Homefront | January 2017

HOMEFRONT A Fort Hood Herald publication | January 25, 2017

Simone Biles stops at PX P8 | Family gives back P10 | Love transcends P4

| Homefront

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

[ Inside this issue ] Holding Down the Homefront: Love in a military community

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Financial Fitness: How to get out of debt in a year

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Financial Fitness: 4 ways to protect your kids in the car

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Financial Fitness: Resolve to financially ready for 2017

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On the Homefront: Olympic gold medalist visits Fort Hood

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On the Homefront: After stillbirth, family gives to others

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What’s Happening: Upcoming area events

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Dining In: Old-fashioned cherry cupcakes

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Dining In: Skillet sauce a natural pair for pork

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Vol. 10, Issue 1 | January 25, 2017 Homefront is a Fort Hood Herald publication.

Contact Us Editor: David A. Bryant | dbryant@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7554 Contributors: Juana M. Nesbitt | Amy Proctor | Abbey Sinclair On the cover: U.S. Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles appears at the Clear Creek PX on Fort Hood on Jan. 18 to sign copies of her new autobiography, “Courage to Soar.” | Homefront photo by Amy Proctor.

Find more news at forthoodherald.com.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Homefront |

| Homefront

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

In the military community, love often transcends normal bounds

W

ith Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in glitter and rose petals, or perhaps in lamentations about being single.

However, there are so many other types of love worth reflecting upon, especially for those of us who journey through the jungle of military existence.

Anyone military affiliated — soldiers or family members — will tell you that military life is not always easy. In fact, it usually never is. Yet regardless of this reality, there are still people who give everything they have, even their lives, for the good of everyone else. This is an altruistic love.

How many individuals do you know who are eager to go to a hostile country and leave their loved ones, their flat-screen TVs and all other creature comforts to face an enemy that despises them, only to hope they will be lucky enough to return in one piece, faculties in tact?

Probably not many.

Inevitably, each serviceman or woman has their own reasons for want-

Holding down the Homefront Abbey Sinclair

ing to embark on such a journey, but for them we are thankful — just as they are most certainly thankful for their battle buddies and families at home.

This brings me to my next type of love — devoted love.

Now, let’s address something really quick and get it out of the way: Yes, we’ve all heard the sordid tales of spouses running around behind their soldiers’ backs the second they deploy.

Got it. It’s a tough life, and some people just aren’t equipped to deal with the loneliness, the lack of attention. No one

is excusing such behavior, but that’s what it is.

Still, apart from these wayward individuals, many of us remain devoted to our soldiers month after month, year after year. We often live in places we don’t want to live, raise children by ourselves, miss our extended families and trudge along through everyday life, counting down the days until our soldiers return. We remain trustworthy and steadfast in the promises we made to our spouses, sometimes long after they are gone (this likewise includes spouses from other countries who meet their soldier, marry and leave home for a new life in a foreign country, far away from everything they know).

Then there’s family love.

Recently, one of my favorite cousins came to visit me. Although we have always been close, I haven’t seen her in almost three years because she lives in New England. She was excited to finally get to meet my little boy and see Texas, but that’s not always the case.

For example, how many times have family members bought a plane ticket to a location they have no interest in

visiting just to see a loved one? And, alternately, how many times have soldiers and their families forfeited vacations they would love to go on (:cough: Costa Rica :cough:) to fly or drive home to see their families?

Speaking from experience, a lot. So why bother? For starters, as nuts as my family can be, they are such an important part of my life. I can always enjoy a mai tai, but I can’t always enjoy them.

Thus, when the opportunity arises, I head home rather than kicking back with a parrot on some glorious “vacay” (sigh).

But in all seriousness, all of these types of love are the reason the military community stays intact and functioning, even through the toughest of times.

So whether you find yourself enjoying a romantic dinner this Valentine’s Day, or spending the evening at home eating a quiet meal solo, don’t forget to order (or serve up) some chocolate-covered gratitude for dessert.

