timberlake's restaurant - Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock

Candace’s Ooey Gooey S’mores Recipe

Posted on October 16, 2020October 29, 2020 by Admin

- Candace's Gourmet Campfire Salted Caramel S'mores Dip -

"Feel like a kid again with this ooey-gooey take on your classic s' mores. Enjoy them over a campfire or in your oven!"

- Candace Hagaman, Pastry Chef | Timberlake's Restaurant

- Ingredients -

Small cast iron skillet 6" - 8" and/ or heavy-duty tinfoil
Non-stick pan spray
1 package of mini marshmallows
1.5 cups of good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (preferably Ghirardelli)
1 box of Honey Graham Sticks or Honey Graham Crackers
1 bottle or jar of salted caramel (ex. Ghirardelli Sea Salt Caramel sauce)

Directions:
Place a grate over the campfire to set the cast iron skillet on. For easy clean-up, spray the cast iron skillet with non-stick pan spray
Spread an even layer of mini marshmallows in the bottom of the skillet. Spread the chocolate chips evenly over the marshmallows. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the chocolate chips. Top with another layer of mini marshmallows.
Cover the skillet with tin foil, place on the campfire. Let it cook until the marshmallows and chocolate are completely melted, about 5-10 minutes. Uncover the skillet and let the flames brown the marshmallows. Remove from the fire, drizzle with additional salted caramel.
Serve with Honey Graham Sticks or Graham crackers for dipping. Enjoy!
Add toppings such as sliced bananas, peanut butter, cinnamon pecans, etc

Special Notes:
*If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, you can use several layers of heavy-duty tin foil to make a bowl for the dip
*If you do not have a grate to place on the campfire, simply just wrap the entire skillet in tinfoil and place in the fire
*If the weather does not permit a campfire, you can make this dip in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish, by baking in the oven until melted and marshmallows are brown and bubbly. About 10 minutes @ 350 degrees

Candace’s Apple Cobbler Recipe

Posted on September 9, 2020September 10, 2020 by Admin

- Candace's Apple Cobbler with Cinnamon Swirl Biscuits -

"Capture the sweet, warm flavors of fall in this gorgeous apple cobbler! After all, is there anything better than your home smelling like freshly baked cinnamon apples? Three of my personal favorites, apples, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls come together in this unique, satisfying dessert. Enjoy!"

- Candace Hagaman, Pastry Chef | Timberlake's Restaurant

- Ingredients -

For the biscuits:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons of butter
1/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla

For the cinnamon swirl filling:
½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the apples:
2/3 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
6 cups sliced and peeled granny smith apples
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon allspice
2/3 cups water

- Preparation -

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

For biscuits, in a medium bowl combine flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until fully combined. With a pastry blender, cut in 4 tablespoons of butter into the flour mixture. It should resemble coarse crumbs. Stir together milk and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the milk and vanilla all at once. Using a rubber spatula, stir the dough together just until it forms a ball. Do not overmix.
On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently for about 5 strokes. Roll the dough into a 12" x 16" rectangle. Combine, nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle with nut mixture all the way to the edges. Roll up in a spiral, starting from the short side. Pinch seam to seal. With a sharp knife, cut into six 1-inch thick slices, set aside.
For the apple filling, in a large saucepan stir together 2/3 cups brown sugar, corn starch. Add apples and water. Cook and stir until bubbly and apples are tender. Carefully pour hot filling into an ungreased 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
Arrange biscuit slices cut side down, onto the hot filling. Bake about 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until biscuits are slightly golden. Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream.

Cooking not your thing? Taste this tasty treat by Pastry Chef, Candace Hagaman, herself at Timberlake's Restaurant.

5 Favorite Autumnal Beer Pairings at Timberlake’s

Posted on September 1, 2020September 7, 2020 by Admin

- 5 Favorite Autumnal Beer Pairings at Timberlake's -

These featured cozy beers are sure to get you ready for sweater weather! As temperatures start to drop, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about fall beers. Crisp nights in the mountains call for darker, richer, more complex beers to warm us up. Luckily, Timberlake's Restaurant features eight rotating North Carolina made craft beers at a time and most are inspired by the upcoming change in season. If you're planning a trip to Timberlake's or are planning your own harvest dinner at home, make sure to consider these beer and food pairings for the ultimate fall dining experience.

