Snowflakes

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Snowflakes

Out of the bosom of the Air.
Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken,
Over the woodlands brown and bare,
Over the harvest-fields forsaken,
Silent and soft and slow
Descends the snow.
Even as our cloudy fancies take
Suddenly shape in some divine expression,
Even as the troubled heart doth make
In the white countenance confession,
The troubled sky reveals
The grief it feels
This is the poem of the air,
Slowly in silent syllables recorded;
This is the secret of despair,
Long in its cloudy bosom hoarded,
Now whispered and revealed
To wood and field.

Is that a Schnauzer in a sweater?

The air smells so fresh!

 And because I am an evil pet owner, one more photo!

Onward to the sleigh! (he even has a snow beard!)

 Alaska Fun Facts: Today in Anchorage, Alaska, the sunrise was at 10:10AM and sunset at 3:40PM.  On the shortest day of the year, December 21, Anchorage will see only 5 hours and 29 minutes of the sun.

-11 in Hawaii

It's cold.

Really cold.

Have I survived colder conditions, yes.  For some reason, cold always seems colder at the beginning of winter.  Give me 20 degrees in January and I will probably be rejoicing over the heat.  However, 20 degrees now feels downright bone-chillingly frigid.  Anything below zero translates into a feeling that most accurately can be described as what negative Kelvin must feel like.

Now most people hole up in their homes and eat warm soups, hot dishes (aka casseroles), and drink hot drinks.  I am going to Hawaii.

Not really.  I am going to do my best to pretend though.  Hawaiian BBQ Salmon Burgers with Coconut Caramelized Pineapple and Corn, Mango and Edamame Salad.  Aloha!

Hawaiian BBQ Salmon Burgers with Coconut Caramelized Pineapple

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• pinch of cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound fresh, raw salmon (skin removed)
• 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 4 slices swiss cheese
• pickeled jalopenos (optional)
• 4 king hawaiian hamburger buns or whole wheat buns, toasted
• 1 avocado, sliced or mashed (optional)
• lettuce

Coconut Caramelized Pineapple

• 2 tablespoon coconut oil
• 4 large pineapple rings (preferably from a fresh pineapple)
• 2 tablespoon toasted coconut (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper and mix well to combine. Set aside for later.
2. Add salmon to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until it’s somewhat ground. You can also chop the salmon very finely with a sharp knife.
   
3. Remove and add salmon to a bowl with the panko bread crumbs, parmesan and 2 tablespoons of the hawaiian BBQ sauce from step 1 (save the rest for serving) and mix with a spoon until just combined. Form into 4 equally sized burgers. Heat a skillet (or grill) over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Cook burgers on each side until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking add the swiss cheese and the jalapeños, if using.
   
4. In a separate skillet heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and place the pineapple slices in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 mins, flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
   
5. To assemble place a piece of lettuce on the bottom of a bun, then the burger, mashed or sliced avocado and a ring of pineapple. Drizzle each burger with the remaining Hawaiian BBQ sauce. 









I didn't put the coconut on my pineapple but this would be a nice addition (Jason affectionately calls coconut "saw dust" so I graciously left it out).  If you like it spicy, definitely add the jalapenos.   I also used pre-made guacamole since there were no ripe avocados at the store.  You can find the original recipe at: http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/hawaiian-bbq-salmon-burgers-with-coconut-caramelized-pineapple/




Corn, Mango, and Edamame Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen shelled edamame
• 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 large ears)
• 1 1/2 cups mango cubes
• 1 cup chopped tomato (about 1 large)
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

  Mix it all together and eat!  Super easy and delicious!







I did not have any fresh mango for this so I used frozen and it was still good.  You could also use frozen corn.  I used sweet cherry tomatoes and left them whole but you can use any tomato you have available.  Original recipe can be found at: http://ble.at/recipes/1090/corn--mango--and-edamame-salad




Now all I have to do is take a bite, close my eyes, and use a little imagination.  That's about as good as it is going to get for now.  -11 in Hawaii.




Alaska Fun Facts: The hottest temperature ever recorded in Alaska is exactly 100 degrees which occurred on June 27, 1915 in Fort Yukon. This is the lowest hottest temperature of the 50 states and is also one half of the great weather trivia question Which Two States Have Never Been Above 100 Degrees?  The coldest temperature ever recorded in Alaska is -80 degrees which occurred on January 23, 1971 in Prospect Creek Camp. That is the lowest temperature ever recorded in the United States and second lowest temperature ever in North America. Surprisingly the site that receives the highest average annual snow each year in the United States is not in Alaska though the Frontier State does have the 2nd highest snowfall site.

