Father's Day Weekend - Mt. Pisgah

Located within Lane County's Howard Buford Recreation Area, the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum lies between the Coast Fork of the Willamette River and the slopes of Mt. Pisgah.

Last Saturday, my parents, Brian and I did some exploring! Not three steps down the first trail - I spotted a very small doe. She didn't take to my "stalking" her like a National Geographic photographer, but I just had to get a picture.

This Arboretum is a 209-acre living tree museum. The riverside trails, quiet paths through evergreen forests, water garden teeming with life, bright wildflower meadows, and open views across oak savannas delight all ages.Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Welcome Summer and Happy Father's Day

Not only is it the longest day of the year today, but it is also Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my Pop - who taught me how to cook and gave me the love of creativity in the kitchen. I wonder if this week's menu makes my Pop proud (no liver and onions, but good stuff).

Enjoy!
Stacy

Sunday: Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Fries
Monday: Taco Del Mar (Chick has dinner out with a friend)
Tuesday: Grilled T-Bone Steaks with Easy BBQ Sauce and a Big Garden Salad
Wednesday: Shrimp, Broccoli and Sun-Dried Tomatoes with Bow Tie Pasta (leftover salad)
Thursday: Chicken Saute with Pine Nuts and Asparagus with a side of Jasmine Rice

Old Photo Friday: Allen Lee Memorial Impatient Garden

A few weeks ago - Brian and I decided to plant an impatient garden beneath the pear tree in the W. Seattle back yard. The grass doesn't grow well there and I thought if we placed a border around the tree that it would make a nice area for flowers.

On the West Seattle fridge is this picture of Brian and his Dad, Al. They planted an impatient garden at the Lee home in Delaware many years ago.
In honor of Al, Seattle now has the "Allen Lee Memorial Impatient Garden" (admission is free).

Who: Brian and Allen Lee
What: Doing yard work and admiring the impatient garden
Where: Newark, DE
When: Spring/Summer 2000

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms

We love grilling veggies at Rebecca Lane, but portobello mushrooms can be a meal all themselves. Serve this recipe as an appetizer, side dish, or a main dish.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 10-12 ounces baby spinach, washed
• olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup black olives, diced
• salt
• black pepper
• 4 large portobello mushrooms
  
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped
  

Directions:

1. Place spinach in a large saucepan and cook for 2 minutes until wilted; stir constantly. Remove from heat and drain out excess liquid. Add olive oil and add onion and garlic to pan. Cook until tender. Add tomatoes, olives, salt, and pepper to mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

2. Preheat grill. Remove mushroom stems and spoon out. Brush olive oil on mushroom caps. Season with additional salt and black pepper. Place on grill and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, turning once. Remove from grill.

3. Spoon spinach mixture into mushrooms. In small mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs with sun-dried tomatoes and salt and pepper. Top spinach with bread crumb mixture. Place stuffed mushroom caps on grill for an additional 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

Image courtesy of Google Images

West Seattle Water Taxi

Brian surprised me with another great adventure last Sunday. We hopped on board the West Seattle water taxi and explored the Seattle waterfront like a couple of tourists! Brian even bought a Seattle pullover (it was cooler and cloudier than we expected).

The King County Water Taxi crosses Elliott Bay from Pier 55 in downtown Seattle to West Seattle's Seacrest Park dock seven days a week from April 5th to October 30th. It takes approximately 12 minutes to cross. The taxi has seating inside and outside.
We spent about 2 hours downtown before heading back home. We can't wait to do this later in the summer when the weather is warmer. Thanks to West Seattle Blog - you can see it is quite popular! Check it out this summer!
Enjoy!
Stacy

West Seattle Saturday

Brian planned our adventure last weekend and did an amazing job. We had a "walking" tour of West Seattle....5 miles on Saturday that culminated in the Morgan Junction Community Festival. We started off with a walk from our place to Lincoln Park through the community P-Patch Garden. This place is amazing and we are hopeful that next year our names will be on the list for a patch.

