Halloween Shortbread

We all our busy with costumes, work, and other commitments during this fun holiday week.  However, we have found a quick easy recipe to make for your Halloween party.  This recipe is simple to make and it tastes delicious.  You can learn more here. 

Sunday Seahawks Brunch

This Sunday from 10am- Noon will be a Sunday Seahawks Brunch!  The event will take place in the Bailey Farms community. Make sure to join us!  You can see the menu below.

Menu

Bacon

Sausage patty

Scrambled eggs

waffles

Whip cream

Fruit toppings

Chocolate chips

Syrup

Plain yogurt

Fruit

Granola

Orange juice

5 Tips For Moving to a New City

Did you just move to Bothell, or are you looking to move here?  We are very happy to have you.  We know moving to a new city can be hard.  However, with a few good connections new friends could be right around the corner.  Here are five great tips for moving to a new city.  You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.

Say yes to everything. You need either all or some of the following life essentials in your new city: friends, a BFF, a boyfriend/ girlfriend, and a job. You won't find these by sitting at home and ordering delivery while watching Bravo. Get out there! Go to everything people invite you to. Remind yourself that you are on a mission to find these life essentials!

Ask to be set up on friend dates... or date dates. Welcome to the way grown-ups make friends. We're not in college anymore. Ask your BFFs in your current city if they know anyone in your new city. Ask your family if they know anyone who might be a nice friend for you. Scour Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and whatever other social media you're on and find out who from your network lives in town. You might be surprised.

Join organized groups. From nonprofit volunteering to kickball leagues, even if you don't normally consider yourself a joiner, joining something is a way to meet new peeps. Start with a hobby and find a group. Even better: find something you've never done before. Being a beginner is a great way to connect with other people who are also beginning; you feel awkward, they feel awkward, bingo: new friend.

For your first 6 months, stay somewhere comfortable. You are in a new city, it's all strange and unfamiliar. You don't know where CVS or the grocery store are or who your BFF will be. You don't know the good neighborhoods from the okay neighborhoods from the bad neighborhoods. You don't know the secret side streets to cut around traffic. You don't know the cool bars, the cool restaurants or where the best farmer's market is. So instead of adding to the stress, I encourage you to stay somewhere comfortable for your first chunk of time... while you get used to your surroundings. "Comfortable" means something different to everyone. For me it meant splurging on a temporary apartment in a pricey area where I feel really safe and free to explore my surroundings. For you it might mean living with a friend or relative temporarily even though you know that long-term you want to be living alone.

Give yourself a year to acclimate. Anytime you start thinking "OMG, this was a huge mistake!," "I was so stupid for thinking this was a good idea!" or "I'm never going to like living here and I'm going to die alone!" — and, trust me, it will happen — remind yourself that things are still in transition, moving is hard, and you are giving yourself until you have a year under your belt before making any overarching judgements on the move.

Don't forget about your friends and your network from your former city. You have it easier — you left. I've always believed that the "mover" has it easier than the person left behind. You're out exploring a new city, having new adventures, learning new things. Your old pals are in their same routine and probably missing you. Don't forget about them. Make an effort to keep in touch and to go back and visit from time to time. Yes, it will be hard — you're not sharing all of their day to day adventures and even a small time difference call be awkward — but soon enough things will fall into place.

Bothell Beer Festival

The Bothell Beer Festival is in a few weeks, and we are very excited.  The festival will be held October 18th from 12pm-5pm.  This is the first ever Beer Festival in Bothell, and we hope it will continue for many more years.  You can buy tickets here.

Salmon for Dinner

There are so many ways that you can enjoy salmon.  Sides, toppings, and breading are just some of the different recipes that we have found below.  Salmon is a great healthy choice for dinner, and it is very easy to make special.  You can learn more at The Kitchn.


Salmon is full of good fats and is easy and quick to cook, making it a great choice to have in your regular dinner rotation. But just having a plain piece of seared, baked, or grilled salmon can get

boring quickly, so here are five easy ways to jazz it up!


