Breakfasts, Waterfalls and Cross Country Running

This is the fourth weekend in a row that we’ve had unadulterated sunshine. The state of Washington can go ahead and thank me now for bringing that California and Oklahoma sunshine this way.
You’re welcome, constituents. Brace yourself for some earthquakes and tornados.
Well, yesterday I cooked up some of my delicious Huevos Rancheros in tortilla cups. Wonderfully delicious. And they’re truly so easy to make.
 At the request of Lauren and Jordan, I’m including the recipe here.
Huevos Rancheros, the Crystle way:
1. Take taco sized soft flour tortillas and thinly coat both sides with melted butter.
2. Tuck tortillas into muffin pan, folding opposite sides to fit the mold.
3. Fill bottom layer of tortilla cup with cooked black beans. I used lime cilantro black beans; leftovers from our taco dinner the night before. You can use what you have around the house. Pinto beans work just as well.
4. Layer on your favorite salsa, or chopped onions/tomatoes mixture.
5. Crack open an egg on top of the mixture.
6. Bake at 375 F for roughly 8-10 minutes, monitor closely.
7. When the white of the eggs have set and the edges of the tortilla have turned brown, pull the muffin tray from the oven.
8. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese (I used monterey) on top of the egg and cover very loosely with foil. Return the tray to the oven for roughly 2-4 more minutes, monitoring closely.
9. Your huevos rancheros are done when you’ve melted the cheese to your liking!
NOTE:
-Feel free to change up the portions of the layers, or the ingredients included. I am definitely not rigid with ingredients or portioning, ever.
-Garnish with hot sauce, cilantro or fresh jalapeño.
After feasting down on a delicious breakfast, we day trekked out to Snoqualmie Falls, WA. I was immersed with the falls, and the gift shop. We picked up some wild huckleberry jam that I’m dying to throw on some toast.
Aaaand a few more images of late:
 
Who would want to hike the “Poo Poo Trail”. Maybe it means something else that I’m not privy to. Probably not.
And I finally got the Sorel snow boots I’ve been coveting all winter. Too bad it’s now spring.
We’ve also been running a lot more lately. We topped our longest distance on Friday with an 8 mile run (marathoners can shut it). I’m pretty sure I’m dead and writing this from the afterlife (which is pretty awesome; there are lots of Red Vines and ample internet access). We’re also awaiting our gold metals and invitations to the white house for that run.
No word from Barry yet…
Alright, we’re headed to Fort Steilacoom Park to soak up some more sunshine.
Happy Earth Day, Earthlings!

Touring Washington

This week my husband and I picked up a new addition to the family. We finally got ourselves the Subaru Forester we’ve been drooling over. Fortunately, the weather was nice this weekend so we were able to take it out to Capitol State Forest in Thurston, WA and then over to Steilacoom, WA for some small town tourism. It was wonderful fun, and a great way to break in our new (ok, used) wagon. 

We spoke to a few museum curators who advised us of several great day trip options in the area. Our agenda is now full of sights to see and towns to tour. 
If you’re ever in the area, Steilacoom is a great little seaside town to visit. We’ll be back again for their Salmon Bake later this year. 

Hope you all had an equally adventurous weekend! 

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 2012

Today my husband and I drove upstate to Skagit Valley to tour this year’s Tulip Festival. While we were a week early on the tulip blooms during this month-long celebration, we were right on time for the daffodils. I really cannot articulate how beautiful these yellow fields were against the mountainous backdrop except to say, now I know; heaven is real. And it’s located at the Roozen Gaarde in Mt. Vernon, WA. 
Although I took photos to share, they still don’t do the experience justice. If you ever find yourself in the area this time of year, I highly recommend stopping by these gardens for a visit.  

It was a lovely day. I’m thankful that the weather cooperated so we could enjoy these endless yellow fields. What a great way to start the holiday weekend. 
Happy Easter!