Oatmeal Porter | Highland Brewing

This Oatmeal Porter is a unique Highland creation. This robust beer is black in color, very malty with hints of chocolate-roasted flavor, and a mild hop character without being heavy. We recommend you try this beer with your favorite chocolate dessert! The malted chocolate notes in this beer are sure to please those who don't normally consider themselves to have a sweet tooth.

ABV: 5.9%

IBU: 35

Timberlake's Pairing: Pairs with our Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart with Toasted Coconut Crust

Why You Need to Go On a Solo Corporate Retreat

Posted on July 21, 2020July 30, 2020 by Admin

-Why You Need to Go On a Solo Corporate Retreat -

Many of us have attended a corporate retreat in the past. Whether it is an annual event we enjoy (or not) or a quarterly trip off-site to help teams bond with one another, retreats allow individuals a much-needed break from the office to aid in proper reflection. It enables those to evaluate processes that are working, those that are not, and then establish the proper steps or procedures for moving forward. The goal is to come back renewed, refreshed, and ready to go!

With the recent change in how businesses operate, corporate gatherings of anything over 10 people are generally not happening. Many individuals are working from home or working alone in some capacity. If you have been working from home the past few months, you may be ready for a change of office scenery. With summer in full swing (at least with regards to temperatures and hours of sunlight), it is the perfect time to think about a solo corporate retreat. While we certainly don’t need an excuse to get away for a few days, if you haven’t considered a solo business retreat, now would be a perfect time.

Being able to refresh and reset is so important for our professional performance. Stepping away from the office helps clear the mind, especially if you have been at a home for the past four months. Getting yourself out of the day-to-day environment allows your brain to reset. We also gain a clearer perspective on our roles and responsibilities, as well as our professional goals. Our minds require that purposeful reset every so often to be able to perform at peak levels in today’s stressful environment.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of it:

#5. Schedule it now and do it!

We are all very busy, and it is really easy to come up with excuses as to why you never have time to do something. Typically, it becomes more of what is a priority. A solo retreat should be a priority, as you will come back refreshed, rejuvenated, and everyone around you will thank you for doing it.

One additional note:

For those that work from home, or are working from home during COVID-19, have you ever thought about working from a resort or vacation rental for a week? It is similar to the retreat idea, as it enables you to get your job done from a different place. Resorts have business centers, wifi, office space in rooms or vacation rental units, and offer beautiful grounds, room service, spas, and access to a plethora of adventures. If you are looking for a change of scenery where you can enjoy yourself while getting work done, we invite you to discover Chetola Resort!

Fun and Easy Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

Posted on July 9, 2020July 10, 2020 by Admin

- Fun and Easy Ways to Beat the Summer Heat -

Summer has officially begun, and it certainly feels like it. Temperatures are warm, humidity is high, and when combined, it can feel very uncomfortable. With everything going on this year, you deserve some easy and fun ways to beat the summer heat. Your friends at Chetola have some ideas to share with you, which also encourage you and your family to get outside this summer, all while staying cool. Please note that in order to get the most out of our recommendations, we highly suggest that you visit the High Country (Blowing Rock/ Boone area and elevations above 3000 feet).

As locals of the High Country, here are our top 5 ways to stay cool this summer:

#4. Find A Nice Level, Shaded Hiking Trail

As many have come to realize, finding large stretches of flat land in the High Country can seem challenging, but the Moses Cone National Memorial Park (adjacent to Chetola with private access!) has 27 miles of trails to explore. While there are some trails that go up in elevation, the walk around Bass Lake is flat and offers several shaded areas. Avoiding too much incline in your hike can help you stay cool, as your body doesn't have to work as hard. Also, just like #5, the shade can keep you cool

#3. Take A Sunrise or Sunset Walk

Enjoying a morning walk or an evening jaunt can keep you cool, as temperatures may be 20 degrees cooler than during the heat of the day. Summer offers almost 16 hours of sunlight, so there is plenty of time early or late in the day for enjoying the cooler hours. Unlike the lower elevations, evenings can be quite comfortable and may even require a light jacket or hoodie. Get the latest local forecast by visiting Ray's Weather featuring a report directly from our very own weather station.

#2. Go Even Higher

Air pressure is lower at higher elevations, which cause the temperatures to be lower as well. Think of it like inflating a bicycle tire- as you increase the amount of air, the pressure increases, producing more heat. The opposite is true with less pressure, which produces cooler temperatures. So, although it is cool in both Blowing Rock and Boone (each above 3000 feet), it is even cooler above 5000 feet. Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain both offer incredible views, trails, food, fun, and cool temps. The average high temperature on Beech Mountain even in the middle of the summer is around 70 degrees!

