Hiking Trip pics, and Spanikopita

Hiking.... We actually didn't end up hiking. We didn't leave the house until about 11, and it is about an hour Drive out to K-country... And It is the long weekend, so we couldn't decide on a trail that wouldn't be packed with people, and that neither of us had Hiked before... So it was more of a road trip/sit at the beach.

BUT neither of us has been to Barrier Lake, just driven by it... So we stopped, found a chill beach spot away from the masses of people and let the dogs run around and play.
Just over that rock ridge on the left side of the pic, is a little inlet, and there were tons of people set up on the beach... Nobody climbed over the ridge to this beautiful peaceful area.
Alberta Oasis is the first thing that came to our mind when we were looking at our pics when we got home last night.

Wilson got hit in the head multiple times with bugs, but he kept going back for more. Nothing like the wind blowing through your ears. (I actually have video of him getting hit in the head with Bugs)




Ava thinks Road Trips are awesome!



This is part of Mount Kidd... Its a pretty awesome mountain. If you are in Alberta, in Kananaskis, go and stare at it for a while. Its gorgeous.




I know the water looks really nice, But it is FREAKIN' cold! And both of us are used to cold water... Usually your body adjusts to it pretty quick, and it doesn't seem so cold... But it just stayed cold. So no swimming for anyone,

Here is the Wikipedia info on Barrier Lake



SPANIKOPITA (as promised)

I didn't use a specific recipe, and I didn't write down what I made, So I'm going to send you to the YouTube videos I watched to get the idea for my spanikopita. I put mint in it from my garden, and I really wish I hadn't. But that is more of a taste preference than anything. Next time I make this (and it will be soon) I will probably just stick to Spinach and Feta... stick to the KISS rule (keep it simple stupid)
However you make this, It will probably be delicious! even with the mint in it, it was amazing.

Spanikopita YouTube Video #1
Spanikopita YouTube Video #2

Spiral Spinach Tart

Okay, this thing is SERIOUSLY amazing. You should just ignore everything I am about to write, scroll to the recipe and make it yourself... It's that good (and my writing is that bad).
I originally saw it a while ago on some Food Porn site, and the recipe was in Romanian or something, and the Google Translator didn't translate some words, so it didn't make too much sense. So I just decided to make something that looked like the picture, rather than learning Romanian just to make some spinach tart thing.
Also, watch Due Date... its hilarious (and I'm watching it again right now)


1 Package Frozen Puff Pastry (Like Tenderflake)
1 Package Frozen Spinach (chopped or whole leaf, it doesn't really matter... although Chopped might be a teeny bit easier... OR use Fresh... just make sure you wash it really well)
2 gloves of Garlic (minced)
Fine-grated cheese...(I used marble, but whatever you want. Amount needed depends on how much you like cheese... I grated a bunch and then kept the grater and cheese out and easy to grab if I wanted more)
Seasoning (I used a little seasoning salt and some garlic powder)
Flour for dusting
Spring form pan


Start with the spinach... Defrost (if using frozen), then squeeze as much of the moisture out of the spinach as possible (with your hands). Add the minced garlic to the spinach, and mix together with a fork. Add in whatever seasonings you choose.
Pre-grate your cheese too.
On a lightly floured surface, Roll out the puff pastry to a thin-ish rectangle
Then cut the rectangle into long thin rectangles

Put spinach mixture and then cheese , Roll up like a snake. (you can see completed "snakes" in the back of the photo)

Arrange the "snakes" in a spiral in the Spring form pan. I forgot to take a photo of the spiral before I put the cheese on top, But I start in the middle of the spiral and work my way out. Then press everything together in the pan with your hand.

Bake at 350 F for about 15-30minutes. (i forgot how long it was in there). Basically until the puff pastry is lightly browned and golden.


Let cool for 5-10 minutes and then move from the spring form pan to a plate.


ENJOY!!! It is delicious fresh from the oven, or later on, once it is cool.


The Spinach "snakes" really show up too: