Tag Archives: San Juan Islands

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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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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Our New Mayor is a Real Cow

Posted by Sandi

I’m not kidding! The newly elected mayor of Eastsound is April the Cow.

April the Cow - new Mayor of Eastsound, Orcas Island WA

April - Outstanding in her field and the new Mayor of Eastsound

Our annual mayoral race is actually a fund-raiser for Children’s House. This year’s election raised nearly $5,000 which helps support pre-school programs and infant care for working families.

The election is lots of fun because the animal campaigns are hysterical. April beat out six other contenders as write-in candidate. She’s run for office for the past two years, and this is her first victory. I was personally compelled to vote for her after reading her “mooving” letter to the editor  in Island’s Sounder.

April the Cow - new Mayor of Eastsound, Orcas Island WA

A one-horn cow - perfect icon for our one-cow town

April lives right in town where she’s been ruminating for 15 years. You can read more about her story here. To me, April the Cow and the whole mayoral race are a great example of our laid-back fun-loving island!

Note: Photos courtesy of cow-whisperer Teri Williams

 

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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Fourth of July – ‘Island Style’

Posted by Sandi

Before we moved to Orcas, Bob and I would vacation here during the Fourth of July. There were so many fun things to do – from pancake breakfasts to parades, fireworks to fairs and salmon BBQs. I had wondered if the novelty would wear off once we moved here. Not so! July 4th is still my favorite holiday in the San Juans!

The weather is nearly perfect and the holiday marks what islanders consider the true beginning of summer. Everyone gets in the spirit. The various communities synchronize their activities so there is something going  on for several days and nights.

A few summers ago, we started a tradition of going to Lopez Island with friends to see the Lopez Community fireworks display which has been hosted by local pyrotechnic volunteers for the past 20 years. We are hooked!  If you ever get a chance to go, here’s a peek of what you’ll see:

 [slideshow]
(photos by Bob Friel)

The reflection on Fisherman Bay doubles the impact and the show is phenomenal. The artistic of presentation is quite different from other shows you’ll see. In fact it’s drawn many rave reviews  from mainland newspapers.

This year we got to Lopez Village early enough to see the parade. What a hoot! Here are some shots:

2011 Lopez Island Fourth of July Parade

The parade theme was "the rock's red glare"

 

2011 Lopez Island Fourth of July Parade

Nearby Frost Island joins the procession

2011 Fourth of July Parade Lopez Island WA

Independence Day takes on another meaning for many islanders

Looking to enjoy the simple life in the beautiful San Juan Islands?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

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A Mini Blonde and Her Keeper

Posted by Sandi

We promise this isn’t turning into a doggie blog, but I had to post these photos of Svetlana and her recent birthday present – a (still unnamed) mini-dachshund puppy. I’ve been dreaming of having a little snuggle dog just like this. I didn’t know they came as blondes too!

Svetlana holding new puppy
One happy girl and a lucky pup!

I met Svetlana in May 2010 when she moved into a rental house in Deer Harbor that Teri and I manage. She and Seth had driven cross-country from Philadelphia to Orcas to try out a 360° change in lifestyle. As it turns out, it suits them perfectly. They’ve made lots of friends and enjoy easy access to kayaking and other outdoor activities. Every time I see her she looks so happy. And now she has one more reason to smile!

Mini dachshund puppy

She was wiggling so much I couldn't keep her in the frame!

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 Solstice Celebrated “Orcas Style”

Posted by Sandi

Saturday marked our 13th annual Summer Solstice Parade  in Eastsound. Colorful characters strutted their stuff  in an ‘Around the World’ theme, brightening the overcast day: 

Start Slideshow

2011 Summer Soltice Parade - Orcas Island

I love this town!

 

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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