1/4 cup turbinado sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. To prepare cake, combine rhubarb and 2 tablespoons flour in a medium bowl; toss well to coat.

3. Place brown sugar and 5 tablespoons butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sour cream, rind, and vanilla; beat until well combined.

4. Lightly spoon 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours, baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until combined. Fold in rhubarb mixture. This is a thick batter.  Spread evenly into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray.

5. To prepare streusel, combine turbinado sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter with a pastry blender or 2 forks until mixture is crumbly; stir in nuts. Sprinkle streusel evenly over batter. Bake at 375° for 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.   Invert onto a cooling rack and cool completely.   Cut into squares and enjoy.

May 28th – National Hamburger Day

Burgers

 

Not that we need an excuse to eat another hamburger but Thursday May 28th is National Hamburger Day so it’s really an obligation for today.    Besides eating a hamburger I thought I should share with you some of our favorite places to enjoy a hamburger.     They are all a short drive from the inn so if you come spend a weekend with us you have choices.

1.  Augur’s Irish Pub is our favorite hangout located near the green in Guilford.   This is truly local favorite where great people gather and great people work.   The burgers are big juicy and hand formed and cooked to perfection.   This is a no frills burger that a traditionalist will love!   It’s served on a hard roll with lettuce and tomato and a side of chips.  Plenty of local brews available on tap and in bottle.   This is our favorite place to watch the Red Sox and the Patriots.    The owner is a Jets fan but we lover her none the less.

2.  If size matters you won’t be disappointed with the burgers at Christy’s right here near the beach in Madison.  These monsters are served with a steak knife and fries.    My favorite is the chili burger topped with homemade chili, cheddar, and onion.   I never think I’ll ever be able to finish it but I always do.

3.  We love heading out to Old Saybrook and trying one of the dozens of burgers (and dogs) off the menu at The Rabbit Hole.  I don’t think I’ve tried them all yet but I am working on it.    The beer list is absolutely endless too so be prepared to make multiple visits so you can try every burger and every beer.    There are multiple TV’s  so you’ll find favorite team on one of them.

4.  Moxie is a fabulous gastropub here in Madison and a short 2 minute walk from the Scranton Seahorse Inn.    The burger and fries have become a local favorite.    I can’t get enough of the Cowboy Up Burger with jalepeno poppers and BBQ melted onions.   Lot’s of outdoor seating with great wines and a list of ever changing craft beers.    You’ll be happy you can walk there and back.

If you try out any of our favorites please let us know what you think.  Follow this link to another handy resource to great burgers and brews.

It’s great to be in good company!

 

25% off for Paramedics in May

ParamedicEvery month we honor people from different professions.  We try to bring them together in one place for a night or two to find new friends with common interests and to share favorite stories.   In May we honor paramedics and emergency medical technicians.  We know they work hard and we respect what they do and we are offering 25% off their bill throughout May.   With that we hope to encourage them to take a break and relax with us here at the Scranton Seahorse Inn.    If you are one of these people, or know one that you’d like to treat, this is place to be in May.

Call 203.245.0550 to check availability and make your reservation.

Mother’s Day Weekend – Last Minute Special

Cash at sunrise at Madison Surf Club

Cash at sunrise at the Madison town beach

We have some rooms left for the next week at reduced rates so no more excuses.  Pack your overnight bag and come stay on the Connecticut coast and enjoy the sunrises, the May flowers and sunny beaches.   Our rooms start at just $139 for the next week and that rate includes breakfast.   And, if you’re interested, Cash and Theo will be available for petting and hugging.

Call us today and make your reservation while rooms last.

See you at the inn!