The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Posts Tagged ‘recipes’

The Birth of a Pumpkin Patch

By ERIN TURNER - What began 7 years ago out of frustration and desperation has turned into an incredible experience and a blessing for our family...The Turner Farms' Pumpkin Patch. ... more

Kaiserschmarnn (Austrian Pancakes)

By Chef TRACY DARUE - Trying to figure out what to do with the abundance of apples from your trees? Try this recipe for Austrian Pancakes.... more

Grilled Indian Corn Chowder

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - To help usher you into this wonderful time of the year, here’s a recipe for my favorite fall chowder.... more

Managing Screen Time For Kids

By ERIN TURNER - The tech world is here and it’s going to stay--despite thoughts from parents that it might just be passing fad. So how do you manage electronic devices for kids?... more

Inside Out Potato Tacos

By MANDA HUDAK - In this dish, I am reformatting the traditional Mexican potato taco, which in its classic form is a delicious hors d’oeuvre or appetizer. ... more

Brown Sugar and Strawberry Scones

JONATHON HARTIG - A scone has always been one of my favorite baked goods. The combination of flaky, buttery dough, sugar topping and fresh fruit leaves little else to be desired.... more

Berry Crème Fraiche Cake

By MICHELLE HICKS - This is a cool refreshing cake. It's not overly sweet, and the creme fraische adds a perfect little tang.... more

The Great Debate: School Bedtime During the Summer

By ERIN TURNER-There's a debate amongst parents about how to handle the last days of summer with their school aged children. What time is bed time?... more

Nicoise Salad

This versatile Nicoise Salad is perfect for entertaining guests and can be used as an appetizer, a first course salad or an entrée.... more

Quick Coffee Cake

By CHEF TRACY DARUE - Even though it’s been hot outside, I still enjoy baking first thing in the morning when it’s cool. This is a wonderful treat for breakfast or to take along in to a picnic.... more

Peach Pie and Pecan Crumble

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - For the short time while peaches are in season, this recipe might just become your favorite fruit dessert, especially with this ultimate crumble-top.... more

Beat The Heat Roll-Up Snack

By ERIN TURNER - We had friends visiting and their son has Juvenile Diabetes so I wanted to be sure I had appropriate food and snacks for him. Here's one that fits the bill and beats the heat:... more

Gazpacho of the Americas

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - Summer has come to Montana with scorching temperatures that are making chilled soups from the bounty of summer gardens even more enticing.... more

Bruschetta of Cherry Tomatoes

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - What you end up with is a refreshing and delicious dish that will make you say 'ahhhhhhh'... more

Somewhere Beyond Lewistown

By ERIN TURNER - Somewhere beyond Lewistown, MT is the heart of “Nowhere” in a quaint little town called Winnett, Montana.... more

Chilled Yellow Corn Soup

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - Here’s a refreshing and tasty chilled soup that presents well with striking colorful garnishments.... more

Filet of Beef Grilled in Coffee Beans With a Velvet Chili Sauce

By CHEFF HOWARD KARP for the Flathead Beacon Firing up the grill offers an easy way to entertain during your summer get-togethers with out-of-town guests. Creating a dinner that can be cooked entirely on the... more

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

By ERIN TURNER - Here are some tips for making lifelong memories on your summer vacation without breaking the bank.... more

Fresh Alaskan Halibut

By CHEF HOWARD KARP- Of all of my Mediterranean fish recipes, this one is my favorite. The combination of fresh Alaskan halibut and savory sauce produces phenomenal flavors. ... more

Organizing Gift Cards in a Binder

By ERIN TURNER - I love gift cards, but I hate when I unexpectedly find myself in a restaurant and realize I've left the gift card for that restaurant at home in the drawer. ... more

Oat Bran Muffins

By TRACY DARUE- Remember the oat bran craze back in the late 1980s? I was hooked on everything oat bran then, hearing that it was a superfood. And these muffins are gluten-free.... more

Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

By ERIN TURNER - Despite not having a drop of Mexican heritage in my blood, I still love celebrating Cinco De Mayo. Here are 5 of my favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes.... more

Frugal and Delicious: Homemade Refried Beans

By ERIN TURNER - With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, why not some try my recipe for simple, delicious, homemade refried beans. ... more

Frisee Salad, Welsh Rarebit Crouton, Vinaigrette

By JONATHON HARTIG - For this salad I've incorporated a couple of local Flathead Valley beers. I encourage you to experiment with your own favorite local brews! ... more

How To Save Money While Stocking Your Pantry

By ERIN TURNER - People ask us all the time for advice on how to stock up on essential pantry items. They assume we have a Costco membership and buy everything in bulk.... more

