5 Corners Blog

Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:14:00 GMT

Making the perfect Hard Boiled Egg is really simple. I tried for many years - sometimes they were not done or too done - to find the perfect system. This one works great!

1) Place eggs in a large saucepan.
2) Fill saucepan with enough COLD water to cover the eggs.
3) Bring to a boil.
4) Once the water is boiling, turn off heat and cover saucepan. Set timer for 12 minutes.
5) When timer goes off, immediately place eggs in an ice bath. This will help with peeling.
6) Keep eggs in bath for at least 10 minutes or until well chilled.

Super Simple Chocolate Peanut Butter & Oat Snack Bars

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:03:00 GMT

More and more of our guests are in need of gluten-free diet. Here is a super simple way to have a sweet treat!

2 tablespoons chocolate chips
2 to 3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons milk (or almond milk for our vegan friends)
1/2 cup oats
Optional: 1 tablespoon of any dry ingredient you would like to add such as: sunflower seeds, raisins, extra chocolate chips, cocunut flakes, nuts, etc.

1) Melt the first three ingredients together in the microwave using 30 second intervals, stirring each time.
2) Add the oats and any optional ingredients. You will want this mixture to be fairly dry (I probably ended up using close to one cup of oats all together). If its not dry enough, add more oats one tablespoon at a time.
3) Press mixture into bars or balls. I lined a small Pyrex baking dish with scranwrap to make removing the bars easy. I cut mine at this point.
4) Put in the fridge for 30 minutes or until bars harden.

5) Enjoy!

Easy Valentine's Breakfast

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:04:00 GMT

Here is a recipe that's super easy to make! You won't even need to make a midnight run to the grocery store; the recipe calls for things that you probably have in your fridge!

5 Corners Breakfast Tulips

Serves 2

4 pieces thinly sliced lunch meat (we typically use ham but roast beef also works well)
4 eggs
4 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
dried chives or parsley

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Spray 4 cups of a muffin tin with cooking spray.
3. Line each cup with a slice of meat.
4. Crack egg and drop into center of each cup.
5. Top with cheese and chives or parsley.
6. Bake for 17-20 mintues depending upon oven. Serve alongside toast, juice and fresh fruit and your Valentine will be smitten!

Oberlin College Conservatory Auditions

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:02:00 GMT

Accommodations are available during Oberlin College Conservatory Auditions to be held on February 11, 17, 18 and 25 as well as March 2 and 3, 2012. For available room options, please visit our Accommodations page.

5 Corners is perfect place for your son or daughter to retreat either before or after their audition. Situated just 15 minutes north of Oberlin, 5 Corners is conveniently located minutes from the Ohio Turnpike, Interstate 80, Interstate 90 and State Route 2. Also enjoy the many restaurants and entertainment options within walking distance from the inn.

The staff of 5 Corners will work with you to provide the best accommodations possible during this very important audition. Have an early audition? Try one of our breakfast-to-go's. They are included in the room rate along with off street parking, complimentary WIFI, snack basket and soft drinks.

Grandma Binder's Chex Mix Recipe

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:39:00 GMT

Growing up, my grandmother and grandfather always had a surplus of Chex Mix during the holiday season. It was one of those things that once you started eating it...you couldn't stop! Everyone had a favorite ingredient. Mine was the Wheat Chex that had extra spices stuck to it.

Don't even try to make Chex Mix in the microwave. It just can't compare. Here's the super-easy method for making Grandma's Chex Mix. Its been kept under lock and key...until now. Make it one night while wrapping presents. Grandpa always said the key was in the stirring.

12 oz boxes of: Wheat Chex, Cheerios and Rice Chex
1.5 lb bag of pretzel rings
2 - 12 oz jars of mixed nuts
1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
2 cups veg oil
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon seasoned salt

Combine cereal, nuts and pretzels into a large roasting pan. Combine oil, Worcestershire, garlic salt and seasoned salt. Pour over cereal and stir well. Bake at 250 degrees for 2 hours; stirring well every 15 minutes.

Autumn Pumpkin Centerpiece

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:10:00 GMT

Looking for a simple to make centerpiece for your autumn dinners? Check out this easy to make pumpkin!

Supplies Needed:
Medium sized pumpkin
Leaves of various shapes, sizes and colors
Mod Podge
Paint Brush
Scissors
Ribbon

1. Collect leaves and place them between two sheets of wax paper. Let sit for at least 3 days with a book over top to flatten them.

