Life After 50 - Peoria Area February 2017
Cover Story: Growing Up In Peoria – The Good Ol’ Days
Tax Relief Tips Cooking For 2 - Healthy Recipes
Footprints Media is proud to bring you Life After 50 – Peoria Area. In this monthly treasure you will find useful information about tax relief, travel ideas, heath care and much more. You will find tips and tricks from local professionals here to meet your needs and help answer Footprints Media your questions. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy! Thank you for making Life After 50- Peoria Area part of your life. We pride ourselves on providing the Please send article submissions and requests to: footprintsmedia72@gmail.com. If you would like to receive Life After 50 Peoria area please fill out the form below and enclose a payment for $30 to receive 12 issues. Name Street Address City
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• Healthcare Today • What should you consider?
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• When Did You See Your Doctor? • Checkups After 50
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• Directory: Assisted Living and Senior Communities
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• Cover: Orville Frank Living Life to the Fullest
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• Cooking for Two • Easy Recipes
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• Nutrition Guide After 50 3
Healthcare Today!! Once upon a time people were unable to enjoy
the security of good medical care because doctors were few and far between and healthcare was primitive at best. This was before there were motor vehicles and many times people passed away in their homes because the doctor only visited their towns once a month. Along came the hospital where doctors had access to more equipment but because they were so expensive to start up, many still couldn’t afford to get care in the hospitals either because they lived too far away or simply didn’t have the money to pay the hospital bills. Let’s move forward several years where health insurance companies came along and helped provide security by making insurance available at fairly affordable rates keeping the costs down for the typical consumer. Many people had employers that paid at least 50% if not all of the premiums as part of a benefit package and people were able to go to any physician they chose. Despite a number of people that only like to see the negative in everything, the healthcare system seemed to be working well for the majority of Americans. This brings us to the present time when the rising cost of healthcare as well as the increase in insurance premiums has made insurance and healthcare almost completely out of reach for some. Actually more than some, a startling large percentage of the population can no longer afford to pay for insurance or doctor bills. Even for those with health insurance, patients are limited to the doctors they can choose now depending on the insurance they are on. Hospitals do not work together to make it easy for their patients and doctors hands are tied as well. It used to be a physician could practice and any hospital and care for their patient regardless of the care system they choose. What does all this mean for you? This means you need to look at all your options and consider the long term effects of that decision. No longer is running to the doctor as easy as it sounds. Make sure you choose a doctor in your health system that is covered by your insurance company. Some of the amazing benefits of today’s healthcare are the continuous studies and advancements in medicine. There are studies being performed that allow patients to be treated in a trial of new medicine that significantly reduces the patients cost. Many clinics now offer e-visits allowing you to avoid sitting in a waiting room possibly catching other illnesses etc. With all the technology available it has also hindered healthcare in some ways. Insurance companies have now decided hospital stays are only necessary for a minimum amount of time. Although this sounds great to be able to head home quickly it has its risks as well. For instance, if you have heart problems you may get a 2 day stay now compared to the previous 5-7 day stay. This all sounds very appealing because we all know that you can rest better being at home in your own bed. What people seem to forget is that you still need rest and that means you still need help. The body still needs multiple days rest to heal properly, and you need someone to be there to help you. It used to be that getting a second opinion after visiting one doctor was a major insult to the first doctor but nowadays it is completely normal to seek a second even third opinion to ensure a diagnosis is the most accurate diagnosis you could have. Doctor’s today have more patients to care for than they used to. They have more technology to keep up with. There are more illnesses making their way into our lives and that means it only makes sense that doctors can miss something. How can you avoid the headache of being sick, take better care of yourself. Pay attention to the advice of licensed nutritionists. In addition to good diet, at least minimal exercise is highly recommended. Your body needs healthy activity to keep all the parts working properly. The human body is created to function with relative ease as long as it is maintained properly. Although it sounds very strange it is very similar to the maintenance of a car. You take your car to the mechanic regularly to make sure it consistently runs smoothly. The same goes for your body, you need to have regular checkups especially as you mature. Sometimes those aches and pains are there to tell you something.
