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...

   The original recipe for Italian Cream Cake had no rivals. But then we stirred in a little chocolate!               Ingredients 5  large eggs, separateD 1/2 cup  butter, softened 1/2 cup  shortening 2 cups  sugar 2 1/4 cups  all-purpose flour 1/4 cup  unsweetened cocoa 1 teaspoon  baking soda 1 cup  buttermilk 1 cup  sweetened flaked coconut 2/3 cup  finely chopped pecans 2 teaspoons  vanilla extract   Chocolate-Cream Cheese Frosting   Garnish: pecan halves Preparation Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; set aside. Beat butter and shortening until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with fl...

Tiramisu Dip Espresso, marsala, and mascarpone cheese whipped into an airy dessert dip. Difficulty:  Easy |  Total Time:  10 mins |  Active Time:  10 mins  |  Makes: 3 1/2 cups (8 to 10 servings) By turning  tiramisu  into a dip, you skip all the hassle of making the traditional trifle without losing any of the flavor. We liked strawberries and various cookies as dipping instruments, but the dip could also be spooned into individual cups with a few ladyfingers for a quick, elegant dessert. Game plan:  The dip can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated in a covered container. This recipe was featured as part of our story on summer dips. INGREDIENTS 12 ounces mascarpone cheese (about 1 1/2 cups) 8 ounces ricotta cheese (about 1 cup) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons brewed espresso 2 tablespoons Marsala or Kahlúa 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1/2 cup finely chopped bittersweet chocolate INSTRUC...

   We have already mentioned food myths on a variety of lists – but until now we have not made a food-specific misconceptions list. This list explores some of the most common myths we have about food and (no-doubt controversially) debunks them. In the case of the more controversial topics, I have included sources. 10.  Fat Free – Lose Weight    The Myth:  Fat free food is calorie free    This is a very common myth – so common that food manufacturers market to it. The misconception that fat free is better is the reason that so many products are labelled “fat free,” “low in fat,” “fat reduced,” etc. So many people who want to lose weight will chow down on all of these “low fat” foods thinking they are going to lose weight – even worse, they often tend to eat more of the low fat food than they would have if it were full fat. What really matters when trying to reduce weight is calories – eat fewer calories than you burn ...