TO SPEND MONEY OR NOT TO SPEND MONEY.........
Renovation. Remodel. Make it look better. Face Lift! That is what Doris and I are doing for the Inn. Spending money. I wish we would have maybe put the Inn on the market two years ago and sold it to get our retirement money out, but we felt that Doris could handle the Inn for a least a couple of more years. Because of the Wizards of Wall Street, she will probably be an innkeeper at the Oakwood Inn for at least another 5 years; unless someone comes along and offers us an amount that we can not refuse. But that’s another story.
We had a B & B consultant come in the middle of May 2009 to help us assess what we need to do, if anything. He was Peter Scherman of the B & B Team of Virginia, www.bbteam.com. We called him because we have heard him talk at various B & B Conferences and seminars. He’s always made sense to us, and we have had a couple of individual one-on-one talks with him. We sort of knew him and he knew us. We trusted him. And that was important to us. We could afford his fee, and that was important to him! So I called him in mid-April and asked him to help us with a basic overview.
Peter came out in mid-May and stayed almost two days with us. He gave us quite a bit of information and suggestions; some of which we all ready knew. I guess we just needed to be assured that we were on the right track, especially when it comes to spending money in these very hard economical times where money is tight… tighter than a Victorian corset!
Peter said that he thought we were the most Victorian looking Inn on the coastal states area. I took that as a compliment, but he felt that some of the décor needed an upgrade.
Peter Scherman felt that some of the furniture was uncomfortable for reading a book for 2-3 hours. I could agree about the furniture, but who reads a book for 3 hours? Computer games and surfing the net for about six, yeah!
Than came the comments about some of the bathrooms. Plumbing needs a upgrade, maybe fancy showers and tubs. Showers that feel like a soft rain fall, massaging the scalp and relaxing the muscles… the kind that has a shower head the size of a car tire and uses about 50 gallons of water per second. Maybe something guests like, but in Raleigh and the surrounding area, may not go over very well with the Raleigh Water Guard. Raleigh is in water restrictions now and probably for the rest of its life, due to some very severe droughts in the last eight years. Go to Raleigh.com and just look up water conservation. Hotels, motels, and Bed & Breakfasts have to install water saving shower heads… those that allow 1 gallon per 24 hours or less. Actually, if you can just shower with no water and just use a dry towel and “sand paper” the dirt off your body, that would be acceptable. In reality, you can shower using water, just use it with conservation in mind.
In the next article, I will explain how we proceeded.
But by the way, check out our website, oakwoodinnbb.com for a summer special due to the remodeling…. Stay two consecutive nights at regular price and get the third night free! A great deal in today’s economy for saving money!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
NC Legislature and Taxes on Services
State Lawmakers feel the need to tax services because they can not figure out where to make budget cuts. They have no idea where the inefficiently ran programs are, nor have any idea how to stop wasteful spending. They could start by firing themselves.
So in their great wisdom, they take the easy way out by generating revenue with a law that would create a new tax on certain services. Now mind you, they said that they would not raise taxes. In fact, they plan on lowering the personal income tax 0.25%! I believe the real thrust behind lowering the income tax, is because issuing a new tax in new chartered waters may give them more money than what they could use. A State government raising more money than what it needs? Ridiculous! Give the meddling morons 24 hours with the lobbyists and special interest groups, and they will have the excess spent faster than my wife and five daughters in a one hour shopping spree at Macy’s! Actually, my wife and daughters would do better because they constantly seek out sales. The only thing politicians sell are their souls to the devil.
Since these highly educated individuals can not figure out Zero-Base Budgeting, they should consider apply this new tax on ALL services. Why not just tax all services at a much lower and reasonable rate like 1%, and then the burden is applied to everyone on all services. If you get $100 in car repairs, it will be an extra $1 for the service tax. If you pay a white-collar professional a $1,000, it comes out to $10. Blue collar services are taxed just as white collar so everyone pays. If government would tax the red collar services like prostitution, heck… we could probably knock off the Federal deficient in a few months…. and that would be just from many of the Federal politicians having to pay this tax for this service.
Taxing all services at a lower rate seems to be more equitable than just applying a 4% sales tax on certain select services of the Lawmakers’ choice. Gosh… with their choice… prostitutes… oops… I mean escort services... not to be confused with the Secret Service; would never be taxed. Although, both of these services are usually provided for in secret… more on a Federal level. Man, I am getting off the real subject here.
