Natural Wonders of the USA Part 11

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More Natural Wonders of the USA

The list goes on for US Natural Wonders  but we are making progress. We left off with New York, My Home State at number 38. So back to the list to see what’s next

#39 Louisiana – Atchafalaya River Basin

I’ve been to Louisiana so I’ve checked that state off my list however I did not go to the Atchafalaya River. I spent my limited time in New Orleans and the Mississippi River. We planned a trip to the bayou but the remnants of a hurricane blew through and the excursion was canceled.  May have to consider a return visit. 

Bayou Bridge , City Park, New Orleans Photo Credit Deb Neumann

The Atchafalaya is located near Simmesport, La  and runs for 140 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. There are nearly 1 million acres making this swamp larger than the Florida Everglades.  The Atchafalaya is home to the largest nesting concentration of bald eagles in the south central US. Other animals that make their home here are black bear, fox, muskrat, beaver, otter and racoon. Of course there are alligators. IN fact there are around 65 species of reptiles and 250 species of birds. Sounds fun. 

File:Atch Egrets-2-LL.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Photo credit- Wikimedia Commons

# 40 Alabama –  Cheaha State Park

Still on my list to visit is Alabama so maybe I will be able to visit Cheaha State Park. It’s near Talladega National Forest. Cheaha State Park in Clay and Cleburne, Alabama is a 2,799-acre site named after the Cheaha Mountain, which is the highest point in the state. This park is only 30 minutes away from several historic downtowns (Oxford, Heflin, Anniston, Talladega, Lineville, Munford, and Ashland)

Cheaha State Park, AL | faungg's photos | Flickr

Photo Credit- Faungg’s photos / flickr

The park recommends traveling on the Talladega Scenic Drive (Alabama Highway 281) which is well maintained, wide, and easily driven by large recreational vehicles. AL Hwy 49 is also a great route and it connects with AL Hwy 281. 

#41 South Carolina – Congaree National Park

Another State/ wonder to add to my bucket list. Congaree National Park is one of the most intriguing spots in South Carolina because of its colossal ancient hardwood forest. There’s an abundance of wildlife to view. You’ll have a chance to see all sorts of birds and deer, raccoons, and if you are lucky, even bobcats. The waters are inhabited by alligators, amphibians, snakes and fish. The Congaree National Park features 15,000 acres of wilderness for camping, canoeing and kayaking to name only a few adventures.

 

Congaree National Park — Poop In The Woods

Unidentified internet photo

Only 9 more states to go. Have we hit your home state yet?

Garlic, Broccoli, Mushrooms, and Chicken, Oh My!

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Garlic, Broccoli, Mushrooms and Chicken Stir Fry

What’s not to love? A Stir Fry meal is quick, easy and loaded with veggies. 

 

May be an image of food and text that says 'GARLIC CHICKEN STIR FRY vegetable oil 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup mushrooms 1 yellow bell pepper 1 Ib chicken breasts salt and pepper 4 cloves of garlic 3/4 cup chicken broth 1 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tsp sesame oil 2 tsp cornstarch Cে'

From the recipe critic

Don’t You just Love Stir Fry?

One of my favorite meals is Stir Fry. I started out trying to duplicate the Chinese chicken and broccoli from my local Chinese Take out restaurant. Even after years of trying I just can’t get it right BUT…I have developed some great alternatives. My sister even gave me a WOK for a Christmas present one year. 

Some of my favorite veggies for stir fry are broccoli, asparagus, and/ or mushrooms. 

My new Chicken and Broccoli recipe

Last night I tried a new stir fry recipe. The differences are in the way the sauce is made. This one was real easy and thickened up nice. I hope you like garlic! 

I didn’t use the WOK this time because the recipe called for a large skillet but after making this once I’ll use the Wok from now on. 

One tip- Prep is everything. Have all your ingredients  prepared before you start cooking because it’s going to move fast, especially if you are using a WOK.

Garlic  Chicken Stir Fry

Recipe from The Recipe Critic

5 minute prep time   15 minute cook time

Stirring the chicken, broccoli and mushrooms all together.

