HOMEFRONT A Fort Hood Herald publication | January 27, 2016
Songwriting With: Soldiers P8 | Ready for Korea P10 | Resolutions that count P3
| Homefront
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
[ Inside this issue ] Letters from the Homefront: Make your resolutions count
Page 3
Financial Fitness: Tips to keep your home protected
Page 5
Financial Fitness: Retirement investing beyond a 401(k)
Page 6
Financial Fitness: Need help selecting a civilian career?
Page 7
On the Homefront: Songwriting With: Soldiers returns to area
Page 8
On the Homefront: Family readiness leaders prep for Korea
Page 10
What’s Happening: Upcoming area events
Page 12
At the Movies: ‘The 5th Wave”
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Dining In: Heart smart chocolate chip cookies
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Dining In: Corn chowder with franks
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Vol. 9, Issue 1 | January 27, 2016 Homefront is a Fort Hood Herald publication. Contact Us Editor: Jacob Brooks | jbrooks@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7468 Reporter: JC Jones | jcjones@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7464 On the cover: Radney Foster of Nashville speaks with participants of the weekend retreat before playing a song through Lifequest Transitions on Oct. 28, 2012, at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton. The retreat brought soldiers and their families together help them write about their combat experiences. Songwriting With: Soldiers returns to Belton in February. Find more news at forthoodherald.com.
Homefront |
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Resolve to make a difference for others and let 2016 count
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s we round out the month of January, how many of you have stuck to those resolutions? How many of you are actually going to the gym, eating healthier and curbing that foul mouth? I usually start the new year off strong, but come mid-month, I’m over whatever I resolved to change and fall back into old habits. Well perhaps we are all making the wrong kinds of promises, selfish promises if you will. The past few weeks, I have overheard several people complain about who is running for president, debating the real reason why Will Smith is boycotting an awards show and how bad certain roads are. The only way to change the outcomes of these conversations is to do something about them. Talk is cheap unless you are talking to the right people and are actually working toward an end game. Registering to vote and getting educated on the issues our potential commander in chief will face is a good start. It’s all fun and games until Mr. “You’re fired” is in the White House and
Letters from the Homefront Vanessa Lynch
calling all the shots. Even with two mobile 1-year-olds, sticking to a plan has its obstacles, but making excuses doesn’t help anyone excel. Instead of vowing to drop the rest of the baby weight or saying sayonara to gluten, again, I want to be a better person. I want to pay things forward and help others. I want to make my community a better place to live. I want my kids to grow up in a better world. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in yourself, as you cannot pour from an empty
cup, but if you woke up this morning in a warm bed, had something hot to eat and put on fresh clothes, you are doing a heck of a lot better than most people. Take a look at the people of Flint, Mich. Residents knew something was wrong and they rallied for change. Their concerns were dismissed by countless people of authority and power. In the words of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, the government failed them at the federal, state and local level. However, Flint’s residents pushed and pushed, and although it took way longer than it should have, help is on the way. Actors across all races rallied together to get The Academy, which is 93 percent white, to seriously look at the way it and the movie industry conducts business. Others are joining the diversity conversation and are making a social statement about change. It’s time for a wake-up call. We can’t sit idly by and hope someone else will make things right. If we don’t flex our First Amendment muscle we are no better than our enemies. Together,
we can help those less fortunate, both human and animal alike. Instead of complaining and never doing anything about it, make 2016 the year you actually do something meaningful. Don’t like the way your taxpayer dollars are being spent? Go to a city council meeting and be part of the decision-making process. Are your closets getting harder to close? Take the time to declutter your life and donate your excess to those less fortunate. In about an hour, I was able to fill three large bags with clothes, shoes and home goods. Removing that stuff from my home was freeing, and donating it locally made my soul feel good. Got old towels and blankets? Consider donating them to an animal shelter. Are you spending too much time on social media because you have way too much free time? Find out what volunteer opportunities are available. Don’t let 2016 fly by and leave you wondering where the year has gone. Instead, resolve to make a difference and make it count.
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Call us at 254-501-7500 today.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
[ Financial Fitness ]
Homefront |
Be prepared: Basic home insurance doesn’t cover every catastrophe Don’t assume just because you aren’t near a river or coastline that you aren’t susceptible to flooding.