Taxing all services in the Grand Olde State of North Carolina, would be more equitable and fair to all tax payers. Of course, those white-collar professionals will complain that the extra costs will drive clients away, and their businesses will suffer and they could be out of work. But don’t worry! They can always get a job as a Legislator, because the current ones will be out come election time!
Related Links......
News & Observer News article, June 23, 2009: http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1579697.html
Tax Spa Services: http://www.skininc.com/spabusiness/regulations/49206152.html
So in their great wisdom, they take the easy way out by generating revenue with a law that would create a new tax on certain services. Now mind you, they said that they would not raise taxes. In fact, they plan on lowering the personal income tax 0.25%! I believe the real thrust behind lowering the income tax, is because issuing a new tax in new chartered waters may give them more money than what they could use. A State government raising more money than what it needs? Ridiculous! Give the meddling morons 24 hours with the lobbyists and special interest groups, and they will have the excess spent faster than my wife and five daughters in a one hour shopping spree at Macy’s! Actually, my wife and daughters would do better because they constantly seek out sales. The only thing politicians sell are their souls to the devil.
Since these highly educated individuals can not figure out Zero-Base Budgeting, they should consider apply this new tax on ALL services. Why not just tax all services at a much lower and reasonable rate like 1%, and then the burden is applied to everyone on all services. If you get $100 in car repairs, it will be an extra $1 for the service tax. If you pay a white-collar professional a $1,000, it comes out to $10. Blue collar services are taxed just as white collar so everyone pays. If government would tax the red collar services like prostitution, heck… we could probably knock off the Federal deficient in a few months…. and that would be just from many of the Federal politicians having to pay this tax for this service.
Taxing all services at a lower rate seems to be more equitable than just applying a 4% sales tax on certain select services of the Lawmakers’ choice. Gosh… with their choice… prostitutes… oops… I mean escort services... not to be confused with the Secret Service; would never be taxed. Although, both of these services are usually provided for in secret… more on a Federal level. Man, I am getting off the real subject here.
Taxing all services in the Grand Olde State of North Carolina, would be more equitable and fair to all tax payers. Of course, those white-collar professionals will complain that the extra costs will drive clients away, and their businesses will suffer and they could be out of work. But don’t worry! They can always get a job as a Legislator, because the current ones will be out come election time!
Related Links......
News & Observer News article, June 23, 2009: http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1579697.html
Tax Spa Services: http://www.skininc.com/spabusiness/regulations/49206152.html
Sunday, March 29, 2009
RALEIGH: THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Check these things out on the web and stay with us. We are located right downtown just minutes away from all of these activities and fun things to do in downtown Raleigh. Check out our website and make an online reservation. www.oakwoodinnbb.com
In APRIL.......
4th... World Pillow Fight Day in Moore Square; Raleigh Spring Music Festival; Warehouse district######################
9th... Burning Coal Theatre: "1960" Opening Gala
24th... Yanni live in Concert.... RBC Center
24-26th... Lord Of The Dance of Broadway Series South; Memorial Auditorium
In MAY.......
2nd... World Beer Festival... need to buy tickets early!!
5th thru 10th.... WIZARD OF OZ of Broadway Series South; Memorial Auditorium
16th... Downtown Raleigh Home Tour
16th to 17th... Artsplosure: The Raleigh Arts Festival.. Huge Festival in Moore Square
28-29th... Carolina Ballet: Beauty and Beast... Sounds Fabulous!
############################################
IN THE WORLD OF MUSIC... FOR ALL YOU MUSIC LOVERS at the Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek:
April 23.. Jimmy Buffett
May 16... George Strait
June 8... No Doubt also with Paramore & the Sounds
July 11... Toby Keith
August 1..Nickelback
August 2... Rascal Flatts
August 6... Coldplay... buy tickets soon and stay with us at The Oakwood Inn
August 30... Kenny Chesney
The Oakwood Inn is about a 20 minute drive to the Walnut Creek Pavilion. Why drive all the way home. Make a day of it. Stay at the Oakwood Inn, have dinner downtown, and then drive... it may be a late night, but only a short drive back to the Inn for sleep and then a wonderful breakfast in the morning.
