Life

James Wardlow shows off a salmon filet ready to be hung and dried during a smoked salmon demonstration, part of Fish Week 2023, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

To fillet a fish

Youth workshop showcases ways of preparing salmon

James Wardlow shows off a salmon filet ready to be hung and dried during a smoked salmon demonstration, part of Fish Week 2023, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Rhubarb is preserved in jars. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Capturing the taste of home

Canning preserves local rhubarb’s vibrant flavors

Rhubarb is preserved in jars. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
JJamppong. (Photo by Tressa Dale)

Spice up seafood with jjamppong

I have recently formed an uneasy truce with the spider who lives in my laundry room. I always find her on the wall next to… Continue reading

JJamppong. (Photo by Tressa Dale)
Chicken tikka masala. (Photo by Tressa Dale)

Adventurous chicken tikka masala

From the time he was big enough to sit in our special backpack, we’ve been taking him to Skyline for hikes. At first it was… Continue reading

Chicken tikka masala. (Photo by Tressa Dale)
Kenai Peninsula Food Bank Administrative Assistant Claire Jones and Donations and Communications Manager Lilly Murray stand with Soldotna Vice Mayor Lisa Parker as they fundraise for the King of the River Food Drive at the Wednesday Market in Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai-Soldotna rivalry central to new food bank fundraiser

The latest fundraiser for the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank pits the cities of Kenai and Soldotna against one another in a friendly competition to donate… Continue reading

Kenai Peninsula Food Bank Administrative Assistant Claire Jones and Donations and Communications Manager Lilly Murray stand with Soldotna Vice Mayor Lisa Parker as they fundraise for the King of the River Food Drive at the Wednesday Market in Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Homemade rhubarb ice cream is served. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Sweet and tart ice cream for a summer child

The rhubarb is tender and plentiful now

Homemade rhubarb ice cream is served. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A favorite of Korean kids and college kids alike, Korean black bean noodles are an everyday takeout staple. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Comfort food for when it’s needed most

Korean black bean noodles provide a mild and soothing meal

A favorite of Korean kids and college kids alike, Korean black bean noodles are an everyday takeout staple. (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 to host spring fest Friday

This year’s Spring Festival will be the largest the organization has put on — with 15 booths set to offer services

A Kenai Peninsula Food Bank truck in the Food Bank parking lot on Aug. 4, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Quinoa Chickpea Kale Salad is packed with filling protein and great nutrition without being too heavy on the stomach. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Fresh and hearty salad to fuel springtime’s busy days

Quinoa Chickpea Kale Salad can be simply poured into a bowl and eaten without breaking stride

Quinoa Chickpea Kale Salad is packed with filling protein and great nutrition without being too heavy on the stomach. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Oatmeal raisin cookies to celebrate a one-year anniversay. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Homemade cookies to celebrate a forever home

Homey oatmeal raisin cookies mark one year ‘happily ever after’

Oatmeal raisin cookies to celebrate a one-year anniversay. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
The simple yet versatile crepe can be served savory or sweet, such as this banana, powdered sugar and chocolate creation. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Savory, sweet and everything in between

Simple yet versatile crepes can be outfitted for every taste

The simple yet versatile crepe can be served savory or sweet, such as this banana, powdered sugar and chocolate creation. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Kendra Pisa prepares a shot at Northern Light Espresso on Monday, May 15, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Coffee stand expands to ‘modern hangout’

Northern Lights Espresso opens its second location

Kendra Pisa prepares a shot at Northern Light Espresso on Monday, May 15, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
This meaty sauce is savory and herbaceous and is well worth the four hours of simmer time. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Mom’s spaghetti

Hearty pasta brings back memories of youth

This meaty sauce is savory and herbaceous and is well worth the four hours of simmer time. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
This poached pear frangipane tart takes a little planning and skill, but with patience and vision, you too can create a sweet, almond scented masterpiece. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Masterpiece into the fire

Poached pear frangipane tart takes artistry and patience

This poached pear frangipane tart takes a little planning and skill, but with patience and vision, you too can create a sweet, almond scented masterpiece. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Lemon juice and powder sugar make the sweet topping for this luscious lemon cake. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Sun shines through summertime lemon cake

I can see green summer just ahead

Lemon juice and powder sugar make the sweet topping for this luscious lemon cake. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
This meat lasagna includes layers of sausage, ricotta, bechamel and spinach. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Lasagna you can eat all week

Crockpot meals always miss the mark, and there’s only so many times I’m willing to feed my family macaroni and cheese

This meat lasagna includes layers of sausage, ricotta, bechamel and spinach. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
North African Shakshuka is a rich and vibrant dish and great way to use up eggs. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Bringing some chaos to the kitchen

North African Shakshuka is a rich and vibrant way to use up some eggs

North African Shakshuka is a rich and vibrant dish and great way to use up eggs. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Suwannasa Piwon, right, stands at the counter and greets guests during a soft opening held Friday, April 7, 2023, at Siam Noodles and Food in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Authenticity a catalyst for growth at local Thai restaurant

Siam Noodles and Food opens in new location, credits community support and dedication to authentic Thai food

Suwannasa Piwon, right, stands at the counter and greets guests during a soft opening held Friday, April 7, 2023, at Siam Noodles and Food in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Thai coconut red curry soup can be made as spicy or mild as you choose. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

A punch of color to brighten gray spring days

When the gray starts to seep into my soul, I try to burn it out with spice

Thai coconut red curry soup can be made as spicy or mild as you choose. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Owners Suwannasa Piwon and Phatcharin Apaipak sit for a photo at the new location of their Siam Noodles and Food in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo provided by Siam Noodles and Food)

Siam Noodles and Food to hold Grand Opening of new location

Siam Noodles and Food will open in its new location next weekend, starting with a grand opening on Saturday, April 8, at 11 a.m. The… Continue reading

Owners Suwannasa Piwon and Phatcharin Apaipak sit for a photo at the new location of their Siam Noodles and Food in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo provided by Siam Noodles and Food)