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When Was the Last Time You Saw The Doctor? For the Gentlemen BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING Have your blood pressure checked once a year. If the top number (systolic number) is between 120 and 139 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is between 80 and 89, then continue to have it checked every year. If the top number is greater than 140 or the bottom number is greater than 90, schedule an appointment with your provider. If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often. CHOLESTEROL SCREENING AND HEART DISEASE PREVENTION Your cholesterol should be checked every 5 years. If you have a high cholesterol level, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be checked more often. Some men should consider taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks. Ask your provider before you start aspirin because aspirin may increase your risk for bleeding. DIABETES SCREENING If you are age 45 or older, you should be screened every 3 years. Screening requirements may be different for various ethnicities, people experiencing excess weight, and people with higher blood pressure results. If your blood pressure is above 135/80, or you have other risk factors for diabetes, your provider may test your blood sugar level for diabetes. COLON CANCER SCREENING If you are under age 50, you should be screened if you have a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps. If you are between ages 50 to 75, you should be screened for colorectal cancer. There are several screening tests available. Some common screening tests include: A stool occult blood test done every year Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years along with a stool occult blood test every 3 years Colonoscopy every 10 years DENTAL EXAM Go to the dentist once or twice every year for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist will evaluate if you have a need for more frequent visits EYE EXAM Have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years ages 40 to 54 and every 1 to 3 years ages 55 to 64. Your provider may recommend more frequent eye exams if you have vision problems or glaucoma risk. Have an eye exam at least every year if you have diabetes. 5
PEORIA COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ASSESSMENTS 324 MAIN STREET ROOM 301 PEORIA ILLINOIS 61602 (309) 672-6910
General Homestead Exemption (Owner Occupied) This annual exemption is available for residential property that is occupied as the principal dwelling place of the owner, or a lessee; with a legal or equitable interest in the property; with a single-family residence; and who is liable for the payment of the property taxes on the leased property. The amount of exemption is the increase in the current year’s equalized assessed value, above the 1977 equalized assessed value up to a maximum of$6,000. The General Homestead Exemption may be granted automatically or may require an initial application to be filed with the Supervisor of Assessments Office. Disabled Persons’ Homestead Exemption This exemption is an annual $2,000 reduction in equalized assessed value of the primary residence that is owned and occupied by a disabled person who is liable for the payment of property taxes. Initial application Form PTAX-343 Application for Disabled Persons’ Homestead Exemption along with the required proof of disability must be filed with the Supervisor of Assessments Office. The exemption must be renewed each year by filing Form PTAX-343-R, Annual Verification of Eligibility for Disabled Persons’ Homestead Exemption, with the Supervisor of Assessments Office. For a single tax year, the property cannot receive this exemption and the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption or Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption. Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption This exemption is an annual reduction in equalized assessed value on the primary residence occupied by a qualified disabled veteran. The disabled veteran must own or lease a single family residence and be liable for the payment of the property taxes. The amount of the exemption depends on the percentage of the service-connected disability as certified by the U. S. Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs. A qualified disabled veteran with a disability of at least30% to 49% will receive a $2,500 reduction in equalized assessed value, and a disabled veteran with a disability of at least 50% to 69% will receive a $5,000 reduction in equalized assessed value and for 70% greater serviceconnected disability certified by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans' Affairs will beexempt from taxation. 7
The initial application Form PTAX-342 Application for Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption must be filed with the Supervisor of Assessments Office.. The Form PTAX-342-R, Annual Verification of Eligibility for Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption must be filed each year to continue to receive the exemption. For a single tax year, the property cannot receive this exemption and the Disabled Persons’ Homestead Exemption or Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption. For more information contact the Supervisor of Assessments Office. Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption (SCAFHE) This exemption allows senior citizens who have a total household maximum income of less than $55,000, and meet certain other qualifications to elect to maintain the equalized assessed value of their homes at the base year equalized assessed value and prevent any increase in that value due to inflation. The amount of the exemption benefit is determined each year based on 1. The property's current equalized assessed value minus the frozen base year value (the property's prior year's equalized assessed value for which the applicant first qualifies for the exemption), and 2. The applicant's total household maximum income limitation. Each year applicants must file Form PTAX-340, Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Application and Affidavit, with theSupervisor of Assessments Office. Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption This annual exemption is available for residential property that is occupied as the principal residence of a person, who is 65 years of age or older during the assessment year. The person must be the owner; or have a leasehold interest in the property with a single-family residence; and be liable for the payment of the property taxes. The amount of the exemption is a $5,000 reduction in the equalized assessed value of the property. Filing requirements vary by county; some counties require an initial application, Form PTAX-324, Application for Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, or an annual renewal application, Form PTAX-329, Certificate of Status - Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, to be filed with the Supervisor of Assessments Office.
