Escape the Pacific Northwest Winter Gloom

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips it's turn

-Hal Borland

Anyone who lives in the Pacific Northwest will probably tell you they love rain and enjoy a good gloomy day or two. It's what makes this side of the U.S. so inviting; you can escape all the hustle and bustle of the city and just breathe in that fresh air.

Alas, most of the PNW is habitually gloomy in the winter... our sun sets at 4pm, and even the sun doesn't seem quite all there. It's about time we take action - and since COVID has limited our travel this winter season - and hunker down with a few recipes for our wellness. If you've ever heard of the Danish idea of Hygge - taking moments for yourself to relax and be comfy for your well-being - then this is what we're doing. Pacific Northwest style.

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire; it is the time for home

-Edith Sitwell

Cinnamon Whiskey Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of Starbucks Classic Hot Chocolate Mix

• 1 tablespoon Torani Hazelnut Syrup

• 1 ounce of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

• Whipped Cream

• A dash of ground cinnamon

• 10 ounces of hot water

Directions:

Grab your favorite coffee mug and mix in 2 tablespoons of Starbucks' hot chocolate mix. Add in 1 tablespoon of Torani (or any of your favorite syrup brands) Hazelnut syrup and boil ten ounces of water. For me, it's super easy ton turn on my Keurig and push the correct amount. Once you've mixed your water and hot cocoa mixture together, add in 1 ounce (or 2 tablespoons for those of who can't do conversions) of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey and give it another stir. Put as much whipped cream as you want on top, and sprinkle ground cinnamon on top. Enjoy your boozy hot chocolate and settle in for a holidays movie.

Rosemary and Bacon Melty Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 17.6 ounces of dried macaroni

• 2 teaspoons of salt

• 4 tablespoons of butter

• 4 tablespoons of flour

• 2 cups of whole milk

• 10 ounces of white cheddar cheese

• 4 ounces of mozzarella cheese

• 1 pound of maple bacon

• 1 teaspoon of rosemary

Directions:

Bring a large pot to boil and add in salt; cooking pasta according to package. Meanwhile, place maple bacon strips on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Begin grating up your mozzarella and white cheddar cheeses. Start melting the butter in a saucepan on medium heat, and whisk in flour and milk until creamy (usually 5 minutes or so). Poor your mixture onto your pasta and start adding in your grated cheeses until they begin to melt in. By now your bacon should be done; taking care not to burn yourself, cut up the bacon into cubes and continue mixing your pasta with it. Let cool for a few minutes and sprinkle your rosemary on top, then serve in a big bowl or a soup mug. Enjoy the warmth!

Making the most out of your Pacific Northwest Winter

Remember, winter can be a joy and doesn't last forever! It's a time to cozy on in and be together with people you love - eating good meals and drinking warm treats. If anyone knows a forest babe, they know they're famous for thick plaid button downs, wool socks, and probably a solid beanie. We are hardy, and we are strong. So go enjoy that snow, and face that rain. Make sure to get out during your workday to smell that fresh, clean air, and don't let the sun setting at 4pm get you down.

Breathe.

You live in a hell of a good forest.

Those born under Pacific Northwest skies are like daffodils: they can achieve beauty only after a long, cold sulk in the rain.

-Leslye Walton