Courtesy of USAA
Homeowners on the East Coast got a rude awakening after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Many thought their homeowners insurance policies would cover the damage. They were wrong. It’s a common misconception, said Benjamin Saine, director of product management at USAA. He points out three major areas where homeowners may need separate policies or endorsements to be fully protected:
Floods
Don’t assume just because you aren’t near a river or coastline that you aren’t susceptible to flooding, which occurs any time groundwater enters a house. “It doesn’t have to be Noah’s ark passing by,” Saine said. He recommends keeping these facts in mind: • Twenty percent of flood claims come from people who aren’t in highrisk zones. • From 2010 to 2014, the average
• There is usually a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before the policy goes into effect. So don’t wait until disaster looms to buy coverage.
Earthquakes residential flood claim was $39,000, and in 2014, the average policy premium for flood insurance was about $700, according to Floodinsurance.gov. Just a few inches of water in a home can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damages. • Flood insurance is available through USAA via the National Flood Insurance Program, which is underwritten by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
You need not live on a fault line to incur earthquake damage, as defined by insurers. “It’s any kind of earth movement,” Saine said. “So if there is shifting, it’s not covered by a standard homeowners policy.” Keep in mind: • Quakes aren’t limited to California. Remember the 2011 temblor that damaged the Washington Monument? • The U.S. Geological Survey updated its seismic hazard maps in 2014, and it showed increased earthquake risk for
half the country. • USAA offers coverage that can be added to homeowner policies. In California, members can buy a policy from the California Earthquake Authority.
General Liability
Several situations might call for an umbrella policy that provides overarching liability coverage: • Home sharing through services such as Airbnb is considered akin to running a business, Saine said, and therefore isn’t covered. “We can refer members to other companies to get that insurance.” • Operating a home-based business, such as teaching piano or taekwondo, or even hosting a direct-sales party, can leave you open to liability if someone is injured in your house. • Libel and slander aren’t covered. Maybe you hired a roofer or painter and derided their poor work on social media. If the provider decides to sue, a standard policy wouldn’t protect you.
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[ Financial Fitness ]
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Ready for retirement? When to look at investing beyond your 401(k) Courtesy of USAA
A 401(k) plan is a great way to put away money for retirement — especially if your employer matches your contributions. But you might be ready to expand your strategy. Other options can offer savings benefits that include but aren’t limited to retirement, said JJ Montanaro, a certified financial planner professional with USAA. Here are some times when it may make sense to look outside of your 401(k) comfort zone: You’re already getting the most out of your employer. If you have a 401(k) plan, make sure you are taking full advantage of it by making contributions at the level that qualifies for the maximum match from your employer. “When it comes to retirement, your first thought ought to be to use the plan at work to get as much match as you can before looking beyond it,” Montanaro said. But if you’ve hit the ceiling, you can explore other options not offered in your plan. Your savings goals are broader than
retirement. Dreaming of taking the vacation of a lifetime? Or making a down payment on a vacation home? Are you pining to pursue a new passion that doesn’t fit within the confines of a traditional retirement timeframe? If you need to save for nonretirement goals, find
investment tools better suited to the task. Your retirement planning could use a boost. Use an online retirement calculator to figure out whether you’re on track with your retirement savings. If you come up short from where you want to be, consider looking into an IRA as a
complement to your 401(k). “An IRA is sort of like a garage where you can park a number of different investment-type vehicles,” said Michelle Green-Dacres, product management director of retirement solutions at USAA. You’re committed to retirement but ... taking money out of a 401(k) before age 59½ could mean taxes and penalties. On the other hand, a Roth IRA allows you to pull out contributions, not earnings, at any time. While this gives you the flexibility to withdraw, you still should avoid pulling money from your retirement except in an emergency. “For younger savers, the idea of putting money away solely for use in retirement 40 years in the future can be pretty daunting,” Montanaro said. “The Roth IRA rules give them the peace of mind to make that long-term commitment.” You want more control over where your money is invested. Your company’s 401(k) plan may offer access to only a limited number of funds. Traditional and Roth IRAs may give you a wider set of options on how and where money is invested.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
[ Financial Fitness ]
Homefront |
How to figure out what kind of job you want after military service By Chazz Pratt Courtesy of USAA