Indolence at its Best!

"I like the word 'indolence.'  It makes my laziness seem classy."  - Bernard Williams

It would seem that every year around this time I experience "seasonal transition disorder."  If this ever becomes a real thing, remember where you heard it first!  Symptoms may include but are not limited to the following: wanting to do nothing more than to settle in on the couch with a good book or movie all day every day, napping 2-3 times a day, and/or an aversion to engaging in any activity that requires concentration or effort (see the date of my last blog!).  Treatment of this disorder varies from subject to subject.  This year, I found my cure with our first snow.  Now, I am not necessarily someone who loves the snow but this year I found it so refreshing! 

Sniper enjoying the new snow.

Now that it has snowed, we are getting some activity at our bird feeder.   A couple of nuthatches were our first customers.  We have added a suet bird feeder this year and they are loving it!  They are also fearless little birds and let us get really close.  Jason tried feeding one out of his hand but, alas, he is no Cinderella.

Nuthatch

During this period of indolence, Jason and I were able to complete a project that I had been thinking about doing for a while, a wood pallet headboard for our bed.  Being an avid pinterester, I had seen this on many posts and thought that would be great for our room and definitely within our abilities.  It was also an affordable option.  We spent less than $30 on supplies but we had some spare lumber and staining supplies on hand.  We figure we would have spent less than $50 total if we would have had to buy everything.  Jason hooked me up with some pallets and physical labor and I provided the supervision.  It turned out great and now we are planning some matching nightstands!

Please ignore my lack of a bedskirt!

Now that I am in motion, I should stay in motion.  More projects, more cooking, more blogs!  

Alaska Fun Fact: The record snowfall in Alaska was set at Thompson Pass, north of Valdez the winter of 1952-1953. That year 974.5 inches of snow fell there.

Bernard Williams
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/laziness.html#6zpLi6QURbyLJLFD.99

Some Like It Hot

At my house, we eat meat.  My husband would contest that it is not a meal without meat.  Like most Alaskans, that meat is frequently salmon. When we first moved here, we ate LOTS of salmon.  Baked, grilled, poached, smoked.  Salmon, salmon, salmon.  I went from a salmon craving North Dakotan who ordered it any chance I got to utter disappointment that I had to eat salmon . . . again. 

I have since reached a place of salmon homeostasis.  About once a week we pull out a fillet and serve it up.  My go-to recipe, baked or grilled salmon with dill, EVOO, and S&P.  Add a dollop of greek yogurt and voila!  Hot or cold, this is delicious.  However, the key, as with any food, is to mix it up.  Salmon and sriracha, yes please!

Here is what you will need: red salmon fillet, sriracha (has to have the rooster on it!), paprika, cayenne pepper, jalapeno tabasco, and S&P.  I am serving my salmon with a acorn squash puree but I'll address that later. 

**WARNING**  This recipe is for people who like it hot.  If you are a weany when it comes to spicy, go with the dill combo mentioned above.  Not sure?  Taste a little sriracha.  If you can't handle a pea-sized amount, walk away!   This is lip burning, nose running spicy.

Start with a clean red salmon fillet.  You can use other types of salmon but I am a snobby Alaskan and I only eat reds :)  Lightly dry the fillet with a paper towel.  Leave the skin on the fillet.  If it comes without the skin, make sure to oil the side that will be touching the pan with a generous amount of EVOO.  Place the fillet in your baking dish.  I use tin foil to avoid cleaning but you can put it directly in an oiled dish.  Squeeze a generous amount of sriracha on the fish and spread to cover the entire fillet.  Sprinkle with paprika and cayenne powder to taste.  Add S&P and then dab jalapeno tabasco over the fillet.  I like the flavor of the jalapeno tabasco but you could use regular tabasco.  The end product should look like this.

Cover the dish with tin foil and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.  If you have a thinner fillet, cut the cooking time down to 15 minutes and then check the fish.  It should be cooked through at the thickest point in the fillet.  Don't cook the fish too long or you will end up with a dry product.  It should look similar to this.  Set the fish off to the side.

Now for our acorn squash puree.  Squash is big in the fall and is always a delicious side for any course.  I chose acorn squash but you could also use butternut, buttercup, carnival squash or pumpkin.  Put the squash on a paper towel in the microwave and cook for 5 minutes at a time, rotating until soft on all sides (about 20-25 minutes total).  Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and then scoop the squash meat into a bowl.  Discard the skin and seeds.  Add butter, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper to squash.  There is no particular amount.  Just remember, you can always add more later if needed but once it is in there, there is no going back!  The cayenne pepper is optional for those who don't want it spicy. 

