tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37225817707008400062024-03-05T10:30:52.111-08:00Northwest SeasonalJoin us as we follow the seasonal items of the NorthwestheatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-53391091962136630002013-02-01T19:24:00.000-08:002013-02-02T18:46:28.377-08:00Winter Blues? Start a garden.<br />
The rain has been here for a few months and the
dark and dull winter months are starting to take it’s toll on this Oregonian.
February is usually when I’m fed up with the cold and start dreaming of those
long and warm summer days.<br />
<br />
This guy gets me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbkPmTP4kg7ZlK5UaCoszWlT0uQnMRZ5xYVgaq1KkfoSAemMPY4rjoWLt9htqzwrLxncNAdNOtHfi4Lff3-YdkxvjXmingZCQg5l5ih0m4QOZRh2vkKMIdtaBBFzSWgy3Q2L9ea8XWv0/s1600/bear.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbkPmTP4kg7ZlK5UaCoszWlT0uQnMRZ5xYVgaq1KkfoSAemMPY4rjoWLt9htqzwrLxncNAdNOtHfi4Lff3-YdkxvjXmingZCQg5l5ih0m4QOZRh2vkKMIdtaBBFzSWgy3Q2L9ea8XWv0/s400/bear.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I’ve found the best cure for my wintertime blues is
to start planning my garden!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must say up front, I’m no expert when it comes to planning
and maintaining a garden. I still have a lot to learn and thought I would
outline my process, successes, and failures (and recipes) here. This post and future posts are referring to my small, south facing backyard Portland, Oregon garden. After all, it’s
the food from my garden that inspires a lot of my cooking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few tips to get your planning started.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Make a list! My husband and I sit down and make a list of
everything we want to have in our garden, we don’t always agree on some things
so it’s good to put it on paper. If you’re having a difficult time with this
first step try thinking about your favorite meals - pizzas, salads, pastas, side dishes,
etc. Don’t forget to consider herbs like basil, cilantro, and thyme. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is what our list looks like –</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roma Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Sweet Onions, Shallots, Spinach,
Yellow Squash, Zucchini, Garlic, Kale, Cabbage, Lettuce, Beets, Leeks, Peas,
Soy Beans, Carrots, Cucumbers, Beans, Strawberries, Basil, Cilantro, Thyme,
Rosemary, and Parsley.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started my garden planning this year by going through my seed packets from previous years. Turns out I was storing seeds in a few different drawers and had some duplicates and empty packets. To help keep everything organized I found an old recipe box and organized them in alphabetical order.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BdsXjpGakVWlSUuRKkoAamgpWI3ike-j-k219ffZ7wO3aqC0Y8tY1jKIe4AZEcsVMzlyWMwDA_Z7oExKvuoOST4KRdeBJaszphDBm5YH3SCOfP8q5NGMQ2GBs3Ru3wC72kB8dkenges/s1600/seeds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BdsXjpGakVWlSUuRKkoAamgpWI3ike-j-k219ffZ7wO3aqC0Y8tY1jKIe4AZEcsVMzlyWMwDA_Z7oExKvuoOST4KRdeBJaszphDBm5YH3SCOfP8q5NGMQ2GBs3Ru3wC72kB8dkenges/s400/seeds.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do some research! There are lots of online seed catalogs or
local stores with great resources for different varieties. Now is a good time
to decide if you will start from seeds or starts. In the past I have tried to
start everything from seed but had little success. I think my bad luck was
mainly from poor planning. This year I will likely do a combination of seeds
and starts, I’ll attempt everything from seeds first but lets be honest, I’ll
end up getting a few starts as well.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I started my tomatoes, peppers, onions, and
shallots. I purchased a basic seed kit and some nice light seed starting soil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I planted and marked the </span>seeds and then
covered them with plastic (to prevent water evaporation and keep them warm) and placed them on a heating pad from the garden store to help with the germination
process. Hopefully I’ll see some green in the next week or so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpngfWiR638GU88QbP1FUo-uijpRIUswCQtkiZ3GPyiQ-j3xdilslYUZDnrNH-alohtHWjdYxMwjvOHnuVptD2iewN2Cr8xfZQyHtihXWxut5HS6OoGcRaisNFJzTxNIUOjkVuQVl7B0g/s1600/starts.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpngfWiR638GU88QbP1FUo-uijpRIUswCQtkiZ3GPyiQ-j3xdilslYUZDnrNH-alohtHWjdYxMwjvOHnuVptD2iewN2Cr8xfZQyHtihXWxut5HS6OoGcRaisNFJzTxNIUOjkVuQVl7B0g/s400/starts.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good luck with your garden planning!</div>
heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-28050497616461111442012-07-15T21:40:00.000-07:002012-07-17T07:59:50.589-07:00Roasted Blueberry and Chocolate Cocoa Nib Ice Cream<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Times New Roman";
panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p
{margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Times;}