Time and time again, you hear people talking about how tough it is for veterans to figure out what kind of job they want. Is that you? Why is that? Is it the fact that every military job has a specific name and you cannot seem to figure out the civilian equivalent of that job? Do you struggle with translating your skills into terms employers will understand? Maybe you just haven’t given much thought to what you do well. Or, maybe you just don’t know enough about the non-military work world to make a career decision. Let’s look at five things that will help you figure out what kind of civilian job you want after your military service: 1. What keeps you awake at night? Do you find yourself thinking about better ways to perform tasks at work, increasing efficiencies, or creating a new method or tool that will make your job
Do you struggle with translating your skills into terms employers will understand? Maybe you just haven’t given much thought to what you do well. easier? Which parts of your job make you do the “mental gymnastics” that you enjoy? 2. What tasks do people approach you for assistance? Are you the GO-TO Person for something at work? Do people say, “This is a job for ______________(fill your name in the blank).” People depend on you for something, and that something might be a clue as to what you might be extremely good at in the civilian world. Could you find a job that plays to your natural strengths, keeping in mind that job might be different from your military position? 3. What do your friends and family say? If you’ve ever gone on leave or vacation and spent some time with your buddies or relatives, you’ll probably get
asked if you plan to make the Military a career OR they’ll ask what you plan to do once you get out. Listen closely. If you’ve ever hinted that you’ve always wanted to be a __________, they’ll certainly remind you. People who care about you want the best for you. They pay close attention to you and can offer suggestions based on things you’ve said that you might not remember. Bounce some ideas off them too. You might find clarity in discovering the perfect job by talking to those who know you well. 4. Get in front of someone who’s doing the job you think you want. You can read job descriptions all day long and well into the night. You can submit resumes until you get carpal tunnel. In
many cases, until you actually talk to someone who is currently doing the job you’re interested in, you won’t know enough to make an informed decision on pursuing that career. Most people would be more than happy to help a veteran learn more about a particular career field. Just ask! Then listen up! 5. Do an Internet search for “Veteran Jobs” and explore what’s out there. Do a search for “Military Skills Translator” and see what these tools can do. Go to the Transition Assistance Program at your military installation. Find a recruiter that helps companies hire Veterans. These are just few things you can do to zone in on the right job. Lastly, the time to start thinking about this is NOW! If you want to figure out the right job for YOU, now is the time to get started! I hope this list of five things helps you generate some ideas as to what meaningful civilian career is best for you. Don’t delay, make plans today.
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[ ON THE HOMEFRONT ]
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Songwriting With: Soldiers expands program BY Jacob Brooks HOmefront MAgazine
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Homefront | FILE
Radney Foster of Nashville plays a song he helped write with participants of a songwriting retreat through Lifequest Transitions on Oct. 28, 2012, at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton. The retreat brought soldiers and their families together help them write about their combat experiences.
songwriting workshop that helps soldiers, veterans and their families cope with the painful memories of war is returning to Central Texas this year. Songwriting With: Soldiers, a program that pairs veterans and activeduty service members with professional songwriters to create songs about their personal experiences in combat and returning home, will host a retreat Feb. 5-7 at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton. The program, based at Boulder Crest Retreats in Bluemont, Va., first came to Belton in 2012, and is expanding partnerships nationwide this year to expand the number of workshops. “SW:S will provide a professional songwriter to work with all veterans at each of the facility’s signature PATHH (Progressive Alternative Therapies for Healing Heroes) retreats in 2016,” according to a news release from the organization. “The expanded partnership will provide SW:S the opportunity to immediately increase the number of veterans reached by nearly 100 annually.” At the 2012 event in Belton, Darden Smith, founder and creative director for Songwriting With: Soldiers, said he started the organization to help soldiers who have experienced trauma during combat deployments. “I thought it might really help someone who needs that kind of an outlet,” he said at the time. “It’s an interesting project.” Smith said when he’s down and writes a song about it, he feels better afterwards and wanted to share that feeling with the participants. “I thought it might really help someone out,” said Smith, an Austin resident. At the 2012 retreat in Belton and many others like them, solders, veterans and their families have been able to come together to talk about their deployment and war experiences, and put their feelings down on paper in the form of a song. “As one of the first programs to be
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
[ ON THE HOMEFRONT ]
Homefront |
Homefront | FILE
Attendees and participants listen to a song written over the 2012 retreat through Lifequest Transitions at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton. The retreat brought soldiers and their families together help them write about their combat experiences overseas. Songwriting With: Soldiers returns to Belton next month for another workshop.
