Mount Hood

Picnic recipes

Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

Spring has arrived, and along with it comes beautiful flowers, sunny days and markets with the freshest fruits and vegetables. Take advantage of this beautiful season with homemade snacks perfect for any picnic: 

HOMEMADE HUMMUS: 

Start to finish: 20 minutes

*This recipe requires a food processor*

Chickpeas 

Tahini 

Fresh lemon juice 

Fresh garlic

Ground cumin and salt 

Olive oil 

Optional: Roasted red peppers 

Start by adding lemon juice and tahini to the food processor and allow them to run for a minute or two, eventually turning into a paste. Peel the chickpeas for a more creamy texture and separate them into two batches for easier processing. Blend the first batch of chickpeas along with the cumin, salt, olive oil and roasted red peppers, then add the second batch. Add a splash of olive oil on top and serve with crunchy veggies, pita bread or even on a tasty sandwich. 

ELOTE-INSPIRED PASTA SALAD

Start to finish: 30 minutes 

200g pasta noodles, any kind

3 tsp olive oil 

2 cans of sweet corn 

6 spring onions, finely chopped 

40g coriander 

200g feta cheese 

150g Mayonnaise 

3 limes, juiced

2 tsp chili powder 

Begin by cooking the pasta noodles in heavily salted water, drain and then add 1 tsp of olive oil. Heat the remainder of the olive oil in a skillet, add the sweet corn with a dash of salt and cook for 5-10 minutes or until slightly charred. Put the corn in a large serving bowl, add the pasta, spring onions, most of the coriander, crumbled feta cheese and mix well. To make the dressing, combine mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice and salt into a bowl to pour over the elote pasta. Top with extra feta, corn, a chili powder and go ahead and set it on the picnic table.

SWEET RASPBERRY LEMONADE 

Start to finish: 15 minutes

8-10 large lemons = 1 ½ cups lemon juice 

½ pound of raspberries

5 cups water

1-1 ½ cups sugar  

Lemon wedges, for serving 

Fresh mint, for serving

Every picnic needs a sweet drink to sip on and a homemade raspberry lemonade is just the thing to quench your thirst. Start by squeezing all the juice out of the lemons, acquiring at least 1 ½ cups of juice. Combine raspberries and ½ cup of lemon juice in a blender; puree until smooth, then pass the mixture through a sieve to separate out seeds. The fastest way to eliminate seeds is by pressing down on the strainer with a large spoon or ladle, pushing the seeds into the spoon to scoop out with ease. Add remaining lemon juice, water and sugar to the bowl and stir until completely dissolved. Taste test and add more sugar or lemon if needed. Pour in glasses with ice, top with lemon wedge along with the fresh mint, and enjoy the perfect picnic drink. 

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu

Oregon blooms

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

If one is on the lookout for dazzling wildlife within Oregon, there are many places nearby to explore. Spring is the peak season to see bright flowers bloom. However, it is important to remember to be respectful of these natural areas. Be sure to follow guidelines, and don’t forget to pack adequate hiking equipment to keep oneself and others safe.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm: Marion County, OR — This large tulip farm showcases its colorful blooms annually, as a sign that spring has arrived in Oregon. One doesn’t have to simply look at the flowers; the farm also includes a variety of activities, such as the Tulip Market, wine tasting and even hot air balloon rides. The farm is currently open to visitors until May 5.

Saddle Mountain State Natural Area: Clatsop County, OR — Saddle Mountain is known for both its height and beloved wildflowers, with trails beginning in a picnic area and ending at the rocky peak. Saddle Mountain formed during the Miocene and served as a reserve for a variety of plant species during the Ice Age. This area is a fantastic place to see rare plant and animal species.