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-parent:"";
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
<br>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I know that it has been awhile since my last post but here's why, summer is
here and it is warm! My husband goes into a tizzy fit when I try and turn the
oven on. We've been living off of kale slaw and tuna sandwiches for a week. </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
In the northwest we like to complain about the rain 9 months out of the year
wishing and hoping the summer will finally come. Then it does and after just
one week of temperatures in the 80's we start to complain. At work there is
already hopeful talk about cooler temperatures and getting on with the next
season. </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Our food selection has been nothing exciting until today. Today we finally
had a high of 70 and I took the opportunity to roast some blueberries and make
a roasted blueberry and chocolate cocoa nib ice cream. Yum! </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2945xEtJB8h9AP-EMv6gEFBhdQDlbuSu08jKqeExzulo2BCWBFC_S1HTs4hLkcCyBjY7u_djLD2UasQA8ltrQykw56BfbKLy0ic7GrYa9v7t5Ex_bAe_y_OvuqIiIBlAfGNVIqtA6S4/s1600/ice-_cream_finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2945xEtJB8h9AP-EMv6gEFBhdQDlbuSu08jKqeExzulo2BCWBFC_S1HTs4hLkcCyBjY7u_djLD2UasQA8ltrQykw56BfbKLy0ic7GrYa9v7t5Ex_bAe_y_OvuqIiIBlAfGNVIqtA6S4/s400/ice-_cream_finished.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/07/roasted-blueberry-and-chocolate-cocoa.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-79403064283466088252012-06-30T17:49:00.000-07:002012-06-30T17:51:46.171-07:00A Farm and Hazelnut Ice Cream<br>
Earlier this week we made the drive over the mountains to
visit my sister and scope out the town of Bend as a possible place to live.
During our too short visit I had the pleasure of visiting the farm my older
sister is working on this summer. While visiting the farm, I learned a few
things about myself that I didn’t know.
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. I’m afraid of chickens, especially chickens lurking through long grass. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. I could photograph a pig’s face all day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The farm is called <a href="http://www.greatamericanegg.com/" target="_blank">Great American Egg</a>, it is located about
30 minutes outside of Bend, OR in the most beautiful pasture setting with
mountain views all around. The farm sells fresh eggs, chicken, and pork at
local farmers markets and even makes a few house deliveries! I had an amazing time walking around to
see all the animals and getting a chance to snap a few shots along the way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br>
</div><a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/06/farm-and-hazelnut-ice-cream.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-11721567161705388652012-06-22T14:25:00.001-07:002012-06-22T14:29:33.805-07:00Almond Butter Chocolate Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Almond butter chocolate bars, almond butter chocolate bars.
Almond. Butter. Chocolate. Bars. No matter how many times I say these words out
loud, I know, they are not peanut butter chocolate bars. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Last November I discovered I have a mild peanut allergy. Lately,
I’ve been desperate to satisfy my peanut craving. Only a smooth nut butter will do. This is no simple
substitution, as I’m sure some may already know. Nut butters are REALLY
expensive. Also, I have been unsuccessful in my search for a creamy almond
butter. So, I have determined I
must solve this peanut craving by creaming almond butter with butter and
powdered sugar to create a light, airy texture. Butter and sugar make
everything better, right? So I bring you dairy free almond butter chocolate bars.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgNxzWZraZSBjAmD1-rtR5MisrbZd28MIti0Ooj5DO0MuVsqnOeXiZAytJJNdxnDZPTw_jC7n25vFwtW6ubbaIOQgpuG4h0zrjhmYw70LgaLmSQHkCxurPFg6LEZplHofeqcrNfexCrc/s1600/more-bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgNxzWZraZSBjAmD1-rtR5MisrbZd28MIti0Ooj5DO0MuVsqnOeXiZAytJJNdxnDZPTw_jC7n25vFwtW6ubbaIOQgpuG4h0zrjhmYw70LgaLmSQHkCxurPFg6LEZplHofeqcrNfexCrc/s400/more-bars.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/06/almond-butter-chocolate-bars.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-4352332530237238952012-06-19T17:34:00.000-07:002012-06-22T14:28:45.803-07:00Cilantro Lime Fish Tacos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Some days when I get home from work I just don’t feel like
cooking dinner. After spending 8 plus hours on my feet baking all morning, I
loose all desire to prepare dinner in the evenings. Then my husband calls and
asks for fish tacos. Fish Tacos! I used to hate making fish tacos because it
was too complicated to prepare the fish and the finished product was usually
dry. But not with this recipe, a
simple cooking technique is used to free up your time for yummy condiments.
