Lavender as far as the Eye can see.

I can report that the Hood River Lavender Daze was well worth the trip. I cannot imagine a more beautiful place to spend a summer afternoon than, Mt. Hood Lavender Farms. Lavender as far as the eye can see, nestled between Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams and a slew of fruit farms.
The funnel cakes and drunken brawls were replaced by the hum of bees feasting on lavender and families enjoying mother nature. Entertainment was provided by local musicians and there were plenty of activities for everyone.
Another highlight of the day was stopping at a local vineyard, Wy' East, for a refreshing glass of their 2011 Columbia Gorge Chardonnay. My last stop of the day was the Columbia River, where i watched Kiteboarders sail across the might river. I should have planned better for the river and packed a bathing suit, instead i settled for wading in up to my knees.
With my car full of lavender, wine and fond memories i headed back to Portland just in time to see the sun setting on the Columbia River. With a full tank of gas and a couple of bucks in your pocket, so many adventures in this beautiful state, i am just scraping the surface!

Lavender Daze

This weekend in Hood River, Oregon it is the annual Lavender Daze Festival. Let me preface this by saying, i am not a fan of festivals, but Hood River is such a great little town, i have to go! I am going to do my best to attend this with an opened mind.
Since lavender is the theme of this festival, i imagine it to smell wonderful and for people to be chill and relaxed, possibly sleeping! If this is the case, then it will be a welcome change from the drunken brawls, mediocre entertainment and greasy fried food festivals i am used too. Again i am going with an opened mind and am looking forward to the experience.

Hood River is one of the most beautiful places on earth, it sits above the Columbia River  and sits below Mt. Hood, beautiful country as far as the eye can see. Hood River is also home to some of the most beautiful organic produce, vineyards, Full Sail Brewery and is a very popular Kite Surfing destination. I look forward to a great day trip, filled with beautiful scenery, lavender, wine and beer tasting and if i am lucky a funnel cake!

French Onion Macaroni and Cheese

Cook a box of whole wheat pasta until al dente, rinse with cold water and allow to cool until you are ready to assemble the dish.

Carmelized Onion

julienne, one walla-walla or vidalia onion

saute in 1 tbsp. butter and 1 tbsp. olive oil

2 bay leaves

a pinch of herbs de provence (if you do not have herbs de provence, substitue italian seasoning)

saute until onions are carmelized

Breading

melt 2 tbsp. butter and 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a non-stick skillet

mince and saute 2 cloves of fresh garlic

toast 1 and 1/2 cups of panko bread crumbs with butter in skillet

remove breadcrumbs from heat and toss in a bowl with 1/2 cup of parmesan and two pinches of herbs de provence. (italian seasoning can be substituted for herbs de provence)

Bechamel Sauce

2 tbsp. of butter, melted

3 tbsp. A&P flour or whole wheat flour

2 cups of skim milk

2 cups of grated smoked mozzarella

salt and pepper to taste

melt butter in a pot and whisk in flour, continuously stir and allow to cook until a wet sandlike mixture forms. gradually whisk in milk and stir to prevent lumps. allow to cook until sauce boils and immediately remove from the heat and whisk in salt and pepper and the 2 cups of smoked mozzarella.

mix all ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a deep baking dish. spread breadcrumbs all over the surface and cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. remove foil ten minutes prior to cooking duration to allow bread crumbs to brown.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH047xJsxo4