In APRIL.......
4th... World Pillow Fight Day in Moore Square; Raleigh Spring Music Festival; Warehouse district######################
9th... Burning Coal Theatre: "1960" Opening Gala
24th... Yanni live in Concert.... RBC Center
24-26th... Lord Of The Dance of Broadway Series South; Memorial Auditorium
In MAY.......
2nd... World Beer Festival... need to buy tickets early!!
5th thru 10th.... WIZARD OF OZ of Broadway Series South; Memorial Auditorium
16th... Downtown Raleigh Home Tour
16th to 17th... Artsplosure: The Raleigh Arts Festival.. Huge Festival in Moore Square
28-29th... Carolina Ballet: Beauty and Beast... Sounds Fabulous!
############################################
IN THE WORLD OF MUSIC... FOR ALL YOU MUSIC LOVERS at the Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek:
April 23.. Jimmy Buffett
May 16... George Strait
June 8... No Doubt also with Paramore & the Sounds
July 11... Toby Keith
August 1..Nickelback
August 2... Rascal Flatts
August 6... Coldplay... buy tickets soon and stay with us at The Oakwood Inn
August 30... Kenny Chesney
The Oakwood Inn is about a 20 minute drive to the Walnut Creek Pavilion. Why drive all the way home. Make a day of it. Stay at the Oakwood Inn, have dinner downtown, and then drive... it may be a late night, but only a short drive back to the Inn for sleep and then a wonderful breakfast in the morning.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
RALEIGH'S R-LINE DOWNTOWN CIRCULATOR
A new service to get your around downtown Raleigh and its FREE!
Raleigh has purchased two buses to help you get around the downtown area.
The R-Line is Downtown Raleigh's mode to connect employees, residents and visitors to retail, restaurants, entertainment venues and parking in the Central Business District (CBD). The service has its own distinct look and feel from regular Capital Area Transit bus service. This makes the R-Line distinguishable for riders from a distance.
****************************************************************************
The green and blue colors emphasize its unique "green" attribute; they stand for blue air and green earth. The design of the bus also symbolizes that the R-Line is a joint effort of the Raleigh Transit Authority, Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) and the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB).
The R-Line is an example of the Raleigh Transit Authority's commitment to expand transit service in Raleigh and the City of Raleigh's commitment to make Raleigh a "green" city. For more information visit www.YouRHere.com.
*****************************************************************************
The R-Line only stops at designated R-Line stops indicated on the route's map.
==============================================================================
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the purpose of the Circulator?
The Downtown Circulator was proposed as a resource for commuters in the central business district (CBD). The purpose of the circulator is to provide connectivity to the CBD's major parking decks and entertainment districts.
How often will the circulator run?
The circulator will run every 10-12 minutes. The route will be served by 2 buses that will allow for headways to remain at 10-12 minutes.
What type of buses will run on the Circulator route?
This route will be served by 3, 40' hybrid electric, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) style buses; one bus will serve as a spare. The City of Raleigh chose to use 40' buses because they can easily be placed into regular CAT bus service if necessary.
Why a BRT style hybrid?
The City of Raleigh chose a BRT style hybrid because it is environmentally friendly, will run quietly in the CBD and it provides a distinctive look to the service.
How much will it cost to ride the Circulator?
This will be a free service!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What are the hours of the Circulator?
Mon-Wed Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thu-Sat Hours: 7:00 AM - 2:15 AM
Sun Hours: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Raleigh has purchased two buses to help you get around the downtown area.
The R-Line is Downtown Raleigh's mode to connect employees, residents and visitors to retail, restaurants, entertainment venues and parking in the Central Business District (CBD). The service has its own distinct look and feel from regular Capital Area Transit bus service. This makes the R-Line distinguishable for riders from a distance.
****************************************************************************
The green and blue colors emphasize its unique "green" attribute; they stand for blue air and green earth. The design of the bus also symbolizes that the R-Line is a joint effort of the Raleigh Transit Authority, Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) and the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB).
The R-Line is an example of the Raleigh Transit Authority's commitment to expand transit service in Raleigh and the City of Raleigh's commitment to make Raleigh a "green" city. For more information visit www.YouRHere.com.
*****************************************************************************
The R-Line only stops at designated R-Line stops indicated on the route's map.