invited to Boulder Crest Retreats, we have been privileged to witness the positive impact they have had on so many veterans and their families,” said SW:S Executive Director Mary Judd. “Their life-changing PATHH program draws veterans from around the country, many from locations we haven’t yet reached. Through this expanded partnership, we will not only work with far more veterans, we will help them stay better connected as a group through their signature PATHH program songs.” Organizers held a songwriting event earlier this month in Katonah, N.Y., and other events are scheduled in Bluemont, Va., in April and Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., in May.
In 2015, SW:S doubled the number of veterans, active-duty service members and military families served, and increased the number of program alumni serving as staff and peer support. In 2015, SW:S doubled the number of veterans, active-duty service members and military families served, and increased the number of program alumni serving as staff and peer support, according to the news release. Last year’s events included sessions at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., a performance at the San Antonio Spurs’ Military Night and being a featured program at the International Trauma
Conference in Boston. “Locations are chosen based on proximity to veteran populations and private retreat centers with peaceful settings, ample meeting and workshop space to allow for intimate events that foster connections, inspire creativity and develop strengths,” according to the news release. Each day ends with a group dinner and special performance of all songs written that day. The retreats end
with a final performance of the songs, recorded for DVD for each participant. Post retreat follow-up includes a CD and photo lyric book sent to all participants along with numerous opportunities to stay connected with each other and the organization and continue building a strong, supportive community, organizers said. To date, more than 200 veterans and their family members have attended the retreats. More than 200 songs have been written and are available for listening at www.songwritingwithsoldiers.org/music. Visit the website for more information or on how to apply for the program. jbrooks@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7468
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[ ON THE HOMEFRONT ]
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Family readiness leaders prep for Korea rotation By Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson 1st Cavalry Division public affairs
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Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson | U.S. Army
Debbi Nash-King, right, family readiness support assistant for 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, meets with Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Ramirez, family readiness leader for the brigade’s 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, and other family readiness leaders on Jan. 7 to discuss family readiness throughout the brigade.
amily readiness leaders and volunteers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, are ramping up to ensure soldiers and families are prepared and supported during the brigade’s nine-month rotation to South Korea, set to begin in February. “In preparation for this deployment, we’ve conducted two deployment fairs for families with local agencies, such as Red Cross, Child and Youth Services, Tricare, legal assistance and many others,” said Debbi Nash-King, family readiness support assistant for the brigade. “Our family readiness groups are ready to engage.” More than 4,000 soldiers with the brigade are deploying to South Korea, and will replace the 1st Cavalry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat that is currently there. Families can face many challenges when soldier are deployed, such as navigating a seemingly complex military system for medical care, pay issues, replacing identification cards and paperwork and many other hurdles, as well as external challenges such as vehicle and home maintenance, bills and childcare. “Everything you need to survive a deployment begins with participating in your family readiness group,” said Nash-King. “The resources we have to offer can make life easier when a piece of the puzzle is missing.” Capt. Cathy Zimmerman, with the 1st Brigade’s 115th Brigade Support Battalion, has been on both sides of the fence. She’s been the spouse of a deployed soldier and has deployed herself. Her husband, Capt. Steve Thompson, a company commander in 2nd Brigade, is currently deployed to South Korea. “The FRGs are a foundation for our families to build on so we can support each other through a difficult time,” said Zimmerman, who serves as an assistant FRG leader in her husband’s company’s family readiness group. Besides participating in the FRG, Zimmerman had one other piece of advice for surviving a deployment. “Just be involved,” said Zimmerman. “Keep an open communication flow of daily business. Don’t let your spouse be out of the loop.” For more information, families and service members should contact their unit’s FRG. In addition, there is supplemental information at www.militaryonesource.mil or by calling 1-800-342-9647.
