HOMEFRONT A Fort Hood Herald publication | November 25, 2015
Finding the ‘perfect gift’ P4 | Holiday gift ideas P5 | Save money at Christmas P12
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
[ Inside this issue ] Letters from the Homefront: Finding the ‘perfect gift’
Page 4
On the Homefront: Gifts for soldiers
Page 6
On the Homefront: Gifts for spouses
Page 8
On the Homefront: Gifts for children
Page 10
Financial Fitness: Ways to save money during holidays
Page 12
What’s Happening: Upcoming area events
Page 13
Dining In: Tap into real maple flavor for sweet and savory foods
Page 14
Dining In: Dump cakes make easy holiday desserts
Page 15
Vol. 8, Issue 11 | November 25, 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 Designer: M. Clare Haefner | Contributor: Nichole Kitchen On the cover: Maj. Diana Lazardo shops for Christmas gifts on her lunch break at the Clear Creek Shopping Center on Nov. 19. The PX is a popular shopping stop for holiday gifts among troops. Photo by Nichole Kitchen. Find more news at forthoodherald.com.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
The perfect gift may not always be the likely choice
C
ool, crisp mornings have arrived, and along with that, comes the wonderful aroma of pumpkin and cookies in our homes. Yes, it is that time again, the holidays. With Thanksgiving upon us, there is no doubt that as you head out for pie crusts and stuffing fixings that you are bombarded with holiday décor, gift sets and even the man in the red suit. If you are anything like me, it also means that you have put off thinking of gifts for far too long, and now the fun but anxious task of finding the “perfect gift” for the ones you love has arrived. There is nothing quite like the perfect gift. Most of us remember opening that one thing we longed for; whether it was a 10-speed bike or those coveted diamond stud earrings we received from our loved one. Most of us do our best to recreate that magic each year for the ones we love, and why not? It’s a wonderful feeling; from finding that one special item, to wrapping it in pretty paper and anticipation, to the sweet
Letters from the Homefront Nichole Kitchen
satisfaction of seeing the surprise and sheer joy on the recipients faces. For the majority of people, that perfect find, is more often than not our favorite part of the holiday season. Sometimes though, we get so caught up in what we are giving that we lose sight of why we give. As part of that majority, I spent my young adult life trying to make Christmas in our home magical; especially since being military we weren’t able to see our families often. It wasn’t easy on
a lower enlisted budget, but we did our best. Then, as for all military families, it happened; the first deployment, and the first of many holidays that my soldier would miss. It was also the first time as a spouse I was posed with the question, “What should I get my soldier?” So I did it all; sending over decorations, tasteful goodies, gifts I found on those lists you see of the perfect gifts for deployed soldiers. However, for my husband — and please keep in mind every soldier is different — all I did was further remind him of all the precious life he was missing during this usual festive time for us. I had no idea that my “perfect” care package contents made his 18-hour work day (because yes, they still work on Christmas downrange) that much longer and the void of missing home that much deeper. Everything is a learning experience during deployments, and that year we learned what was important to us and it subsequently changed the season of
giving for our family. I learned that for some military families like ours, while it’s appealing during the holidays to make up for the disarray that is our lives by elaborate over-the-top gift giving, that no gift or monetary items are more meaningful than us being together. I learned that sometimes the best gift is as simple as beef jerky and homemade cards, and that appreciating each other’s presence when we are privileged to be together for special occasions, like Christmas, far outweigh the G-Shock watch you’ve been eyeing. As a gift giver and a military spouse, I learned instead of gifting what I think my soldier needs, that sometimes one can give a little peace on Earth by protecting them from the precious moments being missed and that the perfect gift is supporting them while they are away and asking what they truly need. Nichole Kitchen is a Herald correspondent and 17-year Army spouse. Contact her at nichole.kitchen@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
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Homefront |
2015 Holiday gift guide
BUy this photo at kdhnews.com
Ideas for soldiers, spouses & children
A
Nichole Kitchen | Homefront
Sgt. Yesenia Hall shops for lipstick at the MAC store at the Clear Creek Shopping Center on Nov. 19. Vendor stores in the complex also provide great opportunities for shopping this holiday on post, and several have gift sets available.