For more information or to obtain the exemption forms, please visit http://www.peoriacounty.org/assessmentsupervisor/ or contact the Supervisor of Assessments Office at (309) 672-6910.
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Assisted Living and Home Health Care Listings Bickford of Peoria 1920 West Willow Knolls Dr Peoria, IL 61614 (888) 727-9965 Independence Village of Peoria 1201 W Northmoor Rd Peoria, IL 61614 (866) 635-8131
Courtyard Estates of Peoria 117 N. Western Ave. Peoria, IL 61604 (888) 283-4603 Fondulac Rehab & Health Care Center 901 Illini Drive East Peoria, IL 61611 (309) 694-6446 St. Augustine Manor 1301 NE Glendale Ave. Peoria, IL 61603 (877) 854-3559 St. Francis Woods 3507 N Molleck Dr Peoria, IL 61604 (888) 848-5697 Southside Manor Apts. 915 S Helen St Peoria, IL 61605 (866) 344-0111 10
Reservoir Estates 3336 W Kiva Ct Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 685-9579
Hurlburt House 818 W. Hurlburt St. Peoria, IL 61605 (309) 676-4978
High Point Vista 6414 Mt. Hawley Road Peoria, IL 61614 COMING IN 2017!
Concordia Village 4101 W. Iles Ave. Springfield, IL 62711 217.793.9429
Schlarman House 707 NE Madison Ave Peoria, IL 61603 (309) 674-2394
Lutheran Hillside Village 6901 N. Galena Rd. Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 692-4600
Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care 2220 State Street Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 347-1110
The Grand Victorian of Pekin 2700 South 14th Street Pekin, IL 61554 (888) 727-9965
Sharon Woods Care Center 3223 W. Richwoods Blvd. Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 685-5241
Amy’s Country Manor 2949 S. 14th St. Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 353-4590
Patrician Home 1511 N Bigelow St Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 685-8716 B'nai B'rith Covenant Apartments 215 W. Sam J Stone Ave. Peoria, IL 61605 (309) 676-0041
Lake Manor 2400 North 8th St. Pekin, IL 61554 (888) 848-5698 Liberty Village of Pekin 1520 El Camino Dr. Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 353-1600
Assisted Living and Home Health Care Listings Cornerstone Rehab & Health Care Center 5533 N. Galena Road Peoria Heights, IL 61616 (309) 682-5428
Proctor Com Hsp SK N Center 5409 North Knoxville Ave. Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 689-8603
Heartland Heath Care Center-Peoria 5600 N. Glen Elm Dr. Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 693-8777
Buehler Home 3415 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 685-6236
Rose Garden Convalescent Ctr 1629 East Gardner Lane Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 685-1545
The Lutheran Home Inc. 7019 N. Galena Rd. Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 692-4494
Rosewood Care Center of Peoria 1500 West Northmoor Rd. Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 691-2200
Manor Court /Liberty Village of Peoria 6900 N. Stalworth Dr. Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 693-1400
Rosewood Care Center 900 Centennial Dr. East Peoria, IL 61611 (309) 699-5400
Hallmark House Nursing Center 2501 Allentown Rd.. Pekin, IL 61554 (309) 347-3121
Riverview Senior Living 500 Centennial Dr. East Peoria, IL 61611 (309) 694-0022 Twelve Oaks Christian Home 3009 N Twelve Oaks Dr Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 682-3922 Sam J Stone B’Nai B’Rith 415 W. Sam J Stone Ave. #101 Peoria, IL 61605 (309) 673-2252
Place on Prince 601 Prince St. Pekin, IL 61554 (888) 848-5698 Apostolic Christian Skylines 7023 NE Skyline Dr. Peoria, IL 61614 309 689-5643
Sharon Health Care Pines 3614 North Rochelle Lane Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 688-0350 Sharon Health Care Willows 3520 N. Rochelle Lane Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 688-0451 Bel-Wood Nursing Home 6701 West Plank Road Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 697-4541
Timbercreek Rehab & Health Care 2220 State St. Pekin, IL 61554 (39) 347-1110 Morton Villa Care Center 190 E Queenwood Rd Morton, IL 61550 (309) 266-9741
