duluth bed and breakfast recipes

Another delicious Firelight Inn Bed and Breakfast recipe

October 1, 2011 – 7:59 pm


Returning guests here for their 44th wedding anniversary and their 17th return stay to The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Duluth Bed and Breakfast came down to the kitchen after breakfast this morning and said that this morning’s breakfast was the best they had ever had! What a compliment and we want to share the entree recipe with you.

This morning the breakfast that was delivered to each suite was Ham Potato Cheddar Strata, Blueberry Crisp, Apple Scones with Maple Butter, Lemon Breakfast Cake, Orange Juice, Coffee and Tea.

The word “strata” means layers and in this recipe layers of potatoes, ham, fluffy, rich egg custard and creamy cheese are sure to delight. We sliced the ham and potatoes on our meat slicer to get them a thin and uniform consistency.

Ham Potato Cheddar Strata

6 medium sized Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8″ thick
5 large eggs
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups thin sliced deli ham, chopped
pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk the eggs with the cream in a bowl and set aside. Have the shredded cheese and chopped ham ready to go. Slice the potatoes with a slicer or very sharp knife so that the potato slices are consistent in thickness so that they cook evenly.

Coat a 13″ by 9″ glass cake pan with non-stick spray. Cover the bottom with a layer of potatoes, overlapping slightly (or “shingling”). Add a layer of ham and cheese. Repeat these steps until the pan is full, finishing with a ham and cheese layer on top. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the top and tap the pan gently to settle the liquid. Season with pepper to taste.

Cover with foil and bake for about one hour and 45 minutes. Remove foil for the last 15 minutes to brown. Check to see if the potatoes are cooked through by poking a fork in the middle of the strata. If there is resistance, they’re not done.

Slice into squares and serve!

We would like to be your hosts for your next anniversary, honeymoon, birthday, vacation, or romantic getaway. Make your plans now to stay at The Firelight Inn Duluth MN Bed and Breakfast. Our food will delight you, our fluffy feather beds will comfort you, and as the fireplaces glow, the Firelight atmosphere will soothe your soul!

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast
“Let the warmth of the firelight surround you!”

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New French Toast Recipe from The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast

September 21, 2011 – 1:27 am


When guests returned for their 25th stay at The Firelight Inn last weekend, we made their long weekend extra special and served new breakfast recipes. We are sharing one of the breakfast entrees that was a favorite of all our bed and breakfast guests. We served Cinnamon Coconut French Toast, pork sausage, a dish of fresh fruit, apple scones with maple butter, zucchini walnut breakfast bread, orange juice and Alakef coffee on Sunday morning.

Cinnamon Coconut French Toast
1/2 stick butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup maple syrup, divided in half
1 large loaf cinnamon bread, sliced into fingerlike pieces
10 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup coconut
4 to 5 tablespoons brown sugar
Cinnamon
Powdered sugar

Mix butter, cream cheese and half of the maple syrup. Heat in microwave (I softened the cream cheese and butter separately) until softened to a creamy texture, making sure to eliminate all lumps by mixing well with a whisk.

Place sliced cinnamon bread evenly in a well-buttered 9 x 13 glass baking dish. I laid the slices of bread the long way and then filled in the short end of the pan with sliced bread going the other direction. It doesn’t have to perfect, in fact, it’s good if there is some spots that aren’t filled in completely. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the bread slices, leaving room for the egg mixture to be absorbed through the cream cheese mixture. Beat the eggs, milk, remaining maple syrup and vanilla. Pour over the bread. Then sprinkle with the coconut. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the bread dish. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake for more than one hour at 350 degrees. I baked the dish covered for most of the time, uncovering it at the end to brown it up a little. Cut into rectangles and serve on plates sprinkled with powdered sugar. Serves 10.

Sorry the picture isn’t a shot of this delicious french toast recipe. The picture on this blog is that of our Blueberry Stuffed French Toast. We’ll be taking a picture of this wonderful entree the very next time we make it which will be soon!

We would love the opportunity to be your hosts when you travel to Duluth MN for your anniversary, honeymoon, weekend getaway, birthday or vacation. Our breakfasts will delight you and our historic home will comfort you!

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast
“Let the warmth of the firelight surround you!”

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Duluth Stream Corps Plant Trees at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek

September 7, 2011 – 6:54 pm





Duluth Stream Corps were on site early this morning to plant trees at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Duluth Bed and Breakfast. We are happy to have this restorative work done on our property along Oregon Creek which contributed to the health of the creek and the greater St. Louis River/Lake Superior watershed.

The workers planted 4 white pines, 4 white cedars, 3 yellow birth and 26 white spruce trees. Fencing and cages were placed around each tree to protect them from animals as they grow. We will do our part to keep them healthy and watered.

