throwback thursday – white winter memories …

I love the idea of Throwback Thursdays . . .

as it gives me the perfect reason to look back through old photographs!!

Here is a look at some white winter memories . . .

Ski family

Our family was always out in the snow in winter . . .

because … well … that is just what we did in winter . . .

We.  Played.  In.  The.  Snow.

Tubing down the hill with mom ...

Mom started me out at a very early age . . .

Mom and Dad and the boys

just the same way my parents did with my two older brothers . . .

Mom, Paul, Marie and little Dan

they even brought my grandparents out to join in the fun from time to time!

. . . . .

In those days – the neighborhood boys would hang with the dads . . .

because that was a cool thing to do back then!

Dad skiing off jump

Here is my dad going over a ski jump!!

I have always loved the fact that he was young at heart . . .

and has continued to be so throughout the years!

Dad and the boys skiing

Here is a photo of my dad with my two brothers years later!

These types of family photos would continue to be taken year . . . after year . . .

after year!!!

Dad skiing

With the beautiful mountains in the background . . . and the blue sky above . . .

my parents looked as cool as can be . . .

Mom skiing

this photo is one of my favorites of my mother!!

Yes – I do remember these mountains well . . .

the views from the tops of the lifts . . .

the smell of the snow . . . the hot chocolate breaks . . .

and the thick honey-butter bread at the lodge at Sundance

at the end of the day!

But most of all . . . I remember spending time with my family . . .

and the memories that we shared together!

I also remember . . . when my mom decided to quit going to the hill . . .

she leaned over to me and quietly told me that she never really liked being cold . . .

which as I am getting older I understand more and more . . .

I also remember skiing with my father last February – he was 91 years old . . .

I have to say – I was more than a bit worried!!  But – he made it through the weekend safe . . .

and once again – we have memories that will last a life time!!

And if we were not up in the mountains . . .

Ice Boating

well – we were on the lake . . . Ice Boating!!

Or – some of us were perhaps Ice Skating!!

I am so grateful for all this time we were able to spend together!!

How lucky my brothers and I were to have such fun . . .

loving . . . and active parents . . .

who went out of their way to create such memories for all of us!!

I will be forever thankful!!

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season . . .

Peace, Love, and Joy – to each and every one of you!!!

xoxo – liz

making marshmallows …

The other night . . .

I asked my 9 year old daughter Hattie to pick a recipe or two

from an old Martha Stewart Holiday issue I had sitting on the counter . . .

I thought it would be fun to make some holiday goodies together!

Hattie sat at the table a long time!!

She then came back with this huge list – and I mean HUGE . . .

starting with these very cool marshmallow snowflakes!

Hmmm – I thought . . .

I have never made marshmallows before . . .

Let’s just say it was an absolute BLAST . . .

from watching the mixture become this white . . . thick . . . sticky foam-like substance . . .

to spreading it in a pan and sprinkling them with powdered sugar . . . just like snow . . .

and then cutting them up into fun holiday shapes . . .

The stars were our favorite!!

 Yes – I truly felt like a kid again . . . laughing and smiling the whole time . . .

playing – like a child!!

I am not really sure who had more fun – Hattie or myself!

I just know that I can’t wait to try them in some hot cocoa!!

Are you dreaming of a White Christmas?  I know I am!!

And – if the snow doesn’t come . . .

you will find me making more of these – perhaps in the shape of a snowman! 🙂

Happy Holidays everyone! Peace and Blessings to all of you!!

xoxo – liz

. . . . .

The Marshmallow Snowflake Recipe

can be found here on the Martha Stewart website!!

Just add the confectioner’s sugar for dusting . . .

and pretend it is snowing!!

island style – spice rub …

Introducing our very own . . .

IRONSTONE KITCHEN – Island Style Spice Rub!!!

A perfect Spice Rub for Pulled Pork, Chicken, Brisket, etc…!!

Just rub it on the meat . . . wrap it up in plastic-wrap . . . marinate it overnight . . .

then roast it . . . bbq it . . .

and then – trust me when I say you will absolutely LOVE it!!! 🙂

When my son was young . . .

we used served up these Island Style Pulled Pork sandwiches using this spice rub

in our Bainbridge Island Junior Football Snack Shack . . .

It ended up being a hit that I did not expect.

Since then – people have asked me to make it for them . . .

so here it is . . . finally!!

A 6oz container of Spice Rub goodness . . .

in a wonderful reusable glass container!

Available here in our Online Shop!!

I will also be sharing a few recipes using the spice rub

on the Ironstone Kitchen blog as well!

And – if you are wondering about whats up with that green sauce above??

Well – we served it on our Island Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches

along with grilled onions . . . jalapeno peppers . . .

cilantro . . . and more . . .

Sooooo Delish!!

Can’t wait to share it all with you!! 🙂

More on all of this to come . . . along with some great recipes . . .

so stay tuned!!

Peace and Love to all of you!!

xoxo – liz

. . . . .

Island Style Spice Rub – available here!!