Make These Easy Pasta Salad Recipes Tonight!

January 3, 2013 12:02 pm

If the words "pasta salad" conjure up images of mayonnaise and barbecues, you're not alone. But, there are actually a variety of ways to make delicious, savory pasta dishes that won't make you feel like you're picnicking. Below are five pasta salad ideas that break from tradition to provide outstanding flavor!

Caprese Salad — Draw inspiration from the Italian caprese salad, and season your pasta, such as hearty rigatoni, with fresh basil, good olive oil, vine-ripened tomatoes, and chunks of mozzarella. Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste, and you're all set!

Greek Pasta — Taking your cue from Greek Salad, add a mix of cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and robust olives to the pasta. Try using mostaccioli, the small, curved pasta named after the mustache, as the base of the salad so all the elements are comparable in size. Complete it a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.

Asian Flavor – Prepare a pasta salad an Asian feel by using soba noodles, which are made from earthy buckwheat flour. Season the noodles with soy sauce and sesame oil, and top it with slivers of carrots and diced scallions for a delicious, simple dish that offers take-notice flavors.

Middle Eastern Side — For an alternative to pasta salad, make tabbouleh instead. This side makes use of kernels of bulgur wheat instead of pasta, and seasons them with a combo of finely-diced mint and parsley. It’s a wonderful option if you're tired of noodles!

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Car Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips

December 28, 2012 12:00 pm

Your car is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so naturally you want to save money in as many places as possible. Before you turn to a professional repairman to deal with your car troubles, why not take some time to investigate the problem yourself? Here are some excellent tips for cat troubleshooting and maintenance.

Read the car’s manual
Most of the basic information you need to know about the care and operation of your car can be found in this little book. It has diagrams that demonstrate where the important parts are, as well as instructions on how to perform basic maintenance.

Rotate your tires regularly
It’s important to switch your tires around every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to evenly distribute the wear and tear on them. This will help the car’s suspension as well as increasing the amount of time your tires last.

Consolidate trips
Most of the wear and tear on your car takes place during the first few minutes of your trip. Consolidating your car usage so you’re making as many stops as possible before returning home can help your vehicle last significantly longer.

Check the oil
Check your oil level regularly to make sure that it is topped off. In addition to regular oil changes, just making sure your engine has the correct amount of oil is one of the biggest contributors to a smoothly-functioning car.

Keep a record
Keep an auto log inside your glove box so you can record any unusual occurrences. Knowing what causes a problem before you take it to a mechanic can save you a ton of money in diagnostic fees.

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Euro Bistro: A Fusion of Global Flavors in Herndon, Virginia

December 27, 2012 12:04 pm

Austrian-German cuisine is the focus at Herndon, Virginia's Euro Bistro, where you can sidle up to a big plate of Sauerbraten or Schnitzel and a mug of dark beer. Appetizers at Euro Bistro hail from cuisines from around the globe, with Pork Potstickers, Chicken Thai Sate, Bruchetta, and Crispy Fried Calamari. Weiner Schnitzel, Jaeger Schnitzel, Spatzel, and Pork Chops with potato pancakes take their place on the menu alongside an array of pizzas and pasta dishes like Spaghetti with Sausage and Fettuccini Alfredo. Crab Cakes, Salmon Roulade, Beef Tenderloin, and Chicken Breast are also on the menu. Save a spot in your tummy for Apple Strudel or Crème Brulee for dessert. With so many flavors, you're sure to find something to like at Euro Bistro!

314 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 481-8158
 

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