==============================================================================
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the purpose of the Circulator?
The Downtown Circulator was proposed as a resource for commuters in the central business district (CBD). The purpose of the circulator is to provide connectivity to the CBD's major parking decks and entertainment districts.
How often will the circulator run?
The circulator will run every 10-12 minutes. The route will be served by 2 buses that will allow for headways to remain at 10-12 minutes.
What type of buses will run on the Circulator route?
This route will be served by 3, 40' hybrid electric, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) style buses; one bus will serve as a spare. The City of Raleigh chose to use 40' buses because they can easily be placed into regular CAT bus service if necessary.
Why a BRT style hybrid?
The City of Raleigh chose a BRT style hybrid because it is environmentally friendly, will run quietly in the CBD and it provides a distinctive look to the service.
How much will it cost to ride the Circulator?
This will be a free service!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What are the hours of the Circulator?
Mon-Wed Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thu-Sat Hours: 7:00 AM - 2:15 AM
Sun Hours: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
25 YEARS OF SERVICE !
THE OAKWOOD INN BED & BREAKFAST CELEBRATES
The Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast of Raleigh, North Carolina is celebrating its twenty five year anniversary this year. In June 1984, Raleigh’s first and largest Bed & Breakfast opened its doors to welcome Raleigh visitors. The house that was converted into the Oakwood Inn was built in 1871 and is located in Raleigh first historic district, Historic Oakwood, which is a part of the downtown area. Because it was the first B & B in Raleigh, there was a lot of resistance from the city fathers. The city council had to be convinced and educated as to what a Bed & Breakfast was in concept, as well as what type of cliental it would bring into the area. The city council did not want anymore boarding houses in the area at the time. The Oakwood Inn B & B was certainly not a boarding house when it opened on Saturday, June 2nd of that year. The beautiful house, which was totally renovated and decorated with antique furniture, custom drapery, and gold-gilded chandeliers, was also Wake County’s first bed and breakfast.
Now that may not seem a long time, however; in terms of the Bed and Breakfast industry, a 25 year anniversary is a milestone achievement. “For a bed and breakfast to stay in business this long is quite an accomplishment. Innkeeping can be a tough, yet rewarding business. The folks who have been running The Oakwood Inn must be doing it right, obviously having been rewarded by a constant flow of loyal customers for a quarter-century,” said Jay Karen, President & CEO of Professional Association of Innkeepers International which is referred to as PAII in the industry.
Doris and I purchased the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast on September 1, 2001. Since that time we have gone through a lot of good and bad times. The one thing we have tried to maintain is to make sure our guests are satisfied and happy, and we must be doing it right, because we are still here running the Inn. We are the longest running Innkeepers of the Inn as we will be completing our eighth year this coming September. Over the past couple of years, I have had to return to the workforce outside the inn for various reasons. That means that Doris is really the sole innkeeper still providing the high quality service. It’s a lot more demanding on her, but she loves doing it, and it’s that passion that provides the basis to achieve a long sustaining tenure.
For the next few months, I will try to have a article in the newsletter providing a little more history of the house and its past owners as well as pass on a few bits of information about it as a B & B. “One definite thing we need to do,” said Doris, “is thank all of the neighbors who have stayed with us or have had family and friends stay with us. The neighborhood business is well appreciated and always welcome. We are so happy to be a part of this wonderful community.”
And of course, we need to thank all of our past guests who have supported us whether it was their first and only time they stayed with us, or if they have come every week or month for a night or two, and we have had some that regular.
Now I will also tell all of you that the Inn, just like many other businesses today, is having a difficult time business-wise. Occupancy has been down since about early September last year when much of this worldwide financial fiasco hit. Luckily, I am working and can help keep providing some cash flow to keep it moving along. As I tell many people, Doris and I bought the place 10 days before September 11, 2001. That day changed everything for us. What happened was that we lost all of our weekday business travelers, but our weekends were fairly full with pleasure travelers. People were afraid to travel, but had the money and means to do so. With today’s economic mess, people are not afraid to travel, but they just don’t have the money to do it.
