Maryhill Winery, Museum, & Stonehenge #Washington {#travel} Columbia River Gorge

Camping or travel in the Pacific Northwest is so rewarding - from the great outdoors with fantastic hikes, climbs,  surfing and more to wine tasting, fine art and  - gasp - Stonhenge.  Yes,  you read that correctly…no joke.

You may remember that our first tenting trip of 2015 too us yet again to Memaloose Oregon State Park in the Columbia River Gorge; it usually is always a nice hike however my foot has been bugging me so since that was out of the question why not sightsee…

I have heard many things about a supposed replica of Stonehenge in the Columbia River Gorge so this was the perfect opportunity since we were pretty much already half way there {from Portland that is}.  We crossed the Columbia in The Dalles and from it there it was less than an hour to reach Maryhill Winery - our first stop. I honestly did not know what to expect.  Yes,  we have been wine tasting in Willamette Valley but never before in the Columbia River Gorge.  Oh my what have we missed…

Maryhill Winery has a very nicely appointed large tasting room, the most amazing place however is the patio.  There is a lovely, large patio with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, and Mount Hood.  You could bring along a picnic {saw many people with that thought} order a bottle of wine and enjoy a lovely afternoon on the patio.  Now let me also say,  that the wine was quite delicious and we may have added a few bottles to our collection :)

Next stop - Stonehenge; now let me preface by telling you that we {as in Ron & I pre-kids} have been to actual Stonehenge.  Stonehenge that is surrounded by green and seeing a fully intact replica in a dessert environment was - how can I say this correctly - a little surreal, but at the same time super cool.  Samuel Hill built the replica of Stonehenge as a memorial for those fallen in World War I.

Our last stop was the Maryhill Museum of Art - let me admit that I did not have high expectation but was I wrong; we were blown away.  Starting out with the amazing collection of pieces and drawings by Auguste Rodin to the amazing collection of American Indian Artifacts to the Théâtre de la Mode; oh and did I mention the girls favorite which which is collection of royal memorabilia from Queen Marie of Romania.

We stopped at the museum cafe for lunch and it was delicious; not only were they able to cater to our kids but the food was yummy.  Ron and I shared a salad with local smoked salmon….

Good to know if you go
- Maryhill is about 90 miles or about 2 hours drive from Portland
- the weather is quite a bit warmer
- there are several vineyards along the route so be sure to have a dedicated driver
- pack a picnic and stop at Maryhill Winery
- have fun

Camping in the Columbia River Gorge at Memaloose {#Travel #Oregon #GoCamping #Food Family #Fun}

How can it be that it is already June 10th - another few posts are still locked up in my head and there has been zero output on this blog lately.  Yes, shame of me…time keeps just on rolling by…so now no more fretting from me…

Summer is here meaning the tent camping season is now fully open {for us} -  we kicked off the season with a two night stay at Memaloose Oregon State Park; actually the same campground we kicked the season off for a few years now.  Memaloose State Park is in the Columbia River Gorge just past Mosier and few miles west of The Dalles; this is the place - at least we think so - where the lush green changes over to a more desert feel.  The mighty Columbia is just below the campground and Rowena Crest rises high above;  Memaloose is located where the gorge is super narrow.  The train line is below the campground separating the river from the park; I-84 runs right above campground and Rowena Crest towers above.  Yes,  it is loud - there is the highway, trains all times of day and night, and - since this is the Columbia River Gorge - one the premier wind/kite surfing places around the world super, duper windy.  WE - for some odd reason - love to kick off the season here.  It is always a lot warmer, and drier than Portland plus there is a lot to do.

We love hiking up Rowena Crest, or the Tom McCall Preserve but since I hurt my foot {hello Plantar Faciatis} a hike was not in the cards.  Let's just say that MiaRose was slightly excited about that fact.  Instead of the hike we headed to the Washington side in the gorge, tasted some wine,  went to an awesome museum and visited Stonehenge.  More about that tomorrow, or soon thereafter...

Roasted Marshmallows and s'mores by the campfire

Other things to do include biking, wind/kite surfing, hiking, more wine tasting, visit the the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, taste fantastic beers at Full Sail and/or Double Mountain in Hood River…

Oh yes and finally figured out how to improve our camping fare; parboil.  I obviously did not invent the idea but how on earth did it take me so long to think of it?  We finally had great food - perfectly roasted corn on the cobb {parboiled at home before packing} plus potatoes, bacon, and eggs for breakfast - I parboiled the potatoes and they came out fantastic….