Abbey Sinclair is an Army spouse, mother and a Herald correspondent. She lives in Killeen.

[ Financial Fitness ]

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Homefront |

Battling the bills: How we became debt free in one year

By Angela Caban Courtesy of USAA

When my husband and I wed 12 years ago, it was the start of a great life together. It also would be the start of a struggle financially for the next decade.

This caused an extensive strain on our relationship, but luckily we were able to climb out stronger together.

Last summer my husband and I became debt free. It’s hard to believe that we would have ever climbed out of the debt hole we were stuck in, a debt that was overwhelming and leaving us living paycheck-to-paycheck.

How did we become debt free in one year? Here are some methods that we used and that may be helpful for you:

We Listed SMART Goals

This was a crucial part to getting out of debt for us. SMART is a best practice framework for setting goals.

Before we started jumping in to what we needed to do, we needed to have an overview for what we expected to accomplish.

Specific: We listed exactly what we

wanted, in this case, to not live paycheck-to-paycheck and to be able to have no debt.

Measurable: We knew that the goal of becoming debt free was obtainable, but we also knew it could take some time, so measuring what we will need to do in order to become debt free.

Achievable: This is where we listed how we could accomplish the goal based on other constraints such as cost of living and such.

Realistic: We asked ourselves three questions; Is the time right? Does this seam worthwhile? Will this improve our quality of life? Yes, yes, and yes!

Timely: Based on the amount of debt, this is different for everyone. Don’t forget you have to set yourself up on a budget, and then deduct what you will be spending monthly.

We Listed Our Debt

It was overwhelming at first, but there is something about seeing it all on paper that helped keep us on track as we paid them off. Every bill was listed, starting from the smallest to largest amount – as well as credit cards

listed with highest to lowest interest.

We didn’t start paying off debt until we created the budget (see below), but the best way to pay off debt is allotting a certain amount each month in your budget for paying down balances. As you pay off debt, check it off.

We Created a Budget

As I mentioned above, you can’t create a budget until you have listed your debt. We used a zero based budgeting system. Zero-based budgeting is a method in which you count all money coming in, every single penny.

You then list all your expenses and should equal to a total of 0 at the end of the month. So again, all money is accounted for and you should have no surprises at the end of the month in regards to where your money is going.

We also ensured that we were saving a bit each month to put into our savings account.

We Picked up Extra Work

This was a team effort. My husband picked up more hours at work as well as a part time job every other weekend.

As a freelance writer, I picked up more clients. All the money that came out of the extra income was split in half, half into savings and the other to pay down debt.

We Got Rid of Unnecessary Bills

This was the toughest on all of us.

There are many things around your home and in your life right now that are not a necessity, but a luxury. You can get your life back, after a bit of sacrifice. So what did we cut?

Cable: Within 9 months, the amount that we saved on a monthly cable bill paid off what was left on my car payment. $180/month $1,620. So all the money that was supposed to go to cable, was placed on debt instead.

Eating out/take out: Looking back, we ate out or ordered in approximately 3-4 times a week. We were spending over $200 a week, that’s $800 a month!

We completely cut this expense by only enjoying a meal out once a month.

What helped us was persistence in knowing that what we were doing was not only for us, but for the better of our family.

| Homefront

[ Financial Fitness ]

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Four ways to protect your most precious cargo on the road Courtesy of USAA

“All of a sudden, you have a precious package in there with you,” Joey Seymour says of driving after his son Caleb was born. “It definitely changes your whole perspective.”

Seymour always considered himself a safe driver, but with Caleb on board he says he has found ways to make himself more patient, observant and cautious for his child’s sake. After all, auto crashes are the leading cause of death for children under 13.

Steve Harrison, USAA’s executive director of auto safety, suggests these tips for protecting your children in the car: Install and use car seats properly.

Three out of 4 car seats are not used correctly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Carefully read the owner’s manual and visit manufacturer websites for video tutorials. The federal safercar. gov/parents site also offers tips for

selecting and installing seats.

Pull over instead of looking behind you.

