Last week, we were invited over to a friend’s property to pick marionberries. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. My mind was immediately flooded with all the marionberry possibilities: pies, jams, cobblers, oh yeah! My friend and I picked berries while the kids played. I’m not talking about ordinary berries here…these marionberries were ginormous! • Read More »
Tags: Life in Oregon, llamas, marionberries, marionberry, Oregon berries
I recently read the most charming memoir/cookbook about raising chickens for the sole purpose of having your own fresh eggs. Chicken and Egg: A Memoir of Suburban Homesteading with 125 Recipes by Janice Cole is a must-read for anyone who has ever considered raising chickens or is simply enamored with the idea of it. The author tells her delightful journey of raising a • Read More »
Tags: Chicken and Egg: A Memoir of Suburban Homesteading with 125 Recipes, cookbook, Janice Cole, raising chickens, tips on raising chickens, urban chickens
It’s the middle of July and we’re full-swing into summer…and, yes, it’s still raining here in Portland. Regardless of the weird weather, our local farmers’ markets are brimming with great produce, artisan foods and handmade products. These people work hard, rain or shine, so let’s get out there and support them! Check out one of these • Read More »
Tags: farm fresh, farmers market, fresh produce, local harvest, vegetables, veggies
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 May God bless this Christmas!
Figuring out how much food to have at a party is tricky business. I’d much rather have too much food available than not enough. Here’s a few guidelines for getting a party started, whether it’s a cocktail party or a full dinner: Estimating Quantities of Hors d’Oeuvres -Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Collection Series, Hors d’Oeuvre, by • Read More »
Tags: appetizers, cocktail party, hor d'oeuvre party, hors d'oeuvres
Last weekend, Father-In-Law invited us and the rest of Husband’s family to the local Annual Son’s of Norway Dinner. Husband, you see, has Norwegian roots and it was time to learn more about his cultural heritage. On the menu that evening was lutefisk (dried white fish…read more below), lefse (traditional soft Norwegian flatbread), Scandinavian meatballs, cream • Read More »
Tags: lefse, lutefisk, Norwegian meal
I’m thankful: …for another day with my precious family. …that I have family and friends who know me and love me anyway. …for a warm house and food on the table. …for my health and the health of my husband and kids. …for those that serve our country — freedom is never free. …that God loved • Read More »
Tags: I'm thankful, Thanksgiving
I read an article in The Oregonian last week on how to safely pack school lunches. Our kiddos have enough hurdles to face these days at school without the added bonus of their lunch making them sick. The article includes a few simple rules to ensure that a packed lunch stays safe to eat. And while we’re on the subject • Read More »
Tags: brown bag, cold lunch, food-borne illness, kids' lunch, lunch, safety
Last night I got together with some girlfriends for an outing on the lake. Here’s how one of these outings works: We meet at the Captain’s house, pile into her boat, slowly make our way across the lake while eating dinner (more on that part later), then we dock in town, get out of the • Read More »
Tags: Girls' Night Out, Life in Oregon
There are many day-trip destinations in Oregon (the Coast, Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood, etc.), and King Estate Winery is among them. Located southwest of Eugene near the rural community of Lorane, the beautiful European-style winery was founded in 1991 by the King family. With a little over 1,000 certified organic acres, the estate produces Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay • Read More »
Tags: Chardonnay, Eugene, King Estate Winery, Oregon, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, winery