a winona whimsy.

Yesterday we had a large amount of snow fall upon Winona. When I woke up to go to work at 5:20 a.m. and stepped outside there were trees touching the sidewalks because the snow was so heavy, I felt like I was in a whimsical dream, kind of like alice in wonderland.

In the afternoon I had a couple spare hours to walk Norah and take some pictures. I was amazed at all the beautiful trees. It’s like the trees were magnetized and the snow clung to them trying to hold something onto them. Pure bliss.

There were times where I would look up or into the bluffs and just see a white abyss. I was absolutely amazed at the beauty that the snow fall had brought. I had seen snow. Hundreds of times. But for some reason this snow was different. It was in the middle of march. So I should have been angry at the snow gods for dropping it on us. But I wasn’t. I was so entranced by the beauty that it calmed me to walk around in it, I wasn’t even bothered by my boots acting as a sponge, soaking my feet. I just walked and walked, photograph after photograph, until I had to snap out of it and return to the reality of academia.

But through my three hour class my mind was still caught in the whimsy of winona.

photos for viewing pleasure:

Baked Kale and Quinoa Mac ‘n Cheese

You’ll fall in love with this recipe!! It’s absolutely delicious, the perfect comfort food.

This dish is very similar to traditional baked macaroni and cheese only lighter and slightly healthier (at least I tell myself it is, hehe). In this version I used kale, but you can use spinach instead. I’ve used spinach before and it’s just as good!! It also makes great leftovers!

So here are the Ingredients you’ll need to get started…..

3 tbs Butter

3 tbs Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

2-3 Cloves of garlic

1 tbs Paprika

1 tbs Crushed red pepper

2 Cups cheese of your choice. I chose Cheddar.

2 Cups of milk…I use about a 1/4 cup more for a creamier texture.

3 Cups of Cooked Quinoa

1 Bunch of Kale or Spinach

Panko Bread Crumbs for topping

**Preheat oven to 350°

After you’ve gathered the above ingredients you first need to cook the quinoa, it you haven’t already. Follow the instructions on the package and remember that 1 cup uncooked quinoa equals about 2 cups cooked.

Next make the cheese sauce/base. Melt the butter in a sauce pan, add the garlic, then whisk in the flour. Whisk until you get a smooth paste. Then pour in milk, slowly and about 1 cup at a time, whisking continuously for 5-7 minutes. Add spices: salt, crushed red pepper, paprika, and any thing else you might like!

You should have semi-thick sauce by now, so it’s time to add the cheese!! Only about 3/4 of the cheese though, the rest is for the top. Once the cheese has melted, you can remove from heat.

In a large mixing bowl combine cooked quinoa, cheese sauce, and 1 bunch kale (torn into pieces). Be sure to only use the leafy parts and that the kale is torn into bite size pieces. Mix well.

Now get a cake pan, mine was about 9×13. But pretty much any size or shape that will fit the ingredients nice and evenly. Make sure to grease the pan!!

Next pour the combined ingredients into the pan. Top with the remaining cheese and a very thin layer of panko bread crumbs.

Bake at 350° for about 20 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly.

Now most importantly, grab a cold beverage of choice, sit back, relax, and enjoy this delicious meal!!

things i love.

 

What are some things that you like???

Winter Tunnel Road

my favorite girl.

So if you don’t know me or haven’t realized from previous posts, I absolutely love my dog Norah. She is so cute and cuddly, and she’s my new favorite model!! I love my new nikon d5100, so I’m using it just about everyday which is also great for me to continue working on my skills!!

It just snowed yesterday and today and the white blanket now covers Winona. When Norah went out to play today I caught a glimpse or her in the beautiful snow!!

a WoNdeRfuL WinTEr SaTurDaY

Whoo, it’s been a couple days! But I’m still here!!

Saturday Norah, Jason and I went to try out her new boots at Prairie Island. We love it out there, especially in this beautiful blanket of snow. The Mississippi River is so beautiful this time of year, the bluffs too!!

Go enjoy the beautiful winterland!

nAturE’s WinDow ArT

A couple weeks ago my roommate and I started to notice the beautiful things that the frost does to the windows. SO I took a few photos.

Have you ever noticed your windows looking like this?

Beautiful!

Norah gets new boots!

So it’s winter here in Minnesota, obviously. The weather has been all over the place but this week it’s super cold and today it’s 0 degrees according to my little thermometer thing on the computer. Anyway Jason and I took Norah out to run around this morning at the park and she just stood there because her paws were so cold!! We knew we had to get some protective covering for her little paws so we went to the Fleet Farm and picked up some little paw protection booties. When we got them home her reaction was hilarious so we taped it and here is a little bit of doggie humor for you guys!!

WrItE a StOrY

I chose fiction…

Bedroom Overgrown.

The woman who lives here is rarely seen, coming and going without a trace. It is said that she only occupies this space filled with leaves and vines and grass when the moon is out and the stars shine bright. Every day at the crack of dawn she fixes up her living space and makes it a piece of art for all to see. As outsiders pass they think that’s weird or beautiful or interesting. A lot of people criticize because she chooses to be different, but she knows she is the happiest of all. Her simple life has paved way for more joy than any will ever have.

Jason and Amber go to Trempealeau

After we ate a delicious lunch consisting of walnut burgers and home fries at the famous Trempealeau Hotel, we were delighted by the beautiful painting that appeared in the sky, so I got out my camera and snapped a few shots! I just switched from a Canon to Nikon, when my parents surprised with a new camera for Christmas! I love it!!!

Jason…He’s such a good sport! Patiently waiting for me to take my pictures.