Homefront Magazine July 2015

HOMEFRONT A Fort Hood Herald publication | July 29, 2015

Christmas in July fundraiser P8 | Smoothie King coming P10 | Title hunt P11

| Homefront

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

[ Inside this issue ] Letters from the Homefront: Army spouses band together

Page 4

Financial Fitness: Financial readiness key to military readiness

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Financial Fitness: Teaching teens good money habits

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Financial Fitness: Ace back-to-school shopping

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On the Homefront: Christmas in July at fundraiser

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On the Homefront: Smoothie King coming to Fort Hood

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On the Homefront: Veteran seeks second pageant crown

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In the Classroom: Back-to-school bashes planned

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What’s Happening: Upcoming area events

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Dining In: Celebrate summer with ice pops

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Dining In: Grilled hot dogs get gourmet twist

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Vol. 8, Issue 7 | July 29, 2015 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 Photographers: Eric J. Shelton | 254-501-7460 Designer: M. Clare Haefner | chaefner@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7551 On the cover: Santa’s Workshop President Tracy Curran, left, speaks with Jose Garcia, center, and Maria Garcia during Fort Hood’s Santa’s Workshop annual Christmas in July fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse in Killeen. Photo by Eric J. Shelton.

Find more news at forthoodherald.com.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Homefront |

| Homefront

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Army spouses should band together, regardless of soldier rank

W

hen I was newly married to my soldier in 1991, a spouse warned me to not let the commander’s wife catch me talking with the spouse of an enlisted soldier. Was she serious? Sure, my husband was a young second lieutenant, but I was nervous, naive and looking for new friends. I spoke with almost anyone who would spend time with me.

A couple months after receiving my warning, the commander’s wife did pull me aside and suggested that it was not in my best interest to be fraternizing with a specific spouse at the sidelines of a unit sporting event. I was shocked!

Fortunately, I have since talked with many spouses from all walks of life, married to soldiers of all different ranks, and this experience has never been repeated.

Through the last 14 years of war, military spouses have worked very hard together in teams to support our soldiers and one another through many

One of the greatest changes I’ve seen since I was first married, is the creation of spouse clubs that include membership of spouses married to all ranks of soldiers.

Letters from the Homefront Karin Markert

deployments. We have volunteered together at our children’s schools. I have personally attended and taught classes with spouses married to soldiers of many different ranks.

When my husband and I were first married, the leaders of our family support groups were most likely the company commanders’ spouses. Roles have changed in the past decades, and I’ve since met amazing family readiness group leaders who were spouses of young enlisted soldiers, all of whom

served with a great volunteer spirit and a desire to help others.

One of the greatest changes I’ve seen since I was first married, is the creation of spouse clubs that include membership of spouses (not just wives) married to all ranks of soldiers.

Just last year, the Fort Hood Officers’ Spouses’ Club voted to open their membership to all Fort Hood Army spouses, and change the organization’s name to the Fort Hood Spouses’ Club. Wonderful! I was thankful to have been a part of the club last year as this change was discussed and voted upon by the membership, and am excited to see how it grows in the upcoming years, too.

What does this mean for the Fort Hood area army spouses? All spouses will be able to check out the new club for themselves at the Fort Hood Spouses’ Club Super Sign-Up on Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Phantom Warrior Center on 37th Street, Fort Hood.

They will be able to join together at luncheons and special events, have fun, learn from one another, and work together in raising thousands of dollars in support of scholarships and other local programs.

I have personally benefited from many relationships with my “Army-issued friends” over the years, regardless of their soldiers’ ranks. I believe we all have a story to share and can help one another through support, friendship, and by sharing our experiences. I look forward to meeting more people as the Fort Hood Spouse’s Club grows in this upcoming year, and in future years, too.

Karin Markert, an Army spouse who lives at Fort Hood, is a freelance photographer and Herald correspondent.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

[ Financial Fitness ]

Homefront |

Financial readiness is a key component of mission readiness

By Ingrid Bruns Courtesy of USAA

As a longtime military spouse, I have held various jobs, and I know many of you can relate. Among them, I served as a military and family life counselor at an Airman and Family Readiness Center and had the privilege of working with fellow military families to create budgets, develop debt-payment plans, manage credit and save toward goals.

