Tag Archives: Island Hoppin

There’s No Place Like Home

I have been dreaming all winter long of sailing off into the sunset down south in Bahamian waters. Good friends, clear-warm water and a life style to relax in and warm my soul. However, to my surprise, I found myself feeling empty. I could not put my finger on it until I was on the ferry returning to Orcas and rounded the corner at Shaw Island; the Orcas ferry landing came into sight. I missed my island life!

I’ve always had a “welcome home” feeling when getting back on island from a short trip to the mainland, but this trip took me away for three weeks. Returning, I found myself deep in amazement of life right here on this island. Life gets too busy. I had not taken the time to slow down, look around and be thankful. I had been taking my island life for granted, and in fact, had some angst about life not fulfilling my every desire. It was always right in front of me………. If I had just slowed down to look around and see how my life was filled with treasure. I did not have to sail so far away to find what was in my own back yard. Growing my own fresh food, the land around me filled with nature and family memories, work and friendships that challenge and fulfill my soul. I am so glad to be back home and will never again go looking outside my own backyard searching for my heart’s smile. Enjoy today, Teri

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Rehearsal Dinner

Posted by Teri

Did someone say “rehearsal dinner”?

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to cook and feed people, so when my son asked me if we would like to do the rehearsal dinner for his upcoming wedding here on Orcas, I jumped at the chance! He reminded me that this was not going to be a traditional wedding. Good, I said because this was not going to be a traditional rehearsal dinner.  My invites read something like this- “Welcome to Orcas………Island Style. We begin with a bonfire; add good food, family and friends. What to Bring: warm clothes/outdoor shoes”. Then I reminded my son to inform our guests of the weather here at the end March!

Next…menu planning. Welcoming guests to Orcas for the first time or anytime is meaningful to me and has to include as much of what we offer here as possible.

I called Becca Gray, Island Hoppin Beer, www.islandhoppinbrewery.com  and ordered up one of their hoppy beers. My son and his bride live in Portland where IPA’s are very popular. City brewing has nothing over Orcas brewing!

Next I contacted Rick Hughes, Ray’s Pharmacy (more than your mainland Rite Aid) and ordered wine. Jay gave me an organic red for Christmas that seemed to swallow easily, Green Truck, www.classicwinesofcalifornia.com/585winepartners/redtruck.htm .  Rick recommended a white also and the beverages were checked off the list!

A call to my favorite oyster business, Judd Cove Oysters, check them out at www.oysterguide.com/maps/northern-puget-sound/juddcove.  Bill and Char were more than happy to provide me with more than enough to satisfy any “crassostrea gigas”  craving. Add some garlic butter and parmesan and we may need to leave more time to rest our tummy before the main dish is served.

King Salmon

King Salmon

My last order was placed with Troller Point Fisheries, Troller@alaska.net .  Mark and Diana Hoffman, Orcas locals, who have found their passion in fishing. The Kings are on their way as I write.Salmon Recipe:

Place 1 large bay leaf on a square piece of parchment paper. Top with thick slice of

beefsteak tomato; add several slices of red onion. Place room temperature piece of salmon (one portion) on top of the pile. Mix 2

Parchment Salmon Main Dish

Parchment Salmon Main Dish

Tbsp of mayonnaise and tsp of dill together and spread on top of salmon. Fold and close up the parchment paper. Place package on a cookie sheet and place in a 300 degree oven. Depending on thickness of the fish, bake 20-25 minutes, just until fish is turned color and flakes apart. Do not over cook. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. The fish will continue to cook in the parchment pouch. Serve the pouch next to a Caesar salad. Lay several spears of cooked asparagus on top.

Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island? Contact T Williams Realty – we’ll help you find your way home.

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Filed under Recipes