Discovering Neskowin: An Overview of the Oregon Coast Locale
Tranquil Retreat in Neskowin, Oregon
A serene coastal escape full of picturesque hikes, local artistry, delectable seafood, and undiscovered natural gems along Oregon’s rugged coastline.
We recently had a peaceful visit in Neskowin, Oregon, a serene beach town that feels like a well-kept secret along the Pacific shoreline. We arrived in Portland and then drove our rented vehicle for just over two hours to reach Neskowin. Our accommodation was a snug one-bedroom short-term rental, ideally situated on the ground level right on Neskowin Beach, facing Proposal Rock. Awakening to that scenery every morning? Unbelievable.
Observing the sunset over the beach presented an equally breathtaking sight.
This wasn’t a fast-paced getaway—we purposefully kept our agenda relaxed, focusing on rest, good meals, and fresh ocean air. Nevertheless, we discovered a few enjoyable activities and some fantastic local dining options during our visit.
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Our Accommodation
Our rental was ideally placed—just a few steps from the beach and boasting a direct view of Proposal Rock, which rises from the Pacific at high tide. Being on the ground level made beach access a breeze, and we enjoyed stepping out to explore whenever the tide receded.
We kept our dining uncomplicated: breakfast and lunch in the rental, frequently with the patio door open to the soothing sounds of the waves. It was a lovely way to begin each day.
Dinner and Local Delights
In the evenings, we typically strolled down to Hawk Creek Café, conveniently located at the end of our rental complex. It quickly became our preferred dining spot. The meals were excellent—fresh, fulfilling, and exactly the kind of comfort we craved after a day spent walking the beach and reading.
One night, following dinner, we indulged in ice cream from a quaint stand outside the café called The Village Scoop. It’s actually served out of a charming red and white van, making it a delightful, nostalgic way to wrap up the evening.
Picturesque Railroad Excursion
From Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and Back
If you find yourself exploring the northern Oregon coast and seeking a delightful, nostalgic experience—the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
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Light and Creamy Shrimp Salad: An Easy-to-Follow Recipe
### Chopped Shrimp Salad with Creamy Dressing
Chopped shrimp combined with crisp vegetables are blended into a creamy dressing highlighted by Old Bay seasoning and fresh dill, crafting a dish that’s ideal for sandwiches, salads, or crackers. This shrimp salad is not only tasty but also quick to make, particularly when using precooked shrimp.
#### Flavor Profile
The shrimp salad presents a cool, creamy, and refreshing taste with a tangy seafood essence in every bite. The inclusion of Old Bay seasoning contributes a distinctive depth, while fresh dill amplifies the dish’s overall freshness.
#### Skill Level
This recipe is meant to be straightforward, employing precooked shrimp that greatly minimizes preparation time and effort.
#### Preparation Tips
– **Chill for Best Flavor**: Shrimp salad is best enjoyed chilled. For maximum flavor, prepare it a day early and let it cool until serving.
– **Ingredient Swaps**: If you like, substitute cucumber with fresh zucchini for a varied texture.
### Ingredient Tips for Shrimp Salad
– **Shrimp**: Opt for precooked, shelled, and deveined shrimp to expedite the process. If using frozen shrimp, be sure they are completely thawed and dried to prevent diluting the dressing. Canned shrimp is also an easy alternative.
– **Eggs**: Including hard-boiled eggs adds a lovely texture. If you’re pressed for time, consider using pre-boiled and shelled eggs.
– **Veggies**: Celery and cucumbers lend a delightful crunch. If opting for garden cucumbers over English cucumbers, peel them first for improved texture.
– **Dressing**: Homemade mayonnaise ensures a rich creaminess, although store-bought mayo is suitable as well. A dash of lemon juice and a hint of Dijon mustard harmonize the flavors. Old Bay seasoning can be sourced or created at home, and it’s versatile for various seafood recipes.
### Variations
– Add chopped avocado, diced red bell peppers, red onion, shredded zucchini, carrots, or chopped spinach for increased color and crunch.
– For a spicy twist, incorporate freshly ground black pepper, minced jalapeños, or a dash of jalapeño juice.
– Top with chopped fresh parsley for an additional burst of color.
### Serving and Storing
Shrimp salad can be enjoyed atop a bed of greens, mixed into coleslaw for a lighter choice, or elegantly served on a fresh croissant, tucked into a pita pocket, or wrapped in a tortilla.
Keep any leftover salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving leftovers, mix, drain if necessary, and brighten with a splash of lemon juice. Leftover shrimp salad may also be transformed into a zesty shrimp pasta salad.
### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 338
– **Carbohydrates**: 3g
– **Protein**: 27g
– **Fat**: 24g
– **Sodium**: 382mg
– **Cholesterol**: 288mg
This shrimp salad recipe is a pleasing complement to any meal, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy seafood enthusiasts. Relish it as a light lunch, a party appetizer, or a revitalizing snack!
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Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
**Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Treat**
As the sunny summer days beckon for something light and invigorating, a cucumber and tomato salad serves as the ideal solution. This straightforward yet tasty dish is not just quick to make but also rich in nutrients, making it a perfect option for a wholesome meal or side. Here’s how to whip up this scrumptious salad that embodies the essence of fresh ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced thinly
– 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
– 1 small red onion, sliced thinly
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, ripped
– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or sliced olives for additional flavor
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers and tomatoes. Peel the cucumbers if you wish, and slice them thin. Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. For the onion, peel and slice it thinly, ensuring the pieces are manageable.
2. **Mix the Ingredients:**
In a sizable salad bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Toss in the chopped parsley and ripped basil leaves. These herbs will infuse the salad with a refreshing aroma and flavor.
3. **Dress the Salad:**
In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar with a whisk. Season the dressing with salt and cracked black pepper to your liking. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
4. **Toss and Serve:**
Gently combine the salad to make sure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Take care not to crush the tomatoes. If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or add sliced olives for an extra flavor burst.
5. **Chill and Enjoy:**
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve cold as a refreshing side or a light main dish.
**Nutritional Benefits:**
This cucumber and tomato salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water, making them refreshing and great for weight management. Tomatoes are plentiful in vitamins C and K, along with antioxidants like lycopene, which are great for heart wellness. The inclusion of olive oil offers healthy fats, while fresh herbs contribute vitamins and minerals.
**Variations:**
Feel free to modify this salad to align with your taste. You can toss in other veggies like bell peppers or radishes for added crunch. For a protein lift, think about including chickpeas or grilled chicken. A squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the salad’s freshness.
In summary, a cucumber and tomato salad is a flexible dish that can be savored in many ways. Its ease and lively flavors make it a staple for any gathering, particularly during the summer season when these vegetables are freshest. Relish this salad as part of a healthy diet and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite.
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Crispy Crushed Potato Salad Recipe
### Smashed Potato Salad: The Ultimate Summer Delight
Tangy salad, crunchy potatoes, and rich ranch – this smashed potato salad is the ultimate summer delight! As a charming variation of conventional potato salad, this recipe features a revitalizing blend of textures and flavors that make it a fantastic choice for warm-weather get-togethers.
#### Why I Adore This Recipe
For those who relish a shreddy, chopped salad paired with crispy golden potatoes and a splash of homemade ranch dressing, this smashed potato salad is a true blessing. It’s a lively, lettuce-centric rendition of the traditional picnic potato salad, retaining the crispness of the potatoes while delivering a gratifying crunch with each mouthful.
This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nostalgic nod to summer dining. The mix of zesty pickles, soft potatoes, and velvety dressing creates a delightful trio that is both hearty and light. Whether savored as a main dish or a side, this salad is guaranteed to bring happiness to your table.
#### Ingredients
**Crispy Smashed Potatoes:**
– Small potatoes (like baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
**Salad:**
– Romaine lettuce
– Pickles
– Red onion
**Dressing:**
– Mayonnaise
– Sour cream
– Buttermilk
– Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley)
– Garlic powder
– Salt and pepper
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender enough to pierce with a fork, about 15-25 minutes depending on size.
2. **Chop the Veggies:** While the potatoes are cooking, chop the romaine, pickles, and red onion.
3. **Make the Dressing:** In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, fresh herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. **Smash the Potatoes:** Once cooked and slightly cooled, use the back of a flat drinking glass to press down each potato to around 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness.
5. **Roast the Potatoes:** Place the smashed potatoes in an air fryer basket, spray with avocado oil, season, and air fry at 375°F for approximately 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F for 30-45 minutes.
6. **Assemble the Salad:** Toss the romaine, pickles, and onions with the dressing. Mix in half of the crispy potatoes, saving the rest to sprinkle on top for extra crunch.
#### Serving Suggestions
This smashed potato salad is adaptable and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light main course. For an additional protein kick, think about adding tuna or grilled chicken. The salad is excellent for summer barbecues, picnics, or relaxed family meals.
#### Conclusion
This smashed potato salad merges the finest of summer flavors into one dish. With its crunchy potatoes, zesty pickles, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a delightful way to embrace the season’s bounty. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a meal at home, this salad is bound to impress. Savor every bite!
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Fast and Simple Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
### Instant Pot Spaghetti: A Family Favorite
Instant Pot Spaghetti has become a cherished dish in many homes, including my own. This recipe is not only straightforward to make but also yields a smooth, tasty, and wonderfully clingy pasta that everyone loves. It’s so easy that even my children can prepare it, making it an ideal option for family dinners.
#### Why I Adore This Recipe
One of the greatest features of this Instant Pot Spaghetti is its ease. The recipe is crafted to be doable for young kids, which is why I’ve included it in my daughter’s cooking skills. The Instant Pot facilitates a one-pot meal, removing the necessity for multiple dishes and minimizing cleanup time. Here are some reasons why this recipe is so effective:
– **Single Pot Cooking**: Everything is cooked in a single pot, simplifying the process.
– **No Cutting Board Needed**: Minimal preparation means less clutter.
– **High Sides**: The Instant Pot’s design helps reduce splattering, keeping the kitchen tidier.
– **No Draining Necessary**: There’s no requirement to drain boiling water, which can be inconvenient.
#### The Ideal Blend
The resulting spaghetti is not only convenient; it’s also delightful. The flavors combine wonderfully, resulting in a comforting dish that complements garlic bread and a side of air fryer broccoli perfectly. The texture is just right, with the noodles being hearty and saucy, making it a favorite among both children and adults.
#### Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to create this delightful Instant Pot Spaghetti:
1. **Prepare the Meat**: Utilize the sauté function on the Instant Pot. Add oil, ground meat (I favor Italian sausage for enhanced flavor), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt. Sauté until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
2. **Add Sauce and Noodles**: Pour in your preferred jar of pasta sauce along with water and the noodles. Ensure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid.
3. **Cook**: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
4. **Release Steam**: Cover the vent with a towel to prevent splatters and release the steam immediately to avoid overcooking the noodles.
5. **Rest**: Once opened, the spaghetti will look saucy. Stir with tongs and let it sit for 10 minutes to enable the noodles to absorb the sauce.
6. **Finish**: Mix in butter until it’s melted and creamy. Serve with Parmesan cheese, garlic bread, and a simple green salad.
#### Notes and Tips
– **Meat Choices**: While I enjoy using Italian sausage for its flavor, ground beef is a traditional option that my family likes. Feel free to choose whatever you prefer.
– **Kid-Friendly**: If your kids are assisting, breaking the noodles to fit in the pot is an enjoyable task for them and works well for small hands.
#### Conclusion
This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is a family favorite for a good reason. It’s simple, delicious, and ideal for hectic weeknights. Whether made by me or my daughter, it’s consistently a success at the dinner table. If you’re seeking a quick and fulfilling meal that the entire family will adore, give this recipe a try!
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Barbecue Chicken Bowls with Street Corn and Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potatoes
A Flavorful Bowl Featuring BBQ Chicken, Mexican Street Corn Salad, and Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These bowls have everything you need! Savory and zesty BBQ chicken, delicious Mexican corn salad, tender chipotle roasted sweet potatoes, tangy pickled red onions, and refreshing creamy guacamole, all served over rice and beans! This recipe essentially combines several of my favorite dishes into one delightful bowl! It may take a little time to prepare everything, but it is truly worth it!
BBQ Chicken, Street Corn, and Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potatoes Bowls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
A flavorful bowl featuring BBQ chicken, Mexican street corn salad, and chipotle roasted sweet potatoes!
Ingredients
Directions
1. Combine the chicken and BBQ sauce.
2. Build the bowls, dividing among 4, and savor!
Option: Garnish with cilantro
Option: Serve with lime wedges.
Option: Serve with tortilla chips.
Option: Add a spoonful of cottage cheese.
Option: Incorporate cheese!
Option: Substitute the BBQ sauce with hot honey.
Nutrition Facts: Calories 434, Fat 11g (Saturated 1.5g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 75mg, Sodium 195mg, Carbs 68g (Fiber 10g, Sugars 5.2g), Protein 33g
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