Friday, August 29, 2014

A Look At The Twin Falls County Fair

Do you go the Twin Falls County Fair? The Fair offers something for everyone. With plenty of agriculture and animals, to hundreds of food options, rides lining the midway and of course the rodeo, the Twin Falls County Fair is a Labor Day Weekend Tradition in the Magic Valley.


Thursday Night was Tough Enough To Wear Pink Night at the rodeo. Dozens of Breast Cancer survivors gathered together to release pink balloons in memory of those breast cancer patients who didn't win the fight. 


The Tough Enough To Wear Pink group also raised money which is used to help offset the costs of mammograms and raise awareness for the deadly disease.

The first night of the rodeo also took place Thursday Night.


And while the rodeo was a good as usual the crowd seemed a little thin compared to previous years. The rodeo was competing with the first Boise State Football game of the year, likely a culprit in the slightly lower than normal attendance.

But of course the best part of the fair. And that's the food.


We want to know what your favorite food is. Head over to our Facebook page - www.Facebook.com/SouthernIdahoJournal and let us know what your go to food at the fair is!

Tree Roots Causing Havoc On Downtown Twin Falls Streets

Have you been driving through downtown Twin Falls, particularly on 2nd Street North? If you have  you've probably noticed that there are some huge humps in the road. The problem? Tree roots.



The tree roots are growing under the street and pushing up the pavement. But good news. It appears that the Twin Falls City Street Department is working to fix the problem. We'll keep an eye on this bumpy issue and we'll post updates in the upcoming weeks.


Monday, August 25, 2014

Grilled Garlic Lime Corn-On-The-Cob

Corn on the cob is a summer favorite of most All-American households. There are so many ways to cook corn on the cob from boiling it, microwaving it, baking it in the oven and cooking it in a campfire. My new favorite way to cook corn is on the grill. It is so easy and most meals that we eat corn with are cooked on the grill so its easy to prepare everything and not have to tend stuff cooking inside and outside. Try this corn recipe for something different with a little bit of a kick to it.



Grilled Garlic Lime Corn-On-The-Cob
 
Ingredients
Ears of Sweet Corn (however many desired) 

Black Pepper
Spray Butter
Garlic Powder
Lime Salt (can substitute sea salt)

Directions




1. Light gas fired barbeque grill and place on low. Temperature should be around 250-300 degrees 
2. Husk corn removing husk and silks. Rinse to remove any lingering silks. Dry corn with a paper towel.
2. Roll out a piece of aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prepare the corn on for an easy clean up. Place ears of corn on aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
3. Spray ears of corn with butter spray coating entire ear evenly. Sprinkle each ear evenly with black pepper, garlic powder and lime salt (or sea salt).
4. Place on preheated grill and cook for 20-25 minutes turning each ear 1/4 turn every 5 minutes. Remove from grill.
5. Serve and put spray butter on the table in case guests want a little more butter.

Heavy Rain & Thunderstorms Expected This Afternoon & This Evening

More heavy showers and thunderstorms are anticipated this afternoon and this evening. Our FutureCast shows gusty thunderstorms with heavy rainfall impacting much of the Magic Valley between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. A few strong storms and minor flooding are possible.


Sunday, August 24, 2014

Baxter's Dog Park Is Now Open In Twin Falls

After the idea was born in 2005 and years of hard work, the first dog park in Twin Falls officially opened on Saturday.


Baxter's Park is located at the corner of Shoup Ave W and Blake St. 

"Baxter's Park is going to be the city's first official off leash permanent dog park," said Twin Falls Park Superintendent Dennis Bowyer. 



The Magic Valley Canine Social Club helped raise money for the dog park. The community raised nearly 70,000 to help with the creation of the dog park, an idea that the City Staff first started considering in 2007. 

An empty field was the site that was chosen to create the dog park. The park includes two fenced areas, one for large dogs and another for small dogs. There are also restroom facilities at the park.  


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Snyder Winery Steakhouse Review

It's a Friday evening and you want someplace different to go for dinner. There's a private steakhouse tucked away in the Western Magic Valley. And it's only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday.

Just outside of Buhl, the beautiful Snyder Winery features a private steakhouse that is open from 1:00 PM until close on both Friday and Saturdays. Reservations are required.

Our reservations were made and we arrived at Snyder Winery on Friday, August 22nd just after 6:00 PM.



When we arrived we were seated to a table that had already been set for us. Our dining experience came with an amazing view, included free with your meal!


