My Favorite Recipes by Dee Bryson: Meet Debbie Warwick

Mar 29, 20180

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Debbie Warwick

Debbie Warwick, along with husband Steve, has been in business in Colfax for more than 47 years.

Debbie Warwick is not a stranger to the retail industry or hard work. She began working in retail when she was in high school, at the age of 16. She worked with her Aunt Lois and Aunt Dorothy in their dress shop in downtown Colfax. This was just the beginning of her lifetime of entrepreneurship.

Debbie, along with husband Steve, has been in business in Colfax for more than 47 years. They opened their first store, Sport Shack, in Colfax just two days before their first child was born. Debbie recalls working hard, painting and pulling up carpet and preparing for the store to open, clear up to the time of delivery.

Soon Debbie found herself not only a busy parent, but along with her husband, they were busy expanding their business throughout the Palouse as well as the state. Now, nearly a half a century later, the Warwicks are thankful for the opportunity that it has given them to work closely with their children as well as their grandchildren.

Debbie and Steve are the proud parents to four children and nine grandchildren. Their kids were raised working alongside their parents and continue to work with many family members today.

Debbie’s eye for detail and style is evident in Fonk’s Coffee house, which will be celebrating its sixth year in business later this year. It took Debbie more than two years to work out the details and design of the 11-and-one-half foot storefront in Fonk’s. The hard work and thoughtful design is showcased in the small storefront that is full of character with its beautiful windows that welcome light, down to the crisply kept antique table cloths that grace the space.

Debbie said she loves creating spaces and businesses that reflect her philosophy that “If you are happy and create spaces that reflect your happiness, others will feel it.”

The business venture that has brought Debbie the most satisfaction is Fit, the Warwick’s fitness center that has most recently opened in downtown Colfax.

Debbie loves the idea of offering a place of business that helps people of every age improve their health.

This is an issue that is near and dear to Debbie’s heart. She was diagnosed with MS more than 15 years ago and has learned the importance of taking care of herself.

While Debbie said she does not let MS keep her from doing the things she loves, it has also been important for her to know her limitations and honor them.

It is a fine mixture of mentally pushing through the challenges of MS and also being aware of when her body requires more rest and respecting that.

Debbie looks forward to many things in the future, including spending more time with her family at their lake house, but doesn’t have any plans to slow down being an entrepreneur.

While the Warwicks will be closing down their store, Sport Town, in downtown Spokane this year, they will continue to stay busy operating their four businesses in Colfax. They are always looking for ways to improve the community that has been called home by many generations of their family.

Debbie chose to share a few of her cherished family recipes, some of which have been used for more than five generations.

Recipes

EGGS GOLDENROD

Easter Breakfast Tradition

A dozen boiled eggs, peeled and separated. Chop whites, smash yolks and save

White sauce (makes 3 to 3-1/2 cups)

6 Tbsp. butter, melt until smooth and bubbly

6 Tbsp. flour

Add 3 cups milk slowly to thicken

Salt and pepper to taste

Add chopped egg whites to white sauce and heat through. Toast bread and cut into bite-size pieces. Place toasted bread on plate. Cover with hot, white sauce. Top with crumbled egg yolk. Recommend serving with breakfast meat, juice and Mimosa.

RUSSIAN TEA CAKES

Cream: 1 Cup butter

1/2 Cup powdered sugar

1-1/2 tsp. vanilla

Add: 2-1/4 Cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

Beat until creamy. Mix in: 1 Cup chopped nuts. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. When cool enough to handle, roll in powdered sugar.

Seven Layer Cookies

Layer:

1 cube of butter, melted in 9x13 pan

1 Cup graham cracker crumbs

1 Cup shredded coconut