Resist temptation to turn to the back seat if kids are fighting or crying. It’s best to pull into a parking lot or other safe spot rather than risk a wreck.

Check out the Insurance Institute for

Highway Safety at iihs.org for more driving tips.

Kids belong in the back seat. Keep passengers younger than 13 in the back seat. Front seat belts are built for adults and can injure kids. Sitting a child in the center of the back seat protects

against side-impact crash injuries.

Double check before backing up. Be vigilant when dropping off or picking up your child. Other kids may be in the vicinity. Roll down your windows to hear more clearly and don’t rely solely on your rear camera.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

[ Financial Fitness ]

Homefront |

Resolve to be financially ready for 2017 with these tips

By Mikel Van Cleve Courtesy of USAA

A new year brings new resolutions.

In fact, 45 percent of Americans typically make New Year’s resolutions, according to a Statistic Brain survey, and 34 percent of those resolutions are related to money.

Resolutions can sometimes be difficult to keep, but a few simple principles can help you stay on task. The USAA Financial Rediness Score FRS tool incorporates our core advice principles and helps you see where you stand today. It also suggests steps you can take to improve financially and stay on course if challenges arise.

Let’s discuss those principles: Spend less than you earn. This sounds simple, yet it has become more challenging. Everywhere we turn, we’re bombarded with advertisements, credit offers, solicitations for money — and the list goes on. FRS helps assess whether

The USAA Financial Rediness Score FRS tool incorporates our core advice principles and helps you see where you stand today. It also suggests steps you can take to improve financially and stay on course if challenges arise. you manage your spending and credit in a healthy manner and points you to additional resources for help.

Protect your life, loved ones and possessions. We are a financial services company that offers insurance, but that’s not why this principle is important. Imagine you’re in an at-fault automobile accident and have insufficient coverage, putting your finances in jeopardy.

Or what if you depend on a loved one for income and he or she dies, leaving you to struggle both emotionally and fi-

nancially? FRS will assess your current coverage and guide you to find out how much insurance you may need.

Save enough for emergencies. Unfortunately, no one is immune to life’s many curveballs. You can either be prepared or put your financial goals at risk.

FRS will assess whether you have an adequate emergency fund and help you create a plan to achieve this goal if you haven’t already.

Save now for retirement. Young, old or somewhere in between, retirement planning is important. The sooner you

get started, the better off you may be.

FRS will assess your retirement needs and help you dive deeper into retirement planning.

Have a will and other legal documents.

Whether single or married, with or without kids, everyone should have some basic legal documents in place.

Wills are not just for the wealthy.

Have a plan, review it annually and update with major events.

Getting from point A to point B is much easier with a map. Having a plan for your financial goals is no different.

This can be as simple as a starting with a budget, but everyone should know what they need to do financially and the steps needed to get there.

I encourage all of you to stick with your money-related New Year’s resolutions in 2017 and beyond. If you haven’t already, use the FRS tool for your own assessment. I’ve got a few money-related resolutions of my own, and FRS has given me a road map to help.

| Homefront

[ On The HOmefront ]

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Olympian shows ‘Courage to Soar’

Simone Biles greets Fort Hood community, signs book

Buy these photos at kdhnews.com Photos by Amy Proctor | Homefront

U.S. Olympic gymnast and gold medalist Simone Biles, right, stands with Lynda MacFarland, wife of III Corps and Fort Hood Commander Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, at a book signing for Biles’ new autobiography “Courage to Soar” at the Clear Creek PX on Fort Hood on Jan. 18.

ONLINE EXTRA: Watch a video and see more photos at FORTHOODHERALD.COM

By Juana M. Nesbitt Homefront Correspondent

T

he buzz of excitement and smiles on people’s faces lined the Main Post Exchange from end-to-end as Fort Hood families waited for the start of the Simone Biles “Courage to Soar” book signing event Jan. 18.

“We are so excited to be here,” said Denise Bernard, a local mom who arrived early with her daughter and her friend.

