Brie and Papaya (or Mango) Quesadillas

This is one of my favorite appetizers!  The combination of mild brie with the sweetness of the papaya or mango makes a winning combination.  You can make the Papaya/Mango mixture ahead of time and even have the tortillas layered with Brie slices, so you’re ready to bake when guests arrive.

Ingredients:

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1 Papaya, peeled seeded and diced ** (or Mango)

1 Jalapeno Chili Pepper, seeded & minced

1/2 bunch of Cilantro, stemmed and minced

Juice of 2 Limes

4 large Flour Tortillas (or whole wheat)

10 oz. Brie Cheese, rind removed & thinly sliced

2 Tbs. Butter

2 Tbs. Olive Oil

Directions:

1.  Soak the sliced onions in a small bowl of water for 20 minutes.  Drain well and pat dry.  In a medium bowl, combine the onion, papaya (and/or mango), chili and cilantro.  Add the lime juice and gently stir.

2.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Lay the tortillas on a baking sheet.  Place slices of the Brie on one half of each tortilla.  Evenly divide the papaya mixture over the Brie slices.  Fold each tortilla in half.

3.  Melt the butter in a small ramekin in the microwave.  Add the olive oil.  Brush the top of each quesadilla with the butter mixture.  Bake for 5 to 7 minutes.  Turn the quesadilla over and brush the other side with the butter mixture.  Bake 5 to 7 minutes longer, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are lightly browned.

4.  Cut each quesadilla into 3 pieces and serve warm.

NOTES:

• ** I often substitute Mango for Papaya … or even combine Mango & Papaya for this recipe.  I like the sweetness of mango with the onion and Brie.
• If I’m making just one or two quesadillas, I will cook them in a skillet instead of baking them in the oven.  I omit the butter and olive oil and just make them nice and crunchy on the outside.

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Mammoth Lakes in the Summer

Our family just returned from vacationing in Mammoth, California.  Although I’ve skiied Mammoth and camped in the area over the years, I haven’t really spent much time in Mammoth during the summer.  What a beautiful place … truly God’s country.  And, it’s a haven for those that love outdoor sports like hiking, biking and fishing.

We rented a home that we found on VRBO.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner).  We vacationed with another family and had 5 teenagers and 4 adults total … so it was nice to find a home that had a large game room for the teenagers to “hang”.

View of Lake Mamie

View of Twin Lakes from Lake Mamie

Friends of ours that have a place in Mammoth recommended that we drive up to Mammoth Lakes Basin on our first day — to get familiar with the area.  The first lakes you see are Twin Lakes. Lake Mary is the next lake, the largest in the area. When you get to Lake Mamie, there is a great view point on the right, looking down over the Twin Lakes. Horseshoe Lake is the last lake, reachable by road. It’s the only lake in the basin area that permits swimming.

If you’re in Mammoth for 3 to 5 days, here is my list of some favorite summertime activities.

Top things to do in Mammoth during the summer:

1)  Hike Little Lakes Valley trail in Rock Creek.   This is one of my most favorite hikes of all-time.  It’s about the most picturesque hike you’ll ever take!

To get to Rock Creek from Mammoth, you head South on 395 and take the Rock Creek exit at Tom’s Place.  It’s about 25 minutes from downtown Mammoth.  Rock Creek has many great campsites, places to fish and of course, many hiking trails.

Mosquito Flat & Rock Creek

The Trailhead is located at the end of Rock Creek Road.  Mosquito flat starts at an elevation of 10,300 feet.  The Little Lakes Valley trail is very easy and skirts the largest lakes in the basin, including Mack, Marsh, Heart, Box, Long and Chicken Foot lakes.

Marsh Lake

The trail stays fairly close to Rock Creek.  There are many great spots for photo ops along the way.

Trail with Heart Lake in background

We hiked to the end of Long Lake and then turned around.

Long Lake

2)  Eat homemade pie at “Pie in the Sky” after hiking in Rock Creek.  In the summer, they usually run out of pie by 1 or 2 pm.  So … hike early then go eat.  (They have great burgers, too.)

Pie in the Sky Cafe

3)  Ride mountain bikes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin area or Mammoth Mountain Bike Park.  Since most of our group hadn’t ridden in a while, we rented bikes at The Village.  You can take the free trolley (with bike trailer attached) up to Horseshoe Lake.  From there, the trail around Horseshoe is easy and pretty.  You can ride around the other lakes and when you’re ready to head back to town, there is a paved bike path through the trees.  You mostly coast down the path — which is a blast!

