Summer seems to really be over, and I’m realizing I have yet to post any recipes from our anniversary camping trip.  Every year we spend several nights camping and hiking at Mr. Rainier for our wedding anniversary.  Mt. Rainier is my favorite place on earth and hiking is our favorite date.  In fact, the summer we dated we did over 30 hikes!  But I don’t just look forward to the outdoor activities, I also love planning our meals.  It’s so much fun to make up new recipes for the campfire and grill, and these stuffed mushrooms are one of our favorites. Read more

I’ve never really thought about becoming a vegetarian because I’m obsessed with steak.  But, if for some medical reason I needed to give up meat, I think I would grill these giant mushroom caps at least once a week.  To me they’re the steaks of the vegetable world! Read more

Umami.  Say it with me…Oo-mom-ee.  That’s right, the oh so desirable savory taste that needed it’s own Umami International Symposium in Hawaii to ensure it’s recognition as one of the basic tastes.  Once the subject of controversy, it’s now widely accepted and is available in so many natural forms.   This Asian burger recipe uses 3 different umami ingredients, and I’ve actually been told more than once that this is the BEST burger recipe ever!  It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer holidays in your backyard. Read more

Chimichurri sauce is a condiment or relish (typically green though sometimes red from the addition of red peppers) that is very popular with steak in Argentina.  It’s also used as a marinade for beef or chicken.  Argentina is the world’s second highest consumer of beef, and it’s usually served with this tangy, garlicky sauce.  You can make chimichurri with grocery store ingredients, but oh man is it amazing with fresh picked parsley, cilantro and oregano from my own garden! Read more

The next campfire recipe from our week long anniversary camping trip is a simple sausage sandwich that’s perfect after a long hike.  The sausages, buns and red pepper are all roasted over the campfire so that you don’t need to break out a camp stove or grill.  But if you can’t imagine yourself “roughing it” in a tent, you can just as easily make these sandwiches on the grill for your next backyard BBQ. Read more