We made our way down to the waterfront and walked the entire length of Lincoln Park and into some amazing neighborhoods. We even managed to get lost (almost NEVER happens with Marco Polo) while on our walk.In the late afternoon we headed towards Morgan Junction and had an afternoon libation at the new Feedback Lounge and next door at the Beveridge Place.

It was an amazing Saturday! Thanks, babe.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Zeek's Pizza/Feedback Lounge Review

Brian and I were excited to see the dingy corner of California Avenue and Fauntleroy (otherwise known as the Morgan Junction) renovated to include two new businesses (who says the economy is bad) within the past few months. Welcome to West Seattle Zeek's Pizza and the Feedback Lounge. No better time than the Morgan Junction Community Festival this past weekend to check both places out.

Let's start with the Feedback Lounge. Way too cool! Dark......urban.......slick. Brian and I stopped in for an afternoon cocktail on Saturday. The place has got a cool rock n' roll vibe and features plasma TVs playing legendary music artists in concert - everything from The Who to Johnny Cash (huge collection of rock memorabilia on the walls) and just about every kid of music blasting from their in-house sound system. Check out their calendar of events.

Brian and I were a little surprised that they didn't have a stage for live music (perhaps something they will re-think down the road).

The lounge is broken into two sections with The Whammy Bar towards the rear featuring a unique collection of vintage guitars and a huge front of the house bar and seating area. Outside you can relax on the SUNNDECK, a 40-foot long outdoor lounge area (named in tribute to Sunn Amplifiers). I think this place will thrive in the winter and after-hours...it just has this dark mood to it - you know, someplace to get "lost" on a rainy Seattle day!?

They have an inviting drinks and food menu - with Happy Hour and After Hour treats.

If you are a connoisseur of music and rock n' roll history - then check this place out - I think it is quite unique to the W. Seattle area and especially the up and coming West end of California Avenue.
Zeek's Pizza sits right on the corner and they have made this pizza joint more than just a place to grab a slice. It's got the feel of a neighborhood hangout as much as a pizza place (with a nice sundeck of their own). Large, unique pies with out of the norm sauces and toppings under thick slices of gooey cheese. Beer on tap (even a little bar where you can wait for your pizza to be prepared) and large screen TVs with the latest sporting events. Huge area that I believe can be reserved for private parties.

With Pizza's like....

Wood butcher
Fresh tomato sauce. mozzarella, pepperoni, mushroom, green pepper, red onion & Italian sausage ($20.95/$23.95)

Kitchen sink
Fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, sausage, chicken, bacon, mushroom, olive, green pepper, fresh garlic, roma tomatoes ($23.95/$29.95)

Tree hugger
Fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, spinach, mushroom, artichoke hearts, broccoli, roma tomato, garlic & olives ($20.95/$23.95)

This place is pretty pricey - but our pizza was amazing.

Welcome to our two cool new neighbors.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Mid June

Mid-June in the Pacific NW and it doesn't get any better.....and summer doesn't officially start for another week.

In celebration of summer and all things summer-like wonderful....all of this week's recipes are light, low fat and very easy to make. Can you believe that you can eat, meatloaf....pasta and salmon and not feel guilty? I am here to tell you....Yes You Can!!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Pasta Carbonara (W/ Turkey Bacon) and a Big Garden Salad
Tuesday: Asian Grilled Salmon with Asparagus and Harvest Grains (grains can be found at Trader Joe's)
Wednesday: Mediterranean Chicken with Brown Rice
Thursday: Parmesan-Turkey Meatloaf with Garlic Green Beans

Old Photo Friday: Safeco Field Opener

WHO: Stacy and Mom (with commemorative tickets in hand)
WHAT: Safeco Field Opener
WHERE: Front porch of Mom's house in Tukwila
WHEN: July 1999

I can't quite believe that the 10 year anniversary of the opening of Safeco Field is this summer.

