Kansas Love

Kansas Love…My heart is never happier than when I am on the road and this last trip was no different. We flew out to see family and to rest and I fell madly in love with the Midwest and Kansas.

I learned about family, the land, and the house; it was built by Izzy’s Great Grandparents and Great-Great Grandfather, just as the house next door had been. The garden took up most of the side property, and everything was used, or put up and canned or pickled. We listened to stories about working on phone lines, and one room school houses, and how the family had worked as guards and wardens at Leavenworth. Everyone in the family worked hard, and did right by their family and friends.

For a week, we just sat and listened to stories, and chatted. The air was thick and warm, the beer was cold and plentiful, and the love; the love was true and kind. I don’t remember a time I felt so welcomed, so comfortable, and relaxed right away. Late nights were spent sitting on the porch, listening to cicadas, chasing lightning bugs and watching storms roll in. Each day was full of peace, happiness and adventure for all of us. I drove farm equipment down a street, watched cows, ate mulberries right off of the tree, and tried my darndest to get a picture of a hummingbird. I limited social media exposure and just sat and listened. It was perfect.I explored this new place through Izzy’s eyes and watched as she happily met new family, picked up new bugs and excitedly took in her new surroundings.

I can’t say enough how amazing the whole trip was, and how much we can’t wait to get back there. This trip helped us see how much we want a life like this for Izzy and how much I want for her to be able to run around and explore, safely. It really solidified how much I want a farm and more critters of my own. It was really like we found just what we wanted from life.

I hope you enjoyed this post and the pictures and that they convey even a tiny bit of the adventure we had, and happiness we found.

Yours in travel, and in happiness,

Raina

IMG_0183

IMG_0027

IMG_0008

IMG_0003

IMG_9904

IMG_0029

IMG_0218

IMG_0171

IMG_9934

IMG_9879

IMG_9857

IMG_9856

IMG_9821

IMG_9816

IMG_9814

IMG_9802

IMG_0311

IMG_0300

IMG_0296

IMG_0291

IMG_0285

IMG_0260

IMG_0049

IMG_0039

IMG_9691

IMG_9692

IMG_9703

IMG_9704

IMG_9715

 

 

Beer Friday – Saturday Cider Edition!

cider

Beer Friday is back with a Saturday Cider edition twist y’all, and I couldn’t be happier! You know I love beer Friday, but I’m just going to put something out there:

Sometimes it is too darn hot for beer.

I know, I know. I can hear the gasps and feel the stares of shock. Trust me here; I have something that will quench your thirst and make you happy.

Cider.

Ok, not any old cider, but Locust Cider, made here in Woodinville Washington. Score for the local business lovers, too!

I had a chance to attend an event there Wednesday night with a fellow foodie and pastry chef, Lauren. We sampled 4 main ciders, and 2 sneak previews and I am in love. All of the ciders were crisp, fresh, and to my happiness: not too sweet! These are easy to drink, sit in your backyard with a plate of ribs and let the cider cut through that delicious fat. Are you hooked yet?

cider2

IMG_0449

cider

Here’s what we had:

Original Dry: this is their flagship and carries an ABV of 6%. It’s clear, slightly golden and crisp. It’s just slightly bubbly and it is so good. This one is your go to for BBQ and fattier (read: delicious) foods.

Next up was the Summer Berry, a yummy blueberry cider, with a ruby hue and a lovely 4.5% ABV (which means you can totally have more!). What I enjoyed most about this one was that even though you could taste the berries, you didn’t lose the apple. It was very well balanced.

My personal favorite was the Dark Sweet Cherry, a pale pink, almost rose color. At 6% ABV and slightly more sweet than the others, this was my clear winner. It had a good sharp cherry taste, but again, the apple flavor was still present. I am kicking myself for not getting a growler of this! I can see myself using this in a reduction or a glaze for pork loin.

The last regular release we tried was the Green Tea Hard Cider made with decaf Chinese green tea. They add it twice (pre and post fermentation). so you get the subtle grassy taste from the tea, but you don’t lose any of those yummy apple flavors. This one also has an ABV of 6%.

As if that wasn’t enough, we were also treated to two soon to be released specialty ciders: the Normandy Bittersweet Reserve and the 6 Month Aged Washington Apple blend-these were definitely a treat, both still crisp, but with more body, and more tang than the others. I can’t wait for these to go into regular release!

Overall, I give these ciders a solid 9, with the Dark Sweet Cherry a 10. I love that one!

So, I bet you’re ready to try these ciders, right? If you’re worried about the trek to Woodinville, don’t be! You can find these in Haggen grocery stores and in some local bars in Seattle. The price point is easy to swallow too, averaging $9 for a 6 pack. You can also pick up a growler for a great deal too!

Normal disclaimer-I did receive delicious treats to allow me write this post, but all of these opinions are my own and I would be doing a shout out even without the cider perks! Now, get over there and have some cider!
Raina