Galbi jjim, or braised beef short ribs, are prepared for lunar new year and celebrate the year of the snake. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Beginning the year of the snake

The lunar new year took place Wednesday, Jan. 29.

 

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Hoagie rolls for the heart

These little loaves are perfect for eating with one hand while you save yourself with the other.

 

This vegetable minestrone soup is satisfying, nutritious and comes together fast. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Vegetable minestrone fuels fast-paced days skiing and learning

I’ll be relying on my crockpot to help us get through our busiest time of year.

 

This hearty and warm split pea soup uses bacon instead of ham or can be made vegan. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Hearty split pea soup warms frigid January days

This soup is nutritious and mild and a perfect way to show yourself some kindness.

This hearty and warm split pea soup uses bacon instead of ham or can be made vegan. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
These savory dumplings are delicious steamed, boiled, deep fried, or pan fried and are excellent in soups or added to a bowl of ramen. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Facing the new year one dumpling at a time

I completed another impossibly huge task this weekend and made hundreds of wontons by hand to serve our large family

These savory dumplings are delicious steamed, boiled, deep fried, or pan fried and are excellent in soups or added to a bowl of ramen. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
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Peppermint patties and a Charlie Brown tree

These icy mints are a nostalgic treat perfect for spreading holiday cheer

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Baking family history

This recipe is labeled “banana fudge,” but the result is more like fudgy banana brownies

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Peanut butter balls for Ms. Autumn

This holiday treat is made in honor of the Soldotna El secretary who brings festive joy

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Blue sits for a photo with Santa during Bark, Block and Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Food bank to host Christmas meal, Santa photos

The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank will this month host an opportunity for photos with Santa in addition to its annual Christmas meal. Office Manager Claire… Continue reading

Blue sits for a photo with Santa during Bark, Block and Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Marathon Petroleum Kenai Refinery General Manager Bruce Jackman presents a novelty check for $50,000 to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Marathon donates $50,000 to Kenai Peninsula Food Bank

Funds were raised during fishing fundraiser held this summer

Marathon Petroleum Kenai Refinery General Manager Bruce Jackman presents a novelty check for $50,000 to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
These traditional southern Christmas Divinity Cookies are soft, extremely sweet and might provide some nostalgic joy. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Celebrating divine Christmas traditions

Grandma came to our door this weekend with a gift and a smile. She unrolled her handcrafted masterpiece and explained to our wide-eyed little boy… Continue reading

These traditional southern Christmas Divinity Cookies are soft, extremely sweet and might provide some nostalgic joy. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
These light and savory cheesy ring puff snacks are piped pate a choux with a generous handful of shredded Edam cheese. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Puffing up Thanksgiving

These light and savory snacks are piped pate a choux with a generous handful of shredded Edam cheese

These light and savory cheesy ring puff snacks are piped pate a choux with a generous handful of shredded Edam cheese. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A Kenai Peninsula Food Bank truck in the Food Bank parking lot on Aug. 4, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Food bank seeks turkey donations as Thanksgiving nears

The local food bank is calling for donations of $25 to “Adopt-A-Turkey” for a local family in need

A Kenai Peninsula Food Bank truck in the Food Bank parking lot on Aug. 4, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Pistachios and pomegranates give these muffins a unique flavor and texture. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

A chef is born

Pistachio and pomegranate muffins celebrate five years growing and learning in the kitchen

Pistachios and pomegranates give these muffins a unique flavor and texture. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Make-ahead stuffing helps take pressure off Thanksgiving cooking. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Holiday magic, pre-planned

Make-ahead stuffing helps take pressure off Thanksgiving cooking

Make-ahead stuffing helps take pressure off Thanksgiving cooking. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
This slow-simmered ox tail broth makes this otherwise simple borscht recipe quite luxurious. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Borscht from the source

This homestyle stew recipe draws on experience of Russian cook

This slow-simmered ox tail broth makes this otherwise simple borscht recipe quite luxurious. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
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Anticipating candy-coated revelry

These popcorn balls, done three ways, are a classic Halloween treat

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These lean turkey burgers are juicy and flavorful and go great with salad and soda. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Twin dinner turkey burgers serve up birthday nostalgia

These lean burgers are juicy and flavorful and go great with salad and soda.

These lean turkey burgers are juicy and flavorful and go great with salad and soda. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
These Japanese-style souffle pancakes are sweet, light and delicate, and taste divine paired with tart cranberry sauce. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Aiming for the clouds

Delicate, fluffy Japanese-style souffle pancakes bring breakfast to a new level

These Japanese-style souffle pancakes are sweet, light and delicate, and taste divine paired with tart cranberry sauce. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
This classic chicken salad is bright and tangy. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Afternoon chicken salad

This classic salad is bright and tangy, perfect for enjoying on a beach towel on the roof

This classic chicken salad is bright and tangy. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)