by Guest | Jun 9, 2021 | Recipes
Prep Time: 20 to 30 min
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded or chopped rotisserie cooked chicken (about 1/2 chicken)
- 1/4 cup finely-chopped onion
- 2 green onions, white and green chopped small
- 1/2 cup finely-chopped carrot
- 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded fresh or frozen unsweetened coconut flakes (or 1/4 cup dried)
- 1 to 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes or 1 hot pepper, finely chopped (Thai bird, serrano or jalapeño)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (juice from about 1 lemon)
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken and vegetables. Add red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and mix well.
- Add lemon juice and mix again.
- Serve right after preparing.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- 1 pound uncooked skinless and boneless chicken can b e marinated and grilled for shredding.
- Add more cabbage, carrot and green onion or other vegetables such as chopped bell pepper.
- Serve with titiyas (or flour tortilla) or rice.
Thanks to the Food Hero Pasifika work group for this recipe.
Photo and Recipe Source: https://www.foodhero.org/recipes/coconut-chicken-salad
by Guest | Jun 2, 2021 | Recipes
Ingredients
- 3⁄4 cup sauce
- 4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 pound uncooked protein or 12 ounces cooked (about 2 cups), cut bite-size
- 3 cups vegetables, fresh, frozen or canned, cut bite-size
- 4 servings cooked grains, ready to serve
Directions
1. Wash hands with soap and water. Gather ingredients and cooking tools.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients and set aside.
3. Add 2 teaspoons oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the uncooked protein and stir until cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes, and then set aside in a bowl. If starting with cooked or canned protein, have it ready.
4. Add 2 more teaspoons oil to the skillet. Add the vegetables and stir to cook, starting with harder vegetables such as broccoli and carrots. (If needed, add 1 to 2 Tablespoons water to keep the vegetables from sticking to the pan.) After the vegetables have begun to soften, add the faster-cooking vegetables such as cabbage and corn. Cook until all are nearly done.
5. Stir the sauce and pour over the vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a light boil and cook 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Gently mix in the protein and cook until heated through.
6. Serve the stir-fry over cooked grains.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Ingredient Ideas
Protein – try chicken, beef, pork, seafood, tofu or cooked beans
Vegetables – use any mixture you have on hand
Sauce – try one of these:
- Soy-ginger: 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 Tablespoons cider vinegar, ½ cup water, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. For more spice, add ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Peanut: Add 2 Tablespoons peanut butter to the soy-ginger sauce.
- Curry: Add 2 teaspoons curry powder to the soy-ginger sauce.
- Fresh Tomato and herbs: 1/2 to 1 cup chopped tomatoe, 1 Tablespoon chopped herbs such as cilantro or basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add this sauce with the protein and do not boil.
Grains – try rice, pasta, bulgur, quinoa or polenta
Photo and Recipe Source: https://www.foodhero.org/recipes/mix-and-match-stir-fry-0
by Guest | Jun 2, 2021 | Move Well
Tillamook County is home to an abundance of beautiful hikes, beaches, and rivers – and with summer just around the corner, you may be looking for some inspiration on where to start. In honor of National Trails Day coming up on the first Saturday of June, we asked community members what they loved about the trails across Tillamook County:
“My favorite hike is the Kinnikinnick Woods Loop at Sitka Sedge. My cousin and I used to race our horses on those trails when we were kids. I’m so fortunate that it is in my backyard so I still use it, but on my own two feet with my chocolate lab Huckleberry.” – Arica Sears, Deputy Director of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association
“Short Beach is one of my favorite spots to go hiking because It has an incredible view, it is close to my house and I can take my son to look for fossil rocks”
– Angelica Ortiz, National Diabetes Prevention Program Instructor, Tillamook County Family YMCA
“There are so many great hikes on the Oregon Coast and in Tillamook County alone. One of my personal favorites is Cape Falcon trail in Oswald State Park which is one of the last (northern) stops in Tillamook County. The hike is 2.4 miles out (4.8 roundtrip) to the top which brings you to a beautiful overlook spot of Short Sands beach. This hike can be pretty busy during the warmer months, I prefer to hike it early morning in fall or winter. There are lots of big roots on this trail, while it can be tempting to be on your phone to capture the beauty of this hike, its best to keep your eyes on the trail!”
– Shelby Porter, Public Health Program Representative at Tillamook County Community Health Center
“My favorite place? I do love the Neahkahnie Mtn hike. It’s very accessible and the view is unparalleled. I discovered it when I was a kid, exploring with my cousins who lived in Wheeler.”
– Jon-Paul Bowles, Executive Director of the Salmonberry Trail Foundation
“I love Bay Ocean Spit in Tillamook! It’s fun to walk all the way around and see the bay, the bar, and the ocean. Every time I go, it’s a little different. It’s also fun to see the perspective from the other side of the Tillamook Bay.”