“But things are starting to get a little better for us,” Doris said. “I tell Gary almost everyday to just think positive and the positive will come.” And it will. When you think about the first people who had the house built in 1871, and all of those others who lived in the house, or came to visit. When you think of who dug out the basement, who installed the first bathroom, when did the house convert from fireplace heat to a furnace, and who made what renovations and why…. you really appreciate the house and its soul. You begin to understand that this house has a life and a will to survive.
This house is one of Oakwood’s fourth or fifth oldest surviving homes. It has endured wars, wind, possibly fire, termites, snow storms, hurricanes, foreclosure, tax auction, tornadoes, segregation, integration, renovations, floods, additions, deletions, diseases, epidemics, depressions, recessions, and inflation…. it survived 9/11 and it certainly will survive and add to its legacy the Greatest Worldwide Depression of 2008/09.
Come and join us celebrate this year. Check out our website for 25 year specials. www.oakwoodinnbb.com
Gary
Owner/Innkeeper
The Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast of Raleigh, North Carolina is celebrating its twenty five year anniversary this year. In June 1984, Raleigh’s first and largest Bed & Breakfast opened its doors to welcome Raleigh visitors. The house that was converted into the Oakwood Inn was built in 1871 and is located in Raleigh first historic district, Historic Oakwood, which is a part of the downtown area. Because it was the first B & B in Raleigh, there was a lot of resistance from the city fathers. The city council had to be convinced and educated as to what a Bed & Breakfast was in concept, as well as what type of cliental it would bring into the area. The city council did not want anymore boarding houses in the area at the time. The Oakwood Inn B & B was certainly not a boarding house when it opened on Saturday, June 2nd of that year. The beautiful house, which was totally renovated and decorated with antique furniture, custom drapery, and gold-gilded chandeliers, was also Wake County’s first bed and breakfast.
Now that may not seem a long time, however; in terms of the Bed and Breakfast industry, a 25 year anniversary is a milestone achievement. “For a bed and breakfast to stay in business this long is quite an accomplishment. Innkeeping can be a tough, yet rewarding business. The folks who have been running The Oakwood Inn must be doing it right, obviously having been rewarded by a constant flow of loyal customers for a quarter-century,” said Jay Karen, President & CEO of Professional Association of Innkeepers International which is referred to as PAII in the industry.
Doris and I purchased the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast on September 1, 2001. Since that time we have gone through a lot of good and bad times. The one thing we have tried to maintain is to make sure our guests are satisfied and happy, and we must be doing it right, because we are still here running the Inn. We are the longest running Innkeepers of the Inn as we will be completing our eighth year this coming September. Over the past couple of years, I have had to return to the workforce outside the inn for various reasons. That means that Doris is really the sole innkeeper still providing the high quality service. It’s a lot more demanding on her, but she loves doing it, and it’s that passion that provides the basis to achieve a long sustaining tenure.
For the next few months, I will try to have a article in the newsletter providing a little more history of the house and its past owners as well as pass on a few bits of information about it as a B & B. “One definite thing we need to do,” said Doris, “is thank all of the neighbors who have stayed with us or have had family and friends stay with us. The neighborhood business is well appreciated and always welcome. We are so happy to be a part of this wonderful community.”
And of course, we need to thank all of our past guests who have supported us whether it was their first and only time they stayed with us, or if they have come every week or month for a night or two, and we have had some that regular.
Now I will also tell all of you that the Inn, just like many other businesses today, is having a difficult time business-wise. Occupancy has been down since about early September last year when much of this worldwide financial fiasco hit. Luckily, I am working and can help keep providing some cash flow to keep it moving along. As I tell many people, Doris and I bought the place 10 days before September 11, 2001. That day changed everything for us. What happened was that we lost all of our weekday business travelers, but our weekends were fairly full with pleasure travelers. People were afraid to travel, but had the money and means to do so. With today’s economic mess, people are not afraid to travel, but they just don’t have the money to do it.
“But things are starting to get a little better for us,” Doris said. “I tell Gary almost everyday to just think positive and the positive will come.” And it will. When you think about the first people who had the house built in 1871, and all of those others who lived in the house, or came to visit. When you think of who dug out the basement, who installed the first bathroom, when did the house convert from fireplace heat to a furnace, and who made what renovations and why…. you really appreciate the house and its soul. You begin to understand that this house has a life and a will to survive.
