The Greeks held high regard for basil (Ocimum basilicum), and named the herb Vasilikos (pronounced vah-see-lee-KOHS), which means king. In India, basil is favored as a sacred herb. Throughout the centuries, the plant was considered the herb of love, yet on the other hand, it represented hatred for your enemies. Superstitious assertions had witches using […]
food
Posted inAt Home, Blog
Turning Zucchini Excess into a Yummy (but Overflowing) Casserole
What do you do with a zucchini the size of a small pony, enough basil to fill a wheelbarrow, so many small tomatoes that could choke a dragon, and ample packages of moose meat in the freezer? These items in themselves come with a million recipes. Zucchini this, zucchini that… I wasn’t about to go […]
Posted inAround West Sound, Blog, Featured
Fresh Food Revolution is a Step Up to Sustainability
The Fresh Food Revolution Co-op on the Key Peninsula began in 2010 when a small group of fresh-food enthusiasts wanted a way to support local growers. They found a delivery site and busily set about connecting consumers with food producers. In 2011, an official cooperative was formed, complete with a board of directors, about 50 […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog, Featured
Blend Late Summer Produce to Make Sauces, Sips and Soups
Want to get the most out of late summer’s fresh fruits and vegetables? Look to your blender and spice rack to puree seasonal produce into refreshing sips, chilled soups and savory sauces. “We’re in peak farmers market season with an abundance of juicy, red tomatoes and leafy greens,” says Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick […]
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Creative Tablescape Competition Winners 2015
This year, WestSound Magazine magazine received an abundance of creative tablescapes. The choices were all wonderful — but our tablescape judges, Linna Lawrence and Tami Blacknall, made the difficult decisions! Thank you to all who took the time to submit their tablescapes. And thank you to our judges for their time and expertise. Congratulations to […]
Posted inFeatured, Food & Entertainment
The Wine Cabinet — Sparkling Wines
There are a wide variety of sparkling wines made throughout the world. Lets first establish the idea of champagne vs. sparkling wine. Sparkling wine can only be called champagne if it comes from the region of Champagne, which is just outside of Paris. Further, champagne can only be made using chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog
How to Sweeten Summer Celebrations with S’mores
Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a block party or movie night, you can sweeten summer fun and celebrations with an iconic treat. August 10, National S’mores Day, is a great reminder to make the most of summer. This year, consider going beyond the classic S’mores recipe that family and friends have been enjoying for decades. […]
Posted inAround West Sound, Blog, Featured
Veggies, Flowers and Meats — Oh My! Downtown Gig Harbor Farmers Market Booms
Every Thursday afternoon, more than 40 farmers and food producers gather at Skansie Brothers Park on Gig Harbor’s picturesque waterfront in order to supply eager shoppers with organic and sustainably produced local fare. Organized as a collaborative effort between the city of Gig Harbor and the Downtown Waterfront Alliance, the market teems with farmers and […]
Posted inFeatured, Food & Entertainment
‘Chef Fight Night’ a Treat for Foodies
Are your ready for a fight? Gig Harbor’s NetShed No. 9 has found a wildly successful formula with its organically grown Chef Fight Night (think “Top Chef” or “Chopped”), all while finding a way to utilize its beautiful waterfront facility in the evening after the normal breakfast and lunch restaurant closes for the day. NetShed […]