Biles’ book was published in November and came from a desire to share her story with the world, she said. She was excited by the opportunity to meet her fans at Fort Hood.

“It means a lot that they invited me out here to do my book signing and get to meet all the military people,” Biles said. “It does mean a lot to me.”

Throughout the event, children and adults were seen running up the line, cellphone or camera in hand, to catch a glimpse of — and try to take a selfie with — Biles.

Biles hoped her book would inspire young people to follow their dreams, no matter what’s happened in the past.

“A lot of people try to make my story a little bit more than it is. I think of it as a blessing,” she said. “I hope (the book) inspires (young people) that no matter where you come from, it’s what you do and where you go with it.”

Biles confessed that when she first started doing gymnastics she wasn’t very good, but one day something inside her switched and, from then on, got increasingly better.

One day, she noticed things had changed. “I think it was when I was about 15 or 16 years old when I went to my first world championships and I won that. Then it all started to change.”

She wasn’t just a face in the crowd anymore. Biles was becoming wellknown throughout the world.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

[ On The HOmefront ]

Homefront |

Nearly 1,000 people came out to see U.S. gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles at a book signing for her autobiography, “Courage to Soar,” on Jan. 18 at the Clear Creek PX on Fort Hood.

Many parents in line at the book signing were glad to have Biles there as a positive role model for their children.

Some even signed their kids out of school so they could meet Biles. “(We watched) the Olympics and (recorded) it,” said Rano Holmes, a mother of two young girls.

Holmes said Biles shares many things in common with her children, including being biracial. Holmes said she wants her girls to know somebody like them has been successful and that race has nothing to do with it.

“No matter what race, no matter where you are starting, no matter what your social background, you can become a big, strong personality in the future,” Holmes said. “Watching the Olympics made a big difference for them to actually see.”

While taking the year off, Biles plans to continue her book tour and begin training for 2020 at the end of the year.

10 | Homefront

[ On The HOmefront ]

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Remembering Hunter

Mom finds way to cope, help others after losing baby

By David A. Bryant Homefront MAgazine

S

hortly after Ashley Well’s husband returned from a nine-month deployment to Korea, she found out she was pregnant with her third child.

But about 12 weeks in, doctors noticed the child, whom she and her husband, Sgt. John Wells, had decided to name Hunter, wasn’t developing correctly.

“He was really small and something was wrong with his spine.

As the pregnancy went along, we learned more things were wrong with him — the doctors didn’t actually think stillbirth was going to happen, although it was possible,” Ashley Wells said. “Then one day I didn’t feel him moving, so I went to the doctor and they did an ultrasound immediately. His heart had stopped beating. I delivered him two days later in Austin.”

It was a moment where she hoped the doctors were wrong, that she would hear a baby’s cry, but it didn’t happen, she said.

She and her husband would learn through military support groups that because their baby had gestated for 36 weeks before the stillbirth, they qualified to receive the military life insurance all military children qualify for.

“When Hunter’s money came in, we were devastated by it — this was the final process, this is done after this,” Ashley Wells said. “I was really depressed when it hit. I didn’t like the way I felt, it was the final actualization that my son was really gone.”

David A. Bryant | Homefront

Ashley Wells holds her 4-year-old son Christian. Wells lost another son to stillbirth when she was 36 weeks pregnant, so she and her husband decided to use the money they would have spent on the child to make life happier for families in need.

Giving back

She knew she wanted to do something positive with it, so she and

[ On The HOmefront ]

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

her husband — who serves with 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division — decided to give the money they would have spent on their newest child for Christmas to other military families in need.

“I’ve worked in the nonprofit community before, so I know how much a small contribution can mean, even if it’s just paying for somebody’s drink at Starbucks,” she said. “And I say ‘we,’ but it’s more me. My husband just nods his head and says, ‘Sure, whatever you want to do.’

So we decided to do something positive with it.”

The Wells wound up giving $100 gift cards to two families and an additional three gift cards from Ulta Beauty to moms in need of a “pickme up.”

“It felt good to make other people happy,” Ashley Wells said. “The one thing I want to do in this life is impact people in a positive way.”

The Wells’ two kids, 6-year-old daughter Autumn and 4-year-old son Christian, reacted differently to the stillbirth.

“This has brought my husband and I a lot closer together, I think. Being a military family, we already value life highly because we see friends and loved ones die all the time. But after losing our son, it brought us a lot closer and made us a lot easier on our kids.”

Ashley Wells on the stillbirth of her son, Hunter “Christian took it the hardest. We put Hunter’s ashes in a Build-ABear, and he carries it around with him all the time. He hugs it, talks to it, plays with it,” Ashley Wells said.

“Autumn I think doesn’t know how to feel. (Hunter is) more receptive to emotions, so he took it hard.”

Bring awareness

Ashley Wells started a Facebook

page called Surviving Stillbirth Hunter Mason’s Story to bring awareness to stillbirth and to remind other families that they can make something good out of a bad situation.

“I’ve never realized how often stillbirth occurred. Maybe because I never really paid attention to it,” she said. “I still can’t believe as often as I see it now, it still happens in just

Homefront | 11

1 percent of births. That’s a statistic I never thought I’d be a part of.”

The Wells are heading to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, on permanent change of station orders, but Ashley Wells said she hopes her story will help others going through the same pain learn to cope.

“This has brought my husband and I a lot closer together, I think.

We’ve learned to value life a lot more,” she said. “Being a military family, we already value life highly because we see friends and loved ones die all the time. But after losing our son, it brought us a lot closer and made us a lot easier on our kids.

“Find a support system. When I first heard it was only 1 percent, I thought it was a small number,” she added. “But I run into so many people who this has happened to, that you realize that it is a big one percent. Reach out to your community, don’t be afraid to ask what other people did. Know that you’re not alone.” dbryant@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7554

[ What’s Happening ]

12 | Homefront

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Local Music Dirty Harry’s presents live music at 9 p.m.

Wednesdays. For ages 21 and older, no cover. Dirty Harry’s is at 206 W. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Harker Heights (next to Kin Pin Tattoos). Call 254-680-6557.

Don’t miss live musis and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights at Bo’s Barn Dancehall at 4984 W. Farm-to-Market 93 in Temple. Cover: $8-$10. Catch karaoke from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. every Thursday, with a DJ until 1:30 a.m. Happy Hour is from 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Go to www.bosbarndancehall.com or call 254-939-7131.

Stillhouse Wine Room has live music from 8 p.m. to midnight every Friday and Saturday. Tuesday is Game Night. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer while playing your favorite game. Wednesday is Karaoke and Teachers Night. HotSpot food truck will be on-site from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday Night Trivia is at 7:30 p.m. with a relaxed version of the game. Topics include music, movies, sports, geography, animals and more.

Every 10 questions someone wins a bottle of wine. Stillhouse Wine Room is at 403 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Suite 308, Killeen. Go to StillhouseWineRoom.com.

Farmers Markets All-Year Pioneer Farmers Market will be open in front of Tractor Supply Company on Central Texas Expressway in Killeen from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, weather permitting. Call Heike at 254-458-8223 or go to www.facebook.com/pioneerfarmersmarket.

Green Acres Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

to 2 a.m. Friday and from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Saturday. No cover charge. For more information, call 254-771-1364.

Main Street Tejano Club, 201 S. Main St., Temple, presents DJ Loco from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday. Saturday is DJ Ron Dee from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. For information, call 254-541-8329 or go to www.mainstreettejano.club.

Family Fun Temple’s Railroad and Heritage Museum, 315 W. Avenue B, in downtown Temple, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For information, call 254-2985172.

Festivals, Events Eric J. Shelton | Homefront

Hugh McDanel, left, co-owner of Old McDanel’s Farm, puts fresh eggs in Evelyn Nelson’s shopping bag in June at the Green Acres Farmers Market in the Lowe’s parking lot in Killeen.