This house is one of Oakwood’s fourth or fifth oldest surviving homes. It has endured wars, wind, possibly fire, termites, snow storms, hurricanes, foreclosure, tax auction, tornadoes, segregation, integration, renovations, floods, additions, deletions, diseases, epidemics, depressions, recessions, and inflation…. it survived 9/11 and it certainly will survive and add to its legacy the Greatest Worldwide Depression of 2008/09.
Come and join us celebrate this year. Check out our website for 25 year specials. www.oakwoodinnbb.com
Gary
Owner/Innkeeper
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Coconut Chocolate Cookies from the Oakwood Inn B & B
Cookie Course
By Bridgette A. Lacy, Staff Writer New & Observer, Appearred in section E, Wed, Dec., 12, 2007.
Shhh. It's Christmastime. If you listen close you can hear it.
No, it's not the clatter of reindeer hooves on the roof. It's the whir of thousands of mixers churning up dough fvor the millions of Christmas cookies that will soon fill tins and stretch bellies across the land.
Knowing that many of you are firing up your ovens right about now, we offer a few well-tested Christmas cookie recipes from fellow bakers. Use them for inspiration or simply take solace in knowing that others just like you are toiling away, turning out their own batches of Christmas cheer
Gary Jurkiewicz's cookies are so good they can keep people up at night. A guest at the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast in Raleigh, which Jurkiewicz co-owns, once had to turn down his morning meal after helping himself to a full dozen of the innkeeper's cookies during the night. After tasting Jurkiewicz's Coconut Chocolate Chip cookies, which he shares here, we understand.
As a boy, Jurkiewicz loved helping his stay-at-home mother with the cleanup after she made cookies and cakes. With the smell of sweet pastries baking in the oven filling the kitchen, Jurkiewicz did his part: "I got to lick the spoon." It was the start of a love affair with baking that continues. Now a pharmacist and innkeeper, Jurkiewicz delights his daughters and his guests with his baked goods.
(This is an excerpt of an article written on cookie recipes. If you'd like to read the entire article go to: http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/824910.html
Here is Gary's own original recipe for Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Gary's Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups sweetened coconut, toasted (6 ounces)
1-1/4 cups vegetable shortening (8 ounces)
3/4 cup sugar (5.5 ounces)
1-1/4 cups brown sugar, packed (9.5 ounces)
3 cups cake flour (13 ounces)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons coconut extract
2 tablespoons French vanilla yogurt
2-2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips (16 ounces)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Put coconut flakes on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Keep an eye on them, and bake until 2/3 of the coconut turns a light to medium tan, from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven. Do not get the coconut too brown or it will become dry. Let cool.Mix shortening in the bowl of a mixer until it turns smooth. Add sugar and brown sugar, and mix until light and fluffy.Sift together the cake flour, salt and baking powder and set aside.Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed shortening and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed. Add vanilla, coconut extract and yogurt. Mix thoroughly.Set mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture allowing all ingredients to combine well. The mixture should be wet but not runny.Using a spatula, hand fold in the chocolate chips until mixed thoroughly. Then hand fold in the coconut until all of the ingredients are mixed well. The batter will be a little drier because the coconut absorbs some of the moisture.Put dough into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.Preheat oven to 325 degrees.Drop 2-tablespoonful-scoops of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, allowing about 21/2 inches between scoops. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until edges and tops of cookies lightly brown. Check the cookies after about 6 or 7 minutes and, if needed, rotate the baking sheets for even browning. Do not overbake as it will dry the cookie out.Remove cookies from oven and let set for 2 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheets onto baker's rack and let cool for about 2 hours. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 45 21/2-inch cookies; analysis is per cookie.
Per serving: calories, 180; fats, 10 grams (46% of calories); cholesterol, 9 milligrams; carbohydrate, 24 grams; fiber, 1 gram; protein, 2 grams; sodium, 63 milligrams; sugar, 16 grams.
Source: Gary L. Jurkiewicz
By Bridgette A. Lacy, Staff Writer New & Observer, Appearred in section E, Wed, Dec., 12, 2007.
Shhh. It's Christmastime. If you listen close you can hear it.
No, it's not the clatter of reindeer hooves on the roof. It's the whir of thousands of mixers churning up dough fvor the millions of Christmas cookies that will soon fill tins and stretch bellies across the land.
