Enter Our “Pick The Oscar Winners” Contest & Win a Free Night

It’s Oscar season which means it’s time for our annual PICK THE OSCAR WINNERS contest. In the past we have given away a DVD of the Best Picture winner from the the prior year. This year I’ve upped the jackpot to not only include the DVD (Argo won best picture last year) but also a gift certificate for a free night at The Scranton Seahorse Inn. All you need to do is click the link below which will take you to the contest I’ve created on Survey Monkey. There are 8 categories you need to select winners for (1 selection for each question is required). Fill out your name and email address and your done. I will only reach out to you via the email address you provide if you are the winner. In the event of a tie we will randomly select a single name to be the winner.

If you’ve stayed here before you know we love movies and you already know about our DVD library. Guests have called our collection everything from “great” & “eclectic”, “crazy” & “awesome”. This is the time of year we add to that collection so return guests should be sure to take another look on your next visit. If you haven’t stayed here yet we hope you do soon and when you do be sure to grab a few DVDs from our library (this is also where you’ll find the free homemade cookies) and watch some good movies.

NOTE: I added the question “What’s your favorite movie of all time?” to the end of the survey. I’m curious to see how everyone responds and I’ll be sure to share the results. If we don’t already own the title that gets the most results I’ll be sure to get it. By the way my favorite movie, To Kill A Mockingbird, is already in our library. Good luck everyone!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER CONTEST

Special Rates Just For Teachers

Calling all teachers and educators! I’m not even sure there is a winter break (again) this year but in the event there is I have special rates through the end of February just for you. It’s my way of saying thank your for all you do and to let you know I think the future looks brighter every day thanks in part to your hard work.

These darn breaks seem to disappear and dwindle away with every snow flake that falls from the sky so if you have just a short window of opportunity to escape you really should. Of course it would be really great if you escaped to the Scranton Seahorse Inn. When you let us know that you’re a teacher/educator we’ll take 25% off your room rate whether it’s 1, 2, or 3 nights. And if you really need to decompress don’t forget to ask about our fantastic massage therapist who comes on site.

A full breakfast is included every day of your stay and I promise there will be no parent-teacher conferences while you are here.

President’s Day Weekend Room Specials

It’s President’s Day weekend which means some people have a 3 day weekend. Hooray for you if you do. We’d like to help celebrate by saving you a Ulysses S. Grant for each night you stay on any room booked today (2/15). That’s $50! Don’t worry I had to look it up too.

Just give us a call at the inn at 203.245.0550 and mention this post.

Chocolate Fondue Recipe

There’s never any need to wait for a holiday to enjoy this chocolate feast. It’s a great treat to enjoy with friends while you linger at the table after dinner. And, while they are pretty, a fondue pot is not necessary. Make your fondue on the stove and when you are ready to serve pour it into a pretty bowl. When (if!) the chocolate gets too cool just reheat it. I’ve even used a microwave to reheat.

Choosing your dippers is the fun part. Use fresh fruits like bananas and strawberries, dried fruits like apricot and chunks of mango, lemony pound cake cut into cubes, marshmallows, and my favorite rice krispie treats. When arranged nicely on a platter and presented to family or guests you’ll instantly turn into a superhero. Provide plenty of wooden skewers so everyone can dip and dip and dip.

6 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate. I use Callebaut bittersweet which is available in the specialty food aisle of most supermarkets.
3/4 cup half & half
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, optional
3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 tablespoon of your favorite liqueur (such as Frangelico, Grand Marnier, Kahlua, Tia Maria, Amaretto, or a brandy) (optional)

Place the chopped chocolate in a medium sized heatproof bowl and set aside.

Combine the 1/2 & 1/2, sugar, and butter in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Bring just to a simmer, stirring often.

Remove from heat and pour immediately over the chocolate. Let stand until the chocolate has melted, then stir gently until smooth. Whisk in vanilla extract and the liqueur until smooth and shiny.

Place the chocolate sauce in a fondue pot over a low flame or bowl and serve with your dippers.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups (360 ml).Preparation time15 minutes.

Last Minute Specials – February 7-10

We’ve already had our fair share of snow here on the east coast. Fortunately for us that also brings with it a unique beauty for all to appreciate. The photo here is one I took as the dogs and I were out walking early one morning through Hammonassett State Park.