– Kelly Benson, Sustainable Relationship for Community Health Coordinator, Tillamook County Family YMCA
“My top favorite is probably the Wilson River Trail: Kings Mtn Trailhead to Jones Creek Trailhead. It offers a great overview of what the Tillamook State Forest has to offer, this route takes you away from the river and the highway noise, leading you up into the greater Wilson River watershed and the Lester Creek valley, in particular. The route offers some rocky cliffs and outcroppings with fantastic views over the valley, as well as giving an opportunity to hike through several ecosystem types, including drier hillsides and wet red alder groves. You’ll feel truly alone out there, a least until you reach the Diamond Mill OHV Area. Crossing the Diamond Mill footbridge is a treat, as this wooden bridge is a beautiful work of art and showcases the gorgeous North Fork of the Wilson River. You also get a peek at the lovely Lester Creek waterfall on the other side of the river. Excellent in the rain or in the sunshine, this route is a challenge and a pleasure.” – Samantha Goodwin, NW Youth Corps, GIS Intern, U.S. Forest Service
If you decide to explore these hikes, consider going-off season or on a weekday to avoid over-crowding, remember to stay on the trail, leave wildlife wild, and pick up & carry your trash back out. It is important that we protect these spaces if we want to continue enjoying their beauty. And keep an eye out this summer for the launch of an interactive map of all the trails in Tillamook County on tillamookcoast.com.
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
by Guest | May 26, 2021 | Eat Well, Move Well
(Photo Credit: Tillamook Chamber of Commerce)
In and around Tillamook County we have an abundance of small farms and producers offering everything from farm fresh eggs to artisan cheeses, preservatives, roasted coffee, and of course – fruits and vegetables. As farmers market season approaches, it’s easier than ever to support local farmers and makers while also buying fresh, sustainable food items grown right here in Tillamook County.
Tillamook County is home to four farmers markets spreading from Neskowin to Manzanita that are in operation from mid-May to October. That means that no matter where you live, there is a market near you offering a healthy alternative to shopping at the grocery store. At each of these markets you will find locally-grown produce and other food items that are fresher and often less expensive than what you can get in stores. And, many of the markets offer shopping incentives for SNAP customers, making it more affordable and convenient to buy high-quality food for their families.
In 2020, each of the farmers markets in the county had to overcome several hurdles due to the pandemic that included location changes, interruptions in services, and even limitations on vendors and the number of shoppers allowed. As the state begins to reopen, the markets are once again planning in-person events with more updates and changes for 2021.
Neskowin Farmers Market
The Neskowin Farmers Market underwent massive changes in 2020 that required them to move to Neskowin Valley School for the season, and limit their vendors to grocery items only. This year, they are moving again – this time to a more permanent location at the Proposals Art Center, located at the corner of HWY 101 and Summit Road across the highway from the Neskowin Beach Wayside. With this new location comes not only a stunning backdrop, but also private parking for market patrons and room to grow and expand.
The Neskowin Farmers Market opened May 22 and runs through October 2 – making it the longest season of all the Tillamook County farmers markets. You can find them every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. This year their vendor line up includes not only grocery items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, pastured meats, local cheeses, canned goods, and bakery items, but also fresh flowers and plants, wood-fire pizza, fiber arts, photography, jewelry and other arts and crafts. Live music will also be making a comeback.
Pacific City Farmers Market
The only Sunday Market in the county, the Pacific City Farmers Market opens June 13th and runs through Sept. 26th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This quaint market is located in the parking lot of the Pacific City Library at 6000 Camp Street on the corner of Brooten Road. You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, cheese, eggs, handcrafted soaps, jewelry, homemade pottery and delicious baked goods. If you prefer a more intimate shopping experience with less of a crowd then this is a perfect market to visit.
Tillamook Farmers Market
The Tillamook Farmers Market opens June 12th and operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. until Sept. 25th. The market is located on the corner of Laurel Avenue and Second Street; directly in front of the Tillamook County Courthouse.
This season you can expect to find live music, kids games, activities and more of the vibrant ambiance that you’ve come to expect, and which was sadly missing in 2020. You will also find a wide array of vendors selling everything from outdoor furniture, homemade rugs and pottery, honey, preservatives, farm-raised meat, cheeses, microgreens, fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, roasted coffee, nursery trees, and arts and crafts. Towards the end of the season, you can stock up on canned and frozen seafood from several local fishermen offered at discount prices when you buy in bulk.
The Tillamook Farmers Market accepts SNAP payments from customers with an EBT Card, and is enrolled in the Double Up Food Bucks Program (DUFB). That means SNAP customers who spend up to $10 at the Market can receive a $10 DUFB match for additional fruits and vegetables. Customers can only receive the match once per day, however the DUFB dollars can be spent at any market in the state that accepts them. Certain vendors can also accept Farm Direct Nutrition Program checks.
Manzanita Farmers Market
The Manzanita Farmers Market opens Friday, June 11th at 4 p.m at the Underhill Plaza in Manzanita (635 Manzanita Ave.). This is a brand new location for the Manzanita Farmers Market, which was forced to move in 2020 to the Rex Champ Ball Field due to COVID restrictions. They will be holding an in-person market this year, unlike the drive-through style they started the season with in 2020.
Their new location, which is on the corner of Manzanita Ave and Division Street, is slated to become the new Manzanita City Hall. At just about 1.5 acres, the new space is nearly three times the size of their previous location on S. 5th Street, which allows the market to host a full complement of vendors even under the strictest distancing regulations. So far they have about 45 vendors, making it the largest market in the county and also the only evening market.
With plenty of room to grow, the market now has the potential to accommodate up to 80 vendors at one time – once all COVID restrictions are lifted, of course.
The Manzanita Market also accepts SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, and certain vendors can accept Farm Direct Nutrition Program checks as payment.
AUTHOR: Sayde Walker, Content Creation Specialist
For more local health and wellness information, follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