Photo from the Recipe Critic

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (Divided use)
  • 1 Cup broccoli Florets
  • 1 Cup mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 Yellow bell pepper (cored, seeded and thinly sliced)
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast (cut into 1 inch pieces)
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 4 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
  • 3/4 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 Teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 Teaspoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat
  2. Add Broccoli, mushrooms and bell pepper to pan. Cook 5-6 minutes or until vegetables are tender- DO NOT OVER COOK
  3. Remove Vegetables from pan and cover with foil to keep warm
  4. Wipe pan clean with paper towel. (I think this is unnecessary step but it’s in the recipe so up to you) Heat remaining tablespoon of oil over high heat.
  5. Add Chicken to pan in a single layer, season with Salt & Pepper
  6. Cook 3-4 minutes per side or until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  7. Lower heat to medium and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds
  8. Add Vegetables back to pan
  9. In a Small bowl whisk together the chicken broth , sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil and cornstarch
  10. Pour over chicken and veggies and bring to a simmer.
  11. Simmer 1-2 minutes or until sauce has just thickened
  12. Serve immediately over rice

Photo credit- Deb Neumann

Notes

I left out the bell pepper as I am not a fan but as with most stir fry recipes you can add or subtract veggies to suit your tastes.

I didn’t measure the veggies – just put all the broccoli and mushrooms in- Way more than the 1 C each the recipe called for. Again, your preference.  The veggies are great when they have a well flavored sauce

I’m still looking for a good fried rice recipe if anyone out there has one

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Wonders of the USA part 10

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More Natural Wonders by State

When we last visited our Natural Wonders list we had just wrapped up Kentucky. We’re ready for  # 35 on our Natural Wonders list. How many have you seen so far? Have you added any to your must-visit list?  Let’s see where we are going next!

 

#35 Ohio – Crystal Cave

Well My, my my- Another cave. Who knew that being underground could be so exciting? I guess its something Spelunkers have always known. This cave is the world’s largest known geode. 

The Crystal Cave was discovered while the land owner was digging a well for his winery. So today you can combine some wine with a cave tour and take a bottle home with you to help relive the memories. 

Photo via Crystal Cave Website

File:Celestite (Crystal Cave, South Bass Island, Lake Erie, Ohio, USA) 18 (8320050647).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Image Via Pinterest

 

#36 Illinois – Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is the biggest attraction in the state of Illinois. It features 13 miles of trails and numerous seasonal waterfalls that are especially active in the spring.

The Park is  known for its steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater. Several, including the St. Louis, French and Wildcat canyons, have waterfalls. A wooded trail leads to Lover’s Leap Overlook, with views of the river and Starved Rock Dam. Park wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bald eagles and migratory birds. 

St Louis Falls, Starved Rock State Park, Illinois | A glorio… | Flickr

St Louis Falls, Starved Rock State Park- Photo credit Flickr

#37 Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Grand Canyon

Sometimes called the Pine Creek Gorge,  Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon is 50 miles long and 1000 feet deep. Loaded with trees and wildlife, the area is a naturalist’s dream. You may even see a Bald Eagle. 

Photo – internet

#38 New York – The Adirondacks

The Adirondacks, my home state! I can’t say my home town because the Adirondacks encompass around 5000 square miles of mountains, lakes and wilderness. The Adirondack Park was created in 1892 and is the largest publicly protected area in the US.  It’s greater in size than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier and The Grand Canyon National Parks combined. The park contains 6 million acres of “Forever wild” forest preserve.  It holds a special place in my heart so I’m happy to share one of my photos of beautiful Lake George to illustrate this wonder.

Lake George 2020 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Adirondacks 2020 – photo credit Deb Neumann

I admit I was surprised that Niagara Falls didn’t make the list but I haven’t been to Niagara in years and there is so much more in the Adirondacks than one big waterfall. 

Adirondack Balloon Festival 2014- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

Why Does Everyone Hate Meatloaf?

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Tender Juicy Meatloaf

 As part of my project to improve my cooking skills I decided to try to find the reason that everyone seems to hate meatloaf. And I don’t mean the Musician known as Meatloaf.  

Meat Loaf' life in photos

Photo credit- Internet

 

 

I made a meatloaf Sunday. I was in the mood for meatloaf sandwiches so made a small one just so I’d have the left overs. (Like a good hamburger, meatloaf is there – you know you sang it) Anyway, while it was in the oven I was perusing Facebook and saw one of their many “Lists”.  It was foods  Boomers should get rid of or something like that and there was the lowly meatloaf. The Comments were eye opening.

Meatloaf should Never be Dry

Best Meatloaf Recipe [VIDEO] - Sweet and Savory Meals

Photo credit- Flickr

Everyone talked about their mother’s meatloaf. How it was this dry lump of ground meat.  And you know what? They were right! After I thought about it I remembered I didn’t like meatloaf when I was growing up either. One of the first things I did when I was on my own and realized it was learn to cook or starve was to learn to make a juicy, tender meatloaf. 