What's even more unbelievable is that we were there.....Kenny, Mom, Sandra and I.

I won tickets in a lottery drawing and even though they were up in the nose bleed section - I can brag that I was at the opening of Safeco Field.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Quick Salad with Rotisserie Chicken and Blackberry Dressing

Some nights – especially when the weather is warm - I just want to make something quick and easy. Those rotisserie chickens that you see in the grocery store can be turned into a million quick and easy recipes. Sweet and tart summer blackberries also make the most delicious dressing (you can substitute raspberries too). If you can’t find fresh berries - thawed, frozen berries can also be used.

This salad would also make a wonderful starter...appetizer (leaving out the chicken) and adding hunks of gooey goat cheese.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Quick Salad with Rotisserie Chicken and Blackberry Dressing

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cup blackberries or raspberries, fresh or frozen - thawed
1/4 cup champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups mixed salad greens
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cucumber, thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes - sliced in half

1/4 red onion, sliced fine

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Chopped walnuts - garnish

Directions:

1. Put half the blackberries/raspberries into a large bowl and mash with a whisk or wooden spoon until they lose their shape and release their juice; stir in vinegar. Drizzle oil into blackberry mixture in a thin stream while whisking constantly to make a dressing; season with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare salad: Mix salad greens, romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes and onion in a bowl. Drizzle in the dressing and toss gently to coat.

3. Arrange salad on plates and top with chicken and remaining whole blackberries. Drizzle with any dressing left in the bowl and garnish with chopped walnuts then serve.

Images courtesy of Google Images

Secret Garden

With the patio complete, we wanted to concentrate on the little corner patch behind the patio.

I've named it the "Secret Garden".

Brian cleaned it out a few months ago and then two weeks ago he did a second clean out.
We went on the hunt for perennial plants/flowers to create a sorta....English country garden (West Seattle style).

We hung some garden art on the fence - that we already had but were never quite sure what to do with.

It's a work in progress - but so far, we love it!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Saturday Mornings.......

Brian and Sammy
Saturday, June 6, 2009

Enjoy!
Stacy

Edmonds

In celebration of our anniversary, Brian took me to Edmonds on Saturday. It's truly one of our favorite places to be. We took the Edmonds ferry over to Kingston and walked around their farmers market.
It was disappointing that the sun wasn't out (it makes the water so pretty) - but we had a great ride! There were some beautiful flowers in bloom around the Kingston marina.
After the ferry ride we took a walk around downtown Edmonds. We've explored every shop at least a dozen times. We know every crevice by heart. But this Saturday, we were in Edmonds a bit later in the afternoon and we were finally able to check out Daphne's. A very cute and tiny little wine bar - there are 4 barstools and two tiny window tables looking out onto the main stree of Edmonds - one of the tables (pictured above) can be reserved for a 90-minute slot.

Every time we hit the streets of Edmonds, we experience something new. We really loved Daphne's and I hope we get to come back again soon.


It was a wonderful day and a great way to celebrate 5 years.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Week of June 7th

Life is back to normal at Rebecca Lane. Chick is getting back into her routine after her big trip and I am enjoying cooking for more than just me!

Our weather continues to be extraordinary so hopefully we will get in plenty of walking along the greenbelt and pair it up with some good healthy eating.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Bean and Corn Quesadillas with a Big Garden Salad
Tuesday: Grilled Mushroom Burgers with left over salad
Wednesday: Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms and Garlic Green Beans (thanks to Food & Whine)
Thursday: Johnsonville Beer Brats with Fries

Old Photo Friday: School Boy Brian

WHO: Bunkeyfee (Brian Keith Lee)......say it real fast and you'll get it.
WHAT: School days
WHERE: Newark, DE
WHEN: 1969 - 1970 (Brian looks to be about 10)

I just love these old school photos......Brian all dressed up in a suit and tie. What a cutie pie!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Stuffed Artichokes

Is there anything more heavenly in this entire world than artichokes? The Globe Artichoke is actually a thistle, originating in southern Europe and in the Mediterranean.

