Tag: montana

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Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe and Our Next Cookbook Live

Join The Resort at Paws Up on November 3–6, 2017 for our fourth Cookbook Live event with pie expert Kate McDermott. This flaky and fun-filled baking weekend brings to life McDermott’s book Art of the Pie, which was nominated for a James Beard Award. By day, you’ll create works of edible art from fresh local ingredients. And by night, you’ll dine on the masterfully executed cuisine of Paws Up’s Executive Chef Ben Jones. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who’s passionate about succulent, homemade, just-out-of-the-oven pie. We hope to see you in a few weeks. In the meantime, enjoy this divine Lemon Meringue Pie recipe in your own home.

 

Lemon Meringue Pie
Makes One 9-inch Shallow Pie

1 pre-baked single Art of the Pie® crust or pre-baked dough of your choice

For the Filling
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1-1/4 cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 egg yolks, fork beaten
  • zest of 1 large lemon
For the Meringue
  • 5 egg whites
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Procedure

For the Filling
  1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt.
  2. Add the water and constantly stirring with a whisk, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 2 more minutes while continuing to whisk. Don’t be afraid to whisk vigorously as it gets thicker.
  3. Take 1/4 cup of the hot mixture and stir it into the fork beaten egg yolks. Return this to the saucepan, bring to a boil, and cook for 3-4 minutes more while stirring constantly.
  4. Stir in the butter, lemon juice, and zest and cook for another minute.
  5. Immediately pour into the pre-baked pie crust.
For the Meringue
  1. In a clean and cold bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric handheld beater or a stand mixer.
  2. Add the pinch of salt, and the sugar while you mix. Add the cream of tartar and mix a bit more.
  3. Lift the beaters out when you can see soft peaks in thick foamy waves. That’s when it’s done.
  4. Put the meringue on the hot lemon filling starting at the edges first. Make sure the meringue reaches all the way to the edge of the crust so there are no gaps.
  5. Then add the rest of the meringue in the middle so that the filling is completely covered.
  6. With the handle of a spoon or the blade of a knife, pull up some soft peaks.
  7. Place in a preheated 375F oven for 6 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
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Top 10 Personal Paws Up Faves

The Resort at Paws Up

My Summer at Paws Up

by Cameron Gutierrez, Paws Up Intern

With all the beauty and adventure here at Paws Up, you may wonder what it’s like to work at the most gorgeous place in the United States. I’m lucky enough to have spent the summer interning here at The Resort. At the end of the summer, I’ll return to California State University in Chico, California, where I am a senior majoring in business administration. (Prior to enrolling in college, I spent six years in the military.) However, once I graduate, my fiancée and I plan to make Montana our permanent home. Paws Up and Montana truly are The Last Best Place. Here are my Top 10 favorite things about working as an intern at Paws Up.

The resort at paws Up
Top 10 Personal Paws Up Faves

1. Paws Up is located in a beautiful part of western Montana. Even after two months of driving to work every day, I will never tire of the magnificent views on Highway 200.

2. The Resort is located on vast land that lends itself to deer and jackrabbit sightings, while hoping for an elusive bald eagle to soar above.

3. River Camp and Moonlight Camp are my two favorite glamping® camps. River Camp has a small private beach with an amazing view of the Blackfoot River, located just past the Dining Pavilion. Moonlight Camp, although secluded, has a phenomenal meadow view. Take a small hike down a dirt road, and you’ll find yourself at an access point to the Blackfoot River. The slow-moving water is perfect for a midday swim.

4. The opportunity to meet guests from all over the country and world is incredible.

5. Working in the Transportation Department (Bell Stand) opened my eyes to the inner workings of The Resort, as well as the hard work required to make the entire operation run smoothly.

6. Being a small part of guests’ experiences has been amazing, especially when I hear them talking about how much they enjoyed their time at Paws Up.

7. On my first day at Paws Up, I witnessed the birth of two beautiful baby deer, and I have been able to watch as they grow older each day.

8. A piece of the ranch’s history—and something I really love too—is located off Elk Creek Road, just beyond the pastures. The Morris Ranch House (built in the late 1800s) is beautiful on the outside as well as the inside. Located next to the front door is a picture of the Morris family when they lived in the house.

9. The pasture animals are a great addition to the Montana guest experience. I’ve seen so much unique wildlife here on a daily basis: cattle, horses, buffalo, Watusis and even a beefalo.

10. My time at Paws Up has given me a wonderful summer away from home, and working for The Resort reinforced my dream of living in Montana. I can’t wait to get back!