#1. Waterfall Hikes!

There are some areas of the High Country that are considered tropical rain forests due to the amount of precipitation that falls each year. All of this water has to come down, and since we are in the mountains, a lot of it flows over steep terrain. This results in a plethora of waterfalls. There are a number of easy to moderate waterfall hikes near Chetola Resort. These make for the perfect hike, as they are beautiful, often in shady areas, and may even allow for swimming. We assure you that you will certainly cool off when you swim in a mountain creek. Water temperatures are typically in the 55-60 degree range, so be sure to limit your time, bring a towel, and a change of clothes.

Summer is here, so get outside and enjoy it. We would love to welcome you to Chetola Resort, and North Carolina's High Country.

Top 5 Cocktails at Timberlake’s

Posted on July 7, 2020July 9, 2020 by Admin

Blue Ridge Breeze

Ingredients:

.5oz Tiny Cat Vodka

.5oz Peach Schnapps

.5oz Coconut Rum

Top with equal amounts of cranberry and pineapple juice

Add a splash of Grenadine

Served in a Collins glass with an orange slice and cherry

This drink is the definition of a vacation cocktail, truly a tropical escape in a glass. This fruit-forward beverage uses local North Carolina based Tiny Cat vodka, fragrant peach liqueur, and fruit juices to create an easy-sipping summertime treat. We recommend shaking all ingredients in a cocktail shaker before pouring over ice. Enjoy!

Blowing Rock Bramble

Ingredients:

1.5oz Tito's vodka

.5oz Chambord

Juice from a half lemon

Muddled fresh blackberries

.25oz simple syrup

Served in a Highball glass with blackberries and a lemon twist

Enjoy our twist on this classic English cocktail. Traditionally, bramble cocktails are made with gin but we've opted for vodka because who doesn't love Tito's?! We love this cocktail because of its simplicity and fresh taste. We recommend using extra ripe blackberries in this recipe for a deeper flavor profile.

Headwaters Sour

Ingredients:

1.5oz Disaronno

.5oz Maker's Mark

.25oz Rosemary mint simple syrup

.5oz Egg whites

Topped with housemade sour mix

Served in a Highball glass garnished with a rosemary sprig

Tangy. Rich. Nutty. Frothy. This cocktail requires five high-quality ingredients and they all come together beautifully to create our version of a classic sour. Our bartenders make their sour mix by hand and we recommend you do the same! The recipe consists of equal parts of lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. For a vegan version of this cocktail- try whipped chickpea juice instead of egg whites.

Brown Derby

Ingredients:

2oz Makers Mark

1oz Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka

.75oz Honey simple syrup

Served "up" in a martini glass and garnished with dehydrated grapefruit

If you're into brunch cocktails, the Brown Derby is perfect! The tart grapefruit flavors in this cocktail are sure to wake up your palate while the softer honey and bourbon notes soften the overall taste. The honey simple syrup in this drink can be made by mixing equal parts honey and hot water. We recommend shaking this cocktail with lots of ice before straining into a chilled martini glass.

20th Century

Ingredients:

1.5oz Sutler's Gin

.75oz Lillet Blanc

.75oz Creme de Cassis

Half of a lemon's juice

Served "up" in a martini glass with a lemon twist

This classic gin cocktail is sure to bring you a glimpse of what pre-prohibition era Chetola may have felt like. Our bartenders have placed their twist on this cocktail by using Creme de Cassis, a black currant liqueur. This cocktail is perfect as a before-dinner aperitif to stimulate your appetite. We recommend shaking all ingredients with lots of ice and straining over a chilled martini glass.

Family Camp with Comforts

Posted on June 12, 2020June 16, 2020 by Admin

- Family Camp with comforts -

Do you remember your first camp experience? Ok, besides the initial homesick feeling and having to crawl out of your comfort zone to try new things and meet new people. For introverts such as myself, year two was definitely a lot more fun, so think on that for a moment. You drive up into the mountains where it’s 10-20 degrees cooler, pass through those familiar gates and past the lake with the boats, and then beside the big field where you enjoyed endless games late into the evening. You pull up to the lodge or cabin and smell homemade goodness (I always had a thing for those camp cookies!). It’s that sense of familiarity, coming to a place you call your own where you know you’re safe, and people are genuinely nice, as they greet you with a smile or a friendly wave.