Don’t skip the cilantro lime pesto, it really kicks the dish up a notch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtrtbyziEl1DCLhdaPdnIcty1o8Hjcj0Rh9hca3grXH2eWa681bqnS0pc7idjhhInWwx92nROAjDGoSN8Ep68-hltq2lGRaHGTNhpx5Tfe0rbMiEewq86shMR2IzNvCNhavNjM2q9Xxk/s1600/cilantro-lime-pesto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtrtbyziEl1DCLhdaPdnIcty1o8Hjcj0Rh9hca3grXH2eWa681bqnS0pc7idjhhInWwx92nROAjDGoSN8Ep68-hltq2lGRaHGTNhpx5Tfe0rbMiEewq86shMR2IzNvCNhavNjM2q9Xxk/s400/cilantro-lime-pesto.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></div>
<a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/06/cilantro-lime-fish-tacos.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0Portland, OR, USA45.5234515 -122.676207145.345457 -122.9920641 45.701446 -122.3603501tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-43889900511304855662012-06-16T11:33:00.000-07:002012-06-17T11:34:57.182-07:00Dairy Free Coconut Ice Cream<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Times New Roman";
panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Arial;
panose-1:0 2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-parent:"";
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
span.st
{mso-style-name:st;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style> I know it has been far too long since my last ice cream post
but it’s not my fault! I’ve made two batches since this last <a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-scream-for-ice-cream-saturdays.html" target="_blank">gem</a> and my
husband, oh my husband, has eaten them before I’ve gotten any photos! The
concept of making food and photographing it before eating is completely beyond
him. So I know its not a good an excuse, but it’s all I got. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
So in the last few weeks I’ve have had some things happening
in my life, some family things, some personal things, and some things that
still need more things. I’m sure there will be more to come on what those
things are. But for now, one of those things is my effort to avoid dairy. This
whole avoid dairy thing in no easy task! My biggest problem is just forgetting
that it’s my goal. I am working on it though so this week I bring you dairy
free coconut ice cream!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwdzzkmUVX1rHIEogW4EDR345y2dBnS3RflYqwzVUHMk06BcP1m7UjTwy-QUV-DGMESEQzMimVG6kN_wETK_CLfoRWZFI9VHx2i8FXqBjBkdY1dygqKJqtZa9AtGZimYORSER-vsf_s0/s1600/df-coconut-ice-cream-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwdzzkmUVX1rHIEogW4EDR345y2dBnS3RflYqwzVUHMk06BcP1m7UjTwy-QUV-DGMESEQzMimVG6kN_wETK_CLfoRWZFI9VHx2i8FXqBjBkdY1dygqKJqtZa9AtGZimYORSER-vsf_s0/s400/df-coconut-ice-cream-1.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br>
</div><a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/06/dairy-free-coconut-ice-cream.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-13734690475988476932012-05-21T20:32:00.000-07:002012-05-21T20:33:59.017-07:00Simple Roast Chicken<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Last weekend I helped process our first round of chickens
for the season. I work on the
“clean” side of the butchering shop.
After the chicken’s head, legs, and feathers are removed, I eviscerate
the birds and separate them into leg/thigh, wings, and breast cuts. I know it is strange, but I actually
enjoy this part. I like the
repetitive movements, making clean and smooth cuts, and challenging myself to
work faster. It is probably even
more strange that while I am doing this, I can’t help but think about how I am
going to turn one of these fresh birds into a feast later that day. I appreciate roast chicken because it
is a simple and satisfying meal.
