Homefront | February 2017

HOMEFRONT A Fort Hood Herald publication | February 22, 2017

Transitioning out of military P3 | Helping homeless vets P9 | Car show at PX P10

| Homefront

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

[ Inside this issue ] Holding Down the Homefront: Transitioning out of the military

Page 3

Financial Fitness: Say no to extra monthly payments

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Financial Fitness: Soft skills that help with veteran careers

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Financial Fitness: Does ‘I do’ mean joint accounts

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On the Homefront: Helping homeless veterans

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On the Homefront: Fort Hood Car Show

Page 10

What’s Happening: Upcoming area events

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Dining In: Enchilada ring perfect for parties

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Dining In: Curry chicken cooks quickly

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Dining In: Hoagie stands up to chicken Parmesan

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Vol. 10, Issue 2 | February 22, 2017 Homefront is a Fort Hood Herald publication.

Contact Us Editor: David A. Bryant | dbryant@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7554 Contributors: Abbey Sinclair | Kim Stock | Andy Zavoina On the cover: Anuhea Natividad hands out fliers to incoming Wal-Mart shoppers in Copperas Cove. | Photo by Kim Stock.

Find more news at forthoodherald.com.

Homefront |

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Transitioning out of the military can feel like a roller coaster ride

W

hen my husband transitioned out of the Army several weeks ago, it took me a minute to realize; “Wait a minute, he’s going to be home now — All. The. Time.”

This epiphany hit hard as I struggled to wrap my mind around our soonto-be new schedule. Or should I say, lack thereof. The thing is, the majority of the time that we’ve been together or married, he’s been away, either at work or traveling for work.

Has that been lonely? Very much so, yes. But over time, you get used to it and the constant quiet of a near-empty house becomes the norm. With the arrival of our son nearly two years ago, my little one and I adjusted to much of the same — quiet days with just the two of us, filled with books and naps and too many meals to count spent staring at each other, him in his high chair and me in my chair.

But never much Dad. Dad was the guy that came home at the end of the day, tired.

But now, Dad is here all the time. I’d be lying if I said that in the first week or two, this didn’t drive me nuts. A normal week for me is spent with a casually-regimented schedule of work obligations, gym and park time and library visits, with a weekly trip to the store penciled in when I have the time. I was fine with the seemingly

All of a sudden, every day felt like a weekend day. Which sounds great in theory, until you have a husband at home all day long, giving you vague answers about what his plans are for the day/week, and generally placing himself directly in the path Holding down the Homefront Abbey Sinclair

directionless path that some weekends took, because I knew they would ultimately end — and yes, I’m one of those people who needs structure, or at least a vague knowledge of what each day will hold.

All of a sudden, every day felt like a weekend day. Which sounds great in theory, until you have a husband at home all day long, giving you vague answers about what his plans are for the day/week, and generally placing himself directly in the path of everything you try to do (for example, plopped down on my “creativity spot” — the cozy area where I sit to write.

Grrr).

It’s been especially challenging for my husband, too. After years in the military, he functions best on a schedule, a routine. And there’s also the unknowns — the stress of applying for

of everything you try to do (for example, plopped down on my ‘creativity spot’ — the cozy area where I sit to write. Grrr). jobs and performing well during interviews, not to mention thinking about possible future living arrangements.

So many possibilities. Too many. It becomes overwhelming, and we have both felt that weight on our shoulders.

Thankfully, as I go about my usual day-to-day routine and he finishes his graduate degree, we’ve been able to gradually find our footing, going to the gym together some mornings and communicating as much as possible to coordinate our daily schedules.

As the days have passed, it’s also impossible to ignore certain perks of our new arrangement. Since hubby’s been home, he’s been grocery shopping with us, tagged along to appointments and ventured out to the park — all things that rarely ever happened in our past life. Most importantly, our son has his father around a lot more now and is

loving every minute of it. Their relationship has bloomed, and I’ve seen a huge difference in their bond.

When he was working, I never would have said that my spouse would ever be able to hack it as a stay-at-home parent. Now, I might answer differently.

Being more present in our son’s life has not only enhanced their relationship, but has made him a more effective caregiver as he becomes increasingly comfortable with our little one’s everyday needs and routines.

So, for all those looking ahead who may be transitioning out of the Army (or Navy, or Marines, or Air Force), hang in there. Life is about to throw you some curveballs, but you will learn to catch them, one right after the other.

