For an authentic taste of the great state of Texas, follow the once dusty trail, traveled by the likes of Davy Crockett and Sam Houston, along the LaBahia Trail (FM 390), to the lovely Mariposa Ranch Bed & Breakfast, near Brenham. Located in Washington County, between Houston and Austin, you’ll not only find the foothills of the beautiful Texas hill country here, but you’ll also find the birthplace of Texas, where much of Texas history was made.

Mariposa Ranch owners, Charles and Johnna Chamberlain, enjoy dishing up a Texas size helping of hospitality to those who come to share their secluded, and sumptuous, surroundings. The B & B, situated on 100 acres of rolling ranch land, offers visitors a private getaway where they can kick back, relax and enjoy the solitude.

With a wide variety of lodging available there’s sure to be something to please everyone. Guests can choose from; lavish suites in the 1836 Greek Revival home, or set up housekeeping in the original turn-of-the-century homestead, lounge around in the large comfortable rooms of the 1860 plantation home, relax on the front porch of the 1820 log cabin, play pioneer in the cozy settler’s cottage, dream of the old west in the ranch hands bunkhouse, or kick off your boots in the authentic cowboy cabin.

Charles and Johnna have made so many special touches available during your stay you won’t want to leave. You can lounge in a Jacuzzi-for-two with a glass of fine wine, sit by the fireplace on a chilly evening, indulge in a massage, have a gourmet dinner prepared especially for you, or have a picnic basket packed with goodies for a hike. The ranch provides expert hosting and accommodations for business meetings, retreats, reunions and especially weddings.

When the sunrises at Mariposa Ranch, you’re in for a treat, when it’s time to eat. Whether you choose to eat in your private accommodations or join in a lively conversation around the elegant breakfast table, you won’t leave hungry. A gourmet breakfast feast may include Mariposa specialties such as: Butterfly Juice, Texas Ranger Baked Eggs, Brazos Baked French Toast, Divine Pears with Raspberry Sauce, and Peach Muffins. Johnna has so many delicious recipes guests have requested over the years, she decided to publish her own recipe book, “Butterflys And Bluebonnets Recipes From The Heart”.

If you’re looking for a Texas getaway location to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate, amidst the beauty of the rolling, wide-open spaces of the Texas hill country then head for the gracious, casual elegance of Mariposa Ranch.
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Johnna has offered up two of her favorite recipes to share with my readers here, so enjoy.
You can e-mail Johnna for information on her cookbook at: info@mariposaranch.com.

For more information on Mariposa Ranch B & B visit: www.mariposaranch.com, or call toll free, 1-(877)-647-4774. For more information on Washington County, and the Brenham area, visit: www.BrenhamTexas.com, or email:info@BrenhamTexas.com.

Texas Ranger Baked Eggs – Johnna Chamberlain, Mariposa Ranch
Serves 12

7 eggs
1-cup milk
2 tsp. Sugar
4 ozs cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1 lb small curd cottage cheese
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
½ cup flour
1 tsp. Baking powder
Dash paprika
Dash ground mustard

The night before: Beat eggs, milk, and sugar together. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Spray a 3-quart baking dish and pour mixture in. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until a knife comes out clean when inserted.

Peach Muffins – Johnna Chamberlain, Mariposa Ranch
Makes 10 muffins
Johnna says the peach preserves keep these muffins moist and tender.

1-¾ cups sifted all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
½ cup sour cream
½ cup peach preserves
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400F. Line 10 muffin cups with muffin papers.

Sift first 5 ingredients into large bowl. Whisk sour cream, preserves, egg and vanilla to blend in medium bowl. Add sour cream mixture and pecans to dry ingredients and stir just until combined; do not over mix.

Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake until tester inserted into center of muffins comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool 15 minutes before serving.