At this point, you can stir and serve or use a immersion (or regular) blender on the mixture to achieve a creamier texture.  Squeeze a little lemon over the salmon and serve it on a bed of squash puree.  Mmmm mmmm good!

Add some spice to your plate tonight!

Alaska Fun Facts: Most of America's salmon, crab, halibut, and herring come from Alaska.

Bye Bye Birdie

I am no great hunter.  That title is held by the resident Mountain Man.  I do, however, enjoy a good grouse hunt.  Campers Companion slung over my shoulder, the smell of fall in the air, Sniper searching for the scent of the prey.  It is exhilarating!  It all culminates in the moment that you spot that little feathered body or hear the beat of wings after the flush.  In that moment, it is you and the bird.  Let the games begin! 

Now, grouse probably need not apply for the bird Mensa Society.  Though highly camouflaged in a tree, this does not apply to the trails/roads that they often hang around.  However, they operate on this idea of invisibility even in plain site.  This allows hunters such as myself to actually have a chance to make a shot.  Now if said hunter misses the first shot, she is saved by the fact that grouse are not known for their long distance flights.  Locate the nearest spruce tree in the direction of the birds flight and begin the game of hide and seek.  This is an added challenge but so much fun.  These birds know how to hide!  Sometimes after climbing through the brush and analyzing every spruce tree in sight, you are left singing "Bye Bye Birdie." Sometimes you get a second chance.  Like most second chances, this is where the rubber meets the road.  (Begin slow motion).  Your heart is racing, you raise the gun to your shoulder, the bead meets the bird, you squeeze the trigger . . . BAM! 

What happens next is usually one of three things.  1) The bird drops and is retrieved by your trusty hunting dog.  Hello Dinner!  2) A second shot sounds from the back-up shooter and then refer back to number 1.  3) Bye Bye Birdie.  On Friday, we did a lot of singing :)  Grouse: 4, Jason and Summer: 3.  However, we missed one of those birds with a sling shot.  Hitting anything with a sling shot is super hard so I consider this a small victory.  Tacha also flushed a bird which is a win for Miniature Schnauzers everywhere! 

Despite Sniper's painful encounter with a very pokey porcupine, it was a great outing with my little family.  We returned home with some tired legs and meat for the freezer.  I can't wait to do it all over again (minus one porcupine!).

Alaska Fun Fact: In late August, spruce grouse begin frequenting stream sides, lakeshores and roads in early morning to secure grit for the coming winter months. The sharp, hard particles of rock are apparently essential for grinding the fibrous spruce needles that are their main source of nourishment in winter.

As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Would Say . . .

Autumn

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Thou comest, Autumn, heralded by the rain,
With banners, by great gales incessant fanned,
Brighter than brightest silks of Samarcand,
And stately oxen harnessed to thy wain!
Thou standest, like imperial Charlemagne,
Upon thy bridge of gold; thy royal hand
Outstretched with benedictions o'er the land,
Blessing the farms through all thy vast domain!
Thy shield is the red harvest moon, suspended
So long beneath the heaven's o'er-hanging eaves;
Thy steps are by the farmer's prayers attended;
Like flames upon an altar shine the sheaves;
And, following thee, in thy ovation splendid,
Thine almoner, the wind, scatters the golden leaves! 

Eklutna, bench 1

me, Jen Garrick, Jacque Alejo, Laurie Eason

view from Eklutna ridgeline

me, Laurie, Jen, Jacque, & Tacha

Eklutna panorama

Alaska Fun Facts: Eklutna Lake provides drinking water for the Anchorage area.

Blacktailin' It

Today was a beautiful day here in Eagle River.  I pulled myself out of my pajamas and headed to the mountains.  Sadly, my hiking friend was toiling away at work so I had to strike out alone.  I did have my faithful furry companions though.  There was significantly less snow then my last hike (thankfully!) and amazing views.  Here is a little peek of the beauty that surrounds us.

view from Baldy

view from Baldy

trail to Blacktail Rocks

peak of Blacktail Rocks

view from Blacktail Rocks

selfie from Blacktail Rocks

Blacktail Rocks, been there, done that

panorama from Baldy

I was about 10 feet from these guys before I noticed them.  They blend well!  At least I got some good pictures before the release of the hounds. 

I live in the most amazing place. 

Alaska Fun Fact: Alaska's state bird is the willow ptarmigan.