I am a purist in that I use hamburger meat. I don’t mix it with pork or veal or any other kind of ground meat. You can if you want but I don’t. Next I hate slicing into a meatloaf and seeing lumps of bread. You get that when you just shred up some bread and soak it in milk. No I liked to use the bread to add a bit of flavor. My choice for breadcrumbs? A package of stove top chicken stuffing. But the real trick is the sautéed onion and green pepper. 

To keep the meatloaf from falling apart the onions and green pepper need to be chopped very fine then softened by sautéing for about 4-5 minutes so they will not be crunchy bits. 

If I have chicken broth I use that for the liquid instead of water for a fuller flavor. 

Here’s my Easy, Peasy Meatloaf Recipe

What you need

  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1 package of Stove top Stuffing mix  (16 oz) for chicken
  • 1 Cup water or chicken broth
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • 1/2 C Barbecue Sauce or catsup (divided)
  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 1 small green pepper

Instructions

Heat oven to 375 F

  1. Chop onion and pepper into small pieces and sauté in a little oil at low heat for about 5 minutes. Don’t let them burn. Set aside
  2. Place meat, stuffing mix, water (broth) and 1/4 cup Barbecue sauce/catsup in a bowl.
  3. Gently mix with your hands until just blended.
  4.  Add the Sautéed veggies and blend 
  5.  Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper
  6. Shape into a loaf
  7.  Top with remaining sauce/catsup
  8.  Bake 1 hour or until done

 

Meatloaf Sandwich | Leftover meatloaf in a sandwich. Mmm... … | Flickr

Photo Credit- Flickr

I like to try different things with my meatloaf- maybe a dash of Worcestershire Sauce or maybe A1 Sauce for a little extra flavor. I always use onion but sometimes I skip the green pepper if I don’t have one handy. Maybe add some cheese in the center of my loaf. If your bread crumbs aren’t seasoned don’t forget the salt and pepper. When using the Stove top as bread crumbs I skip the salt and pepper. There’s enough in the stuffing mix.

I hope you never have a dry meatloaf again!

Natural Wonders of the USA part 9

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More Natural Wonders

Whew! You don’t realize how long a list of 50 places is until you start discussing each one! So far we’ve covered 31 Natural Wonders in 31 states. Those have been amazing. I can’t believe how many I didn’t know about. So lets get back to the list and see what’s still out there. 19 states left. Have we covered your state yet? 

32. Oklahoma- Turner Falls

I haven’t made it to Oklahoma in my travels yet.  I admit that I am afraid I’ll bust out on song when that trip comes- 

OOOOk-lahoma, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain,
And the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet, When the wind comes right behind the rain.
The wonder for Oklahoma is Turner Falls, It’s the tallest waterfall in the state at 77 feet and there are 2 pools where you can swim. Accommodations in the area include camping, RV camping or you can rent a cabin!

Photo credit- Internet

33. Oregon- Crater Lake

I haven’t made it to Oregon yet either. I will admit that Crater Lake fascinates me but the wonder I have always want to photograph is not the lake, but Multnomah Falls. Multnomah Falls is in the Columbia River Gorge and is 620 ft!. My understanding is that it is visible from the road so easy to see. In addition to the falls the Columbia River gorge is an awesome place to see wild bald eagles as they migrate through every year. 

Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls, cascades down sheer cliffs, through bright green plants, passing under a footbridge ending in a dark blue pool.

Photo credit- Internet

Crater Lake is more challenging if you chose to hike to it.  It’s beautiful with many Native American Legends attached to it. Some even say Bigfoot lives near it. Crater Lake is in the caldera of a collapsed volcano. The lake is known for its deep blue color and clarity. The lake is massive with a surface area of 20.6 square miles and 2,148 feet deep.  You can view the lake by car by driving the 33 mile Rim Drive that circles the lake. 

Photo credit- Internet

34. Kentucky- Mammoth Cave

Here we go with another cave. I’ve already shared my feelings about exploring caves but I have to mention that having survived Wind Cave in South Dakota I’d probably explore Mammoth Cave too. The thing about Mammoth Cave is that it’s the longest cave system in the known world featuring 400 miles of passageways. I wouldn’t want to get lost in there! The national park service provides tours of the cave that range from one hour in length to six hours.

Photo credit- internet

That’s all for today

These are amazing places and I can’t wait to go  but I hope I get to some more that I’ve already visited. I like to compare notes! I’ll be back with more next time.