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UNIQUE Featured Chef and Recipe: Honor Mansion – Healdsburg, CA

CHEF: Cathi Fowler

WITH THE INN SINCE: 1994

STARTED IN THE KITCHEN: In my early 20’s, I loved catering special events & parties.

TRAINING/EXPERIENCE: Nothing formal. My husband Steve was in the food service industry for over 25 years. During that time, I had the good fortune to spend time with great chefs and learn from them. One in particular was John Ash. I loved his Pumpkin Curry Soup, so he taught me how to make it. After 24 years, we still serve it on Thanksgiving and think fondly of John.

LIST ANY AWARDS OR PUBLICATIONS: National Culinary Review, Oct. 2003 – Sunset Magazine Best of the West – Living West – Romantic Country – Cooking Light – Canine Companion “Chef of the year” 2000.

FAVORITE INGREDIENT: Herbs and Spices and lots of LOVE.

FOOD PHILOSOPHY: Keep it simple! Make everything you cook look as good as it tastes. People eat with their eyes.

INSPIRATION: My husband, Steve. He loves food and he loves to eat mine! He would truly rather have me cook for him than go out to eat. He bought me my first “Joy of Cooking” cookbook in 1974, and I still use it.

ANYTHING ELSE? There is great satisfaction when you please people with your food. I love it when a guest returns after many years looking for that dish they had during their visit. It really is all about the guests!

Honor Mansion Eggs Benedict

This is a favorite among those guests who don’t like poached or runny eggs.
Serves 8

8 slices thick sour dough bread
8 slices of ham (cut round with biscuit cutter)
1 C Swiss cheese grated
16 asparagus spears steamed to tender

In Blender:
3/4 C half & half
1 1/2 C milk
6 eggs
pinch black pepper
1 T vegetable base (we use Minors, but Knorr is fine)
whirl until mixed

Cut crust off bread and then cut into circles using same biscuit cutter. Soak bread in half of the egg mixture. Spray 4” (1 C size) glass ramekins with nonstick spray. Divide cheese among ramekins. Top cheese with ham. Top ham with soaked bread. Pour remaining milk mixture over top. Refrigerate overnight. Place ramekins on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Flip out onto tray and let rest with ramekins on top for 5 min. Plate in center of plate, top with two asparagus spears and Hollandaise Sauce.

Hollandaise Sauce

Serves 4
3/4 C mayonnaise
1/3 C milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
2 T lemon juice
2 egg yolks
dash white pepper

In a small saucepan, stir together mayonnaise, milk, salt & pepper. Stir in lemon rind and lemon juice. Stir in egg yolks. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, about four minutes or until heated. Serve immediately.

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CONTACT: Rose Allen, Unique Executive Director • 877.2UNIQUE (877.286.4783) • email: Stay@uniqueinns.com