Praline Apple Bread

Packed with apple flavor and topped with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans.

1 cup granulated sugar
1 (8 ounce) carton dairy sour cream
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups chopped, peeled tart apples
1.5 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar

Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl beat together granulated sugar, sour cream, eggs and vanilla extract on low speed of an electric mixer until combined, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Stir together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt; add to sour cream mixture, beating on low speed until combined. Stir in apple and 1/2 cup of the pecans. Turn into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans; press lightly into batter.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 to 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. (If necessary, cover loosely with foil the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.) Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine butter or margarine and brown sugar; cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for 1 minute. Remove bread from pan. Drizzle top with brown sugar mixture; cool.

Makes 1 loaf (18 servings).

Mississippi Mud Cake

  Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup margarine, 4 eggs, 1cup unsweetened cocoa, 1  1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans, 3 cups miniature marshmallows, 1 pound box powered sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, beat 1 cup margarine, eggs and 1/2 cup cocoa until well combined.  Blend in flour, granulated sugar, salt and pecans.   Spread batter in greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.  Bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes or until cake pulls away from sides of pan.

Sprinkle marshmallows over hot cake; return to oven for 2 minutes or until marshmallows are slightly puffed.  

In medium bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, beat remaining 1/2 cup margarine, powered sugar, remaining 1/2 cup coca and milk until smooth; spread immediately over marshmallows.  Cool cake completely on wire rack.  Cut into squares to serve.   Makes 24 servings.

 

Arts and Crafts in the Smokies

Do you like arts and crafts?  There is an Arts & Crafts Community only 15 minutes from the lodge.  It was established in 1937, the Arts & Crafts Community is comprised of the largest group of independent artisans in the country. With shops, studios, and galleries located along an 8-mile loop.  This is a part of Gatlinburg's history and has been designated as a historic pathway on the Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail.  It also has a tearoom and bistros for lunch.   http://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/

Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary: Park 'Rededication'

A rededication of the park, reminiscent of Franklin D. Roosevelt's historic 1940 park dedication speech, will be enacted at the Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap. Special invitations to attend the ceremony will be issued accompanied by live broadcasts at the parks gateway communities. 9/2/2009

Alum Cave Bluffs Hike

Alum Cave Bluffs

Distance: 5 miles (up & Back)

Moderate to Strenuous



Elevation : Vertical rise is 1,400 feet in 2.25 miles (3,840 to 5,200 feet) Through short, trail presents a steady, gradual climb and an easy return.

How to get there: From Berry Springs Lodge take rt 441 going South. Take the by-pass and you will enter into the Smoky Mountain National Park. Follow sighs to Cherokee/ North Carolina and you will see a sign that will read Alum Cave Bluff. This trail begins on the Newfound Gap Road. It leaves from the parking place so marked and is just over 8.4 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

The trail includes points of geological interest, splendid views, world of rhododendron & laurel, and in the early spring, a wealth of warblers.

The first half-mile or so along the creek, the trail goes through tunnels of rhododendron & laurel. It crosses and recrosses Alum Cave Creek and two of its tributaries. At 1.3 miles it takes a right hand turn across the creek once more into a large hole. This hole is the Arch Rock, and Anakeesta formation consisting of sandstone, slate & phyllite. It is really a tunnel, and the grade of the path going through is very steep.

From this point up 2 miles, the trail rises sharply and comes out on a table of rock covered with sand myrtle. It is a good place for a break-to have sandwiches and look out at the rippling ridges of the Sugarland Mountain and Chimney Tops. To the west and higher up is a sharp ridge with a small window carved by erosion.

After this breather it seems but a trifling matter to reach Alum Cave, which is neither alum nor a cave. Rather, it is a tremendous bluff, so eroded by wind and weather as to have produced a cave like overhang. If you touch a finger to the rock, the flake will taste salty and bitter. It is worthwhile to continue beyond these overhangs another two-tenths of a mile. Here is another and different view-this time toward the massive south face of LeConte, scored by landslides of the past.

Best B&B experience

This was our second Bed and Breakfast to ever try and it was truly a pleasant experience. It was hard to believe how different it was to be in a place where you they really want you to stay with them instead of the usual hotel "could care less" attitude. Patrick and Sue really strive to make Berry Springs Lodge the best B&B. You can see the proof in everything about the lodge. The bed was wonderful, the place looked like it was built yesterday, there are 34 acres to roam with a pond and rowboats, bikes, and other amenities. Also Sue and Patrick make an incredible breakfast and desert for the afternoon. I miss the morning riddle of the day. Berry Springs Lodge is one of those places that you keep wanting to return.  Aug 20, 2009