Abbey Sinclair is former Army spouse and a Herald correspondent. She lives in Killeen.

| Homefront

[ Financial fitness ]

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Avoid debt by saying no to an additional monthly payment

By Chad Storlie Courtesy USAA

Monthly payments are often an irresistible trap to get what we want for a small fee. After all, who does not want the latest car, smart phone or access to the latest on-line movie? We all want these things, which is why the additional monthly payment is one of the easiest ways to get into debt.

Follow these tips to find ways to avoid another monthly payment.

No. 1 Just Do Not Look. Say no to any opportunity to go and look at something that you know that you cannot afford or do not need. I love skeet shooting and the featherweight, engraved high-end shotguns. My dad had a beautiful gun that he used for skeet and I have wanted one like it for decades. However, I have college funds, new tires, and retirement investments that I need to make in order to meet my financial goals. Therefore, I do not go to gun stores and I do not go to “just look.”

The access of credit cards and impulse financing make it too easy to make a

financial mistake. By not looking, you avoid the impulse and temptation to stray from your financial plan.

No. 2 New Things Do Not Bring Happiness. How many times do we believe that when I get this new car, phone, computer, etc. then it will make me happy and content? We purchase the item and it does make us happy, but only for a very short time. Then, we are on to wanting the next item. The simple realization that buying more does not bring happiness, then it makes it easy to say no. Instead of looking for happiness in shopping, find something constructive to do. Take a class, exercise, walk in the woods, read a book at the library, or find a quiet place and just relax. Understanding that purchased items will not make you happy is a big step that will help you avoid debt.

No. 3 Pay Off Your Existing Monthly Payment. One of the best ways to remain out of debt is to accelerate your existing monthly payments if you find something that you truly want. Want a new car? Then pay off your existing car quickly so you can purchase a new

car. The act of retiring old debt before taking on new debt keeps your personal budget and finances in alignment with your goals. Debt happens when we over extend our monthly payments so less and less of our monthly income is available for necessities and emergencies. Then, an emergency happens, we do not have the savings to deal with the emergency, and the monthly payments get even higher. Paying off your existing debt ahead of schedule before taking on new debt keeps your debt levels and financial obligations in line.

No. 4 Expand Your Emergency Fund. Expanding your emergency fund seems to be one of the least exciting and certainly least satisfying things that you can do with your income. You have items you want to buy, bills you want to pay down early, and you have to set even more money aside in case something “happens.” Building your Emergency Fund larger helps you to be prepared for even larger financial emergencies. A roof repair, a health emergency, and even a major car repair can throw monthly financial obliga-

tions into massive disarray and start down the path to serve personal debt.

A larger Emergency Fund, although unexciting, is the best way to ensure a one-time negative financial event does not lead to a personal debt emergency.

No. 5 Creative Store Financing Is Not Your Friend. Most store sales people are well prepared for the arguments of emergency funds, holding down debt levels, and just saying no. However, the sales pitch is usually something like a perfect dream. You use the store financing, drive home with the item today, and then the financing does not start for another eight months, or has very low initial rate, or the item can be returned with “no questions asked.”

These financing methods sound great, but that is where the greatness ends.

Ultimately, these unscrupulous financing methods compound your personal financial debt and do not erase the debt burden.

Avoiding additional monthly payments are one of the key ways to remain on your budget and on your financial plan.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

[ Financial fitness ]

Homefront |

Soft military skills that deliver hard results for military veteran careers

By Chad Storlie Courtesy USAA

Translating and applying military skills sets to post-military careers is an invaluable, essential, and vital steps for military veterans to have the best opportunity for career success following military service. Leadership, Coaching, Training, and finding Solutions to problems are only a few of the ways to add value. The way to get excited, engaged, and successful in your new civilian career is to leverage and employ your hard-learned military skills in your new civilian career.

NO. 1 Help Your Boss Define Success. In the military, as junior leaders, we were used to helping advice, assisting, and developing our military commanders in their professional duties. Key to this development was helping them determine the description and definition of a successful military operation. In the civilian world, some leaders are extremely protective of

their professional position and may resent the ideas of a subordinate helping them define success. To help leaders overcome their fear, start with a small project and show how you can define the success. This is a small impact and powerful example that shows your boss what can be done without appearing to threaten their authority.

