April Showers Bring May Powers at Paws Up

Wonder Woman may have had her lasso of truth, but these Wonder Women of Food and Wine yield their power with other weapons of choice—chef’s knives and wine presses. They hail from Arizona, Napa, New York and Portland, and this spring they’ll come together in one place—Paws Up.

Meet our Culinary Superheroes:

Chef Charleen Badman runs the show at Scottsdale’s FnB and took home the 2019 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest. Chef Anita Lo is a New York City dynamo whose creative cooking earned her a coveted Michelin star. Portland Chef Jenn Louis has racked up the awards, nabbing a designation as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs, along with two nods from the James Beard Awards. Chrissy Wittmann is a breakout star with Napa Valley’s The Prisoner Wine Company.

This Justice League of kitchen goddesses will rescue any bored palate, taking it from ho-hum to ka-pow during this two-day epicurean extravaganza. From demonstrations and gourmet meals to knockout wilderness adventures, you’ll savor their handiwork while making powerful new friends along the way.

THE WONDER WOMEN OF FOOD AND WINE I APRIL 30–MAY 2, 2021

Learn more about this and other Wonder Women series events at go.pawsup.com/wonder-women.

Self-care, self-made

From CBD massages to rose clay mud wraps, if there’s a path to wellness at Paws Up, it starts at the spa, which, during winter, is located in the Morris Ranch House. What you’ll find is that, for body treatments, facials and rejuvenating skin care products, we’ve literally got you covered.

But what if you’d like to get creative? What if you’d like to concoct an elixir with something you found on a snowy trail?

Recently, guests have been learning what it takes to put together their very own products in the spa’s custom­-designed apothecary classes. In groups of 3–5 adults or kids, participants use all-organic, natural ingredients to make body scrubs, massage bars or lip balms. There are any number of safe, even edible, delights to choose from, like oatmeal, sugar, salt, a variety of dried herbs and essential oils.

Paws Up National Sales Manager Samantha Lange got to take part in one workshop. “It was a fun experience making a scrub to my specific liking,” she says. “I ended up making small jars to give as gifts for the holiday season (a.k.a. the people on my list who I forgot to shop for until the last minute).”

Even if you’re not an aspiring inventor, one Lotion, Potion and Pour class could be just what you need for a relaxing break from the snow. Just imagine, you’re surrounded by soothing ingredients and calming smells in a world-class luxury home. Plus, if you’re old enough, you can make a one-of-a-kind potion while sipping a hot toddy!

More about spa and wellness services can be found at pawsup.com/spa.

Six Experiences at Paws Up For The Under-Six Crowd

Why does it always seem like all the best rides are for those who meet a height requirement? Here at Paws Up, we don’t limit the fun to those who measure up to a sign. Here are just six examples of how we put the biggest smiles on our smallest guests.

1. PONY RIDES

We would never make you go in circles on some sandy, worn-out path. Instead, our wranglers will show you a true adventure! You’ll say hello to your pony, get a boost up and then ride through beautiful trails. It’s 15 minutes of giggles and photo ops. Parents can tag along, too.

2. GARNET GHOST TOWN

Ever been to a real ghost town? We have one that’s practically in our own backyard! It’s just 20 minutes away, but it’s a step back in time to the early 1900s. Explore the general store, hotel, saloon and homes of this uninhabited town. But wait—you don’t believe in ghosts, do you?

3. THE ISLAND LODGE AT SALMON LAKE

Imagine having a whole island to yourself and your family with boats, fishing poles and a floating trampoline! Cool off with a blackberry lemonade. Or dip your feet into the clear, blue water and let the tiny fishies swim around your toes. At sunset, go for a nice pontoon ride. Ahoy, sailor!

4. CLEARWATER RIVER CANOE TRIP

Head out on the water with a family canoe trip. Relax in the middle while bigger kids or grown-ups paddle down a 3.5-mile stretch of the Clearwater River. Notice the stunning views of the Swan Mountains. See if you can spot an eagle. But make sure you get a turn to try paddling, too!

5. GO-KARTS

The race is on! You’ll go up to 20 miles per hour around a half-­mile track side-by-side with Mom or Dad. Learn to steer around one corner after the next. If you’re under six, trackside bleachers provide the perfect spot to watch your favorite racers power their way to the checkered flag.

6. LITTLE DISCOVERERS AT THE KIDS CORPS OF DISCOVERY

Need to seriously get your wiggles out? Kiss your family goodbye for a few hours and join us at the Kids Corps of Discovery, where you can meet new friends, play games and try tie-dying and searching for sapphires.

