Induction cooktops are taking the food-preparation appliance market by storm. Nearly every cooktop manufacturer — from the high-end La Cornue range models that cost thousands of dollars, to small portable single-burners for RVs and restaurants selling for only $100 or so — is available through appliance showrooms and online. Offering a safe and energy-efficient way […]
Barb Bourscheidt
A Gig Harbor artist potter and community activist, Barb Bourscheidt is a freelance writer who writes on subjects of personal interest, usually the arts, gardening, cooking and the environment. A working artist, she creates pottery that reflects her love of nature, incorporating leaf motifs on surfaces of functional kitchen, garden and decorative ware. Although posts are infrequent, Barb has a personal blog at clayladybarb.blogspot.com.
Posted inFood & Entertainment
How to Use a Stand Mixer Like a Pro
Kitchen shops and big-box stores feature a virtual cornucopia of laborsaving, timesaving appliances for the home cook. Perhaps the most popular appliance is the countertop stand mixer, a veritable workhorse that whips, kneads and beats doughs of every description. In addition, many manufacturers of these mixers offer attachments ranging from pasta makers to sausage stuffers, […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Figgy Pudding
“Oh bring us some figgy pudding, and bring it right here!” Those familiar with the ancient traditional Christmas song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” will recognize the second verse asking for figgy pudding. What is figgy pudding, and why is it included in a Christmas carol? In the 14th century, figgy pudding was a […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Everything Pumpkin
As the temperatures cool and the days shorten, leaves begin to turn from greens to golds, orange and scarlet, and pumpkin season is just around the corner. While most of us consider pumpkins a vehicle for carving scary faces and lighting for Halloween, we overlook the delicious and nutritious aspect of this ubiquitous squash. Pumpkin […]
Posted inGarden
Supporting the Natural Ecosystem with Native Plants
Specialty nurseries are a magnet for serious gardeners — and Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery, located in Gig Harbor’s backyard, is a favorite. With a timely message for gardeners concerned about garden resiliency for climate change, Ingrid Wachtler and her staff are ready to help. “Native plants are not necessarily low-water-use plants because many are wetland […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Neighborhood Restaurant Becomes a Destination
The avid entrepreneurial restaurateur team of Jody and Alan Davis have been the proud proprietors of the trendy Hound + Bottle restaurant in Manette for the past six years. Rock ‘n’ roll music, an eclectic decór and small but elegant menu greet neighborhood groupies and visitors who come for crafted cocktails and cuisine Wednesday through […]
Posted inGarden
The Dream of a ‘Secret Garden’ Comes to Life as a Place of Solace
Stepping into the garden surrounding the happy yellow house on a quiet cul-de-sac, you are entering a wonderland of vignettes — a secret garden full of treasures at every turn. Blousy, full, flowering plants; miniature glass houses; displays of birdhouses; and even a real vintage bed in the garden elicit oohs and ahhhhs. Debbie’s (last […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Baking on the ‘Barbie’
When midsummer temperatures rise, no one wants to heat up the house by turning on the oven, but an enjoyable alternative can be baking on the barbecue grill. With just a little time spent learning how to regulate the temperature on the grill, everything from pies, cobblers and cookies to cakes can be successfully baked […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Enjoying Gig Harbor from an Authentic Venetian Gondola
The shiny, sleek black boats being piloted around Gig Harbor are authentic vessels imported from Venice, Italy. Gondoliers John “Cinque” Synco and business partner Greg Garite even order their “uniform” striped shirts and straw hats from Venice. The pair wish to pay homage to the traditions of the Venetian gondola industry and also support the […]