s the holidays arrive, we thought we’d do something different this month, so we came up with a holiday gift guide that you’ll find on pages 6-11. We wanted to keep it local to Fort Hood, and decided to stick with items available at Fort Hood’s new main post exchange, the 270,000-square-foot Clear Creek Shopping Center, which opened at the end of September. The number of items available in the main store and the smaller stores in the mall area is countless. Whether you are shopping for a soldier, military spouse or a child, there are tons of potential gifts available at Fort Hood’s new main PX. We had a good time analyzing all the potential gifts, and we hope this gift guide can make your holiday shopping a little bit easier. The prices on all the items were “as marked” when we visited the PX on Nov. 12. The prices may change during the holiday season, especially on Black Friday. We hope you have a great Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, and thank you for reading. Jacob Brooks, Fort Hood Herald editor
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Gift ideas for soldiers at Clear Creek Shopping Center
By Jacob Brooks
Homefront Magazine
Whether it’s boots, books or other gear, there are plenty of gift ideas for the modern soldier. If your soldier is concerned about his or her feet — and many soldiers are — you may want to consider a new pair of Nike field boots. They are the No. 1 selling item at Patriot Outfitters, a store that sells tactical items inside the Clear Creek Shopping Center. “One of the small things that’s really popular are the phone cases,” said James Johnson, the manager at Patriot Outfitters, as he pointed to the rack of Magpul field cases for smartphones. The protective cases are made of the same material as magazines for Army rifles. Here a few ideas if you are shopping for a soldier this holiday season. All of these items are available at the Clear Creek Shopping Center at Fort Hood:
Nike field boots
These Army-approved uniform boots are the No. 1-selling item at Patriot Outfitters, a store inside the Clear Creek Shopping Center. They are available in two shades to match both of the currently used Army Combat Uniforms. Price: $160.
Magpul field cases for smartphones
Magpul, the same company that makes rifle parts, also makes smartphone cases. They are a hot item at Patriot Outfitters. Price: $16.95.
Fitbit
These fitness trackers are sold in the main store’s electronics department in a variety of colors, styles and sizes to
fit just about any lifestyle need. The Zip wireless activity tracker sells for $59.95. Flex wristbands are $99.95 and track steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes and sleep, and for an all-inone wrist watch, the Surge, at $249.95, tracks GPS, heart rate, activity stats and sleep, and includes smart notifications and music control.
Fitness System Backpack
The Fitness Expedition Back Pack, made by 6 Pack, features special compartments for pre-packaged meals, supplements and electronics. It’s ideal for the soldier who is counting calories and is on a special fitness diet. It’s available at the GNC inside the Clear Creek Shopping Center for $140.
Stetson
For the cavalry soldier, a Stetson isn’t just a relic from the past: It can be part of the uniform on special occasions. The Wandering Cowboy sells the hat by itself for $120, which includes a fitting. Cords, cases and other items for the hat are sold separately. However, the store does have a package deal for $160.
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Homefront |
NFL Jerseys
A variety of football jerseys from all NFL teams are available at Pro Image Sports inside the Clear Creek Shopping Center. The store also has the new NFL “Salute to Service” jerseys which come in a camouflaged pattern. The pink, breast-cancer-awareness jerseys for women are also available. The adult jersey prices range from $95 to $160, and the store manager said more products will be coming in for the holidays.
Patch Hats
Made by sunglasses maker Oakley, these “patch hats” have a spot where a Velcro patch can be added. “These are widely popular,” said James Johnson, manager at Patriot Outfitters. The store sells the hats, available in multiple colors, for $28 each.
Books 4-tool combo kit
This four-tool, cordless combo kit from Black & Decker sells for $179.99 in the main PX. It’s ideal for the soldier who is looking to do some home-improvement projects.
Whether it’s at home or during down time in the field, many soldiers love to get away in a book. The main PX features a variety of new releases and best-sellers, ranging in prices for hardcovers from $18 to $29. The PX takes 25 percent off those prices year-round.
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Gift ideas for spouses at Clear Creek Shopping Center “Pioneer Woman” cookbook, priced under $30 for PX shoppers. “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime,” is full of author Ree Drummond’s favorite comfort classics. The cookbook, along with Pioneer Woman cookware, is located in the “Chef Shop,” in the main store of the PX.
