Well, Halloween is here and we’re now headlong into the rush towards Thanksgiving (notice I said Thanksgiving, even though all the stores will have their Christmas decorations up by week’s end). What will be on your table for the holiday feast? Well, according to statistics – for 88% of Americans, it will be a turkey. That’s a staggering 46 million birds – around 736 million pounds of cooked poultry – more than at any other time of the year (including…
Yes, it’s Halloween time again. The kids are out grabbing anything they can get their hands on and parents (like me) are patiently waiting for them to get home so we can raid their candy bag for the good stuff. My hometown did their “trick-or-treating” last night, so I have a fresh supply of sweets that should last me until – oh, I don’t know – Sunday? Here are some of my favorites Snickers bars – My all-time weakness. If…
October is finally bringing cooler weather to the four-state area, and on these frosty nights, there is nothing better than a nice bowl of hot and delicious homemade vegetable soup to warm up a hungry family. Now I know what you’re going to say – there are as many ways to make vegetable soup as there are stars in the sky. You’re right. Everyone has their own family recipe – and that’s fine. The point is that you take the…
Washington County, MD is blessed with many great parks, trails, and green spaces. One of my favorite at this time of the year is the Western Maryland Rail-Trail. The asphalt paved trail (which opened in 1998) runs from Big Pool, Maryland to Pearre Station, Maryland (a total of about 22.5 miles) It was previously the right-of-way rail tracks for the Western Maryland Railway, and was purchased by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and converted into a shared-use trail that…
Let’s get one thing straight. I love my gas grill. I use it all the time, no matter what the weather or what month the calendar says. One of the meats I prepare that seems to be indicative of the fall season is pork tenderloin. Not only is tenderloin a very lean cut of meat, but you can also marinade it or cover it with almost any flavor of rub. Whatever your taste buds are in the mood for, the…
I have spoken quite a bit recently about seasonal food and drink for this time of the year. In continuing with that theme, today I want to discuss another seasonal flavor that just screams autumn. Apple Cider. You can buy all kinds of apple ciders – from alcoholic ones in the craft beer section of your favorite liquor store to non-alcoholic ones at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. No matter what way you like it (i.e. sparkly, unfiltered,…
Too often, we narrowly think of vacations and work-related travel as the only opportunities we have to experience different cities, cultures, or locations. I want to talk to you today about a third option that can also involve travel – to both local and far-off destinations. Volunteering. Relief and faith-based organizations (at both the local and national level) offer many volunteer opportunities that involve travel. As an added bonus, you can also do some good for your fellow man. For…
They are starting to pop up on porches and windows all over the tri-state area. Large tubs of them are also making their annual appearance at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Pumpkins! Aside from buying one to make a traditional jack-o-lantern for the Halloween season, is there anything else you can do with them? Of course there is. Now, I know it’s very easy to just buy a can of pumpkin puree for your pies or baking at…
I spoke a little bit last week about seasonal eating. In keeping with that theme, here is a list of seasonal vegetables for autumn that you should be including in your menu planning. They are at their best flavor (and best value) now at your grocery store of farmer’s market. Beets – Yes, beets (no, not those God-awful ones your Grandma made you eat during the holidays). Slice these, roast them, and add them to salad greens, topping them with…
Today I want to introduce a concept to you that you’ve probably read about, but don’t consciously think too much about – and you really should. Seasonal eating. What is seasonal eating? Well, it’s creating and eating meals based around the fruits and vegetables that are “in season” where you live. To put it even more simply, you eat things that you would grow or find in your garden or at your local farmer’s market at specific times of the…