Mount Hood

Gluten-Free Blueberry Lemon Cake

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

As spring moves in and summer approaches, one may be looking for something sweet and refreshing to snack on. Whether one is entertaining a group of friends or celebrating solo, this moist gluten-free blueberry lemon cake is sure to please. 

GLUTEN-FREE BLUEBERRY LEMON CAKE

Start to finish: 50 minutes

Yields: 16 servings

Gluten-free Blueberry Lemon Cake

3 ⅔ cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar 

1 tbsp baking powder 

1 tsp baking soda

1 ½ dairy-free milk

½ cup butter

½ cup greek yogurt 

1 tbsp lemon zest, about one lemon

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, about one lemon 

1 tbsp vanilla extract 

2 tsp lemon extract, optional 

½ cup fresh blueberries 

Fresh Blueberry Frosting

8 ounces fresh blueberries 

1 cup butter or vegan butter 

3 cups powdered sugar 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two 8-inch nonstick cake pans with parchment paper. If one doesn’t have a nonstick cake pan, grease each pan with cooking spray, coconut oil or butter and lightly flour each pan by adding 1 tablespoon of extra flour per pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. In a medium bowl, mix together the dairy-free milk, butter, greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Fold the wet mixture into the dry until combined. Fold in the blueberries. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and place them in the oven to bake for 33 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle. 

The cakes should be completely set and bounce back at a light touch. Remove cakes from the oven and carefully invert them onto a cooling rack, then turn them right side up. Let the cakes cool completely, this should take about 30 minutes. 

To make the frosting, place about 1 ½ cups of blueberries in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Stop to scrape the sides as needed, this should take a minute or two. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy, add 1 cup of powdered sugar and beat again. Add 1 more cup of powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add ½ cup of blueberry puree and beat again until smooth. Add the remaining powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add more berry puree as desired for a creamier and parable icing, or add additional powdered sugar for a thicker and more pipe-able frosting for decorating.

When ready to frost, place one cake on a cake plate or stand. Evenly spread a 1/2 cup of the blueberry frosting on the top of the first layer. Place the second cake on top and frost the top, edges and sides of the cake with the rest of the blueberry frosting.  Use the remaining berries to decorate the cake as desired. 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu





Out of Town Eats

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Breakfast

Screen Door — This popular floral granny-style eatery in Portland is the spot for brunch and pictures. Known for their chicken and waffles, one can get anything imaginable to start off their day from shrimp and grits to eggs benedict. Currently there are two locations in the Portland area, both recommending reservations. 

Posies Bakery & Café — If one is looking for a casual café experience, this is the place. The Portland based shop offers a wide variety of pastries, drinks and has a decent sized breakfast menu for a café. 

Ground Espresso Bar & Café — Looking for a spot for coffee and breakfast sandwiches in the Gorge? This café in the heart of downtown Hood River provides house roasted coffee, pastries and many sandwiches made with locally grown ingredients. 

Sandwiches

Lardo — If one loves a good pork sandwich, don’t pass up the opportunity to go to Lardo’s. With both summer and winter menus to choose from, one can experiment with their unique sandwiches from their Pho-rench Dip to the Italian Flag. Although pork is their speciality, they offer many other meats, as well as pescetarian and vegetarian options. Find them in Lake Oswego, scattered around Portland and even in Las Vegas. 

Bunk Sandwiches — Known for their Cubano, Bunk offers an array of sandwiches to choose from. Don’t forget to get an order of their garlic parmesan waffle fries with their homemade burger and ranch sauce. Catch them at the Bridgeport Village Mall or by the Central Eastside of Portland. 

Bodhi Artisan Kitchen and Bakery — Indulge in a sandwich with high quality ingredients in the Corvallis and Albany areas. One will find a spin on a classic tuna melt down to a portobello sandwich with goat cheese and other lovely flavors. 

Dave’s Hot Chicken — This is the place for a cheap dependable meal. A date could easily share a #2, two sliders and fries for around $12. Get out of one’s comfort zone to try their different levels of spice ranging from lite mild to reaper. This chain can be found around Portland and will soon be available in Salem.

