Quick Beer–Cheese Dip

On February 10, 2022November 18, 2023 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Column, dips1 Comment

With chilly temps and that big sporting event (you know I mean the Olympics, right?) happening this weekend, it seemed the perfect time to share my favorite beer–cheese dip in my Twice as Tasty column for the Flathead Beacon. This dip is easy yet decadent; we usually think of special-occasion recipes as being difficult, but not so here. The recipe in my column gives you store-bought ingredient options, but you can also bump the decadence up several notches by using homemade versions.

Let me be clear: when I make dips like this one with homemade ingredients, I don’t start by saying, “OK, I’m going to smoke the cheese and chilies, make the chili paste and mustard, roast the garlic, and then I can make dip.” Nope. All those ingredients are staples in my fridge. When I want to use them in dip (and everything else), I just set them on the counter, mix them into dip, and dig in.
Learn to make Quick Beer–Cheese Dip

Sourdough Cabin Bread

On January 27, 2022December 27, 2023 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Column, sourdough2 Comments

This week’s Twice as Tasty column for the Flathead Beacon wraps up Sourdough Month, which has been a resounding success. I’ve sent out more than 100 packets of sourdough starter, and there are still a few days left of the giveaway. If you’re just now learning about the giveaway, you can read about it and my starter in this blog post.

To round out the month, I’m sharing my first and still favorite sourdough bread recipe. My niece and nephew initially called it Auntie Julie’s Special Bread, because they only ate it when I visited with a loaf. It’s lost that title now that my brother-in-law bakes with sourdough starter. It may be less special, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious.
Learn to make Sourdough Cabin Bread

Sourdough Pizza Dough

On January 20, 2022February 2, 2026 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Column, sourdough1 Comment

A wise chef once said everyone should have a ball of pizza dough in their refrigerator—and I think that’s doubly true for sourdough. The recipe I share this week in my Twice as Tasty column for the Flathead Beacon has so much going for it. It’s straightforward, relatively quick (for a low-knead, long-ferment dough), and has so many uses, including one of my new favorite recipes: garlic knots.

You can make this dough with bubbly active starter that’s begging to be used, or you can make it with lackluster starter that wants to be refreshed before you attempt bread. The dough can sit in the fridge for up to 3 days and bake up beautifully; it also freezes well. All you need is some flour (I use two types for better flavor, but you can stick with just all-purpose), water (unchlorinated is best), salt, and starter.

How do you get starter? I’m giving away my personal starter to help you jump-start your sourdough adventures. The 5th Annual Sourdough Giveaway runs through January 31, 2022.
Learn to make Sourdough Pizza Dough and Sourdough Garlic Knots

Overnight Sourdough Pancakes

On January 13, 2022January 4, 2024 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Column, sourdough2 Comments

Got starter? If yes, you’re likely all set to make the recipe I share this week in my Twice as Tasty column for the Flathead Beacon. If no, get some of my starter and get in on the fun! The 5th Annual Sourdough Giveaway runs through January 31. Learn how to get free starter here.

When I was gifted my original starter in 2014, it didn’t wake up quickly, like the dehydrated starter you’ll receive from me. It had been lurking in a refrigerator until it was in full hibernation mode. It lacked the rising power necessary for a loaf of bread. As I cared for it, the starter became stronger and bubbled more quickly. In the process, I removed weaker starter that wouldn’t power a loaf of bread but could be turned into delicious pancakes.
Learn to make Overnight Sourdough Pancakes and Sourdough–Yogurt Pancakes

Hot Buttered Rum

On December 30, 2021November 18, 2023 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Column, refrigeratedLeave a comment

As the year winds down and snow piles up at my door, my drink choices tend toward hot, spiced, and spiked. The hot buttered rum recipe I share in my Flathead Beacon column this week fits all of those criteria. The recipe comes together in two stages: the batter that takes just minutes to make and the hot, rum-spiked cocktail. One batch of homemade batter will last months in the fridge and can fill many mugs on cold winter evenings. To mix the cocktail after a long day playing or working in the snow, simply to boil some water, stir in the butter batter, and splash in some rum. Ready, set, done.
Learn to make Hot Buttered Rum

Home-Spiced Nuts

On December 23, 2021February 26, 2025 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Column, dry storedLeave a comment

I love home-spiced nuts at the holidays. I reach for them long after I’ve tired of the endless sweetness of cookies, and they’re just as tasty on a cheese and pickle platter as a eaten straight from the jar with a cocktail.

The recipe I share this week in my Twice as Tasty column for the Flathead Beacon not only explains how to make your own spiced nuts but also gives you plenty of options. From my favorite homemade sweet-and-spicy blend, to a premixed garam masala, to an infused salt variation, there are ideas for every occasion.
Learn to make Home-Spiced Nuts and my Sweet Spice Mix

Ginger-Spiked Carrot and Apple Pickle

On December 16, 2021November 19, 2023 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Column, Cookbook, pickles2 Comments

Pickles have been a holiday staple since I was a kid. A bowl of home-canned pickles always sat on the dinner table at gatherings. While we waited for guests to arrive, my dad would be sneaking Christmas cookies, but I’d be dipping the cute little serving fork into the pickle bowl. If we set the table too early, I could nearly empty that bowl before the doorbell rang.

The flavorful pickle I share this week in my Twice as Tasty column for the Flathead Beacon adds a bit of zing to many rich holiday main dishes and puts a splash of color on the table. It’s one of the 125 recipes you can find in my cookbook The Complete Guide to Pickling.
Learn to make Ginger-Spiked Carrot and Apple Pickle

30-Minute Tomato Soup

On December 9, 2021November 18, 2023 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Column, soupsLeave a comment

In this week’s Twice as Tasty column for the Flathead Beacon, I share one of my favorite soup recipes. Even my sister, who grew up unimpressed by many tomato dishes, has gotten hooked on this soup. It’s quick, easy, and uses the homegrown produce that’s been stashed away for the winter. In the column, I share my storage methods for its main ingredients, hoping to entice you to plan ahead next growing season. I also tell you how to make it right now with whatever tomatoes and onions are in your kitchen.
Learn to make 30-Minute Tomato Soup

Crumble-Top Deep-Dish Apple Pie

On November 25, 2021November 19, 2023 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Column, piesLeave a comment

It’s feast time! I’m excited to be featured in the holiday feast issue from the Flathead Beacon—especially because my contribution, Crumble-Top Deep-Dish Apple Pie, made the front cover of the print edition. If you can’t pick up a copy locally, you can find the story online.

If you read to the end of the story, you’ll find the other reason I’m so excited to share this piece: Starting next month, I will be joining the Flathead Beacon as a food columnist. I’ll share more about that project—and some changes coming to this blog—when the first column goes live.
Learn to make Crumble-Top Deep-Dish Apple Pie

Cranberries and Garlic

On November 19, 2021November 19, 2023 By Julie Laing | Twice As TastyIn Ingredient, Using3 Comments

Here are three articles that feature two of my wintertime favorites: cranberries and garlic. Learn more at TwiceasTasty.com.
I have three articles to share this week that feature two of my wintertime favorites: cranberries and garlic. They include some family history, some reasons to eat both of these superfoods, and a couple of delicious recipes. You’ll find inspiration for your holiday table and potential items to add to your wish list or gift to your favorite chef.
Learn to make Spinach Salad with Cranberry Sauce Dressing and Immunity-Boosting Garlic Soup