Looking for a last minute getaway this weekend? All of our remaining rooms for this weekend are discounted to just $110 per night. The Scranton Seahorse Inn is conveniently located in the center of Madison on the Connecticut shoreline which makes it a great place to sneak away to for a night or two. So, whether you’re in need of a place where you can put your feet up and relax in front of a fire, or a quiet retreat where you and your best friend can play a game, build a puzzle, or hide in your room with a bottle of wine and a movie, or if you’re looking to do some coastal exploring, we are here to help and have everything you need.

Call us today at 203.245.0550 to book your getaway at the Scranton Seahorse Inn. A full breakfast is always is included.

Quinoa Porridge Recipe

I think quinoa should get the most versatile food award for 2014. I giggle to myself as I read other foodie blogs when they have discovered how great quinoa is in sweet recipes because I’m on the other end of the spectrum as I begin to discover great new ways to use quinoa in savory recipes. I’ve been using quinoa in my signature granola, cookies, and pancake recipes for quite some time. And this time of year my quinoa breakfast porridge is very popular. It’s healthy, it’s gluten free and it’s vegan so what’s not to love? If you haven’t found a place for quinoa in your diet yet this porridge recipe is an easy and delicious way to start

For each serving:

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 1/2 cup almond milk (see my recipe for easy homemade almond milk)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 dash cinnamon (or cardamon)
1/4 cup fresh seasonal fruit like chopped apples, pears or your favorite berry. Raisins work too!
1 handful of your favorite nut – almonds, peacans, or walnuts – toasted and coarsley chopped

Bring the quinoa, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered until tender, about 15 minutes.
Mix in the fruit and top with toasted nuts.

Eating Healthy in 2014 at the Scranton Seahorse Inn

I came across this article on Cooking Light and I thought I’d share it with you.I I always read between the lines and what I see it telling you is that staying here at the Scranton Seahorse Inn is good for your health. And better yet, if your new year’s resolution is to eat healthy then you better make a reservation quickly! Seriously none of this is new information but we do have to be periodically reminded that breakfast is important.

Start your day with fresh smoothies and fruit juices

I have been working on new recipes and ideas to make breakfast here at the inn healthier and well balanced and I think you’ll be pleased with what I’ve come up with. This winter you can look forward to fruit smoothies, fresh squeezed vegetable juices like carrot and ginger or kale and apple. We have some great high energy hot whole grain cereals including steel cut oats & quinoa with my house made almond milk and dates. There are egg white omelets packed with fresh veggies and a new variety of waffles and pancakes made with healthier grains including whole wheat & buckwheat. We will continue to offer the best lean protein which we get delivered weekly from our favorite Connecticut farm Nodine’s Smokehouse – because every good day has to start with bacon or sausage.

We look forward to seeing you at the inn soon and to supporting your new healthier eating.

Oh no! Not the End of Summer Already…

Is September really here already?!

We refuse to let summer fade away so quickly. There’s still plenty of summer fun, sunshine, lobster and beer to be had. We’re going to help you extend your summer holiday by offering some decreased room rates. Join us any day labor day week and take advantage of our End of Summer Sale. The Long Island Mist and The Sunlight Serenade are just $110 all week. Of course we promise to serve up a delicious breakfast using fresh and local produce each day you’re here. Check availability and book on line to take advantage of this special offer.

Sorry, this offer cannot be combined with other discounts, bed and breakfast gift cards or existing reservations.

Great Weather We’re Having…..

I think it calls for a sick day….cough, cough. And we’re here to help you recuperate! All available rooms on Sunday August 11th are just $110.00. Grab your aspirin, and your sunglasses and head to the beach. We’ve got beach chairs, beach towels and beach passes if need them. Call us today at 203.245.0550 to book your room Just don’t forget to call your boss too.

Our relaxing porch overlooking the gardens

Sorry this offer does not apply to existing reservations.

Last Minute Special in Madison Connecticut!

Wow! We have had terrific weather here in Madison for the 4th of July celebrations and the weather forecast promises more hot & sunny days ahead. We’re going to try to tempt you to extend your vacation by a day or two by offering all available rooms July 6th – July 11th at 20% off the regular rate. We can offer even more savings with our beach passes with are yours to use while you are here an provide access to Madison Town beaches. Pack light since we also have beach chairs and beach towels available for your use during your stay at the Scranton Seahorse Inn. Celebrate summer by staying at the best bed and breakfast on the Connecticut Shoreline!

A view from the town beach in Madison

Enjoying a delicious hot breakfast each morning in our dining room or outside in the warm summer sunshine.

Call the inn to reserve your room now and take advantage of this last minute summer special!

Offer not valid with other discounts or existing reservations.