DayTripping from Americus - Massee Lane Gardens, Home of the American Camellia Society

With the current government shutdown, the National Historic Sites are closed.  Visitors to our area have been asking what else they can do.  This time of year is THE TIME to visit Massee Lane Gardens, Home of the American Camellia Society in nearby Fort Valley.  Less than an hour away from Americus, there is always something blooming at Massee Lane Gardens.  But, right now, the camellias are definitely the stars of the garden.

Although these photos were taken a few years ago, they give you an idea of what you can see when you visit the Gardens.

Please click the photos to see them full size as a slide show.

Beauty is everywhere.

This was the first time I had seen rosemary in bloom.  Now, one of our own rosemary plants has flowers, too.

Besides the outdoor garden areas, the indoor Boehm porcelain collection is truly worth taking the time to visit.

This is just one of the wonderful local attractions you should consider visiting when you travel to our area.  There are some really beautiful camellias just a short stroll from the inn in Oak Grove Cemetery, if you don't have the time to drive to Fort Valley.

Thanks for checking out our latest Americus Garden Inn blog entry.  We're looking forward to sharing our home with you.

Love,

Susan

Daytripping from Americus - Ellis Bros Pecans in Vienna

When you think about Southwest Georgia, what nut comes to mind?  I'll bet your first thought was peanuts.  But, peanuts are actually not nuts, they are legumes.  The true nut that is farmed in our area is the pecan.  Where can you go to taste all the deliciousness that pecans have to offer?  You can go to Ellis Bros Pecans in nearby Vienna, Georgia, just off of I-75, exit 109.  As you can see, we decided to take a trip to see them in the rain.  It was the perfect rainy day activity.

The store is much bigger than it looks from the outside and all the pecans are from the family owned pecan orchard.  In one direction, pecans as far as the eye can see.  In the other direction, a small area was decorated for Christmas.

 

You quickly notice the vast variety of raw pecans and you can sample them all to taste the unique qualities of each variety.

We determined our personal favorite to be the "Desirable" variety and bought some for our family and friends.

There are sweet and savory coated pecans to sample.  Key Lime was an unexpected delicious surprise.

One of our personal favorites was the praline coated pecans.  These are amazing.

Then, you enter the chocolate zone.

Yes, you can sample all the different varieties in white, milk and dark chocolate.  They also have a sugar free selection.

The flavor that truly "knocked my socks off" was the Dark Chocolate Amaretto Pecans.  These are absolutely incredible.

Although most of the store highlights pecans, they do sell peanuts.

There is an exotic nut selection.

They even have okra chips.  Yes, you can sample these, too.

There were jars and bottles of marinades and barbecue sauce.

All kinds of local honey were available.

 

Fig and peach jams and preserves made right on premise.

Peanut butter, pecan butter and jams all available to taste.

Lastly, all kinds of syrup and ciders are also available.

So, if you are travelling to or from Americus on I-75, and you have a half hour to do something fun,  check out our friends at Ellis Bros Pecans.   Your taste buds will thank you.  They are open every day of the year, including holidays, from 8am - 8pm.  We plan to go back very soon because I'm out of my Dark Chocolate Amaretto Pecans...

Thanks for visiting,

Love,

Susan

4 Ingredient Quick Coconut Bread - keto, gluten free recipe

4 Ingredient Quick Coconut Bread - for 1 in less than 5 minutes

This is my new favorite recipe.  I make a variation of this every day for my midday meal.  Sometimes, I add cheese, sometimes, I make a sandwich, sometimes, I make a mini pizza.  You get the idea.

This is everything you need - a Tablespoon of butter, one egg, a Tablespoon of coconut flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.

 

Place the tablespoon of butter in a 7 ounce ramekin (or you can use a large mug).  Microwave for about 35 seconds, or until just melted.

Allow butter to cool as you place one egg in a small mixing bowl.

Add one Tablespoon of coconut flour to the bowl.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to the bowl.

It really is this simple.

 

Mix the egg, coconut flour and baking powder with a spatula until well mixed.

Add the melted butter to the bowl.

Mix well.  Let it sit for a minute.  Mix again.

 

Scoop batter into the ramekin.

Microwave for 90 seconds.

Remove from the microwave and immediately invert and remove the coconut bread from the ramekin onto a plate.

Slice in half (or thirds if you want it thinner).

Looks like bread, right?  Now, toast in a toaster until nicely browned.

Enjoy fresh from the toaster with butter or cheese or peanut butter or a poached egg...  

With so many people on a gluten free diet and so many others trying the keto lifestyle, this recipe is perfect.  It comes together in less than 5 minutes and it is very satisfying. If you have family members visiting for the holidays and someone needs a gluten free/keto option, here is a possible substitution for a biscuit, a roll, an English muffin, a hamburger bun or bread!

Thanks for visiting the Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast Blog.  If you try this recipe, let me know how it comes out for you.

Love,

Susan