Saturday. The market is in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement Store at W.S. Young Drive and Lowes Boulevard. Featured vendors include Lord Farm’s watermelons, Chef Floca’s Salsa, Soyupmtious, Polly Wants a Crafter, Brown Suga’s Pickles, Shut Your Pie Hole, Old McDanel’s Farm and Kettle Cornutopia. For more information, call Hugh McDanel at 254-813-5177 or go to www.facebook.com/greenacresfs.

of activities as they travel from the Gale Farm to the colorful Land of Oz. They can also explore Munchkinland, the Crossroads, the Witch’s Castle and Emerald City before heading back over the rainbow.

The museum offers free admission from 1 to 5 p.m. the first Sunday of each month.

The museum is at 1300 S. University Parks Drive in Waco. For information, call 254710-1104.

Arts & Theater

Bars, Clubs

The Mayborn Museum Complex presents the “Wizard of Oz Educational Exhibit” from Jan. 28 to May 7. The exhibit is a journey of self-discovery that’s fun for the whole family. Children will take part in a variety

Chopstick, 2600 Trimmier Road, Suite 200, Killeen, has karaoke night from 8 to 11 p.m. every Thursday.

Longhorn Saloon, 2503 S. General Bruce Drive, Temple, brings in DJs from 8 p.m.

Harker Heights High School presents Harker Heights Choir Knight Club at 7 p.m. Feb. 3-4 in the Harker Heights High School auditorium. Choir students perform classic rock, rhythm and blues and country hits from the 1950s to the early 2000s with a live band from Dallas and a professional light show. All seating is reserved. Tickets are $10 to $25 and available at www. events.ticketprinting.com/event/21860.

For more information, go to www.hhhschoirs.com.

Planetarium Several films are now showing at the Mayborn Science Theater at Central Texas College. Discounts are offered to active-duty military, senior citizens and members. For show descriptions, full schedule and ticket prices, go to www.starsatnight.org or call 254-526-1800.

[ Dining in ]

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Homefront | 13

Old-fashioned cherry cupcakes a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day

By ELIZABETH KARMEL The Associated Press

This old-fashioned cherry cupcake is just the thing for Valentine’s Day. I’ve updated a cake that my mother used to make for my sisters and me when we were children with all the flavors of a bourbon Old-Fashioned. The rosy pink color of the cake immediately brings to mind the Feast of Saint Valentine.

When I drink Old-Fashioneds, I seldom add cherries, but the cherries are essential to this cake. The cake is colored a beautiful rosy pink by the addition of maraschino cherry juice and a generous amount of chopped cherries that add texture, and moisture to the light white cake. The cake itself tastes like the best vanilla cake you have ever ate with a soft nod to the maraschino cherries. A fragrant orange-bourbon buttercream tops the cupcakes and completes the adult “Old-Fashioned” flavor.

I had remembered this cake fondly but sometimes the memory is better than the actual thing. Not so in the case of this cake. In fact, I made it twice recently while my mother and I visited my sister and her family. We couldn’t get enough of the cake and it is now my current favorite. After all, everything that is new was once old and vice versa.

When making this cake for a mixed age crowd, you can make two versions of the boozy icing and eliminate the bourbon for the under 21 crowd. The orange buttercream brings a bright taste of sunshine to what can sometimes be dreary days in February, with or without the bourbon.

I never thought that this simple recipe would remind me of an important lesson. The day that I was baking the cupcakes for the photo, I ran into a legendary pastry chef. When I told him what I was making, he said “You cooks (as opposed to pastry chefs) have all the fun. Can you imagine what ‘they’ would say if I made a cake with maraschino cherries?” Because I love to make my food delicious and sometimes playful, it had never occurred to me that there might be ingredient boundaries for some cooks. I think that this is a good lesson for our holiday devoted to love: If you love it, and it makes you happy,

don’t worry what other people think.

These Old-Fashioned cupcakes make me very happy — and I think that they’ll do the same for you.

