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Road Warriors: Three Websites for Motorcycling Enthusiasts

July 24, 2014 by

Motorcycling is a fast-paced, exciting hobby for men and women from all walks of life, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a diehard biker. If you’re an adrenaline junkie who just can’t get enough motorcycle talk, these awesome websites will provide hours of entertainment.

Cycle World
Cycle World is one of the most popular motorcycle magazines in print, and it’s now available online from the comfort of your own home or work computer. The site features all of the buyer’s guides that you love in the print version, as well as unbelievable video footage, blogs written by industry experts, and high-quality images of the most recent gear and bikes on the market today.

Motorcycle USA
This all-encompassing website covers all areas of motorcycle riding and racing, from street bikes to dirt bikes and everything in between. It offers motorcycle reviews from a number of top brands, touring news, buyer’s guides and dealer locators for bike owners and those who are in the market, and Motorcycle USA even offers long-form articles written by like-minded riders with a love for motorcycles.

Motorcyclist Online
Motorcyclist Online is the website version of the popular magazine, and it offers fun extras in addition to the printed content. The Road Tests section offers in-depth reviews of first rides, comparisons, and more long-term motorcycle reviews, and the buyer’s guides can help you choose the perfect bike afterward.

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Culinary Terms for Gourmet Recipes

June 19, 2014 by

It’s fun to try new recipes in the kitchen, but that fancy new dish may involve a few cooking techniques that make you scratch your head. Here are a few helpful definitions of some kitchen terms that you might encounter in a gourmet-style recipe.

  1. Crème Fraiche. Crème fraiche is a sort of sauce with a tangy, sharp flavor. You can purchase it in most high end grocery stores, or you can make your own using 1/2 cup of whipping cream and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Cover the mixture and let it sit for at least two hours to thicken.
  2. Fillet. If the word is used as a verb, fillet means to remove the bones from meats like steak or fish. As a noun, this is the piece of meat after the bones have already been removed.
  3. Glaze. A glaze is a thin coat of sugar syrup that’s applied before cooking. After cooking, the glaze turns to a hard finish that’s almost to the point of cracking.
  4. Gratin. Gratin is literally the French word for “crust.” This is usually used for oven-baked savory dishes, which are prepared in a shallow, oval-shaped gratin dish and covered with a browned crust of breadcrumbs or cheese.

Glossary of Basic Cooking Terms [Les Petites Gourmettes]
Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [UMN]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Better Homes & Gardens]
Culinary Terms [About.com]

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Cooking, Decoded: Memorize These Common Recipe Terms

May 14, 2014 by

No matter how experienced you are in the kitchen, there will come a day when you find yourself stumped by the terminology in a recipe. Memorize these three terms so that your next cooking session goes off without a hitch.

Al Dente
We've all come across this term when cooking pasta, but what does it mean? In Italian, al dente translates to "to the tooth." Pasta cooked al dente should retain a slight resistance when chewed, as opposed to being soft.

Simple Syrup
Any mixologist worth his salt is familiar with this one. Commonly used to sweeten cocktails, simple syrup is a homogenous mixture of equal parts water and white sugar. The process for making simple syrup is, well, simple: Combine the two ingredients in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil to create a syrup.

Clarified Butter
A common accompaniment to fresh seafood, clarified butter is the liquid that remains when milk solids are removed from butter. To make clarified butter, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove the butter from the heat and allow it to sit for five minutes. Skim any foam from the top of the butter, then slowly pour the liquid butter into a container, leaving the white milk solids behind in the saucepan.

Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
The Basic Kitchen: Glossary of Cooking Terms [Les Petites Gourmettes]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [BHG]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Cookery]

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Thoughtful Podcasts From NPR

April 17, 2014 by

If you love listening to National Public Radio, you’ll love their fascinating podcasts just as much. With a large number of different podcasts on a variety of topics, NPR proves that they truly have something for everyone. Here are two great options that you might enjoy.

TED Radio Hour
The TED Talks have inspired viewers around the world, and now you can listen to the incredible stories via a podcast as well. Host Guy Raz discusses inventions, innovative solutions to problems, and new ways of thinking and creating with some of the most brilliant minds in the world today. The podcast is based on TED Talks, but it also incorporates soundscapes and conversations about how the ideas are brought to life.

Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!
NPR’s hour-long weekly quiz program Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! allows listeners to play along as they listen. It features some of the most important people in the news and entertainment worlds today, and they ask questions about a wide range of topics that are relevant to just about anyone. Listeners must try to decide what’s real news and what’s made up, and you can play along on NPR’s website, as well.

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Hit the Links with These Golf Enthusiast Websites

March 20, 2014 by

There are few things better than spending a warm day in the sun on the golf course, and these informational websites are made by people who love the sport of golf just as much as you do. Visit these great online resources to find golf courses, read product reviews, and even connect with other golfers to find your new golf buddy.

