The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘All Food & Drink’ Category

The Birth of a Pumpkin Patch

By ERIN TURNER - What began 7 years ago out of frustration and desperation has turned into an incredible experience and a blessing for our family...The Turner Farms' Pumpkin Patch. ... more

Kaiserschmarnn (Austrian Pancakes)

By Chef TRACY DARUE - Trying to figure out what to do with the abundance of apples from your trees? Try this recipe for Austrian Pancakes.... more

Grilled Indian Corn Chowder

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - To help usher you into this wonderful time of the year, here’s a recipe for my favorite fall chowder.... more

Managing Screen Time For Kids

By ERIN TURNER - The tech world is here and it’s going to stay--despite thoughts from parents that it might just be passing fad. So how do you manage electronic devices for kids?... more

Inside Out Potato Tacos

By MANDA HUDAK - In this dish, I am reformatting the traditional Mexican potato taco, which in its classic form is a delicious hors d’oeuvre or appetizer. ... more

Tenth Annual Montana Wine & Beer Festival Set For October 23, 2015

The 10th Annual Montana Wine & Beer Festival is scheduled for Friday, October 23rd, at the Adams Center from 7-10 p.m.... more

Brown Sugar and Strawberry Scones

JONATHON HARTIG - A scone has always been one of my favorite baked goods. The combination of flaky, buttery dough, sugar topping and fresh fruit leaves little else to be desired.... more

Berry Crème Fraiche Cake

By MICHELLE HICKS - This is a cool refreshing cake. It's not overly sweet, and the creme fraische adds a perfect little tang.... more

The Great Debate: School Bedtime During the Summer

By ERIN TURNER-There's a debate amongst parents about how to handle the last days of summer with their school aged children. What time is bed time?... more

Nicoise Salad

This versatile Nicoise Salad is perfect for entertaining guests and can be used as an appetizer, a first course salad or an entrée.... more

On the Grill: Backyard Stir Fry

By PAUL SIDORIAK - Love Chinese style stir fry but don't like heating up the kitchen This summer? Why not do in on the grill? Here's my a recipe and step-by-step directions.... more

Quick Coffee Cake

By CHEF TRACY DARUE - Even though it’s been hot outside, I still enjoy baking first thing in the morning when it’s cool. This is a wonderful treat for breakfast or to take along in to a picnic.... more

Peach Pie and Pecan Crumble

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - For the short time while peaches are in season, this recipe might just become your favorite fruit dessert, especially with this ultimate crumble-top.... more

Beat The Heat Roll-Up Snack

By ERIN TURNER - We had friends visiting and their son has Juvenile Diabetes so I wanted to be sure I had appropriate food and snacks for him. Here's one that fits the bill and beats the heat:... more

Gazpacho of the Americas

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - Summer has come to Montana with scorching temperatures that are making chilled soups from the bounty of summer gardens even more enticing.... more

Bruschetta of Cherry Tomatoes

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - What you end up with is a refreshing and delicious dish that will make you say 'ahhhhhhh'... more

Chilled Yellow Corn Soup

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - Here’s a refreshing and tasty chilled soup that presents well with striking colorful garnishments.... more

Filet of Beef Grilled in Coffee Beans With a Velvet Chili Sauce

By CHEFF HOWARD KARP for the Flathead Beacon Firing up the grill offers an easy way to entertain during your summer get-togethers with out-of-town guests. Creating a dinner that can be cooked entirely on the... more

Fresh Alaskan Halibut

By CHEF HOWARD KARP- Of all of my Mediterranean fish recipes, this one is my favorite. The combination of fresh Alaskan halibut and savory sauce produces phenomenal flavors. ... more

Organizing Gift Cards in a Binder

By ERIN TURNER - I love gift cards, but I hate when I unexpectedly find myself in a restaurant and realize I've left the gift card for that restaurant at home in the drawer. ... more

Oat Bran Muffins

By TRACY DARUE- Remember the oat bran craze back in the late 1980s? I was hooked on everything oat bran then, hearing that it was a superfood. And these muffins are gluten-free.... more

Honey Lime Broiled Salmon with Peanut Sauce

By MANDA HUDAK - Salmon season is underway and here in Montana we are very fortunate to have access to wild Pacific salmon. Here's my recipe for honey lime broiled Salmon with peanut sauce.... more

Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

By ERIN TURNER - Despite not having a drop of Mexican heritage in my blood, I still love celebrating Cinco De Mayo. Here are 5 of my favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes.... more

Frugal and Delicious: Homemade Refried Beans

By ERIN TURNER - With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, why not some try my recipe for simple, delicious, homemade refried beans. ... more

Frisee Salad, Welsh Rarebit Crouton, Vinaigrette

By JONATHON HARTIG - For this salad I've incorporated a couple of local Flathead Valley beers. I encourage you to experiment with your own favorite local brews! ... more