No. 2 Train Your Team To Excel At Their Current (and Future) Jobs.

Another military skill that works great for the civilian workplace is training others to do their jobs better and how to do your job. Often times, people believe that by not teaching others how to perform their job, they preserve their position. However, by not training a replacement, you confine yourself to your current position because you cannot be replaced. Training, developing, educating, and improving your team to perform their jobs better and how to do your job makes them better at their own jobs, makes your team better, and makes your team motivated because

you are demonstrating how they can succeed in their careers.

No. 3 Ensure Life Outside of Work Is Good. A classic military job of the Squad Leader or Section Leader was to check on Soldiers outside of work, in the barracks, and their home off base.

The belief was that if a person was having trouble outside of work, then how they could perform well while at work. This applies equally in the civilian workplace. Most workers want to keep their work and home life private, which is fine. Inquiring about how their children are doing, their spouse, and the general activities of their home life is a great way to show that you care without being to obtrusive. In addition, giving employees time off for major life events and personal emergencies, as long as it is not over used, is a great way to demonstrate that you care personally about them and their success.

No. 4 Create, Test, and Offer Solutions for Problems Then Implement. Another great military

skill set is when problem identification, initiative and execution intersect.

This is when people identify problems, create a solution, test to make sure it works, and then implement the solution all with their own initiative. This discipline to creativity, innovation, and initiative is what makes military and civilian teams great. Again, many civilian bosses can be uncomfortable with this initiative, but it has great value to a business and to customer satisfaction. Start with small problems, solve this effectively, and move onto larger challenges.

Soft skills from the military combine initiative, leadership, problem definition, idea creation, innovative solutions, and effective execution. Some civilian bosses make time to become comfortable with these concepts, but all civilian leaders will find them effective and the right task to perform to make customers satisfied and create a profitable business that customers want to use repeatedly.

| Homefront

[ Financial fitness ]

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Does ‘I do’ mean joint accounts? Military spouses weigh in

By Briana Hartzell Courtesy of USAA

If you are planning to take a good look at your finances and make savings goals for the New Year, you are not alone. This is a great time to make goals for savings, investment and money management in general. As I reviewed my family’s financial plan and discussed our savings goals with my spouse, it made me curious how other military families handled their finances.

My husband and I married in 2008 and we combined all of our finances.

We merged savings accounts and opened one shared checking account.

We lived apart the first year of our marriage and having one place for our paychecks to deposit made managing our money and paying bills easier.

When he deployed in 2013, I took over the main roll of managing our accounts and bills and continued to do so when he returned. I assumed this was

how most married military couples handled things (joint accounts), but after a poll of some Navy spouses, I realized there are so many ways couples successful manage their household finances.

Kendra: ‘We have a joint, but also each have a separate… savings. We use joint for bills, then we are allotted “spending or spare money for our own accounts. Bills are paid out of the total pot, not necessarily paid by one or the other. I (the wife) do all the finances, as my husband doesn’t have any desire to deal with them.’

Skya: Our arrangement is similar, we have joint accounts and separate, agreeing on a percentage of our income that we each contribute (we’ve upped that amount recently with him retiring and losing income, and mine being higher than his is about to be so we have enough to live on), and maintain separate accounts for expenses like our respective cars and other discretionary expenses. In the early years of our mar-

riage when he was deployed a lot of the time, I paid all the bills and kept an eye on the accounts, but “management” really isn’t my forte, conservative spending is. However, he’s been around more in the last few years and has been becoming more aware of income for retirement, so he’s been tracking our monthly spending more.

Jodi: We have joint accounts for checking and savings. We find joint accounts easier to manage our money.

I take care of all the finances in the household. We each have a budget of how much we can spend and I check the account activity usually every two days to make sure we are on track.

We have specifically been working on building our credit and saving money to buy a house. So we use credit cards for everything and I pay in full each month.

Lis: We have a joint checking account that our pay goes into and bills get paid out of. Then we each have a separate account that we put an “allowance” into

each paycheck that we use for incidentals, out-of-home meals, and personal expenses. We also put a set amount plus anything left over into a joint savings account.

Rebecca: We have a joint account, and we have two checking accounts, one where bills come out of, and one for groceries/misc. We add up the total cost of bills, and take half of that each paycheck to put away in the bill account. It makes the first of the month much less stressful because that’s when the biggest chunk gets taken out, and we never have to worry about not having enough money.