Golf.com
Golf.com is a versatile online resource for all aspects of golf, from improving your own game to following along with your favorite professional golfers. It features interesting top stories about the lifestyle of golfing, entertaining videos of PGA Tour interviews and swing tutorials, and equipment reviews for the latest golf products on the market today.

Golf Digest
The popular magazine’s website is made for the more social golfer, with articles describing how to plan the perfect golf trip with your buddies and analyzing which professional golfers have the most stylish golf outfits. It also offers a "What’s In My Bag" series and instructional videos that feature the equipment and techniques of some of the world’s best players.

PGA.com
The official website for the PGA tour lets you keep track of every match and all of your favorite players from your computer or mobile device. Check the leaderboard, review the Shots of the Year, and watch official video of all of the best moments from the year’s biggest event in golf.

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Spring Into Shape With These Outdoor Exercise Tips

February 20, 2014 by

The dreary winter cold can leave you in a bit of an exercise rut, but the springtime sun makes everyone more motivated to get outdoors and get in shape. These exercise tips will help you get in your best shape ever—all while experiencing the great outdoors.

Buddy up.
There are a number of different reasons why working out with another person is helpful, but the number one reason is because it’s more fun! You’ll look forward to working out much more if you have a friend by your side, and being outdoors will be that much more motivation.

Improve your gear.
It’s beneficial to have the proper shoes and workout attire, especially when you’re exercising outdoors. Warm, thermal shirts are important for the days when it’s not quite springtime weather, and breezy, breathable fabrics help once the temperature reaches its full potential. Having the proper outdoor running shoes can also prevent injuries and make you feel more comfortable on the pavement.

Experiment with exercises you haven’t tried before.
You probably haven’t jumped rope since gym class, but this fun and simple outdoor activity burns up to 208 calories in just 20 minutes. Swimming is another fun outdoor activity, and starting slow with a few leisurely laps makes it much less intimidating.

Spring Training Fitness Tips [Shape]
Great Spring Exercise Ideas [Fitness.com]

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Happy Presidents’ Day

February 17, 2014 by

Remembering the courage and vision of past and present leaders, we honor and share the spirit of Presidents' Day together as a nation.

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2014 by

Wishing everyone a day filled with fun and happy memories!

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Healthy Brunch Recipes to Try this Weekend

January 22, 2014 by

On the weekend, you have more time to cook a big breakfast — or brunch! If you and your friends or family enjoy having a late, leisurely brunch, these healthy recipes make delightful options:

Baked French Toast Fritters With Apples and Bananas
The addition of fruit makes this recipe the perfect combination of nutritious and decadent. Using whole-wheat bread instead of carb-heavy white helps you stay on track with your diet, while peanut butter and fruits are sweet substitutes for the usual maple syrup.

Pita Pizzas
For those who enjoy a more savory taste for brunch, these pita pizzas are fast, simple to make, and incredibly tasty. Using grilled chicken, whole-wheat pitas and a few other common ingredients, you can create a filling meal that guests of all ages will love.

Tuna and Avocado Cobb Salad
Avocado is a nice addition to just about any brunch dish, and this Cobb salad combines it with protein-rich tuna for a fresh, healthy meal.  The usual heavy Cobb dressing gets a makeover with lemon, lime, honey and olive oil, and the whole thing equals just 224 calories.

To browse even more healthy brunch recipes, visit the NIH website here.

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Plan a Getaway to These Top 5 Beaches

December 18, 2013 by

Daydreaming about a tropical beach getaway ? If you find your mind wandering to some sandy, sunny resort, stop dreaming and start planning! Your next trip could be to one of the top five beaches in the world. 

Rabbit Beach
Italy may be known for museums, pasta, and pizza, but have you ever thought about the beaches? In Lampedusa, Italy, you'll find one of the world's most beautiful beaches. You'll never want to leave after seeing the crystal clear water and sparkling sand of this secluded beach.

Grace Bay
It's easy to see why the Turks and Caicos Islands are such a popular resort location. The beaches do get crowded, but that's because they are some of the best in the world. Relax in the sand, float on the gentle waves, or explore the sea with snorkeling gear. The waters are crystal clear, so you can see all the wonderful sea life at the bottom. 

Matira Beach
You may be shocked by the beauty of this amazing tropical location, but don't let that stop you from participating in all the great activities. Watch a sunset on the beach or explore on one of the scenic hiking trails. Several boutiques and eateries are nearby. 

Hanalei Bay
You don't even have to leave the United States to enjoy a tropical location, thanks to the beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Hanalei Bay is one of the best on the island. Surfers and paddle boarders will love the ocean. If you're looking to just relax on the beach, the picturesque mountains in the background are sure to please. 

Playa Paraiso Beach
This natural beach in Cayo Largo Cuba is free of any hotels or resorts. It's named "paradise beach" for a reason. The shallow waters are great for long walks on the beach with the waves lapping at your feet. Get to the beach early to secure a seat and umbrella.

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