Good to know before you camp at Memaloose

• It is loud - there is no way of sugar coating it; trains run throughout the night, and so does the traffic on the highway
• It is windy and the wind can be really gusty; so if you are tenting be prepared to anchor it down
• It is dry and hot
• and yes,  despite it all we love it , but it is not for everyone - so if you are looking for a quaint spot to camp this is not it…
• Great Junior Ranger program in the summer

Bagby Hot Springs {#travel #Oregon #PDX}

We have finally made it out to Bagby Hot Springs out in the Mt. Hood National Forest  This has been on my wish list in forever.  By the time I think about it is usually is already quite late in day, and then there is also the little piece of distance.  Now this beauty - depending on your threshold of time spent in the car - is a drive but oh, so totally absolutely worth it and I am not a hot tub fan.  Well, of course this is no hot tub but a hot spring brining absolute mind clearing serenity.  It is in the middle of the woods,  it is a tiny hike about 1-1/2 miles which non-surpisingly still brought on the "When are we finally question - but oh, my.  The trail to the Hot Springs is already magical; green in any variety dark, light, the sound of a river as the trail leads up along a river. It is easy to imagine it as fairy land.

and then just when we thought we missed a turn….

Just a couple steps past the sign  hot water bubbles up and is directed to by wooden lines to the different soaking areas.

The water runs to the soaking area to five private rooms, about three  round tubs for smaller groups, and a couple of larger tub for a bigger group.  We chose the private soaking room…what to expect?  First off, the tub is a carved out of a cedar log log…Please tell me you are as excited as I am about this.
Once in the room, let the hot water flow in and be sure to get a few buckets of cold water; because the water is hot. Next..soak.  Sit back, relax, look out through the holes in the roof…

What do you think?  It is absolute bliss….then walk back to the car through the magical forest

Good to know if you go:
In addition to towels pack water, snacks, and all other stuff you usually bring with you on a hike.  Yes, this is short but it is in the middle of Mt. Hood National Forest, the weather can change, people slip and did I mention that it is in the middle of the woods?  So yes, no matter how close and easy it seems wear sturdy shoes.

There is a $5 {cash only} soaking fee for each adult - so be sure to bring cash, or get your wristband the Ripplebrook Store.  Bagby Hot Springs are about 40 miles SouthEast of Estacada so yes,  it takes some time to get out there but it is so worth is.

Lastly,  it does get very busy so be prepared to wait and most of all have fun!

Family #hike at Lacamas Lake Park - Camas, #Washington {#pdx #kids}

Time flies, flies, flies and we have been like busy bees.  So needles to say that I we {as in the parental units} have really been looking forward to a nice family hike.  This winter has been crazy here in the Pacific Northwest ~ it has been so warm that all the snow at Teacup Nordic is gone.  Yes, the year we were going to ski every weekend = no snow.   Daffodils are already in full bloom, friends - so I thought that maybe the lilies are already getting ready to bloom at Lacams Lake Park and thus its the perfect excursion.

We first went on this hike a couple of years ago and I have to say it is a great hike.  It is close to Portland - only about 25 minutes from our house in Southeast - even so it is on the other side of the river aka Columbia.  This hike packs a lot of everything;  you hike over a dam and then you can decide whether to take the lake loop which is about 1-1/2 miles or take a longer loop down to the waterfalls.  Now you may know that I really like love waterfalls; they are so amazing, powerful and beautiful; so there is no question that we took the longer loop.  The trail leads down into the canyon over some rocks, curving along the creek onto a couple of different wooden bridges until you reach the Lower Falls. This is the perfect spot for a break - it does get a little busy…

From the Lower Falls

we worked our way back out of the canyon; now our biggest complaint about this hike is that everything is very poorly marked.  We chose to take a trail leading up through the woods and confirmed with other hikers that it indeed is the right trail.  The trail is very serene and it got a lot less crowded - let me also say that both girls were great as we kept listening for birds.  Out of the woods the trail leads to a gravely road - no cars - where we saw a few hikers and this the way to the Lilly field.  I remembered just how beautiful and amazing it was; an unexpected treasure…

Luckily we found the trail leading us up to the lilly field; oh my…no, lilies are not yet in bloom but this place is magical.  There is a sense of being out in the middle of nature - very far away from civilization. The colors - patches of bright green moss, flower stamps, dark green fir trees, light green lichen, rocks covered with lichen and patches of moss.  Just us and nature. Oh, how can one not believe in fairies…true magic…

At this point the girls were ready to get back to the trailhead and spend some time on the playground.