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Homefront | 11
[ WHAT’s HAPPENING ]
12 | Homefront
Local Music Dirty Harry’s presents live music on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. 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 music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday at Bo’s Barn Dancehall at 4984 W. Farm-to-Market 93 in Temple. Cover: $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. Enjoy live music at Stillhouse Wine Room from 8 p.m. to midnight today and Saturday. Join us for great wine, beer, live jazz and pop, 403 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen. Join Stillhouse Wine Room for the first Game Night on Tuesday. Come grab some playing cards or choose from a variety of board games like checkers, chess, backgammon, scrabble, parcheesi, Chinese checkers and more. Drink specials on game night. Thursday Night Trivia is from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. A variety of topics in a relaxed version of trivia. Every 10 questions someone wins a bottle of wine. Go to StillhouseWineRoom.com. Jon Austin & Faith Ricks performs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. today at the Dead Fish Grill, 2207 Lake Road in Belton. Stoneface Cowboys is Saturday’s featured entertainer from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Call 254-939-5771 or go to www.deadfishgrill.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 Virginia at 254-423-5277 or go to www.facebook.com/pioneerfarmersmarket.
Dancing Join In the Mood for dancing at 13 S. Main St., Temple. Dance classes are available throughout the week. Call 254-773-7088, email itmood@vvm.com or go to inthemoodballroom.com.
Bars, Clubs Chopstick, 2600 Trimmier Road, Suite 200, Killeen has karaoke night 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. every Thursday. Longhorn Saloon, 2503 S. General Bruce Dr., Temple presents Waco’s DJ Loco from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. today and DJ Grito 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday. No cover charge. For more information, call 254-771-1364. Main Street Club, 201 S. Main St., Temple presents DJ Oz from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. today. No cover. For information, call 254-9314827.
Clubs, Meetings The Copperas Cove Bass Club meetings are held at the Lil Tex Restaurant in Copperas Cove on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. For information, call 254661-9274. The Killeen Civic Art Guild has open studio time from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and offers various workshops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at the Killeen Arts & Activities Center, 802 N. Second St., Suite D 100. Contact Jutta Mack at jmack1@hot.rr.com, call 254-466-4040 or go to www.killeencivicartguild.org.
Festivals, Events Toni Ringgold will release her EP, “Timeless”, exclusively at The Life Lounge, 125 Farm-to-Market 3219 in Harker Heights on Jan. 30. Timeless will include the highly anticipated single “W.O.M.A.N.” as well as other original music. This is a BYOB event so bring your favorite cocktail and come dance the night away. Dress to impress, as dress code will be strictly enforced. Space is limited. Tickets: general admis-
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
sion, $15; VIP, $25, includes hors d’oeuvres and reserved seating. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 254-577-0993, email toniringgoldmusic@yahoo.com or go to www.ticketriver.com/search?query=toni+ ringgold. Harker Heights High School presents Harker Heights Choir Knight Club at 7 p.m. Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 in the Harker Heights High School auditorium. Choir students perform country, classic rock, R&B and pop hits with a professional band and light show. All seating is reserved. Tickets are $10 to $25 and available on-line at www. seatyourself.biz/hhhschoirs or at the high school starting Jan. 19. For more information, email HHHSknightclub@yahoo.com.
Fundraisers
The Killeen Ladies Lions Club presents Lighting Up the Dark at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at Vive Les Arts in Killeen. Performances by local drum lines, step teams and dance teams. Proceeds will benefit Leader Dog for the Blind and other area non-profits. Social hour is from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Tickets: $25 for adults; $15 for children. Purchase tickets at www.vlakilleen.org/event/ 5c1826b1b56f 3094b2ac7ba03802e58d or contact Kyra Thomas at KilleenLadiesLions@gmail.com.
