Pioneer Potluck: You know you’re an Alaskan woman …

Co-authored by daughters, Gail and Susan Brainstorming one day, 20 years ago, Gail and Susan came up with a list of things they had learned… Continue reading

  • May 11, 2018
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood

Pioneer Potluck: Bob’s old Ford Escort

1998-99, North Nikiski Bob needed an economical car to go back and forth to work as a carpenter for Unocal. He spotted a two-door Ford… Continue reading

  • Apr 6, 2018
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood

Pioneer Potluck: Rescuing Frack and calling 911

In my other life a long, long time ago (1970s and ealy 80s), I rescued a little kitty from a couple of jerks setting at… Continue reading

  • Mar 23, 2018
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood

What can I do?

In a recent conversation our friend John Turnbull had on the phone with a lady makes me stop and think what I would do! He… Continue reading

Pioneer Potluck: Looking back on the 1990s

We have been trying to downsize our many accumulations we have amassed through the 33 years of living here on this property. We moved into… Continue reading

  • Mar 7, 2018
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood

Pioneer Potluck: Mom and Bernie’s hat

Colorado vacation continued, 1996 After a wonderful visit with Jo Anne Wahlstrom in Buckley, Washington, we headed for Colorado - Jo Anne took us to… Continue reading

  • Feb 14, 2018
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood
The Soldotna Montessori Charter School food pantry is located on the corner of North Binkley Street and East Park Avenue, right across the street from the Kenai Peninsula Borough Hall building. (Photo by Kat Sorensen/Peninsula Clarion)

Students hope to keep food pantry full

Sixth graders at Soldotna Montessori Charter School have something they want everyone to know. It’s not that they spend their lunch time planning out community… Continue reading

The Soldotna Montessori Charter School food pantry is located on the corner of North Binkley Street and East Park Avenue, right across the street from the Kenai Peninsula Borough Hall building. (Photo by Kat Sorensen/Peninsula Clarion)

Pioneer Potluck: The hidden history of the German Krautburger

On a farm north of Fort Collins, Colorado, 1937-1957 I have an article that brings back memories of my childhood and the sugar beets Dad… Continue reading

  • Jan 31, 2018
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood
This undated photo shows ripe banana pancakes. The bananas are mashed as if making banana bread and added to the batter right before the pancakes are prepared. The result is almost like banana bread pancakes. (AP Photo/Elizabeth Karmel)

Have some over-ripe bananas? Then make better pancakes

I hate to throw over-ripe bananas away. It is such a wasted opportunity for fresh fragrant banana bread. But, there is only so much banana… Continue reading

This undated photo shows ripe banana pancakes. The bananas are mashed as if making banana bread and added to the batter right before the pancakes are prepared. The result is almost like banana bread pancakes. (AP Photo/Elizabeth Karmel)
This Dec. 14, 2017 photo shows Dan Dan Noodles in New York. This dish is from a recipe by Katie Workman. (Carrie Crow via AP)

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles are a classic Chinese dish originating in the Sichuan province. Noodles have been part of Chinese cuisine for over 4,000 years, and… Continue reading

This Dec. 14, 2017 photo shows Dan Dan Noodles in New York. This dish is from a recipe by Katie Workman. (Carrie Crow via AP)
This Jan. 1 photo shows a Thai chicken coconut curry in Bethesda, Md. This dish is from a recipe by Melissa d’Arabian. (Melissa d’Arabian via AP)

Coconut milk and curry paste take chicken to new heights

Boneless skinless chicken breasts save the day for so many busy folks who want to get a lean, protein-filled, affordable dinner on the table in… Continue reading

  • Jan 9, 2018
  • By MELISSA D’ARABIAN
  • LifeFood
This Jan. 1 photo shows a Thai chicken coconut curry in Bethesda, Md. This dish is from a recipe by Melissa d’Arabian. (Melissa d’Arabian via AP)

Pioneer Potluck: Sauna stories and cold Alaska winters

Living in the cabin, 1985-86-87 We moved into a small cabin with a kitchen-living room combined and a small bedroom and even smaller bathroom, in… Continue reading

  • Jan 9, 2018
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood
This Dec. 8 photo shows a Korean grain bowl in New York. This dish is from a recipe by Sara Moulton. (Sara Moulton via AP)

Korean Grain Bowl is built on healthy, filling ingredients

Every New Year, lots of us resolve to lose weight. And every year, lots of us fail. The problem? We go from eating too much… Continue reading

This Dec. 8 photo shows a Korean grain bowl in New York. This dish is from a recipe by Sara Moulton. (Sara Moulton via AP)
This Dec. 18 photo provided by The Culinary Institute of America shows a vegetable carpaccio in Hyde Park, N.Y. This dish is from a recipe by the CIA. (Phil Mansfield/The Culinary Institute of America via AP)

Vegetables get happy with garlic- and spice-infused drizzles

Obviously, we love cooking. At The Culinary Institute of America, it’s in our shared DNA to boil, braise, baste, and bake. But when it comes… Continue reading

  • Jan 2, 2018
  • By The Culinary Institute of America
  • LifeFood
This Dec. 18 photo provided by The Culinary Institute of America shows a vegetable carpaccio in Hyde Park, N.Y. This dish is from a recipe by the CIA. (Phil Mansfield/The Culinary Institute of America via AP)

Pioneer Potluck: Tying up loose ends at the end of the year

This year has we have seen lots of changes and lots of different outcomes. Bob and I worked hard at making our life easier around… Continue reading

  • Jan 2, 2018
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood

Pioneer Potluck: About birthdays and old friends

We are blessed to have many great friends. We heard from many at Christmas by way of a pretty card and the “new” way to… Continue reading

  • Jan 2, 2018
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood
This Jan. 1 photo shows cauliflower mashed potatoes, bottom right, in New York. Not only is this pur&

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are simple to make

Let’s say you’ve resolved to eat healthier in the New Year, but find yourself tripped up over and over again by your unconquerable yen for… Continue reading

This Jan. 1 photo shows cauliflower mashed potatoes, bottom right, in New York. Not only is this pur&
This Dec. 26, 2017 photo shows shrimp and pineapple skewers in Bethesda, Md. A super easy go-to recipe, which uses easy pantry ingredients, you can even use canned pineapple, to create something that still feels high-end.(Melissa daArabian via AP)

Shrimp paired with pineapple brings elegance and sweetness

After all the cooking and shopping that the holidays inspire us to do, I’m looking forward to pulling out some easy recipes that use pantry… Continue reading

  • Jan 2, 2018
  • By MELISSA D’ARABIAN
  • LifeFood
This Dec. 26, 2017 photo shows shrimp and pineapple skewers in Bethesda, Md. A super easy go-to recipe, which uses easy pantry ingredients, you can even use canned pineapple, to create something that still feels high-end.(Melissa daArabian via AP)

Pioneer Potluck: Happy birthday, Mom

Wellington and on a farm in Northern Colorado Dec. 19,1915-1999 This is written in honor of our mother’s birthday, Dec. 19. Our mom was born in… Continue reading

  • Dec 20, 2017
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood

Pioneer Potluck: Getting ready for Christmas

On the farm 14 miles east of Fort Collins, Colorado 1937-1955 We woke up on the Monday after Thanksgiving with the slight noise coming out… Continue reading

  • Nov 29, 2017
  • By ANN ‘GRANNIE ANNIE’ BERG
  • LifeFood