Early Spring Baking

From the kitchen window of the inn we can track the daily progress towards spring. The massive camellia outside the Garden Room is in full bloom, the crocuses are up and the tiny jonquils in the side yard are getting swelled heads, soon they'll burst open in cheerful yellow.

We've finished the winter renovations, and have made a big dent in the deep cleaning. My office is reorganized and has a fresh coat of paint. Sadly, my terrific assistant, Shelley, has left to start her own inn (more details later!) but I'm taking the opportunity to train my senior housekeeper, Robert, with some of her tasks. This month we are adding baking to his skills. He is bravely taking the spatula to the bowl for the first time ever. He proudly took a loaf of his Lemon Coconut Bread to share with his mother and grandmother. There's nothing better than a man who can cook! Ladies, he's single.