Good to know before you go -
The trails are poorly marked it is good idea to print out a trail map, or carry your hiking book.
This is a easy-moderate hike but - the loop we took with addition of the lily field - it is about 3.6 miles.
Be sure to take water, snacks, and wear sturdy shoes.

Have fun!

Fun in Cannon Beach {#travel #oregon #kids #pdx}

When I was really little every Sunday my grandparents took me along to the Sonntagsausflug {Sunday outing} It always included pretty much the same components - explore a new place, get in a little walk, and (that was my favorite part) stop at a Cafe for Kuchen or ice cream.  I can still remember sitting around the table with Oma & Opa and the anticipation until the waitress finally brought the treats.   As I got a little older,  the health of my grandparents declined so our Sunday outings came to an end.  Neither of my parents were much into the Sonntagsausflug and I remember being envious of my friends that got to explore/experience different places almost every weekend.  Sometimes I did get lucky and was invited to join them.  Oh, yes I have very fond memories of the Sonntagsausflug…

So yes getting out as a family on the weekend on at least one day is super super important to me us; we may not always be lucky enough to find "safe" Kuchen or ice cream for all of us but we always find a fun treat.  You may remember that the girls have started taking cross-country skiing lessons at Teacup Nordic up at Mt. Hood.  Well, there is sad news and that is that there is no snow; it is so sad we want to get out but what can you do without snow.  Yes, there is still downhill skiing but it is just not for us.  So what can one  do - on a Sunday in Portland when the whether feels more like spring than winter and you want to leave town?  You head to the beach - okay there still would be many other things to do - and to the beach we went.

Cannon Beach is our favorite day trip destination - less than a two hour drive away, great beach for a long walk,  play in the sand, rest plus Bruce's Candy Kitchen...

Take a look - rejuvenation in a matter of minutes...

Alena and I napped, while Ron and MiaRose explored

There was the mandatory Shrimp/Crab Boat

Finally Bruce's Candy Kitchen where the girls get to select their own Salt Water Taffy and yes,  all but two flavors are "safe".  Yay.

Thank you for visiting :)

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas {#dairyfree} & Cross Country Skiing at Teacup {#MtHood #Oregon}

Happy New Year, friends!  Does it still count?  Did you have a good start into the New Year?  We certainly did - all chill just the four of us having Raclette, sparkling apple juice for the ladies and other sparkling for the adult units,  an eating break of firecrackers with friends, more Raclette, plus dessert…So who it to midnight?  Well, ahm it is time yet once again to show my true colors friends.  I have not made it to midnight in ions.  Yes,  I kid you not…it just has not happened I fall asleep.  So again all of us were soundly asleep by 10:30pm and woke up in 2015.  But hey,  it was already 2015 in Europe and on the east coast so technically we made it :)

New Years Day was spent lazily around the house but on the third day of 2015 we finally moved.  Yes,  the girls started their Cross Country Ski Lessons at Teacup Nordic up on Mt. Hood with perfect snow and weather.  Yay -  finally a full winter skiing season is ahead of us; let's just say that the entire family is excited.  The girls love their class, and the adults get to spend time on skis outdoors as well.  Winters past I have always regretted not spending enough time in the snow, especially since it is so close…right?!  We can be up at Teacup in a little over an hour so yes,  we have to take advantage of it. Can you tell that I am excited about this?  And I am even more, as in much more excited, that both girls love to cross country ski including our not so excited hiker, MiaRose :) her favorite part is - can you guess it - is my least favorite part and that is going downhill on the trails…

Now what does any of this have to do with Black Eyed Peas aka Hopping John?  It is a New Year and usually we eat Hopping John on New Years Day but it did not happen this year.  So on Saturday in the morning before we headed up to Mt. Hood at 8 am I threw (almost) everything into the slow cooker anticipating a hot meal on our return from the mountain…let's say I was a little nervous but by the time we arrived back home dinner was almost ready plus the house smelled absolutely delicious.  Yay!!! - We put on the rice and ate within the hour...