Bike Trail – Mammoth Lakes Basin

For the more serious rider, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is the place to go.  There are trails for the serious down hillers and trails for all abilities.  You can get daily passes for access to the trails, gondola and shuttles.  Prices are between $15 – $45 daily.

4)  Picnic in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.   There are rocks and logs along the shores of most of the lakes – which make for great spots for picnics.  We parked on the road at Mamie Lake and hiked in several hundred yards and had a great picnic on rocks overlooking the lake.

Lake Mamie

5)  Take a day trip to June Lake.   This is great on a hot day when you’d like to find a place to play in the water.

• Splash around in Rush Creek.  If the water levels are high, float down the creek in tubes.

Tubing on Rush Creek

• Swing on the Rope Swing (into the water) at Gull Lake.

Rope Swing at Gull Lake

• Eat lunch at the Silver Lake Cafe (closes at 2 pm).  Great burgers & sandwiches!

6)  Hike to Crystal Lake.  It’s a moderate hike with some of the most amazing views.  You climb 900 feet in elevation with quite a few switchbacks.  The trail head starts from the Lake George parking lot.

View from Crystal Lake Trail

The hike is well worth it!  It’s one of the lesser traveled trails in summer in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Crystal Lake

7)  Eat lunch or dinner at Toomey’s — located in The Village.  The food’s just as great as Matt’s food was at the Mobil Mart (Lee Vining).  There’s not much seating, so make a reservation for dinner.  Check out the menu here.  Beware … they serve large portions — even the appetizers make a meal by themselves!

Matt Toomey (chef) at Toomey’s

8)  Eat homemade ice cream at Looney Bean Coffee & Roasting Co (corner of Main Street & Old Mammoth Road).  During the summer, they have 6 to 8 different flavors daily.  So creamy & delicious!  Our groups’ favorite flavors were Peaches n Cream, Blueberry and Mud Pie.  Their coffee and tea is great as well.

Barista at Looney Bean

If you’re in Mammoth for a longer stay, there are some great day trips:

• Drive into Yosemite via Tioga Pass.  It’s about a 2 hour drive from Mammoth Lakes.
• Take the shuttle bus to Devil’s Postpile & Rainbow Falls.  Due to the crowds in summer, the shuttle bus is the only way to visit this area.
• Drive down to Bishop and float on the Owens River.
• Visit the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery (off the 395 at the Mammoth Airport exit).  It’s a very interesting self-guided tour of one of the largest trout producers (the fish are then stocked in the nearby lakes).  This is a short trip and can easily be added on your way home from Mammoth.

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Getting Ready for the 4th

What are you doing for the 4th of July?  We’re having our annual 4th of July BBQ … so I’m updating outdoors with a bit of Red, White & Blue.

Switching out our regular pillow for red and blue ones…

Have a fun and safe 4th of July with your family and friends!

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Zucchini Bread

When life gives you zucchini … make Zucchini Bread!

My husband (our resident gardener) has quite the fruit & vegetable garden going this summer.  We’re getting at least six zucchini a week (from two plants) and it’s not even July.

We’ve been grilling and stir frying zucchini.  Over the weekend, I decided to try out a new zucchini bread recipe.  It’s originally from Cooks Illustrated — with just a few tweaks.  I used low-fat Greek Yogurt, which I always have on hand.  And, I added dried cranberries and toasted pecans.  It was quite delicious!

It’s best to use small zucchini when making zucchini bread.  They have smaller and drier seeds than large, which is preferred in bread.

Zucchini Bread

2 small zucchini (1 pound)

2 cups Flour

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. Baking Powder

1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp. Ground Allspice

1/2 tsp. Salt

1  1/2 cups Sugar

6 Tbs. unsalted Butter, melted and cooled

2 large Eggs

1/4 cup Plain Yogurt (I used low-fat Greek Yogurt)

1 Tbs. Lemon Juice

Optional:  1/2 cup Pecans or Walnuts, toasted & coarsely chopped

Optional:  1/2 cup Golden Raisins or Dried Cranberries

Instructions:

1.  Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan.

2.  Shred the zucchini using large holes of box grater.  Squeeze shredded zucchini between several layers of paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

3.  Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice and salt together in a large bowl.  In a medium bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, eggs, yogurt and lemon juice together until smooth.  Gently fold shredded zucchini and yogurt mixture into flour mixture with rubber spatula until just combined.  (Don’t overmix).  Gently fold in nuts and raisins or cranberries.

4.  Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.  Bake until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out with few crumbs attached, about 55 minutes, rotating loaf pan halfway through baking.

5.  Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack and let cool for 1 hour before serving.

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Shell Bottles

With the weather finally warming up around here … and knowing that summer is next month, I’m in the mood to “lighten up” around the home.

Over the weekend, I unpacked my sea shells and started rearranging my shell bottles.  I still have more work to do, but here’s a sneak peak.

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Asian Grilled Salmon

We eat quite a bit of salmon, so I’m always looking for new ways to fix it.  This Asian Grilled Salmon (borrowed from Barefoot Contessa) is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to fix salmon.  It takes 10 minutes of prep and you’re ready to grill.  I often buy the salmon from Costco and I have the marinade ingredients on hand – all the time.

Serves 6

Ingredients

2  1/2 to 3 pounds Salmon, boned with skin on

2 Tbs. Dijon Mustard

3 Tbs. Soy Sauce

6 Tbs.  Olive Oil

1/2 tsp. Minced Garlic

 

Directions

1.  Light the grill (or prepare charcoal briquettes).

2.  Whisk together (in a small bowl) the mustard, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic.  Drizzle half of the marinade onto the salmon and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.

3.  Prepare the grill with an oiled paper towel.  Place salmon skin-side down on the hot grill.  Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness of fish.  Turn fish carefully with a wide spatula and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes.   The salmon may be slightly raw in the center, but it will keep cooking as it sits.

4.  Transfer fish to a serving platter or plate, skin-side down.  Spoon reserved marinade on top of fish.  Allow fish to rest for 10 minutes and serve.

TIME SAVING TIPS:

• I use Crushed Garlic (from the jar) instead of mincing the garlic.
• And, as I said above, I often buy our salmon from Costco.  When I buy the salmon in the foil containers, I just pour the marinade directly onto the salmon.  One less dirty dish!

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Mexican Grilled Corn

As you know, my all-time favorite cooking magazine is Cooks Illustrated.  So last week, when I wanted to make grilled Mexican corn, Cook’s was the first place I turned.

It was easy and delicious!   And the great thing about this recipe … you can make the crema mixture in advance!

Mexican-Style Grilled Corn

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Mayonnaise (I used light)

3 Tbs. Sour Cream (I also used light)

3 Tbs. minced fresh Cilantro Leaves

1 large Garlic clove, minced or pressed through a garlic press

3/4 tsp. chili Powder

1/4 tsp. ground Black Pepper

1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (optional)

4 tsp. Lime Juice

1 ounce Pecorino Romano cheese (grated, about 1/2 cup) OR use canuse Queso Fresco or Cotija cheese

4 tsp. Vegetable Oil plus extra for cooking grate

6 large ears corn, husks and silk removed

Directions:

1.  Turn all grill burners to high and heat grill with lid down until very hot (~15 minutes).

2.  While grill is heating (or you can prepare in advance), combine mayo, sour cream, cilantro, garlic, 1/4 tsp. Chili Powder, pepper, cayenne (if using), lime juice and cheese in a large bowl.  (Bowl should be large enough for you to roll the grilled corn in the bowl with crema mixture to coat.)

3.  In a second large bowl, or large shallow bowl, combine oil, salt and remaining chili powder.  Add corn and toss until coated evenly.  (You may want to use your hands to rub the oil and chili powder evenly over corn.)

3.  Using a clean grill, dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil.  Holding wad with tongs, wipe cooking grate.  Grill corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides (about 7 to 12 minutes).

4.  Place hot grilled corn in bowl with crema mixture.  Toss to coat evenly.  Serve immediately.

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The Lime Drink … without a name

Here’s a refreshing lime drink for summer that’s so easy to make!  My sister made these on vacation in Durango.  While they actually have a name, it’s not one that I would print on my blog.  :)  So … any name ideas for this great summer drink?

Directions

1 large can Limeade, thawed

1 can Vodka (using the Limeade can)

3 cans (or bottles) of Light Beer

Stir together and serve over ice cubes.  Garnish with lime slices, if desired.

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The Best of Durango in Summer

So it’s probably clear that I am a big fan of Durango, CO.  I’ve been there in summer, fall and winter … and have always had a great time.

While I love the winters and skiing in Durango, summertime is my favorite.  Here’s my list of the top things to do in Durango during the summer months …

1)  Ride the Rapids

There are several rafting companies in Durango that offer river rafting on the Animas River.  If you’re brave and early enough in the summer (when there is a lot of water), you can raft the Upper Animas and get to experience class 4 and 5 rapids.  For the rest of us, the lower Animas is quite fun — especially after a winter with a lot of snow.