The Resort at Paws Up

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10 Employees Who Experience National Relaxation Day Everyday

relaxation day

National Relaxation Day is today, Monday, August 15th, and it should be exactly as it sounds: all about winding down, taking a few deep breaths and enjoying a quiet moment or beautiful space. At The Resort at Paws Up, our 37,000 acres offers scenic vistas and serenity at every turn. In honor of this day, we’re sharing the most relaxing part about The Resort at Paws Up from the perspective of a few of our employees.

relaxing

“Seeing the many paws of our wildlife here on the Ranch. I find it mesmerizing to watch the elk herd move across a pasture and equally awesome to watch our bison move their enormous bodies with such grace. I can’t believe my eyes when I spot the many eagles perched in our trees, watching in amazement as they teach their young to fly. Fawning season just finished, and the new spotted baby deer are finally old enough to show their faces. It’s the beauty of nature that relaxes me. I can sit in one place for hours watching this show unfold.”

Kathleen Cochran, VP Operations

paws up animals copy

“Like most people in today’s world, our guests lead very busy lives. What makes Montana and our property so unique is the ability to unplug, unwind and just observe an amazing place. One of the best parts of my job is talking to guests—from the moment they arrive to their last day here—and observing how the stress comes off their shoulders as they tell me about sitting outside their homes and watching an eagle in its nest in their backyards, or how they had the best night’s sleep of their lives listening to the Blackfoot River from their tents.”

Jon Martin, General Manager, Guest Relations

relaxing river

“Watching the sunrise on the Pomp Deck at the Cook Shack is my Zen spot. My best dishes and menu ideas come from sitting there watching the light fill the valley.”

Ben Jones, Executive Chef

sunrise at Paws Up

“The most relaxing thing to me about Paws Up is sitting in an Adirondack chair, listening to the Blackfoot River roar by, watching the fish rising, feeling the cold stones beneath my feet, smelling the elk steak on the grill and sipping my own Huckleberry Hound.”

Mindy Marcum, Executive Administrative Assistant

paws up moments

“There is no greater tonic for stress than an early-morning hike on the Sunset Hill Loop.”

Scott Schaefer, Special Events Manager

The Resort at Paws Up Summer 2010

“Find your Zen at Spa Town at Paws Up by getting a massage beneath the moon and stars.”

Laura Russell, Spa and Wellness Manager

“I find it the most relaxing when I’m on a morning ride and it’s foggy. The forest gets really quiet and everything is still. The fog adds an otherworldly feel to the forest, and the gentle sway of the horses with the sounds of their breathing is enough to make anyone look around in wonder.”

Rachael Warnick, Wrangler

campfire at Paws Up

“For me, it doesn’t get any more relaxing than being curled up in front of a crackling campfire—a glass of red wine in one hand while the other twirls a marshmallow in the flames.”

Justyne Palermo, Reservations Manager

paws up nature

“The most relaxing thing about Paws Up is the early mornings. Nature is awakening and the light and air has an absolutely magical feel to it. Gathering my horse from the pasture at that time is my life medicine.”

Zia Reato, Wrangler

sunset at Paws Up

“Sitting on the porch at the end of the day, glass of wine in hand, watching an amazing Montana sunset. The colors are unlike anything else here, and you just watch the light melt away into a quiet evening.”

Jackie Kecskes, Youth Programs Director and Activities Manager

paws up hammock

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Why Paws Up is Winning in June

Did you know that Montana is known as “the last best place?” Visit us at the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, and you will be in on the secret, too. June is an incredible time to experience our resort and all it has to offer. From Montana’s long sunny days and optimal seasonal weather to the abundance of outdoor adventure that awaits, it’s the summer vacation getaway you and your family will never forget. If that isn’t enough to entice you, then here are 6 wonderful ways that Paws Up is winning in June.

1. Kites over Montana (June-13—19)

Brett Morris and his wife, Diane, have been featured participants at various kite festivals for more than a decade, and they’ll be taking to the beautiful big skies at The Resort at Paws Up this month. Build your own kite, and learn a few new tricks. Or, just sit back and relax as Brett and Diane’s trick kites and quads decorate the sky—you won’t be disappointed! You will learn all about kite building and flying, plus experience demos. All workshops are complimentary.

2. BBQ-U at Paws Up (June 17—19)

Father’s Day Weekend means it’s time to earn an extremely tasty, different kind of degree—perhaps a 375F degree for the perfect burger, or a 140F degree for a succulent medium steak. As part of the first BBQ-U, Montana Master Grillers alums Sam Huff (Sam’s BBQ-1 in Georgia) and Danny Fischer (Baby Blues BBQ in California) will conduct outdoor grilling demonstrations that will transform you from backyard beginner to searing expert. You will learn the techniques to expertly cooking meats and veggies from these pros—and—just as grand—this “university” will take place in Montana’s majestic outdoors. For barbecue enthusiasts faithfully devoted to the way of the grill and the passion of the flame, BBQ-U is the must-attend event of the summer. All participants are sure to get an A for appetite along with advanced barbecuing skills.

