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Agriculture

Lawn in the sun
Summer 2024

Landscaping for drought and hot weather

Yards and gardens can really suffer in times of drought and heat. Washington State University Extension delivers a lot of advice to grow a beautiful and drought-tolerant landscape, including lists of plants, tips for reducing water usage, and more.

You can learn more from the free “Drought Tolerant Landscaping for Washington State (Home Garden Series)” from WSU Extension. Here are a few ideas to start you out from the Extension guide:

 

Pick the right plants

Drought-tolerant plants can withstand some time with limited moisture, even if they do not prefer periods of hot, dry weather.

Woody plants can … » More …

Summer 2024

Mustard recipes

These two vinaigrettes feature Dijon-style mustard and come from The Crimson Spoon by former Washington State University executive chef Jamie Callison and Linda Burner Augustine (’83 Home Econ., Honors). The cookbook was published in 2013 by WSU Press.

Read more about mustard.

 

Balsamic Vinaigrette

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons finely diced shallots

½ teaspoon finely chopped garlic

½ teaspoon Dijon-style mustard

¼ teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme

½ cup olive oil

Kosher salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Using a food processor, immersion blender or a whisk, blend together vinegar, shallots, garlic, mustard, and thyme. Slowly whisk in olive … » More …

Summer 2024

Cougar Gold: Recipes from readers

Cougar Gold is 75. To celebrate, we’re asking fans of WSU’s famed signature canned cheddar to share their favorite original recipes.

It’s not too late to participate. Send yours to wsm@wsu.edu.

 

A crab love supreme

My absolute favorite receipt for Cougar Gold is called Crab Supreme. Split a sourdough English muffin and slather on Miracle Whip generously. Layer on gobs of fresh Dungeness crab. Cover with slices of Cougar Gold. Broil in oven until the cheese melts and starts to slightly brown. Heaven is now on your plate and ready to eat! Can’t be beat.

from Rod Swanson (’68 Chem.)

 

» More …

Summer 2024

Warming scenarios for Washington counties —interactive maps

Warming Scenarios for Washington State

The Pacific Northwest is hotter than it used to be, and the growth in hot days will continue. Global temperatures are projected to warm by 3.6°F (2°C) over pre-industrial levels by the 2040s to the 2060s, according to recent research. That means more days over 95°F in Washington.

Click on the map below to see how Washington counties will be affected by more days of extreme heat in that projection.

more days above 95 degrees in WA counties if global warming 2˚C» More …

hand picking up eggs from a glass bowl
Spring 2024

Egg recipes

Eggs are versatile, delicious, and nutritious. Check out some recipes below.

Read more in “Chicken eggs

 

Grandma’s Latvian bacon piragi

From Sara Stiebrs (x’02)

Here, Sara shares a recipe passed down from her husband’s Latvian grandmother, Zelma Stiebrs, who came to Washington state in 1949. Seventy-five years later, her Latvian piragi remain a family favorite.

For the dough

2 packages yeast

½ cup warm water

3½ to 4 cups flour

3-plus tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon cardamom

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup shortening or butter, plus more for greasing bowl and baking sheet

½ cup warm milk

2 eggs (1 for dough, 1 beaten … » More …