300 Days of Sunshine

Earlier this week we got our first big snowfall of the season in Santa Fe.  The roads were a little icy, schools were canceled, and the ski basin got over 30 inches!  It has already been predicted to be a stellar winter for skiing. The Santa Fe Ski Basin doesn't officially open until Thanksgiving Day, but I took Kua up to the mountain for our first snow hike of the season.  Snow is pretty much her third favorite thing in life (after doggie biscotti from Pooch Pantry...and sticks).  The Windsor Trail has an excellent snow base right now.  The trail ascends upward through a few switchbacks for the first 20 minutes, then starts a slow descent through my favorite stretch of trail, narrow section surrounded by ponderosa pines and aspen trees.  Later this season I hope to snowshoe this trail all the way to Nambe Lake. The trail was so beautiful and the snow was peaceful.  Kua had a blast! While the snow is gorgeous, we're looking forward to a warm getaway to

Fall is in the air, and winter is on its way!  We had our first snowfall of the season in Santa Fe this past week, and I had to dig out my winter gloves and scarf for mountain biking this morning.  It's the type of weather that calls for freshly baked bread, scented candles, curling up with a good book, and warm, hearty meals like this amazing chowder!   The crock pot Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potato Chicken Chowder is the perfect hearty soup for a chilly fall afternoon. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potato Chicken Chowder in the Slow Cooker Modified from CarlsbadCravings.com INGREDIENTS: 1 pound chicken breast 2 cups broccoli 1 large potato 3 large carrots 15 ounces canned (or frozen) sweet corn 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 6 cups chicken stock 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon parsley flakes 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon thyme 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup flour 2 cups milk or half-and-half 1-2 cups freshly gra