Planetarium Several films are now showing at the Mayborn Science Theater at Central Texas College. For show descriptions, full schedule and ticket prices, go to www.starsatnight. org or call 254-526-1800. Have upcoming events to include? Email events@kdhnews.com.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
[ AT THE MOVIES ]
Homefront | 13
Mindless ‘The 5th Wave’ has an unsettling streak By Katie Walsh Tribune News Service
When the apocalypse happens, all that’s going to be left for us are the guns. Which might actually be true, but is also the subtext of the dystopian young adult film hitting theaters this weekend, “The 5th Wave.” The film opens with a winsome blonde teen girl executing a man with a military-style assault rifle, and the teen gunplay only goes further from there. The sight of teens with rifles is one we’re used to from news reports of a much more tragic nature, so the imagery definitely gives one pause. There’s a deeply anti-government streak to the politics of “The 5th Wave,” which imagines a world in which an alien race takes over the planet and starts eradicating the human species in a series of waves that destroy infrastructure, environment and health. The panicked surviving humans band together in the woods until their children are rounded up by the army for “protection.” Teen Cassie (Chloe Grace Moretz) escapes the collection and ends up alone in the woods with only a few guns for her comfort. She sets out to find her little brother, Sam, ostensibly to return his stuffed bear. Perhaps the reason why some of the themes and imagery hit a bit too close is the way the film creates a recognizable world. In young adult hits of the same genre, such as “The Hunger Games,” “Divergent” or “The Maze Runner” the metaphor has a bit more
Chuck Zlotnick | Sony Pictures
Nick Robinson, left, and Chloe Grace Moretz in Columbia Pictures’ “The 5th Wave.”
freedom because the worlds in which they take place are visually fantastical, and therefore removed from our reality. Everything in the “The 5th Wave” feels, or at least looks, real. This could be an opportunity for a subversive and satirical text, and at times, “The 5th Wave” comes close to feeling like Paul Verhoeven’s great propaganda parody “Starship Troopers,” particularly in the scenes of the young kids suiting up for battle — a small blonde girl in full tactical gear and a long rifle is just funny (or is it?). But this film is sorely lacking in irony — if there is any camp or humor to be found (and there is some) it’s mostly unintentional. There’s your to-be-expected love triangle, with hunky loner lumberjack
Evan Walker (Alex Roe) positioned against high school crush Ben Parish (Nick Robinson). The execution of said triangle is unfortunately, generically laughable. Expository speeches are the technique of choice for writ-
ers Susannah Grant, Akiva Goldsman and Jeff Pinkner, who adapted Rick Yancey’s novel. Not only does Cassie have a voice-over to explain things, but characters dump information in rapid fire speeches filled with revelations of machinations that they’ve put together awfully quickly. The twists and turns of the plot are telegraphed from miles away, so there’s not an ounce of suspense. The filmmaking itself (the film is directed by J Blakeson) is aesthetically pleasing enough, and the story clips along at a fair pace. Moretz is a charismatic actor but her performance here is fairly standard-issue. Maria Bello relishes a chance to chew scenery as one of the manipulative Army sergeants, while Liev Schreiber phones it in for a paycheck as the colonel. On the surface, “The 5th Wave” is mindlessly silly enough, but has a weirdly virulent pro-gun, libertarian streak just under the surface. But really, haven’t teens always been the true libertarians?