By JC Jones Homefront Magazine
From locally made items, to big name brands, the PX has something for every type of Army spouse this holiday season. The options are nearly endless, whether you’re going for a practical gift like new luggage or a cookbook, or a classic, like perfume or earrings. “Jewelry is always very, very popular,” said Mike Blomquist, manager of Anthony Joseph Jewelry and Repair, located inside the Clear Creek Shopping Center. Whatever type of person you’re shopping for, and on whatever budget, there’s sure to be something on the list to please.
Luggage
A new suitcase or luggage set is sure to please any world traveler in the family. The main store offers a plethora of options including these Ricardo Elite high-impact suitcases, which have TSA compliant locks, multiple compartments and 360-degree spinner wheels, for easy maneuverability. Priced at $139.99 and $149.99.
Z’s Bees local honey
For a local gift, Z’s Bees, which has a kiosk in the Clear Creek Shopping Center, offers a variety of locally made raw honey and handmade bee products. A spa gift set makes a great holiday gift and runs for $15. Twelve ounce jars of honey are $12, and come in several flavors. Candles, ranging from $5-$8 and bars of soap, priced at $5.75, can be thrown in as great stocking stuffers.
Perfume
Even with a wide selection of fragrances, Chanel N°5 is still a best-seller and go-to gift for women. “That’s our best-seller. It’s something that sells every day,” said PX employee Maria Ortiz. The classic scent sells for $80-$100 in the fragrance section of the Clear Creek Shopping Center’s main store.
Jewelry
MAC cosmetic gift sets
For the makeup-loving soldier or
Army spouse, Mac cosmetics, located inside the Clear Creek Shopping Center, has holiday gift sets to enhance the eyes and lips. The Enchanted Eve Eye Bag, $42.50, includes a cream shadow, liner, mascara and brush. The Enchant-
ed Eve Lip Bag, $39.50, comes with a lip color, gloss and liner. Both sets come tucked inside a cosmetic case.
Pioneer Woman cookbook
At-home chefs will love the newest
Anthony Joseph Jewelry and Repair, located inside the PX, offers holiday gift options for any budget, ranging from $15 to $10,000. Earrings, including diamond studs, $179, pearls, $300, and all natural rubies, $2,175, are popular choices, said store manager Mike Blomquist. “Jewelry is always very, very popular,” he said. The store also offers custom pieces.
[ ON the HOmefront ]
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
en knife sets, including this colorful Chicago Cutlery set. It sells for $59.99.
Brookstone massager Amazon Fire tablet
It’s hot, affordable and, hopefully, available at the main PX. The 7-inch Amazon Fire tablet, which sells for $49.95, arrived at the PX last week, and quickly sold out. However, store officials said more are on the way. The tablets are also available in 8-inch and 10-inch models.
Chicago Cutlery knife set
The main PX sells a variety of kitch-
Hey soldier, your spouse needs a massage. This will help. It’s the Brookstone Active Sport Massager, available in the main store for $49.
Cowboy boots
At the Wandering Cowboy inside the new PX, cowboy boots are one of the big sellers. For men, the Ariat Rambler is the top seller, according to store officials. A pair sells for $149.99. For women, the top seller is Justin-brand boots, selling for $129.99.
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Gift ideas for children at Clear Creek Shopping Center By JC Jones Homefront magazine
With new toy, game and entertainment options popping up daily, shopping for the little ones can be a daunting task, especially for the busy Army mom or dad. Fortunately, with the new Clear Creek Shopping Center, soldiers and their spouses don’t need to go far to get everything on the Christmas list this year. The main store in the PX offers everything a little boy or girl could dream of, from the classics like Mr. Potato Head to the newer hot items like the Disney Infinity gaming system. The upscale baby store giggle, one of Fort Hood’s newest editions to arrive with the new PX, offers a variety of toys for the imaginative child, and the store offers an ongoing 20 percent off discount on all toys for military families. Some of the most popular this season are mini musical instruments, including a recorder, guitar and piano. A tiny kitchen set is also on top of the list, said store manager Allison Watega. A variety of food sets can be purchased separately, including a pizza set and a sushi set. “This is a popular item for imaginative play. You can customize it however you want to,” Watega said. Here is a list of gift ideas for children, all available at the Clear Creek Shopping Center:
Mr. Potato Head
A classic childhood favorite gets revamped with new variations on Mr. Potato Head. The original spud is available for $7.95 in the PX’s toy section, along with a Star Wars version for
$19.95 and mini Mr. Potato Head sets, including a Spider-Man version, for $6.95.
