You are here: Home / Archives for Miscellaneous

Healthy Seafood Recipes for Lunch or Dinner

January 22, 2014 by

Many home chefs are often intimidated by preparing seafood, either because of its delicate texture or because they simply don’t know which types to buy. These tasty and nutritious recipes will take the guesswork out of cooking with fish, shrimp and other types of seafood.

Baja-Style Salmon Tacos
Unlike many restaurant tacos, this recipe adds up to just 325 calories and is packed with 24 grams of necessary protein. The grilled salmon and whole wheat tortillas give these Baja-style fish tacos a healthy makeover that’s still a flavorful treat.

Fish Veronique
A traditional dish with a healthy, modern twist, this recipe for Fish Veronique is a comfort food that won’t break your diet. By removing the fat from the chicken broth and using low-fat milk, you can create a decadent, creamy sauce with none of the extra fat or calories.

Baked Red Snapper With Zesty Tomato Sauce
Create an elegant dinner for your family or your guests with this low-fat, low-calorie Italian fish dish. Use your choice of either red snapper or bass to find the taste you prefer, and top with zesty tomato sauce for major flavor.

For more nutritious meals using seafood, visit the NIH website here.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How To Tell If Pineapples and Avocados Are Ripe

December 18, 2013 by

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
Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Three Great Online Gift Guides for Any Occasion

November 20, 2013 by

These impressive online gift guides aim to answer the age-old question, “What do you get for the person who has everything?” Full of unique housewares, beautiful jewelry, and the latest tech items, these handy guides recommend items that any loved one will adore.

Cool Hunting
Cool Hunting is a website devoted to the latest, most exciting happenings from all around the world, and their expansive gift guide reflects that same aesthetic. Full of classic, timeless pieces like mid-century light fixtures and quirky, modern items like bitmap blankets, the Cool Hunting Gift Guide will surely give you the inspiration you’re looking for to find that perfect gift.

Real Simple
Real Simple aims to simplify gift giving by creating a comprehensive guide full of lists for every type of person. From their 20 Unique Gifts for Tech-Lovers list to their 13 Gifts for Pets list, you’ll find the perfect present for each of your loved ones.

Fab
Fab provides special deals on cool, unique items on a daily basis, so their gift guide just expands on this incredibly curated selection. The Fab Holiday Gift Shop features beauty products, kitchen supplies, smartphone accessories and tons of Star Wars-themed trinkets, all separated into personalized categories to make your shopping even easier.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Trip Idea: Albany, New York

October 24, 2013 by

Take a trip to New York's capital for a vacation full of outdoor adventure like canoeing, hiking, and fishing. Complement your outdoor excursion with visits to these great spots!

New York State Museum
The rich and varied history of New York is on display at this museum located in downtown Albany. See fossilized wildlife, the construction of Grand Central Station, the Holocaust Memorial, and the September 11th exhibit. Kids will love the wooden carousel and Sesame Street exhibit. Admission is free. 

Washington Park
If you're visiting in the spring, summer, or early fall take advantage of the weather with a trip to this beautiful park. Washington Park is Albany's Central Park. Located in the center of Albany, come to the park to relax, fish, exercise, picnic, or see the beautiful tulips in bloom. Something is always going on in the park like festivals, live performances, and other events. Dogs are welcome in the park. 

The Ginger Man
A nice mix of delicious meals are available at The Ginger Man. The atmosphere is perfect for a more than casual meal. Start with a glass of wine from the extensive selection and a Charcuterie Plate or Cheese Plate. Then order one of the specialties like the Ginger Man Paella or Lobster Mac and Cheese. Save room for the Creme Brulee. 

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

DIY: Cleaning & Organizing Projects For Your Home

March 26, 2013 by

Are you itching to clean and organize your home, but aren't sure where to start? Well, the best way to avoid burnout is to tackle projects systematically. If your home is in need of an overhaul, check out these tips that will get your space spick-and-span, and well organized, without the headache!

How To Clean Your House in 20 Minutes a Day for 30 Days: This month-long cleaning schedule will whip your home into shape with little time, energy, or commitment.

How To Take On Closet Organization: These tips will help you let go of your perfectionist tendencies, and will give you ways to maintain an organized space without the stress!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Clean Your Closet: Follow These Tips

December 11, 2012 by

If your closet is overflowing with items — much of which you no longer use, it's probably a good idea to clean out your closet. Though cleaning out your closet may not seem like much fun, once you're done, your new, organized space will make you smile, and make it much easier to find the things you actually use and wear. If you're ready to tackle this organizational project, here are a few tips to follow:

Do you use it? Look at the items you have — examine each item and ask yourself if you've used it in the last year. If not, it's time to part ways. Of course, this doesn’t apply to sentimental items, such as your wedding dress, but overall, there are very few exceptions. Look at everything — including accessories like purses, shoes, and jewelry. If you don’t wear it, or it’s no longer in style, say goodbye!

