written by Lauren Kramer
Back in the 1980s, Donna Killian had a Christmas tradition of gifting homemade vanilla-glazed popcorn with almonds, pecans and shaved coconut to her neighbors. That gift was so popular that people urged her to make more and sell it. The mom of eleven agreed, making a few more batches and selling them at farmers markets in and around Othello.
As demand grew, the family converted their garage into a small factory and put their kids to work. “I was 8 years old when Killian Korn got started, and me and my two brothers would make popcorn before and after school,” said Elden Killian, who now co-owns the business with six of his siblings.
The hobby that began in Donna Killian’s kitchen is now sold and shipped throughout the state. Today, its glaze selection has expanded to include caramel corn, honey cashew, huckleberry, hot cinnamon, black licorice, caramel apple and jalapeño, among others. Killian’s sister Shanna Stakkeland oversees production, and all seven siblings tinker with flavor development. The family still uses the magic mushroom popcorn that Donna favored in her original recipe, a domestically grown corn that holds up well when it is caramelized.
The factory, no longer a converted garage, is still located in Othello and operates year-round, churning out a much-loved specialty product. “We grew up making popcorn with my dad, and it was a great source of family time for us,” Elden reflected. “My mom is really proud to have started this tradition and to have her children lead it into the next generation.”
CRAVINGS
DONUTS
Orchard House Donuts in Twisp sells out by 11 a.m., sometimes earlier. The reason? These are the most interesting and delicious donuts you’ll ever come across, and everyone in the Methow Valley knows it. The business that started as a pop-up is now open Fridays through Sundays at TwispWorks, and the flavors, which change each week, are a far cry from ordinary and never disappoint.
@orchardhouse.donuts on Instagram
WAFFLES
Elevate your waffle experience at Syrup Trap in Vancouver, where sweet and savory liège waffles are served with coffee. The Audrey waffle with goat cheese, roasted hazelnuts and honey is a popular choice, while the Second Breakfast combines prosciutto ham, brie and organic pear.
11104 MAIN ST., SUITE 111 VANCOUVER
PEANUT BUTTER
If you love peanut butter, you need to try the honey-roasted peanut butter made by Bellewood Farms in Lynden. This longtime favorite, ground and roasted on-site, puts any store-bought PB in the shade. Bellewood is also known for its apple butter, apple chips and caramel dip, sweet treats that will brighten the darkest winter day.
6140 GUIDE MERIDIAN ROAD LYNDEN
SHRUBS
For a great shrub, you need great ingredients. That’s where Wild Heart Sipping Vinegar enters the scene. Made in Tenino, these hand-crafted, cold-aged vinegars come in a range of innovative flavors including blueberry thyme, mango orange chili pepper, lemon mint and pear cardamom. They are well suited for use in cocktails, as a mixer with sparkling water or in sauces and vinaigrettes.
842 WRIGHT ROAD SE TENINO