Knowing that many of you are firing up your ovens right about now, we offer a few well-tested Christmas cookie recipes from fellow bakers. Use them for inspiration or simply take solace in knowing that others just like you are toiling away, turning out their own batches of Christmas cheer
Gary Jurkiewicz's cookies are so good they can keep people up at night. A guest at the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast in Raleigh, which Jurkiewicz co-owns, once had to turn down his morning meal after helping himself to a full dozen of the innkeeper's cookies during the night. After tasting Jurkiewicz's Coconut Chocolate Chip cookies, which he shares here, we understand.
As a boy, Jurkiewicz loved helping his stay-at-home mother with the cleanup after she made cookies and cakes. With the smell of sweet pastries baking in the oven filling the kitchen, Jurkiewicz did his part: "I got to lick the spoon." It was the start of a love affair with baking that continues. Now a pharmacist and innkeeper, Jurkiewicz delights his daughters and his guests with his baked goods.
(This is an excerpt of an article written on cookie recipes. If you'd like to read the entire article go to: http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/824910.html
Here is Gary's own original recipe for Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Gary's Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups sweetened coconut, toasted (6 ounces)
1-1/4 cups vegetable shortening (8 ounces)
3/4 cup sugar (5.5 ounces)
1-1/4 cups brown sugar, packed (9.5 ounces)
3 cups cake flour (13 ounces)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons coconut extract
2 tablespoons French vanilla yogurt
2-2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips (16 ounces)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Put coconut flakes on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Keep an eye on them, and bake until 2/3 of the coconut turns a light to medium tan, from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven. Do not get the coconut too brown or it will become dry. Let cool.Mix shortening in the bowl of a mixer until it turns smooth. Add sugar and brown sugar, and mix until light and fluffy.Sift together the cake flour, salt and baking powder and set aside.Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed shortening and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed. Add vanilla, coconut extract and yogurt. Mix thoroughly.Set mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture allowing all ingredients to combine well. The mixture should be wet but not runny.Using a spatula, hand fold in the chocolate chips until mixed thoroughly. Then hand fold in the coconut until all of the ingredients are mixed well. The batter will be a little drier because the coconut absorbs some of the moisture.Put dough into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.Preheat oven to 325 degrees.Drop 2-tablespoonful-scoops of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, allowing about 21/2 inches between scoops. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until edges and tops of cookies lightly brown. Check the cookies after about 6 or 7 minutes and, if needed, rotate the baking sheets for even browning. Do not overbake as it will dry the cookie out.Remove cookies from oven and let set for 2 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheets onto baker's rack and let cool for about 2 hours. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 45 21/2-inch cookies; analysis is per cookie.
Per serving: calories, 180; fats, 10 grams (46% of calories); cholesterol, 9 milligrams; carbohydrate, 24 grams; fiber, 1 gram; protein, 2 grams; sodium, 63 milligrams; sugar, 16 grams.
Source: Gary L. Jurkiewicz
Gas Prices Don't Have To Spoil Time Away
Yep, gas prices keep going up and up. Today I paid $3.93 per gallon at the local BP station on Person Street. We Americans have always adapted fairly well to rising gas prices over the years, sometimes cutting down on short trips to the stores or sometimes not traveling so far for a vacation. As prices seem to keep going up, you do have to wonder, where are they going to level off... maybe they never will, but hopefully they may come down a wee bit.
Whatever happens, we well just adjust our schedules and routines to make it work... what else can you do..... it's beyond our control. What can be done is maybe less longer vacations, and more frequent short relaxation stays. We have been getting a lot of people coming to us for just a 2 or 3 night stay, traveling anywhere from just 15 minutes from us on up to about 2-3 hours drive. We have always had a strong guest list that has used us for a short stay just to get a few days away from work or the stresses from around the home. But lately, we have seen a small increase in people living nearby and just wanting to get away for a few days. Some come in for a play or concert and dinner, some just for dinner and sit around the Inn, and some with a list of things to see and do that are on the relaxation side.
Our website www.oakwoodinnbb.com has a list of a few things like a dinner/theatre package, a date night using the Raleigh Rickshaw service, we have the Oakwood Spa close by that you can take a short walk to and enjoy a relaxing massage, or just come into Raleigh for a weekend event like the Beer Festival or Artsplousure. We always have a lot going on downtown with First Friday where there are numerous art galleries open late. Maybe you'd like to just walk around our Historic neighborhood and look at all of the houses or maybe just try a new restaurant.