Toast to the Season with Paws Up Sommelier Kyle Riggs

Ask Kyle Riggs what wine you should bring to a wintertime party, and he’ll tell you it’s hard to beat Bordeaux-inspired reds. Whether you like Napa’s fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignons or the more assertively tannic Cabernets from France, winter and fine red wines belong together. “And I’m in love with some of the Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs. I think that’s a quintessential winter wine choice,” Riggs said.

A few favorites to look for:

CALIFORNIA
2015 Chappellet Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2013 Kenefick Ranch Founder’s Reserve, Calistoga, Napa Valley
2015 Robert Foley Claret, Napa Valley

OREGON
2015 Antica Terra Botanica Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
2015 Ponzi Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

FRANCE
2008 Cos d’Estournel Grand Cru, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux

GERMANY
2016 Dr. Loosen “Blue Slate” Riesling, Mosel

5 Best Culinary Events Worth Traveling to This Fall

From a mozzarella-topped Labor Day weekend to an extravaganza with California wine royalty, The Resort at Paws Up in Montana has a fall lineup of unique culinary events to please the palates of every food lover. Guests will have the chance to rub elbows with elite chefs, dine on delectable cuisine and enjoy the beautiful outdoors during a wonderful time of year in Montana.

Fish and Feast with Chefs Bianco and Perry Lang, August 31–September 1: Come along for the ride as Chef Chris Bianco and Chef Adam Perry Lang spend a weekend that combines fly-fishing on the trout-filled Blackfoot River with mouthwatering dinners along its shores and in the rustic, elegant Paws Up dining venues.

Cookbook LiveThe Elements of Pizza, August 31–September 2: Master the art of making Italy’s most celebrated dish. Chef Ken Forkish, a James Beard Award-winning author, will share recipes from his cookbook with interactive demos and delicious samples. Guests will learn the secrets and skills behind his famous Portland pizzeria and bakery.

Montana Master Chefs®: The Wonder Women of Food and Wine, September 27–30: This year, not only are the featured talents of Montana Master Chefs at the very top of their respective games, they’re also all women. Participants include Chef Renee EricksonChef Sarah GruenebergChef Jayne Reichert, Chef Mindy Segal and Chef Julia Sullivan, with Alison Sokol BlosserMerry EdwardsViolet Grgich, Lauren OscilowskiKristin Smith and Sarah Sorenson. *This event is currently sold out.

Cookbook LiveKristen Kish Cooking, October 12–14: Guests are invited to join Top Chef winner Chef Kristen Kish as she shares the skills and creativity featured in her first cookbook. Witness her legendary techniques and learn why acclaimed Momofuku Chef David Chang calls her “one of the most talented chefs around.”

Wine Weekend with Chappellet, November 9–11: Guests will get to know one of the most celebrated family-owned wineries in Napa Valley right alongside Amy and Dominic Chappellet. The weekend includes wine tastings, dining on fine cuisine and breathtaking scenery.

For reservations and further details, visit www.pawsup.com or call 877-588-6783. The Resort at Paws Up is also on FacebookInstagram (@theresortatpawsup) and Twitter (@Paws_Up).

Our Top 5 Wintery Hiking Trails

We’re going to let you in on one of our best-kept secrets . . . There isn’t a more serene or breathtakingly beautiful time to visit Paws Up than the magical snow-filled months of winter. Our lucky cold-weather guests have access to mile after mile of pristine trails to snowshoe, hike or take romantic walks on while enjoying the glittering scenery.

We’ve turned to Nadine Lipson, part owner, part trail guru at The Resort, for her top-five seasonal hikes. Her recommendations span from the heart-pumping one-mile Sacagawea Trail to the Sunset Loop, a 13-mile hike offering incredible views of the Blackfoot River and Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Pick up a trail map and get pointed in the right direction at the Wilderness Outpost. And when you’re through taking in the gorgeous vistas on your wintery wanderings, come inside for a warming cocktail beside the roaring fireplace in Tank as a reward for a job well done. We’ll see you there.

1) The Canine Classic (5 miles)

2) The Anaconda (4 miles)

3) The Trail to Jones’ Pond (5 miles)

4) Sunset Loop (13 miles)

5) Sacagawea Trail (1 mile)

Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe and Our Next Cookbook Live

Join The Resort at Paws Up on November 3–6, 2017 for our fourth Cookbook Live event with pie expert Kate McDermott. This flaky and fun-filled baking weekend brings to life McDermott’s book Art of the Pie, which was nominated for a James Beard Award. By day, you’ll create works of edible art from fresh local ingredients. And by night, you’ll dine on the masterfully executed cuisine of Paws Up’s Executive Chef Ben Jones. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who’s passionate about succulent, homemade, just-out-of-the-oven pie. We hope to see you in a few weeks. In the meantime, enjoy this divine Lemon Meringue Pie recipe in your own home.