Disney Infinity
This interactive video game system, compatible with all major gaming consoles, allows kids to interact with their favorite Disney characters. Figures are sold separately and can be placed on the Infinity base pad to unlock gaming content. The system sells for about $60 to $80, and the characters range from $13 to $15 each.
Lego
Lego sets geared toward girls and boys provide hours of building and play time. The sets range in size, and start at $4.95. The pictured sets include a Lego Creator building and a Lego Friends lighthouse, both priced at $39.95 at the PX main store.
Mini musical instruments
For musical youngsters, a collection of child-sized musical instruments, ranging in price from $9 to $64 is available at the upscale baby store giggle, located in the Clear Creek Shopping Center. The brightly colored instruments include a recorder, guitar, piano and others.
Mini kitchen set
Also at giggle, a tiny kitchen set, at $120, will give kids hours of play time. “This is a popular item for imaginative play,” said store manager Allison Watega. Additional food sets can also be purchased for the kitchen center, including a pizza set and a sushi set. “You can customize it however you want to,” Watega said.
Board Games
Board games are the perfect kids gift for the whole family to enjoy. Many of the classics have been updated with themes from current movies, including Frozen, Star Wars, Ninja Turtles and Sofia the First. The PX main store has board games for all ages, between $8 and $30.
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Star Wars action figures
With “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” scheduled to open in movie theaters next month, Star Wars toys are, once again, a big toy this year. The PX sells a variety of Star Wars action figures, starting at $7 and up.
Youth football jerseys
Pro Image Sports, located inside the Clear Creek Shopping Center, sells a variety of football clothing for old and young alike. Youth-sized NFL jerseys, from toddlers to older kids, are avail-
Fallout 4
able. The price range is $45 to $70.
Skateboards and Longboards
The PX main store offers several options for kids on the move, with both longboards and skateboards, ranging in price from $120 to $155. The boards come in a variety of colors and patterns to fit personalities.
One of the hottest video games this holiday season is “Fallout 4,” which takes players on an adventure in a postapocalyptic world. Fort Hood’s main post exchange sells the game, for both Xbox One and PlayStation 4, for $59.95.
Star Wars Battlefront package PS4
Another hot video game this year is “Star Wars Battlefront,” and PlayStation has a package that includes the game and a PlayStation 4. It’s available in the main PX for $349.95.
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[ Financial Fitness ]
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Five tips to save money during the holidays By Chad Storlie Courtesy of USAA
Time to get ready for the holidays. This can be a time when we come off our budgets and the spirit of the season takes us over and may lead us away from our budget discipline. After all, who can say no to a 3-year-old holding a colorful newspaper advertisement with everything circled in blue crayon? I can’t. However, there are ways to ensure the holidays are a happy and financially responsible time. Here are five ways to save money during the holidays: 1. What is your budget and/or spending limit? Too often, holiday spending starts with what we want and then we realize, after we have been spending, we can only afford so much. Sit down with your significant other, and get a good understanding of income, expenses and any unexpected costs. Finally, make it a point to agree on a number to-
A large part of reducing holiday shopping stress is to get a head start on holiday planning, budgeting and shopping. The most important part of holiday shopping is to set a limit and stick to your plan. gether and to stick with it. Do a budget check-in every few weeks to make sure you stay on goal. 2. What is the focus for this year’s celebration? Do you plan to travel and see relatives, stay home or go on a ski vacation? Travel will reduce your budget for presents, so plan to incorporate the additional expense of hotels, flights and rental cars. A family focus helps set expectations for the holidays and makes sure the family focuses on the reason for the celebration and not piles of presents. 3. What does everyone in the family need or want? Understanding and creating a list for everyone’s needs and wants is the first step. To do this, take a stack of blank 3x5 cards and write the
name of the family member, the item and the expected cost. Next, lay out the 3x5 cards on the floor for each person’s name in a vertical line. Move the cards up and down the vertical line so the most important item for each person is at the top, followed by the next important, etc. This is a great way to visualize the entire expense associated with each person on your list. 4. Use the Web and physical stores together to find the best prices. When your list is finalized, determine where (physical store or online) and the price to purchase all of your items. Instead of going to a store to browse, pre-find all of the things that you want to purchase and write those items on a list. Browsing in a store is an invitation to
be overcome by wants versus your careful planning. A list gives you a direct plan to go to a store, purchase two items and then leave so you maintain your budget discipline. 5. Create a budget item to donate your time and money to charity. Don’t forget to budget your time and money to donate to those less fortunate. Helping with toy drives, heating funds and other efforts is a great way to truly bring everyone in the family together and remain in the holiday spirt. Teaching children about the importance of charity and helping others is a great reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season. A large part of reducing holiday shopping stress is to get a head start on holiday planning, budgeting and shopping. The most important part of holiday shopping is to set a limit with your significant other, have honest conversations, and stick to your plan. Have a happy holiday.