The Duluth Stream Corps was launched by Community Action Duluth and their goal is to plant 20,000 trees and shrubs over the next two years along streams in the Duluth area. The benefits of planting the trees and restoring the streams are to increase land value, reduce harmful erosion, provide natural filtering and slow storm run-off. The labor, plant materials and landscape design was free and The Firelight Inn was happy to pay for fencing, cages and materials. They provided us with a complete folder of information on what they planted, information on weeds and tree diseases and exactly how to care for the new trees.

Enjoy the photos of this project today! Plan your next trip to Duluth and reserve your stay at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast. Whether it be for vacation, anniversary, birthday or romance–we have just the destination for you!

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast
“Let the warmth of the firelight surround you!”

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African Violets in Bloom at Firelight Inn Duluth Bed and Breakfast

August 18, 2011 – 1:20 pm




The summer sun radiating through the dining room windows at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast has produced our collection of African Violets to be in full bloom this August. In fact, all the flowers inside the Inn and outside are in great shape thanks to the hot weather and significant rain.

The Firelight Inn dining room violets have bloomed in shades of light and dark violet, pink, deep red, and blue. Innkeeper Joy tends to them each week with water and Miracle Grow, brushes the dust and dirt from the leaves and speaks to each plant with tender loving words of encouragement!

Travel to Duluth Minnesota and make your plans to stay at our historic lodging property. You can enjoy breakfast delivered to your suite or we would be happy to serve you at the dining room table where you can enjoy the beautiful African Violets with our amazing breakfast. This morning we are serving our guests Eggs Benedict, rosemary roasted potatoes, fresh fruit with granola topping, apple date scones and breakfast pear bread, orange juice, milk and coffee. We hope to see you on your next trip to Duluth!

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast
“Let the warmth of the firelight surround you!”

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Duluth MN Firelight Innkeeper Jim’s Fishing Tales

August 6, 2011 – 7:47 pm


Most people think that The Firelight Innkeeper never gets a chance to do anything fun and away from work because he is too busy at the Inn greeting guests, cooking, cleaning, marketing, running errands and working on maintenance and renovation. Well, I had an upcoming morning scheduled off from The Firelight Inn on August 4, 2011 and I decided to engage in one of my favorite activities–fishing! It was a beautiful morning as I picked up one of my fishing buddies at 4;30 AM. Soon we were on the road to our secret lake north of Duluth MN (You didn’t really think I was going to tell you the name of our secret spot, did you?)

Take a look at these pictures and you can see just what a fun time we had last Thursday morning. The temperature was nice and cool and the water was calm. The Bass were so hungry that we just couldn’t keep them off the end of our lines. So, next time you are looking to get away, come and stay at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast in Duluth, Minnesota and maybe Jim will share some of his fishing secrets with you! Anyway, you will have a great time staying at our historic Duluth bed and breakfast. Stay tuned for more adventures!

Jim Fischer, Innkeeper/Owner
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast
“Let the warmth of the firelight surround you!”

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Twin Ports Lighthouse Days in Canal Park, Duluth Minnesota

August 3, 2011 – 8:44 pm


Travel to Duluth Minnesota and enjoy the 9th Annual Twin Ports Lighthouse Days August 4-7, 2011 at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Canal Park. This event will feature lighthouse films and history walks which will take place inside and outside the museum. All of the programs are free and open to the general public and we’re sure our guests at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast will be taking advantage of this festival.

This special “Twin Ports Lighthouse Days” is a celebration of the five distinctive lighthouses of the Twin Ports and the lighthouses of Lake Superior. We need to remind you, however, that the lighthouses in Canal Park are unfortunately not open to the public, although exterior viewing and photographs are available. This annual event is held around the anniversary of August 7th, 1789 which is the date President George Washington signed the Ninth Act of Congress federalizing our nation’s lighthouses.

The pier history tours with Park Rangers will rediscover the history of Duluth’s three lighthouses, the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge and the piers. This is just one of the fun activities to take part in while you are in Duluth Minnesota. There is hiking, biking, sailing, charter boat fishing, Vista Boat excursions, walking along the Lake Walk and skipping rocks in Lake Superior!

We hope to see you on your next trip to Duluth and greet you at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Duluth bed and breakfast!

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast
“Let the warmth of the firelight surround you!”

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Restoration and Repair on The Firelight Inn Duluth Bed and Breakfast

July 26, 2011 – 9:30 pm


Oh, the joys of owning a historic home in Duluth, MN! As an innkeeper that has owned this 1910 historic brick home called The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek, I have come to the realization that it is even far more work than I ever imagined. Luckily there are people and companies coming up with new products every year to help me.