Gatlinburg Weddings at Berry Springs Lodge

Elopement PackageThe Ultimate Elopement Package with Professional Photographer from New Beginning Photography. Ceremony for two at beautiful Berry Springs Lodge 2 Night stay in Berry Springs Lodge Honeymoon Suite Bountiful Breakfasts each morning of your stay Delectable Desserts each evening Local Minister to perform your personalized ceremony One hour professional photography session Ceremony and portraits from New Beginnings Photography 30 4x6 prints in a keepsake album High resolution Photo CD with the 30 photos and copyright release so you may make your own prints and enlargements Beautifully decorated wedding cake for two Up to 10 guests are welcome to view the ceremony SPECIAL $995.00 SPECIAL Additional $50.00 for October and Holidays

A wonderful Smoky Mountain Birthday gift

My husband took me to Berrysprings for my birthday this year. This was our first time staying with Patrick and Sue but it certainly want be our last. The room was gorgeous and the view from the hot tub was spetactular. I could not have asked for better service from Patrick and Sue. Breakfast was a treat and the desserts at night were a great surprise. What a wonderful birthday gift.  Aug 17, 2009

Gatlinburg Bed and Breakfast Specials

"Back to Nature"  

      2009 Fall Special 

Starting September 1st through December 31st 2009 we are offering "Back to Nature" discount special.  Save $40.00 per night on weekdays and $20.00 per night on weekends.  It's real simple to get the discount.  You just need to bring something with you that comes from nature.  You can bring a flower to plant, a small tree or bush.  It could also be as simple as a rock for a Zen garden or a leaf for a scrapbook.  We want you to use your imagination!  You can be as creative as you like!

Available when you stay 2 or more nights.

Click here for Reservations and Rates

Summer Newsletter 2009

Berry Springs Lodge
Summer Newsletter
  

 

 

We have had a mild summer so far this year.  July has been terrific.  Most of the days have been in the low 80s and nights in the 60s.  Hopefully it will continue into August.  The back to nature promotion is doing great!.  The photos are items brought from recent guests.  Thank you to all that have stayed with us so far this year and brought some great items. We wish we had room to put them all in this newsletter but we will add them in the following ones as they grow.. Mom and Dad are back for the summer and fall, and as an extra bonus Patrick's sister Lynn is also up for the summer.  Of course we put them all to work.  Sue snuck away the first part of July and went up north to her parents 50th anniversary.  Patrick's other sister Sherry came and cooked breakfast for a few days.  Sorry to all the guests that were here that week!  Just kidding she did a great job!  PJ  cooked the other mornings  and did a very good job as well.  He came up with a new breakfast that everyone loved.  It was stuffed french toast topped with banana fosters.  We will put that in the Sues' recipes section.  Correction!  PJ's recipes section!!!!
   
Again we want to thank you for being our friends and guests.  Hope to see you all soon.

Thank you, and God bless

 

Patrick's   "Home Inn-Provements" 

I have not had that many outdoor projects this summer except for helping Sue plant trees, flowers and shrubs that we received from the back to nature promotion.  A little outside painting and a lot of mowing this year.  I let PJ do the hard stuff and I just mow up by the lodge.

                                                                        Patrick 

 

---

"Back to Nature"  

 

Special Discount 

Starting March 1st through December 31st 2009 we are offering "Back to Nature" discount special.  Save $40.00 per night on weekdays and $20.00 per night on weekends.  It's real simple to get the discount.  You just need to bring something with you that comes from nature.  You can bring a flower to plant, a small tree or bush.  It could also be as simple as a rock for a Zen garden or a leaf for a scrapbook.  We want you to use your imagination!  You can be as creative as you like!

 

 

Available when you stay 2 or more nights.

 

  

Berry Springs Lodge Bed & Breakfast is now on Facebook.   Become a fan! 

 

 

August 

 

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
All summer long hear tales, mountain music, and learn the lore of the Smoky Mountains on the sidewalks of downtown Gatlinburg. Fourteen acts nightly. 5 - 10 p.m.

 

Stringtime In The Smokies in Pigeon Forge 8/14/2009, 8/15/2009

Walking Tour of Townsend and Walking Tour of Tremont (2 events) in Townsend

Edible & Poisonous Fungi of Roan Mountain  8/29/09

Incredible Edibles & Traditional Medicinals  8/29/09

Photography for Naturalists  8/29/09

Intermediate Photography for Naturalists  8/30/09

 

  

 P.J.'s  Recipes     

 Hi everyone.  I finaly out did my mom's breakfast and made dad proud!  Try it you will like it or come to the lodge and I will make it for you.

 

Stuffed French Toast Topped with Bannana

 

 

serves 6

  

1 loaf Italian or french bread cut into 12 quarter inch slices

1  8 ounce package cream cheese, ( I let cream cheese sit out for 10 minutes to soften then I whip with a mixer with a quarter cup chopped pecans and a quarter cup maple syrup, refrigerate cream cheese over night.)