But I love roast chicken leftovers. I love barbecue chicken sandwiches, Thai chicken pizza, and
chicken enchiladas. The little bit
of time I spend scraping every last bit of meat off a roast chicken is well
worth it. Let’s start with the
basics here.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br>
</div><a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/05/simple-roast-chicken.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-88083608662577995402012-05-09T21:13:00.001-07:002012-05-09T21:24:56.062-07:00A Rustic Swiss Chard Tart<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I like to consider myself a Good Eater. I’m not necessarily an Adventurous
Eater, but I am always enthusiastic about trying new vegetables or flavor
combinations. For example, last
Fall I stumbled upon a knobbly, potato-like tuber at the farmer’s market called
artichoke root. The artichoke root is not a charming vegetable; they are,
however delicious. For some reason
though, swiss chard scares me a little bit. When I meander through the produce section at the grocery
store, past all those leafy greens piled high, I always go for kale or
spinach. I can’t help but notice
how pretty the rainbow colored chard stalks are, and yet, I go for the kale. I know kale can stand up to roasting
and sautéing, and will be great raw.
But what am I supposed to do with chard? Can I throw it in a slaw? Will it get all weird in soup? </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEG6QRbhvokG93P8894BAog9tIEJ6ejd5M-NJQev7B42BAgHllxRuqWE4F1WeeXOw8HBz0Ip-GURd5zvoLSCixtzAEPDJs9aHkP3pG5-j3Ho5h-LD5_T77FvfD2pI8zPE6LwiOQwFBUo/s1600/swiss-chard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEG6QRbhvokG93P8894BAog9tIEJ6ejd5M-NJQev7B42BAgHllxRuqWE4F1WeeXOw8HBz0Ip-GURd5zvoLSCixtzAEPDJs9aHkP3pG5-j3Ho5h-LD5_T77FvfD2pI8zPE6LwiOQwFBUo/s400/swiss-chard.jpg" width="400"></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Well, last weekend I overcame my fear of chard. Heather and I got to the farmer’s
market after much of the produce had been picked over, except for the chard. Giant chard, nonetheless. Two of these leafy greens could have
made one (petite) mini-skirt. With
a humongous bunch of chard in hand, I began thinking about how I could sneak
this into my dinner. Pie
crust. When in doubt, put it in a
pie. And shoot for rustic. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br>
</div><a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/05/rustic-swiss-chard-tart-kind-of-night.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-30559723669905588112012-05-05T08:21:00.000-07:002012-05-05T08:21:02.205-07:00Lemon Curd Ice Cream with Raspberries<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Times New Roman";
panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-parent:"";
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>I Scream for Ice Cream Saturdays!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Magic just happened in my kitchen, the kind of magic that
makes you happy despite a rough day.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
Magic that reminds you of where you are right now and how far you’ve
come in just a day’s time.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> The
kind of kitchen magic that allows you to forget for a moment about what
tomorrow has in store. </span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5Pc1eRjjCOhWGlsApxtSAHsuhKTTSyFbYh3lbWqodzOa-YXmwBhI6nnRmACGDw5v7rBX-JDW9YFfh211PNPL1HGhrXP4oFrBYEmmCjfBROrWUytyigHeB1jwmugCFF5e627gspDsHGk/s1600/finish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5Pc1eRjjCOhWGlsApxtSAHsuhKTTSyFbYh3lbWqodzOa-YXmwBhI6nnRmACGDw5v7rBX-JDW9YFfh211PNPL1HGhrXP4oFrBYEmmCjfBROrWUytyigHeB1jwmugCFF5e627gspDsHGk/s320/finish2.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This tangy batch of ice cream is one of the creamiest ice
creams yet to come from my kitchen, and I’m starting to think I’m getting the hang
of this ice cream business.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br>
</div><a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/05/lemon-curd-ice-cream-with-raspberries.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-71644833643020765372012-05-03T18:18:00.000-07:002012-05-04T21:20:06.351-07:00A Super Couscous Salad<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Super versatile, that is. I threw together some toasted Israeli couscous with a few
fresh vegetables, and then added some hazelnut oil, because I’m fancy like
that. This was my first time using
hazelnut oil; it is as delicious as it sounds. However, I don’t think this salad/dressing combo was the
best way to highlight the flavor of the oil. Next time I make a salad like this I will decrease the lemon