An Easter Tradition: Challah

Challah is a slightly sweet, very rich bread. Traditionally, the braided Sabbath bread of Judasim is a European celebratory loaf, symbolic of God's goodness and bounty.... more

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Asparagus

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - This picture-perfect dish really turned out to be a crowd pleaser.... more

Kid Approved, Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe

By ERIN TURNER - In today's world of overly processed food, I love showing the kids how to make homemade and healthy snacks. Here's my recipe for homemade Cheese-Its Crackers.... more

Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day with Homemade Irish Pasties

By ERIN TURNER- As the great granddaughter of an Irish immigrant, I have to admit my own love of Irish Pasties. It is the perfect meal…meat, potatoes all wrapped up in a flaky crust. ... more

Frugal Gardening Tips

By ERIN TURNER-Planting a garden is one of the best frugal methods of saving money. For just a few dollars, you can raise entire bed of produce which would cost you hundreds in the grocery store. ... more

Spiciy Thai Coconut Soup

By Manda Hudak - My pre-spring soup cravings are for a lighter, spicier and healthier soup than the heavy heartier soups of mid-winter. ... more

Italian White Bread (Grandpa’s Bread)

By JONATHON HARTIG - This bread recipe reminds me of home and my grandfather, and it was a catalyst for me in pursuing a culinary profession.... more

Another Successful Pantry Challenge

By ERIN TURNER-It’s March. What's that mean? If you ask most, they'll say "March Madness" or St. Paddy's Day. If you ask our boys, they'll exclaim it's the "end of the pantry challenge". YEEHAW!... more

Kimchi

By JAMIE LIPHARDT-Kimchi is a traditional Korean food made with Napa Cabbage and lots of chili powder called Gochugaru. It can be described as sweet, sour and spicy.... more

The Best Way to Clean a Kitchen Sink

By ERIN TURNER-My kitchen sink is a work horse. It takes a beating almost every day. So I rely on a super dependable, result-guaranteed method of cleaning my porcelain sink.... more

Pad Thai

By JAMIE LIPHARDT - Pad Thai is one of my all-time favorites. I crave it. It’s all encompassing with sweet, sour, spicy, hearty, light, healthy and satisfying all in one big bowl. ... more

DIY Pantry: Homemade Condiments are Healthy and Frugal

By ERIN TURNER- I recently taught a class called “Homemade Instead” where we talked about making things at home instead of purchasing them commercially--including condiments.... more

Spaetzle with Smoked Kielbasa

By CHEF HOWARD KARP- Here’s a recipe for Spaetzle--which is a rough form of noodles or dumplings. There’s no rolling or cutting involved in making it.... more

Soup: The Frugal Friendly Meal

By ERIN TURNER- Soup is one of those dishes which I don’t think receives enough credit. It's easy, frugal, freezes well and is nutritious. And, it's perfect for the pantry challenge.... more

Benefits of a Pantry Challenge

By ERIN TURNER- If the idea of cleaning up and eating up your pantry appeals to you then you are ready for a Pantry Challenge! ... more

New Year Low-Fat Carrot Muffins

It’s that time of year when most of us resolve to take better care of ourselves. These muffins are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you feeling too guilty.... more

Frugal Diamond Ring Cleaner

By ERIN TURNER- Here is a quick, easy and frugal way to clean diamond rings at home!... more

Restoring Household Order

By ERIN TURNER- This last week I spent packing up the Christmas decorations, cleaning the house after all the holiday parties and of course, hitting all the after Christmas clearance sales.... more

Baked French Onion Soup

By CHEF HOWARD KARP - French onion soup is a wintertime favorite, but making this dish true to its roots does have some secrets. ... more

Couponing in 2015

By ERIN TURNER- While I still am passionate about saving money and getting the very best deal available, how I save money looks different than it did 5 years ago. ... more

After Christmas Savings Ideas

By ERIN TURNER- Afraid you've missed all post-Christmas sales? Not to worry. There are still many good sales opportunities and over the next two weeks the sales will get better and better.... more

Home-Baked Cinnamon Rolls

Home-baked cinnamon rolls are a treat, especially on Christmas morning! This recipe can be mixed ahead of time and kept, unbaked, in the freezer or refrigerator. ... more

Roundup of Christmas Savings Ideas

By ERIN TURNER- I’ve compiled a list of various blogs/websites which provide some fantastic ideas on how to be frugal while still getting the most out of the holidays! ... more

Simple Homemade Caramel Sauce

By ERIN TURNER- Every Christmas I like to make homemade gifts for family and friends. This year I am excited to be making up batches of Homemade Caramel Sauce. It's Heavenly!... more

New Money Saving App–FAVADO!

By ERIN TURNER- I recently discovered FAVADO--an app that can save you both TIME and MONEY--and just in time for the holiday shopping season! ... more