1. Herbs

Herbs add a ton of fresh flavor that enhance the fish without overpowering it. Toss whatever herbs you have on hand with a little oil and citrus juice and you're golden. Don't have the time? A store-bought pesto is just fine too.


Recipe: Quick Salmon & Couscous with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Recipe: Chimichurri Sauce
Recipe: Baked Salmon with Herbs & Lemon
How To Make Classic Italian Gremolata
How To Make Perfect Pesto Every Time

2. Breadcrumbs

A coating of crunchy breadcrumbs instantly makes salmon more like those guilty-pleasure frozen fish sticks. Dip salmon fillets in beaten egg or brush with a mustard-mayo mixture before coating in fresh breadcrumbs or panko, then pan fry or bake until golden brown. Feel free to add some of your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumbs too.


3. Compound Butter

Is there anything that butter doesn't make better? Mix butter with lemon zest and black pepper or some Creole seasoning and place a pat on the salmon fillet after it's cooked. This flavorful butter will melt and mingle with the salmon juices, creating an instant sauce to sop up with some bread or rice. In fact, make extra compound butter and freeze it in small portions to make life even easier.
Recipe: Broiled Salmon with Spiced Butter
Recipe: Maple-Bourbon Butter
Recipe: Herb Butter


4. Yogurt or Crème Fraîche Sauce

A creamy but slightly tangy sauce works really well with salmon, and it's why sour cream-dill sauce over salmon is such a classic. Try mixing in curry powder, Sriracha, or scallions into yogurt or crème fraîche for an easy, elegant salmon topper.
Salmon in Parchment with Curried Yogurt Sauce
3-Ingredient Recipe: Magic Summer Sauce
Recipe: Smoked Salmon Potato Cakes with Herb Crème Fraîche


5. Glaze or Marinade

Finally, a glaze or marinade made with condiments you probably already have in the fridge is a simple way to infuse the salmon with different flavors. If the glaze or marinade has sugar, it'll help the salmon caramelize on the outside even more as it's cooking.


Recipe: Simple Salmon Teriyaki
Recipe: Mustard-Glazed Salmon

How do you like to make your salmon more tasty? We'd love to know in the comments!

Harvest Weekend in Bothell

What are you doing in October? Make sure to mark the Harvest Weekend on your calendar for October 11th.  This harvest weekend in Bothell will take place at the Country Village Shops.  It is a great event for all ages, and it will get you ready for fall.  You can learn more at the Country Village Shops website.

Come celebrate the fall season on the weekend of October 11th & 12th! The festival will run from 11:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.


Stroll the grounds decorated with corn stalks and pumpkins while you enjoy unique craft booths featuring one-of-a-kind items made by local artisans. Paint a pumpkin! Pumpkins and paints are included. Also, face painting, pony rides, train rides and much more!


The Eclectic Cloggers will be performing on Saturday in addition to other live entertainment throughout the weekend!

If you would like to be a craft vendor, fill out the attached application below.

Take Your Pick! Apple Orchards Near and Far

Whether you're known for your delicious homemade apple pies or you simply enjoy apples are a healthy snack, you live in one of the best places to enjoy them. Washington's many you-pick apple orchards are now open for the fall season. So we wanted to pass along these 10 orchards close to (and not so close to) the Bothell area that let you pick your own apples, go on orchard tours, and host festivals. So get your bags ready and make your pick!

Apple Creek OrchardAs of October 3, 2014 Apple Creek Orchard is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for pick-your-own Jonagold, Mutsu and Snowsweet apples for $15 a bushel. The farm provides buckets and carts, but remember to bring boxes to transport the fruit of your labors home.

5367 Barr Rd.
Ferndale, Wa 98248
360-384-0915
Online: applecreekorchard.com or on Facebook

Jones Creek FarmsJones Creek Farms offers u-pick apples from September to November. This year’s annual Harvest Festival will be taking a hiatus, but you can still enjoy the popular hay rides every Sunday in October.