3. Bottle & Bottega (June 21—26)

Whether you’re the family Picasso or you struggle just to draw stick figures, Bottle & Bottega will bring out your inner artistic talent. This fun, hands-on art session will be totally relaxed, friendly, and filled with step-by-step instruction. No matter what your skill level is, we promise you will produce a painting to be proud of—there’s even plenty of wine to help get your creative juices flowing. We’ll have outdoor afternoon sessions in some of the most inspiring locations on the ranch, and sunset and alfresco evening sessions at individual luxury camps. There will also be a handful of vino-free sessions at the Kids Corps of Discovery, so family members of all ages will have a chance to express themselves.

4. Montana Long Table: The Ultimate Backyard BBQ (June 18)

Looking for the best way to spend Father’s Day? Join us at a Montana Long Table to dine with ranchers, farmers and food artisans who make the cuisine at The Resort at Paws Up so special. Chef Danny Fischer and Chef Sam Huff, along with Chef Ben Jones, will create a five-star menu that dad will love. Along with amazing live music, this mouthwatering adventure may become your new favorite summer tradition.

5. Behring Made Knives, C. Martini and Diane Whitehead Trunk Show (June 18th)

Don’t miss this unique trunk show featuring custom handmade knives, hunting knives and cutlery from Behring Made Knives, as well as a variety of goods from C. Martini “wearable art,” custom couture pieces (no two are the same) and fine art by renowned wilderness artist Diane Whitehead.

6. Mexicana (June 28th—29th)

Spice up your June stay with a special culinary event featuring the talented chefs of Lindo Michoacán, Las Vegas’ No. 1 Mexican restaurant. In collaboration with our Executive Chef Ben Jones, they’ll rustle up all the flavors of one of the world’s most exciting cuisines.

Mingle with fellow guests and resort staff, learn some new culinary skills, taste signature cocktails spiked with Dulce Vida organic tequila, enjoy deliciously authentic Mexican dishes, and kick up your heels with live entertainment from our outdoor stage.

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Capturing Your Memories at Paws Up

Once the excitement of your Montana vacation has faded and you have returned to your regular life, having a portfolio of your travel photographs are a good way of bringing back the good memories.  Here are a few ways to improve the quality of your photographs:

Go for the Close Up
The fact is that so many potentially great shots can be ruined simply because so many superfluous elements have been included.  By eliminating any unnecessary content the impact of the shot you are looking for will be greatly increased.

Take Care with Landmarks
If your intention is to show your someone standing with an important landmark then you don’t want them to be literally overshadowed by it. The best idea is to focus on the individual, make sure you have them as you want them and then simply include the landmark and a kind of background storytelling element. This will ensure your photos are both personal and special.

Go for the Angle
Unfortunately, most amateur photographers tend to take a whole batch of pictures from exactly the same angle — that is in the upright position with the subject at eye level. You can make your body of work far better and far more interesting if you mix up the angles a little.

Concentrate on the Light
You may often find that a pretty average shot of a pretty average scene or landmark can turn out to be quite spectacular simply because you have captured an interesting shot with regards to the light. Sometimes in fact a boring scene can be transformed as the light passes through a tree or the yellow light from a street lamp hits the shady street. The important factor here is patience — wait until the light is right.

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Top 10 Best Winter Vacation Destinations: America’s Hottest Cold Cities

With a collection of hot springs, local breweries and easy access to skiing and other winter sports, Missoula, MT, has a full assortment of winter fun.

Missoula makes a great base for those interested in piecing together a multiday ski trip. Skiers can choose among six ski areas within a two-and-a-half hour drive of downtown, the closest being Montana Snowbowl in the Lolo National Forest about 25 minutes away. Cross-country skiing trails can be found in three national forest areas – on some local golf courses and at the Mount Haggin Nordic Ski Area. Guests can rent snowmobiles at a few local shops, then explore the vast network of snowmobile trails that wind through Missoula’s surrounding forests. Ice skaters can glide on indoor and outdoor floors at Glacier Ice Rink, while anglers can ice fish at several lakes that freeze over in the Seely Swan Valley.

After experiencing water in all its frozen forms, guests can warm up and relax aching muscles in one of Missoula’s hot springs. While some of the springs are located in natural settings and require a hike to reach, others have been tapped for commercial use and incorporated into resorts that feature mineral pools.

Missoula’s restaurants serve everything from pizza, pub fare and BBQ to more refined recipes. With four breweries concocting original beers plus a variety of pubs, finding a drink is never a problem. In fact, we noticed Missoula’s beer scene last year and named it one of the best unexpected beer cities in the country.

Activities: Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, sleigh rides

Average Annual Snowfall: 46

Winter Temps: 16 to 30

Must Try: A nighttime dip in a hot spring

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What A Classic!

The third annual Canine Classic at Paws Up was a great success. With 125 participants, perfect weather and a challenging yet scenic trail, it was an unforgettable event for the humans and dogs that participated. The best part? $20,000 was raised for the Humane Society of Western Montana. Our suggestion? Start training for next September’s event.