5 Delicious Homemade Recipes from Hawthorn Suites

Have you ever wondered how you can turn an ordinary day into something special with just a few simple ingredients? At Hawthorn Suites, we're passionate about not only providing you with a comfortable stay but also enriching your experience with the joy of cooking. Let's dive into some delightful, homemade recipes that you can easily prepare, whether you're staying with us or recreating your Hawthorn experience at home.

1. Hawthorn's Signature Apple Crumble

Start your culinary adventure with a dessert that will warm your heart. The Hawthorn's Signature Apple Crumble is not just dessert; it's a comforting hug in a bowl.

• Ingredients:
• 6 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• Vanilla ice cream for serving

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice and cinnamon. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and mix well.
3. Transfer apples to a greased baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, remaining sugar, and butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

🍎 Note: For a gluten-free version, substitute oat flour for all-purpose flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Here's a light yet flavorful salad that's perfect for those seeking a nutritious and easy meal.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, usually with 1 cup quinoa to 1 3/4 cups water, simmering for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
2. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
4. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Combine quinoa with the vegetables, drizzle with dressing, and toss to combine.

3. Hearty Beef Stew

There's something incredibly satisfying about a rich beef stew, especially on a chilly evening. This recipe embodies comfort food at its best.

• Ingredients:
• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 parsnips, sliced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 2 teaspoons rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

1. Season beef with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until onions are translucent.
4. Add carrots, parsnips, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, stirring to combine.
5. Dust the mixture with flour, cook for a minute, then slowly pour in beef broth and wine (if using).
6. Return the beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove bay leaves before serving.

🍲 Note: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can increase the amount of flour used for dredging or add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.

4. Classic Lemon Bars

When life gives you lemons, make lemon bars. These classic treats are a refreshing end to any meal.

• Ingredients for the Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Ingredients for the Filling:
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. For the crust, mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Let it cool slightly.
4. For the filling, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, flour, and baking powder. Pour over the crust.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set. Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar and cut into bars.

5. Coconut Rice

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this aromatic coconut rice. It's a simple yet elegant dish that complements any meal.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 lime zest and juice (optional)

Steps:

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, drain.
2. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
3. Stir in rice, return to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and, if desired, mix in lime zest and juice for an extra zing.

In wrapping up, exploring the world of homemade cooking at Hawthorn Suites opens up a delightful array of culinary possibilities. From desserts like Apple Crumble and Lemon Bars to savory dishes such as Beef Stew and refreshing salads like Mediterranean Quinoa, each recipe offers a unique flavor profile, ensuring that your culinary journey is both exciting and memorable. These dishes not only enhance your stay but also provide you with skills and inspiration to recreate these moments at home.

And now, let’s address some common questions you might have about these recipes:

Can I substitute ingredients if I don’t have the exact ones?

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Yes, you can substitute ingredients! For instance, if you’re missing a specific herb, use a similar one; thyme can replace rosemary, or you can use basil instead of oregano in the Quinoa Salad. However, when substituting in baking, like for Lemon Bars, keep proportions consistent to maintain texture.

How can I make these recipes healthier?

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To make recipes healthier, you can reduce sugar in desserts, use whole grain or alternative flours, increase the vegetable content in stews, and replace some of the oil or butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt. Quinoa can be swapped for brown rice or farro for added fiber.

Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?

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Definitely! Dishes like Coconut Rice, Beef Stew, and Mediterranean Quinoa Salad can be prepared in advance. They often taste better as flavors meld over time. Lemon Bars and Apple Crumble can be baked ahead but are best served fresh.