I remember one military spouse in particular who came to see me while her airman was deployed. She “handled the family finances just fine” by doing what the couple had always done (even before the deployment).

She came to see me after hearing the Readiness Center offered free financial counseling. She thought she and her husband could be better at paying down debt and saving for a trip to see family when he returned. I only met with her twice, but together we developed a plan she knew she could follow by making minor tweaks to her everyday expenses during the deployment.

I happened to see her again shortly before her husband came home, and she gave me a big hug and told me she had managed to save enough for the trip home and pay off some of their credit card debt. I hope she and her airman were able to stay on track and reach their goals — healthier finances usually mean healthier families.

Complex environment

The financial well-being of our military community is a significant readiness issue. Today’s complex finan-

The financial well-being of our military community is a significant readiness issue. Today’s complex financial environment and uncertain future demand we have the knowledge to make informed choices about budgeting, saving, credit and debt, the Thrift Savings Program and many other money matters. To further complicate financial readiness plans, our military lifestyle includes frequent relocations and deployments. But our way of life doesn’t have to hinder our ability to manage family finances successfully. cial environment and uncertain future demand we have the knowledge to make informed choices about budgeting, saving, credit and debt, the Thrift Savings Program and many other money matters. To further complicate financial readiness plans, our military lifestyle includes frequent relocations and deployments. But our way of life doesn’t have to hinder our ability to manage family finances successfully.

There is a wide variety of resources available to help put us on the path to financial freedom. Whether you prefer a classroom setting, an online experience, a multimedia approach or an individual consultation, in person or by phone, there is a solution to help meet your needs.

The Airman and Family Readiness

Center provides educational opportunities to help you take charge of your finances. The center offers classes and workshops on specific topics, but you can also meet with an Accredited Financial Counselor® to get personal assistance with your unique goals.

Emergency assistance

Emergency financial assistance organizations, such as the Air Force Aid Society, can meet immediate financial needs in an emergency situation. The society provides interest-free loans and grants based on your individual needs, such as basic living expenses, emergency travel, vehicle expenses, funeral expenses, medical and dental care, child care, respite care and moving expenses.

The Defense Department’s Military OneSource page provides financial calculators, articles and other help with topics such as financial wellness, how-to strategies, sample budgets, mortgages and foreclosures. Financial consultants are available all day, every day, to provide up to 12 sessions (per person, per issue) of no-cost, confidential financial counseling. Counselors are available online and by phone at 1-800-342-9647.

Educational programs

Several nonprofit organizations, such as The USAA Educational Foundation and the Consumer Federation of America’s Military Saves program, provide financial education, resources and programs to service members and their families. These educational programs focus on setting financial goals, managing credit and debt, saving and investing and managing risk.

Financial woes can negatively affect your personal and family well-being, not to mention critically injure the effectiveness of your mission readiness. These resources are ideally used as a preventive measure rather than a corrective measure, but like the spouse I worked with years ago, you must be proactive in identifying what assistance you need and seeking it out.

There’s no shame in seeking help and taking action for your financial security. Use the resources exclusively available to the military community to help make effective financial decisions and improve your financial capability.

Remember, financial readiness is critical to mission readiness.

| Homefront

[ Financial fitness ]

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

How do I teach my teen good money habits?

Courtesy of USAA

One of the main goals of a parent is to prepare your children for adulthood.

To that end, few lessons are as useful as learning how to handle money, said JJ Montanaro, a certified financial planner with USAA. Many of us learned those lessons the hard way.

By educating your teens on family finances, you can pave the way for their success.

Letting your children help with the shopping is a good learning experience, Montanaro said.

When it’s time to buy back-to-school clothes, for example, provide teens with a set amount of money and a list of things to buy with that money — perhaps a couple pairs of pants or skirts, some shirts, a pair of shoes and a jacket.

Provide enough to cover the purchases without being extravagant.

When it’s time to buy back-to-school clothes, for example, provide teens with a set amount of money and a list of things to buy with that money — perhaps a couple pairs of pants or skirts, some shirts, a pair of shoes and a jacket. Provide enough to cover the purchases without being extravagant. This can demonstrate the importance of comparing prices and sticking to a budget.

This can demonstrate the importance of comparing prices and sticking to a budget.

Show teenagers how you manage your own budget and savings. Sit down with your paycheck and your bills to let them see where the money goes. Many teens have no idea how much their parents make, how it’s spent or how taxes work. Discuss the importance of saving for the future, whether it’s for college, a home pur-

chase, a wedding or a family.

If you have a family financial planner, introduce your teens and discuss why planning is essential.

Finally, understand that your children will make money mistakes.

When it happens, discuss what they learned from the experience.

Financial lessons learned at home with your oversight and input can make the road ahead less bumpy.

Montanaro offered these additional

tips for parents: Good habits start at home. Set a fiscally responsible example for your children. They can learn good habits by watching you budget, set goals and manage money wisely.

Urge impulse control. Teach your kids the difference between things they want and things they need.

Set a budget. Help your teens set up guidelines for how they spend and save their own money.

Provide the tools. Consider setting your teens up with a checking account, a savings account and, if possible, a credit or debit card with a preset limit.

Start putting money away. Emphasize the importance of saving, even if it’s just a small amount.

Talk about money. Discuss money with them on a regular basis. Open, frank conversations are crucial to their understanding of how to handle money.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

[ Financial fitness ]

Homefront |

How to ace your back-to-school shopping

By JJ Montanaro Courtesy of USAA

SALES Tax-Free holiday Aug. 7-9

I’m down to one.

It’s hard to believe that we’re left with just one teenager who is begrudgingly shifting into back-to-school mode.

Practice is supposed to make perfect, so with dozens of attempts in the bank of experience, we’re going to get this year’s back-to-school shopping extravaganza right.

I say extravaganza because behind the holidays back-to-school represents one of the biggest cash (that was a very intentional word) outlays of the year for most families. Last year, the National Retail Federation ranked it as the second biggest spending season of the year. Use these five time-tested tips to help avoid breaking the bank … or piling on the debt: Use technology to your advantage.

Price and shop from the comfort (and pressure-free environment) of your

AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds shoppers they can save money on certain items priced under $100 during the state’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday. This year, the sales tax holiday is scheduled Aug. 7-9.

The law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales tax, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend during the weekend.

Lists of apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax-free can be found at TexasTaxHoliday.org.

This year, shoppers will save an estimated $87 million in state and local sales taxes during the sales tax holiday, which as been an annual event since 1999.

home computer or tablet. Save with apps that provide timely coupons and access to special savings, help you find the best deal, guide you to exactly the item you’re looking for (no impulse detours!) and, of course, track your spending.

Plan with precision. Decide what you’re going to spend (your budget), build a shopping list and execute.

Anyone who has wandered aimlessly down the aisles in a grocery store adding stuff to their cart can attest to the big dividends this simple technique can yield.

Start close to home. Last week I was looking for a pair of scissors, and after opening cabinets and drawers throughout the house, I realized we have a lot of unused school supplies. Maybe it’s the

same for you? Scour your house for last year’s leftovers to put some cash back in your pocket. And how about a swap event with neighbors before school starts? It could be another way to drive down spending on everything from supplies to clothing and shoes.

Shop off the beaten path. I know that when we’ve ventured off to colder climes, we’ve used thrift shops to fill our suitcases with inexpensive coldweather gear. This could be a back-toschool savings measure. While my kids have stopped growing, yours may not have.

Be a cash buyer. The definitive solution to staying on budget during any shopping expedition is to use cash.

When the money is gone, the shopping is done. Period.