Autumn Snow

You may be wondering, what's with the winter snowy scene?  Prepare yourself.  Welcome to South Fork Eagle River trail September 24, 2013.  Though a stunning view (that is Denali!), I was not prepared for this on the hike today.  Yes, it has been snowing the last couple of days but I was imagining some patchy snow in shady areas not the glistening whiteness that greeted us.  Alaska is not for wimps.  Not to be deterred by a little frozen precipitation, Jen and I embarked on our journey to Symphony Lake. 

Starting out there was a nicely packed path.  There was a child sledding, some hunters packing their gear, and dogs frolicking in the snow (see below).  However, this dream did not last.  Soon we were wading through knee deep snow.  Being the explorers we are, we made it about 1.5 miles away from the lake before loosing the trail and having to head back.  Jen managed all of this in ankle high mucks!  Though I am not prepared for winter weather, it was beautiful and fun.  Are you ready for the snow?

Alaska Fun Facts: Earliest measurable (0.10" or more) snow fall in Anchorage Alaska was September 20, 1947.

How Very 'Pinterest'ing

So I have been a very bad blogger.  Despite some very bloggable moments in the past few weeks, I have taken no pictures and written no words.  Today I remedy that . . . with my first crafting blog :)  Now, for those of you who are not aware of my crafting, I am by far the world's best starter of projects.  You need an afghan, I will start knitting one.  Reviving an old piece of furniture, I'll grab the sandpaper.  However, if this project will take more than a couple of hours or requires some sort of super crafty skill, I have learned to go buy it at Target.  I can cook/bake all day long but give me a glue stick and some beads, you get 10 minutes.  Due to this flaw, I have many well meaning crafts that have gone to die never having achieved their completion.  On rare occasions, I am able to see my crafts through to completion and even be happy with the results.  This is one of those times.

While taking Tacha on walks in the neighborhood, I have been noticing that most of the homes have some sort of decorations on their front doors.  Mostly wreaths but some trinkets or even bells.  My front door . . . bare.  I decided to fix this.  Hello Pinterest!  After browsing a vast assortment of wreaths far above my skill level, I found one that appeared doable.  Let the games begin!

Step one: gather supplies.  I was off to the craft store.  I think a lot of my failed crafts have originated with trips to the craft store.  Walking into a crafter's paradise, you are confronted with dozens of potential projects, most of which are far beyond the average person's skills.  If it has Martha Stewart on it and  requires more than a single fold or piece of tape, avoid it!  Her sparkling hanging star that perfectly reflects the sunlight will look like a dull wadded ball of paper on a string when you are done.  Know your limits.  Write a list and stick to it.  Your husband will thank you and there will be fewer tears. 

Step two: measure twice, cut once.  I have had many failed crafts due to poor planning.  A good set of directions really helps with this.  Following the directions is also an important step.  Many of my "shortcuts" have ended in the trash.  Live and learn. 

Now, in full disclosure, I will admit to making a small substitution in glue type but it worked out in my favor.  Sometimes you get lucky.  Generally, this is not the case.  In the end, the glue had its revenge!  Felt rosette wreath, here we go.  (To make your own felt rosette wreath: http://theprettypoppy1.blogspot.com/2010/07/pretty-little-rosie-wreath.html)

supplies: wreath, felt, glue, scissors, CD, ribbon

cutting the flowers

An easy start, I had to cut the felt into circles and then spiral cut it.  After a few hand cramps and questionable lines, I was able to finish this.  This project is very forgiving, thus my success.  After rolling and gluing the spirals, you are left with these cute rosettes.

evil glue

rosettes

I accidentally cut the cap of the glue (rather than the actual opening) and spent quite a bit of time working through that near project-ending mistake.  It's the little things.  With my rosettes completed, I arranged them on the wreath and then began gluing them down.  Halfway through gluing the rosettes to the wreath, I noticed that the glue was dripping through the wreath onto my table making a huge mess.  After frantically cleaning the ridiculously sticky glue and then gluing the remaining rosettes, I allowed the wreath to dry overnight.  Honestly, it only needed to dry for about an hour but sometimes it is best to walk away.  

The next morning after my coffee and some motivational thinking, I returned to complete my masterpiece.  Thankfully, the ribbon did not require glue :)  I am quite happy with the results and was proud to display my accomplishment on the front door.  The Kottsicks have joined the neighborhood!

Later, I returned home from a great hike with some friends only to notice that my wreath was no longer hanging on the front door.  Hanging in its place . . . the sticky section of the hook used to hold up the wreath.  Step three: buy a wreath hook!

Alaska Fun Fact: Bennie Benson designed Alaska's state flag in 1926.  He was only 13 years old at the time.