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas

• 2 C Black Eyed Peas, soaked over night
• 5-6 C water 
• 1  medium sized ham hock
• 1 Tb Olive Oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, cleaned and chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped  
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 Bayleaf
• Salt, pepper, optional -> cayenne, hot sauce to taste

1. Place drained, soaked black eyed peas in your slow cooker
2. Place ham hock on top of the black eyed peas - press down
3. Heat up olive oil in a sauté pan and quickly sauté the vegetables together with paprika until onions turn translucent.
4. Pour vegetables over the black eyed peas and mix under them
5. Place bay leaf on top
6. Pour water over the black eyed peas until they are completely covered {the ham hock will still stick out}
7. Cover.  Cook on low heat for 6 hours and have fun
8. Upon your return, remove ham hock from black eyed peas and add salt, pepper and/or optional flavors to taste.
9. Serve on a bed of rice.

This that life musings - fall adventures - Chocolate-Raspberry Ice "Cream" Birthday cake {#dairyfree}

This fall has been a whirlwind more so than I remember;  well, at least it feels that way.  I truly have felt overwhelmed with too many things on my plate.  Yes,  it is true the perpetual rat race just never seemed to stop leaving me feeling beyond exhausted. You know, when there is not enough time to listen to your family and always being preoccupied with some aspect of work be it volunteer, in my business, or on my blog.  So it was time to reassess things a little bit and take a small step back from blogging.  No,  don't you worry my friends I am not leaving the blogosphere but have decided - at least for the time being - on taking time off on the weekend.  Now that I got this out let me fill you in what has been going on these past several months.  Yes,  it really has been months - true recipes have been posted but adventures took a complete back seat.

Both girls are doing great and it is hard to believe that Alena just turned 11; yes, it seems just like yesterday that she was toddling around and we were learning to adjust our diet.  Let me just tell you that  these parental units have come a long, long way and the journey is incredible…

Alena is in 5th and MiaRose is in 3rd grade and this year both of them joined the Junior Cross Country team.  They ran in three different city wide meets and I think both of them enjoyed it; well, truth be said Alena more so than MiaRose but both and did a great job.

We took a trip to the pumpkin patch in Hood River again this year, and in October Ron treated us to a fun little get away to Timberline Lodge up on Mt. Hood.  We stayed in a bunk bed room - yes,  two bunks total of four beds - the girls swam like fish in the pool, we read by the fire, and just had a wonderful relaxing time.

Halloween came and went with lots of fund as well as plenty of dairy free treats for both girls actually way more than they could eat.

And yes,  Alena turned 11 years old;  she wanted to celebrate at home and we had a little sleep over party for her including the favorite games of Topfschlagen and Musical Chairs.  Oh, and cake of course there was cake - she asked for a chocolate raspberry vanilla ice cream cake.  She asked and I delivered…not to toot my own horn but it really was super yummy and hence zero leftovers…Do you want to hear about the cake?  Yes? Maybe?  Well, let me just tell you.  It's super easy but it does take time.  I usually start about a day before we need it :)

Chocolate Raspberry Ice "Cream" Cake

•  1 box of dairy free Brownie Truffle Baking Mix {I used Trader Joe's}    
•  2 Eggs (according to package)
•  1 stick Earth Balance (Vegan Butter) or Olive Oil
•  1  pint Raspberry Sorbet
•  1 - Quart Vanilla Soy ice "cream" 
•  1 - pack frozen raspberries (for decoration)
•       Dairy free Chocolate sauce (for decoration)

1.  Bake brownie crust according to instructions 
2.  Once the crust has cooled down place a catering, or aluminum foil between the crust and the side of the pan.     
3.  Place raspberry sorbet into the fridge - or out on counter to soften.
4. Once the crust has completely cooled down, spread the softened sorbet over the crust.  Cover with aluminum foil and place into the freezer for at least 2 hours; or until firm. 
5. Soften vanilla ice "cream" and spread it on top of the frozen sorbet.  Cover and return to freezer for at least 2 hours; or until firm. 
6. Decorate the top of the cake with raspberries and chocolate sauce
7. Cover and return to freezer for at least one hour or until firm. 
8. Remove about 30 minutes before serving

Orcas Island - camping at Doe Bay {#gocamping} #getoutside #nature #pnw #washington

For years now we have wanted to go up to Doe Bay on Orcas Island.  Well, okay let me rephrase that I have wanted to go to Orcas Island actually ever since I read about Doe Bay.  Yes, I have been dreaming about this place that sounded so magical.  Sitting at a cove right above water it looks absolutely magical plus the resort is complete with a Sauna and hot tubs.  Now, you may not yet know this about me {and Ron} but we love Sauna; and as if not going to Germany would not be already hard enough for me but the thought on missing out on my several weekly trips to the Sauna just added more salt to an already open wound.  So yes,  since this is  was our summer of living outdoors and camping we reserved a walk-in spot at Doe Bay.  How was it?  Oh my - beyond absolutely magnificent; truly a walk in spot but it was basically just us right above the edge of the water.  Sea otters were feasting right by our campsite, the view of the water, the tranquility, the stars…it was such a reward for the seemingly long walk to the site.  Plus have I mentioned the Sauna yet?  Such a magical place - a beautiful big Sauna right behind the sunken hot tubs with views to the bay.  Yes,  we may have spent a couple of hours there every single day…just pure bliss.

Those of us living in the Pacific Northwest surely have all heard about the San Juan Island an archipelago located in the northwest corner of the United States and are part of Washington State.  There are a total of about 400 islands of which 128 or so are named and they lie between the continental coast of Washington and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.  There is ferry service to four of the islands - San Juan, Lopez, Shaw, and Orcas - from Anacortes, Washington.  The islands are a nature lovers dream…wild life, hiking, sea kayaking…pure bliss; and yes getting there is already part of the fun; I mean who does not like to arrive at their vacation destination by ferry?!
Take a look…

After about an hour on the ferry we arrived at Orcas and drove straight to Doe Bay which is at the other end of the island.  The drive took us through the quaint village of Eastsound as well as through Moran State Park right below Mount Constitution….outdoor heaven, friends. Now can you guess how we spent our days?!  Oh yes,  we hiked…one we went up to Mount Constitution and walked up the last 1.2 Miles on the trail up

An other day we hiked around Mountain Lake

On the rainy day our not so much into hiking Mia Rose went on strike and refused to go on a little hike.  So Alena and I set out on our own on a little hike at Obstruction Pass State Park, yes we did get soaked but were ready for the Sauna and hot tub :)

But what about the kids?  Did they have fun?  YES - I can assure of that, we all made great friends and the kids had lot's and lot's of playtime {as well as s'mores} with their new friends while the adult had lot's of great conversation with our new friends.  Oh, and I almost forgot to mention a few other great things about Doe Bay - not only is it scenic, relaxing but you will also meet the nicest people every plus there are showers, and a guest kitchen with two stoves, two refrigerators plus a dining area.  Perfect for camping on a rainy day…and meeting new friends

All of us caught the same ferry back to the mainland or America as they say on the island when it was time to say good bye….

Lost Lake Resort Camping Trip {#gocamping} #oregon #getoutside #nature {#galactosemia #newbornscreening}

This my friends is our summer of camping and living outside.  You may remember that we got a new tent earlier this year and are truly enjoying it.  Never has camping been easier;  finally a tent that I can put up all by myself…

It has been very hot here in Portland and you know what we do to escape the heat?  We either drive out to the beach {= Pacific Ocean}, or we go up by the mountain {= Mount Hood} to one of the lakes to swim and camp.  This year we have already been to Trillium Lake but this was our first camping trip to Lost Lake {we have come up for the day before}.  A few things to know if you plan on camping at Lost Lake; get there early in the day to find a spot - there are also a few walk-in sites however all sites are first come first served.  Yes,  you cannot reserve a spot.  Try to come up during the week and stay a couple of nights.  It will be challenging to find a spot on a weekend - but you can always call the resort in the morning to find out how many camping spots are available…

P.S.: Can you see our tent right behind Alena & her friend...

We made the trip out to Lost Lake on a Wednesday morning together with our friend Kim and her 4 year old twins.  Kim has camped there many times before so she knew the perfect site for the six of us.  Luckily the site was empty when we arrived and we quickly pitched the tents.  Okay - I admit Kim helped me in putting up the tent…While we put up the tents the kids  explored the camp site, walked on the large log and later both of my kids read to Kim's children.