 

Lemon Meringue Pie
Makes One 9-inch Shallow Pie

1 pre-baked single Art of the Pie® crust or pre-baked dough of your choice

For the Filling
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1-1/4 cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 egg yolks, fork beaten
  • zest of 1 large lemon
For the Meringue
  • 5 egg whites
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Procedure

For the Filling
  1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt.
  2. Add the water and constantly stirring with a whisk, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 2 more minutes while continuing to whisk. Don’t be afraid to whisk vigorously as it gets thicker.
  3. Take 1/4 cup of the hot mixture and stir it into the fork beaten egg yolks. Return this to the saucepan, bring to a boil, and cook for 3-4 minutes more while stirring constantly.
  4. Stir in the butter, lemon juice, and zest and cook for another minute.
  5. Immediately pour into the pre-baked pie crust.
For the Meringue
  1. In a clean and cold bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric handheld beater or a stand mixer.
  2. Add the pinch of salt, and the sugar while you mix. Add the cream of tartar and mix a bit more.
  3. Lift the beaters out when you can see soft peaks in thick foamy waves. That’s when it’s done.
  4. Put the meringue on the hot lemon filling starting at the edges first. Make sure the meringue reaches all the way to the edge of the crust so there are no gaps.
  5. Then add the rest of the meringue in the middle so that the filling is completely covered.
  6. With the handle of a spoon or the blade of a knife, pull up some soft peaks.
  7. Place in a preheated 375F oven for 6 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.

10 Reasons to Celebrate Christmas at Paws Up

This holiday season, leave behind the hustle and bustle for something truly magical: Christmastime in Montana. At The Resort at Paws Up, you’re in for a warm and adventurous holiday weekend. We have elves to take care of everything. Here are 10 reasons to spend Christmas at Paws Up in pictures and words.

  1. You get to experience a picture-perfect backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
  2. You’ll rock around your very own decorated tree.
  3. You’ll receive a surprise personal visit from Santa, right in your cozy luxury home with gifts and all.
  4. You’ll experience bonfires with s’mores and downhill snow tubing with a snowmobile chauffeur, followed by hot apple cider.
  5. You’ll participate in a gingerbread house decorating contest.
  6. You’ll enjoy quality family time with bingo game nights and more.
  7. You’ll warm up with indoor activities such as holiday crafts, movie nights and plenty of shopping at our Wilderness Outpost.
  8. You’ll experience a family broomball game on the Paws Up ice skating rink.
  9. You’ll enjoy the best Montana Christmas brunch and a glittering Christmas dinner with live music.
  10. You’ll end each day soaking in a soothing hot tub and then relax by your roaring fireplace.

Enough said? Contact our live chat on pawsup.com now for more information.

Blackberry Smash Recipe

Blackberry Smash

At The Resort at Paws Up there are countless ways to get outside and get active. But after all that horseback riding, ATV touring and hiking, there’s no better way to cool down than with a fresh cocktail. Our bartending team gets inspired by the local, seasonal ingredients and Montana-made spirits. This Blackberry Smash recipe is just one of our many favorite cocktails which we wanted to share with you so you can create a little slice of Paws Up at home.

Blackberry Smash

Ingredients

A handful of blackberries

The juice of half a lemon

3/4 oz thyme simple syrup

1 3/4 oz Willie’s Distillery’s Big Horn Bourbon

Club soda

Directions

  1. Muddle blackberries, lemon juice and thyme simple syrup. Add ice and bourbon, and shake well. Strain into a Collins glass, ll with ice and top with soda. Garnish with blackberries and thyme sprig.

cocktails at the Resort at Paws Up

Get the Inside Scoop on Chicago Dessert Icon Mindy Segal

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Walk into Mindy’s HotChocolate and you’ll find yourself transported into Chicago’s most famous pastry mecca. Before you even set your eyes on the restaurant’s chic industrial interior, you’ll catch yourself ogling a display case filled with deliciously crumbly cookies. James Beard Award winner and owner Mindy Segal is a Windy City institution, and we’re always excited to witness her fierce, urban creativity here in the wilds of Western Montana. To give you a taste of why we ask her back again and again, we had a short chat with the famous pastry chef.

