From Airplanes to Ale: the story behind Fire Mountain Brew House

by Nick Pfaff

I recently discovered Fire Mountain Brew House on an early afternoon when my manager sent me home early (on payday nonetheless). I hurried to the bank to cash my check so that I could begin appreciating this work-free day.

What better way to start it than with a tasty beer? So I made my way over to Capital Market to browse their vast beer selection. I wanted to part from my traditional purchases and try something new, and there were a few local beers I had been eye-balling, including the Steam Fired Stout from Fire Mountain Brew house (FMBH). It may not seem like a big deal to try a new beer, but it can be a little disappointing if a beer doesn’t meet your expectations. Along with a Steam Fired Stout I grabbed an old favorite just in case.

Basic White Bread Recipe

 by Nick Pfaff

There are few things in this crazy, complicated world that are as simple and pleasing as a warm loaf of bread. The smell of homemade bread conjures thoughts of simpler times- with Mom or Grandma wearing a flour dusted apron, working so diligently to create such a wonderful and wholesome food.   
   
Besides the amazing smells fresh bread will create in your household, homemade bread is much cheaper, has more flavor, will not contain preservatives, and is all-together much healthier than most store bought loaves. A quality loaf of bread can be a good source of iron, vitamins, calcium, and protein.

Turkey Curry with Butternut Squash

by Nick Pfaff

I love curry. But I especially enjoy massaman curry, which is generally made with potatoes, carrots, onions, coconut milk, and peanuts. With its big chunks of vegetables, and its hearty and aromatic sauce, it’s an amazingly comforting meal on a cold, wet Oregon evening. I usually make curry with chicken, or sometimes as a vegetarian dish. After the holidays I always end up with an abundance of turkey, and it’s so easy to replace any chicken recipe with some of the turkey you have leftover from Christmas or Thanksgiving. Plus it’s one less thing you have to cook.  Just add the pre-cooked turkey in the last 15-20 minutes, allowing the turkey to heat up in the robust curry sauce.  You can easily substitute the pureed butternut squash with leftover pureed pumpkin.  Serve hot over jasmine rice.