The Snyder Winery is known for what most claim to be incredible steaks. Their menu is very simple. You can pick from a New York Steak, a Ribeye or Filet Mignon wrapped in Bacon for $49.99. The three course steak dinner includes an appetizer, salad and your steak with an Idaho baked potato. If you aren't a steak fan they also offer a three course baked salmon dish for $29.99.

No experience to Snyder Winery would be complete without a bottle of wine. And there Desert Rose, "Born in the soil of Idaho" is a soft Rose' wine made from Syrah Grapes, and it's one of Nick and my favorites. 

After sipping our wine and marveling out the beautiful vineyard, our very attentive waitress returned to take our order. I ordered a Filet Mignon wrapped in bacon while Nick ordered the baked salmon which was prepared in an Asian Sauce. 

One of the most impressive parts of the dining experience at the Snyder Winery is their attention to detail. 

Our three course dinner began with an appetizer which changes each Friday and Saturday Night. We were served Artichoke and Spinach Crostini which paired excellent with our wine. Following the Crostini we were served our side salads. I'll be the first to admit that salads aren't my favorite dish. But I ate every single bite of my side salad. The savory salad was prepared with a delicious homemade blue cheese dressing. 


Our salads were served with a piece of cheesy garlic bread, which something as simple as garlic bread even tasted fantastic. 

One of the things that we enjoyed during our dining experience at Snyder was the pace of your dining experience. Nothing is rushed. The staff gives you time to enjoy the experience and your dinner. And of course time for your food to digest (something you'll need with such a large meal).

And the grand finale. Our entrees were served. My Filet Mignon wrapped in a crunchy and juicy piece of bacon served with a large Idaho baked potato with sour cream, butter, chives and green onions. And Nick's Baked Salmon in an Asian sauce with a baked potato. 



Both the Filet Mignon and Baked Salmon were perfect. Both garnished for a beautiful presentation and both cooked to perfection with a wonderful taste. Our waitress never let us run out of water (a personal pet peeve) and constantly checked on us to ensure our food was to our satisfaction. 

We unfortunately ran out of room for desert so we will have to save that for another trip.

Our opinion: You can't go wrong with this quaint beautiful steakhouse in such an amazing and breathtaking valley. If you are looking for a unique dining experience to celebrate a special occasion or you just want to treat yourself to a great dinner, Snyder Winery a short 30 minute drive from Twin Falls is a great choice.

Nick's Rating: 5 Stars
Brandon's Rating: 5 Stars 





Friday, August 22, 2014

Severe Thunderstorms Dumps Heavy Rain & Hail On Twin Falls

A Severe Thunderstorm moved through Twin Falls around 8:00 PM Friday leaving heavy rain and lots of hail behind.



These pictures were taken by the Southern Idaho Journal Staff on Addison Street just West of the old hospital.


So much hail fell that it covered the road and clogged drains across the Western side of Twin Falls. Minor flooding was reported across the Magic Valley.


The Magic Valley Regional Airport reported over 3/4 of an inch of rain in an hour. 


Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued For Mini-Cassia

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Southern Minidoka & much of Cassia County including the City of Burley until 9:30 PM. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning also remains in effect for Twin Falls and Eastern Twin Falls County and Southeastern Jerome County until 9:00 PM. Damaging winds up to 60 mph, quarter size hail and lots of heavy rainfall are likely with these severe thunderstorms.

Severe Thunderstorm & Tornado Warning For Lincoln County

It's a crazy busy day again with showers and thunderstorms across much of the Magic Valley. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 3:45 PM for Southern Blaine and Northern Lincoln Counties including the City of Carey.

A Tornado Warning is in effect for Southern Lincoln County. Seek shelter immediately!


Thursday, August 21, 2014

Parmesan Garlic Baked Broccoli

Steamed broccoli is great don't get me wrong but it is nice to have another healthy alternative such as this one. This broccoli is a big hit, I have made it when we have friends over for dinner and everyone raves about it. Good way to make a vegetable that has good flavor but is still healthy. The recipe yields one 13 x 9 pan that will serve 4 to 6.



Parmesan Garlic Baked Broccoli

Ingredients
1/4 Cup Olive Oil (I used Avocado Oil)
2 tsp Black Pepper

4 Crowns of Broccoli
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice + 2 Tbsp For Garnish (Fresh Squeezed or From A Bottle) 
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
2 tsp Salt or Sea Salt
Parmesan Cheese (Grated or Canned) 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Spray 13 x 9 pan with non-stick cooking spray.  
2. Wash broccoli crowns and cut into florets (the smaller you make them the faster they cook). Place florets into a bowl add oil, garlic, 1/4 cup lemon juice, black pepper, sea salt and desired amount of Parmesan Cheese into the bowl. Stir until oil, seasonings and cheese are evenly distributed. 
3. Bake in oven for 45 minutes to an hour.
4. Remove broccoli from oven, drizzle with 2 Tbsp of lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese. 
5. Serve and be prepared to hand over your recipe since all of your guests will be asking for it!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Baked French Fries

 French fries are so good but I feel guilty every time I eat them. This is a great alternative if you still want to have french fries but want to be healthy!