CHERRY CUPCAKE WITH ORANGE-BOURBON FROSTING Servings: 20 Start to finish: 40 minutes

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1 1/8 cups granulated white sugar 2 ¼ cups cake flour or 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice ½ cup whole milk ½ generous cup chopped maraschino cherries (about 1 cup of un-chopped cherries) 4 egg whites, stiffly beaten Preheat oven to 350 F. Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in alternatively with the cherry juice and the milk.

Remove from electric mixer and stir the chopped cherries into the cake batter. Fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.

Prepare a regular cupcake pan by placing liners in each mold. Fill each cupcake 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Let cool on a rack and make the frosting.

Bourbon Old-Fashioned Frosting: 1 box (1 pound) powdered sugar Pinch of fine-grain sea salt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened ½ generous teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon orange extract 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1-2 tablespoons bourbon, depending on taste Zest of one large navel orange Sift box of powdered sugar and salt or whisk well to remove any lumps. Set aside.

Cream butter until fluffy using a stand

mixer or a hand mixer set on medium speed.

Slowly add the sugar. When the sugar is incorporated in the butter, add vanilla extract, cream and bourbon one tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached.

Stir in orange zest at the end. Taste and add more bourbon only if you want it to taste a little boozier.

If it is too stiff, add a little more cream. If it is too loose, add a little more sugar.

Taste for balance and add a touch more salt and vanilla if needed. Spread on top of cupcakes or place in a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip and decorate in a swirl pattern. Top with a pink conversation heart or stemmed cherry, if desired.

Cupcake Nutrition per serving: 151 calories; 44 calories from fat; 5 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 13 mg cholesterol; 218 mg sodium; 25 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 15 g sugar; 2 g protein.

Bourbon Old-Fashioned Frosting Nutrition per serving: 200 calories; 65 calories from fat; 7 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 20 mg cholesterol; 23 mg sodium; 33 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 31 g sugar; 0 g protein.

[ Dining in ]

14 | Homefront

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Fresh catch: Try these succulent seafood dishes

By Susan Selasky Detroit Free Press

The texture of the Dungeness crab meat is finer than, say, king crab. Tastewise it’s a tad sweeter. Both taste and texture make it ideal for today’s crab cake recipe, but you can easily substitute blue or king crab.

Dungeness crab average about 2 pounds; figure one crab per person.

And if crab isn’t your thing, Pacific Northwest and Alaskan salmon is another favorite.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market is famous for its fish market area and fishmongers’ fish throwing. Popular varieties include sock-eye and king salmon. Most wild salmon sold now is frozen.

When buying salmon for today’s recipes, buy a center-cut fillet for the best presentation.

Have your fish monger cut it for you.

Having the fillets all the same size means they will cook evenly, and they’ll look nicer on a serving platter.

SIZZLING DUNGENESS CRAB CAKES

Makes: 8 Preparation time: 35 minutes Total time: 1 hour Don’t be discouraged by the number of ingredients in this recipe. All stages of the recipe go together easily and can be made ahead. If you buy whole cooked Dungeness crab, you will need at least 3 of them to get one pound of meat. The Thai beurre blanc sauce is rich and sweet and makes a generous 2 cups.

DUNGENESS CRAB CAKES ¼ cup butter 3 tablespoons minced onions 3 tablespoons minced carrots 3 tablespoons minced celery 2 tablespoons minced yellow bell peppers 2 tablespoons minced red bell peppers 2 tablespoons minced green bell peppers ¼ cup heavy whipping cream 1 pound Dungeness crab meat (or favorite crab meat) 1 egg yolk ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 ½ cups flour 12/3 cups egg wash (3 eggs mixed with 1 cup milk)

Regina H. Boone | Detroit Free Press

Don’t be discouraged by the number of ingredients in this Dungeness crab cake recipe. All stages of the recipe go together easily and can be made ahead

4 cups panko breadcrumbs (Japanese bread crumbs) ¾ cup clarified butter THAI SWEET-AND-SOUR SAUCE 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch 4 tablespoons water

