Pacific Northwest Road Trip Day 1

Fish and Chips @ The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips in Port Orford, OR

On our way down to Crescent City the first day of our road trip, Jonathan and I decided to take the 101 down the Oregon coast. I had no idea that Oregon had sand dunes, and they were so big, too! We drove through small coastal towns with their local art and clothing shops, which reminded me of coastal New England.

The fish and chips were pretty rad. The tartar sauce was the best part, though! Some dill and pickle juice I think… something in it made it taste extra special.

Voodoo Donuts in Portland, Oregon

Voodoo Doll, Memphis Mafia, Bacon Maple Bar, and Dirty Snowball doughnuts @ Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, OR

For Fourth of July weekend, Jonathan and I went on a road trip down to San Francisco. On our way back to Seattle, we stopped by Portland and enjoyed ourselves some Voodoo Doughnut. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a Maple Bar donut as fast as I did.

I swear there’s some voodoo magic that makes those donuts taste extra good compared to all the other donuts I’ve ever eaten (except for malasadas, which will always reserve a special place in my heart!). Though there is always a line and a substantial wait, it is totally worth it. More road trip pictures to come!

Herb Troubles

I always wanted to grow my own herb garden, but never did because a. I didn’t have space, and b. I simply did not know how. Last summer, I bought my first basil plant from Trader Joe’s and realized how great of an investment fresh herbs are! For $4, I had fresh basil for months!

Since then, I bought dill, rosemary, and chives. Unfortunately, I lost my chives to a scale infestation, womp womp; I had to learn to fight off the aphids killing my rosemary (was successful); I bought self-watering pots because I was concerned I would overwater… you should ask Jonathan how much I worry about my herbs, it’s kind of funny/ridiculous.

I would characterize myself as a person with a “black thumb”, but I am proud to say that I am gradually learning how to nurture these babies. It’s difficult growing plants indoors, especially in Seattle. And after seeing my dill flower with pollen and grow as tall as it has, I’m beginning to feel a little more confident. Perhaps one day, my thumb will turn green!

Slow Cooking Pork Shoulder Overnight

Whoever invented the slow cooker was one smart person. Used two thin sliced medium onions, a cup of chicken broth, and a cinnamon & cumin rub. Ten hours later cooked on low, my pork shoulder steaks were tender to perfection.

The next invention just needs to be a contraption that keeps the aroma IN the slow cooker so I do not have to smell it in my sleep…

A la Mode Pie Classes: All-you-can-eat pie and one to take home!

Star-Spangled Sour Cherry, Blue Hawaiian, and Strawberry Rhubarb Pie @ A la Mode Pies in Phinney Ridge - Seattle, WA

I attended one of Chris’ pie-making classes at his pie shop for a work function (you can find more on classes here) and made my own Marionberry & Hazelnut pie! Got to take the whole pie home, eat it all on my own, share it, freeze it, and finish it. It was awesome!

Those Portlandia brunch folks would be so jealous… Marionberry pie > Marionberry pancakes any day. :)