Baked Fries

Ingredients:


4 Baker Potatoes
1/4 Cup Olive Oil (I used Avocado Oil)
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Salt or Sea Salt
1 Gallon Size Zip-Lock Bag 

Directions:


1. Wash potatoes, slice each potato into three chunks long ways and cut every piece into 1/2" by 1/2" by however long your potato is.  
2. Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray (If you want less mess you can line the cookie sheet with aluminum foil)   
3. Soak cut fries in a large bowl with ice and water for 30 to 40 minutes.  
4. Drain potatoes and pat dry with a paper towel.  
5. Place fries, oil and seasonings into a Zip-Lock bag, close the bag and shake until oil and seasonings are distributed.
6. Pour the fries out onto prepared cookie sheet into a single layer and leave space in between them.
7. Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes or until desired crispness is achieved. 
8. Serve with ketchup, fry sauce or your favorite dipping sauce and be prepared to never eat deep fried fries again!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Egg Cups

These are such a quick and easy thing to make for breakfast! I like to make them the night before and then all you have to do is heat them up in the microwave in the morning. They are very simple to make but yet a healthy and delicious breakfast.


Egg Cups

Ingredients:

Eggs
Non-Stick Spray
Shredded Cheese
Desired Seasonings

Directions:


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray ramekins with non stick spray.
2. Crack one or two eggs into a ramekin add desired seasonings and cheese.
3. Bake ramekins of egg cups on a cookie sheet for 15 minutes for one egg and 20 for two eggs.
4. Remove from oven let stand for 5 minutes and serve or refrigerate. If you refrigerate cover with plastic wrap before placing in the fridge.
5. To reheat simply remove from the refrigerator, remove plastic wrap and heat in microwave for about 45 seconds.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Cauliflower Smashed Potatoes

I went to a friend's house for dinner and had these Cauliflower Smashed Potatoes. I swore they were mashed potatoes and when I found out they were made from vegetables I was so excited. A healthy alternative to mashed potatoes and they are super easy to make!


Cauliflower Smashed Potatoes


Ingredients


1 Head of Cauliflower

3 Tablespoons Sour Cream
¼ Cup Bacon Bits
½ Cup Shredded Cheese
2 Tablespoons Butter (I use I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spray)
¼ Cup Milk (Add more if you want them thinner, or less if you want them thicker)
1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Pepper
¼ Cup Shredded Cheese (garnish)

Directions:


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Wash Cauliflower and cut into medium chunks, boil 1 inch of water in a pot and add in Cauliflower. Place lid on pot and steam for 8 minutes.
3. Place Cauliflower in food processor and add in remaining ingredients, run food processor on high and add milk until desired consistency is reached.
4. Scrape Cauliflower Smashed Potatoes into a bowl, top with cheese and bake in the oven on 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
5. Serve and see if anyone notices they are vegetable mashed potatoes and not potatoes.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Joe Mama's Car Show Kicked Off Tonight

The 4th Annual Joe Mama's Car Show kicked off tonight in Jerome. The two day event started off with over fifty cars participating in a cruise. The cruise which starts at the Con Paulos Chevrolet ends at the North/South Park in Downtown Jerome, the site of all of the Joe Mama's Car Show Events.

Following the cruise, a rib eating contest took place right in the center of Main Street in Downtown Jerome. Eight teams participated and were judged by Sheriff McFall, City Administrator Mike Williams, Dave Richey with the Jerome Building Department and Director of the Jerome Chamber of Commerce Brandon Redmond. Each team had to eat four pounds of ribs, three buns and drink all of the rib sauce to win the contest.


The Joe Mamas Car Show will continue on Saturday. The actual Car Show will begin at 9:00 AM at the North/South Park in Jerome and continue through much of the day.


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Nick's Banana Bread

Start making this delicious bread with leftover bananas that would otherwise be thrown away. The chocolate chips make it delicious and the sour cream help this banana bread to say very moist. Turn trash into a delicious treat with this simple recipe.