½ cup sugar ¼ cup Thai sweet chile sauce 3 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 ½ teaspoons Thai fish sauce 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lime juice ½ teaspoon peeled and minced ginger ¼ teaspoon finely minced garlic

THAI BEURRE BLANC SAUCE 1 cup white wine 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon finely minced shallots ½ cup whipping cream 1 ½ cups butter, unsalted, cut into 2inch chunks

[ Dining In ]

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

½ teaspoon salt, sea or kosher 1 cup Thai sweet-and-sour sauce FOR ASSEMBLY AND SERVING 24 Dungeness crab cakes 2 cups Thai beurre blanc sauce Pickled ginger, for garnish Daikon sprouts, for garnish To prepare the Dungeness crab cakes: Heat the butter over medium-low heat.

Add the onions, carrots, celery and bell peppers, saute until they are tender.

Add the heavy cream and let the volume reduce slightly. Transfer the mixture into a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Add the crab meat, egg yolk, pepper, and salt.

Put the flour, egg wash and panko breadcrumbs in three separate pans for the breading procedure.

Portion and form the crab cake mix into 24 one-ounce balls.

Start the breading process by first dusting the crab cake ball with flour. Quickly dip the crab cake ball into the egg wash and then place it into the panko crumbs.

Gently press and mold the crumbs into the cake, forming a ½-inch thick round patty.

Heat the clarified butter in a sauté pan over medium heat, and pan-fry the crab cakes on both sides until the exterior is golden brown. Transfer and hold the crab cakes warm in pan.

To prepare the Thai sweet-and-sour sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, mix well, and set the mixture aside.

Combine all the other ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until the sauce reaches 180 degrees. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce has a slightly thick texture.

To prepare the Thai beurre blanc sauce: Combine the wine, vinegar and shallots in a saucepan and reduce the volume to a light syrup consistency, about 10 minutes.

Add the cream and reduce the volume by about half over medium-high heat.

Slowly add and whip in the butter cubes over low heat until they are melted.

Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer, then add the salt and the Thai sweet-and-sour sauce.

To serve: Sauce the front of each of 8 plates with the Thai beurre blanc sauce.

Transfer and arrange 3 crab cakes around the outer edge of each plate on the sauce.

Garnish the plate with the pickled ginger and daikon sprouts.

From John Howie, Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, Bellevue, Wash.

Tested by Susan Selasky for the Free Press Test Kitchen.

Nutrition per serving: 694 calories

(59 percent from fat), 46 g fat (27 g saturated fat), 45 g carbohydrates, 24 g protein, 809 mg sodium, 265 mg cholesterol, 110 mg calcium, 2 g fiber.

BAKED SALMON FILLETS WITH HERBED-PANKO TOPPING AND TANGY MUSTARD SAUCE Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes

TOPPING ¾ cup panko bread crumbs (regular or whole wheat) 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon Dijon 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese SALMON 4 (5-ounce each) salmon fillets with skin, about ¾-inch thick Salt and freshly ground black pepper SAUCE 1/3 cup apricot preserves 1 to 2 tablespoons Kream-style mustard (or substitute Dijon) 2 tablespoons orange juice 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream Sauteed greens such as kale or mustard greens Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

In a small bowl, combine all the topping ingredients; set aside.

Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry. Set the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the apricot preserves, mustard and orange juice. Heat until melted and combined. Remove the sauce from the heat and spoon out a few teaspoons into a small bowl or ramekin. Brush about 1 teaspoon on each salmon fillet. Press the panko crumb mixture on each salmon fillet.

Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. For salmon that’s 1-inch thick, 10 minutes is sufficient. If you like salmon flaky, cook it longer.

Set the saucepan with the remaining sauce on low heat and whisk in the heavy whipping cream. Heat until the mixture is a sauce-like consistency. Add more heavy cream if desired or more orange juice. The sauce should have hints of tang and heat, balanced with some sweetness.

To serve the fish, remove from the oven and slide a spatula between the skin and flesh. Serve fillets over a bed of sauteed greens.

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