Dora y Edgar in PDX

Omar's mother and brother recently came to visit us in Portland. We were very excited to have them stay with us and show them the beauty of Portland, Mount Hood and the coast.

We started the grand tour at the Rose Test Garden.

We spent time at Wallace Park and on Mt. Tabor. Here is the view from Mt. Tabor, picture perfect!

We spent a day around Mt. Hood. We ate brunch at Timberline, we watched kite surfing at Hood River, and visited Multnomah Falls. What a day!

                                                                   

For most of the week, we walked around Portland hitting up all the highlights of the city. We wanted to show Edgar and Dora how we live and how much we enjoy Portland. It is such a great city to show visitors. We went bicycle riding along the waterfront, shopping and eating at the Farmer's Market, watering the garden and browsing at Powell's.

For the grand finale, we went to the coast for the day. Omar and I enjoyed taking Edgar and Dora to Ecola State Park, which has a lovely secluded beach and amazing views of the shoreline. We ate well at Cannon Beach, and then stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for ice cream on the way home.

 All and all, we had a spectacular week with Dora and Edgar. For those of you who have not visited us yet, let this be a preview of all the wonderfulness waiting for you in Portland!

-Hope all are well!
Linds

I bake.

I love to bake. If I didn't end up eating the majority of what I bake, I would bake everyday. In the future, I want to own a big, clay, outdoor, wood-fired oven where I could bake all day without heating up the house. Pizzas, pies, fruit bread, cookies, quiche. I would bake them all!

Today I baked a lemon meringue pie. My first. My family uses the recipe on the Jello Lemon Pie filling box, but the secret is to add the juice of a whole lemon and the lemon zest to the pie filling.

And, what better use of leftover dough than cinnamon rolls!

I wanted to share my favorite recipe of all time. It is simple, easy and delicious!!

Aunt Maggie's Brownies!!

Combine dry ingredients.
2/3 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

On double boiler melt together:
1/3 cup butter
2 squares of unsweetened baker's chocolate

Whisk together:
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat together dry and wet ingredients. Then add melted chocolate.
1/2 cup of nuts are optional.
Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes in a 9x9 inch pan.

They are always delicious, and I usually have all the ingredients in the house.

Enjoy!
Linds