It’s back-to-school time. This year, put all those lessons you’ve learned (or others have shared) over the years to good use and get back into the classroom without getting schooled, retail-style.

| Homefront

[ On the homefront ]

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

It’s Christmas in July at Fort Hood

Santa’s Workshop hosts fundraiser to buy holiday gifts

BUy this photo at kdhnews.com ERic J. Shelton | Homefront

Soldiers enjoy their meal during Fort Hood’s Santa’s Workshop annual Christmas in July fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse in Killeen.

by jc jones Homefront Magazine

T

o help in this year’s efforts to spread holiday cheer to local military families, the Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop hosted its annual Christmas in July fundraising event July 15 at Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Killeen.

“The reality is, a lot of soldiers come in and they don’t necessarily have the means to come in and buy everything they would hope to for their kids, so this is a program that allows more of an even distribution for different kids to get the same experience across whatever economic level their parents are situated in,” said Cpt. Dereck Kennedy, 3rd Cavalry Regiment.

Christmas in July organizer, Suzanne Luedeke, said the organization really pushes to raise funds for the coming Christmas season during the summer months to keep up with the task of buying all the toys and gifts needed for Christmas morning.

“Our goal is to raise as much money as possible. The summer season is very hard, especially for military people because they’re usually moving or going on a quick vacation when they can, so summer time is very busy,” she said.

After all of the toys are purchased and inventoried, Santa’s Workshop staff take parents ‘elfing’ for gifts for their children.

“We take the soldier and their spouse and we get to help them choose the toys.

Maybe it’s a bike. Last year a son just wanted a lava lamp, and we had one, so he got what he wanted,” she said.

Each child receives two gifts and a book, and each family also gets a board game.

“It’s just like going to Wal-Mart or something, except they don’t pay. A lot of them go out teary-eyed, and so do we,” Luedeke said.

Last year, Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop gave gifts to nearly 3,300 local military children.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

[ On the homefront ]

Homefront |

BUy these photos at kdhnews.com Photos by ERic J. Shelton | Homefront

Santa speaks with Lt. Col. Dennis Nutt, center, and Command Sgt. Maj. Garric Banfield during Fort Hood’s Santa’s Workshop annual Christmas in July fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse in Killeen.

To continue raising the money needed for this Christmas, the organization will host its next fundraising event, Silent Night Out, from 7 to 10 p.m., Sept.

18 at The Vineyard at Florence.

The evening will include wine tasting, appetizers, desserts, live music and a silent auction.

Tickets are $30 per person, and dress is business casual.

“We do it every year and it is a great fundraiser. It is so much fun,” Luedeke said.

Both monetary donations, as well as newly purchased toys, can be donated to Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop, located on post, next to the Clear Creek Commissary, throughout the year. jcjones@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7464

Line Chef Rene Rodriguez prepares orders for customers Wednesday during Fort Hood’s Santa’s Workshop annual Christmas in July fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse in Killeen.

GET involved: For more information about how to contribute to the Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop, go to www.swsforthood. com.

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[ On the homefront ]

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

From the sea to the store Myers makes smooth transition to business owner

By Courtney Griffin Homefront magazine

A

lexandra Myers got out at a bad time. A United States Naval Academy graduate, Myers served her five years of active duty and returned to the civilian world in May 2008 — the year the stock market crashed.

“I traveled around Europe for six months. The plan was to lead a very simple life, and I didn’t accumulate a lot of things,” she said. “I even lived in Myers San Diego for six months without a car.”

Myers low-cost lifestyle ended up paying off. It allowed her to become an entrepreneur. Seven years later, she owns eight Smoothie Kings at military bases across the U.S. and is opening the ninth one at Fort Hood in August.

“I went to do a master’s in business,” she said. “That’s how I got off in this direction. I studied some engineering, had leadership experience from Navy, but my MBA really helped to round out knowledge and give me an even understanding of the financial aspects of really running a business.”

Myers, 33, says she considered New Orleans her hometown. It’s also where Smoothie King first started.

“It wasn’t necessarily a large brand in country when I was growing up.

But, it was very known in New Orleans. I think I had it for the first time when I was 12 years old,” she said. “As I lived in other places, I found some juice shops. I definitely found one in California, but when I tried it ... it was terrible.”

All of Myers’ stores are on military bases, where it can be hard to leave in some cases, she said.

She experienced the problem personally during her time in Annapolis.

Students were nearly never permitted to leave the campus, and the outside

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Smoothie King at Fort Bliss is seen during its recent grand opening. A location will open at the new Fort Hood post exchange in August.

world — with civilians, healthy food and other accommodations — was not very accessible, Myers said.

“But a lot of people actually would could get food delivered to gate, so everyone would run down there and get their food,” she said. “It was nice just trying to get something from the outside to you.”

The limited access, the long hours,

the limited mobility made eating healthy hard during her time in the military.

But, Myers saw it as an opportunity.

So, she and family members began bringing Smoothie Kings to the bases; a healthy option.

Opening multiple stores was easy after Myers got the hang of it.

“I did a few locations and put systems

in place that worked well ... running a business is never easy,” she said, explaining her stores’ decentralized locations added hiccups sometimes.

“You’ve got to have the right frame of mind to do it.”

Myers said Fort Hood’s Smoothie King will open at the new post exchange in August. A Harker Heights store will open the following month.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

[ On the homefront ]

Homefront | 11

Local veteran seeks second pageant crown The road toward another

by JC Jones Homefront Magazine

K

illeen resident Gianna Castillo is an Army veteran, a brain tumor survivor, a mother.

In April, Castillo added another title when she took home the crown at the Ms. Texas Belleza Latina pageant, and hit the ground running ever since, making appearances across the state.

The 40-year-old pageant queen is also busy preparing for yet another title, as she gets ready to compete in the Miss Belleza Latina national competition on Aug. 7 in Orlando, Fla. The road toward another crown has been a busy one for Castillo, who said she began traveling within days of becoming Ms. Texas Belleza Latina, and does not plan on stopping anytime soon.

Since April, she has visited children’s hospitals, schools and radio shows, done runway modeling, become the female veteran ambassador for the nonprofit Texas Veteran’s Ranch and Family Resort, helped at food banks and summer programs and has gotten involved in the Dallas Mexican American Historical League.

“That’s my life right now. I’m always on the road,” Castillo said.

When she’s not making appearances, Castillo is attending dress fittings for the gowns she’ll wear in the upcoming pageant and maintaining a strenuous schedule of workouts to keep in shape.

After retiring from the Army in 2009, Castillo said supporting so many causes through her pageant title gives her a new sense of purpose, which she felt she lost after leaving the military.

“Seeing the results of it, and how it’s inspiring to other people, it helps me. It gives me a purpose,” she said.

The retired staff sergeant said she’s

crown has been a busy one for Castillo, who said she began traveling within days of becoming Ms. Texas Belleza Latina, and does not plan on stopping anytime soon.

also having to learn to balance her nonstop schedule with the lasting impacts of her former life as a soldier.

“Having PTSD has been the hardest

thing because I’m on the go so much.

It keeps me not thinking about things, but when I get home, I crash. It’s a struggle,” she said.

Still a newcomer to the pageant world, and with a national title looming, Castillo said her main goal is just to represent who she is.

“I have to remain true to myself.

That’s one thing I’ve said all along about this. I can’t lose myself in something because then I’m no good to everybody else. I’ve got to stay genuine, stay me, and that’s what I’m going to deliver. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” she said.

After the coming competition, Castillo plans to continue promoting causes important to her, including going to local schools in the Killeen areas to talk with teenagers.

“That’s another one of my big things, education. I want to go in and speak to teenage girls on some relatable topics, things I’ve been through — teen pregnancy, being a spouse as a teenager, sexual abuse — how to maybe mot make such choices at such an early age,” she said.

Regardless of whether or not she wins the crown in August, Castillo feels confident about the future.

“Whatever the outcome is, to me, in my heart, I’m already a winner because I’ve gotten to do something I never in my life imagined. There’s no way things won’t go up from here,” she said.

12 | Homefront

[ in the classroom ]

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Events help children, parents gear up for back to school KILLEEN • The annual UIL sports physical fundraiser is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Charles Patterson Middle School.

Cost is $25 (exact cash only). Students should wear gym shorts and flip flops or sandals. The fundrasier is a partnership with the Greater Killeen Free Clinic and Killeen ISD coaches.

Location: 8383 Trimmier Road.

Call the Free Clinic at 618-4211.

• Free health screenings for children and adults are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Aug. 23, at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. Based on financial need, free school immunizations are given.

Shaved ice and healthy snacks are free for everyone with a bounce house for the children. Information provided about community and social services available in the area.

Location: 3601 S. W.S. Young Drive.

Email or call Erin Spencer at erin. spencer@ahss.org or 519-8316.

COPPERAS COVE • Back-to-School Buzz is from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at Grace United Methodist Church. Children must be present to receive free limited school supplies.

Children’s haircuts are free.

Call the church office at 254-547-3729.

Location: 101 W. Avenue F.

HARKER HEIGHTS • Back-to-School Bash, sponsored by Agape COGIC, is from noon to 4 p.m.

Aug. 1 at Carl Levin Park.

Free school supplies and book bags given out while quantities last. Special guest is Ahmad, Team Hazzard. Students from Killeen area high schools are invited to represent their school.

Call 254-680-7729.

Location: 400 Miller’s Crossing.

[ What’s Happening ]

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Homefront | 13

Best Bets

karaoke on Friday nights and live music on Saturday nights. NO COVER for either night. Whiskey Business is at 704 B. East Veterans Memorial Blvd., Killeen. (Next to Action Motors). Call 254-519-3764 or go to www.facebook.com/7WhiskeyBusiness7.

Killeen Parks and Recreation’s Hot Summer Nights movie series continues tonight with a screening of “Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.” The PG-13-rated film lasts 123 minutes. Premovie activities start at 8 p.m. at the Killeen Amphitheater, 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Concessions for sale or bring your own, but no alcohol or glass containers.

Call 254-501-6390 or 254-501-8889.

Family Fun The Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. Third St., in Temple, plans summer camps and classes with a variety of topics and age groups. For more information or to sign up, go to www.cacarts.org or call 254-7739926.

Temple’s Railroad and Heritage Museum’s temporary exhibit, “Trains that Passed in the Night: The Photographs of O. Winston Link” is on display through Aug. 26. The museum, at 315 W. Avenue B, in downtown Temple, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday. Go to www. rrhm.org or call 254-298-5172.

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.

Catch live jazz every Saturday from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Inn on the Creek in Salado. Call 254-947-5554 or go to www.inncreek.com.

The Dead Fish Grill at 2207 Lake Road in Belton presents live music many evenings.

Call 254-939-5771 or go to www.deadfishgrill.com.

Schoepf’s Bar-Be-Que presents live music some nights. Schoepf’s is at 702 E. Central Ave., Belton. Go to www.schoepfsbbq.com.

Farmers Markets The 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. Call Virginia at 254-423-5277.

The Copperas Cove Farmers Market, 1506 Veterans Ave., VFW parking lot, Copperas Cove, is open from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

The Water Street Farmers Market in Belton is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday downtown on Water Street in front of The Gin. Local vendors will have a variety of vegetables, foods and crafts.

Clubs, Meetings Michael Miller | FME News Service

Cathy Huckabee tries one of Papa’s Pickled Products during the Water Street Farmers Market in downtown Belton on July 18.

The Harker Heights Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, 850 W. Central Texas Expressway.

The Killeen Farmers Market is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays in conjunction with Food Truck Fridays at Green Avenue Park, 717 N. Second St. Call Leslie Hinkle at 254501-7847.

Arts & Theater Killeen Civic and Conference Center is hosting a collection of original artwork by 24-year Air Force veteran Cody Vance through

July 31. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Call 254-501-3888.

Dancing Join In the Mood for dancing at 13 S. Main St., Temple. Tonight is the Variety Dance from 8 to 11. Tickets: $7 a person. Come at 7 p.m. for a dance lesson, pay $10 and stay for the dance for free. Attire is dressy casual.

Call 254-773-7088, email itmood@vvm. com or go to inthemoodballroom.com.

Bars, Clubs Whiskey Business Bar & Grill presents

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.

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.

Wristbands are on sale for GeekFest, which is Aug. 14-16. For details, go to www.starsatnight.org/geekfest.

Email events@kdhnews.com.

[ Dining in ]

14 | Homefront

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

It’s summertime, and that’s ice pop time Essential tips for ice pops

By Lee Svitak Dean

• Freezing diminishes sweetness, so make the mixture a bit sweeter than you would usually prefer.

• If adding alcohol, only a tiny amount of alcohol can be used or the mixture won’t freeze. Two to 5 tablespoons of alcohol per batch of 10 ice pops works fine.

• Put your freezer at its coldest setting, which keeps the ice crystals smaller (and makes the ice pop creamier). Place the ice pops at the back of the freezer where it’s coldest. It will take 4 to 8 hours to freeze, depending on the ingredients.

• Leave ¼-inch space at the top of the molds to allow the mixture to expand as it freezes.

• Put filled molds in the freezer, uncovered, for about 1 hour, then insert the sticks so they remain upright. Or use other containers as molds (such as small wax-lined paper cups or ice-cube trays). Freeze mixture in there for about 1 hour, then cover with aluminum foil, poke a hole through the foil with a wooden stick and continue to freeze the ice pop.

• To prevent freezer burn, eat them within a week of making, or store them in airtight freezer bags.

From “Ice Pops,” by Cesar and Nadia Roden

Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

There may be no better thirst quencher on a steamy afternoon than an ice pop. Keep it homemade, and you’ve got all the bases covered: flavorful, fun and, if you really stretch the truth, almost good for you with fruit or calcium aplenty. At least that’s what we tell ourselves as the frozen pop drips down our fingers on a sunny day.

A delightful new book on the subject goes far beyond freezing juice in paper cups for our kids, although that’s a perfectly acceptable, even encouraged, activity for summer cooks and their young helpers.

“Ice Pops!,” by Cesar and Nadia Roden (Sterling Epicure, 128 pages, $16.95) raises the bar for summer treats with 50 frozen delights that will appeal to adults, such as Egyptian Hibiscus and Peach, Apricot and Pistachio, Mexican Chocolate, Vietnamese Coffee, Cucumber and Lime and much more.

Here’s the back story. Nadia Roden, an artist in New York City, is the daughter of famed cookbook author Claudia Roden. Cesar is Nadia’s nephew (Claudia’s grandson), who lives in London. After Nadia became intrigued with a photo of an ice pop, she set her sights on exploring flavors and combinations that could be frozen.

She threw herself into an ice cream course, then set up a cart in New York City to sell the treats. Cesar flew in to help her. Their imaginative treats caught the attention of Oprah and Martha Stewart, among others.

Cesar took over the project the next season and set it up in London, where he pushed the experimentation in a business called the Ice Kitchen, which sold the pops from carts throughout the city. This collection of recipes is the result.

The charming book, with color photos and whimsical drawings, includes plenty of treats that kids will enjoy, including one for Cereal Milk, combining milk, cream, breakfast cereal, banana and a sweetener (honey or maple syrup).

But then the authors push the envelope, and we’re all the more hungry for it. They add a tiny bit of alcohol to a few pops (Campari, rum, sherry or wine, among them), create layers of flavors and swirls of colors, infuse herbal syrups, sprinkle on nuts or spices, suspend ingredients mid-ice chunk. These are treats as lovely as they are good to eat. They remind us that summer isn’t just for kids.

RASPBERRY AND LIME ICE POP

Makes: 8 to 10.

Note: This version contains the seeds of the raspberries. If you prefer a smoother texture, put the mixture through a fine strainer before you pour it into the molds.

From: “Ice Pops,” by Cesar and Nadia Roden.

1 cup sugar Finely grated zest of 1 lime 1 ¼ cups water, divided 4 cups raspberries, rinsed 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Photos courtesy of ICE POPS!

Put the sugar, lime zest and scant ½ cup water in a small saucepan, and bring to a simmer. Simmer until sugar is dissolved.

Put raspberries in food processor with the lime syrup and the remaining ¾ cup water, and blend to a purée. Add 2 tablespoons lime juice and taste to see if it’s sharp enough. If not, add a little more to achieve an equal balance of sweet and sharp.

Pour mixture into your ice pop molds, leaving ¼ inch at the top to let the mixture expand when it freezes. Insert the ice pop sticks, and freeze.

BLUEBERRY AND YOGURT ICE POPS

Makes: 8 to 10.

From: “Ice Pops,” by Cesar and Nadia Roden.

2 cups blueberries 7 tablespoons water, divided ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar Generous 2 cups Greek yogurt ½ cup honey 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Put the blueberries, 5 tablespoons water and sugar in saucepan, and bring to a simmer. Simmer over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the blueberries burst.

Remove the pan from heat and set aside.

Mix together the yogurt, honey, lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons water in a bowl.

Spoon alternate layers of yogurt and blueberry mixtures into each ice pop mold, leaving ¼ inch at the top to let the mixture expand when it freezes. Insert the ice pop sticks, and freeze.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

[ Dining in ]

Homefront | 15

Top grilled hot dogs with a gourmet twist

By Susan Selasky

William Archie | Detroit Free Press

Detroit Free Press

Let’s be frank. American’s love hot dogs.

And hot dogs on our mind today because National Coney Island is celebrating 50 years in business and it’s National Hot Dog month.

Whether your favorite is the traditional coney topped with chili, a squirt of mustard and sprinkling of onions or simply plain, we sure do gobble them up. Peak season for hot dog eating is Memorial Day through Labor Day. In those three-plus months, Americans consume a whopping 7 billion hot dogs, according the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. That’s doggone (I couldn’t resist) mind-boggling.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for National Hot Dog day. It’s July 23.

If you’re looking for a different twist on a hot dog topping, today’s recipe for Manchego Cheese and Garlic Hot Dogs is one of my favorites. The only time involved is making the roasted garlic, but it’s worth it.

And if you want to try a new way of cooking hot dogs, check out this video for an easy way to spiral slice hot dogs before you grill them. It’s fun and ensures that little bit of char gets to the entire hot dog.

MANCHEGO CHEESE AND GARLIC HOT DOGS

Serves: 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes Total time: 1 hour (not all active time) A roasted garlic and red pepper relish replaces the usual pickle on this Spanishstyle hot dog. You can substitute pecorino or Asiago for the Manchego.

RELISH 2 large heads garlic, top ¼-to-½-inch cut off 5 teaspoons olive oil, divided ½ cup roasted red peppers from jar, drained and diced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste HOT DOGS 6 grilled hot dog buns or 2½-inch-wide pieces ciabatta cut to hot dog length

and split lengthwise 6 grilled all-beef hot dogs 2 ounces Manchego or hot pepper cheese Sherry wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar To prepare the relish: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place each head of garlic,

cut side up, in center of square of foil; drizzle each with 1 teaspoon oil. Enclose garlic in foil.

Place packets on oven rack; roast until garlic is tender, about 45 minutes. Open packets; cool 15 minutes.

Squeeze garlic cloves into small bowl.

Mash enough to measure ¼ cup (reserve remaining garlic for another use).

Transfer to bowl. Mix in 3 teaspoons oil, red pepper and parsley.

Season with coarse salt and pepper.

Arrange the hot dog buns on plates.

Top each with grilled hot dog, cheese, garlic relish and drizzle of vinegar.

Adapted from Bon Appétit, July 2009 issue.

16 | Homefront

Wednesday, July 29, 2015