How To Tell If Pineapples and Avocados Are Ripe

January 10, 2014 12:11 pm

While fruits like bananas and peaches show telltale signs of being ripe, other fruits can be a little trickier to read. Case in point: pineapples and avocados, two gems from the produce department that seem to go from underripe to spoiled in the blink of an eye. Here are a few tips to help pick pineapples and avocados at their peak.

Pineapple
Choosing one of these spiky bromeliads at their peak can be tricky. While some say that green pineapples can actually be ripe, your best bet is to seek out fruit that's 1) uniformly golden yellow and 2) doesn't show any signs of deterioration, i.e. leakage,  wrinkled skin, mold, or browned leaves. The base of the pineapple should smell sweet and mild.

Avocado
Unlike pineapples, avocados continue to ripen after being harvested, which means that avocados that are underripe at the market will continue to ripen at home. That said, skip overripe avocados—avocados that are wrinkly and mushy to the touch. An avocado at its peak will yield slightly when pressed, while an underripe avocado will be very firm. A perfectly ripe avocado should be consumed within a day or two. Miss the ripeness window? A slightly overripe avocado makes great guacamole!

A Guide to Choosing a Ripe Pineapple [NY Times]
Pick & Buy Hass Avocados [Hass Avocados]

Public Domain/Public Domain

Category: Miscellaneous Tags: , , ,


The Roaring Fork: Get Fired up to Feast in Austin

January 7, 2014 11:08 am

Everything is supposed to be bigger and bolder in Texas, and Austin locals know The Roaring Fork’s flame-grilled food and wood-fired flavors are no exception. For a spicy start, try the kettle of green chili pork served with warm, buttered tortillas. One favorite burger is a behemoth beef patty topped with cheddar, smoked pepper bacon, and poblano peppers. Other meaty selections include braised beef short ribs and a spit-roasted half chicken. The award-winning restaurant also offers market-fresh fish and creative cocktails like their huckleberry margarita.

With its prime location in the heart of the city and its classy yet casual atmosphere, The Roaring Fork fits the bill for business lunches or a night out on the town. This Austin restaurant serves dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. ‘til 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. ‘til 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. 'til 9 p.m. They also offer a daily happy hour between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Lunch is served weekdays only starting at 11 a.m.

The Roaring Fork
701 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 583-0000
http://www.roaringfork.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roaring-fork-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain

Category: Restaurants Tags: , ,


Happy New Year!

January 1, 2014 11:41 am

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2014!

Category: Life at Marquis at Canyon Ridge Apartments


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