DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

Anyone notice how I am sort of stuck on my kitchen torch lately? If you are a “way-back” reader than you already know this—for those of you who are more recent readers, I have a tendency to get in these little fits and pockets of repetition. Right now – it’s all about s’mores recipes and firing up my kitchen torch, so be prepared for at least one more s’mores treat. S'MORES RICE KRISPIE TREATS YIELD:   Makes one 9x13 pan Ingredients: GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup sugar 8 tablespoons of butter RICE KRISPIE LAYER 2 tablespoon butter 1 bag (10 1/2 oz mini marshmallow) 6 cups Cocoa Rice Krispie cereal 5 oz. chocolate, melted TOASTED MARSHMALLOW TOPPING 5 large egg white 11/2 cup sugar Directions: PREPARATION Line pan with foil and lightly cover with bake spray. TO MAKE GRAHAM CRACKER LAYER Place graham cracker crust and sugar in a bowl and toss to combine. Add in m...

   Keeping with Easter coming up this Sunday, I thought about the most elegant eggs people can make themselves.  Not many people can own or even get near Faberge eggs.  This are the next best, with their  intricate patterns on such a small canvas. I hope you enjoy this post. by  Jennifer Sartell Once a month I head a women's group of Farm Girls. It's a group of brilliant women, kindred spirits and pioneering ladies who are trying to revisit the joys of living a simple life. We've canned together, made cheeses, knitted, spun, and wove baskets to name just a few activities. Recently, I've met a like soul in Kathy McMinn, owner and operator of  The Basket Sampler , where I get my weaving supplies. Kathy mentioned that among her many talents, she could teach our group how to create Ukrainian Eggs. I thought this would be a fantastic April theme with Easter coming. The traditional Ukrainian Egg is actually ...

History of the Iditarod      The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race  first ran to Nome in 1973, after two short races on part of the Iditarod Trail in 1967 and 1969. The idea of having a race over the Iditarod Trail was conceived by the late  Dorothy Page . In 1964, Page was chairwoman of the  Wasilla-Knik Centennial  and was working on projects to celebrate Alaska's Centennial Year n 1967.     She was intrigued that dog teams could travel over land that was not accessible by autos. In the early 1920's, settlers had come to Alaska following a gold strike. They traveled by boat to the coastal towns of Seward and Knik and from there, by land into the gold fields. The trail they used is today known as  The Iditarod Trail,  one of the National Historic Trails as so designated b the U.S. Congress. In the winter, their only means of travel was by dog team.     The Iditarod Trail soon became the major...

   Fairbanks is home to the  BP World Ice Art Championships , one of the largest ice sculpting competitions and exhibitions on earth. Held every year since 1988, the BP World Ice Art Championships has grown to a month-long event featuring more than 70 teams from around the world. 45,000 visitors come to the Ice Park to see these intricately carved masterpieces. The theme for the 23rd Annual BP World Ice Art Championships is “Dreams Come True” and promises to deliver over one- hundred, larger-than-life sized sculptures.    This year, the event is moving to its new home at the George Horner Ice Art Park. The new Twenty-seven acre park is centrally located and contains a large on-site pond which will produce over four million pounds of "Arctic Diamond" ice—exceptionally clear, thick ice used by the sculptors. Near the pond there is a large designated Kid’s Park which features a whimsical set of slides and sculptures. In addition, there are ice m...