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

Ice Cube Trays–a Frugal Gadget for Every Kitchen

By ERIN TURNER-Ever wonder what to do with leftover wine, buttermilk and other liquid items? Hate the thought of throwing them out? HELLO ice cube trays. It's a no-brainer and frugal way to save!... more

Dressing Up Downtown: Missoula Art Museum’s Upcoming Art Park

By MATT ANGLEN- Congratulations. You may not know it now, but you picked an awesome place to go to school. To help you get acquainted with Missoula, here’s a short list of awesomeness. ... more

Salmon With Sweet Corn Potato Hash

By JAMIE LIPHARDT - This is light, yet comforting as we transition from grilled meats and light salads to roasted meats and baked side dishes.... more

Gluten Free Blueberry and Huckleberry Cobbler

By BOB ZIMORINO - You’ve jumped on the Gluten Free bandwagon but aren’t thrilled with all of the gluten free products out there? This meal and recipe may change your mind.... more

Southern Style Buttermilk Biscuits

By CHEF TRACY DARUE - Biscuits are especially good to have around because they can accompany so many meals. Here's a tried-and-true recipe for Southern Style Buttermilk Biscuits.... more

The New Student’s Guide to Missoula’s Art Scene

By MATT ANGLEN- Congratulations. You may not know it now, but you picked an awesome place to go to school. To help you get acquainted with Missoula, here’s a short list of awesomeness. ... more

Easy, Healthy, and Homemade Chocolate Sauce

By ERIN TURNER-Yesterday was my son’s birthday and when I asked him what menu he wanted for his birthday dinner, he requested ice cream--and that means chocolate sauce! Here's an easy, healthy and frugal reci... more

Smoked Tomato Soup

During late summer, when your gardens are at their peak, this recipe is a nice remedy for an abundance of tomatoes and Swiss chard.... more

How to Make the Most of What’s Left of Summer in Missoula

By MATT ANGLEN- If you're like me and are desperately trying to make the most of these last few weeks of sunshine here in Missoula, here is a short list of things to get excited about: ... more

Fresh, Frugal, Back to School Lunch Ideas

By ERIN TURNER-Are you ready to dust off the lunch box as your kids head back to school this week? Here are some for packing fresh, healthy and frugal lunches for your kids!... more

Sugar Snap Peas with Lobster Salad

By CHEF HOWARD KARP-Here’s a refreshing summer salad that doesn’t use traditional leafy greens. Instead, it features garden fresh sugar snap peas made into a sweet puree sauce with coconut milk.... more

Stuffed Zucchini–A Frugal Seasonal Meal

By ERIN TURNER-The season of zucchini jokes has arrived. The gardens are knocking out zucchini like crazy and people are finding them on their doorsteps.... more

Flathead Cherries and Heirloom Tomato Tart

It’s time to celebrate our Flathead cherries and local tomatoes! This symphony of flavors screams summer with these two sweet-and-tart fruits that ripen at the same time.... more

Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms

By JAMIE LIPHARDT - You will not only impress yourself with this dish, but also your garden friend and anyone else you decide to invite to dinner that night.... more

Homemade Pie Crust

By ERIN TURNER- It's western Montana Fair Time and with raspberries, huckleberries and strawberries all in season right now, it seems the perfect time for a pie! ... more

New Fireline Grill Opens at Splash Montana

Splash Montana is proud to announce the ALL NEW Fireline Grill, a mobile kitchen offering fresh, restaurant-quality food options to guests at Splash Montana and in Playfair. ... more

The Name Game

By ROB BREEDING - I used to correct people when they used the A word. Pronghorns are not true antelope, I’d explain, and are actually an animal in a family all by themselves.... more

Save Money With DIY Haircuts

By ERIN TURNER- With 3 boys, haircuts occur quite frequently around our house. Even if we just went to Cost Cutters we'd spend a fortune every month. Instead, here's a frugal, DIY haircut option. ... more

Budget Friendly Fruit Fly Killer

By ERIN TURNER-Love having the fruit sitting out for a quick walk-by snack for the kids but hate the the fruit flies? Here's a sure-fire and frugal way of killing them:... more

Rock the Hood: ZACC puts the ART in Block pARTy

By MATT ANGLEN-I love block parties. There’s something about sipping a beer and eating food from a truck in the middle of a normally busy street that just screams freedom.... 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

Vote With Your Fork

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - One of our very core rights as human beings is challenged in this country on a daily basis. That is the freedom to choose the food(s) that we wish to raise, buy and consume.... more

Healthy, Frugal Spinach Smoothies

By ERIN TURNER-I’ve had lots of people asking me for my recipe for Green Smoothies. Since spinach season is at its peak right now, I thought I'd share my recipe.... more

Roasted Pepper Grilling Sauce

An alternative to the traditional Argentinean Chimichurri sauce for grilling this summer, this recipe has become my favorite Spanish summer sauce to use for grilled meats, fish and vegetables.... more

Garden City Brew Unveiled July 10; Benefits WORD

The Missoula County Tavern Owners Association as well as four local breweries are pleased to announce the next Garden City Community Brew-- Lemon Lager brewed by Big Sky Brewing Company. ... more

How to Eat Local & Stay Healthy

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON -Eating local means contributing to the local economy. A dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy. When businesses are not owned locally, money leaves th... more

Miso Glazed Ahi Tuna

By JAMIE LIPHARDT - After procuring some sushi grade ahi tuna, I decided that indeed, Asian was the flavor profile I was in the mood for.... more

Chilled Yellow Corn Soup

By CHEF HOWARD KARP-Perfect for summertime get togethers and family style dinners, here’s a refreshing and tasty chilled soup that presents well with striking colorful garnishments.... more

Staying Motivated And Avoiding Coupon Burnout

By ERIN TURNER- Have you hit burn out in your couponing? Does the thought of clipping another coupon cause you to have a melt down? ... more

Local Artists and Missoula Food Bank Partner for Hunger Awareness

Empty Bowls, Full Souls is an annual hunger-awareness event hosted by Missoula Food Bank. This year’s event will take place at Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery on Wednesday, June 25 from 6-8pm. ... more

Frugal Foodie: Intentional Leftovers

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - In times of economic struggles, often people cut their food budget, sacrificing the pleasure and fulfillment of true nourishment. But you don't have to.... more

Edible Weeds–If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Eat ‘Em!

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Fields of the pretty yellow flowers in the lawn; are they really so bad? Dandelion leaves, flowers, stems and roots are all edible if you have an organic yard!... more

Easy Batch Eggs

By ERIN TURNER- Here's my new favorite way to cook a large batch of eggs. It's quick and easy!... more

A Graduate’s Guide to Grilling on a Budget

By BLAINE KELTON - So you've just graduated from college, you're broke and you're hungry. Here are few tips on how to grill on a budget without compromising the integrity of your meals. ... more

Meat in Tube Form

By ROB BREEDING - Bologna gets a bad rap, probably because there’s so much lousy product crowding the deli sections of American grocery stores. But made well, it’s a fine sausage.... more

Lewis and Clark Brewing Co. Wins Big at Garden City Brewfest

Competition was tough, but Back Country Scottish Ale from Lewis and Clark Brewing Co. swept three categories and achieved The Best of Show at the 22nd Annual Garden City BrewFest.... more

Apple Trees from Seed

By PAUL WHEATON -There is this story going around that if you try and grow apples from seed, then there is only a 1 in 20,000 chance that you’ll have an edible apple. ... more

Dessert for Breakfast: Dutch Babies

By ERIN TURNER- Tonight I made this recipe for Dutch Babies, nope not as “breakfast for dinner” but I made it for dessert. Yup, it is that good and that versatile. Here's how:... more

Over 30 Beer-Themed Events Planned for Missoula Craft Beer Week

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - Missoula Craft Beer Week is returning to Missoula April 27-May 3 and is bigger and better than ever, including over 30 beer-themed events throughout the week.... more

On The Grill: Poblano and Cheddar Elk Burgers

By PAUL SIDORIAK- Recently, my friend Jeremy made this poblano and cheddar elk burger with a flavorful twist and I thought it looked fantastic. Here's my recipe:... more

Shrimp with Chermoula

By JAMIE LIPHARDT- With the arrival of spring it’s time to excite the palette with some exotic, bright flavor. Your taste buds are begging you to switch up the long winter’s comfort food routine. ... more

Budget Friendly Overnight Oatmeal

By ERIN TURNER- I am always searching for fun, healthy and frugal breakfast foods so when a friend mentioned a no-cook oatmeal made with various fruits, nuts and seeds I had to try it!... more

On The Grill: St. Patrick’s Day Egg Roll

By PAUL SIDORIAK- I enjoy celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a cylindrical spin on the corned beef classic - the Corned Beef and Cabbage Egg Roll. Here's how I do it on the Grill:... more

Does Your Wine Show Grape Restraint?

WINEGUYMIKE - It’s late at night and I’m sitting in my office drinking a very mediocre Argentinean Pinot Noir from the Patagonia region listening to the best of Bob Dylan.... more

Pad Thai

By CHEF JAMIE LIPHARDT-This week’s dish 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

4 Ways to Save Big Bucks at Target

By ERIN TURNER- Okay you smart shoppers--today I’m going to share with you why I love Target and four ways how you can save big bucks when you shop there!... more

Frugal Living: The Freezer Challenge Continues

By ERIN TURNER- We're waiting for a major winter snow storm to hit here in Missoula. But you won't see me running out to stock-up...we're in the middle of a Freezer Challenge!... more

The Perfect Montana Meal

By JUSTIN FRANZ - FVCC’s Howard Karp prepares a bison rib eye steak with coffee beans and a Flathead cherry velvet chili sauce.... more

Pineapple Coconut Cake

By Chef JOSHUA AUERHAMMER - For last week’s Chinese menu I made this amazing Pineapple Coconut Cake for the first time and it was a real hit.... more

Gluten-Free Cupcakes with Coffee Buttercream

By CAILIN BRINEY - This summer I decided to make cupcakes for a family party, and I wanted to have a gluten-free option. I decided on this mocha cupcake with coffee buttercream. ... more