Cone Peak: Linn County, OR — Cone Peak is full of over 300 different wildflower species throughout spring. Not to be mistaken for the Cone Peak in California, Oregon’s Cone Peak is a six mile loop trail located near Cascadia. On the trail, hikers can expect to see volcanic craggy rock in addition to the wildflowers

Silver Falls State Park: Marion County, OR — In addition to the flowers the “crown jewel” of Oregon State Parks provides, Silver Falls is home to 10 stunning waterfalls. Silver Falls includes picnic areas, campgrounds and hiking trails for anyone interested in nature. Visitors might see blooms of yellow, purple and pink as they explore the park in spring. “Twilight” fans may even spot Bella and Edward in the lush treetops.

Tom McCall Preserve: Wasco County, OR — This natural preserve is named after Oregon’s late governor, Thomas Lawson McCall, who was dedicated to preserving nature in the state. Rare plant populations are monitored by ecologists, and in the spring, volunteers lead interpretive hikes. The preserve looks over the Columbia River Gorge and is filled with striking wildflowers from February to July. 

Marys Peak: Benton County, OR — Located in our very own Willamette Valley, Marys Peak never ceases to amaze visitors year-round. It has been designated as a Scenic Botanical Area due to its wildlife and plants. Peak wildflower bloom in Marys Peak occurs typically around mid-May to the end of June but has extended from April to July in some years.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Blooming spring recipes

Written by: Taylor Duff | Staff Writer

CHOPPED GREEK SALAD 

From start to finish: 20 min

Greek red wine vinaigrette dressing (purchase or make) 

Red onion 

Cucumber 

Grape tomatoes 

Fresh parsley 

Olives of choice 

Banana peppers 

Avocado

Salt and pepper to taste

Feta cheese to top

Begin by chopping your red onion, cucumber, grape tomatoes, banana peppers, olives and avocado and add to a large bowl. Next, roughly chop your parsley and sprinkle on top of the veggie mix. Then, drizzle the red wine vinaigrette over the veggie mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, toss together and sprinkle with feta cheese.       

LEMON PASTA

From start to finish: 45 min 

2 Tbs Chicken bouillon powder 

Angel hair pasta 

Half a stick of butter 

1Tbs of minced garlic 

1 Tbs of red pepper flakes 

Fresh parsley 

1 Cup grated parmesan 

2 lemons squeezed 

Salt and pepper to taste 

Start by boiling a pot of water large enough to fit the angel hair pasta and season the water with the chicken bouillon powder. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and stir periodically. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain your pasta once cooked according to the package. On medium heat in a large pan add the half stick of butter, minced garlic and red pepper flakes and stir until melted and combined. Now add in the drained pasta and some of the reserved pasta water with the fresh parsley, grated parmesan, juice from the lemons, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until combined and serve. 



BERRY COBBLER 

From start to finish: 70 min

1 cup of flour

1 cup of white sugar 

1 cup of milk 

1/4th cup melted butter 

A pack of mixed frozen or fresh berries about 2 cups 

In a large bowl combine flour, sugar and milk — whisk until combined. In a 9 by 13-inch pan, pour the melted butter, moving it around so it coats the bottom. Pour the mixture over the butter and top with the mixed berries. Place in a 180-degree oven for 50 minutes or until cooked through the cobbler. Let cool and enjoy.   

Contact the author at tduff@mail.wou.edu 

False spring

Written by: Claire Phillips | Entertainment Editor

Most Americans know who Punxsutawney Phil is, and it’s not just for his dashing looks. Every year on Feb. 2, the Pennsylvanian groundhog makes an appearance to predict the weather. However, Phil only has a 39% success rate, but he still has an almost cult-like following.

Fox Weather claims Phil drinks a magical elixir — a secret recipe — to help him live forever, so he can predict the weather for eternity. The weather magician lives in a climate-controlled, light-regulated burrow adjacent to the Punxsutawney Memorial Library.

The months between February and April are an unpredictable time. Especially throughout the Pacific Northwest, both snow and sun, in addition to the usual rain, can be expected at this time of year. Many lean on Phil in an attempt to forecast the upcoming season.