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[ Dining IN ]
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Just desserts: There are several ways to soften brown sugar By Susan Selasky Detroit Free Press
KIMBERLY P. MITCHELL | Detroit Free Press
What’s the best way to store brown sugar so it doesn’t get hard? — Marie Plester, Livonia, Mich. So you wanted to start baking, but when you grabbed the brown sugar it was hard as a rock. You can thank molasses, in part, for that. Once brown sugar is exposed to air, that thin coating of molasses evaporates and the sugar crystals stick together and turn hard. Once a bag of brown sugar is opened, it is important to seal shut the plastic packaging (use a chip clip) and store it in an air-tight container. But in case it’s too late, rest assured: There are several ways to soften hardened brown sugar. One of the most popular ways is to soften it up in the microwave. To soften it, follow this method from www.dominosugar.com: Place about ½ pound of the hardened brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover sugar with two pieces of wet (but not dripping) white paper towel. Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap. Heat in microwave on high for 1½-2 minutes. Remove from the microwave and use a fork to stir and break up the sugar. (Caution: the sugar will be hot.) Domino’s recommends microwaving only the amount of sugar you need because it will harden as it cools. Here are other ways to soften brown sugar: • You can place brown sugar clumps in a paper bag and add a couple of apple wedges or a slice of bread. Close the bag tightly and leave for one to two days. • Take clumps of hardened brown sugar and run it across a grater to break it up. • Use a gadget called a Brown Sugar Bear, which is made of clay. Placing the Brown Sugar Bear in with the brown sugar will help keep it soft for 3 to 6 months depending on the climate. You can also use the Brown Sugar Bear to keep cookies and raisins soft. • Reader Linda Nagle reminded me of this one: Place 3 to 4 medium marshmallows in the bag. The difference between light and dark brown sugar is that the dark has
twice as much molasses. Dark brown sugar, of course, in turn has a stronger molasses flavor. In recipes, light and dark brown sugar are interchangeable, unless specified. Both white sugar and packed brown sugar have about the same nutritional values: 1 teaspoon has 4 to 4.5 grams of carbohydrates and 16-17 calories. Finally, don’t confuse brown sugar with sugar labeled “raw” or “turbinado.” Although slightly blondish in color and similar in flavor to brown sugar, raw sugar is “the residue left after sugarcane has been processed to remove the molasses and refine the sugar crystals,” according to the “Food Lover’s Companion” by Sharon Tyler Herbst (Barron’s, $12.95). Turbinado sugar is
sugar that’s been steam- cleaned and is more the color of light brown sugar.
THE ULTIMATE HEART SMART CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Makes: 24 Preparation time: 15 minutes Total time: 35 minutes Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray ¼ cup trans fat-free margarine ¼ cup (2 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese ¾ cup packed brown sugar ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt ¾ cup miniature chocolate chips ½ cup walnuts, chopped Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray; set aside. In a medium bowl, beat together margarine, cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt and stir into sugar mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges begin to brown. Cool on wire rack. Created by Kelli Gibbs, dietetic intern, for Heart Smart and tested by Susan Selasky for the Free Press Test Kitchen.
[ Dining IN ]
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Homefront | 15
Bob Fila | Chicago Tribune
Corn chowder with franks brings out kid in you, wines make it grown-up By Michael Austin Chicago Tribune
The comfort food appeal of corn chowder of this 1960s era recipe still holds today, especially with the hot dog garnish, which will make you feel like a kid again. Gussy it up with a more grown-up sausage, if you like, but we vote for franks. Either way, pair it with one of the richly textured white wines below for a down-home meets uptown match.
MAKE THIS
CORN CHOWDER WITH FRANKS Heat 1 large potato, finely chopped, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 3 cups
water, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 can (14¾ ounces) creamed corn, and 1 can (12 ounces) unsweetened evaporated milk to a gentle simmer in a large saucepan. Cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Add 4 hot dogs, thinly sliced; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter; season with salt, if desired. Makes: 6 servings Recipe by Bill Daley
DRINK THIS
Pairings by sommelier Ryan Arnold, divisional wine director for Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, as told to Michael Austin: 2013 Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Chardon-
nay, California: Chardonnay is a nobrainer when it comes to this creamedcorn-meets-hot-dogs recipe. This wine has aromas of lemon peel and honey, a hint of smokiness and a slightly creamy texture that will match the weight of the dish. Sandhi uses slightly larger barrels called puncheons (as opposed to the smaller barriques), which means the fruit can really emerge and the wines don’t get over-oaked or cloying. 2010 Dopff Pinot Gris, Grandu Cru Schoenenbourg, Alsace, France: Lower in acidity than sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, pinot gris feels more round and supple on the palate, and tastes of pear and yellow apple. Those
flavors will work well here, and the wine’s texture will perfectly mirror the texture of the chowder. This wine also tends to have a touch of residual sugar, which will play nicely with the sweetness of the corn. 2012 Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc, Loire Valley, France: This chenin blanc possesses flavors of baked apple, tangerine, honey and ginger, and will complement the heartiness of the dish’s potatoes, creamed corn and butter. It also offers both a rich texture and mouthwatering acidity. Domaine Guiberteau is in the Loire Valley’s appellation of Saumur, and is making some of the most exquisite white wines in the world, especially for the price.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2016