Friday, December 31, 2010

Ice Fishing Dyckesville, Wi

Now, to set things straight, I am not claiming that we are professional ice fisher”men” by any means.  We do know however  a fishing pole, bait and an auger helps!  We also don’t believe that a “pesho” is worth driving 4 miles out just to get lost or put ourselves at risk.  With that said, it’s simply fun to head out early mornings, stop for a cup of coffee, bait and fire  up the woodstove in the shanty and wait to find out if luck is on our side. 

Tomorrow is the first time we’ll be headin’ out.  With the crazy weather, fog and temps dropping we are hoping to get things set up and ready for the season.  And of course … Catch our limit!

“Stay tuned” and will keep you posted!

Keri Tlachac and her pa Ken Tlachac

Monday, December 27, 2010

Electric Ice Auger December 27th 2010

This year we bought our pa an electric ice auger for Christmas.  I received a call today and was informed that it is working great on the bay near Dykesville, WI.  I will keep you posted as the season progresses of pros and cons we encounter.  If you have any experiences with your electric ice auger please post.  Thanks much, Keri Tlachac

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Good Times at Cedar Valley Campground, Kewaunee WI

I would like to thank Bill, Eileen, Tyler and Troy Pagel for being such wonderful hosts at Cedar Valley Campground. The Pagel's family owned campground is located in Kewaunee County. This well kept campground offers tons of fun. As a visitor to their newly remodeled bar to taking part as a camper I highly recommend giving them a call to schedule a weekend of fun!

Thanks everyone and keep up the great work!
Keri Tlachac
Wisconsin Country Living










Monday, July 6, 2009

My Pa...


Kenny Tlachac, the Rambler and The Buck...

Kenny Tlachac on the push-button accordian... August 1968

06-16-2009 10;18;23AM

Kenny Tlachac (My Pa) playing for a parade in front of my grandparents’ old bar in Forestville. Al and Clara’s Saloon. This saloon is now owned by Charlie Kroll with the name of The Bull Pen.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Ice Fishing isn't just for adults...


Ice Fishing isn't just for adults... Heaven's no! Heading out early Saturday morning to Rite's Cove (Ernie's), Brussels, WI was just the treat for little Landen. Although only five years old he pitched right in the action. Helping catch rosies for our hooks and making sure he had conversation every time the shanty fell silent.


He showed off one of my BIG catches of the day by making me take a picture. Although the perch were not of a significant size Landen had a blast making sure they ALL got in the bucket. Large or small, smelt or white fish... anything that came up from the ice fishing hole was a keeper.

After a few hours the tip ups started popping... With his dad heading out and asking Landen to stay put because of the cold weather, it only took a matter of minutes for him to decide to follow. "He must of caught a huge one, Keri", "He MUST have!", "Seriously!"... "Well, you better get your coat and gloves on and check it out", I replied"

Landen came sprinting back with a nice size white fish and made sure it made it's way to the bucket as well. After several hours one just simply needs to stretch a bit. I have to admit for a five year old Landen did very well maintaining his composer and fighting a bit of boredom. With a little help of some candy and grape juice he was back full force ready for the second half of the day.


The rest of the day was grilling a bit of venison and simply enjoying some tranquility. Leaving all the world' issues on shore and watching little Landen play with his pooch, Duke.


Priceless...


Keri Tlachac
Wisconsincountryliving.com
January 31, 2009
Photos & article approved by Andy LaFond

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Whitefish Recipes

WHITEFISH SOUP
Source: Pattie Kulpa, Susie-Q-Fish Market, Two Rivers, Wis.
Fish Market Manager Pattie Kulpa is wife to a Lake Michigan commercial fisherman. Over the years she has developed a diverse recipe collection. This soup is among her favorite ways to enjoy whitefish.

Two tablespoons olive oil
One-half cup diced onion
One-half cup diced celery
Two cloves garlic crushed
Four large carrots
Six large red potatoes, peeled and cubed
Two bay leaves
One spring of fresh dill or two teaspoons dried dill weed
Ten to twelve cups water or fish stock
Three tablespoons salt
One teaspoon ground pepper
Three pounds Lake Michigan whitefish, boned, skinned and cut into bite-size pieces

Heat oil in large pot; add onion, celery and garlic and saute until tender, about 4 minutes. Add carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, dill, water or stock, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cook on medium high heat for 15 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. Reduce to a slow simmer and add fish. Cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring very gently. Take care to not let the whitefish pieces break up. Serve immediately. Yield: Eight servings Variation: Make a chowder by reducing the amount of water or fish stock in recipe and adding one or more cups of heavy cream in the last few minutes of cooking.

Cheesy White Fish Soup(4 servings)
1-2 tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
2 red/orange/yellow peppers, peeled (if you want) and chopped
2 tbsp flourdash of salt
1/4 tsp ground coriander (you could substitute with rosemary)
1/4 tsp paprika
fresh pepper
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
300 grams of chopped up white fish. I've used sole, turbot, pollock and tilapia...frozen is fine, whatever was on sale
1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese (I've used Parmesan too, works well)

Directions:1. Prepare all of your ingredients in advance because everything comes together pretty quickly.2. Over medium-high heat in a large pot, melt butter and add onions and peppers - cook, mixing constantly for 4-5 minutes.3. Add flour, salt, coriander, paprika and pepper - mix very rapidly to form a paste.4. Slowly add milk and chicken broth, alternating about 1/4 cup at a time to keep the soup thick.5. Mix in the fish and the cheese and bring to a boil.6. Cover and simmer on very low heat for 15 minutes...check often to make sure it doesn't boil over.7. Let cool and blend well. Enjoy with toasted baguette slices.

Tomato-Based White Wine Fish Soup
Yield
6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup chopped fennel bulb
1 cup thinly sliced carrot
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup dry white wine
2 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice
1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped
1/2 pound sea scallops
1/2 pound skinless halibut fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Thyme sprigs (optional)
Preparation
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; sauté 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add tomato paste to pan; cook 7 minutes or until paste begins to brown, stirring occasionally. Add fennel and next 4 ingredients (through clam juice); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. Stir in shrimp, scallops, and fish. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until fish is done. Gently stir in tarragon, chopped thyme, and pepper. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.
Nutritional Information
Calories:
191 (27% from fat)
Fat:
5.7g (sat 0.9g,mono 3g,poly 1.1g)
Protein:
23.7g
Carbohydrate:
11.8g
Fiber:
2.4g
Cholesterol:
99mg
Iron:
2.3mg
Sodium:
451mg
Calcium:
80mg