Dinner was amazing; Kim cooked for all of us take a look at this amazing looking plate…

The next day Kim rented a boat and took all the kids fishing; both Alena and Mia Rose loved it and cannot wait to get their own fishing poles. I think that will be the perfect activity for Ron with the girls because this girl is not much of a fisher…

Oh, I almost forgot there was ice "cream"; plenty of dairy free options for the girls leaving everyone happy :)

On Friday the girls and I hiked around Lost Lake which everyone enjoyed - yes, truly I kid you not neither of the ladies griped even so Mia Rose only found one newt ….

By the time we got back from our hike the other parental units had arrived from Portland….

We had one amazing time; these are little things which I never thought would be possible ten years ago when Alena was first diagnosed with Classic Galactosemia.  Our life is luxuriously ordinary and I never ever forget that newborn screening saved both of my children.

Trillium Lake Camping Trip {#gocamping} #oregon #getoutside #nature

I have some news to share with you.  Really are you ready for it?  Okay…we LOVE camping. Yes we do - we love spending quality family time together in the outdoors.  Now honestly this is not something I would have imagined myself saying  fifteen probably even eight years ago; but it is true we love it and that is all of us no exceptions.  Having a new tent that is easily pitched helped, having the right equipment and of course gorgeous nature has helped.  So far we have been on two camping trips.  The first one was to Memaloose State Park and a couple of weeks ago {I cannot believe how far behind I am blogging} we took our chances by driving up to Trillium Lake without a reservation.

Mt. Hood as seen from Trillium Lake {Oregon}

We lucked out; we asked the host and guess what she said?  I think spot 47 is still open…

It does not get much better than this.  Camping right at Trillium Lake with a beautiful view of Mt. Hood; we usually come up once a year during the summer for a day trip but staying over night was just amazing.  We hiked around the lake, the girls and Ron swam while I enjoyed reading my book.  Ron took a swim out to the middle of the lake every morning. One morning a bald eagle pulled out a fish just a couple feet away from him.  Yes, we saw at least a couple different bald eagles {majestic is the only word that comes to mind}, an osprey and lots of other birds.

Both girls - especially MiaRose - were excited about catching rough skinned newts to pet and release them right away. I think MiaRose could have spent all day catching them.  We stayed a couple of nights and it was just pure bliss.  On the culinary end,  we enjoyed pasta one night and baked beans with hot dogs grilled over the fire on a stick the other nights.  Not to forget, there were s'mores every night….

What are you up to this summer?

German Cherry Cheesecake - Kirschkäsekuchen {#Dairyfree} & first 2014 camping trip at Memaloose Oregon State Park

What is going on?  It is finally summer when the living should be easy and time for leisure should be plenty.  This has been said many times by me, but really would someone please invent a device that transposes blog posts onto the screen for editing….

The 2013-14 school year is over and to celebrate we went camping the very first weekend.  We have a new tent and could not wait to get out and give it a try.  Let me tell you it was full success.  The weather was dry out at Memaloose State Park in the Columbia Gorge albeit super windy and making the kite- and windsurfers out on the Columbia River very happy.

Both girls loved riding their bikes throughout the campground - their favorite is to make  s'mores at the camp fire and play silly games.  We have somewhat of a routine when camping.  Ron makes delicious French Press coffee and breakfast then we head out for a daily adventure.  This trip we went on a couple of adventures.  The first day we drove up to Rowena Crest and hiked the Tom McCall Nature Preserve; windy but simply beautiful.  Now let me tell you something about our kids - we have one child that absolutely loves hiking but there is also a cute squeaky little wheel that is not the biggest fan.  Can you guess the hiking fan and the hiking foe?!  -  One thing that sure helped the hiking foe was that we observed a beautiful deer in the park eating her lunch and seeing the ponds on the plateau.  Take a look how beautiful this place is….

Now I know if you are here for the Kirschkäsekuchen you are asking yourself what on earth does any of this have to do with a cake?  Let me tell you,  cherries grow in abundance in the Columbia River Gorge and this is what we saw on our drive up to the nature preserve

How can anyone resist and not stop to buy at least a pound of cherries for each person? Well, I may have bought ten pounds something I shall call planning ahead :)  Back home, they were pitted, placed on cookie sheets in the freezer, then moved to freezer bags and I am happy to report that we now have lots of cherries.  We use them as ice cubs in water and lemonade, and in this German style Cherry Cheesecake…Since we are not going to Germany this summer, I have to bring Germany to us.  Käsekuchen is one of my favorites; dense, rich, full in flavor with little hints of lemon. Unlike the American Cheescake a German style Cheesecake is made with Quark. Neither of our girls have had Käsekuchen before so this was a challenge that I had planned to tackle for a long time.

