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Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread

Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread sounds delicious! Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home. This recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the rich tang of cream cheese, all enveloped in a soft, buttery bread.

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced (you can use frozen if fresh aren’t available, but make sure they’re well drained)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined. Set aside.

Make the Bread Batter:

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour.
Mix until just combined. Fold in the diced strawberries gently.

Assemble the Bread:

Spread half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over this layer.
Top with the remaining bread batter.
Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, but don’t overdo it—you want to see distinct swirls.

Bake:

Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps in achieving a clean slice.

Optional Glaze:

If you like, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice over the top once the bread has cooled.

Tips:

If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are well drained to avoid excess moisture in the bread.
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some raw sugar on top before baking for a crunch.
This bread is great on its own, but also delicious toasted with a spread of butter or even a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Enjoy your Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.




 

The uncertain future of Holland Lake Lodge

The uncertain future of Holland Lake Lodge

The uncertain future of Holland Lake Lodge has been a topic of considerable interest and debate, reflecting broader themes of development, conservation, and community values in Montana.

Holland Lake Lodge, located in the Swan Valley, was placed back on the market for $3.5 million after previous plans for expansion led by POWDR, a Utah-based ski corporation, were met with significant public opposition.

This opposition was largely due to concerns over the environmental impact and the commodification of public land. Eric Jacobsen, a buyer with a personal connection to the area, and potentially the nonprofit Stewards of the Swan Valley, have expressed interest in purchasing the lodge. Their intentions seem to align with maintaining or restoring the lodge’s historical and community-oriented essence rather than expanding it into a larger resort.

Local sentiment leans towards preservation over commercial expansion. There’s a strong desire to keep the lodge as a modest, accessible facility that honors its legacy and the natural beauty of the Swan Valley. This perspective was championed by groups like Save Holland Lake and the Stewards of the Swan Valley, emphasizing sustainable use of the land and maintaining the area’s rural charm and accessibility to all.

The Stewards of the Swan Valley, among others, have been exploring models where the lodge could be run by a nonprofit, focusing on breaking even or reinvesting profits into maintenance and community benefits rather than profit-driven expansion. This approach aims to ensure the lodge remains a part of the community’s fabric, serving both locals and visitors without straining local infrastructure or altering the landscape significantly.

While the immediate future of Holland Lake Lodge remains uncertain in terms of its new ownership and operational model, there’s a clear community-driven push towards preservation and sustainable use.

The involvement of figures like Eric Jacobsen and organizations like Stewards of the Swan Valley suggests a hopeful path where the lodge might continue to serve as a historical and natural landmark, potentially under a model that prioritizes community benefit over profit.

The discourse around Holland Lake Lodge exemplifies a broader conversation on balancing development with conservation, community needs with economic interests, particularly in areas rich in natural beauty and historical significance. The outcome for the lodge will likely set a precedent for similar scenarios across Montana and beyond, where public land and community heritage intersect with commercial interests.




 

‘1923’ returns to Butte America

1923 returns to Butte America

‘1923’ returns to Butte America. The production for the second season of ‘1923’, a prequel to the popular series ‘Yellowstone’, has returned to Butte for filming.

This decision marks a continuation of the collaboration between the show’s production and the city of Butte, which has been pivotal in bringing part of the show’s narrative to life.

Here’s what’s been happening:

While a significant portion of Season 2 is being filmed in Austin, Texas, some scenes are specifically set to be shot in Butte. This includes the construction of a Dutton Ranch replica in Feely, south of Butte, indicating that key aspects of the storyline will utilize the unique landscape and historical ambiance of Butte.

The return of ‘1923’ to Butte is not just about filming locations but also has economic implications for the city. The production is engaging local businesses for catering and employing local talent, which was highlighted as a positive aspect by Butte’s Chief Executive, J.P. Gallagher.

This engagement helps in boosting the local economy and provides opportunities for local actors and crew.