6 eggs

2 cups of milk ( i like to use buttermilk)

1 tsp vanilla

dash of cinnamon

  

1. Slice bread, spread cream cheese between 2 slices

2.  Mix eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon in seperate bowl, set aside

3. Preheat griddle

4. Use a generouse amount of butter on griddle and dip french toast and cook on both sides until golden brown. Keep warm in oven set at 200 degrees.

  

Banana Foster topping

  

6-8 bananas

half stick butter

half cup brown sugar (adjust to taste, more or less)

dash cinnamon

  

1. Melt butter and brown sugar in fry pan , add cinnamon

2. Peel and slice bananas and add to butter mixture, you can add a little half and half to make more syrup. ( you can cheat by buying banana syrup in grocery store and adding to butter mixture)

3. Cook until bananas just start to soften

4. Spoon on top of french toast and enjoy.

 

Events Calendar

 

 

 

 

My big project has been the web site.  We did it again!  It seem every few years I get the itch to try to make it better.  I always wanted larger photos in a rotating flash format with music.  Now that most people have faster internet I felt it was time.  I found a local flash designer that was able to give me what I wanted with exceptional fast download even on systems with slower speeds.  Please check it out and let me know what you think.  http://www.berrysprings.com/  We even have a blog page.  I am still figuring out how to use it.  I guess next is twitter, facebook etc...  

 Again thank you for your help and spreading the word.

Back to Nature Bear

We would love to thank all of our guest who participate in the Back to Nature Special we are running this year, the most recent gift we received was this very cute black bear fishing. Thank you very much Don & Judi Privett.

Apple Breakfast Bars

  ½ cup Dried Apples ½ tsp. Ground cinnamon1/3 cup Honey ½ cup Old fashioned Oats

¼ cup raisins ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1 Tble packed brown sugar 1/3 cup toasted wheat germ

½ cup peanut butter ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds

¼ cup apple butter 2 cups cornflakes

In a saucepan combine apples, honey, raisins, and brown sugar. Hear and stir until mixture boils. Reduce heat slightly. Cook uncovered for 1 minute stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until melted. Blend in apple butter and cinnamon. Stir in oats, walnuts, wheat germ and sunflower seeds until well combined. Add cereal, stirring to coat.

Press mixture very firmly and evenly into a 8x8x2 inch pan. Chill to set. Cut into 8 bars. Store up to 2 days in airtight container in the refrigerator.

 

Stringtime In The Smokies

A musical celebration of Appalachian life with a variety of well-known performers appearing throughout the event. Featured music will include traditional, bluegrass, and Americana styles with an emphasis on bluegrass. Activities for youngsters are on-site, along with excellent festival foods.8/14/2009, 8/15/2009

5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Free Admission

Pigeon Forge, TN

Pigeon Forge Patriot Park

Crop till you drop January Scrapbook Weekend

Come join us for our sixth annual "Winterfest Scrapbook Weekend."  This weekend is planned for those of you who love to scrapbook.  If you are a beginner or advanced this  will be the perfect opportunity to make many new friends and get lots of new ideas. This event is hosted by: Michele   Sizemore KNOXVILLE ,  TN 865-693-5022 sizemorecm@aol.com  Creative Memories.com   Host: Berry Springs Lodge Bed & Breakfast

Start Time:	Friday, January 22, 2010 at 3:00pm
End Time:	Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 11:00am
Location:	Berry Springs Lodge
Street:	2149 Seaton Springs Road
City/Town:	Gatlinburg, TN

Phone:	865-9087935
Email:	stay@berrysprings.com

“Another wonderful stay!”

My wife and I have been to Berry Springs several times and it is always a great trip. The setting is beautiful with the mountains and it is very quiet. As usual the breakfasts were wonderful and the nightly desserts very tasty. There are many things to do while at the lodge. You can go biking, fishing, play games or just lie back in the hammock and sleep. This is our favorite place to stay!   Jul 27, 2009

Caramel Rocky Road Smores Bars

 Caramel Rocky Road Smores Bars

 



1 c. butter

1 c. brown sugar

2 c. flour

1 c. graham cracker crumbs

4 c. mini marshmallows

1 c. walnuts

1 (12oz.) pkg. chocolate chips

¼ c. milk

Bag of caramels

Beat butter and sugar together, add flour and graham cracker crumbs. Press into greased 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and walnuts on top of crust. Melt bag of caramels with milk and pour on top of the marshmallows, chips and crust. Back at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Incredible Edibles and Traditional Medicinals

Spend a day discovering how to identify plants and trees Native Americans and early settlers used for dye, food, medicines, crafts, and other items of daily life. Sample delicious wild flavors appropriate to the seasons. 08/29/2009 For more info: Incredible Edibles

Become a Berry Springs Fan! On Facebook

Berry Springs Lodge Bed & Breakfast is now on Facebook.   Become a fan!