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The Santa Blog
Archive for October, 2014
Game Day Chili — Go Hawks!
What is better than a bowl of hearty chili on a blustery fall day? Chili on a Sunday football day! This specific chili recipe is the perfect gear for Seahawk fans because it contains a very extra special ingredient widely found in Seahawks territory… Espresso!
This mingling medley goes great with all the classic toppings. The espresso has a lingering chocolate quality for your taste buds. Make fresh, reheat, and repeat!
Ingredients:
2 lbs. beef (cut of your choice)
1 ½ yellow onions (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp paprika
6 shots espresso
1 tsp white pepper
1 28 oz can of diced or crushed tomatoes
salt & pepper
Directions:
In a large pot, cook onions and garlic on medium-high heat until translucent. Add meat and brown all sides. After meat has been browned add all spices and the extra special ingredient… espresso! Stir with love to incorporate the seasonings throughout the dish. Add can of tomatoes, stir and bring to a light simmer. Simmer for two hours to let the flavors mingle, stirring every so often.
This chili is extra delicious topped with sour cream and scallions with a side of sweet cornbread!
Photo by – www.skiptomylou.org
The Ancient Ways of Knitting
Up at the North Pole, elves keep themselves busy indoors; away from the whipping winds and chilly temperatures. One of my favorite indoor activities is knitting! Knitting is an ancient practice that has a mysterious background. No one knows exactly where it stems from, but historians have been able to date knitting as early as the year 1000bc in Egypt!
Knitting can be a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like riding a bike! At the North Pole us elves make hundreds of sweaters a year for boys and girls all over the world. Once you learn the ways of these ancient knots, you’ll be able to craft one of a kind gifts for friends and family!
Some yarn shops around the Northwest region offer classes as well as a great selection of yarn and books:
Eastside –
Serial Knitters Yarn Shop – http://www.serialknitters.com/Pages/default.aspx
Seattle –
Stitches – http://www.stitchesseattle.com/
Bad Woman Yarn – http://www.badwomanyarn.com/
Pumpkin Patches in the Northwest
Pumpkin patches are a great way to spend time with your family. Most pumpkin patches are not just pumpkin patches, but offer an array of commodities and activities. From pumpkins to corn mazes, and fresh eggs to duck races, there are so many things to see at these farms! Here are a few popular autumn time attractions to explore with your family and friends this season:
Photo pinned by Jenn Line on Pinterest
King County
Baxter Barn – Fall City
Not only are there pumpkins to pick, but ponies to ride and farm animals to see. Kids get a free pumpkin with a parent, making it great fun for the whole family! There are fresh eggs for sale in the barn so you can enjoy the farm at home. Be sure to check out all Baxter Barn’s details!
Dr. Maze’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Farm – Redmond
This organic farm lies not far outside the quaint town of Redmond. Dr. Maze’s forte is… well mazes! You’ll find mazes made of corn, straw, and hay. There are farm animals to visit and of course lots of pumpkins to pick! Make it a fun day trip!
Snohomish County
Bob’s Corn – Snohomish
This farm has got it goin’ on! They celebrate three-day weekends all fall long opening at 3 pm for the fun activities kicking off on Fridays! The farm offers free hayrides to the middle of their pumpkin fields, where you can sort through over 50 varieties of pumpkins. After you have chosen your pumpkins, be sure to try one of Bob’s famous Apple Donuts, walk the corn maze, and much more!
Photo – http://www.bobscorn.com/bobs-corn-corn-maze.htm
The Farm at Swan’s Trail – Snohomish
At this very festive farm you will find many events taking place. Pick the plumpest pumpkin and juiciest apple, enjoy shows and races put on by the farm animals, and find your way through the corn maze. You may find the corn maze layout somewhat familiar because it is shaped as Washington State!
Discover something new at one of these farms and make fond and fun memories with your family and friends!
A Big Northwest Welcome to Fall
Fold up your shorts, put away the beachwear, it’s time for cozy sweaters and rain boots!
In the Northwest, fall is definitely a turning point. The brisk air blows, bringing with it the colorful leaves. This is the last bit of outdoor weather for the Northwest!
With fall comes new attire, new activities and a fresh round of crops!
Also at this time, Santa is preparing for his busiest time of year! He eats more cookies and drinks more cocoa, inspects all toy making tools with his elves, and of course starts his list!
Fall is an exciting season with a lot to offer, embrace it!