The presence of ‘1923’ has stirred excitement among Butte residents, not just for the economic benefits but also for the cultural impact. The filming brings a piece of Hollywood to their community, drawing attention to Butte’s rich history and potentially attracting more tourism.

Butte, with its deep mining history and well-preserved historic districts, offers an authentic backdrop for a series set in the early 20th century. This alignment with Butte’s history not only enhances the series’ authenticity but also celebrates the city’s heritage on a national stage.

The filming in Butte is set to start in October, with some activities like set construction already underway. The production has also made arrangements like paying for the use of certain city facilities, showcasing a formal collaboration between the film industry and local governance.

The return of ‘1923’ to Butte for filming highlights several aspects of how film productions can interact with smaller communities, offering mutual benefits through cultural representation, economic stimulus, and community engagement. This event underscores Butte’s role not just as a historical site but as a living, evolving town that continues to contribute to contemporary American culture through media like ‘1923’.




 

Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars are a beloved dessert that marries a crisp, buttery shortbread crust with a tangy, lemony custard-like filling.

Ingredients:

Crust:

1 cup flour,
1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cold butter

Filling:

1 cup sugar,
2 large eggs,
3 tbsp lemon juice,
Zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix crust ingredients until crumbly and press into an 8×8 inch pan.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Whisk filling ingredients until well blended.
Pour over hot crust.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set.
Cool before cutting.

When you bite into a Lemon Bar, expect a burst of lemony tartness balanced by the sweet crust, making it a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer or any time you’re craving something zesty and sweet.

Note:

The base layer is made from a combination of flour, sugar, and butter, which is pressed into a baking dish and pre-baked to create a golden, crumbly texture.

When baked and cooled, the filling should be firm yet tender, almost like a creamy lemony custard. The contrast between the dense, almost cheesecake-like filling and the crunchy crust creates a delightful mouthfeel.

Lemon Bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. Some prefer them cold from the fridge for a refreshing bite, while others enjoy the slightly softer texture they get when closer to room temperature.

While the classic version is perfect as is, there are variations where you might see additions like blueberry or raspberry for a fruit swirl, or even a hint of lavender for a floral twist.

Lemon Bars are best stored in the refrigerator due to the egg-based filling, and they tend to be even more delicious the next day as the flavors meld together.

Lemon Bars are a staple in many dessert repertoires due to their simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor profile. They’re often found at bake sales, potlucks, or as a homemade treat that’s easy to transport and serve.

Enjoy!




 

National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is an annual initiative celebrated on the fourth Saturday of September each year, which in 2024 falls on September 28.

Here’s how you might engage with or understand this event:

NPLD serves as a celebration of the nation’s public lands, promoting volunteerism to help restore and maintain these spaces, which include national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, and more. It’s also an opportunity for education on environmental stewardship and encourages public engagement with these natural resources.

On this day, thousands of volunteers participate in activities like trail maintenance, tree planting, beach clean-ups, and invasive species removal across the country. These activities not only improve the lands but also foster a deeper connection between people and nature.

One of the highlights for visitors is that all national parks waive entrance fees on this day, encouraging more people to explore and appreciate these public lands.

Volunteers receive various benefits, including in some cases, a voucher for free entry into national parks on another day. The idea is to give back to those who contribute their time and effort.

The NPLD theme for 2024 is “Together for Tomorrow” and underscores the communal effort towards preserving these lands for future generations, emphasizing unity in conservation efforts.

Beyond the immediate activities, NPLD highlights the importance of public lands in providing recreational opportunities, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to the overall health and well-being of communities. It’s also a platform for political leaders and environmental groups to discuss policies related to land management, conservation, and public access.

If you’re considering participating in National Public Lands Day, whether by volunteering or visiting a national park, it’s an excellent opportunity to engage directly with America’s natural heritage, contribute to conservation efforts, or simply enjoy the outdoors without the usual entry fees. Remember, this day not only encourages personal engagement with nature but also underscores the collective responsibility towards preserving these spaces for future generations.