Elephant's Delicatessen

Do you have a very favorite place to eat? Where you get a feeling of giddiness, the minute you decide to go!

We don't eat out alot, and when we do, I feed on being frugal...but I love little places with a lot of character. Sometimes even the name gets me excited. Do you know what I am talking about?

This last Sunday, my hubby took part in an amazing fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis. I had the privilege of being a spectator and "WOW" is all I can say! We were moved beyond words by the families that are affected by this horrible disease. They are without a doubt some of the most inspirational individuals I have ever met. More on that later. It deserves a post of its very own.

ANYWAY, we were on our way home and decided to go to Elephant's Delicatessen! You walk in and it is old-fashioned and homey. Red crocks are filled with silverware, there is fresh ice water in the biggest glass drink dispenser I have ever seen. There are glass cases with beautifully swirled cupcakes, fruit tarts, and pear cake with frosting that is fluffy like clouds. Baskets are filled to the brim with fresh breads of all sorts. There are gifts, soup and sandwich bar where they take your order and make it just for you...and then there is an area for all kinds of drinks...reminds me of an old-fashioned soda fountain shop. It really is an experience that is fun and delicious. I ordered French Macaroons and a carrot cake-to-go...it was THE BEST! It was piped with cream cheese frosting and finely chopped pistachios.

So if you live in the area...you will NOT be disappointed in your little destination.

As my hubby and I left one of our favorite spots, we could not help but think of how good it feels to be able to help those in need. It may be just the tiniest slivers of help, but if we are all willing to do what we are able, it COULD make a huge impact!

Has your life been touched by an individual or family that has been affected by Cystic Fibrosis or any other life changing disease? How have you been able to touch their lives? Please share your ideas...no matter how small or big. I would love to hear some ideas of how ordinary people can make a difference!...ALSO, I do not advertise on this blog, but when my heart is tugged the way it was over this past weekend, I certainly feel it is my responsibility to act on it. If you don't have a charity you are actively supporting, would you please consider joining our family in the fight against this disease? Thank you for your understanding regarding this subject!

FOR THOSE WHO ARE FRUGAL: Elephant's has a huge markdown right before closing, so...just think, if you save 50% on your tasty treats, the other 50% could be designated to a charity of your choice. Can you imagine how that would add up over the course of one year?

Happy Tuesday!

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Christmas in Leavenworth WA

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Astoria Trip

 

When the children were little, we were invited to spend the weekend with Grandpa Tom and Grandma Judi. Not only were the children ecstatic, but Scott and I were as well.
We had been talking about visiting them for some time, and every time they would come to Portland to visit us, we would chat and make promises that we WOULD visit. Finally, we called them, set up a date and planned our weekend away in the charming town of Astoria.

The drive was beautiful, the kids were content while listening to ADVENTURES IN ODYSSEY, and Scott and I were able to talk and dream...we ALWAYS seem to do that on trips...not sure why, but we do.

Amongst other fun things we had planned to do, clam digging was at the tippy tippy top of the list! I wasn't as excited as the rest of the family, but sometimes a mom just has to do things to help make a family memory.
We put the kids to bed early, and the adults had a great time talking and reminiscing about all sorts of things.

The next morning, while it was still dark and foggy outside, we woke up the children, put on our old clothes and headed out the door.
I was sure that we were the only ones out and about at 4:00 A.M! To my surprise, as we got closer to the water, you could see flickering lights in the distance of other eager clam diggers. I guess we weren't going to be the only ones. The kids could not wait.

Grandpa Tom, our seasoned guide, told us exactly what to do. We watched him and then the fun began...we started to find the tiny air holes, and then we started to dig as fast as we could. It was sheer bliss, not to mention how muddy we were and how tired we were, but it was such a fun time experiencing something new with the whole family.

We all caught our limit, thanks to Daddy and Grandpa Tom! We went back to the house, took warm showers, had a yummy breakfast and spent the rest of the day CLEANING CLAMS TO MAKE...


Grandpa Toms Clam Chowder

Ingredients:
• 6 strips bacon
• 3 Cups chopped onion (aprox. 2 medium)
• 6 Cups baby red potatoes (aprox. 18)
• 1/8 Cup flour
• 3 cups half and half
• 51 oz. can of sea clams (can be found at Costco)
• Butter, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Brown bacon and sauté onion in bacon fat combine both to make bacon mix and set aside for later.
2. Peel and dice baby red potatoes pour clam juice over potatoes and boil until tender.
3. Combine sea clams, bacon mix, potato mix, flour, half and half, butter, paprika, salt and pepper.
4. Heat thoroughly and enjoy.

Menu Ideas:
Sparkling apple cider
Tossed green salad
Grandpa Toms Chowder
Dads favorite cornbread

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