Jul 192012
 

Here on Orcas Island, down below Turtleback Mountain is where you will find Turtleback Farm Inn.

We felt very lucky to have been able to spend some time here as well as meeting Bill and Susan Fletcher who are the proud owners of this beautiful farm and charming Farm House and Orchard House.  If peace, quiet and sweeping views are something you are after, this is the place to be.

On Island for over 20 years Bill and Susan take pride in creating an environment of complete tranquility for their lucky guests.  Susan’s gourmet breakfasts are also quite amazing from her breakfast crepes to corn waffles and many savories as well.

Flipping through Susan’s cookbook I am completely inspired.  She uses only the freshest local ingredients and the combinations of flavors that she develops, well, I could hardly wait to return to the Airstream to prepare some goodies.  In her book the recipes are clear, concise and the pages are full of so many cooking tips and funny little anecdotes that made me smile.  Deep history about Orcas Island also fills these pages and I can say that this book has a home in my handbag and I carry it everywhere.

How lucky we were to be able to be here.

“Can we go and see Chompers mommy?” B asked

On our way went to explore this magical place . . .


~ I prepared these ricotta tartines with inspiration from Susan’s cookbook

Easy peasy sweet roasted fruit:

The sweet roasted fruit was sprinkled with sugar and placed in a 400 degree oven for 1/2 an hour.  Cut the rhubarb so it creates a bed for the other fruits to lay on top of.  Take 2 cups of marscapone and a handful of chopped dried crystallized ginger and mix together in a separate bowl.  The longer this mixture sits in the fridge, the better :)  Once scooped onto the warm fruit it melts and turns this simple recipe into something amazing.

Bon appetit!

May 102012
 

“You must go and visit the tulip fields Monica,” a friend of mine told me a very long time ago when I first moved here to Washington.

Now that I am here, I am wondering why I waited for so long to make the trip.  As far as your eyes could see, there were brilliant colors of reds, pinks, purples and yellows rolling over the gentle hills.

It was an early morning actually.  Very early.  That is probably one of the greatest benefits of having your home on wheels with you.  You can go anywhere and get there early before all of the crowds.

It was so beautiful here.  I’m sorry I didn’t make the trip sooner.

Also happening at the same time was the farmers market in Mt. Vernon which is very nearby to the fields.  We needed something for lunch and I was so happy to find fresh English peas, ready to eat edamame and some smoked salmon.  What a perfect way to enjoy our lunch that afternoon.

Fresh and simple with a light spread of savory mascarpone that I seasoned with plenty of salt and pepper.

That’s it :)

Oh and I won’t forget to tell you about those radishes :)  They were very, very spicy and added a nice crunch.

Mt. Vernon Farmers Market, Washington

~ an outdoor market in Mt. Vernon, Washington

What an amazing weekend full of bright colors, delicious food and just being together.  I hope that you can come and visit it here one day.  It is truly something to experience once in your life.