32260 Burrese Rd.
Sedro Woolley, Wa 98284
360-391-3904
Online: skagitvalleyfruit.com

The Farm at Swan’s Trail
The Farm at Swan’s Trail in Snohomish includes an acre of Jonagold and Honeycrisp apple trees. You can take the kids on a wagon ride out to the u-pick orchard. But the season only lasts for a few weeks, so be sure to call before you go. Good to know: The orchard’s Honeycrisp apples begin to ripen in early September.

7301 Rivershore Rd.
Snohomish, Wa 98290
425-334-4124
Online: thefarm1.com or on Facebook

BelleWood AcresBelleWood Acres is a working farm that offers pick-your-own apples in one of the largest apple orchards in western Washington. They also offer tours for families aboard the Apple Bin Express and lessons for kids on best practices for picking. Watch the packing line, visit the cider press and peek into the bakery, then stop in the on-site store and bring some apple goodies home with you. Choose from 20 delicious apple varieties including Jonagold, Sansa, HoneyCrisp and Golden Supreme. Harvest season begins in late August and runs through early November; check their ripening calendar for more details.

6140 Guide Meridian Dr.
Bellingham, Wa 98264
360-318-7720
Online: bellewoodapples.com or on Facebook

Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm
If the kiddos are craving fresh cider, look no further than Lattin’s Country Mill. Lattin’s is open year-round and holds an Apple Festival every weekend in October with games, a maze and demonstrations for the whole fam. While they don’t offer U-pick, you can sample the farm’s award-winning cider, visit with animals, and bring home a pie or two.

9402 Rich Rd. S.E.
Olympia, Wa 98501
360-491-7328
Online: lattinscider.com or on Facebook

Wilson Banner Ranch
Wilson Banner Ranch uses natural growing practices and has apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, cucumbers, flowers, nectarines, pears, peaches, plums, pumpkins, tomatoes, honey from hives on the farm and a cider mill! Are you excited yet? They also have a petting zoo. This farm is well worth the drive and is open on Fridays and Saturdays.

16397 Highway 12
Clarkston, Wa 99403
509-758-2664
Online: wilsonbannerranch.com or on Facebook

Stutzman Ranch
Open daily through October, Stutzman Ranch is a fourth generation orchard and farm stand in Wenatchee. Galas are ready to pick first, with Fuji following in mid-September. Remember that Stutzman Ranch is cash-only and staff suggests that pickers wear closed-toe shoes and leave pets at home.

2226 Easy St.
Wenatchee, Wa 98801
509-667-1664
Online: thestutzmanranch.com

Johnson OrchardsThis family owned and operated orchard has been in business since 1904, offering several varieties of cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, pears, plums and apples. U-pick apples (including Gala) are available August through December, but call ahead to check which varieties are available before you make the trip. Fruit is sold by the pound, box or bin; gift boxes are available in season.

4906 Summitview Ave.
Yakima, Wa
509-966-7479
Online: johnsonorchardsfruit.com

Becerra GardensBecerra Gardens is a great place to grab lunch: You can get most of what you need right there. Becerra grows asparagus, cucumbers, flowers, herbs, melons, peppers, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes and some already-picked produce. There’s also a picnic area and a concessions/refreshment stand. And starting on Saturdays and Sundays in October, you can enjoy the mazes, games, pumpkin painting and activities.

9074 Rd. K N.W.
Quincy, Wa
509-989-1298
Online: becerragardens.com and on Facebook

High Country OrchardGreen Bluff High Country Orchard is stocked with pre-picked cherries, peaches, raspberries, apricots, pears and apples. You’ll also find a country store with gifts and antiques. Save room for something sweet, the orchard serves fresh baked pies, pastries and ice cream. And starting in late September, enjoy the orchard’s annual Apple Festival offering a large variety of cooking apples, fresh pressed cider and other produce as well as live music, craft booths, corn and straw mazes, pony rides and more.

8518 E. Green Bluff Rd.
Colbert, Wa
509-238-9545
Online: highcountryorchard.com