This red beans and rice recipe depends upon building layers of flavor over time. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Savoring the last of summer with slow-cooked beans and rice

Some dishes simply cannot be rushed and won’t fit into a hectic schedule

This red beans and rice recipe depends upon building layers of flavor over time. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Gyoza wrappers are filled with shrimp and onion paste. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Wrapping up summer

These dumplings are relatively easy to make and are very forgiving, perfect for inexperienced folders

Gyoza wrappers are filled with shrimp and onion paste. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
These blueberry and honey, carrot and nectarine, and spinach and green grape gummies are made with minimal sugar and no artificial dyes or preservatives. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Sweet gummies to keep kiddos going

Every year the kids and our activities change, but the one thing that will never change is the kids’ near constant requests for snacks.

These blueberry and honey, carrot and nectarine, and spinach and green grape gummies are made with minimal sugar and no artificial dyes or preservatives. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Calzones stuffed with arugula pesto and cheese make for a fun summer meal. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Pedaling forward

These calzones are great after a day of trotting alongside a brave little boy

Calzones stuffed with arugula pesto and cheese make for a fun summer meal. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Chickpea lentil and spinach curry is served with rice and yogurt. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Finding comfort in memories

I believe that houses hold memories, and I hope the memory of our time there comforts it during its final, painful days.

Chickpea lentil and spinach curry is served with rice and yogurt. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Lisa Parker, vice mayor of Soldotna, celebrates after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Peninsula Oilers and the Mat-Su Miners on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Coral Seymour Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

King of the River food drive extended, Kenai takes lead

The winning city’s mayor will throw the opening pitch at a Peninsula Oilers game

Lisa Parker, vice mayor of Soldotna, celebrates after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Peninsula Oilers and the Mat-Su Miners on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Coral Seymour Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
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Getting creative with camping

Making healthy, diverse meals while outdoors takes some planning

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These noodles are made with only three ingredients, but they require a bit of time, patience, and a lot of elbow grease. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Filling the time with noodles

These noodles are made with only three ingredients, but they require a bit of time, patience and a lot of elbow grease

These noodles are made with only three ingredients, but they require a bit of time, patience, and a lot of elbow grease. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Lisa Parker, vice mayor of Soldotna, celebrates after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Peninsula Oilers and the Mat-Su Miners on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Coral Seymour Memorial Park in Kenai.

Kenai and Soldotna square off once more in ‘King of the River Food Drive’

Food can be donated at the food bank or at either city’s chamber of commerce

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Lisa Parker, vice mayor of Soldotna, celebrates after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Peninsula Oilers and the Mat-Su Miners on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Coral Seymour Memorial Park in Kenai.
Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Attendees take food from a buffet during the grand opening of Siam Noodles and Food in Kenai on Tuesday.

Soldotna Thai restaurant expands to Kenai

The restaurant is next to Jersey Subs in Kenai where Thai Town used to be located

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Attendees take food from a buffet during the grand opening of Siam Noodles and Food in Kenai on Tuesday.
Fresh strawberries will make this ice cream a much more flavorful treat. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Welcoming summer with this pretty, pink frozen treat

We had company (and a special solstice birthday girl) down to visit, so we spent our weekend by the lakeshore.

Fresh strawberries will make this ice cream a much more flavorful treat. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
This summer salad is sweet and refreshing, the perfect accompaniment to salty meat and chips. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Fueling happy memories

Fresh salad accompanies an outdoors Father’s Day meal

This summer salad is sweet and refreshing, the perfect accompaniment to salty meat and chips. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Rhubarb custard cake is ready to be baked. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Rhubarb and running to lift the spirits

Frozen rhubarb just won’t do for this tart and beautiful custard cake, so pick it fresh wherever you can find it

Rhubarb custard cake is ready to be baked. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Palak tofu, served here with rice, is a vegan version of palak paneer. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Going green, in the yard and on the table

This dish is fragrant, satisfying, and has a wealth of protein and nutrition, perfect for after a day spent in the dirt

Palak tofu, served here with rice, is a vegan version of palak paneer. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
This classic chicken pot pie is a great way to use up the last handfuls of frozen peas and sad potatoes in the pantry. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Making the most of mistakes

Forgotten coats and repeated recipes are no match for soothing chicken pot pie

This classic chicken pot pie is a great way to use up the last handfuls of frozen peas and sad potatoes in the pantry. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Corn cheese is served alongside grilled beef, kimchi and lettuce. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Planning barbecue with all the bells and whistles

Expect kimchi, lots of side dishes, piles of rice, marinated meat for the flame and cold fruit for dessert

Corn cheese is served alongside grilled beef, kimchi and lettuce. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
English muffins are surprisingly easy to make and so much better fresh. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Special breakfast for a special day

Eggs Benedict are made even more delicious with homemade English muffins

English muffins are surprisingly easy to make and so much better fresh. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
This green goddess salad is full of fiber, protein, and nutrition, and when paired with some pita crackers or tortilla chips makes a complete and satisfying meal. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Greens to get through the day

This green goddess salad is full of fiber, protein and nutrition

This green goddess salad is full of fiber, protein, and nutrition, and when paired with some pita crackers or tortilla chips makes a complete and satisfying meal. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Mushroom and prosciutto tortellini are ready for freezing or boiling. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

When you can’t do Legos, make tortellini

This homemade pasta may be time intensive, but produces a delcious, cheesy meal

Mushroom and prosciutto tortellini are ready for freezing or boiling. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Earl Grey and lavender cupcakes are elegantly decorated. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Cupcakes to celebrate community and connection

These beautiful Earl Grey and lavender cupcakes are elegant and refined

Earl Grey and lavender cupcakes are elegantly decorated. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)