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Living Life to The Fullest Orville Frank was born in Peoria Heights, IL and grew up like most boys did back then. He was active and adventuresome with his friends in his free time. They spent time in the woods catching tadpoles, frogs, and fish and riding bikes in addition to eating wild berries, and in the spring would search for sponge mushrooms to include in our dinners. Orville remembers one time, some of the boys dug a hole in the ground on a trail in the woods Saturdays they all went to the woods, and covered the "bear traps" as they called them with branches from trees. With tree branches and grass covering it, they asked their friends to go to the woods with them and as they got to the "bear traps", they would sort of leap over the questionable areas with brush covering the ground. Orville’s good friend Mike Ulrich, readily demonstrates the flying leaps through the air done by them, filling the living room with gales of laughter!!! Mike was shaken up as the trap was some 6 feet long, he tells the story of his flying leap any time prompted! They would go down in the woods when they had a chance just to see what was happening. Orville attended and graduated from St. Thomas Grade School and then went on to high school at Spalding Institute, (founded in 1899), an all-boys school. You may remember that Spalding Institute merged with Academy of Our Lady an all-girls school. And then in 1988 AOL/SI merged with Bergen High School to become the fine school renamed Peoria Notre Dame High School. Subsequently, Spalding Institute campus was closed and Peoria Notre Dame High School was opened the Bergen High School campus where it remains today.
As a teenager, Orville was very fortunate that his grandparents hired him to deliver groceries for Matarelli’s Grocery Store on Seiberling and Prospect Rd. after school to many of their customers. After deliveries, he would stock shelves at the store. 12
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After high school Orville went on to study and graduate from the University of Illinois in 1964. During the summers, he worked various jobs such as grocery delivery and stocking for the grocery store, painting boilers one summer at Murrison Label. The Summer spent at Pabst Brewing Co. proved to be a great experience that helped Orville make a good wage. He worked in the production line, where the bottles and cans were filled, labeled, and prepared for delivery. Another job on the beer production line was watching the bottles pass by. There were lines in the background and the level of the beer had to be within the two lines. If the liquid was above the line, it meant the cap was not secure and water from the pasteurizing process had gotten into the bottle with the beer. If the level of the bottles was higher or below the lines, there was a problem. Generally, the filler was not functioning properly and the production had to be shut down and adjusted. Do you know someone who would make a great cover story? Please submit to:
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After the University of Illinois, Orville went on to Bradley University taking classes in Law, Auditing, and Accounting and then completing the CPA review course to help become better prepared for the very complicated Certified Public Accounting(CPA) exam. His uncle was a plumbing contractor, and he asked Orville to work with them during the time he was finishing his classes at Bradley University. He worked in the afternoons with the plumbers getting the pieces of plumbing piping or fittings they needed to keep the jobs moving along much faster. Orville also dug ditches for the piping and carried old limed up water heaters out of houses for them. He learned a lot from these job experiences, and it made him want to work hard in college! After graduating from college and completing his CPA exam Orville began working at Ginoli Accounting firm. and soon after married the love of his life Linda (Rasar) Frank. The couple have enjoyed over 52 years of marriage raising three sons and then becoming grandparents to 7 amazing grandchildren that keep them young.
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In 2014 Orville officially retired and they now enjoy spending time together traveling to their second home in Florida in the Winter months and focusing the Summer months on spending time with family and friends in Peoria, their forever home. Being retired also allows him time to play golf with his friends, have fun, and get some exercise. Orville is consistently working to improve his golf score. In 1978 Orville and Linda attended their first Cursillo which is a threeday religious retreat program. They both have been active in the program ever since, serving on many teams at the Peoria Center. In addition, they have served on other retreat teams such as “We Are The Church” or WATCH at St. Thomas Church. as well as the “In His Footsteps” teams at the Pekin Federal Prison Camp.