This February, Phil predicted an early spring. After the ice storm that hit Oregon in January, it’s refreshing to see some warmer weather come to town — especially in an area that lacks vitamin D. However, a secret season occurs before real spring — known as false spring.

False spring refers to the period before the spring equinox when weather conditions become unusually warm, before returning to a regular bitter winter state. Not only does false spring trick people — and Phil the groundhog — into believing the mild season has begun early, but even vegetation can come out of dormancy.

An early spring also means early allergies. Many suffer from grass and pollen allergies as the beautiful flowers of spring begin sprouting. These seasonal plants may be seen as early as January or February, because of the false spring phenomenon. Always keeping allergy medicine on hand may be a good idea.

The underlying cause of false spring is, of course, climate change. Between winter and spring, fluctuations in weather patterns may be detrimental to the environment. Could Phil have predicted this?

Sophia Espinoza, a Western biology major, spoke on what the changing weather means for the future. “This decreased season time… may be inconvenient for us when we have to pack away our sweaters earlier each year, but these rising temperatures are a warning signal for the collapse of many natural resources… that are vital to maintaining a healthy biosphere on earth,” Espinoza said.

Warm season lovers can look forward to daylight savings time on March 10. It may not be time to break out sun hats and bathing suits, but the time will come soon enough. If Phil says spring is on its way, it must be true.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Favorite season for a reason

Western students answer the question: “What is your favorite season and why?”

James Fowlkes | Freelancer

Contact the author at jfowlkes18@wou.edu

 

Name: Will Ollenbrook 

Age: 23 

Class Standing: Junior 

Pronouns: He/Him 

Major: Computer Science 

Favorite Season: Spring 

Reason(s): 

“I think it’s probably due to, just like a lot of personal reasons. I’m Irish so, included in Spring usually comes like Saint Patrick’s Day and things like that. Also, I had my birthday recently. That’s another thing that happens around Spring. It’s relatively chilly but not like super cold weather around Spring. It’s a bit more rainy around here in the Pacific Northwest but I don’t really tend to have an issue with that.” 

Name: Xavier Glenn 

Age: 20 

Class Standing: Sophomore 

Pronouns: He/Him 

Major: Physical Education 

Favorite Season: Winter 

Reason(s): 

“Probably winter just because I like to go out and play in the snow and stuff, and it’s probably the best season for dressing, like layers and things like that. Also, I just like the holidays too, so like Christmas time. I guess Thanksgiving kind of counts in winter too, maybe like fall, but holiday family time as well. I think winter is also good because there’s just a stronger, like, sense of community I think and people are trying to get through the hard winter as a family or things like that.”

 

Name: Cedar Davis-Frankfort 

Age: 21 

Class Standing: Junior 

Pronouns: He/Him 

Major: Elementary Education 

Favorite Season: Summer 

 

Reason(s):

“I just enjoy the warm weather and I’m a distance runner so I like running during the summer ‘cause it’s warm out and I don’t worry much about school so I can just run whenever. I enjoy traveling and there’s more time to travel and explore new places.” 

Name: Brittany Waligroski 

Age: 21 

Class Standing: Junior 

Pronouns: She/her 

Major: ASL Interpreting 

Favorite Season: Fall 

 

Reason(s):

“I really like when the leaves on all the trees change colors. It’s just super pretty and then it also has my favorite kind of days that are (sunny) but cold.” 

 

Name: James Ceciliani 

Age: 22 

Class Standing: Senior 

Pronouns: He/Him 

Major: Criminal Justice 

Favorite Season: Spring

 

Reason(s):

“It’s always good to look forward to summer. Sun starts to come out again and we can start going outside a lot more. It’s not super hot and I’m not a big fan of blistering heat but I usually go out and go on hikes and such. (It’s) just sunny, and the days get longer, that’s a big one. And seasonal depression starts going away. I’m an umpire, so baseball starts up again and it’s just gonna be outside.”