How To Save Money While Stocking Your Pantry

By ERIN TURNER - People ask us all the time for advice on how to stock up on essential pantry items. They assume we have a Costco membership and buy everything in bulk.... more

An Easter Tradition: Challah

Challah is a slightly sweet, very rich bread. Traditionally, the braided Sabbath bread of Judasim is a European celebratory loaf, symbolic of God's goodness and bounty.... more

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Asparagus

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - This picture-perfect dish really turned out to be a crowd pleaser.... more

Kid Approved, Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe

By ERIN TURNER - In today's world of overly processed food, I love showing the kids how to make homemade and healthy snacks. Here's my recipe for homemade Cheese-Its Crackers.... more

Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day with Homemade Irish Pasties

By ERIN TURNER- As the great granddaughter of an Irish immigrant, I have to admit my own love of Irish Pasties. It is the perfect meal…meat, potatoes all wrapped up in a flaky crust. ... more

Spiciy Thai Coconut Soup

By Manda Hudak - My pre-spring soup cravings are for a lighter, spicier and healthier soup than the heavy heartier soups of mid-winter. ... more

On the Grill: Colors of the Flag of Ireland…Kebabs

By PAUL SIDORIAK - This year for St. Patrick’s Day, I plan to represent the colors of the flag of Ireland on a shillelagh and make St. Patrick’s Day kebabs.... more

Italian White Bread (Grandpa’s Bread)

By JONATHON HARTIG - This bread recipe reminds me of home and my grandfather, and it was a catalyst for me in pursuing a culinary profession.... more

Kimchi

By JAMIE LIPHARDT-Kimchi is a traditional Korean food made with Napa Cabbage and lots of chili powder called Gochugaru. It can be described as sweet, sour and spicy.... more

Pad Thai

By JAMIE LIPHARDT - Pad Thai is one of my all-time favorites. I crave it. It’s all encompassing with sweet, sour, spicy, hearty, light, healthy and satisfying all in one big bowl. ... more

Spaetzle with Smoked Kielbasa

By CHEF HOWARD KARP- Here’s a recipe for Spaetzle--which is a rough form of noodles or dumplings. There’s no rolling or cutting involved in making it.... more

Spinach Salad with Fennel, Apple and Citrus Vinaigrette

By CHEF JAMIE LIPHARDT-A great salad to accompany the most simple or the most elegant meal.... more

New Year Low-Fat Carrot Muffins

It’s that time of year when most of us resolve to take better care of ourselves. These muffins are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you feeling too guilty.... more

Baked French Onion Soup

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - French onion soup is a wintertime favorite, but making this dish true to its roots does have some secrets. ... more

Home-Baked Cinnamon Rolls

Home-baked cinnamon rolls are a treat, especially on Christmas morning! This recipe can be mixed ahead of time and kept, unbaked, in the freezer or refrigerator. ... more

Simple Homemade Caramel Sauce

By ERIN TURNER- Every Christmas I like to make homemade gifts for family and friends. This year I am excited to be making up batches of Homemade Caramel Sauce. It's Heavenly!... more

Mushroom, Leek and Gruyere Strata

By JAMIE LIPHARDT- Here's a way to repurpose your thanksgiving leftovers: Behold the Strata, a dish comprised mainly of eggs, cheese and leftover stuffing.... more

Thanksgiving Refrigerator Rolls

By CHEF TRACY DARUE- A Thanksgiving tradition in our house is yeast rolls. My mom would mix these the night before, and bake them on Thanksgiving day.... more

New Money Saving App–FAVADO!

By ERIN TURNER- I recently discovered FAVADO--an app that can save you both TIME and MONEY--and just in time for the holiday shopping season! ... more

Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe

By ERIN TURNER- If you have kids, then you know that Ranch Dip has far surpassed ketchup in the world of condiments. Here's my recipe for Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing.... more

Kalamazoo Sliders–A New Spin On A Tailgating Favorite

By ARIANNA SOLIMENE-We’re here to share our recipe for the perfect beef slider, a crowd tested favorite you’re sure to love. The secret lies in the cheese and the pretzel bun.... more

Turkey Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Feast

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - Hopefully this recipe will help you prepare your best Thanksgiving turkey yet.... more

Homesteading Basics: How to Make Your Own Lard

By ERIN TURNER- Thinking about adding lard to your baking regimen? Consider making your own. With the help of a crockpot, it's super easy and it's perfect for melt-in-your-mouth pie crusts, cookies, and and mor... more

What Are You Cookin’ up for Crocktober Fest?

By ERIN TURNER- Time to pull out the crockpot for 'CROCKTOBER Fest'. Cooking in a crockpot offers the benefits of convenience and ease. Here are a couple of 'must make' crockpot recipes. ... more

Harvest Season Means Savings

By ERIN TURNER-I dedicate this week’s blog to this beautiful season we call “The Harvest”. Anyone who claims they are frugal loves this season. This is what we frugalites live for--ABUNDANCE!... more