Ingredients: 

1 stick of butter
1 and 1/3 c sugar  
2 eggs  
1 tsp vanilla  
1 c sour cream  
2 c flour  
1 tsp baking powder  
1 tsp baking soda  
3/4 tsp salt  
1 c mashed ripe bananas  
1 c chocolate chips  
1/2 c chopped pecans (optional - I left these out!)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl cream butter and sugar. Then mix in eggs, vanilla and sour cream. In a separate bowl whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add to sugar mixture and stir until combined. Fold in bananas, nuts, and chocolate chips. Pour into 2 large loaf pans or 4 small loaf pans. You can also make 24 muffins. Bake for 1 hour in a loaf pan, 35-45 minutes in a small loaf pan or 25 min in a muffin pan. You want the bread to be lightly browned. Make sure it comes clean with a toothpick.
2. Once the bread is cooked, remove the bread from the pan and place on a cooling rack.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Twin Falls County Until 4:15 PM

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Twin Falls County until 4:15 PM. A Severe Thunderstorm which is moving Northeast towards the City of Twin Falls is capable of producing hail up to the size of golf balls, damaging winds up to 65 mph and frequent lightning. This is a dangerous storm. Seek shelter and stay away from windows.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For The Magic Valley

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for all of Southern Idaho including Twin Falls, Jerome, Burley, Gooding, Mountain Home, Ketchum and Hailey until 8:00 PM tonight. Damaging winds, large hail and frequent lightning are possible. Stay alert and be weather aware this afternoon!

Severe Weather Threat Again Today

More strong and severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon across Southern Idaho and the Magic Valley. Yet again today the National Weather Service has placed us under the rare risk for severe thunderstorms including damaging winds and large hail. Be weather aware again today and take any watches and warnings that may be issued seriously. We'll have the latest information on the weather throughout the afternoon here on the Southern Idaho Journal.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Power Outages Reported In Sun Valley & Ketchum

ALERT: The Power is out in all of Ketchum and Sun Valley.Idaho Power has crews dispatched. There is no estimated time on power restoration.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Twin Falls & Jerome

Twin Falls & Jerome listen up - the National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Twin Falls, Jerome and Gooding Counties. The Warning includes the City of Jerome & Twin Falls until 6:15 PM. Destructive winds in excess of 70 mph and quarter size hail are likely with this severe thunderstorm. Take shelter immediately!

Storm Update

Power lines have been reported down on US Highway 30 near Mile Marker 177 (River Road) between Hagerman and Bliss. Idaho Power has been contacted.

An accident (unknown on injuries) has been reported on Westbound Interstate 84 near Mile post 144 in Gooding County near Bliss. Slowed traffic is possible.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Hagerman, Wendell & Gooding Until 4:15 PM

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Northwestern Twin Falls, Gooding and Western Jerome Counties until 4:15 PM. This warning includes Hagerman, Wendell & Gooding. Destructive damaging winds up to 70 mph, half dollar size hail, frequent lightning and very heavy rainfall are likely with this severe thunderstorm. If you are in the path of this storm seek shelter immediately!

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Gooding & Elmore Counties until 4:15 PM

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is now in effect for parts of Southeastern Elmore and Northwestern Gooding Counties including Glenns Ferry and parts of Interstate 84 until 4:15 PM. Destructive winds up to 70 mph and hail are likely with this severe thunderstorm.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning For Elmore County Until 3:45 PM

A Thunderstorm near Mountain Home has prompted the National Weather Service in Boise to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Central Elmore County until 3:45 PM. The weather service is saying this storm which is moving to the Northeast is capable of producing destructive winds up to 70 mph.

Twin Falls Bank Robbery Update

The First Federal Branch at the corner of Washington St and Falls Ave in Twin Falls was robbed Tuesday Afternoon. The robbery was reported just before 1:00 PM. Bank officials tell us that a man in a wheelchair passed a note demanding money but never displayed a weapon. The man who was described as elderly left the bank and attempted to get a taxi. He was not successful in leaving the area and Twin Falls Police Officers quickly took him into custody.

Semi Truck & Trailer Fire Reported On Interstate 84 Tuesday Afternoon

Shortly after 1:15 PM Tuesday Afternoon a semi truck and trailer hauling wooden pallets caught on fire on Eastbound Interstate 84 near the Rest Area between Twin Falls and Jerome. The semi fire caught a small area of grass and brush on fire alongside the interstate. Fire crews from the Jerome Rural Fire Department quickly got the fire under control. The Idaho State Police temporarily reduced traffic to one lane on Eastbound Interstate 84 but by 1:45 PM both lanes were reopened and traffic was flowing normally on the freeway.