Karen: Joint account for household spending, bills, and kids. Separate account for personal spending. Since we didn’t make the same amount of money, we set a percentage of our paycheck to go into our joint account.

Since I stopped working and became a stay at home mom, he contributes to the joint account — in addition to our income from rental property. That way,

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

we can spend for our own needs without questions.

Alisa: We have joint accounts and separate accounts. Both our paychecks go into a “community” account and that is where all the bills are paid from.

Then some of the “leftover” money goes into a joint savings and then we each get an “allowance” into our personal accounts. I 100 percent handle all the finances. I find it is easier this way since all of our bills are shared bills that we both feel like we are contributing and

[ Financial fitness ]

we get equal “allowances” which allows us to save up for things that we want individually. Neither one of us has to ask the other one for money- It makes it feel like more of a partnership. No one feels like the other one is in control of what the other one can/cannot buy.

Sapphire: We have separate accounts, but with the same bank. I have access to his, and he as has access to mine and I can transfer from his account to mine whenever I need anything, we need to still set it up for him to transfer from

mine to his. I like it separate because if something were to happen to his account or to him I would still be able to have access to funds to pay for things, by having my own account. Although we have separate accounts, we share the budgeting, and go over things with each other before buying “wants.”

Kara: We have a joint account and I take care of most of the bills (makes it easier when he deploys). We have 2 savings accounts (1 for Christmas and 1 for incidentals).

Homefront |

Andrea: Joint everything. Both of us came from family backgrounds of “what’s mine is yours” once you get married, and we both feel the same way. We didn’t really consider doing anything different. I do a majority of the finances because I’m always on the computer and know all the passwords.

I hope these testimonies help validate the way your family manages accounts or gave you a few ideas how you could change if your current setup is not working as well as you hoped.

| Homefront

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

[ On the HOmefront ]

Homefront |

Helping homeless veterans

Cove 7-year-old raises funds for Operation Stand Down-Central Texas

By David A. Bryant Homefront

C

OPPERAS COVE — He may be mighty young, but already Jr. Mr. Rabbit Fest Keli’i Natividad, 7, has a big heart.

Since his father is a veteran, Keli’i decided he wanted to do something to help out veterans and asked to do a drive on behalf of Operation Stand Down-Central Texas to raise muchneeded items and money to help homeless veterans. And with the help of his Rabbit Fest royalty family, the young man set up shop in front of Wal-Mart on Feb. 18 to do just that.

Operation Stand Down-Central Texas is a Copperas Cove nonprofit that aims to give homeless veterans the tools they need to survive and become productive members of society again.

Keli’i’s father, Franco Natividad, a former Army staff sergeant and a Purple Heart Medal recipient, said he couldn’t be more proud of his son.

“My son is usually the type to just have fun, be a kid, do kid stuff,” Natividad said. “So when he told my wife and my mom that he wanted to do this for Operation Stand Down, to help homeless veterans, it put a knot in my throat.

I mean, I don’t tell him to do things like this — I don’t even tell him I got hurt down range. His actions speak louder than any words I could ever say, and I’m grateful for that.”

While the normally outgoing Keli’i became a little shy when talking about why he was holding the drive, he did manage to get out some very enthusiastic “yes” answers.

Your dad’s a veteran, isn’t he? “Yes.” Are you doing this because of him?

“Yes!” Is helping out homeless veterans a good thing? “Yes.” Is that why you’re wanting to help out the homeless?

“Yes!” Anything other than just yes?

“Um, yes?”

Joann Courtland, the nonprofit’s director, said it was wonderful to see someone so young become involved

Photos by Kim Stock | Homefront

Jr. Mr. Rabbit Fest Keli’i Natividad and his father, Franco Natividad, a former Army staff sergeant and Purple Heart recipient, hand out fliers to Copperas Cove Wal-Mart shoppers to encourage donations to Operation Stand Down-Central Texas, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless veterans.

in making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

“I think it’s awesome — I think it really shows the community that whether you’re young or old, it doesn’t matter,” she said. “If you have thoughts of helping other people, which we all should, you can get out and make a difference.

Even if you’re 7.”

Part of Keli’i’s Rabbit Fest royalty family is his grandmother — Franco’s mother — Edith Natividad, who is serving as the Rabbit Fest Ambassador.