Now, take all of those great memories you made, and the endless adventures discovering nature, and add your family & dog, and replace the 100-year-old cabins with much nicer accommodations and replace the camp food with creative, locally sourced dishes served along the lake, and you have Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. No, technically, it is not a camp for families, however, there are over 20 activities/ amenities offered on-site in the heart of NC’s High Country. Click HERE to see everything that families can do without ever leaving the resort.

And, while you are enjoying activities like fishing on the lake, paddleboards, kayaks, swimming, disc golf, hiking into Moses Cone National Park, bonfires with s’ mores, and music in the evenings, you can also step away for treatment at the spa, yoga by the lake, a clay shooting experience or guided fly fishing on trophy waters. You can also end the evening with a private dinner on your balcony overlooking the lake. So, yes, the activities and adventures, cool mountain breezes, and endless fun are just like camp. However, now you can share this unforgettable experience with the ones you love the most, and you can even treat yourself or the whole family as much as you please.

For accommodations, there are dog-friendly rooms for those who travel alongside their furry companions, as well as vacation rentals for families looking for a place with a kitchen and plenty of space to spread out. For dining, there is outside dining overlooking the lake, picnic delivery for those who want to keep it casual, as well as in-dining, and delivery to your room or vacation rental. There are even family-sized meals to take and bake at your condo. And, yes, there are kid-friendly items, along with snacks & appetizers, healthy salads, wild game, and classic Appalachian dishes. Finally, for those who decide to venture out for adventure, the Blue Ridge Parkway is only a couple of miles from the resort. Tweetsie Railroad is 3 miles away, and Grandfather Mountain is approximately 25 minutes away. There is so much to do, all in a fun, safe place on 78 acres. Many families come back multiple times each year to connect with nature, spend time with the family, and sneak in some fun treats too!

Doggone Friendly Package

Posted on June 9, 2020December 29, 2022 by Admin

Treat your furry traveling companion to a lakeside getaway at Chetola Resort! 5 Paw Rated adventures start with this inclusive package. Enjoy dog-friendly places to eat on the property, private access to Moses Cone’s 3500-acre Memorial Park, and plenty of room to explore!

This package includes:

Complimentary Chetola bandana
Pup bags & dispenser
Doggie treats
Doggie itinerary
Waived pet fees

*Valid ONLY on stays in pet-friendly Chetola Lodge rooms. Picnics are a suggested activity and are not included in the package; cannot be combined with any other offer. Based on availability; not valid for groups of ten or more; additional restrictions or blackout dates may apply; call Guest Services at the number below for additional information, currently an ongoing offer without an expiration date.

To book your package, call 800.243.8652

How to Make Traveling with Kids Easier

Posted on May 27, 2020August 10, 2022 by Admin

-How to Make Traveling with Kids Easier-

Just about every Wednesday or so, I begin to think about the weekend. What amazing adventures can we embark upon to create memories for our kids? So, maybe my expectations are a little high, but regardless, the weekend brings a plethora of possibilities. And, having kids means that we assuredly get to do something fun. Living in North Carolina also means that there are some incredible places to enjoy as a family that are also easy to get to for a weekend escape. As parents of kiddos under 5, the thought of a 6-hour road trip has lost its romanticism that once beckoned my wife and me not too many years ago. We love coming up with new places to take the kids, so if we can find an affordable weekend escape within a couple of hours, we are all in.

Only a couple of hours from Charlotte is NC’s High Country, which is known for cool summers, stunning views along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad, and Grandfather Mountain to name a few. While we typically try to pack in as much as possible, sometimes it’s nice to find a good basecamp, and just let the kids play. Couldn’t we just do that at home? Of course, but there is something about being out of the ordinary routine, away from preschool, work, errands, and family obligations that allow us to truly escape or disconnect. Finding a place that offers nice accommodations, good food for both kids and adults, outdoor recreation on-site or nearby, along with hiking trails, and is close to a little shopping, all with a beautiful backdrop would be perfect.

Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock is one of those rare finds that offers lodge rooms & condos, along with family-friendly dining options, lake activities, a pool, exercise classes & fitness room, live music, bonfire nights, a kids base camp (Fort Boone), frisbee golf course, guided fly fishing, and a sporting reserve with an archery range for kids. The resort is all within walking distance to Moses Cones (3600 acres with 27 miles of trails), downtown Blowing Rock and Tanger Outlets. Having everything in one spot means no planning, no in and out of car seats all weekend, and we can start enjoying ourselves in less than 2 hours. You can even bring your dog. Yes, please!

-P.J. Wirchansky, Director of Marketing at Chetola Resort

Chef Matt River’s Easter Brisket Recipe

Posted on April 9, 2020April 10, 2020 by Admin

-Chef Matt Rivers' Easter Brisket-

"When I was growing up, money was tight and for Easter dinner we always had brisket instead of lamb. Brisket is a more affordable cut of meat that takes a little more time to prepare. This recipe is my updated version of my grandmother's recipe that my mom prepared for us every Easter. I'm delighted to share this recipe with our friends and family of Chetola. This recipe typically feeds 8 to 10 people. Happy Easter!"

- Head Chef, Matt Rivers | Timberlake's Restaurant

-Ingredients-

4 Lbs. Beef Brisket
2 big carrots rough chopped
3 onions rough chopped
3 ribs of celery rough chopped
2 leeks cleaned and white parts chopped
10 cloves of garlic lightly smashed
4 large tomatoes rough chopped( or 2 cans of diced tomatoes)
¼ cup tomato paste
Handful of fresh thyme sprigs
2 rosemary sprigs
½ cup of black coffee
2 cups red wine
3 quarts of beef stock
Salt and Black Pepper

-Preparation-

Preheat the oven to 325f. Pat brisket dry with paper towels then season well with salt and black pepper. Place a large pan or pot over high heat and let the pan get real hot. Add some oil to the pan and sear the brisket on both sides. You want a good hard sear where it looks almost burnt, 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove brisket from the pan and add onions, carrot, leeks, and celery and cook on high heat for a few minutes until the veggies start getting a little color to them. Add tomato paste cook for 3 mins while trying to get the tomato paste to caramelize. Add garlic and red wine and reduce for 5 minutes. Add diced tomato, fresh herbs, coffee and remove from heat. In a large roasting pan, place the vegetable mix on the bottom of the pan and lay brisket right on top of the veggies. Add beef stock but do not submerge the brisket. You want the top of the brisket to be just above the stock. Wrap pan in plastic wrap then tightly in foil and place in the oven. Turn the temperature down to 250 and cook for 5 to 6 hours. Remove pan from oven and uncover to let cool for 20 minutes.

Remove the brisket from the pan and set aside. Remove the herbs with tongs and discard. Now you have 2 choices. You can strain the veggies out and reduce or thicken the sauce, or you can puree the veggies right into the sauce. I prefer the latter method as you get a lot more flavor by blending the veggies. I strain the sauce after to get a nice smooth consistency. Slice the brisket and top with gravy and serve. Enjoy!

All of this can be done up to three days before and kept in the refrigerator. To reheat the brisket, simply place the pan in a 325f degree oven for about 30 mins.

Cooking not your thing? Taste this dish by Head Chef, Matt Rivers, himself at Timberlake's Restaurant.

Tag: timberlake’s restaurant

Candace’s Ooey Gooey S’mores Recipe

- Candace's Gourmet Campfire Salted Caramel S'mores Dip -

- Ingredients -

Candace’s Apple Cobbler Recipe

- Candace's Apple Cobbler with Cinnamon Swirl Biscuits -

- Ingredients -

- Preparation -

5 Favorite Autumnal Beer Pairings at Timberlake’s

- 5 Favorite Autumnal Beer Pairings at Timberlake's -

Why You Need to Go On a Solo Corporate Retreat

-Why You Need to Go On a Solo Corporate Retreat -

Fun and Easy Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

- Fun and Easy Ways to Beat the Summer Heat -

Top 5 Cocktails at Timberlake’s

- Top 5 Timberlake's Cocktails -

Blue Ridge Breeze

Blowing Rock Bramble

Headwaters Sour

Brown Derby

20th Century

Family Camp with Comforts

- Family Camp with comforts -

Doggone Friendly Package

To book your package, call 800.243.8652

How to Make Traveling with Kids Easier

-How to Make Traveling with Kids Easier-

Chef Matt River’s Easter Brisket Recipe

-Chef Matt Rivers' Easter Brisket-

-Ingredients-

-Preparation-

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