Or how about just relaxing on our front porch with a glass of wine and a fine cigar, read a book, or just people watch all the neighbors walking by with their dogs.
You really don't have to go far to enjoy some relaxation which is what we all need nowadays. You can come to downtown Raleigh, stay at The Oakwood Inn B & B, park your car in our lot and just walk everywhere downtown or take the Raleigh Rickshaw. No gas used in either case.
Yeah we don't have the ocean, the sandy beaches, or the peaceful sound of the waves coming into shore. But we do have a quiet and peaceful residential neighborhood, we have good eats around us, quiet time for mediation or relaxation, and peaceful sound of birds chirping in the morning.
Doris and I purchased the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast on September 1, 2001, ten days before 9/11 and our occupancy went down, down, down. We quickly re-grouped and came up with a plan to bring locate potential guests and came up with our tag line of: Don't Go Away, Get Away at The Oakwood Inn B & B. That line still stays with us even more so now than before. Cause you don't have to travel far away to have a nice Get Away.... we're just around the corner. A vacation or Get Away does not have to be to some far away exotic place to travel to in order to relax.... it can be right under your nose. A two or three day weekend or even some week days off can do more for reducing stress than a long 10-14 traveling vacation moving from hotel to hotel and seeing sights after sights.
Look us up at our website and either call us or just do an online reservation. Gas prices can double, but it doesn't mean that we have to cancel plans for a little time for relaxation.... there are alternatives..... and we Americans will adapt!
Whatever happens, we well just adjust our schedules and routines to make it work... what else can you do..... it's beyond our control. What can be done is maybe less longer vacations, and more frequent short relaxation stays. We have been getting a lot of people coming to us for just a 2 or 3 night stay, traveling anywhere from just 15 minutes from us on up to about 2-3 hours drive. We have always had a strong guest list that has used us for a short stay just to get a few days away from work or the stresses from around the home. But lately, we have seen a small increase in people living nearby and just wanting to get away for a few days. Some come in for a play or concert and dinner, some just for dinner and sit around the Inn, and some with a list of things to see and do that are on the relaxation side.
Our website www.oakwoodinnbb.com has a list of a few things like a dinner/theatre package, a date night using the Raleigh Rickshaw service, we have the Oakwood Spa close by that you can take a short walk to and enjoy a relaxing massage, or just come into Raleigh for a weekend event like the Beer Festival or Artsplousure. We always have a lot going on downtown with First Friday where there are numerous art galleries open late. Maybe you'd like to just walk around our Historic neighborhood and look at all of the houses or maybe just try a new restaurant.
Or how about just relaxing on our front porch with a glass of wine and a fine cigar, read a book, or just people watch all the neighbors walking by with their dogs.
You really don't have to go far to enjoy some relaxation which is what we all need nowadays. You can come to downtown Raleigh, stay at The Oakwood Inn B & B, park your car in our lot and just walk everywhere downtown or take the Raleigh Rickshaw. No gas used in either case.
Yeah we don't have the ocean, the sandy beaches, or the peaceful sound of the waves coming into shore. But we do have a quiet and peaceful residential neighborhood, we have good eats around us, quiet time for mediation or relaxation, and peaceful sound of birds chirping in the morning.
Doris and I purchased the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast on September 1, 2001, ten days before 9/11 and our occupancy went down, down, down. We quickly re-grouped and came up with a plan to bring locate potential guests and came up with our tag line of: Don't Go Away, Get Away at The Oakwood Inn B & B. That line still stays with us even more so now than before. Cause you don't have to travel far away to have a nice Get Away.... we're just around the corner. A vacation or Get Away does not have to be to some far away exotic place to travel to in order to relax.... it can be right under your nose. A two or three day weekend or even some week days off can do more for reducing stress than a long 10-14 traveling vacation moving from hotel to hotel and seeing sights after sights.
Look us up at our website and either call us or just do an online reservation. Gas prices can double, but it doesn't mean that we have to cancel plans for a little time for relaxation.... there are alternatives..... and we Americans will adapt!
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