2)  Horseback Riding in the San Juan Mountains

We’ve used two different horseback riding outfits:  Rapp Coral and Buck’s Livery.   I like the trails best with Buck’s Livery (they are close to DMR and have some beautiful trails among the aspen trees and pretty lakes.  But Rapp Coral has the option to take the trails back to a cave — which is a fun experience.

3) Go jeeping in Ouray

Ouray is often called the “Little Switzerland of America”.  It’s a charming town located about 70 miles north of Durango.  You drive the “Million Dollar Highway” to get there — a beautiful drive, but many sharp turns and sheer dropoffs.

We always rent jeeps at Switzerland of America Jeeps.  They have amazing customer service and have the nicest jeeps in town.  They also are one of the few jeeping outfits that have 4-door jeeps for rent.

One of our favorite jeeping trails is Yankee Basin.  In early summer, the wildflowers are in full bloom and after a great winter, there are many waterfalls.

4) Eat outside at Ken & Sue’s in downtown Durango

Ken & Sue’s has the best food in town.  A while back they opened up the back for outdoor seating — which is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.  While there are quite a few good restaurants in downtown Durango — Ken & Sue’s seems to be the locals’ favorite, too.

5)  Swim, Tube or Jump in the Rivers

While the rivers and lakes are quite cool, on a hot summer day, it’s great to tube, swim or even jump from the rocks into the crystal blue waters.  On the Animas River, there are several great places to get in and out of the river in town.  Outside of town, it’s a little more challenging to find public access to the river.

6)  Go for a hike and enjoy nature (and maybe even a picnic)

There are so many great hiking trails in the Durango area.  You ccan download trail maps off the Internet, depending on where you’re headed.

We always take a picnic lunch with us on our day of jeeping.  There are several great sandwich shops in Durango and Ouray.  And on most day trips, we do encounter some incredible wildlife.

7)  Enjoy Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) — the Alpine Slides, Zipline & Music in the Mountains.

At the Purgatory ski resort (now called DMR), there is an Alpine Slide, Zipline and Bungy Jump.  It can be a fun afternoon for the kids.  During the summer months, they also have Music in the Mountains — evening musical performances under the stars.

8)  Cool off at the Hot Springs

There are hot springs and swimming pools in both Durango and Ouray.  It’s nice to spend an afternoon at Trimble Natural Hot Springs — a few miles north of Durango.  You can also get spa treatments in addition to soaking in the pools or swimming in the Olympic-size pool.

There are many more things to do and see, depending on the length of your stay.  Here are a few other things on the list:

• Farmer’s Market on Saturdays
• Take a Glider Ride at the Durango Soaring Club
• Zip through the Trees with Soaring Treetop Adventures
• Ride the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train
• Visit Mesa Verde

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The Durango Home

Can you say “WOW!?”  This is the home we rented for our Durango vacation.  Pictures surely won’t do it justice — as it was incredible!  It’s a 6000 sq. ft. home that had a great layout for the 15 of us (yes … 15 people.  8 adults and 7 kids).

The home (called Stone Creek) is located on a county road about 20 minutes north of downtown Durango.  There is a small stream in the front of the home (along with a pond) and a river in the back yard.

We found the home on vrbo (vacationrentalsbyowner.com).  It’s a great website that we’ve used many times to find vacation rentals.

This is the entry to the home.  The rooms were large and had great spaces for a large group.  When we first arrived, the kids ran through the entire house — screaming with excitement — as it was a very cool home for vacation.

This is the great room.  All 15 of us were able to hang out here while playing games like CatchPhrase and HiYaa.

Off the great room, there is a media room (with surround).  This is where the kids hung out in the mornings and evenings — watching movies and playing games.

The kitchen was huge, which made it great for meal prep for 15.  And, there was enough seating at the dining table and bar to fit all of us for dinner.

And now for the yard …

This is the back yard, looking at the back of the house.  There is a deck the follows the entire back half of the house … with a hot tub, a fireplace, a fire pit, a BBQ grill and large outdoor seating area.

One afternoon, we had a herd of elk come through the backyard.  There were at least 24 elk … all staring at us as we took pictures from the deck.

Can you believe that we had a zip line in the side yard?  Fun, fun, fun!!!!

And a trampoline, hammock, teepee and basketball court.

We could have “hung out” at the house — with plenty to do — our entire stay.  But, we did venture out each day.  Stay tuned for the “Best of Durango”.

A classic picture … the kids shoes in the entry hall!

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