Lifestyle

MIXES POWER AND STYLE 2020 DODGE DURANGO

As we look back, sport utility vehicles have certainly been a beloved and celebrated choice for new vehicle buyers for a number of years. To take this attraction to yet a higher level, how about an SUV with a performance engine powering it?

That’s precisely what Fiat-Chrysler has in its recipe for 2020, with the Dodge Durango SRT. With its ultimate muscularity, the Durango SRT is America’s most powerful, standard three-row SUV, reaching 0-60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds. The power formulation begins with their remarkable 6.4-Liter HEMI V8 engine. It generates some serious 475 horsepower and commanding torque. Adopted from automotive racing, the cold air intake system feeds the engine cooled/ outside air for added acceleration. This is combined with the best towing capacity in its class of up to 8,700 pounds.

The SRT model is well suited for street driving plus the track as well as for offroading. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, and take a moment to visit the base model Durango, as it’s the foundation of their SRT Performance edition. Pricing starts out at $30,495 plus it’s offered in a number of model configurations; SXT, GT, Citadel, R/T and the SRT performance variant. Rearwheel-drive chassis set-ups are standard across the product mix, with all-wheel-drive as an option with the exception of there SRT, as AWD is included. The entry model is equipped with an 18-inch all-weather tire and aluminum wheel package, it seats up to seven quite comfortably. This also in

cludes plenty of rear cargo carrying space under the rear hatch. The base engine is their reliable 3.6-liter V6. It’s rated at 19- MPG city/26-MPG highway with RWD and it’s matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The body design is distinctive and hinges on having a bold/resolute yet modern appearance overall. There is no mistaking Durango as its footprint and silhouette is original and singular. The front grille assembly showcases the Dodge brand’s characteristically valiant DNA. The fairly large glass windows further enhances the vehicle’s greenhouse aspect.

Now to “fast forward” and place the rocket on wheels SRT in the spotlight, it too uses their eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission however, this gearbox uses rev-matching technology which is specifically calibrated for the SRT to optimize shift points and deliver maximum torque to all four wheels. EPA numbers show 13-MPG city and 19-MPG highway with this highend powertrain setup.

SRT’s bulging/prominent engine hood cover blankets it’s proven and uncompromised 392 cubic inch exceptional engine. The vehicle’s aggressive outer skin was reworked with high-end extras which included unique ground effects for proper air mapping and a notable front lower fascia. In the rear are two large 4-inch chrome exhaust tailpipes that’s telegraphing the rumble sound of the engines remarkable capabilities. Also included is a full horizontal “brightly lit” LED ribbon tail light assembly. The unordinary outer SRT markings further siren the singularity of this show-stopping vehicle

Heated front and second row seats, leather/heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, eight-way power operated driver’s seat and six-way power front passenger seat plus a third row foldable seat are also included. Base pricing reflecting the 2020 Durango SRT shows $62,995. The standard warranty is for three-years/36,000 miles. The powertarin warranty shows five-years/60,000 miles. After options and shipping charges, the MSRP sticker price at roadtest came out to be $73,060. BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.

Classic TV shows that made it to the big screen

Though my Mom told me that watching too much TV would hurt my eyes, I spend a lot of time in front of the television set these days. One of my favorite stations is Antenna TV, which is available for free in St. Louis on KTVI Channel 2.2 and accessible with an antenna that connects to your TV set. This station is home to classic sitcoms and courtroom dramas such as “Perry Mason” and “Matlock” as well as some great “Carol Burnett” reruns.

Recently, “The Flintstones” joined the Antenna TV lineup, but years ago it also found its way to the big screen. The casting was just about perfect: John Goodman slipped on Fred’s signature necktie while Rick Moranis was on board as Barney Rubble, Fred’s best friend. Elizabeth Perkins captured the essence of Wilma, but Rosie O’Donnell stole some scenes as the bubbly Betty Rubble. Even Elizabeth Taylor got in on the fun with a supporting role in this 1994 comedy.

In the 1960’s, a show about a backwoods family turned millionaires was probably a hard sell, but “The Beverly Hillbillies” became a beloved sitcom. Buddy Ebsen led the ensemble cast as Jed Clampett, a man with lots of common sense and wisdom. He and his family had to navigate the strange new world of Beverly Hills and its culture. Though it featured comedic talent such as Jim Varney, Lily Tomlin and Cloris Leachman, the 1993 big screen version of the show did not do very well.

Like “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Bewitched” had magical themes. Elizabeth Montgomery starred as Samantha Stephens, a witch who falls in love with a mortal named Darin (played by Dick York and later Dick Sargent). Darin was not a fan of magic while his mother-in-law Endora (Agnes Moorehead) hated that her daughter married a mortal. The 2005 “Bewitched” movie paired Will Ferrell with Nicole Kidman, but the plot left a lot to be desired. Stewie from “Family Guy” hated it so much he travelled cross-country to punch out Will Ferrell in one animated segment.

“M*A*S*H” is arguably one of the most successful television dramas of all time, but it started as a movie. Based on Richard Hooker’s novel “MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors,” the 1970 film showed the inner workings of a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Gary Burghoff reprised his cinematic role of “Radar” O’Reilly in the TV series but left before the final seasons. “M*A*S*H” pushed the outside of the envelope, especially with an episode that was shot in real time.

“The Brady Bunch,” America’s favorite blended family, came from the mind of Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of “Gilligan’s Island.” Schwartz said he was inspired by a report in the Los Angeles Times about marriages where some of the children came from previous relationships. In 1995, Betty Thomas directed a big screen adaptation of “The Brady Bunch” where the family retained their 1970’s attitudes in the present day. This movie was fun, but “A Very Brady Sequel” veered off course.

These are just a few of the shows that graced both the big and small screens. Stay safe and healthy and I hope to see you at the movies sometime soon.

BY STEVE BRYAN Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wideeyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

(From top) ‘The Flinstones’, photo courtesy Universal Pictures ‘MASH’, photo courtesy Aspen Productions; ‘The Brady Bunch’, photo courtesy Paramount Pictures; ‘Bewitched’, photo courtesy Columbia Pictures

OurLifestyle A MENU fit for family mornings

Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken Recipe courtesy of chef Jenny Dorsey on behalf of the National Honey Board Servings: 4

Ingredients: Chicken: 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 cups buttermilk 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided 1/4 teaspoon rosemary, chopped 2 tablespoons orange blossom honey 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoons paprika 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder vegetable oil, as needed Waffles: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons orange blossom honey 1 teaspoon orange zest 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 1/4 cups whole milk 2 large eggs 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded honey

Directions: To make chicken: Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels; place in large bowl.

In separate bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, rosemary and honey. Pour buttermilk mixture over chicken; cover and let marinate 8 hours or overnight.

In separate mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining salt, remaining pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and ancho chile powder; stir.

Remove each piece of chicken from buttermilk, shake to remove excess liquid and dredge in flour mixture. Shake off excess.

In deep fryer, heat oil to 375 F. Fry chicken until internal temperature reaches 175 F or juices run clear, approximately 5 minutes per thigh.

Drain on paper towels.

To make waffles: In large mixing bowl, mix flour, honey, orange zest, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, chives and cheese until combined.

Use waffle maker to cook four waffles in batches.

Brown Sugar Bundt Cake Recipe courtesy of “Browned Butter Blondie” on behalf of C&H Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 3/4 cups packed Golden Brown Sugar 1/4 2

1 1/2 1 cup Granulated Sugar large eggs, at room temperature teaspoons vanilla cup full-fat Gree yogurt Confectioners’ Sugar, for dusting

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 10-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix on low speed. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with yogurt. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and use offset spatula to level batter. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until cake is golden brown and toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. If cake browns too quickly while baking, cover with foil after 35 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on baking rack 20 minutes. Invert pan onto baking rack and gently tap bottom of pan to release cake. Cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

Breakfast Casserole

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients: 1 pound red or white potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces water 1/2 small onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup) nonstick cooking spray 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup reduced-fat and reducedsodium, chopped, cooked ham (about 4 ounces) 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese 4 eggs 1 1/2 cups skim milk 1 tablespoon mustard

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. In large saucepan, cover potato pieces with enough water to just submerge. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Add onion. Return to simmer, covered, about 5 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender. Drain well. Cool slightly. Coat 8-by-8-by-2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place potato-onion mixture in baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine. Sprinkle ham and cheese on top.

In medium bowl, lightly beat eggs. Whisk in milk, mustard and remaining salt. Pour over layers in baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.