2. Wash and dry pumpkin.

3. Using the paint brush, apply the Mod Podge to the pumpkin and the back of the leaf you want to place. Let sit 1-2 minutes. Apply leaf to painted area and press firmly. You may have to snip the leaf with the scissors to make the leaf lay flat against the pumpkin. Once stuck, put another coat of Mod Podge over the leaf. The Mod Podge will dry clear.

4. Continue to paste leaves to the pumpkin until the desired look is achieved.

5. Gently apply a coat of Mod Podge over entire pumpkin. Let sit overnight to dry.

6. Attach ribbon to stem of pumpkin.

5 Corners Apple Crisp

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:14:00 GMT

4 cups apples, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon flour
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Crumb Topping:
1 cup oatmeal (quick oats)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup flour
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375. Spray 9x9 pan with cooking spray.

Combine first 4 ingredients. Pour into prepared pan.

Mix together topping ingredients. Sprinkle over apples.

Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Top with whipped cream or ice cream.

Autumn Harvest Pancakes

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:45:00 GMT

Ready for fall? Try this easy Autumn Harvest Pancake recipe this weekend. It will warm your soul.

2 cups Bisquick
1 egg
1 1/3 cups milk
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup pureed pumpkin (not pie filling)
1/4 cups dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Butter
Powdered Sugar
Maple Syrup

Warm skillet on medium.
Combine Bisquick, egg, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and pumpkin. Beat until smooth. Add more milk if batter appears to thick. Add in cranberries and nuts and stir until combined.
Cook pancakes as you normally would. Top with a light dusting of powdered sugar and Maple Syrup.

You can also add chopped apples for a unique twist!

Mugs that Warm the Soul

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:59:00 GMT

Throughout the years, our guests have complimented us on the wonderful mugs in which we serve coffee and tea. Many have loved their warm touch and comfortable handle so much they've taken one (or two) home with them.

Credit goes to Deneen Pottery for these fantastic mugs. Its hard to find a quality mug that keeps your coffee hot and makes you want to fill 'er up again and again. Each one is handmade and it just a little different than the next. Twenty-four pairs of loving hands touch each mug before it arrives on our doorstep.

To make the mugs even better, 5 Corners has added a warming plate allowing our guests to pour hot coffee into a nice and toasty mug; keeping coffee and tea hotter, longer. A second finish has also been added; this time in our signature blue but with a black glaze.

For a complete list of products available from Deneen Pottery, please visit their website at www.deneenpottery.com. Mugs are freezer, microwave and oven safe.

Royal Wedding Scones

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 13:08:00 GMT

In honor of the Royal Wedding, here is a great recipe for scones. Feel free to add dried fruit, nuts or even chocolate chips for a special treat.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Scones

Makes 8 scones

Glaze:
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

Scones:
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1/2” pieces
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 with rack in center of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
Make glaze: mix together the beaten egg and cream. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add in butter and blend with pastry blender or fingers. This mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, combine whipping cream, beaten egg and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the crumb mixture and add the liquid, stirring with a wooden spoon until batter forms moist clumps. The batter will be sticky. Don’t over mix.
Gather dough together with your hands and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead for 10 seconds until dough forms a ball and is smooth.
Pat dough into a 7 inch diameter circle that is about 1” thick.
Using a sharp knife, cut circle into eight triangles (cut circle in half and in half again and each of those sections in half again). Place scones on prepared baking sheet.
Brush scone tops with glaze and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until a toothpick entered into the center of a scone comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve with whipped cream, butter or jam.

Kayaking Lake Erie

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 20:45:00 GMT

Kayaking has grown in popularity and what better place to kayak, whether your a veteran or a amateur, is Lake Erie thanks to the new Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail.

With 8 points of entry, you can travel 27 miles from Mill Hollow up the Vermilion River, across the Lake Erie shoreline and down the Black River. Stop along the way and rest at one of the area's great beaches and enjoy a picnic lunch. See wildlife along the riverbeds. Enjoy all nature has to offer!

Need a kayak? No worries! You can rent kayaks from Great Lakes Kayaking in Lorain by the day or hour. Not sure how to kayak? Attend the Kayaking Symposium on May 21 at Lakeview Park from 10-4 to learn the basics. You'll even be able to try out different types of kayaks and canoes in the beach's swimming area. The Backpacker's Shop in Sheffield is also a great place to visit to learn more about kayaking the water trail and what supplies you'll need.