Tacos

Tacovore — The array of tacos from this Corvallis favorite will blow one’s mind. They include unique variations, fresh ingredients and sauces, providing many options. Tacovore also has a location in Eugene and Portland.

Papi Chulos — This viral Jalisco-style taqueria is one of the hot spots in Portland and Bend. They have a lot to offer when it comes to the cooking techniques of their meat. Don’t forget to check out their merch on the way out.

Cha! Cha! Cha! — This restaurant prides themselves on their authentic cuisine. Their simple ingredients and flavorful sauces provide the perfect bite every time. One can find them sprinkled throughout Portland.

Burgers

Bo & Vine Burger Bar — With locations in Salem, Corvallis and Eugene, provides a unique burger experience. Offering a variety of options, sauces and shareable sides this place is a must go.

Nicoletta’s Table and Marketplace — Not commonly known for their burgers, this restaurant  has a fantastic wagyu bacon cheeseburger. Notable features include fresh avocado, tomatoes, garlic aioli and parmesan truffle fries on the side. 

In-N-Out Burger — A shining star in Keizer, In-N-Out gives Oregonians the opportunity to grab a California classic. I highly recommend including chopped chili’s on animal style fries alongside one’s burger. 

Pizza

Gorge White House Food Cart — This delectable food truck in the beautiful garden of the infamous Gorge White House is an experience that can’t be missed in the spring. Their fruitful flatbreads will change one’s mind about having berries on a slice. Also their tater tots… no words. They can be found just outside of Hood River with a great view of Mt. Hood. 

Cibo — This Italian restaurant will toss and bake pizzas right by the table. Their use of fresh ingredients won’t go unnoticed and options will keep one guessing what to choose. One pizza is plenty for two to share. Cibo is found in the south east of Portland. 

Basil & Board — A Salem staple, Basil and Board will keep one coming back for more. Spend a sunny day in their rooftop seating with a hot slice of pizza and a cold drink to sip on. Choose from their wide selection of mini pizzas or create one unique to one’s personal taste. To ensure securing a table, make a reservation a few hours beforehand. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu



Cat Product Recommendations

Written by: Mikayla Coleman

Looking for a way to spoil one’s cat? Whether one has just brought home a new kitten from the shelter or has been loving their cat for years — these products can make cohabitation with our favorite furry friends easier and more fulfilling. 

    • Clear bird feeders — If one has a home or apartment that has windows that are low to the ground, consider buying a clear bird feeder that can be easily attached to the window for viewing pleasure. There are even some clear bird feeders that are made with one-way glass so that cats are able to observe them, but not scare them away with a feline’s ferocious staring.  
  • Snuffle mats — While more commonly marketed toward dogs, snuffle mats are a great way for cats to gain mental stimulation, especially if one owns a strictly indoor cat. Snuffle mats are essentially a mat or rug filled with loose strips, pouches or pockets for one to hide cat treats in. When using a snuffle mat, a cat must use their nose and paws to surpass obstacles in order to “hunt” for their treats.  
  • Cat stroller — Okay, this one seems really extra, but who doesn’t love going above and beyond for their pets? Ranging from $75 to $200 on Amazon, mesh or clear plastic cat strollers allow indoor cats the chance to experience the outdoors in a controlled and safe environment. As someone who compulsively purchased a cat stroller this past summer, I can wholeheartedly recommend one to those who have indoor cats. Taking a stroll with my furry companion to get my morning coffee was often the highlight of my day. 
  • Silvervine chew sticks — One thing no one told me before I got a kitten is that they go through the teething process. While being nibbled by my kitten was endearing at first, those little teeth come to feel like razor blades over time. Silvervine is similar to catnip— cats love it— and the toy lends itself to the teething and playing process while also being entirely natural. 
  • Cat door holder — This product is great for those who have roommates or more than one type of animal living in their household. This door holder is meant to keep one’s door slightly open so a cat can easily access one’s room, or the room in which the litter box resides. This prevents the cat from accidentally being locked in or out of a room that they may need access to without constantly having doors wide open. 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu









Documenting the Duration

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

It can be easy to get sidetracked balancing college and documenting one’s life. Whatever one finds important, don’t lose track of it. It is nice to have things to look back on to reminisce in nostalgia and keep close. 

Photography — It may seem awkward for some, but try to take a picture with or of one’s friends from time to time. Through documenting one’s friendships as they grow and strengthen, one will be able to reminisce and have a reminder of how far that relationship has come. 

Videography — If one isn’t too familiar with the art of videography, it may take some time for it to feel natural. One way to do this is to create mini vlogs. This could be little snippets from a day with friends or a whole ordeal with a voice over. These could be kept to oneself or uploaded on a platform such as Tik Tok, giving the ability to store them and share with the people in them.

Journaling — If one  doesn’t want to forget what is currently happening in their life or what  one prioritizes at the current moment, jot them down. Soon enough one will find themselves with a notebook or Google Doc full of memories. If one needs a nudge, look up some journal prompts to start. 

Scrapbooking — Wanting a tangible place to keep all of those photos that have been taken? Creating a scrapbook is an ongoing, relaxing and artistic process. Whether one creates a book for each year, season, or the entirety of college — try to make it an enjoyable experience. There are plenty of stickers, mini frames and accessories available at craft stores and online shops. If digital creation is more up one’s alley, there are plenty of options to do so. Pro tip, if creating a digital scrapbook through Shutterfly, wait for a coupon to appear before purchasing; it happens more often than one would expect. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Main Character Moment

Written by: Mirella Barrera-Betancourt

As a student, finding the time to breathe outside of the hustle of college life can be onerous enough without motivation. The mountain of homework assignments continues to grow, paving the way for one to turn into a begrudged, pessimistic student. The good news is that it does not have to be this way — it is possible to see college as thrilling.

“Romanticizing your life” is a concept that gained traction on multiple social media outlets. However, the meaning of the concept outside of social media can vary greatly for different people. 

The concept does not have to equate to shouting to the world that one has their life together through social media, because it is very rare a college student does. In fact, it becomes easy to see the failure of the concept in practice sooner rather than later when one is actively attempting to document the beauty and aesthetic of their lives. 

The key is to relax, appreciate the aesthetic through the eyes and live in the moment. Though the act of photographing may seem to be the right move to romanticize college life — because everyone else is doing it — it is critical to not photograph every single moment for the sole purpose of posting it on social media. It is a practice best used for the soul, not false social media glorification. Instead, try the following.

Listen to music with imaginative themes. Youtube, with their growing number of study playlists, can be beneficial to setting the mood for productivity and motivation. The account, “The Dreamers,” contains a barrage of playlist music — from classical to instrumental — for the people that want to experience the joy of feeling like the “main character.” Choose from a number of videos under the umbrella of dark academia, midnight library study sessions, coffee shop ambience, etc.

Invest in school supplies, and incorporate color and aesthetic into the study routine. There is truly nothing more pleasing to the eyes and soul than a nice leather-bound journal, a pencil pouch, color coded book tabs and a new set of colored pens. For example, color coding tabs to the cover of a book can add delight and aesthetic to the monotonous action of reading and annotation.

Find a nice study space outside of the dorm room. This may seem like a no-brainer, but studies have indeed shown that taking time to study outside of the familiar, confined space of a bedroom improves the mood and productivity. This includes public places, such as the coffee shops downtown with the soft glow of ambient lighting or a study spot around campus with a nice view of the street and nature. It allows one the prospect of having something to look forward to when study time rolls around. 

Organize one’s study desk. A clean and organized desk area for optimal study time can do wonders for motivation and productivity. For aesthetic reasons, buy a few plants, organizational desk trays and even add a splash of personality and character with some decor— such as through a photo frame — to uplift the environment of the desk. 

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Spring term self care

Written by:Jude Bokovoy

Whether this is the final push of one’s first year or senior year, spring term can be a lot to handle. Professors are in full swing assigning countless assignments, but the weather is beginning to brighten up — tempting students to blow off homework to soak up the sun. No matter what spring-term-state one is in, it is important to take care of oneself.

Read — The act of reading can be done any day, anytime and anywhere. It is a perfect way to escape any draining internal thoughts without leaving one’s bedroom. From self help to fantasy, any book can be healthy for the mind and soul. 

Time with friends — Maintaining a social life can help in all aspects of one’s mental health. Getting out of the house, socializing and learning more about other people can be very stimulating. Plus, it forces one to get homework, deadlines, work and whatever else off the mind while with people one appreciates. 

Nourishing food — Keeping up with fruits, vegetables and water intake is a great way to maintain a strong body. When one’s body feels good, it will help one feel good overall. By eating a healthy diet, one will be more energized for all of spring terms’ assignments. 

Dates to look forward to — It’s always encouraging to have a day to look forward to. Whether it’s a simple night out the following weekend or a trip. Whatever is reasonable for one’s schedule and budget, make plans for oneself. 

Affirmations — When one knows their worth, good things will follow. Being driven enough to be in college in this day and age is amazing. Being driven to work towards a challenging career is wonderful. Think about all of the amazing things that one does often, but doesn’t pay any mind to. Daily accomplishments are worth acknowledging. 

Spending time outdoors — Get a refresh by taking a step outside. Whatever seems the most relaxing or gratifying, do it. Go on a walk while listening to a podcast, or read on a blanket on the grass or complete some assignments. Whatever it is, might as well be outside in the sunshine. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Snowshoeing in the spring

Written by: Jude Bokovoy

Is there a snow covered mountain one has been wanting to explore? Wait no longer, snowshoeing is much more accessible than it seems. All of one’s beloved trails can be experienced with a whole new snowy landscape that completely changes its typical look. Sound intriguing? Below is a guide of how to prepare and what to watch out for when snowshoeing. 

What should one wear? — Layers, layers and more layers. On the drive up to a trail, one can  wear some kind of leggings or loose pants, long sleeves and a hoodie. Upon arrival, put on a pair of snow pants, a thick jacket and gloves. 

What should one bring? — A backpack comes in handy to put one’s gloves or even the jacket into, or tied onto, due to getting hot from exercising. Ski or trekking poles come in handy when snowshoeing up or down hill as well. It is also good to pack some hardy snacks or a lunch. Lots of calories are burned while snowshoeing, making it critical that one listens to their body, giving  themselves the proper nourishment and staying hydrated. Depending on how long one takes sitting in the snow to eat their food, one’s hands can get pretty cold, making it unenjoyable to pick up small food items. Examples of lightweight food options include peanut butter roll ups, protein bars or fruit leathers. 

How does one know they are still on the right trail? — When one’s surroundings are covered in multiple feet of snow, it can be easy to get confused about where one is going. Depending on how popular the trail is and the time of day, there should be a human made trail from snowshoers earlier in that day. Many trails have light blue diamond signs posted on trees for guidance. Traditionally, these are marked for cross country skiers, but they help snowshoers just the same. They are posted high up to prevent them from getting covered in snow. Something to be aware of is that some trees with diamonds could have fallen or burned down from forest fires. This means that the trail may not be perfectly pinned out. If one finds themselves in this situation, keep in mind where a current diamond is and walk for a few minutes in one direction to spot the next diamond.

Something to think about — Before starting the adventure, check the weather forecast. Snowstorms are nothing to joke about. If one is in the clear, it’s still good to keep in mind what one would do in case of an emergency. If caught in a storm, one way to keep safe is by digging out a snow cave next to a tree. Leaving out poles in an “x” can help helicopters spot the enclosure if it gets that extreme. 

Typical things that could be seen — Snowshoeing in Oregon is more common than one may think. Expect to see some groups and a few dogs along one’s journey. Encountering a communal cabin for people to stay for the night to ski or snowboard down the trail the next morning is also a possibility. 



Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

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