Bank Robbery In Twin Falls

BREAKING NEWS: The First Federal Bank Branch near the corner of Washington Street and Falls Ave was robbed Tuesday Afternoon. The robbery was reported just prior to 1:00 PM. Twin Falls Police and Detectives are on the scene. Scanner reports indicate one male is being detained in the area of the bank. It is unclear whether he is a suspect. Witnesses are currently being questioned. We will have more information as it becomes available.

Strong Storms Are Possible Today

Stay weather aware today! The Magic Valley has just been placed in a risk for severe storms by the Storm Prediction Center, something that tends to be very rare for the state of Idaho. In fact parts of the area are under a risk of severe storms both today and tomorrow. Stay with the Southern Idaho Journal for the latest information and possible watches and warnings throughout the day.

Nick's Mexican Fiesta Soup

If your looking for a good soup recipe that is Mexican inspired then give this one a shot. After having Chicken Tortilla soup for lunch today it inspired me to make my own Mexican soup.



Ingredients:

2 Chicken Breasts Cooked and Cut into Chunks
2 (32 ounce) Boxes of Organic Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
1 (14 ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes with Garlic
1 Cob of Fresh Sweet Corn-Cut Off the Cob
1 Cup of Crinkle Cut Carrots
1 Medium Sweet Onion-Diced
Tbsp Sriracha Sauce
Pinch of Cumin
Pinch of Black Pepper
Pinch of Garlic Powder
1 Tomato Bullion Cube
Salt to taste
Tortilla Chips, Shredded Cheese and Sour Cream for garnishing

Directions:

1. Season chicken breasts with seasoning of choice and cook in a pan or on the grill.

2. Cut up chicken into chunks
3. Meanwhile shuck ear of corn and boil in a pot of water for 10 mins then cut off the cob.
4. Pour chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, carrots, onion and cooked chicken into 4 quart or bigger pot and cook on medium heat.
5. Add pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, tablespoon of sriracha sauce and tomato bullion cube.
6. Cook on medium heat until carrots and onions are tender.
7. Salt to taste, remove from heat, garnish with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream (if desired) and serve.

Heavy Rain & Thunderstorms Possible This Afternoon

Another round of heavy rain and strong storms could impact parts of the Magic Valley and Southern Idaho this afternoon. A round of heavy thunderstorms will likely move through parts of the Magic Valley this afternoon between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds and some hail are possible. More storms are expected on Wednesday.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Mexican Queso Dip

This Mexican Queso Dip is very delicious and can be served in a variety of ways. I personally like to serve it some with tortilla chips for dipping. I also like to grill some chicken and make some Mexican Rice (recipe coming soon) and serve the queso over a bed a rice topped with the chicken. This recipe says to microwave it and you can do that but I like to cook it on the stovetop stirring constantly.




Ingredients:


1/2 lb White American Cheese, roughly chopped into 1" pieces
2 tablespoons chopped green chiles, frozen or canned will work fine
1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno slices, diced fine
1 tablespoon juice from the pickled jalapenos
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup water
dash of cumin


Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium size glass bowl. Microwave for five minutes, pausing to stir after every minute. The dip will be very watery at first, but it will thicken as it finishes cooking. Serve hot, poured over just about anything that you want to make more delicious. Enjoy!

Snake River Canyon Jump Will Not Happen In 2014

It's official. Per Ed Beckley the Snake River Canyon Jump will not take place this year and according to him may never happen. Last month the FOX Television Network which had previously announced that they would broadcast the jump, pulled the plug and their funding on the event. That left Beckley up a creek without a paddle. Beckley stated that his group has invested over a million dollars to make the jump happen. Here's what he had to say on his Facebook page.


Sunday, August 10, 2014

Super Moon Tonight

If you look outside and think the moon looks a bit larger and brighter, well you aren't losing your mind. Another opportunity to view the "super moon" will exist tonight. The moon will be only be 221,000 miles away from the earth which is nearly 31,000 miles closer than normal!


If you don't get a chance to view the super moon tonight, there will be another opportunity to view the super moon in September. If you get pictures of tonight's super moon we would love to see them! Share them with us on our Facebook page or email them to webmaster@SouthernIdahoJournal.com.

Morning Anchor Rosie Woods Out At KMVT

After Nick & Danielle Kosir left KMVT and Neuhoff Communications in March of this year, the local television station hired Bradley Schoreit and Rosie Woods to replace them as the anchors on the Rise & Shine morning show.

Just months later, Rosie Woods anchored her last show this past Friday.


It's unclear why Woods left KMVT. But Woods has already been taken off the KMVT About Us page. www.kmvt.com/aboutus/bios

Schoreit will continue anchoring the morning program. And we'll have to wait and see who KMVT hires to as their next female co-anchor of Rise & Shine.