For more information:
Lorain County Metroparks: www.metroparks.cc
Great Lakes Kayaking: (440) 244-5370 or (440) 787-8720
Backpackers Shop: (440) 934-5345

All Roads Lead to Oberlin

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:11:00 GMT

Congratulations to the Oberlin College Class of 2015! If you've completed early decision, you'll want to visit campus during All Roads Lead to Oberlin. This orientation for both students and parents will be held April 8, 11, 15 and 18, 2011.

To reserve a stay at 5 Corners Bed & Breakfast during this exciting time, please click here or give us a call at (440) 984-3084. The inn is located just 15 minutes north of the Oberlin College campus in historic downtown Amherst.

For more details regarding All Roads Lead to Oberlin, please visit www.oberlin.edu for registration and activity information.

Oberlin College Conservatory Auditions

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:20:00 GMT

Accommodations are available for Oberlin College Conservatory Auditions held February 11, 18 & 19, 26 and March 4 & 5, 2011. Click here for available room options.

Situated 15 minutes north of Oberlin, 5 Corners is conveniently located just minutes from the Ohio Turnpike, Interstate 80, Interstate 90 and State Route 2. Also enjoy the many restaurants and entertainment options within walking distance from the inn.

The staff of 5 Corners will work with you to provide the best accommodations possible during this very important audition. Have an early audition? Try one of our breakfast-to-go's. They are included in the room rate along with off street parking, complimentary WIFI, snack basket and soft drinks.

As always, please call if you have any questions.

Beat the Winter Blahs

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 04:16:00 GMT

Tired of being cooped up inside during these cold winter months? I know January and February can be down right depressing in northern Ohio. Here are a few suggestions as to how you can cure your cabin fever:

Try an Ice Wine - Klingshirn Winery in Avon Lake, OH are makers of a fantastic Ice Wine. Sip its sweetness slowly and let it tingle on your tounge. Ice Wine is very sweet and can take the place of dessert. Share a bottle with the one you love. http://www.klingshirnwine.com/

Wear a New Pair of Shoes - The Lorain County Metroparks offers free classes in Snowshoing. Classes are held throughout January, February and March. The shoes are even provided! Visit http://www.metroparks.cc/ for more information.

Enjoy Soup for the Soul - Laurel Run Cooking School in Vermilion, OH offers several cooking classes throughout the winter months featuring easy to make soups and breads. View their class schedule at http://www.laurelruncookingschool.com/

See a Show - Winter is a great time to enjoy a live stage show; whether its a full blown stage production at Playhouse Square or a one-man show at your local community theater. Locally, Amherst features Workshop Players. This renowned theater troupe offers several different shows throughout the year. Visit http://www.workshopplayers.com/ for their performance schedule. Oberlin College also offers fantastic theater and music performances, sometimes with little or no charge. View their schedule of events at http://www.oberlin.edu/

Holiday Lights in Lorain County

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:24:00 GMT

While the holiday season is a very busy time of year, its sometimes nice to take a step back and enjoy a quick drive to see some local lighting displays. Here's a quick list of some local displays that are FREE (or close to free):

Downtown Amherst: On Friday, December 3, Main Street Amherst lights up the front yard of Town Hall with lights. Enjoy a parade down Park Avenue along with caroling by members of the Amherst High School choir. Many of the businesses and restaurants stay open to welcome you. Starts at 6pm. www.mainstreetamherst.org

Christmas in the Village (Amherst Historical Society) - Enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Christmas past. At 4pm join visitors for carols in St. George's Chapel. 2-5pm on Sunday, December 5. www.amhersthistoricalsociety.org

Light Up Lorain: Thousands of lights strung along Broadway. Enjoy a display timed to music in front of City Hall. Stop by 637 Broadway for pictures with Santa and a holiday craft. Visit www.downtownlorainchristmas.com for more information and hours.

Lakeview Beach (Lorain County Metroparks) - Drive thru this lighted display along Lake Erie. Free and open every night from November 28 till December 30. www.metroparks.cc

Carlisle Visitors Center (Lorain County Metroparks) - Walk the short loop trail at the Visitor's Center and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday Season! Light refreshments available for a small fee. Please bring one non-perishable food item for donation. Sunday - Thursday 6-9pm and Friday & Saturday 6-10pm. www.metroparks.cc

Have a wonderful, and bright, Holiday Season!