What condition are your clothes in? It's far more useful to have a few, well-made, high-quality pieces, than tons of worn out pieces. Remember the age-old rule — less is more!

Does it fit? If it doesn't fit, get rid of it. (Perhaps keep your favorite "skinny jeans", that you are dieting to get back into, but get rid of the rest.)

Repurpose it. Once you clean out your closet, take all your unwanted items to a consignment shop, and see if you can get some cash for your old clothes. Or, donate the pieces to charity. Unless a piece is damaged, think about giving it a new life!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

The Fresh Food Benefits of Joining a CSA

November 27, 2012 by

The local, organic food movement is in full swing, and if you’re interested in jumping on the band wagon, think about joining a CSA. What’s a CSA? It’s Community Supported Agriculture. You sign up for a “share” of a local farm’s harvest, and each week you’re graced with hearty veggies and plump fruit. As you would imagine, the food is not only fresh, delicious, and better for you, but you’re also supporting your local community by participating. You can visit Local Harvest to find a CSA near you!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Big Patties: Five Unique Hamburger Ideas

October 31, 2012 by

The humble hamburger is a great go-to meal, especially when you don’t have a lot of time. But with a few simple ingredients, you can elevate the fast food staple into something truly special. Here are five ways to make your burger a little better.

Make a patty out of ground turkey and mix it with a little dill. Stuff the middle with a chunk of Brie cheese and grill until the meat is cooked and the cheese melts. Serve on a roll with pickles and lettuce.

Mix Chinese five-spice powder into your ground beef to give it a rich, complex flavor. Once the patty has cooked, glaze the top with a soy ginger sauce and serve with cilantro, cabbage and pickled carrots.

Make a Chicago-style hot dog burger by topping a traditional patty with sweet relish, chopped white onions and hot peppers. A little ketchup and mustard will bring this one over the top.

For a classic French bistro take on the hamburger, gently caramelize onions in a pan and ladle them generously over the cooked burger along with a slice of Gouda cheese and crisp, thick-cut bacon. Serve on a buttery brioche roll.

To give your burgers a special kick, mix in adobo seasoning, red onion and finely grated lime peels into your ground beef. Grill ears of corn until kernels are just cooked, strip the kernels off and mix them with queso fresco and a little bit of mayonnaise to top the burgers.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , ,

Highlights of Driving Across Route 66

October 23, 2012 by

Historic Route 66 is full of gorgeous vistas and is a great slice of America. There's a great variety of stops along the way, too, as these fantastic highlights illustrate.

Sand Hills Curiosity Shop
This delightfully strange shop in Erick, Oklahoma, professes itself as a haven of redneck culture. Full of fun and interesting items about Route 66, music will often pop up here as well. It's a unique stop brimming with personality.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library
This museum contains the largest collection of original papers and items from the Lincoln family in the world. With multiple exhibits filled with interesting material, the museum is a must for any history buff.

Jesse James Museum
There's no better way to celebrate this iconic route than a visit to a museum devoted to iconic outlaw. This museum in Stanton, Missouri, operates under the belief that Jesse James lived well into the 20th century, and the evidence presented is a wonderful addition to James' mythic status.

Cadillac Ranch
Just west of Amarillo, Texas, this unique monument was the brain-child of a group of artistic hippies living in the area. They buried a bunch of Cadillacs, nose-down, into the ground, and people have come to admire (and spray paint) them for decades since. Grab a can and stop by!

Tesuque Flea Market
Right by Santa Fe, New Mexico, this market is a bustling collection of many people and cultures. You can find a lot of cool stuff here, from fantastic Native American artifacts to good imported all over the world.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , ,

What are your Favorite Songs by The Beach Boys?

August 28, 2012 by

The Beach Boys are one of the most important musical artists in American pop history, transforming from a fun-time summer band into a complex and mature musical outfit in the span of just a few years. If you’re trying to get into their discography, here are five essential songs to know.

"Don’t Worry, Baby"
Inspired by the recordings of Phil Spector, this 1964 tune captures the most powerful asset of The Beach Boys – their stunning voices – employed to the utmost. Backed with a “wall of sound,” they sum up the world of young love perfectly.

"California Girls"
Conceived by Brian Wilson during a 1965 LSD trip, this anthem to the natural beauty of the Los Angeles ladies is seminal Beach Boys – light and glistening, with impeccable vocal harmonies.

"Caroline, No"
The Pet Sounds album marked The Beach Boys’s transition into a more mature musical group, and still stands as their highwater mark. The entire album is classic, but this mournful ballad is one of the greatest pop songs of all time.

"Good Vibrations"
Recorded for the aborted Smile album, this is Brian Wilson’s symphonic pop at its finest. Anchored by an irresistible melody played on the theremin, an experimental electronic instrument, the song is catchy yet complex and became a worldwide smash.

"God Only Knows"
Sung by Carl Wilson, this gorgeous ballad took the pop world by storm when it was released, causing none other than Paul McCartney to declare it his favorite song of all time. Now that’s a serious endorsement.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest