Seattle + North Bend, WA

July 7, 2013July 7, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 2 Comments

This Holiday weekend marked my Dad’s first visit to the Pacific Northwest and his first meeting with my baby Margot. He loved everything Washington had to offer: from North Bend to Tacoma, from Olympia to Seattle — he seemed to enjoy everything each place had to offer. So did the rest of my family.

I knew they would, because what’s not to like?

Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle is of course at the top of the list of tourist activities we take our guests to. North Bend, WA, the filming location for the cult classic Twin Peaks and our nearest mountain town, is another favorite. North Bend boasts great shopping, coniferous skylines and crisp mountain air. Meanwhile, gentle mists float off of Snoqualmie Falls, cooling sightseers, and fogging camera lenses. Mountains done right, I say.

My family still calls Bakersfield, CA home, so our 80 degree weather on Puget Sound was a great reprieve from the punishing summer heat of the Central Valley. Abundant greenery, wildlife and a mellow grand-baby hopefully left them feeling somewhat restored, even though the distance they traveled was not trivial.

Of course I was sad to see them go; the next time we meet will probably be at a mini-reunion in Las Vegas. Not a bad deal. Especially if we can escape the brutal Alaska winter to enjoy warmer winter weather in the lower 48. Just nine more weeks until we’re residents of Fairbanks.

We’ll be sad to say goodbye to South Puget Sound.

Tacoma, WA

July 3, 2013July 24, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 11 Comments

I will probably have no shame about being a tourist, ever. Even in my own town (whichever it may be at the time), I have no qualms about snapping photos wherever I go.

My family is in town to see Margot for the first time since she was born, and I’m glad their visit is to this area in Washington where the tourism opportunities are endless. Tacoma, WA is a beautiful city. Period. When I read up on this area, I tend to see a lot of comments on how rough around the edges it is, but as long as you don’t hang out in Hilltop at midnight, I see no problems.

Downtown is especially beautiful since it’s adorned with blown glass by local native Dale Chihuly. Abstract architecture and early twentieth century masonry create a unique skyline on Commencement Bay where Marina and Industry coexist. I can’t get enough. Truly.

Kicking around the town giving our usual Tacoma tour, we ran into other residents who were giving the same tour to their out of town family. What a coincidence, we all end up gawking at the house that starred in the film The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, strolling through Stadium High School, and crossing the Glass Bridge. “This is where Heath Ledger serenaded Julia Stiles back in the 90s”, I imagine many a Tacoman explain at the gates of the Stadium Bowl. Maybe even a brief explanation on the School’s history as a hotel is provided. They may give a quick bio of Chihuly, or explain the landmarks around Commencement Bay. The conclusion is the same: Tacoma has colorful highlights.

Of course we visited the same lovely landmarks that all other tourists come upon when they visit Tacoma. My family seemed to enjoy it.

If my Dad was impressed with sea otters, rabbits and raccoons at Point Defiance Park, I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of Seattle later this week.

Pistachio Ice Cream

June 28, 2013July 1, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 8 Comments

My husband is on vacation, and my family is trickling into town over this week and next. With the extra help around the house I’ve been able to stay in the kitchen more and tackle a few recipes I’ve been itching to try.

High on the kitchen to-do list are new ice cream recipes. What better way to ring in summer than with a fat scoop of homemade ice cream? I hope to have a few flavors in stock by the time everyone is here for a Fourth of July BBQ.

Since Pistachios are a pantry staple in my kitchen, it was only natural that I try out a Pistachio Ice Cream. This ice cream gets its nutty flavor from the almond extract and the lightly salted pistachios. I’d love to serve it over a hot white chocolate chip cookie, or even on my favorite Strawberry Galette.

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups 2% milk

1 1/8 cups granulated sugar

3 cups half & half

1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pure almond extract

1 1/2 cups shelled pistachios, roughly chopped (use lightly salted)

1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)

Instructions:

Pulse the pistachios a few times in a food processor using the chop function, or chop manually.

Using whisk attachment on mixer, mix milk and granulated sugar on low until dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the half & half, vanilla and almond extracts.

Pour into ice cream maker and let mix until thickened, about 20-25 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, add the pistachios slowly. Serve immediately for a soft serve style treat, or freeze in an airtight container about two hours for a firmer blend.

Notes:

Xanthan gum is used in this recipe to keep the ice cream from getting icy overnight in the freezer. It will probably make its way into all of my ice cream recipes because I use 2% milk instead of whole. It’s optional, but it seems to do the trick.

Recipe adapted from Cuisinart.