and vinegar to make room for the hazelnut to shine. Or, keep it simple with good ol’ fashioned olive oil. Either way, I love this salad. The dressing is sweet, tangy, and super
fresh. Also, this salad is totally
versatile. You could substitute
any whole grain for the couscous, dice up any delicious cheese, add any fresh
veggies, and walnuts or pecans would be just lovely.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUpisZN6TATwthaDZQvtRkqCYNIiDkUMocd6Dk09hUSWSQD5ez5tedu0VlbK95u4fCVoNPRbmCLY5uMi-taPLV5DTItdqcsfP0L08eKE3wmynmpbi2hehKL2NH78UQPb2aViHWiz1cIQ/s1600/finished1-couscous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUpisZN6TATwthaDZQvtRkqCYNIiDkUMocd6Dk09hUSWSQD5ez5tedu0VlbK95u4fCVoNPRbmCLY5uMi-taPLV5DTItdqcsfP0L08eKE3wmynmpbi2hehKL2NH78UQPb2aViHWiz1cIQ/s400/finished1-couscous.jpg" width="400"></a></span></div>
</div>
<a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/05/super-coucous-salad.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-67329331958688201332012-04-28T12:00:00.000-07:002012-05-04T21:20:24.508-07:00Caramelized Balsamic Ice Cream<h3 style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>I Scream for Ice Cream Saturdays! </b></span></h3>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do you ever crave something only to open your fridge and discover you don’t have everything you need? If your like me, these moments happen almost daily. No matter how much time I invest into making my grocery list on the weekends, I can never predict what I’ll crave later in the week.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmA5F0QsRhtMjmZfP69yCkoYtsxiX7-eU2_1PXIDbNT1qHOtGIrbdo6_4C9NRwBIeecTzA-_qWcTygzEzgA_-ozvYYPbWHbpCzZV4fgZdzED0o0-KEm2QVtLcpHWuvD-dLdEPXJQJO8g/s1600/setup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmA5F0QsRhtMjmZfP69yCkoYtsxiX7-eU2_1PXIDbNT1qHOtGIrbdo6_4C9NRwBIeecTzA-_qWcTygzEzgA_-ozvYYPbWHbpCzZV4fgZdzED0o0-KEm2QVtLcpHWuvD-dLdEPXJQJO8g/s400/setup.jpg" width="400"></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I wanted, no needed, some ice cream today. After a long week at work interviewing for a new baker at the bakery, I needed some quiet, relaxing ice cream eating time. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-scream-for-ice-cream-saturdays_28.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0Portland, OR, USA45.5234515 -122.676207145.345457 -122.9920641 45.701446 -122.3603501tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-87143547531584812842012-04-21T15:17:00.003-07:002012-05-04T21:20:38.616-07:00Almond Brittle and Salted Ganache Ice Cream<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b>I Scream for Ice Cream Saturdays! </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I don’t know what is more exciting: a warm, sunny day, or
the anticipation of a warm, sunny day.
In the northwest, we spend 7 months waiting for the summer weather to
arrive. As I find myself on the
spring-side of winter, I think I choose the later. The forecast is predicting temperatures in the mid-70’s and
possibly even higher. I can’t help
but start preparing for it now. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwupOL6lxo-wyv9j-qIleRgZP761GWrfYYVrNbI6zObglLY1mRoj-IcaH7iKHz5XWwMlw8DIsScp-ovuKSJgK6it6VT21pFt7c6MEtdP1c8lcQUNqkVRSJh1TLg4iMN1DTd-mqa7zAx4/s1600/AB-ice-cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwupOL6lxo-wyv9j-qIleRgZP761GWrfYYVrNbI6zObglLY1mRoj-IcaH7iKHz5XWwMlw8DIsScp-ovuKSJgK6it6VT21pFt7c6MEtdP1c8lcQUNqkVRSJh1TLg4iMN1DTd-mqa7zAx4/s400/AB-ice-cream.jpg" width="400"></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What better way than with a sweet and salty ice cream with a
bit of crunch? The inspiration for
this recipe comes from a new ice cream shop I often walk to on Alberta Street,
called <a href="http://saltandstraw.com/" target="_blank">Salt and Straw</a>. The shop is
known for its homemade ice cream with adventurous flavor combinations, like Honey
Lemon with Ricotta Walnut Cookies, or Pear and Blue Cheese. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span><br>
</div><a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-scream-for-ice-cream-saturdays.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-89839880724041840612012-04-18T17:26:00.006-07:002012-05-04T21:20:50.303-07:00Slaws and Patties<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<style>
@font-face {
font-family: "Times New Roman";
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
