Eggs » Just 5 More Minutes

★ {Olympic Peninsula Loop} Part 4: Fort Worden ★

Great RV Resorts, Olympic Peninsula, Pacific Northwest Weekend Escapes No Responses »

Jun 132013

It was our last night glamping with our Airstream at Fort Worden State Park. Around 2 am we awoke to winds howling and rain pouring down. I’m glad we were smart and put the awning up before going to bed. Have you ever had to put your awning up in the middle of the night because of strong winds and heavy rain? Not a pleasant experience, that’s for sure.

While the boys slept in, I took Oliver for a walk up to Fort Worden to get an up close and personal look at the historic buildings and also get a feel for where the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman,” was filmed. I also thought about those crepes I would make for the boys when they woke up . . . Continue reading »

★ {Olympic Peninsula Loop} Part 3: Rialto Beach & Fort Worden ★

Beachcombing, Hiking, Olympic Peninsula, Pacific Northwest Weekend Escapes, Surfing No Responses »

Jun 112013

Airstream trailer road trip and glamping around the Olympic National Park

Map of Port Townsend Fort Worden

It was day three of our Olympic Peninsula Loop which meant, two more days before returning back to reality of corporate America (insert sad face). We enjoyed a breakfast of chocolate croissants, coffee and hot cocoa. With maps spread out over our morning table we began analyzing how our day would be spent.

“Can we go to the beach mommy?” B asks me pointing to Rialto Beach on the map . . .

Hubby and I looked at each other — “Yes! Let’s do that.”

And off we went . . .

{Throwback Thursday} ★ From Oregon’s High Desert to the Sea ★

Oregon Destinations 2 Responses »

May 092013

Last year, this time we were returning from Oregon’s high desert making a stop along its majestic coastline on this beach called Tierra Del Mar. It is a trip that is still very vivid in our minds . . .

Airstream on the Beach

When you spend time in Oregon you begin to realize just how incredible it really is here in all that it has to offer. Dramatic coastlines, high deserts, state parks galore and so much more.

A couple more places to visit were on our agenda and then our trip would come to a close. On this day we stopped at one of our favorite places to be with our Airstream.

Right next to the sea.

Hubby and B started exploring and I started preparing lunch for us. Continue reading »

{ Recipe } ★ Loaded Baked Potato Muffins ★

Recipes 9 Responses »

Apr 072013

Today was a rainy (and chilly) day in Seattle. Shocking, I know :)

With the sound of the heavy raindrops outside, I always get the urge to bake and today was the perfect day! I’ve been inspired now for quite some time to bake since our recent trip to McCall, Idaho. During our trip I met many people who raved over “Stacey Cakes,” which is a sweet little bakery run by Stacey Kucy. I couldn’t visit because I became sick but she was so thoughtful to send me some goodies in the mail wishing me well because she heard just how badly I wanted to visit.

While perusing Stacey Cakes Facebook page I spotted a picture of “Loaded Baked Potato Muffins,” and I knew immediately I wanted to try and make these myself. Honestly — what could be better than a savory muffin packed full of salty bacon, crisp green onions and cheddar?

So off into the Airstream I went and gave these muffins my best shot. Little Oliver followed behind me and kept me company – love my little puppy . . .

Felt awesome to be back in my tiny kitchen, cooking . . .

Oliver in slumberland . . .

What dreams are made of :)

I truly hope that you do give these a try. If you happen to have left over mashed potatoes, this would be an excellent way to use them up!

~ Monica xoxo ♥

Loaded Baked Potato Muffins

Print recipe

Ingredients

2 eggs
3 cups mashed potatoes
1/2 cup grated onion
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup cooked, chopped bacon (reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions
2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat

Directions

Step 1
In a large bowl, stir the eggs into the potatoes.
Step 2
In a separate (smaller) bowl mix flour, salt and baking powder and add this to your potato mix.
Step 3
Fold in the bacon fat, bacon, cheese and green onions.
Step 4
Spray muffin tins with cooking spray and fill almost to the top (they won't rise much).
Step 5
Bake at 400 degrees F for about 25-30 minutes if you are using large muffin tins or for 15-20 for smaller tins.
Step 6
Bake until the edges become a beautiful golden color :) Serve warm or cold - delicious either way xoxo

A Zip Lining Adventure with Zip San Juan

For Breakfast, For Dinner, San Juan Island, San Juan Islands, Sweets, Zip Lining 4 Responses »

Jul 052012

“How many more days until we go zipping mommy?” B asked

Over and over, every day this question came from him.

Finally I was able to tell him that today was the day!

“Yaaaaaaaay!”

I will admit it, I was nervous. Heights are not something I am fond of. As a matter of fact, I am quite terrified of them.

But do you want to know something? It was AWESOME. Thank you Zip San Juan for the memories and the most exhilarating experience. Ever.

Our day started off with a very fulfilling breakfast complete with soft boiled eggs the way B loves to enjoy them.

“I’m so full mommy.”

Perfect — now it was time to go and catch our ferry. We were “walk on passengers” this morning en-route from Orcas Island to San Juan Island where Bryan of Zip San Juan was waiting for us near the ferry landing.

“Let’s go!”

~ We were walk on passengers. A nice change of pace.

~ Megan, Bryan and Candace — our awesome, funny and “make you feel comfortable” guides :)

~ This was the last line in the zip line series. It was the “slowest” line of them all :)

~ A stewed berry dessert prepared in my Airstream kitchen for dessert that evening

After our Zip Lining experience we headed back to the ferry, but not before stopping by to say hello to Popeye down at the Friday Harbor marina.

~ Popeye, the local resident harbor seal. She will capture your heart, forever.

~ Here in the Friday Harbor marina you can take a leisurely stroll and pick out your dream boat. Which one would you choose?