This summer I am experimenting with a flexible rubber product that can be sprayed onto problem leak areas and can even be painted which is a bonus because most cannot tolerate another petroleum product over it. The weatherman is predicting a storm here tonight and I am happy because I will truly be able to see if my hard ingenuity and luck will pay off in the gutter areas that need my attention.

Do you have secrets in repair work on your home that you would like to share? Successes or failures? Stay tuned as this old Duluth bed and breakfast innkeeper is going to take a break tonight and enjoy a BBQ and a ballgame! Travel to Duluth and stay with us for a night or two and you can see a magnificent mansion that is 101 years old and getting better with age–just as I hope all of us are in life!

Jim Fischer, Innkeeper
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast
“Let the warmth of the firelight surround you!”

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Being the Innkeeper of The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek B&B Doesn’t Disappoint

July 19, 2011 – 2:39 am

It occurred to me that my day as an Innkeeper of The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Duluth Bed and Breakfast should be shared today. I was busy with such a variety of tasks and feeling quite blessed that I live in this historic home, work very hard and meet charming people from all over the world!

I had the opportunity to meet so many unique guests this past weekend who stayed at our B&B. Steve and Nikki who have very busy military careers were here to celebrate a Babymoon before their son is born in a couple months. Bruce and Teena called at the last minute to escape the heat in Minneapolis and enjoy Lake Superior. Our Barnum suite guests were celebrating their engagement and I had to chuckle when they signed the guest book as married people already! A Duluth physician called at the last minute also as he had family in town but not a place for them to sleep so he reserved a suite at The Firelight Inn. We so enjoyed meeting Tom and Laurie from Colorado.

Song and Xiaomei from Ames, Iowa called at the last minute too as they were anxious to escape the heat. The Barnum Suite journal entry reads:

“Dear Joy and Jim,
We like to take this moment to show how thankful we are to our 1st B&B experience in your home. This neighborhood is amazingly beautiful. And your B&B is just a gem among it. I don’t think any B&B can measure up to this either. Everything was perfect. Your hospitality, the rooms, and service, the view and etc. Thanks again for sharing your nice home to us. We will tell our friends and also hope to come back for our next Duluth vacation.”

I set the alarm for 6:30 to begin my day and prepare breakfast for our guests. They enjoyed baked apple pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit and granola parfaits, orange scones, cinnamon coffee cake, orange juice, and coffee. While they were eating, I transferred more laundry from the washers (that had been timed to wash during the middle of the night) and loaded the dryers. A quick posting on The Firelight Inn Facebook page letting our fans know what they missed for breakfast and then began to clean up the kitchen. While waiting for guests to check out, I was busy cleaning and polishing the dining room hutch and all the Christmas plates that adorn the plate rail. I missed reading the morning newspaper as the delivery person missed our place this morning–a quick call to the Star Tribune to let them know that and I’m off to search for empty breakfast baskets that may be outside the guests’ suite doors.

After cleaning up breakfast baskets, I sit for a moment to get my morning daily Bible verse and devotion completed and write a birthday card to my granddaughter who is turning 18 on Wednesday. Happy Birthday Miss Ellen!

I answered a few phone calls about availability, rates, massage therapy and a call from Deneen Pottery who makes our mugs. Our latest order will be shipped today–sweetness!

Chatting with guests who are returning to Minneapolis and wrapping up mugs and Silk Petal Soaps for guests who have picked out their treasures from our gift shop completes check out. Then I head for the Brookside suite to clean and prepare for more guests. About this time, I unlock the back door for my tired-looking husband who is returning from his part-time job delivering produce for a Minneapolis-based company. A busy Monday morning for him means a quick bite to eat and a couple hour nap. Then I have errands and a post office stop for him. Guests have ordered coffee beans for us to ship and I’m sending a few loaves of banana bread to my sons Matt and Nate. It’s been awhile since I sent them a care package–I’m thinking they will be thrilled.

I stop to read the mail–always a highlight of the day for me–even if it mostly bills. Then back to the laundry room.

I belong to the Club 60 group that is managed by our marketing company Acorn Internet Marketing. I have agreed that I will spend an hour a day on marketing. So I look at Google analytics, bed and breakfast directories, update my front page, and return emails. That hour went quickly.

I begin cooking the wild rice for the soup supper that the guests in Northwoods requested for this evening. Jim reminds me he is going to make supper this evening. That’s awesome! I make a quick call to my girl friend Patty to make sure I have the right date for her 5th wedding anniversary this week. We chat for a little while and plan to hopefully see one another in a few days to catch up more.

Guests arrive from Nebraska and I get them checked into the Northwoods Suite for the next few days. They are very anxious to get down to Lake Superior to put their feet in!!! I gave them perfect directions to do just that.