 

View the Spring Dance Concert online

Get ready for the latest dance performance from Western

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌ ‌ ‌

There’s no better way to mark the beginning of spring than with quality entertainment that gets those creative vibes flowing. One of the best ways to get into the lively springtime season is through the performing arts. Western’s very own dance program is here to provide some of their latest captivating projects, and they have made it even easier to enjoy it from home. 

During the 2020-21 season, the Department of Theatre and Dance will be showcasing their latest event ⏤ the highly anticipated Spring Dance Concert on May 7. Audience members can tune in at 6 p.m. to see the works of artistic director and dance program professor, Darryl Thomas.

Along with Thomas’s creative vision coming to life on the stage and screen, the program will feature choreography from Western alumni and guest artist Kailee McMcMurran, as well as the dance program professors Corrie Cowart, Cynthia Garner, Amy McDonnell and Les Watanabe. 

Join with the Zoom meeting ID: 858 1571 4238 and the passcode: “WOUDance,” or find the performance on WOUTV for an additional streaming option. Either way, make sure to grab the popcorn, goodies and dance the night away. 

The Department of Theatre and Dance will have all of their performances presented virtually because of COVID-19 restriction guidelines, and anyone can keep up with upcoming events at wou.edu/dance. Additional details can be found on their Instagram page @woutheatredepartment.

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Make these seasonal cocktails any season

Four mixed drinks for the four seasons

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that the passage of time can feel surreal. No matter what month it feels like, there’s a cocktail for that. Mix up one of these drinks inspired by the four seasons, and enjoy responsibly. 

 

SPRING BLOSSOM COCKTAIL

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 drink

1 ½ ounces cherry brandy

1 ½ ounces gin

½ lemon, juiced

Sparkling lemonade

Splash of grenadine

Edible blossoms, for garnish 

Mix brandy, gin and the juice of half a lemon with several ice cubes in a shaker. Strain into a glass, then fill the rest of the glass with sparkling lemonade. Add a splash of grenadine and place blossom garnish on top if desired. 

Recipe from blog.birdsparty.com

MALIBU SUNSET

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Yields: 1 drink

3 to 4 ounces pineapple-orange juice

2 ounces Malibu rum

Grenadine, drizzled

Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Pineapple and/or orange slices, for garnish

Add ice cubes to a glass, then pour in pineapple-orange juice and Malibu rum. Stir to combine. Drizzle as much grenadine as desired on top, then add garnishes and serve. 

Recipe from averiecooks.com

CARAMEL APPLE MANHATTAN

Start to finish: 10 minutes

Yields: 1 drink

2 ounces bourbon

2 ounces apple cider

½ ounce apple liquor

½ ounce sweet vermouth

Apple slices, for garnish

Melted caramel candies, for garnish

For garnish, melt as many caramel candies as desired in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Dip apple slices into melted caramel, then place on a plate with parchment paper. Let chill in the fridge. 

For cocktail, combine bourbon, apple cider, apple liquor and sweet vermouth in a shaker with lots of ice. Strain into a chilled glass, then add garnish on the side of the glass. 

Recipe from recipegirl.com

PEPPERMINT WHITE RUSSIAN COCKTAIL

Start to finish: 15 minutes

Yields: 2 drinks

⅛ cup vanilla frosting

¼ cup peppermint candy bits

½ cup Kahlúa coffee liqueur

¼ cup peppermint flavored vodka

½ cup half-and-half cream

Apply a thin layer of frosting around the rims of two glasses. Add the peppermint bits to a shallow bowl. Dip the rims of each glass into the candy and chill for 10 minutes. 

In a shaker, add the Kahlúa, vodka and half-and-half cream and shake to combine. 

Fill the chilled glasses with several ice cubes and pour in the cocktail mixture. 

Recipe from homecookingmemories.com

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

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Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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