CAMDEN — Innkeepers across Camden are using their love of serving breakfast to support healthcare staff at Pen Bay Medical Center on Tuesday. Ten inns, all members of the Camden Premier Inns association, spent the weekend preparing 26-dozen, individually-wrapped, baked goods for the doctors, nurses, techs, staff, and custodians at the local hospital.

“We really wanted to do something for people who are facing this pandemic on the front lines,” said Michelle Peacock, owner and innkeeper, with the Blue Harbor House Inn, in an April 6 news release. “They are our healthcare heroes.”

Peacock originally planned to bake a few dozen muffins herself but when she shared her idea with her peers, the possibilities began to grow.

“This is a great initiative with a lot of heart,” said Ted Weiss, President of Camden Premier Inns and owner of the Hawthorn Inn, who spent Sunday afternoon in his kitchen. “We’re pleased to help bake and enthused so many of our member inns have joined the effort.”

The hospital is pleased, too.

“We continue to be inspired by the outpouring of support shown by our community. Our friends and neighbors have stepped forward in a major way, and it reminds us that we are in this together.” said Rachael McCormick, director of Community Health Improvement with Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Muffins, scones, and other treats are being baked, cooled, and individually-wrapped.

The idea is that these serve as pick-me-ups and that they can be grab-and-go.

None of the items require heating or silverware to consume.

Tuesday morning Peacock will drive to each inn to collect the items and deliver to Pen Bay Medical Center.

Sweet Cream Chocolate Chip Scones
Captain Swift Inn

Ingredients: 

2 c all purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c butter - split in 2

1/3 c sugar

2/3 c whipping sweet cream

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 c chocolate chips semi sweet

Directions:

In a mixing cup - add cream and vanilla and set aside. 

In food processor with steele blade mix flour, baking soda and baking powder, salt and sugar.  

Melt 1/4 cup of the butter and set aside. 

Cut the remaining 1/4 butter into pieces. 

Turn on food processor with dry ingredients and while running; drop in cold butter pieces one at a time. Once cold butter pieces are fully incorporated - with motor running, slowly add cream and vanilla mixture until “just mixed.”  Note - depending upon the type of flour and temperature in your kitchen you may need slightly more or less cream.  Dough should be moist not sticky.  

Empty dough on floured surface and sprinkle in chocolate chips

Kneed like bread dough for two minutes.  Flatten dough 1/2” thick and cut into desired shape. 

Dip scones in melted butter

Sprinkle top with sanding sugar

Bake 425 degrees for 12-14 minutes. 

Set on a cooling rack for 10 minutes then remove from pan onto rack.

These are the 10 inns baking goods for the Pen Bay Medical Center: