Chef Sharon Stroko
Sharon Stroko is a registered nurse who specialized in infusion therapy. At the peak of her nursing career, Sharon had the chance to turn her hobby and passion for cooking into a career when her sister Marcia invited her to become a partner in the bed & breakfast and conference center. She took the plunge and has been enthusiastic about creating tasty and healthy meals for the guests at the Inn.
Sharon has always been a cook. By the age of 10 she was boning chickens and making beef stew. Because of her Polish heritage, Sharon has also honed the art of making pierogis.
Her reputation for delicious meals has grown and guests are always enthusiastic to try Sharon’s latest creations.
Inn the Kitchen with Sharon
I'm Sharon Stroko. As co-owner, resident chef and event planner at the Inn at the Rustic Gate, my goal is to create a wonderful culinary experience for each of our guests.
Whether you are here on a personal retreat or with a group, I create menus that will suit your taste and delight you. My focus is on preparing healthy, fresh food with locally sourced ingredients as much as possible. And, I am happy to adjust menus to meet special dietary preferences and needs such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
As part of my passion for good food, each month, I share some of of favorite recipes that I create or come across in my life, local travels, and everyday interests. Enjoy!
Our Annual Festival of Love
Every February here at the Inn, we experience a surge of business on and around Valentine’s Day. Our regular customers include quilting and yoga retreat groups, birthday celebrations, and of course both large and small romantic Valentine’s dinner groups. I have the honor of constructing romantic menu selections that celebrate the season. I fondly call this time of year our annual festival of Love. One of my favorite romantic desserts is beautiful to look at yet so easy to make it will impress your Valentine while freeing you from the kitchen to enjoy the evening. So, try making my “Love Bird’s Nests” for dessert this Valentine’s for the one you love.
LOVE BIRDS NESTS WITH FILLO DOUGH - A VALENTINES DESSERT
Ingredients:
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1 Package of Fillo Dough sheets from a 2 package 16 oz. box
½ stick of butter melted
¼ cup of sugar
1 cup sliced almonds
½ tsp. sea salt
To make nests:
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a small plate or inverted bowl, draw 4 circles on each sheet that are 4-5 inches in diameter. Spray sheets with baking spray. Pre-heat oven to 400°.
Remove the Fillo dough from the package and also removed the extra sheet of wax paper. Roll dough back up. Using a cutting-board, cut the rolled dough into 1/3 in. strips. Place the dough strips in a large mixing bowl. Separate and fluff them up until they look like noodles. Drizzle melted butter over the “dough noodles” and keep tossing and mixing until the butter is nicely distributed. Last, toss and mix in the sugar, salt, and almonds. Divide dough mixture into 8 portions. Form each portion into a small pile on the parchment paper round disc outline to make the round birds nest. Bake in oven until golden brown which should only take about 10 minutes. Rotate pans in oven after 5 minutes for even browning. Cool on the baking sheet completely.
When ready to serve, carefully lift nest off of parchment paper using a large spatula, and place on dessert plate. Top with your favorite ice cream, chocolate sauce, and fruit such as strawberries and or blueberries. Nests can also be carefully removed from baking sheet and stored in an air tight container for up to three days. Enjoy!