The Abiqui Inn

We spent the night here - a place that we liked so much that we took a lot of photos!  It was quiet and we felt like we were really out into New Mexico country.  Food was wonderful and reasonably priced. The night sky was unbelievable - stars and galaxies everywhere.

 They even had these special New Mexico "Biscochito" waiting for us in our room ...

 This is the story of the Biscochito:

In 1989 New Mexico House Bill 406 declared the biscochito as New Mexico's official state cookie.  New Mexico is the first state nation to have an official cookie ... the "biscochito."  That just goes to show how beloved these little anise-flavored cookies are among all New Mexicans.  Treasured Spanish family recipes have been handed down for generations, and biscochitos are made for every special occasion, most importantly at Christmas.

Sometimes referred to as the cookie of the Conquistadors, the biscochito was introduced to the New World by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.  Its true origin, however, can be traced back further.  The recipe was first introduced to Spain by the Moors when they invaded Seville.  Therefore, food historians believe the biscochito -- like many Spanish cookies -- has roots in Medieval Arabic cuisine (hence the sugar, anise and cinnamon spicing!)

 This is the little courtyard that the back door of our room led to.  A great place from which to watch the night sky.

 Our rental car has Oklahoma plates, so I guess we're Okies out here!

 John says that this is a leaf from a monkey tree.  Says that they had these in Washington state.

 We used the heat at night!

 Another lovely morning in New Mexico ...

 Any place that has a dog water bowl at the front door is a very special place!!!