[ What’s Happening ]
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
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. Live music for dancing Friday and Saturday nights at Bo’s Barn Dance Hall in Temple. Cover: $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 every Friday and Saturday. Wednesday is Trivia Night at 7:30 p.m. Categories range from movie quotes, music, geography, science, sports and more. Every 10 questions someone wins a bottle of wine or dessert. Stillhouse Wine Room is at 403 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen. For more information, go to StillhouseWineRoom. 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.
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 Killeen Green Avenue 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 254-501-7847.
Dancing In the Mood Ballroom, 13 S. Main St., Temple, offers dance classes throughout the week. Call 254-773-7088, email itmood@vvm. com or go to inthemoodballroom.com.
Bars, Clubs 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.
Chopstick, 2600 Trimmier Road, Suite 200, Killeen has karaoke night 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. every Thursday. Whiskey Business Bar & Grill presents 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.
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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. Call 254-771-1364. Catch live music and other events at The Gin, 219 S. East St. in Belton. Go to www. thegin.net or text GINEVENTS to 96362.
Clubs, Meetings 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. Have upcoming events to include? Email events@kdhnews.com. Items run as space is available.
[ Dining In ]
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Tap into real maple flavor for sweet and savory foods maple syrup cookbook be without a classic glazed carrot recipe? This one has the requisite butter, but only a touch. Reprinted with permission from Quirk Books.
By Kathy Morrison The Sacramento Bee
Along with blueberry and cranberry, maple is a distinctly North American flavor. But beyond putting the syrup on pancakes and in frosting (with maybe some bacon bits, too), we don’t cook with it as much as we might. In her new cookbook, “Maple: 100 Sweet and Savory Recipes Featuring Pure Maple Syrup” (Quirk Books, $22.95, 176 pages), Katie Webster makes a case for using this sweet food more often. Webster is a Vermonter and a food blogger whose family has a “backyard sugarin’ ” hobby, so she knows whereof she speaks. Her recipes range from the traditional (such as maple-glazed carrots, recipe below) to contemporary (skewered seared duck with Tabasco plum sauce) to downright surprising (mapletini, anyone?). She also offers an explanation of the various grades of maple syrup, tips on using maple syrup in place of other sweeteners and even how to try your own “sugaring.” And, yes, Webster includes deliciouslooking pancake recipes, too.
SUGARING SEASON HOT COCOA
Total time: 10 minutes Makes: 3 cups Katie Webster writes: March and April on our hill mean sugaring parties and hours spent outdoors in cold temperatures. To warm up chilly little ones, I make a pot of this dark hot chocolate and keep it warming on the camping stove. Though the cocoa powder mostly masks the subtle maple flavors, we are flush with syrup at this time of year,
1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 shallot, minced ¼ cup water ¼ cup dark pure maple syrup ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 5 cups sliced carrots, about ¼-inch thick 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
so it wouldn’t seem right to use anything but our own liquid gold to sweeten it up. Reprinted with permission from Quirk Books. 1/3 cup best-quality cocoa powder 1/3 cup dark maple syrup 2½ cups low-fat milk ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Marshmallows (optional) In a medium bowl, whisk cocoa and syrup. Heat milk in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often, about 8 minutes, or until steaming. Pour hot milk into cocoa mixture, whisking constantly. Transfer cocoa mixture to the saucepan and return to medium-low heat, stirring often, until completely smooth and steaming hot. Stir in vanilla and drop in marshmallow (if desired) before serving.
MAPLE GLAZED CARROTS
Total time: 25 minutes Makes: 4 cups Katie Webster writes: What would a
Heat butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes, until soft and browned. Add water, syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add carrots and return to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cover, reduce heat to medium to maintain a lively simmer, and cook, stirring once or twice, 4 to 6 minutes, until carrots are crisptender. Remove lid and stir in vinegar. Increase heat to medium-high and continue cooking, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes, until liquid has thickened and carrots are coated. Serve warm.
SMOKY AND SWEET TURKEY CHILI Total time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4 Kate Webster writes: The famed New York Times food writer Craig Claiborne once said that chili con carne, not apple pie, might be America’s favorite dish. It certainly seems like it to me. My friends ask for chili recommendations more than any other recipe. So I knew this cookbook wouldn’t be complete without a maple-spiked chili! 2 tablespoons avocado oil or organic canola oil, divided 1 pound lean ground turkey
1 large Spanish onion, diced 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic ½ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons ground cumin 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon ground dried chipotle, or to taste 4½ teaspoons red wine vinegar 1 cup water One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, preferably fire roasted One 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1/3 cup dark pure maple syrup 1 avocado, diced ¼ cup chopped cilantro ¼ cup toasted pepitas
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add turkey and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until completely browned. Transfer turkey and any juices to a bowl and set aside. Return pot to medium-high heat and add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion, garlic, and salt and cook, stirring often, for 6 to 10 minutes, until onion is soft and browned. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, and chipotle and cook, stirring, for 30 to 90 seconds, until spices are fragrant and starting to toast and darken slightly. Add vinegar and stir for 30 second to 1 minute, until liquid is evaporated. Add water and bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits and spices from the bottom of the pot. Add tomatoes, beans, syrup and browned turkey, stirring to combine. Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 14 minutes, until turkey and onions are tender. Serve topped with avocado, cilantro and pepitas.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
[ Dining In ]
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Convert a dump cake into something special for the holidays By Arlene Burnett
Arlene Burnett | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
This year, I’ve decided to make it a little easier for myself by making desserts that are easy to understand and simple to make. So instead of baking cakes from scratch, I am going to make two classics in the potluck circles, using box cake mixes and canned fruit fillings. One of them is the dump cake, which is exactly what the name implies — canned fruit or pie filling, nuts and a box cake. The Autumn Dump cake is made with canned pears and apple pie filling and a yellow cake mix. The dried cranberries give this cake a color boost and the caramel gives it another boost of sweet flavor. The second recipe, Belgian Pumpkin Torte, is similar to a dump cake because it’s made with a box cake mix and canned pumpkin. My cousin Elaine Kray mailed me this recipe a few months ago. This dessert will be a perfect addition to our Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. On tasting it my husband, Ray, said: “Wow, this is really good.”
AUTUMN DUMP CAKE
Any type of pie filling and canned fruit can be used to make a dump cake but the pears, apple pie filling and caramel seemed to fit the season. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds extra flavor to this dessert. 1 (29-ounce) can pear slices in light syrup, drained (reserve ½ cup syrup) 1 (21-ounce) can apple-pie filling ½ cup dried cranberries
1 yellow cake mix ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cut into thin slices ¼ cup caramel topping, warmed Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9-by-13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Drain pears, reserving ½ cup of the syrup. Spread pears and apple pie filling in pan; drizzle with reserved syrup. Sprinkle with cranberries. Top with cake mix, spreading evenly. Then top with butter in single layer, covering cake mix as much as possible. Drizzle with caramel topping. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Makes 12 to 16 servings.
From “Favorite Brand Name Dump Recipes” (Publications International Ltd. 2015; $19.95).
BELGIAN PUMPKIN TORTE
The cake mix is used as a base for the torte and also for a streusel topping. For crust: 1 box yellow cake mix (reserve 1 cup of the cake mix for the topping) 1 egg ½ cup oil For filling: 1 (14-ounce) can pumpkin-pie filling 2/3 cup evaporated milk 2 large eggs, beaten For topping: Remaining 1 cup cake mix
½ cup sugar 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch pan. Place cake mix (less 1 cup), egg and oil in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Press the batter over the bottom and sides of the pan. Mix filling ingredients together and pour over the crust. Mix remaining 1 cup cake mix, sugar and butter together and crumble over the top of the filling. Sprinkle 1 cup chopped nuts over topping, if desired. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Makes about 3 dozen bars depending on size. From cousin Elaine Kray.
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015