Take a look…

What do you think?

German Cherry Cheescake {Kirschkäsekuchen}
Crust

• 1-1/4 C flour
•     1/4 C  Sugar
•      1 tsp vanilla 
•      pinch of salt
•     1 egg yolk 
•  1/2 C  Earth Balance or other vegan "butter"

Filling

• 3 eggs, separated
• 2 pack soft silken tofu 
• 1/2 C sugar
• 1/4 C lemon juice (or more to taste)
• zest of 1/2 untreated lemon, grated
• 1/4 C corn starch
• 1-1/2 C fresh or frozen pitted cherries

1. Combine all the dough ingredients and bring together until it forms into a smooth dough.  Roll out the dough on a floured work space.  Place it into a parchment lined spring form pan. 
2. Place dough in spring form pan for about 30 minutes into a fridge
3. Preheat oven to 400 F
4. When the dough has chilled and the oven is preheated bake the dough for about 10 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven, and turn down heat to 335 F
6. Make the filling -
7. Beat egg whites until they are firm.  Set aside
8. Place tofu - drained as much as possible - into kitchen stand mixer. Beat until all lumps are worked out and it is smooth.
9. Mix in sugar, lemon juice (add more to taste), egg yolks and corn starch.  
10. Gently lift egg white under the filling
11. Pour filing into pre baked crust.
12. Place cherries on top of the filling and gently push them down
13. Bake for about 60 minutes until golden
14. Remove from the oven and let rest at a cool place for about 45 minutes before serving

Enjoy!

     

It's Hood #Strawberry Season & #Recipe for Strawberry Dutch Baby #Pancake {#Dairyfree}

Let me tell you about all the blog posts I have written in the last couple of weeks…ahhhhm setuugxfzhfcf, yes you are right there have not been very many lately.  Okay, I admit time has been at a premium in our little green house and it is hard to keep up.  However,  I have written many, many posts in my head but just have not managed to get them out on paper screen.  Will someone please invent a device that let's you transpose posts straight from the mind to a blog post?!

Anyway, exciting things are happening in the Willamette Valley and you know what it is?  Yes,  Hood Strawberries are in season;  the sweetest most amazing strawberry ever.  We first learned about this varietal when moving to Oregon twelve years ago, before that a strawberry to me was a strawberry.  Yes, this is the most delicious strawberry you will ever meet and you can never have too much…

So it will not be much of a surprise for you to hear that it is has become a tradition to go strawberry picking each year. It is fun, and it is so important for children to learn where our food comes from, that it does not magically gets placed into pint boxes and that it takes a lot of work…

In past years we have been picking at various farms on Sauvie Island but this year we decided on a change of pace and went out to visit Unger Farms in Cornelius. Let me tell you it was not only fantastic strawberry picking but also pretty, with the pluses of a small playground and nice little cafe where both girlies enjoyed a strawberry lemonade each...

Now we have 20+ pounds of Hood Strawberries.  Some already made it into jam,

many others made it into the freezer {tip ~ freeze them first individually on cookie sheets before transferring them to freezer bags},

some become delicious accents for salad and vinaigrette,

while others became part of

Strawberry Dutch Baby

•  3 Tb Earth Balance, cut into chunks (or other "butter" of your choice)
•  1 C    flour
•  1 C    Almond Milk (or other  "milk" of your choice
•  4 eggs
•  1 C strawberries cut into chunks
•  Powdered sugar
• 1 pint strawberries sliced and add a sprinkle of sugar if needed

1. Place "butter" in cast iron pan.
2. Place pan in oven and preheat the oven to 425F (yes, pan should be in the oven when you preheat it)
3. While the oven is preheating with the pan in it prepare the batter
4. Mix flour, "milk", and eggs together until you have a smooth batter. Add 1 C of strawberry chances to the batter.
5. When the oven is preheated carefully remove the pan and pour the batter  into the pan.  Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 20 - 25 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar.  
7. Serve with a side of fresh cut strawberries

Bring to the table and serve right away as the pancake will deflate as it cools :)

Enjoy!!!