Just shy of half a century ago, in 1976, a group of Yakima Valley individuals involved in the process of winemaking formed and officially organized the Yakima Enological Society, or Y.E.S.
Years ago, a group of loosely connected friends decided to read a book called “Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table” by Shauna Niequist. Half memoir, half cookbook, the book is a lovely compilation of stories and recipes celebrating the everyday joy that is sharing a meal w…
Over the years, many animals have come to make their home with us. I’ve jokingly referred to our property as the McCoy Petting Zoo because we’ve had a litany of baby lambs, cows, chickens, dogs, cats and even a a couple of turkeys take up residence with us.
I am so excited to be back this month to share another foodie column with you. Since our last visit, I have been busy exploring the many delicious restaurants in the Yakima Valley.
I turned 40 last summer. I vacillated most of the year between feeling as though it wasn’t much of a milestone and really no big deal at all, to feeling big, sweeping emotions as the idea that 40 full years had gone by would hit me like a ton of bricks. It mostly seemed impossible because I …
The snow-dusted hills surrounding our Valley constantly catch my attention as I go about my day. Even on the coldest, darkest days, I’m drawn to finding my way outside, even for just a few minutes and a short walk, purely to catch a glimpse of those lovely hills. My favorite time to go is ju…
WORD ON THE STREET SAYS …
I have the most vivid memory of sitting on the blue Formica countertops in my grandmother’s 1980s kitchen, carefully stirring a packet of Jell-O chocolate pudding into a saucepan of hot milk. My grandmother was nearby, likely puttering around getting dinner ready. She didn’t believe in insta…
WHAT IS THIS FOODIE COLUMN ABOUT, ANYWAY?
Orange, green, pink and white pumpkins are stacked and piled around the front door. It’s a kaleidoscope of pumpkin happiness every time I walk outside. The pumpkins are a combination of what grew in the garden this year along with purchases from our favorite farm stands, carefully collected …
I grew up in Spokane, where there’s a little restaurant downtown called the Elk Public House. It’s probably not appropriate to call it just a restaurant; it’s more of an establishment, and the term “if you know, you know” is applicable to anyone who has spent time in Spokane.
Beer has been produced by humans for longer than many people may know. Barley beer researchers have to traced beer production to present-day Iran in the fifth millennium B.C. The making and drinking of beer also is noted in the written history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
As you all know, the Yakima Valley is known for its amazing beers, wines and ciders. In fact, one could argue that our Valley is home to the best craft beverages in the world.
It’s a well-established understanding among my family and friends that I love cake. I love to make cake as much as I love to eat cake. Fruit, chocolate, vanilla and everything in between is perfectly fine with me. Although, if it’s up to my husband and kids, they will always request chocolat…
The nasturtium seeds I tucked into my patio flower pots on a whim early this spring have grown tall and proud and are absolutely taking over the entire planter, edging out the snapdragons, potato vines and coleus.
Early this spring, my middle son was playing out in the driveway with his cousin when my husband noticed a puppy in the orchard next to our house. Assuming the neighbor’s dog was loose, he hollered to Luke to go investigate. Well, much to our surprise, it was not the neighbor’s dog but a rou…
After a couple of wild years and an unprecedented (are we still using that word?) April snowstorm, I think we’re finally rounding the proverbial corner. I’ve been saying that for two years now, but as the sun shines brightly and my tulips bloom regardless of that April snow, my hope is that …
As I cajoled Scarlet to speed up her sloth-like bedtime routine a few nights ago, she grabbed the illustrated copy of Harry Potter (“Chamber of Secrets”) off her bedside table and asked me to guess what page we were on. I simply shrugged my shoulders and waited for her to tell me, figuring i…