pacific crest trail hike: year #2

Meanwhile, Jeff was on his second backpacking trip in central Oregon, part of the effort to complete a new section of the PCT each summer (trail runs from Mexico to Canada). Last year the team was just Jeff and his buddy Pete, but this year they added an essential new member, good friend Justin. They started around the Mckenzie View Pass and ended at Elk Lake. The weather couldn't have been more perfect.

For weeks they all get ready for this big hike. Not to mention how many trips Jeff makes to REI, all giddy like a kid in a candy store. There is always something that can be bought at REI for the big hike. Too many times I overheard Jeff muttering to himself about his fabulous new hiking gear...i.e. the other night, he was in our bedroom examining his new sleeping bag, saying to himself "I just can't believe it's SO small!" heehee. Pure excitement over something so small; this must be appreciated. :)

This year they hiked around 45 miles (I think) in 4 days, which is less than last year's 60 miles. Maybe there is a new goal to actually enjoy themselves on a trip like this. Jeff returned with absolutely filthy clothes, a raging beard, and war-wounds (aka blisters) on his feet: all signs of mighty manhood!

Here are some pictures from the excursion. What great memories these three are making! I get the definite impression that it's a great time of strengthening friendships. Jeff's so blessed to have these amazing men in his life!

we're makin' sushi

A couple weeks ago we had dinner with three of our favorites, Justin, Jess, almost-2-yr old Mackenzie. They had us over to their backyard oasis, complete with lush garden, white lights, and DIY dinner table (see how-to link here). Of course the eats were fabulous too - they always are in the gourmet Scott household - but this dinner was especially creative I thought (and blog-worthy too!)...HOMEMADE sushi!


I regret not taking more pics of this beautiful spread! We had smoked eel, sticky rice, both smoked and uncooked salmon, mango, avocado, tuna, and more. The process involves smearing sticky rice onto the nori (seaweed), then layering on the toppings of choice. Next, the tricky part (which Justin is a master at): rolling the sushi into a roll! But once this was done, we had gorgeous homemade sushi rolls, and no doubt at a more affordable cost. I kept saying, "I just can't believe we made these!" You must try it!

snuggle time

I love my bubba boo.

devoted

Just had to share this picture I took of Jeff over the weekend - we had to run into Cinco (his office) on our way downtown, so he could send a couple of files over to the printer. Can I first just say, too bad this HUGE computer screen isn't a TV loaded with sports channels, because he would have it MADE! Unfortunately, it's not, and he's been spending 50-80 hours a week here the past few weeks. And yay - that is now over. One thing I love about my husband is his endless dedication to creating perfection; never jetting away from work until a project is absolutely the best it can be, for the client, as well as to uphold the creative reputation of Cinco. I am proud of my worker bee! :)

lime-cilantro pork tacos - only 400 calories for two!

By now, my friends have to know that I will steal the yummy recipes they make and put them on my blog for the world to see. I get excited about food I like, and I crave to share it with everyone (see the recipe below also for another stolen recipe :). My friend Whit made these the other night, and I was shocked at how low fat, yet incredibly tasty they were. I just made them again tonight for Jeff and he loved 'em too!

1 lb. pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into cubes or thin strips (Whit did cubes)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1-1/2 c. chopped onion
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 c. fat free, less sodium chicken broth
1/2 c. chopped plum tomato
3 T. chopped cilantro
2-1/2 T. fresh lime juice
8 flour tortillas (I use the uncooked tortillas from Costco - soo yummy)

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Add oil to the pan. Add pork, and saute 4 minutes or until browned. Remove pork from pan; place in bowl. Add onion and jalapeno to pan; saute 5 minutes or until tender. Add broth; reduce heat, and simmer 1 minute, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in tomato; simmer 2 minutes.

Return pork and accumulated juices to pan. Stir in cilantro and lime juice; cook 1 minute or until pork is done.

Heat tortillas according to package directions. Spoon 1/2 cup pork mixture into each tortilla; roll up.

Nutritional information: Calories 416 (28% from fat), Fat 13.1g, Protein 30.2g, Carb 43.1g, Fiber 3.6g, Cholesterol 75mg, Iron 3.8mg, Sodium 569mg, Calcium 101mg

katie's granola

Just like the recipe above, I stole this one too! One of my friends, Katie, made this granola and I was lucky enough to get to taste some last weekend while camping - I knew I HAD to have the recipe. Lately I have been trying out different Trader Joe's granolas as a healthy breakfast option, but they don't even come close to the one Katie made. I have never been a huge granola fan, but I am SOLD. Make this and you will have a wonderful breakfast every morning and feel amazing afterwards! :)

Katie's Granola
Makes 6 cups

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup sliced raw almonds
• ½ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup unsalted pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds) or shelled sunflower seeds
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher sea salt
• 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, cranberries, cherries)

• Heat oven to 350° F.
  
• On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, toss the oats, almonds, coconut, and pepitas with the maple syrup, oil and sea salt.
• Bake, tossing once, until golden and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Let cool, then add the dried fruit and toss to combine.
  
• The granola will keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks.
  

happy anniversary

years ago! July 16, 2005 was such a happy day. Thus, we celebrate.

*****

This year we decided to keep it low-key for the anniversary weekend, as we've had a lot going on lately! On Friday, Jeff surprised me with dinner at Wildwood, one of our favorite restaurants (he had picked out an awesome Pinot Gris ahead of time even - nice touch!). Yum yum, we always love eating there.

Saturday morning we packed up the car and headed out to a new little discovery for us - Paradise Creek campground. Who says camping isn't romantic? It's just about 30 minutes away from Hood River, just a bit over the Bridge of the Gods.


We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived to Paradise Creek - it's our new favorite place! Right on a creek, in a lush forest, and large, private campsites. The day involved a lot of lounging, reading, napping, eating, wading in the creek, obsessing over the new camp stove and lantern (JEFF), and exploring. It was really a fabulous anniversary just chillin' and bein' together. Here are some pics of our time there:

Side note: My friend Karrie tosses her head back in laughter over the fact that I claim to be a "foodie" yet have no problem stopping for Taco Bell at the nearest truck stop. My answer to this is: Foodies cheat!

Camping is the perfect example. Nobody wants to eat crab legs while camping (hmm actually that sounds pretty good now that you mention it...). I immediately plan for the mac 'n cheese, hotdogs, top ramen, s'mores. On the more gourmet side you have spaghetti, breakfast burritos, canned oysters, or brie and crackers. But let me tell you - everything tastes better when in the woods.

and we're off again!

Jeff and I will be traveling around Europe again in October - our tentative plans are to see Amsterdam, Germany, Switzerland (possibly Austria and Prague too). If you have traveled to any/all of these places and might have suggestions of things we simply cannot miss...please send me an email! Kellyameakins@yahoo.com. We are trying to take care of the planning in the next month or so and will be doing a bit of research, so all of your shared experiences are helpful! Thanks!

perfect little pots

My mom has a major talent with designing yards - most of you know that. I have always admired her pots - even in Seattle where their primary yard is a patio - there is an array of pots which cluster together, making it feel as though you are in a lush garden.

This past weekend I asked her to design my pots, so that they popped out and didn't just look like the randomness that I would create. Here is what she did - keep in mind I they still have a lot of growing to do (note to self: remember to water, and snap off dead flower buds).

I loved the way she approached designing the pots - finding colors that worked well together, as well as finding plants that brought out hints of other colors in nearby plants. This method (and her talent) really make a boring old terracotta pot look amazing! Thanks, MOM! (Oh, and thanks for the rest of my yard too...:)

It was a memorable family weekend of events over the 4th of July. These pictures explain it all.

Alison and Jeff in a cornhole match in our backyard

Jeff and I on 4th of July BBQ

What a handsome dad!

Chloe baby at Cannon Beach on Saturday

All of us taking a nap at the beach

Eating lunch beachside at the Wayfarer

Such a pleasant afternoon.

Wow - what a silly bunch we are.

The 4-hour campfire.