“I’m very proud of my grandson. As young as he is, he wanted to help out the veterans because his dad is a vet-

eran and grandfather is a veteran,” she said. “We’re hoping that the people will turn out and help out for a good cause.”

For more information on Operation Stand Down-Central Texas, or for how to donate, go to www.osdct.org. dbryant@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7554

10 | Homefront

[ On the HOmefront ]

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Food, music and fun for all

Soldiers and families enjoy car show at main PX

Many cars were on display Feb. 18 at the Fort Hood Car Show at the Clear Creek Exchange.

By David A. Bryant Homefront

T

Photos by Andy Zavoina | Homefront

he weather was perfect for a day of food, music and fun as the Army & Air Force Exchange Service on Fort Hood hosted a family-friendly car show Feb. 18 at the Clear Creek Exchange.

Soldiers and their families admired more than 40 cars, from classic to modern muscle, while enjoying music and taking advantage of games and bounce houses available for the children.

“We’ve got the car show, family fun day with great events for the whole family,” said Sandra Reed, Clear Creek PX main store manager. “The majority are classic cars, although there are some newer ones. There’s a Corvette club that came out here and even a vintage firehouse truck here, which is really neat.”

Reed, an Air Force veteran, said the Exchange put on the show to give something back to the troops.

“They give so much, so we wanted to do something fun for the entire family so everyone could come out and enjoy themselves,” she said. “We’re hoping to have a lot of people come out and enjoy the great weather.”

Spc. John Collins, with 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, said he really enjoyed looking at the cars.

“I’ve been here for about two years now, and this is the first time I’ve heard of a car show on post,” he said. “I’ve been deployed, so maybe there was something in between, but this is the first time I’ve been to one. I’m liking it so far.”

Collin’s wife, Mozelle, said it was a great event.

“It’s very interesting with all the old cars, all the turbo-chargers and getting to know the vehicles,” she said.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

[ On the HOmefront ]

Homefront | 11

ABOVE: This 1926 Model T “Tall T” was on display at the Fort Hood Car Show hosted at the Clear Creek Exchange on Feb. 18. BELOW: The Fort Hood Car Show had a bounce house for the kids.

“I think it’s very good that the (PX) is trying something new.”

Both agreed that the show was likely to bring a lot of families out because it was a fresh and exciting event.

Retired Sgt. 1st Class George Arnold, of Killeen, brought his tricked-out 1997 Nissan pickup to the event.

“This is a good thing — some of the soldiers might look and see, ‘oh, I want to get one of these,’ and it’s just a great thing for them to go out and do instead of getting into trouble,” Arnold said.

“The soldiers and families can just come out for some good, clean family fun.”

Arnold said he does at least 10 car shows a year, but he really enjoys going to places such as Fort Hood for an event.

“Doing stuff like this, I don’t look for trophies all the time,” he said. “This right here is a real nice event, and I’m glad Fort Hood would put something on like it.” dbryant@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7554

[ What’s Happening ]

12 | Homefront

Best Bets The Central Texas Astronomical Society’s next Bell County Star Party is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Overlook Park, near Stillhouse Hollow Lake outside Belton.

The event is free and open to the public, weather permitting. Go to www.centexastronomy.org.

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.

Catch live music for dancing Friday and Saturday at Bo’s Barn Dancehall at 4984 W. Farm-to-Market 93 in Temple. Cover is $8 to $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 Friday and Saturday.

Wednesday is Karaoke Night. 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. For information, go to StillhouseWineRoom.com.

Farmers Markets All-Year Pioneer Farmers Market will be open in front of Tractor Supply Co., 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. today and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The market is in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement Store at W.S. Young Drive and Lowes Boulevard. For more information, contact Hugh McDanel at 254-813-5177 or go to www.facebook. com/greenacresfs.

Family Fun The Bell County Museum presents “Citizens at Last: The Woman Suffrage Movement in Texas” and “Changing the Face of

Power: Women in the U.S. Senate” through May 20. The exhibits are on display in the upstairs gallery of the historic Carnegie Library building at the Bell County Museum in Belton. The museum is free and is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday. For more information, call 254933-5243.

Temple’s Railroad and Heritage Museum, 315 W. Avenue B in downtown, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For information, call 254-298-5172.