I remember that I sold almost all the bags of Silk Petal Soaps from the gift shop and am getting low on my supply for the guest rooms so I spend the afternoon listening to the Minnesota Twins and hand dipping Silk Petal Soap. Oh, the aroma of lavender essential oil is so relaxing. Then a call from my son Matt and we catch up for a few minutes chatting about work, friends, his hockey team, his running and work out schedule and how much we miss one another.

Jim fixes fresh fish for dinner and I put the final touches on the Chicken Wild Rice Soup Supper for Northwoods guests Jim and Julie.

After supper, I iron while I watch the second game of the Twins Double Header and I chat with guests who are enjoying Firelight Inn sugar cookies and coffee.

So my day as a Firelight Innkeeper is almost complete with this writing. I’m truly blessed to have this job–the hours are long but life is good today and I can’t wait to get up tomorrow morning and do more of the same. It would be an honor to serve you at our Duluth bed and breakfast!

Joy Fischer, Innkeeper
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast

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A Firelight Inn Duluth Bed and Breakfast Weekend Babymoon

July 12, 2011 – 2:56 pm

A very special couple made their reservations at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast a couple months ago for their weekend babymoon and will be arriving this Friday. Innkeeper Joy has put together their Babymoon Firelight Babymoon Basket which will be in their suite when they arrive on Friday.

They will find receiving blankets, diapers, a baby bottle, body lotion, a scented candle, chocolates, baby booties and toys and a blue Firelight mini mug in their babymoon basket prepared just for them. After they arrive on Friday night, a Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Supper with warm bread and sparkling cider will be delivered to their suite. A little while later we will deliver a tray with ice cream for Mom-to-be and Dad-to-be to finish off their Friday evening babymoon.

On Saturday, the soon-to-be parents will each enjoy a one hour relaxation massage in our Woodland Suite by Massage Therapist Emily. Imagine the spa suite with the scent of essential oils, the soft soothing music and an hour of massage. After their massages, they are able to slip on their Firelight Inn bathrobes and return to their suite for a bubble bath or a long nap before exploring Duluth and all its beauty.

This weekend they may want to get to Bayfront Festival Park for the Duluth Music and Maritime Festival. Three Tall Ships will be in the harbor and there will be music, activities and educational programs throughout the weekend. For all the information, go to www.visitduluth.com.

Whether or not you are expecting a baby, we have just the special package for your stay at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast. All our historic and romantic suites feature a private bathroom, fireplace, state-of-the-art air conditioning, featherbed, dining table and chairs, comfortable furniture to relax it, TV/VCR/DVD audio system and CD player, IPod docking station, oversized Cypress bathrobes, magnifying mirror, European towel warmer, hair dryer, books and magazines, a welcome tray, bottled water and glasses, wine glasses, ice bucket and tongs, cork screw, and luxurious amenities. The Barnum and Brookside Suite have access to an outdoor deck on the second floor overlooking Oregon Creek.

We would love the opportunity to greet you and are confident your stay at The Firelight Inn will be a treasured memory.

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Duluth Bed and Breakfast
“Let the warmth of the firelight surround you!”

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Firelight Inn Bed and Breakfast Mango Sweet Bread Recipe

July 7, 2011 – 2:43 pm


Breakfast is so important and at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast it is our specialty! Each morning we offer an intriguing entree with meat incorporated or on the side, a serving of fruit, yummy muffins or scones and a sweet bread, coffee cake or pastry. Your breakfast is delivered to your suite each morning where it can be enjoyed privately in your suite or outdoor deck (Barnum and Brookside Suites). We also love serving our guests breakfast at the dining room table or a private dining table in our glorious sun-drenched front porch!

Since Innkeeper Jim works part-time for a major produce company we order all kinds of wonderful fruits and vegetables to incorporate in our menus. Recently we found a wonderful recipe for Mango Bread and our guests commented how delicious it was so we wanted to share it.

Mangos are really a comfort food and they can make you feel better! They are delicious and rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and they contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties similar to papain found in papayas. These comforting enzymes act as a digestive aid and can be held partially responsible for that “content” feeling experienced during and after a daily mango ritual. It is quite natural to crave those mangos!

When picking out a mango at your local grocer, choose one that is plump and heavy for its size. More importantly, the mango should be fragrant as you “sniff” the fruit. Find a ripe mango if you’ll be using it right away. Mangos are ripe when you can indent them slightly with your thumb.

Mango Bread

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
2 cups diced mango
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Sift dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Make a well and add remaining ingredients. Mix until well blended. Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan (or 10 small individual bread pans like we use at The Firelight Inn) and let stand 20 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour for a full loaf or 20-25 minutes for smaller individual loaves. The mango bread is done when a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Enjoy! We hope to see you soon at The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Duluth Bed and Breakfast. We will serve you a breakfast you won’t forget!

Joy and Jim Fischer, Innkeepers/Owners
The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek Bed and Breakfast
“Let the warmth of the firelight surround you!”

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