</style> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have recently become smitten with slaws. Not the mayonnaise-heavy, limp cabbage slaw that, until recently, I thought was the only type of slaw out there. Oh no. I’m talking about fresh, crisp vegetables tossed with flavorful, light vinaigrettes.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQMCWISOpmMYArriJeqmeKrPsEY1vfO-qu-vhDksKNQpcAHqey7XlfMQssixiLHL4CtkBCX4IAeE5LKteysRRUtdkeo0EH2j_rZgxwra1AnaBmnFaCEPkggLnvH56BZUiak4vVIuyEpE/s1600/kale-salad-prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQMCWISOpmMYArriJeqmeKrPsEY1vfO-qu-vhDksKNQpcAHqey7XlfMQssixiLHL4CtkBCX4IAeE5LKteysRRUtdkeo0EH2j_rZgxwra1AnaBmnFaCEPkggLnvH56BZUiak4vVIuyEpE/s400/kale-salad-prep.jpg" width="400"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>I love slaws, and here are just a few reasons why:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1. They are a great way to sneak more raw vegetables into my everyday meals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2. Slaws go with everything! So far, we have added them to burgers, tacos, nachos, potato salad, grilled cheese, tuna sandwiches, and toast. All good.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span><br>
</div><a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/04/slaws-and-patties.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-85848514345369744662012-04-13T15:52:00.001-07:002012-05-04T21:21:05.783-07:00A Grilled Cheese Spread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouXgzTC0AvguGIjXBQQwXgpq58dqKgdsf-hs3zyastGuXX2v-lKqJi6wiwC-OhUSfcGnTiPQLOy2UKkFpRGVFoz4gB_-8eP9QS5JA10gxX5zRRrSAVqfn6xxhV5WR-YM7NHjzxm65SmQ/s1600/Grilled-Cheese-Buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouXgzTC0AvguGIjXBQQwXgpq58dqKgdsf-hs3zyastGuXX2v-lKqJi6wiwC-OhUSfcGnTiPQLOy2UKkFpRGVFoz4gB_-8eP9QS5JA10gxX5zRRrSAVqfn6xxhV5WR-YM7NHjzxm65SmQ/s400/Grilled-Cheese-Buffet.jpg" width="400"></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Can you see the possibilities here! Just looking at this picture makes me hungry again despite the fact that I recently chowed down on a hearty lunch. Unfortunately, my lunch was not a grilled cheese sandwich, if it had been, I would be utterly satisfied. Instead, my mind is wandering to last night’s dinner. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div><a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/04/grilled-cheese-spread.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-16122168920484759012012-04-09T20:27:00.001-07:002012-05-04T21:21:19.289-07:00Strawberry Balsamic Cake<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> It was one of those fabulously warm weekends. One of those weekends that puts the entire city in a good mood, simply because the sun has decided to make one of it’s first grand entrances of the year. One of those weekends that gets warm enough for a run along the river in a t-shirt! A weekend that encourages barefoot walks on the beach, along with a few darts into the shallow waves to throw sticks for the dogs just a little bit further into the ocean. A weekend that inspired my family and I to make quiche, chile rellenos, hollandaise sauce, and strawberry balsamic cake, and eat it all before 11am, without regard for creating a well-rounded and balanced meal. </span></div>
<a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/04/strawberry-balsamic-cake.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3722581770700840006.post-75879523370391662912012-04-04T19:21:00.003-07:002012-05-04T21:21:32.823-07:00Duck Eggs and Coconut Ice Cream<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<style>
@font-face {
font-family: "Times New Roman";
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }span.st { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
</style> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This past weekend, T came home with four lovely duck eggs (and six dozen chicken eggs, but we will get to those later) from the <a href="http://www.greatamericanegg.com/" target="_blank">Great American Egg</a>, in Powell Butte, Oregon. Duck eggs are unique because they have more fat in their yolks and more protein in their whites than your typical chicken eggs. They are also a bit larger and have a thicker shell than chicken eggs, so they last longer in the refrigerator. What better way to emphasize the richness of duck eggs then making a batch of homemade ice cream with them, how do you feel about coconut? </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMQDSrl5eP4CePUlpt5uLXuO5eVfWBwZjaszcVZ9aANAsJf2HZJWMe4-HdlLXmiBopnxQt6QUsFcpy3XJKNuWHffaYHcwMLs2clBZV1rBAdzkO9MOgEPHGTzgsxSEclSneBWBLc55XAA/s1600/IMG_6892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMQDSrl5eP4CePUlpt5uLXuO5eVfWBwZjaszcVZ9aANAsJf2HZJWMe4-HdlLXmiBopnxQt6QUsFcpy3XJKNuWHffaYHcwMLs2clBZV1rBAdzkO9MOgEPHGTzgsxSEclSneBWBLc55XAA/s400/IMG_6892.JPG" width="400"></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div><a href="http://nwseasonal.blogspot.com/2012/04/duck-eggs-and-coconut-ice-cream.html#more">Read more »</a>heatheraBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12426583230539536038noreply@blogger.com2