Author Archives: Teri Williams

Crab Salad in Crisp Wonton Cups

Posted by Teri

Here’s another use for our delicious dungeness crab – I found this recipe in Fine Cooking Magazine. Wonton wrappers baked in muffin tins make a perfect crunchy cup to hold this succulent crab salad spiked with sweet mango, cilantro, scallions and lime. Fresh and light – a great summertime appetizer!

Crab salad in Wonton CupsFor the Wonton Cups:

Cooking spray

18 wonton wrappers

2 tsp. canola oil

¼ tsp. kosher salt

For the Dressing:

2 Tbs. fresh lime juice

1 tsp. finely grated lime zest

¼ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. fresh ground pepper

½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 Tbs. olive oil

For the Salad:

½ lb. lump crab meat

1 rib celery, finely chopped

½ c. peeled and finely diced mango

¼ c. thinly sliced scallions

2 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Coat muffin tin with cooking spray.

Make the Wonton Cups:

 Brush both sides of the wonton wrapper with the canola oil and place each wrapper into a section of a muffin tin. Gently press each wrapper into a tin and arrange so that it forms a cup shape. The edges will stick up out of the cup. Sprinkle with salt and bake until brown and crisp, 8-10 minutes. Allow the cup to cool then remove from tin. These can be prepared a day ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

Make the Dressing:

 In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice and zest, salt, black pepper and red pepper. Add the olive oil and whisk until well combined.

Make the Salad:

In a medium bowl, gently toss the crabmeat, celery, mango, scallions and cilantro, trying not to break up the crab too much. Add the dressing and gently toss to combine. This can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To serve, fill each cup with crab salad and serve immediately.

Yields 18 wonton cups

 

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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Letter to Grandma

Posted by Teri

Dear Grandma,

I know what unconditional love feels like because you gave so much of yourself to me.

I could count on the flowers in the yard, the vegetables in the garden, kitties in the basement, hay in the barn, pie in the oven and swimming in the neighbor’s pond after the day’s chores.

You took me blackberry picking. Told me stories about my grandpa and how he logged the land and how these spots were the best for berry growing. I put every berry in my coffee can so I would have a full can by the time your can was full. You taught me to bang my cans together to scare away the bears. I was never afraid because I was with my grandma. 

There was always pie. I love pie. Today, when I make pies I think of you for many reasons. You shared memories, one being that syrup came in a round glass container, we now use as a pie dough roller. I have several and cannot pass one up at a second hand store. You gave me your pie plates so I could make pie and you shared your secret to making the best cherry pie (almond extract).

It was important to you to hold my babies and give me fearless advice on being a mother.

You taught me that making a crab salad was an art and that the right kind of lettuce mattered. Iceberg lettuce, boiled eggs, olives, celery, ripe tomatoes and Thousand Island dressing. I cannot eat crab salad without thinking of you.

You took me clam digging as a young girl. We slept in the back of the truck and cleaned clams for days.  I took you back to Ocean Shores not long ago and we feasted on clams and salmon. You won $400 in the casino that now sits along our clam digging beach, no campground in sight, but, oh the memories we dreamed about together that weekend.

You showed me the strength that generations of woman embodied before me and that I was part of something that mattered.

Thank you Grandma for all you have given me. Most importantly allowing me to see myself through your eyes. 

Lenora Alice Whitmore Carlson Larson

My Grandma

Lenora Alice Whitmore Carlson Larson
January 29, 1916 – August 19, 2011

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Take Your Garden to Work

Posted by Teri

Bountiful garden at T Williams Realty in Eastsound, Orcas IslandWhen I bought my corner commercial units in Eastsound three years ago, I got more than just prime office space: I gained an enviable street-front garden area.  Since I spend almost half my time in the office and my desk looks right out to this greenspace, I decided to make it my own. After the first season, I banished the landscaping service and some of the so-so shrubs in favor of a riot of color I could putter with.

Yarrow and lavender at T Williams Realty in Eastsound, Orcas IslandAt home my garden is mostly veggies, so at “work” I’ve chosen to indulge myself in flowers and fragrant herbs. I like to arrive early and snip here and there, bringing fresh cuttings inside the office for our centerpiece bouquet. On Saturdays you’ll often find me weeding and chatting with the passersby on their way to and fro the Farmers Market.

Fortuantely for my plant habit we have several nurseries on the island:

And when I’m on the mainland I love to lose myself at the amazing Christianson’s Nursery . Worth a day trip!!

Driftwood beach signs at T Williams Realty in Eastsound, Orcas IslandRecently I painted signs for a fun garden focal point. The directional driftwood arrows point to beaches on Orcas, some not so well known – so they should be a conversation starter.

I feel fortunate to be able to bring my hobby to the office. This garden, like every garden, is a labor of love and work in progress. Next year it might look completely different!

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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Summer Strawberry Hand Pie

Posted by Teri

I found this recipe in an OPRAH magazine and had to rip it out to try when my strawberries were ripe. Even though this includes fresh fruit, it’s not a fat free, good-for-you recipe. BUT it’s yummy and the hand pies are small, so calorie count is tolerable (unless you are like my husband Jay and you enjoy 2 or 3.) 🙂

I doubled this recipe and put them in the freezer. I tried to make fresh, but had problems with filling running out onto baking sheet, and under-cooking. I had no run or doneness problems with the frozen pies. DO NOT over fill or under cook no matter how you prepare your pies to cook! Double makes approximately 18-20 pies. 

Strawberry hand pie made with Orcas Island strawberries

Mmmm....better make a double batch!

Single Recipe:

4 oz. cream cheese

1 stick butter, softened

¼ cup heavy cream

1 Tbsp sugar

¼ tsp salt

1 cup flour, plus more for dusting

1/3 cup strawberry jam

¾ cup chopped strawberries

1 egg, beaten

1 ½ Tbsp raw (turbinado) sugar

  1. In a food processor (or with a hand mixer) mix cream cheese, butter, cream, granulated sugar and salt until smooth. Add flour and mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover dough snugly in plastic wrap; chill until firm, 2 to 3 hours. You can keep over night.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Working on a floured surface, roll out half the dough until very thin. Using a bowl or glass, cut out 4-1/2” circles.
  3. Drop about 2 tsp of jam onto one side of each circle and top with 1 Tbsp of strawberries. Brush outer edge of circle with egg, then fold over to make half moons. Press edges together firmly and seal with the tines of a fork. Place on a parchment paper lined sheet tray and cut 3 small slits in each top. Brush with egg, sprinkle with raw sugar and bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes.

Got a favorite strawberry receipe? Please share it soon — I’ve got berries to use!!

 

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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Island Watercolors

Posted by Teri

Indian Island watercolor by Debi Madan, Orcas Island WAMy post on Indian Island  the other day reminded me of a notecard I have with a watercolor painted by my good friend Debi Madan. I’ve always admired her talent, and earlier this year she agreed to give me lessons! On Fridays we get together at various inspirational locations around Orcas – Crescent Beach, Crow Valley, my garden – and as she shows me the technical aspect of painting, I try to unleash my creative side. Maybe someday I’ll feel confident enough to post one of my creations. 🙂 Until then, look for more of Debi’s inspiring art in future posts!

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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Discovering Indian Island

Posted by Teri

Driving into Eastsound for the past 23 years I’ve noticed my view always gravitates to the south toward Indian Island to check out the tide situation. During low tide there are people that look like little ants exploring it. I’ve often thought “I want to do that!”  Then I go about my day of business forget about the little rock.

Indian Island in Fishing Bay, Orcas Island WA

The 1.25 acre island in Fishing Bay is only accessible by foot during low tide.

Well, researching for my recent post on its history kept this curious island lingering in my mind. I made a mental note to check the tide tables and get a closer look.

My son Eric accompanied me one morning as we started out from Eastsound Waterfront Park. The park itself is a wonderful spot to take in the long view down the dramatic fjord of East Sound.

Ochre starfish at Indian Island tidepool, Orcas Island WA

The Ochre Sea Star comes in a variety of colors

We took a leisurely stroll along the emergent sandbar, then skirted the island’s perimeter to examine the many tide pools . Full of color and critters, each was fascinating and worthy of a long stare to notice some of the more subtle sea life.

There’s life on the rock itself too. The knolls are covered with wildflowers and in season, birds nesting. The day we were there we happened upon Canadian Geese nesting. I later found out there were Black Oystercatchers nesting too.  It’s important not to disturb them; these are a sensitive ‘indicator’ species of ‘high concern.’

Indian Island was the first of three Marine Health Observatories in the San Juan Islands. There is important ongoing research being conducted there by scientists and volunteers.

Indian Island is another example of how we’re learning about and caring for our fragile ecosystem in the San Juans. I feel fortunate we’re able to enjoy its beauty and creatures up-close. And I won’t be waiting 23 years to go back!

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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Here’s to More Birthdays!!

Posted by Teri

Birthday candlesI’ve almost hit my 5 year mark as a breast cancer survivor and am proud to be a member of one of the most amazing groups of people. A funny thing happens after you’ve gone through this experience… you find yourself drawn to other survivors.

When you first hear your diagnosis, you feel scared and alone even when surrounded by family and friends. How will you get through this? Here on Orcas, a community of supporters quickly emerged to lift me through the challenges. I found new friendships that nourished my heart and healing. These people will be with me the rest of my long happy life!

Recently I was contacted by a couple who’ve just begun their journey with cancer. They’ve chosen to spend it on Orcas where they have a summer house. Naturally they had many questions and concerns about the logistics of treatment and medical care on the island. I began sharing my experience and information regarding my cancer care team.

Seattle Cancer Care AllianceThe stellar crew at the  Seattle Cancer Care Alliance  was my partner and guiding light. I also found that the medical opportunities available on Orcas and within our reach are limitless. If you want to learn more about my experience you can visit my TeriKicksCancer care page (send me an email to receive your login info). 

My new friend is on her way to experiencing the loving arms of Orcas Island in supporting her walk of life and celebration of more birthdays.

Every day I thank the universe for the opportunity to experience breast cancer and all the positives it has brought to my life!

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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Easy Crab or Spinach Ravioli

Posted by Teri

It’s that time of year to start planning your summer barbeques. This zesty, melt-in-your mouth ravioli is one of my favorites — so easy to make and sure to impress! Using last year’s leftover dungeness crab, I make a big batch of ravioli and freeze them individually on a baking sheet before freezing them in a ziplock. To reheat I just throw them into a pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes. As a variation to the crab filling I also use fresh spinach (see below).

Ingredients 

Ravioli:

Crab ravioli

So much easier to make than it looks! The secret? Frozen wonton wrappers!

All-purpose flour, for baking sheet

90 wonton wrappers (two 12 oz. packages)

1 large egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash

Coarse salt


Crab Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese (8 oz.)

1 cup lump crabmeat (8 oz.)

Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (this varies every time-depending on my mood)


Lemon Sauce for Crab Filling:

1 stick of butter (yep, the real thing)

2 tsp. lemon peel, grated

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

 

  1. Make filling: mix together ricotta, crabmeat, ½ tsp. salt, red pepper flakes.
  2. Make the Ravioli: Lightly flour a baking sheet. Working in batches, arrange 4-6 wonton wrappers on a work surface; keep remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel. Brush wonton with egg wash. Mound 1 tsp crab filling in the middle of each wonton and top with another wonton. Press edges down all around wonton in a circular shape to seal. Cut out circles using a 2 ¼ -inch cookies cutter; transfer to baking sheet. Ravioli can be covered with plastic wrap and placed in refrigerator (up to 1 hour).
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add a dollop of olive oil), working in batches, cook ravioli until they rise to the top, 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 4 Tbsp butter, and heat until just bubbly and frothy. Transfer ravioli to skillet using a slotted spoon, along with about 2 Tbsp cooking liquid. Add 1 tsp grated lemon peel and 1 tsp lemon juice. Transfer to plates.
  5. Garnish: chopped fresh chervil, chives, or green onion

 Serving size: 4-5 ravioli per person

 

Alternate  Spinach Filling:

1 package frozen spinach (thawed and drained) or fresh (cooked, cooled and drained)

1 c. ricotta cheese, ½ c. grated parmesan cheese. Mix well.