The edible portion of the buds consists primarily of the fleshy lower portions of leaves and the base, known as the "heart"; the mass of immature florets in the center of the bud is called the "choke". These are inedible in older larger flowers. In France, artichokes are very popular deep fried. In Italy, artichoke hearts in oil are enjoyed. In Spain, the more tender younger and smaller artichokes are used in paella.

At Rebecca Lane – we like them steamed with salt and pepper and served with a bit of mayonnaise to dip the leaves and heart in. Recently, I have seen more and more recipes for stuffed artichokes. I found a few I liked and took parts from each.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Stuffed Artichokes
Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 large spring artichokes
4 cups fresh bread crumbs (come on people…..get some good bread and pulse it in the food processor)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 Tbs. Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped fine
½ cup fresh finely grated Romano or Parmesan cheese ( I also like the 3-4 cheese blends)

Zest from 1 lemon

1/4 cup lightly toasted pine nuts

salt and pepper
4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

4 Tbs. Mayonnaise or clarified butter (melted), optional

Directions:

1. Trim the artichokes. Cut the top off about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down, so that you can see into the fuzzy "choke" in the middle. Trim the tops of the outer leaves with scissors to take off those nasty thorns.
2. Rinse each under cold water and try to stretch out the leaves, gently prying them open but be careful not to tear them off! With a soup spoon, carve out the fuzzy choke in the middle.
3. Mix the bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, cheese, lemon zest and pine nuts together in a small bowl. Season each artichoke with salt and pepper.
4. Holding the artichoke over the bowl, fill the choke and then stuff as much into each leaf as you can. Push the stuffing down into the choke and over the outer leaves.
5. Place the artichokes in a pot (I prefer a steamer basket) with water just touching their little bottoms. Drizzle the artichokes evenly with olive oil. Cover the pot, bring the water to a boil and then turn it down to medium and cook for 45 minutes to one hour. I know my artichokes are done when I tug on the leaves and they come off fairly easily. Serve hot with mayonnaise or butter (or nothing at all). These are also good cooked and stored and eaten cold the next day.
   

Image courtesy of Google Images

5 Years!

Five years ago, I worked up enough courage to ask a boy out....a simple invitation to have a beer with a classmate and myself.

I had met Brian in March 2004 while taking the series 6/63 securities class. He was our instructor and he caught my eye. A few months went by.....I failed one of the tests and decided I should probably take the class over again. It was a Friday afternoon in June.

That early evening in Portland was amazing. The sun was out and we sat by the Willamette River and before we knew it, Jen had left us and it was just Brian and I.

It was an instant connection......we both loved reading Bill Bryson, watching baseball.....accepted each others faults and weaknesses and the idea that the other person was up for an adventure of a lifetime.
We've had our ups and downs - but through it all...I have loved deeper, laughed harder and smiled wider than at any other time in my life.

I thank the universe every single day.

I love you!

Stacy

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Brian and I kicked around the west side on Saturday. We made a quick trip to the Beaverton market (post later in the week). Our weather was perfect and I wanted to stay away from the madness that is known as Rose Festival.
I still wanted to get out and about and take a nature walk so we decided to check out the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.
The Refuge was established as an urban refuge to provide wetland, riparian, and upland habitats for a variety of migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, fish, other resident wildlife, and for the enjoyment of people. The refuge is now home to nearly 200 species of birds, over 50 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles and amphibians, and a wide variety of insects, fish, and plants.
It was a 3 mile walk....flat....through high grass and groves of oak trees that hugged the Tualatin River and Chicken Creek. We heard the sounds of at least a dozen different birds and one large bullfrog while marveling at the amazing views of Mt. Hood (sorry, babe.....the mountain pictures didn't come out).

Enjoy!

Stacy