They work very actively within the prison volunteer program having two retreats a year and attending a monthly reunion to support the residents in their faith walk. During the retreat weekends, team members give talks explaining how God is active in their lives. After the talks, there are discussions at each of the tables. Each participant shares examples of times they have seen God working in their lives. In addition, Orville and Linda attend a weekly Bible study with a group of friends. These evenings allow the group to learn scripture in depth. Through the years, they have worked their way through many books of the Bible, and still have a lot more to look forward to. During their months in Florida, they "call in." listen to their leader, and are still able to ask questions. It's great to continue that connection to their bible study when they are away. They also meet weekly with a Bible study in Florida. They read the readings which will be used the coming Sunday at Mass. They study and discuss them. Their leader makes up an agenda and brings current events into the discussions. Each morning Orville begins his day by attending mass at St. Vincent's Church when he is in Peoria. When he is in Florida, he walks with their walkers' group where we live, then goes to mass at 9:00 am. They fly back to Peoria for each of the holidays and special events in their grandkids lives. They get together with some of their long-time friends to catch up when they are in town. Peoria is still their home, and they love being PEORIANS!
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Grandparents are The Best Remember the day your first child was born and you thought your greatest dream had ever been realized? Believe it or not, it actually gets better. Of course having children is wonderful and changes your life in positive ways forever but the birth of your first grandchild and every grandchild after that is the topping on the cake. You now get to be the greatest blessing to a child’s life. You get to be the one to give the hugs, enjoy the fun things and even be the one that doesn’t have to deal with diapers, staying up all night and all the other parts of parenting that can be challenging. Of course you hope that your children raise your grandchildren to behave appropriately because times are different now. When you were raising children they probably spent most of their time outside playing ball or going to the park and just having fun with friends. Evenings were spent concentrating on homework and bedtime was strictly observed at 8pm. When the weather was bad they stayed indoors playing cards or board games, reading books, or watching family television. Don’t be too surprised when your grandchildren spend more time on electronics “talking” to their friends. Electronics in this day and age have come to dominate people’s attention and gotten in the way of real relationships.
The best part is that as grandparents you can limit their use of electronics while spending time with you. You can teach them all the great things you taught your children. Parents can get very wrapped up in the current trends and forget what their childhoods were like. Be that grandparent that shows them different better ways to spend their time. Grandparents have the luxury of getting the kids the toys every parent never wants to see or hear, although this may create tension with your own child. They can feed them treats, show them some cool new games and then send them home for the parents to do the homework, baths, and other activities children may not be so receptive to trying. 15
Having a special designated time with your grandchildren is a great way to stay involved and nurture a long lasting solid relationship with them throughout their lifetimes. It’s also a great excuse to see your children on a regular basis without having to say you miss seeing them regularly. Grandchildren can learn so much from spending time with extended family members. They hear stories about their parents when they were little, they get to see all the cool toys their parents played with when they were younger.
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So of course we should talk about the names you are open to. So many people get hung up on being called Grandma or Grandpa. Really, does it matter what you are called?
You can be a grandparent at age 50 and that DOES NOT make you old. It makes you a really lucky, and very cool grandparent. Being younger and a grandparent at the same time is a wonderful experience for you both because you can do more activities together. So whether they call you Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Baba, Mimi and Pop Yaya and Sity the bottom line is you are now the greatest most special person in that child’s life because you get to be the one that makes everything ok. Parents are loving and fun but because they also do the disciplining, kids keep some things to themselves. Grandparents on the other hand, are the people children can talk to and tell their greatest fears, dreams and anxieties to and they don’t have to worry about it being a topic of conversation at the dinner table. You are the safety net. The people they turn to when Mom doesn’t answer her phone. The person that loves them unconditionally and makes them feel that love no matter what struggle they are having. Here is a list of various names in various languages that all refer to grandparents.