~ Grilled tender lamb chops with rosemary buttermilk dipping sauce (I omitted the mayo and used non-fat Greek yogurt in place). Basil oil vinaigrette (minus the chili) for the thinly sliced potatoes and red onion salad. This was a dinner to celebrate our incredible day.

~ Home Sweet Home – West Beach Resort, Orcas Island.

The Wonders of Yellow Island and a Wooden Sailboat Race

For Dinner, For Lunch, Sailing, San Juan Islands, Yellow Island 11 Responses »

Jun 252012

“Did you know you would be spending over six hours on Yellow Island Monica?” asked Phil.

“Why yes!”

(he smiled and looked very surprised)

Who is Phil you ask?

Well, to me, he is one of the most incredible people I have ever met. Ever.

You see, Phil lives here on Yellow Island which is one of many islands here in the San Juan Islands. He lives in a cottage, by the sea, that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. He has lived here for not one, not two – but 14 years and he helps take care of Yellow Island for the Nature Conservancy.

“It’s just the seals and I,” he tells me when I mention to him how wonderful it must be to live here.

Of course he has a boat to reach Orcas Island but just for a moment, try and imagine his life here as I take you through my day on Yellow Island.

Skipper Ward Fay of Northwest Classic Day Sailing brought me to Yellow Island so I could photograph the wooden sailboat race that had its course plotted around the island of which hubby and little B were participating in. Access here is via boat (there are no docks) or kayak.

Prior to the race, Skipper Ward took us on a beautiful cruise in the San Juan Islands aboard “Aura.” He showed us many breathtaking places and even let B take the helm. Oh the thrill B had knowing that “Aura’s” destination was completely in his little hands.

I spent my day on Yellow Island photographing the boats as they sailed by and taking in the stunning landscape of this magical island.

When my day was over and we arrived back at the Airstream I couldn’t stop thinking of all the beautiful colors of the wild flowers that surrounded me during my stay on Yellow Island. With inspiration from those colors I put together a colorful salad and baked a cherry clafoutis for dinner.

Classic Northwest Daysailing
~Skipper Ward and B

Aura
~ Aura and Skipper Ward well on their way . . .

~ Just one of many pathways to serenity you will find here on Yellow Island

Yellow Island, WA State

~beautiful wooden kayaks on the shore of Yellow Island

~ Kayakers paddling past Yellow Island

~ Phil’s Cabin

~ Fava beans from the Orcas Island farmer’s market

view of Yellow Island from the top of Turtleback Mtn, Orcas Island
~ Yellow Island as seen from the top of Turtleback Mtn., Orcas Island, WA

~ Yellow Island as seen from the water

~ Cherry Clafoutis fresh out of my Airstream oven

~Beautiful “Aura”

~ Phil waving good-bye :)

It was the perfect ending to a day that I am certain I will never forget.

Thank you Skipper Ward Fay for the incredible day! Not only did we enjoy viewing the islands through a different perspective, I was able to enjoy my day on Yellow Island.

You can find the Clafoutis recipe here and as for the salad? I used Tom Thumb lettuce that I grew in my home garden, watercress, quickly blanched fava beans, sliced red onions and grape tomatoes. The magic happens with the basil oil and a squeeze of lemon.

Basil oil is simple — just a handful of b
asil and 1/2 cup of olive oil and give it a whir in your blender. Don’t forget to add some salt and voila — you have a delicious oil you can use on anything from salads to soups or mix in with sour cream for a delicious dip.

Bon appetit!

A Harvest Festival, a Quaint Cabin Tour and a Breakfast of Nest Eggs

Eastern Washington, For Breakfast, Suncadia Resort, Washington Destinations No Responses »

Oct 162011

FINALLY. Suncadia’s Harvest Festival was here. B has been counting down the days now for a very long time. The leaves in the trees were changing colors, the air was crisp and our Airstream was toasty warm upon our return.

Suncadia's Harvest Festival 2011

Pumpkin carving, seasonal crafts and chuck wagon rides by Happy Jack were just a few of the activities offered on this beautiful day.

Suncadia Harvest Festival after our visit to Swiftwater

Did I mention that there was hardly a cloud in the beautiful blue sky?

Happy Jack's Chuck Wagon Rides at Suncadia's Harvest Festival 2011

Bill and Val run Swuak Prairie Produce and it is obvious they are very farm proud.

Swauk Praire Produce at Suncadia's Harvest Festival 2011

Bill was very happy to tell me all about his chickens and how happy they were to be “free on their range.” Here is Val holding up the August 2011 issue from Farm & Ranch Living magainze where Swuak Prairie Produce was featured. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I was to meet Bill and Val. Farm fresh eggs year round — and also fresh veggies? I picked up some of these fresh veggies :) It was so great to meet local farmers Bill and Val and bring their organic fresh local fare back to my trailer to cook!

Swuak Prairie is open to the public so please do stop by!

Suncadia Harvest Festival 2011

Pony rides, Kettle Corn and fun crafts filled our day . . . but soon it was time to head to the Bennett Cabin where we would spend our evening by the warm fire telling stories. The Bennett Cabin was built over 30 years ago by the Bennett Family, all by hand. It took over 5 years to build but as you can see from the pictures, it feels as if you are in a fairytale once you step inside . . .

Bennett Cabin

We spent the night in our Airstream (which was very nearby) and the next morning I took a walk to the cabin to take some pictures and eventually cook some breakfast.

a morning walk around the Bennett Cabin 2011

I could hardly wait to prepare breakfast on the cast iron, wood burning stove using my farm fresh eggs. Have you ever heard of Nest Eggs? That is what I prepared that morning.

Nest Eggs at the Bennett Cabin

Our Airstream Off Road