Arts & Theater Central Texas College presents “My Journey,” a mixed-media assemblage by Myrna Hawkins, in the upstairs art gallery of the campus library through March 2. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular CTC library hours: from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday; and from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Royal Street Art Walk is from 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Friday of the month along Royal Street in Salado. For more information, call Salado Glassworks at 254-947-0339 or go to www.royalstreetartwalk.com.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

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

Planetarium Several films are now showing at the Mayborn Science Theater at Central Texas College. Matinee shows are $5 per person and the Saturday evening shows are $7 for adults and $6 for children younger than the age of 12. 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.

Have upcoming events to include? Email events@kdhnews.com.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

[ Dining in ]

Homefront | 13

Enchilada Ring makes plenty of servings for dinner or a party mild, or to taste 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper Juice of 1 lime 1 cup favorite salsa, divided 2/3 cup finely crushed tortilla chips, divided 2 packages (8 ounces each) reducedfat crescent rolls 1 teaspoon canola oil Sour cream for serving, optional

By Susan Selasky Detroit Free Press

This Enchilada Ring is not only big on flavor, but low in fat and calories, too. The outside base is made with reduced-fat crescent rolls that are folded over of filling of chili-spiced chicken, olives and canned greened chilies.

Don’t worry about the lengthy ingredient list, most are pantry staples. And for the cooked shredded chicken? Use rotisserie chicken.

ENCHILADA RING

Serves: 16 Preparation time: 20 minutes Total time: 45 minutes For the chili powder in this recipe, we used ground ancho chili powder, which has a mild, somewhat smoky flavor.

3½ to 4 cups cooked shredded chicken 1 small can (4 ounces) sliced black olives 1½ cups reduced-fat shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar cheese blend

Regina H. Boone | Detroit Free Press

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, undrained ¾ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder, hot or

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium bowl, mix the chicken, olives, 1¼ cups cheese, green chilies, mayonnaise, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, lime juice and ¼ cup salsa. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the crushed tortilla chips and mix the remaining into the chicken mixture.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or have ready a baking stone.

Sprinkle reserved crushed chips over a large cutting board. Unroll the crescent rolls, do not separate, and place dough onto chips, pressing down so the chips adhere to the dough.

Separate the dough into triangles.

Arrange the triangles, chip side down, in a circle on the baking sheet or stone.

Wide ends should overlap in the center and points should be toward the outside.

There should be about a 5-inch diameter opening in the center.

Scoop the chicken mixture onto the wide ends leaving about a ¼-inch space from the opening. Bring points of the triangles up over filling and tuck securely under wide ends. Do not cover filling completely. It should show a bit between each triangle.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with the canola oil and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Remove from oven and let stand a few minutes before slicing.

Serve with the remaining ¾ cup salsa and, if desired, sour cream.

Adapted from the Pampered Chef.

Tested by Susan M. Selasky for the Free Press Test Kitchen.

Nutrition per serving: 221 calories (42 percent from fat), 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 18 g carbohydrates, 15 g protein, 548 mg sodium, 36 mg cholesterol, 1 g fiber.

[ Dining in ]

14 | Homefront

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Cook curry chicken — a fast, savory dish

By Linda Gassenheimer

Linda Gassenheimer | TNS

Tribune News Service

Add a little curry powder to roasted chicken and vegetables for a quick, tasty dinner.

For this quick meal, I used curry powder from the supermarket spice section. Strictly speaking, prepared curry powder doesn’t really exist in India. Good cooks prefer to make their own blend of spices using the freshest ingredients. The curry powder found in the markets should be used within 3 to 4 months. After that it loses some of its flavor.

Fred Tasker’s wine suggestion: Curry calls for a white wine with lots of fruit and a bit of sweetness; I’d try a viognier.

Helpful Hints: • A Golden Delicious apple can be used instead of the Granny Smith.

• Minced garlic can be found in the produce section of the market or crush and use 1 medium garlic clove instead.

• Add another ¼ teaspoon curry powder if you like it spicy hot.

Countdown: Prepare the ingredients.

Make chicken. Microwave rice while chicken cooks.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for tonight’s Dinner in Minutes.

To buy: 1 bottle curry powder, 1 Granny Smith apple, 1 tomato, 1 container fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth, ¾ pound cooked chicken breast, 1 small box raisins, ½ pound green beans, 1 package frozen diced onion, 1 package microwaveable white rice and 1 carton plain non-fat yogurt.