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Romanian Grandma: Bunica(boo-nee-ka) Grandpa: Bunic(boo-neek) Italian Grandma:Nonna(non-na) Grandpa: Nonno(non-no) Greek Grandma: Yaya(yah-yah) Grandpa: Pappoús(pa-poosch) Flemish(Belgium) Grandma: Bomma(bo-ma) Grandpa: Bonpa (bone-pa) Japanese Grandma: Oba-chan,Sobo(oh-bah-chan,sohboh) Grandpa: Ojiisan, Sofu (oh-gee-sahn, sohfoo) Filipino Grandma: Lola(low-lah) Grandpa: Lolo (low-low) Khmer (Cambodia) Grandma: Yeay(yay) Grandpa: Taa (tah) Hawaiian Grandma: Tutu,Kuku(too-too,coo-coo) Grandpa: Tutu, Kane (too-too khan) Hebrew Grandma: Savta(soft-tah) Grandpa: Saba (sah-bah)
Gaelic (Ireland) Grandma: Maimeó(mam-o) Grandpa: Daideó (dah-joe) Spanish Grandma: Abuela(ah-bway-la) Grandpa: Abuelo (ah-bway-low) Korean Grandma: Halmoni(hal-muh-knee) Grandpa: Halapoji (hal-ah-puh-jee) 17
Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup 1 T oil 2 pounds of cubed beef 1 Med. Stalk of Celery 1 Carrot 1 Med. Onion 8 oz. green beans (fresh or frozen) 32 oz. beef broth 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes (not drained) ¼ tsp Thyme ½ tsp. margarine 1 bay leaf 1 tsp salt ½ tsp pepper Add oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add beef and cook until browning some. About 10 minutes. Chop celery stalk into medium slices, and carrot into quarter inch medallions. Put beef and vegetables into a large crock pot and add beef broth, diced tomatoes and spices. Mix well. Cook on high for 45 hours or on low 8-10 hours (until meat and carrots are tender)
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Italian Salad Dressing Ingredients: 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon dijon mustard 1 clove small garlic minced 1 teaspoon minced shallot 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil salt and freshly ground black pepper Salad Ingredients: 1 15 ounce can cannellini beans drained (or 1 1/2 cups home cooked) 1 head romaine lettuce chopped 2 ounces Pecorino Romano or provolone cheese diced small 3 ounces salami sliced into thin ribbons 6 oil packed sun dried tomatoes coarsely chopped 12 kalamata olive pitted and coarsely chopped
Instructions DRESSING: In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, shallot and Italian seasoning. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place cannelini beans in a large salad bowl. Add dressing and gently stir to combine. Let stand 10 minutes. Add chopped romaine to beans and toss gently to incorporate beans and coat lettuce with dressing. Sprinkle remaining ingredients over and serve.
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Shepherd’s Pie 1/2 pound ground beef 1 small onion, chopped (roughly 1/2 cup) 2 garlic cloves, minced 3/4 cup tomato sauce (one 6ounce can) 2 cups frozen vegetable medley, thawed (carrots, peas, corn, and green beans)* 1/2 cup Guinness beer 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 cup beef broth 3 small potatoes, peeled and chopped (roughly 2 cups) 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter 1/4 cup milk 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt 20
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the potatoes. Let this heat up while you cook the meat mixture. In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain off the grease. Add the tomato sauce and vegetables. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Add the Guinness, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Boil until the liquid has reduced by half and thickened, roughly 10 minutes. Add the broth and bring back to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for 1520 minutes or until the mixture is thick and glossy. Meanwhile while the mixture is cooking in step 5, preheat the oven to 350F. Have two mini casserole dishes ready** By now the water from step 1 should be boiling. Add the potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft but not mushy. Drain and cool. Mash the potatoes either by hand or with a mixer. Add the butter, milk, 1/2 cup cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add more salt if needed. Once the mixture is done cooking and the potatoes are mashed, divide the meat mixture between the two dishes. Top with mashed potatoes then top with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.
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Beer Cheese Bread Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 garlic clove, minced 13.5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3 cups) 3 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 (12-ounce) bottle lagerstyle beer (such as Budweiser) Cooking spray 2 tablespoons melted butter, divided 22
Preheat oven to 375°. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion to pan; cook 10 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in pepper and garlic; cook 1 minute. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk; make a well in center of mixture. Add onion mixture, cheese, and beer to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Spoon batter into a 9 x 5–inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Drizzle 1 tablespoon butter over batter. Bake at 375° for 35 minutes. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon butter over batter. Bake an additional 25 minutes or until deep golden brown and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack
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