Mindy Segal at the resort at paws up

PAWS UP: What’s your personal favorite menu item at Mindy’s HotChocolate?

CHEF MINDY SEGAL: Believe it or not, I love the hot chocolate ICED! My favorite is my most popular flavor, which is the “medium.” Hot chocolate served over ice with a shot of whiskey. Trust me, it’s the most adult chocolate milk you’ll ever drink!

PAWS UP: In a competitive food town like Chicago, what makes Mindy’s HotChocolate successful after so many years?

SEGAL: My team and I are always working on our craft and we are always changing and upgrading the menu to make it special for our guests. I also think that because I’m at my restaurant at some point every day, I stay connected with my guests and my staff.

PAWS UP: What inspires you?

SEGAL: For sure, the seasons (obviously), the farmers market and, above all, vintage plate ware (of all types)!

PAWS UP: How many times have you been to Paws Up?

SEGAL: I believe 6? Not sure—I stopped counting because I never want it to end!

PAWS UP: What do you like about it?

SEGAL: First of all, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking and a 180-degree shift from Chicago! And the staff is amazing and I always look forward to going back and seeing them.

PAWS UP: How do you keep the Montana spirit alive once you return home to Chicago?

SEGAL: I try to go hiking around the Chicago area to stay one with nature. My husband and I enjoy camping and fly-fishing, which of course is the spirit of the Blackfoot River!

PAWS UP: Can you describe the qualities of the perfect s’more?

SEGAL: A great graham cracker (we make our own), the PERFECT toasted marshmallow (I like a charred crust and a soft interior) and an elevated chocolate creation. We use toffee chocolate brittle; the added crunch and salt adds a nice balance to the sweet marshmallow. Not to mention, texture, texture, texture!!

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And if your sweet tooth likes the idea of that, be sure to join us for Cookbook Live: Cookie Love, August 10–16, when Segal will be at Paws Up serving s’mores just the way YOU like them. Campfires were invented for just such an occasion.

national amores week at the resort at paws up

3 Summer Picnics Worth Traveling For

Paws Up long table

It may come as no surprise, but Montana’s culinary resources are as outsized as the landscape itself. Which means, when you take part in a Montana Long Table at The Resort at Paws Up you’re in for an ever-loving foodie kind of evening. Of course, that only partly explains why these events are so popular. There’s also the single, long table set up in a beautiful spot with sweeping views of the ranch and first-rate live music, often from acclaimed local artists.This summer Paws Up is offering three incredible Long Table Events where guests will come face-to-face with an abundant supply of foods and the artisans behind them as well as get to know them by name, hear their stories and have the opportunity to show appreciation for all their hard work.

Montana long table events paws up

Artisanal Picnic: June 17, 2017

When was the last time you dined outdoors on artistically prepared fried chicken, sausage garnished with foie gras and hand-cut duck fat fries? This year’s first Montana Long Table is a picnic like none you’ve ever seen. We’re bringing together three of the country’s most talented chefs: the masterminds behind Chicago’s Honey Butter Fried Chicken and cult food icon Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s. And when it’s time to sit down and dine, you’ll be joined by the very ranchers, farmers and food artisans responsible for the food in front of you.

Note: This event is open to locals.

artisanal picnic the resort at paws up

A Long-Standing Tradition: July 15, 2017

This July, pull up a seat as we celebrate the local food traditions of Montana. It’s a farm-to-white-tablecloth experience, starting with an authentic farmers market featuring local ranchers, farmers and food artisans as well as music from Montana’s own Dan Dubuque. Next, you’ll sit down to an exquisite dinner created by Paws Up Executive Chef Ben Jones. His close relationships with area purveyors always makes for a truly inspired menu. But don’t take our word for it—instead, take advantage of the unique opportunity to dine alongside the very people who made your meal possible. We hope you’ll join us as we pay tribute to all the incredible culinary resources Montana has to offer.

Note: This event is open to locals.

the resort at paws up

Bounty on the Blackfoot: August 19, 2017

This August, take a tour through Montana’s vast culinary traditions with one of the country’s most celebrated chefs as your guide. Join 2017 Bravo Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson as she creates a true farm-to-table tasting menu before your very eyes. She’ll visit the Missoula farmers market to select peak-season ingredients, then masterfully turn them into a one-of-a-kind dinner. By evening, you’ll sit down to dine on the banks of the legendary Blackfoot River with the local purveyors who helped make your meal possible.

bounty on the blackfoot at the resort at paws upMontana long table events