 
Tomato Sauce for Spinach Filling (can also use the Lemon Sauce):

Sauté chopped onion in ¼ c. olive oil, add chopped tomatoes, bring to a boil, salt and pepper to taste.

Place large spoon full of tomato sauce onto individual plates, top with ravioli. 

If you’ve got an easy “go to” summer recipe to share, I’d love to hear it!

 

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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Puppy Love

Posted by Teri

Ask anyone and they will tell you I am not a “dog person.” So when my son moved into our guest house (as a paying tenant:) and brought with him two pit bulls as roommates, I knew this would challenge me on many levels!

What I’ve learned is you can teach an old dog a new trick – having gotten to know these pups, I’ve grown to adore them and their different personalities!

Sage plowing through the snow on Mt. Baker

Sage plowing through the snow on Mt. Baker. He has summited Mt. Herman 8 times -- a real outdoorsman!

Sage is an American Staffordshire Terrier and really is just a big 10-year-old boy. He loves to play and bounce off the walls and has to be right in the middle of everything. He bounces through the tall grass like a gazelle. He’s very loving and has a real connection to his “human” side.

Kai’a is a Bluenose American Pit bull Terrier and wears the pants in the family. She’s serious and focused, gentle and has love in her eyes. She’s stockier than Sage, so while Sage is bouncing through the grass, Kai’a is just plowing through, leaving a wide trail behind her.

Kai'a's first litter

The most beautiful pups you ever did see. I watched instinct take hold and witnessed the amazing process of birth and Kai’a becoming a mom.

Recently Kai’a gave us a gift – 11 puppies!  Now I’m not only learning about “dog love” but also about breeding. These pups were bred for color, markings, and lineage. All will be sold as pets with contractual agreements that they will never be over bred or trained to fight, and that they will be raised on natural foods with natural exercise — no steroids or weight pulling.

We’ll have a busy 10 weeks bonding and socializing with these pups. It will be hard to let them go. Yes, me, the “non dog lover,” will miss each and every one of these soft bundles of energy!

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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The Lowdown on Indian Island

Posted by Teri

Tiny Indian Island in Eastsound, not to be confused with the Port Townsend island with the same name

It started at breakfast with friends at the Outlook Inn in Eastsound. The tide was low and the sun was shining in Fishing Bay across Main Street. The conversation turned to curious lore of the tiny island in view. Indian Island, as it is known today, was once called “Jap Island” (not just to us old-timers, but also to the US Bureau of Land Management!). Talk about politically incorrect! Before our time it was known as Victory Island. And at some point there were rumors of mining activity there. So what was the real story?

The title examiner in me (past life) began to go to work. A quick visit to harass my favorite title officer, Teri Nigretto, got me up to speed  (her family has been here forever.) Apparently “Jap Island” got its name because a Japanese man use to live there in small cabin.

Teri and I then did an actual title search and found a deed recorded in 1981 for an Official Mining Claim by the Uptown Low Down Mining Company!

Deed recorded in 1981 by the Uptown Low Down Mining Company

None of the names were familiar and we’d never heard of anything precious being found there other than marine life. We concluded this must’ve been a group of good ole boys imbibing in some spirits when they looked out the window and had an idea to stake a claim. Whether they were serious about their endeavor or just having fun remains a mystery, but I did find proof that my breakfast partners weren’t full of hoo-ha!!

This may not answer all my questions about Indian Island, but now I’ve got a new nugget to toss out at the breakfast table. 🙂

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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