winter walking--alaska style

i don't know about you but i think i am over winter. i am a firm believer in enjoy the seasons as they come but winter is always my challenge. i see pictures on the web of green grass, flowers, gardens being planted and i just can't help but be a little envious. 

 the best cure for me is to grab the camera and head out in the cold with husband and pups in tow. 

 on a side note summit had surgery last week and had to wear this cone of shame....poor guy.

on the way back i am freezing but feeling much better. i don't know if it is the exercise, sunshine, or fresh air. i guess i do not care, i am just happy that i am feeling better.

kitchen gadgets -- popcorn love

i love popcorn.  i used to go to the theatre not to go to the movie but to sneak in and buy a bucket of popcorn.  i was lucky enough to live in a small town that would allow me to do that.  now that i am older and never live in a village/town large enough to have a theatre i am forced to make my own.

for years i have searched for the perfect popper and ended up throwing or giving away poppers that just did not cut it. then my friend introduced me to the stir crazy popper and my love for popcorn has been taken to a new level.

i use coconut oil for everything these days, another tip from another friend (if you are wondering if i have any original thoughts....i wonder that too). anyway i use coconut oil and gourmet white popcorn.  the coconut oil is better for me and the popcorn is delicious. when using gourmet popcorn you use less kernels if that matters to anyone? i just like the way it pops up better than a cheaper brand.

i add the oil and the popcorn and plug the popper in and then just watch the magic happen.  i normally wait for the pops to slow down and then unplug the popper. you just flip it over and you can use the lid as the bowl.  

clean up is easy.  i just take a clean sponge and wipe out the popper.  i wash the bowl in a little soap and water.

i do not add butter to my popcorn not because it tastes better without it but because it is healthier that way.  i do add some popcorn salt. the kernels are perfectly popped with very few solid kernels to get in the way of things.