Staples: canola oil, minced garlic, flour, cinnamon, salt and black peppercorns.

CURRIED CHICKEN

2 teaspoons canola oil ½ tablespoon curry powder 1 cup frozen diced onion 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 cups green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 tart apple (Granny Smith), cored and cut into cubes (about 1 ½ cups) 1 tablespoon flour 1 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth 10 ounces cooked chicken breast cut into ½-1-inch pieces (about 1 ½ cups) ¼ cup raisins 1 medium tomato cut into small wedges

¼ cup non-fat plain yogurt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Salt and freshly ground black pepper

drates, 9.8 g fiber, 602 mg sodium.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the curry powder, onion, garlic, green beans and apple. Saute 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until absorbed by vegetables, about 30 seconds.

Add the broth and simmer until broth thickens, 2 minutes. Stir in the chicken, raisins and tomatoes. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes to warm the chicken. Remove from heat and stir in the yogurt, cinnamon and add salt and pepper to taste.

Yield 2 servings.

Nutrition per serving: 481 calories (20 percent from fat), 10.5 g fat (1.7 g saturated, 5.1 g monounsaturated), 126 mg cholesterol, 50.6 g protein, 54 g carbohy-

1 package microwaveable white rice to make 1 ½ cups cooked rice 1 teaspoon canola oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper

QUICK RICE

Microwave rice according to package instructions. Measure 1 ½-cups cooked rice into a bowl and save any remaining rice for another time. Mix oil and salt and pepper to taste into the rice.

Yield 2 servings.

Nutrition per serving: 189 calories (12 percent from fat), 2.6 g fat (0.3 g saturated, 1.5 g monounsaturated), no cholesterol, 3.3 g protein, 37 g carbohydrates, 0.6 g fiber, 2 mg sodium.

Recipes by Linda Gassenheimer

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

[ Dining In ] Zbigniew Bzdak | Chicago Tribune

Hoagie roll stands up to hearty chicken Parmesan sandwich

By Leah Eskin Chicago Tribune

The sandwich in need of housing can’t consult Zillow. Nor will the multiple listing service do. She’s got to pound the pavement of the actual market, in the bakery aisle.

Her dream home should have it all: sturdy construction that can support a crisp chicken cutlet, room for the rambunctious peppers and tomatoes and neat curb appeal. Sliced bread is out of the question. Too many windows, as it were. Her agent suggests she confine her search to rolls.

In today’s hot marketplace, there’s plenty of inventory. The submarine: capacious, if a tad nautical. The hero: similar, though more grandiose. The club roll: compact, but rather exclusive.

Ciabatta: overbuilt. Kaiser: bad karma.

The agent saves the best for last: the hoagie. It’s strong, but not tough. Spacious, but not sprawling. Complete with a tasteful, tender-crumb interior. The sandwich moves in immediately and, after a quick toast, closes the deal.

PARMESAN SANDWICH Prep: 15 minutes Wait: 2 to 24 hours Cook: 15 minutes Makes: 2 servings

1 cup buttermilk Kosher salt 2 chicken cutlets, 4 ounces each 6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese 6 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

Freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced 1 cup halved grape tomatoes 1 cup yellow bell pepper matchsticks ¼ cup whole hot cherry peppers (from a jar) 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper 2 hoagie rolls ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1. Marinate: Whisk together the buttermilk and 1½ teaspoons salt. Add cutlets.

Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours.

2. Dredge: Stir together Parmesan cheese, Panko, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Pull cutlets out of their buttermilk bath and dredge in Parm mix. Heat oven to 250 degrees. Keep handy a baking sheet lined with paper towels.

3. Brown: In a medium skillet, heat oil and butter over medium. When hot, add garlic. Cook until golden and crisp, 1 minute; scoop out with a slotted spoon. Add cutlets to the pan. Cook until crisp brown outside and tender inside, about 3 minutes per side. Slide cutlets onto the baking sheet, and keep warm in oven.

4. Soften: Add tomatoes, bell peppers, cherry peppers and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened (but still hold their shape), about 5 minutes. Stir in crisp garlic.

5. Toast: Open rolls. Cover the bottom faces with mozzarella. Toast in a toaster oven or under a hot boiler until cheese melts, about 4 minutes.

6. Build: Stack one chicken cutlet on each bun bottom. Top with tomato mixture. Close. Squish. Munch.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017