MY FAVORITE RECIPES By Dee Bryson: Meet The Storms

In case you didn’t already know, there’s a Storm that just blew into town. Actually, two Storms. Meet Austin and Laura Storm. You might find their names quite fitting. They are full of energy, adding variety and are quite refreshing. If you haven’t met them yet, it is worth the time to go into their store and say hello. Not only will you find a store full of unique, whimsical and memorable items, but chances are, you will come out with a new friend. The Storms are the owners of one of Colfax’s newest stores, “Bully For You,” that is found in downtown Colfax on Main Street.

Laura and Austin both laughed while recounting that they were just meant to find each other. Neither of them grew up on the Palouse, but they are grateful that life brought them both here. Unbeknownst to Austin and Laura, when they were introduced to each other, they shared more than they originally thought. They discovered that not only had they both lived in Annapolis, Md., but they were both born in the same hospital. Life seemed to take them in different directions at a young age but eventually, they both found themselves in Moscow, Idaho. It didn’t take them long to know that they were a good fit together and were married in 2008.

The Storms recently moved to Colfax from Moscow, where they are owners of another shop called the “Storm Cellar.” Their store in Moscow features adult-size resale clothing and more.

Laura mentioned that they didn’t start out in retail.

In fact, Austin originally came as a student to study at New Saint Andrews College and was later employed as a web designer.

Laura worked as a graphic designer.

While being in-between jobs, Austin mentioned to Laura his dream of starting a resale shop.

Laura encouraged him to take advantage of this phase in life and pursue his passion.

Before they knew it, they were growing their business and loving the opportunities it gave them to work together and share a love for finding items that spoke to them.

Soon they found themselves opening another store, "Hansel and Gretel," that was also located in Moscow and featured children’s resale items.

The Storms later sold that store and then came across the opportunity to purchase a commercial property in Colfax that made room for their current store.

Austin and Laura not only invested in a commercial property but have also purchased a home in Colfax that was originally built in 1883.

This project requires a lot of their attention and energy as they strive to restore some of its majesty while giving it a touch of their own.

This has proven to be a task that takes up a great deal of their time, but one that they find enjoyable and gives them another outlet for their creativity.

Laura recalled that growing up she had the opportunity to move quite often as a Naval brat.

She said that one of the bigger adjustments to owning a home and a couple businesses is that she is more invested in the community and has cured her of the urge to just pick up and move.

The Storms are looking forward to planting deeper roots and growing their business as well as revamping their home.

While Austin still has family on the East Coast that he misses, he said that he loves living here on the Palouse and having Laura’s family close by to share memories with.

He doesn’t miss the hustle and bustle of big city life and they are both adjusting to the nuances of small town life.

The couple mentioned how they have appreciated the warm welcome and new friendships they are establishing in Colfax and throughout the region.

Recipes

These are two of their favorite Mexican-inspired recipes―one an entree, one an appetizer. They're both great for food-sensitive folks (gluten- and dairy-free). They chose these because they love them and always get asked for the recipe when serving.

Taco Soup

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

15 oz. can diced tomatoes

10 oz. can enchilada sauce

4 oz. can chopped green chile peppers

15 oz. can black beans

15 oz. can garbanzo beans

32 oz. vegetable broth

10 oz. package frozen corn

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1.5 tsp. salt

tortilla chips for garnish

cilantro for garnish

This one's a peach: You can whip it together in 30 minutes on the stovetop.

In a large pot over medium heat, saute the chopped onion in olive oil until it begins to turn translucent (4-5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic, and let cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add remaining ingredients and let simmer for 20-25 minutes or until heated thoroughly. Serve up and garnish with tortilla chips and cilantro. Serves 8

Pico de Gallo

All credit to the Pioneer Woman for this one, we've found it to be a crowd-pleaser for sure!

5 whole roma tomatoes

1/2 large (or 1 small) onion

3 whole jalapeno pepers

1 cilantro bunch

lime juice

salt, to taste

Dice jalapenos, tomatoes and onions quite small. (Leave seeds in your jalapenos for a hotter pico ... I only add them from one pepper because I'm a baby.) Chop up a generous bunch of cilantro. Just remove and discard the long leafless stems before chopping. No need to remove the leaves from the stems completely. Place all of these ingredients together in a bowl and give it a good stir. Squeeze the juice of half of one lime into the bowl. Add salt to taste and stir again. Enjoy with tortilla chips (or anything else you might wish!) Serves 8.