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Tried and True Recipes - November 2026

  Orange and Honey Polenta Cake Recipe Type : Dessert, Cake Author: Jess Smith Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 55 mins Total time: 1 hour 25 mins Serves: 10 A fragrant, sticky cake made with almond flour, polenta, and cardamom and drizzled with citrus syrup while still warm. Perfect alongside a cup of tea. Ingredients For the cake : 220g (1 cup) butter, softened 220g (1 and 1/4 cup) natural cane sugar 300g (3 cups) almond flour 3 large eggs, lightly beaten finely grated zest and juice of a large orange 150g (scant 1 cup) polenta 1 level teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (see note) For the syrup: Juice of 2 lemons, juice of 2 oranges, 4 tbsp honey Instructions Grease an 8-inch cake tin with softened butter and line the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). In a standing mixer, beat the butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy. Add the almond flour to the mixer and beat on low until just combined. Remove the mixer bo...
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Tried and True Recipes - October 2026

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Tried and True Recipes - June 2026

  Salmorejo - Cold Tomato Soup Recipe (Serves 4) Ingredients: 4 medium very ripe tomatoes 2-3 garlic cloves with garlic germ/sprout removed   50g of chopped French baguette (roughly 4 slices) 3 ice cubes 7 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3 tbsp of Sherry Vinegar (alternative apple vinegar) Salt and pepper Toppings: Sliced hard boiled egg   prosciutto or any thin sliced dry-cured ham Recipe 1. Add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, Sherry vinegar, salt and pepper to the blender; along with the ice cubes to make sure the mixture stays cold during the process. Blend until thoroughly mixed, and then add the chopped bread. Blitz until you have obtained a thick dip with a smooth texture or to whichever texture you prefer.  2. At this point drizzle the extra virgin olive oil while blending so it emulsifies and gives it that thick and creamy consistency. Taste and add more seasoning if needed. 3. Serve plain or with a chopped boiled egg and slices of ham. Dip bread and enjoy. Co...
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Tried and True Recipes: May 2026

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Creatures Around The Lake - March 2026

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  The ubiquitous Canada goose, and its close cousin, the brant goose, are both regulars in Seattle, but have distinct coloring, habitat preferences, and breeding habits. Canada geese have a signature white “crescent” on their chin and cheeks, while brant geese have a solid black face and less conspicuous white collar. Canada geese prefer freshwater, while brant geese occur predominantly in saltwater habitats, though Susan Derge has heard them arriving on Haller Lake in the evening and leaving in the morning. Canada geese dwell year-round in Seattle, while brant geese migrate to the Canadian Arctic for the breeding season. A video of Canada geese in Washelli Cemetery, courtesy of Shawn MacPherson.
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Green Tips From the Community - March 2026

  Okay Haller Lake Community… here is a woodchip challenge for you… Drought is happening, more than ever. Please help our trees, shrubs and landscapes by adding arborist woodchips to your yard. The chips are free and ready to be picked up at Harkness Park (on Ashworth between n 122nd and n 125th St). They help reduce weeds, restore soil and hold more moisture in your landscape for longer. When I say holding moisture, I mean in a health way. If you have areas that are already too wet, use the woodchips and it will help manage your water better by improving the soil drainage. It’s an easy, fun and affordable way to improve your yard. Put 1 to 2” of woodchips under your trees, shrubs and/or covering any exposed soil in your landscape. People get concerned about woodchips being a fire hazard or hurting their trees. If you’re using the ones from the store that have dyes, chemicals, rubber and other things added… they are! If you use raw arborist woodchips they have a very low risk of ...
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Native Plants - March 2026

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  Sword Fern The sword fern is an evergreen perennial native to western North America, where it is one of the most abundant ferns in forested areas The dark green fronds of this fern grow 3-5 feet tall, in a tight clump spreading out radially from a round base. Sword ferns are a wonderful addition to any garden and transplant well. Sword ferns offer shelter and nesting sites for ground-nesting birds. The dense, arching fronds create a protective canopy that shields nests from predators and harsh weather. Birds such as warblers, wrens, and vireos are attracted to fern-rich areas due to the abundance of insects, which serve as a food source Native American tribes historically used the rhizomes as food (boiled, baked, or steamed), and the fronds for bedding, mats, and medicinal applications.
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